Chapter 17

May – Junior Year – Age 17

AP exam prep

"Thanks for doing this Coach," Finn said. He had brought Charlotte to Coach Beiste's apartment – at her request – so he could study for his AP exams at the end of the month. And so she could get some quality Charlotte time in.

"Ah hush, Hudson," she replied. "I'm here to help as a Charlotte-minder and study aid."

"Yeah, Kurt's kinda killing me with all of his singing breaks and his aromatherapy," Finn grunted. He carried Charlotte in and his book bag, and her diaper bag. Coach grabbed the child and her bag to relieve Finn. He smiled gratefully.

"So which subjects did you bring?"

"They all gave me study guides to complete so I figured I would bring them all," he replied. "I have an AP test for US history 1, but I brought stuff for physics, spanish, algebra, and pre-calc."

"You really are all out Hudson," Coach said, quite impressed.

"Well, I need to get it done," Finn shrugged. "Next year is gonna be rough."

"What did you pick for next year?

"Calculus, AP English, AP Spanish, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP US History 2," Finn counted. He thought it sounded crazy but he knew he would work it out. Finn was more determined to make things work. He would go to college and create a better life for Charlotte.

Coach Beiste took Charlotte and bounced her around while Finn set up at her kitchen table. He got his work out in piles, organized by subject. Finn took his algebra book out and got started on his homework. He had a simple assignment, only 20 problems from the current chapter. But then he began writing up a cheat sheet that he could study from.

Fromm algebra he moved right into his pre-calc work. Coach fed Charlotte during his homework time and it only too him an hour and a half to complete all his math work. Next he tackled physics. There were some problems to do and a study packet to complete. Thank took another hour and a half to finish. They ordered pizza and hung around for a while.

"Thanks so much Coach, I got a lot done," Finn said gratefully. "Been a huge help."

"You know how much I love this little girl," Coach said. "You sure you don't need any more study time?"

"I got a lot done already," Finn said. "I wanna get her tubbed and bedded down. I'll finish my last two subjects then.

"Alright, offer stands for next week as well," she offers.

"Thanks Coach."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Once Finn returned home, he walked into wedding central. Carol and Kurt were sitting on the floor, seating charts all around them. "Hey all," Finn greeted.

"Hey," Carol and Kurt intoned simultaneously.

"Putting her to bed," he explained, walking upstairs. "Homework, if you need me."

They were so involved in their plans – with the wedding only 2 months away – they didn't pay Finn much mind. He went up and started their bedtime routine. Charlotte got her bath, and bottle, and a lullaby. He decided on Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. She was asleep in short order, so Finn was able to get done his Spanish work and his AP US History 1 work. Because there were no distractions. He was able to get nearly all of it done before midnight. Charlotte woke up, so he had to go ahead and rock her back to sleep after a bottle. With all of his pressing work done, Finn decided to pack it in for the night. While he was well and truly exhausted, he wouldn't have his life any other way.