That same evening, when Blaine walked into his parents' house after a trip to the gym, his mother beckoned him over. "There's something I want to show you, Blainey," she said by way of greeting.

"Hello to you, too, Mom," he said with a smile, sitting down at the opposite end of the couch. When she tried to move closer, he added, "I didn't sit right next to you because I'm sweaty. I need a shower."

Pam just shook her head, settling back into her cushion. "You need to read this," she said, handing him the paper. "Specifically the 'Help Wanted' section. You'll know which ad I mean when you see it."

Blaine eyed her questioningly. "Why? I already have a job. Do you really want me to get something else? That will kill Dad."

"I know what I'm doing. Just read them, please."

"Okay…" He skimmed the section quickly, and when his eyes landed on the perfect job for him, he couldn't hold back his gasp.

"I knew it," Pam whispered. "I knew it." Then, her voice grew louder, more commanding. "If you want the job, you need to apply for it now. It would be perfect for you. I mean, I know it's not movies, but—"

"It's the stage! I loved the stage when I was in high school. Mom, it's perfect! What do I tell Dad, though? Won't I have to quit?"

"Read it again," Pam implored him.

Blaine skimmed over it twice more before the hours at the end of the ad stuck out to him. "Oh… 3:30 to 7:30 three days a week."

"Your dad will be overjoyed for you, honey. Please grab your computer and apply. I want to see you happy again, and it's evident from your reaction that this job would make you happy. Please."

"After my shower and a bite to eat, I promise I will," Blaine told her. "Right now, I feel gross and like my brain is running on empty."

"Go take care of yourself," Pam directed. "I'm leaving this paper open to that ad right here on the coffee table so you don't forget." Then, she leaned over and wrapped an arm around Blaine's shoulders, not caring about the sweat. "I love you so much, Blaine. It's been killing me to see how upset you've been recently. Just know that I always believed in your dreams, and I still do. I think you'll be something in Hollywood yet. It's just not your time. You're back here in Lima for a reason, I think. And even though you've said there's nothing here for you, I think Kurt Hummel is going to be part of your future and part of the reason why you had to come back to Lima. I see glimpses of the happy Blaine I knew when you come back after spending time with him. The two of you just don't know how you're tied together yet."

Blaine felt a blush coloring his cheeks as a few pesky tears prickled his eyes. "Love you, too, Mom. And I hope you're right. I'd love to believe that there's a purpose to me coming back to Lima. All it feels like for now is disappointment and proof that I can't follow my dreams. With Kurt, I don't know what will happen. He seems pretty sure he doesn't want to be more than friends, and maybe that's all there is for us. I guess time will tell." He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Thanks. Thanks for believing in me."

"I always will, sweetie."

Rising and heading up the stairs with one more quick smile for his mom, Blaine's thoughts turned back to the ad in the newspaper. "I wonder what show we'll do," he mused as he stepped into the shower. "I hope it's something good."