5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 52
After ensuring the Warblers made it back to Dalton, Wes made his way back into the venue where Shelby and Chloe were straightening up. "Is it wrong to say I really need a drink right now." Wes said aloud causing the ladies to turn around.
"Not in the slightest, as we were just discussing going out to get something to eat and drink." Chloe replied. "Are the Warblers alright?"
"Besides frustrated, and exhausted, yes, according to Skylar." Wes told them as he joined them on the stage. "Not quite what we expected going in, huh?"
"Well Blaine said things probably wouldn't be easy, this was more than that." Shelby said to him. "First off, I don't get how or why Will thought he could simply do his own thing given the instructions Blaine sent along with the music. Secondly, I'm certain their goal was to overshadow the Warblers, which, they did, but not in the way they probably hoped."
"Speaking of, Skylar once again apologized for some of their conduct as they aren't typically like that."
"They were pushed, and I understood that." Shelby replied. "I simply wish Will would've stepped up more than he had, yet…"
"He believed he was going to be in charge, seeing you was a rude awakening." Wes reminded her. "Unfortunately, his behavior today, reinforced everything Blaine believed might happen."
"Which is why Sebastian got in touch with you." Chloe stated, earning a look from Shelby.
"What did Sebastian want to know, if you don't mind me asking?" Shelby asked as she took a seat on the risers.
"He wondered how things were going as Blaine was a bit distracted, which speaks volumes given where they are." Wes told her. "He wanted reassurance that everything was under control."
"What did you tell him?"
"That we had it under control."
"From what I know of the time I've spent around Sebastian, along with what Rachel and Thad have told me, I doubt that went over well."
"You're right, but I told him to trust us, that we'd handle whatever came up." Wes replied. "That he needed to reassure Blaine, and we'd take care of things here." Shelby laughed. "Little did I realize how much we'd have to do."
"You're not the only one, I told him we'd handle whatever came up." Wes replied. "That he needed to reassure Blaine, and we'd take care of things here." Shelby laughed. "Little did I realize how much we'd have to do."
"You're not the only one." Shelby told them. "It's evident the New Directions feel they are playing second fiddle to the Warblers."
"They do, because the Warblers submitted their set list first according to what Skylar told me. And the Warblers had at least one song on theirs, which the New Directions wanted to sing."
"That explains a lot, but based on what Rachel told me, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. I mean, would they have thrown a fit should one of the songs they wanted to sing was being done by Rachel or Jesse, or hell, Blaine?" When Wes tilted his head, Shelby sighed. "Good point. Now let's get out of here as we all deserve to unwind after the last few hours." A statement which Wes and Chloe whole-heartedly agreed with, so they quickly finished up and were soon on their way.
The next morning, Will decided to stop at the Lima Bean before heading into school hoping the jolt of caffeine would help him gain perspective on what happened the previous day. While Emma understood his frustration, she had to point out that Shelby had a right to be frustrated since he hadn't followed Blaine's instructions. Much as he knew they each had a point, the smugness of the Warblers didn't help the situation after being praised for their preparation. He was so caught up in his thoughts, he turned without seeing if anyone was nearby, leading him to bump into Burt. "Long night." Burt said noticing his cup denoted extra espresso.
"You could say that." Will replied. "How are you?"
"If you knew, I'd say that was a loaded question." Burt said while waiting for Carole's latte and his cup of tea. "But since you don't, I'm surviving."
"By chance, does it have to do with Kurt?" Burt nodded in response. "I'm sorry."
"You're one of the few, so thank you."
"Before you thank me, I should tell you, the New Directions are performing at Blaine's foundation's benefit." Will told him a bit reluctantly.
"I heard, and I'm not upset about it. It's a great opportunity for those kids."
"That's what I thought, but they didn't feel all that great after rehearsal with the Warblers yesterday." Will told him.
"Let me guess, the Warblers were their typical selves."
"Yes, but they also had to deal with being told basically everything they were doing was wrong."
"It wasn't the Warblers place to do that."
"It wasn't them, though they did have their comments, it was Shelby Corcoran." Will told him. "Seems Blaine felt it best there be a neutral party in charge. Though, it was pretty obvious she favored the Warblers."
"Since Rachel's marrying a former Warbler, not surprised." Burt replied. "You don't know what Thad might've told her, plus, don't the two of you have a bit of history."
"You mean when she tried to destroy the New Directions by forming that other group." Burt nodded. "Shelby wasn't the only one there either, Wes Montgomery was there too along with his fiancée. Anytime I questioned the direction Shelby was taking rehearsal, she'd bring him into it, stating she was merely following Blaine's direction, which Wes would confirm. How would he possibly know, it's not like he's taking part."
"Not to take sides, but, Wes is one of Blaine's best friends." Burt reminded him. "Heck, he was one of the only ones that stuck around after Blaine and Kurt got married."
"I still didn't like being thrown under the bus like that, especially in front of my kids."
"I don't blame you." As he spoke, Carole made her way inside. Once she and Will said hello, she placed her hand on Burt's forearm. "We should get going, as I've got an appointment to make, and Carole's got things to do today."
"I should be going as well, as I need to go over some notes from yesterday before my day begins."
"Good luck, and try not to take things personally."
"Thanks, and good luck to you too, it was nice seeing you."
Once Will was gone, Carole took her latte from Burt. "Should I bother asking what that was about?"
"Did you know Shelby was in town?"
"I did, as Hiram mentioned she stopped by on Monday to go over some wedding details with him and LeRoy." Carole replied. "Why do you ask?"
"That's not the only reason she's in the area, seems Blaine asked her to oversee the rehearsal between the New Directions and the Warblers." Burt told her as they headed back out to the parking lot.
"Doesn't surprise me."
"How so?" Burt asked her.
"Blaine's on vacation, so he asked someone to take his place since he couldn't personally oversee rehearsal."
"But Shelby?"
"Why not? It's someone he knows, plus she understands how show choir works, it's a logical choice." Carole replied, before shaking her head. "Let me guess, Blaine didn't tell Will ahead of time." Burt shook his head. "Did he really think Blaine would give him control?"
"Why wouldn't he?"
"Do you really need me to answer that considering how Will treated Blaine back when he attended McKinely?"
"He was treated no differently than anyone else."
"I beg to differ, it's actually something Kurt and I are in-agreement about, though the extent differs. Speaking of, how is he doing?"
"How do you think he's doing, he's upset that he's being kept there longer."
"It's for the best, and deep down, you know that to be true too." Carole told him before they got into the truck. "They're keeping him a bit longer to find the right combination of meds to control his outbursts."
"I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like it." Burt replied. "How is it you didn't seem all that shocked with his diagnosis?"
"Because it fit with his behavior." She said in response. "Think about it Burt, this didn't come out of thin air, nor did it only begin once Blaine started dating Sebastian. Kurt's needed to be the focus, for quite a while. It's as I stated that day at the hospital, looking back, this behavior has only gotten worse and…"
"I did nothing to stop it."
"Burt, according to the doctor, nothing you did caused this. Yet, the fact he was never called out for his behavior, it continued to spiral till I got to this point." Carole told him. "And before you say others did, you know better than anyone, Kurt doesn't listen to many people. Though, when regarding what went on, is going on with Blaine and Sebastian, you are in part to blame, as you rarely doubted his version of events, e…"
"Even when Blaine's account was completely different, I know." Burt replied before pulling out and heading towards the Berrys. "It's as I said Carole, no one wants to believe their child is capable of what Blaine was accusing Kurt of."
"Yet you believed Blaine was capable of what Kurt accused him of."
"Here I thought we were done with you pointing out how I messed up."
"I'm not pointing out your mistakes, just reminding you of the situation as you seemed to get pretty caught up in what Will told you." Carole said to him. "Will's issues with Blaine, aren't yours to solve, he brought those all on himself. And if you take Kurt out of the equation, I bet it won't be as easy to blame Blaine, he's simply doing what he feels is best."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, as I know how difficult this situation is. It's going to be up to us to support him, and keep him on track once he gets out."
"When he gets out, I'm going to need to make sure he behaves when working." Burt told her. "You've got to know Kurt's probation officer, the courts, and Blaine's lawyers are going to be keeping a close eye on him."
"You can't watch his every action Burt."
"I know, but…"
"No, while it makes sense for you to try and keep him away from programs featuring Blaine, it's up to Kurt to behave. Remember what Dr. Brady said, while we need to hold him accountable for his actions, in the end, Kurt's responsible, not us."
"I just don't want this getting any worse."
"I know that, but in the end, it's up to Kurt and how badly he wants his life back. Something which won't happen till he focuses on himself, not on everyone else, particularly Blaine." The two ended up talking the entire way to Berrys. "Are you sure you're going to be alright?"
"Alright as one can be meeting with the corrections department pertaining to Kurt's schedule once he's in their care." Burt told her. "And, while I don't understand how or why you're doing this, I know it's something you feel you need to do."
"I believe once everything isn't so fresh, and Kurt's in a better place, you'll understand. Remember, while you might not care for the fact Blaine's or Sebastian names are attached, the foundation does wonderful work."
"Maybe later, but right now, no." Once he spoke, Carole leaned over to give him a kiss. "I'll call you when we're on our way back home, it shouldn't be too late."
"Alright, I'll see you tonight. I love you."
"I love you too." With that said, Carole exited the truck and made her way towards LeRoy and Hiram who were outside waiting for her. After Burt pulled out of the driveway, LeRoy tilted his head having noticed the frustrated look on Burt's face. "It's not because of this, it has to due with Kurt."
"I should've guessed." LeRoy replied. "How is that situation going?"
"As well as one can expect, but now we finally have an answer of sorts."
"So, his behavior wasn't merely to spite Blaine and Sebastian." Hiram said before they headed towards the car.
"No, though that doesn't mean he didn't take pleasure in causing problems for him." Carole told them. "He has a problem, one which their happiness, and success, seems to exacerbate the situation."
"Not a good combination." LeRoy said while opening the door for her.
"Not in the slightest, but at least now we know what we're dealing with, beyond simple jealousy."
"I'd say that might make the situation easier for Blaine and Sebastian to deal with, but I doubt it given what he's done to them." Hiram replied.
"Honestly, they have every right to be upset with him." Carole said. "I don't believe that simply because something is wrong with him, excuses his behavior, especially in this case." Tempting as it was to ask more, neither LeRoy or Hiram pushed the issue, feeling it was best to leave it at that. "Now, are Kate and Victoria aware I'm coming?"
"They are, and have no issue with it." LeRoy assured her. "They don't hold this situation against you. Heck, they don't blame Burt."
"Their issues with Burt, stem from how he handled things." Hiram added as LeRoy backed out of the driveway. "Not that we blame them."
"Nor do I."
By the time they arrived at the foundation office, the others had already gotten started preparing the elite guest gift bags. "Where do you need us?" LeRoy said upon entering the conference room, catching Kate's attention.
"You can grab a bag, and begin filling it. Each bag gets one of each of the items provided by the sponsors." Kate replied as she made her way towards them, before giving LeRoy and Hiram each a hug, then looking at Carole. "I'm glad you came."
"I'm happy to be here." Carole replied as the two shook hands, and LeRoy and Hiram began doing as was asked. "How many need to be filled?"
"A hundred." Kate said, before looking at her directly. "Are you sure you're alright being here, I mean…"
"Yes, as giving back helps."
"Alright, I just wanted to say I would've understood if you changed your mind." Kate told her as Wes and Chloe came walking in and headed straight towards her. "Here I thought you weren't coming in till later, as I heard you had a late night." Wes cocked his eyebrow slightly before glancing over at Chloe. "Guess it wasn't as bad as your Mom thought."
"Oh, it was bad, but after a good night's rest it's easy to look at what transpired." Wes replied. "So while it was frustrating to say the least, Shelby had everyone on the same page in the end."
"Now, we only hope they don't fall back to what they were previously taught." Chloe added, earning a look from Carole. "What can we do Kate?"
"You can go join Lea in the next room as she's double-checking all the photos Blaine signed, to ensure he didn't accidentally miss one." Kate said, earning a laugh from Wes. "What you don't want to go sit with your Mom?"
"It wasn't that, but knowing my Mom, she's probably critiquing Blaine's autograph signature."
"She did comment on that, as it doesn't quite resemble his signature on other documents." Kate told him. "And she did find one slip up on his behalf, thankfully he signed a few extras, otherwise he'll be doing more when he gets to town."
"What did he do?" Chloe asked, before glancing at Carole, as Wes had told her who she was when they entered. And there was something about the look, which had Carole excuse herself to join the others filling the gift bags. "Did I do that?"
"I think she's just a bit self-conscious right now." Kate assured her. "While the two of you don't know each other, she knows Wes."
"I behaved, though, I do have to wonder what she's doing here." Wes said in response.
"Carole doesn't condone what's happened between the three of them, she's actually pretty mortified about it." Kate replied. "I even checked if she was alright being here, and she said it helps make her feel better, which I can understand. Now, for Blaine's mistake, he signed one of the photos with his full name, not stage name." Wes and Chloe smiled.
"If one of his fans got that picture, they'd love it." Wes told her, before taking his phone from his pocket. "Sam just got off shift and is wondering if you need any more help."
"If he's up for it, come on over, but should he need sleep, that should be his priority."
"Got it."
As Wes replied, Victoria came walking over, tablet in hand, and a smile on her face. "Let me guess, our boys sent a picture." Kate said, to which she nodded and handed over the tablet. "They look ridiculously happy." She replied before showing the picture to Chloe who agreed. "Was it only a picture or were they asking questions?"
"Per Sebastian, they are trusting us to handle everything here, while Shelby handles the musical issues." Victoria replied. "No more fretting over things they can't possibly fix given where they are."
"Good, as that's how it should be, especially since things get a bit crazy for them upon their return."
"I, might've said something similar to him in our last exchange. But you know them, much as they put their trust in others, they can't easily dismiss their concerns."
"They wouldn't be them if they did." Wes said, and the Moms agreed. "Now, should we start filling bags?"
"Actually, how about you and Chloe start bringing the filled ones into the adjoining room, then double-check them. Last thing we want is to be done, only to find out a bag is missing something." Kate said to them. "Plus, this will make sure Wes doesn't cross paths with Carole more than necessary."
"While I appreciate that, what about Sam?" Wes said.
"There are no issues between them, at least as far as Sam is concerned."
"I simply wanted to make sure."
"And, you wouldn't be you if you didn't." Kate replied before the two headed off to do as asked. "Did Sebastian say anything to you about what he and Blaine think about the news Xavier shared?"
"Not a word." Victoria said. "I take it, Blaine didn't either." She shook her head, before the two headed towards Kate's office which was beside the conference room. "I can't imagine their reactions being all that different from ours." She said once they were in the office away from the others. "Relieved as we are that the doctors have answers for some of his behavior, it doesn't change what's happened."
"Precisely." Kate replied before looking through her messages that were on her desk. "This is one time where the saying one may forgive, but not forget, doesn't apply. I don't think there is anything the doctors could say, which could excuse what he's done not only to Blaine, but Sebastian and the others."
"Xavier said something similar after he got home that night. While that might sound cold, neither of us feel bad about it."
"The two of you are no different than Patrick and myself." Kate then pulled the picture Sebastian had sent Victoria, up on her own computer. "Those two smiling faces, is all I care about anymore. And as long as they're happy, truly happy, so am I."
"I feel the same way."
After Victoria replied, there was a knock on the door and after being told to enter, their assistant appeared. "Vincent Jennings is here and would like to speak with you, both of you. Should I send him in?"
"Please do." Kate replied before looking at Victoria. "Do you know what this could be about?"
"No, but we're soon going to find out."
