It was sunday. Kurt was pondering whether or not to go back to school the next day. His father didn't want him to, but he needed to face every one. He knew he would get sympathy and several slushies. Especially from his attackers. He lied to his dad, Ms. Pillsburry, Finn, and every one else. He knew who hurt him. It was the football team. He wasn't planning on telling any one. He knew he would get ridiculed even more. He hated getting slushied. It was like getting bitch slapped by an iceberg. It also seriously dehydrated his skin. The football team had connections. They would only get a slap on the wrist, and then they would be back throwing that stupid ball around in no time. And the next time they jumped him, he might not live.
There was a knock on the door. "Kurt?" It was Mercedes. "Hey." he said quietly. "How are you?" he asked, forcing a smile. "Me? How you're the one who got jumped!" she screeched. "Mercedes." he whispered, bringing his pointer finger to his lips. "Inside voice." She rolled her eyes. "Kurt, I'm really worried about you. We all are." Kurt sighed. "I'm sick of people worrying about me! I'm fine, really." he hissed, surprised at his tone of voice. "Fine. If you're gonna be this way, I'm out. Later." As soon as she left, Kurt started to cry for what seemed like the millionth time that week. He was interrupted by the sound of his father clearing his throat. Kurt looked away. He didn't want his father to see the secrets he was hiding. "Kurt?" Kurt kept his eyes down. "The guidance counselor told me-" his voice cracked and tears started to form in his eyes. "She told me what those boys said." he was barely keeping his composure. Kurt finally looked at his dad. Mr. Hummell crumpled to the white tile floor, heart wrenching sobs escaping his throat. Kurt lept from the bed and rushed to his weeping father. Kurt was done with tears. He was done with being vulnerable. He did his best to calm his dad. When he was sure he was alright, he went to the drawer next to the bed. "What are you doing?" his father asked suspiciously. "Getting dressed." "You're not going anywhere." "I'm going home. And tomorrow, I'm going to school." His father stood up. "Like hell you are!" Kurt walked up to his father and looked him in the eyes. "I don't need you constantly looking over me. I'm not mom. I'm not a kid anymore dad." he exclaimed, trying to sound as strong as possible. "You were beaten and raped!" he shouted in response. "So are hundreds of thousands of people every day, and they move on. Am I supposed do just cry in a corner and watch my life go by? That's not who I am. That's who you are." Kurt spat. The words left a bitter taste in his mouth. His father turned and walked out, without a word. Kurt couldn't cry. It was like some one had put a Shamwow behind his eyes.
He got dressed and tossed his hospital gown on bed. He pushed the down button on the elevator and waited for the doors to open. He stepped in with a boy who looked about his age. He had dark brown hair and soulful, brown eyes. He was cute. Very cute. The boy looked over at him. "Hi." Kurt said shyly, a blush creeping up his neck. "So what's wrong with you?" the boy asked. Something in his eyes urged Kurt to tell him. "I was beaten. And raped." The boy didn't break eye contact with Kurt. It was pretty hot. "That sucks. I'm sorry." Kurt maintained eye contact. "Yeah. Thanks." "I'm Josh, by the way." Josh outstretched his hand. "Kurt. Kurt Hummel." Kurt replied awkwardly and shook Josh's hand. "Firm. That's how I like it." Josh smirked. Kurt blushed further. Kurt broke the silence. "Why are you hear?" Josh looked down. "My sister's in a coma. She was in a car accident. The doctors say that she'll never wake up." he said as if he was discussing the weather. Kurt gasped. "That's awful! Are you okay?" "Yeah. It's been a few months. My parents are refussing to pull the plug. They're still hoping she'll wake up." "And you don't agree with their desicion." Josh nodded. "I don't want her to suffer anymore. I can't imagine what she's going through. Being so helpless, trying to communicate, but unaable to." Kurt looked up at Josh. "I- I know what that feels like." Josh grabbed his hand. His pulse quickened. "It'll be alright. Do you need a ride home?" Kurt nodded. "Uh-huh." Josh didn't let go of his hand. "Come on. My car's out front."
