Chapter 3
Kurt wouldn't lie to himself- it felt so satisfying, like warm hum that purred through his body and curled his pink lips as he watched Daniel Johnson being escorted to a car Mr Anderson called for him to take him out of Lima, probably for good. Months of work finally playing out in front of him and Kurt relished in the excitement it gave him at the prospect that his plans could be set in motion. He felt the emotions course through him giving him a buzzed and addictive high much more powerful than the costly champagne he was currently sipping. But if Kurt was determined not to lie to himself- as once you begin to lie to yourself, you miss the most important things that you hide from yourself and those are the things that will ultimately destroy you- he would have to acknowledge the heavy coiling in his stomach. The coil turned further as he watched Daniel, who resembled a small child; his eyes wide in worry and guilt and curled into himself slightly but the lines of wrinkles that carved themselves into his forehead showed his age, enter the car hesitantly before Mr Anderson made the firm statement that he was not wanted by slamming the door shut behind him. Kurt turned his eyes away from the scene, the orchestrated music and chatter bursting back into his ears and quickly turned his attention back to Sebastian Smythe currently eyeing Kurt with his striking green eyes. Kurt's eyes finally locked onto his handsome face, his breath catching so he dropped his pale hand from Sebastian's tanned ones. He watched as Sebastian then reached over Kurt's side and grabbed a drink that rested on the bar behind Kurt and took a sip with a sly smile that seemed to always be locked in place on his lips and suddenly the room became stifling hot. "How you liking Dalton then Andrew?" brightly asked Nick, who was dressed in white shirt and pale beige dress trousers, shaking Kurt from gaze on Sebastian and calming the unsettling feeling brewing in the pit of his stomach.
"It's been good so far, I mean it's kinda strange but I'll get used to it."
"Well, if you need anything, you can come to us now." Blaine smiled at Kurt, which he returned back before Wes piped in "Yeah, any friend of Jeff's is a friend of ours and I would also like to personally add as one of the Head counsellors of Dalton, that any concerns whilst your stay here at Dalton you can take up with me." Kurt nodded at Wes' serious face whilst he noticed most of the boys just rolling their eyes.
"How long you've been waiting to bring that out Wes?"
"What? I felt it was important to let Andrew know, it's important as one of the Head counsellors." Wes sniffed at David. The boys chuckled whilst Wes sulked slightly.
"But you have a tendency to tell anyone we meet."
"That is an exaggeration."
"No I agree with Thad, Wes it's like the title gets you off or something." Sebastian added
"I appreciate it Wes" Kurt offered in the midst of the boy's teasing. "Thank you Andrew." Wes said pointedly. "Hey after this we were going hang out in Sebastian's room, want to come?"
"I don't know"
"Sorry my friend here isn't really into big stuff or anything really."
"Shut up Jeff" Kurt sighed.
"Oh don't worry it's just a small thing"
"That probably not true considering it's Sebastian we are talking about here" added David.
"Don't listen to him. So you coming"
"Sure I'll come."
"Cool, I hope you don't mind me asking though but how do you and Jeff know each other?"
"Old childhood friends" Kurt replied to Blaine before he felt Jeff's heavy arm lay on his shoulders and add "We were more like brothers, don't dress our love down Andrew" Kurt rolled his eyes, shrugging the arm off his shoulders. "So you lived in Lima before?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, but only for a bit, I lived in New York for most of my life."
"So you did come back?" A powerful voice came from behind Nick and Blaine, who moved aside to reveal a tall statured, middle-aged man in a blue and thinly grey striped suit. His hair was a light mousy brown with streaks of grey hairs and his mouth was turned into a fond smile that pulled at his creased white skin however Kurt noticed a flash of concern in his hazel eyes. The large eyes, thin button nose were the familiar traits Jeff must have inherited from him. "I did, it's nice to see you again, Mr Sterling." Kurt replied with a smile of his own. And it was nice; Mr Sterling was an old friend of his father's, the only friend his father had after the trial and even after his father's death the Sterlings were good to Kurt. It had been nearly 2 years since he last saw Mr Sterling which was after he was released from his detention facility when they came to pick him up and invited him for dinner.
Kurt? Kurt Hummel? …You look good son." A slightly less grey Mr Sterling said in front of a black BMW, parked outside a secured grey building, that was the Juvenile Detention Centre.
"Who are you?" Kurt asked harshly, clutching the papers that blew in the wind and the few possessions he had.
"I'm Mr Matthew Sterling I was a friend of your father." His voice trailed quietly as he averted his eyes from Kurt's. Kurt didn't have time for this although now he was released he did have plenty of time to waste away but not talk to people like these who felt sorry for him or lied to him and it seemed this guy was doing both.
"As far as I was aware my father didn't have many friends and frankly I don't care what you have to tell about him." Kurt took a deep breath as he felt his anger rise. Was this what his life was always going to be, constantly a prisoner of history and his father's name? "Can't you people leave him alone? He's dead for Christ's sake! What more could you want?" Kurt shouted. He looked at Mr Sterling whose face was tense with remorse. "Honestly Kurt I want nothing, I just want to show you something." Mr Sterling then turned to his car whilst Kurt slid a hand through in black locks in exasperation. Mr Sterling slammed the door of his car, retrieving a small, wooden box. Kurt walked toward him out of curiosity and Mr Sterling placed the box on the hood of his car before explaining "I was given this in your father's will and he wanted me to pass it onto you." He nudged the box in Kurt's direction and Kurt placed down his belongings down next to it. Softly he traced the box feeling the roughness of the wood beneath his fingers; a wave of sadness silently washing over him, placing him in a trance-like state whenever he came into contact with something of his father's. His father's death was something that plagued him and he imagined would always plague him but they were just thoughts of someone; a disembodied presence that remained in Kurt and occasionly Kurt could find traces of the man whenever he looked in the mirror. However when he finds one of his father's belongings, it made that figure more of a person, someone who lived and breathed and to Kurt had died unfairly and too soon. Kurt's fingers found their way to the clip on the front of the box. Flipping it upwards, he gently opened the box that was filled with papers, pictures and small memorabilia. Kurt shuffled through the letters written in his father's scrawled writing and a number of little, worn black notebook until he looked up at Mr Sterling. "Okay, well thanks I guess." Kurt breathed out, closing the box and picking it up along with his belongings. He didn't feel right with having to look through this with a strange man looming over him. "Wait, Kurt there more you need to know, y-your father left me a letter along with it and I need to tell you some things."
"Okay, what is it?"
"I don't think it's the type of stuff you would talk about in front of a detention facility and anyway I'm sure you probably want to freshen up or something. Would you like to have dinner with me and my family?"
"I don't know" Mr Sterling could see Kurt's whole body arching away in distrust.
"No pressure, I can try and find you later, I thought you might want a home-cooked meal after all the food back in there." Kurt scoffed before hesitantly accepting as Mr Sterling seemed to know something more about his father than what he was initially told. Along with Mr Sterling, Kurt entered the car; feeling its clean leather skin and the strong smell of air freshener hit his nose. "Nice car. "Kurt muttered as he continued to admire the car. "Yeah, cost me a bit but she was worth it."
"I'm sure. Is it a new BMW model?" The car hummed to life, vibrating through Kurt's body.
"Yeah, BMW M6 Coupe" They continued to talk about cars and Kurt's interest in them that was passed down from his father before continuing the journey in silence. Kurt watched as the forested parts of the isolated facility blurred into city roads and then into gated areas with large separated mansions dotted across the stretch of roads until the houses became even more remote. The car then took a slip road that was closed off by a larger gate and once he passed the gate continued to drive along fairly slowly. Kurt could hear the tarmac of the road turn into gravel as the crunch below the tires become louder and more distinct; the car not moving as smoothly as it once was. The car came to a halt in front of a vast mansion that Kurt was sure the amount of space was likely unneeded unless Mr Sterling was housing six families as well. "This your place?"
"It is." Mr Sterling replied before turning the engine off. "Modest. I like it." Kurt remarked. Mr Sterling chuckles "Funny. I like it." They both exited the car and walk up to the pathway up to the brick mansion's double doors. Mr Sterling unlocked the door and both he and Kurt entered inside. The hallway was a pale ivory and a matching coloured staircase, decorated with black trimmings, was situated on the left hand side. The hallway continued further down which was furnished with mirrors, paintings and tables. A man with blond hair entered in from one of the halls on the right hand side and was dress in a black waistcoat, black dress trousers and a pressed white shirt. The man took Mr Sterling's navy coat that was wrapped in his arms before moving to take Kurt's hoodie. "I'm good. Thanks." And the man silently walked away.
"Matthew?" A female voice called from one of the many rooms. "Yes dear, in the hallway." The owner of the voice walked into the hallway from the end, where the living room seemed to be. The thin woman had long platinum blond hair and whose brown eyes and red lips were wide in shock. She walked closer; her black heels, that accented her blue dress, clicked on the tile floor. "Oh Kurt it's so good to see you. My how long has it been? Look at you. You're so handsome." She continued to marvel at Kurt, touching and fussing over him, making Kurt thoroughly uncomfortably. "I'm sure Kurt here would like to breathe, darling." Mr Sterling laughed. "Oh yes of course, sorry dear." And she removed her hands, flashing him a bright, white smile. "Now Kurt, are you hungry? Because we were just about to have lunch and it should be ready in 5 minutes."
"Oh yeah. Thanks."
"You can play with Jeff while you wait. You remember Jeff, right Kurt?" Oh God, Kurt inwardly cringed he hadn't played with anyone in about 8 years. "No, I don't. Sorry. Kinda blacked out the first years of my life." Kurt joked.
"Oh…right, well anyway he is in the living room, just down the hall, I'll call you both for lunch." She smiled again, her brown eyes insisting he go. "Thanks." Kurt muttered before making his way down the hallway; taking in the happy family portraits and beautiful flowers that decorated his journey. As he turned the corner for the open spaced living, a blond-headed figure howl in victory as his character on the huge flat screen TV blew the head off another. The tall room was also an ivory white with white, black and grey decorations. Long windows covered the far walls; showing the perfect Lima weather and the TV was placed above a brick fire place. The blond-haired figure must have heard him come in through as the game was pause and it bounced up to stand in front of Kurt. "Hey. You must be the convict my dad was talking about." The blond-haired boy, who he thought was about his own age, casually said; flicking his hair out of his brown eyes. Kurt stared at the boy for a moment before having to chuckle lightly. "Yeah, my name's Kurt."
"Cool, Jeff. So you play?" Waving the controller in front of Kurt. "Yeah" The two boys sat down on the comfortable white sofa and Jeff resumed the game. "So…What were you in for?"
"Stabbing my foster dad with a pair of scissors" Kurt remarked absentmindedly. Jeff slowly turned his head to stare at the pale boy. "…Right. You don't have any tendencies in stabbing people."
"No, you're good." Kurt smirked and Jeff laughed before he called in distress "No, aw, man!" due to his character getting shot. The boys continued to chat and laugh at the game, avoiding any more heavy subjects and soon Kurt even began to feel comfortable; well as comfortable as he could get in a house far richer than Kurt would ever own and with a boy far richer than he would ever be. They were soon called to lunch, which arrived a few minutes later than expected (something Mrs Sterling apologised profusely for). Kurt was then guided into the dining room that also followed the white and black theme, where he was seated in a white cushion chair; a light meal of chicken and salad placed in front of him. "I hope you enjoy the meal Kurt, please eat everyone." Mrs Sterling gentle said. Kurt took his first bite into the juicy chicken and Mr Sterling was definitely right; this tasted was by far the best tasting food he had in a while. "This is delicious Mrs Sterling." Kurt politely added, smiling at her.
"I should hope so, seeing as I pay enough money for the chef to at least give me a decent meal" Mr Sterling's gruff voice muttered.
"Matthew." Mrs Sterling chided, giving Mr Sterling a firm glare.
"Oh sorry dear, thank you Kurt." The conversation continued pleasantly enough; Jeff somehow manage to subtly weave Kurt's "adept ability in wielding scissors" into the conversation when Mrs Sterling mentioned needed help to cut her untidy hedges, which made Kurt sputter on his drink in giggles and his parents' stare at him in shock. The meal soon came to an end and Kurt was about to follow Jeff to play some more video games when Mr Sterling called Kurt back. "I feel it would be an appropriate time to talk to you about the letter and the box." The mood in the room instantly shifted into a more sombre one; all the traces of merry conversation driven out. Kurt sat back in the seat opposite Mr Sterling before he began. "Kurt, I do not know how much you were told about your father's death but I feel I should start from the beginning. Your father was tried and convicted of Caroline Hudson's murder and his involvement in a terrorist group. Everyone believed he murdered her for her knowledge on this association with the group and it was made even more horrific when Burt and Caroline were revealed to be together. But I hope you know Kurt, your father would never hurt anyone." Mr Sterling paused, looking directly at Kurt with fierce conviction. Kurt tensed his jaw "Well, that's obviously not the case, not from what people have told me" Kurt had been told all of this before by the therapists and the countless people who would shout he was the son of a murderer whenever his name was mentioned. Mr Sterling moved closer, still staring at him. "You cannot believe everything you are told Kurt. During the time of your father's career, a few of colleagues, friends even were doing the wrong things with the wrong type of people. Now your father was unaware of this but don't ask me how Carole came know of their activities and these men ordered for her to be killed, placing the blame on your father." Kurt felt the bottom of his lids burn as salty tears began to pool. His whole body was hot from a fiery anger that burned through him and tightened his chest as if he was choking on its smoke. Kurt's eyes were locked onto to Mr Sterling's which were thick with worry but behind held a such a strong belief in what he told him, Kurt couldn't help but momentarily believing him and damning whoever these monster were. He took a shuddering breath, hoping some air would clear the smoke that now clogged his mind. "Kurt." Mr Sterling said gently, attempting to soothe the boy. "I know this is a lot but your father has proof it wasn't him in that box. He told me to tell you that what you what to do with this information is up to you but the main thing he wanted out of this is that you wouldn't think he was some kind of killer." Kurt felt a warm tear stream down his face. "He also wanted to tell you to forgive and move on." Mr Sterling patted the young boy on his shoulder but Kurt couldn't feel it. "Kurt, are you okay son? Do you need anything?" Kurt somehow found his voice and softly replied "No Mr Sterling, c-can I just have some time to myself?"
"Of course son" He patted Kurt's shoulder one more time before breaking the silence and got up from his chair. "I am so sorry Kurt." He said and left the room, leaving Kurt his box and the letter.
Kurt spent the next few hours, reading over the letter and notebooks his father left him that revealed the truth behind the web of lies Maxwell Anderson and Christopher Smythe had spun. Those men were friends of his father and fellow congressmen that climb to power with help from a group involve in terrorist activities. In return the group wanted to use the men's power to influence certain decisions made in congress. But Caroline somehow found out and she needed to be silenced. And his father was the perfect man to place the fall on as he was perfect: he was easy enough to place terrorist activities on and his involvement with Caroline made sure any evidence needed to convict him for her murder was already in place. They were the reason Kurt was alone: the reason had to carry the burden of isolation and bitterness that was eating away at him.
Opening the cream door, he walked out into the hallway again with the box and letters in hand. He walked numbly to the living room trying to find someone he could talk to about a room; he really just wanted to sleep. Jeff was sitting in one of the armchairs, reading a magazine rather tensely. "You heard?" Kurt asked tiredly. Jeff looked up in shock but looking away from Kurt "N-No, of course not"
"Jeff it's alright" Kurt replied, sitting down on the sofa and letting it wrap him up in soft leather. Jeff looked up at Kurt before murmuring a soft "I'm sorry, Kurt" More tears sprung in his eyes but he held them back. This was the last time he would cry over this. "W-What are you going to do now?"
"I am going to destroy Maxwell Anderson and Christopher Smythe" Kurt said firmly, staring at the fire place in front of him. "Are you sure? I mean why don't you just get your father's name cleared?"
"No Jeff, my whole life has gone to shit because of those men. Maybe it's stupid and childish of me but I don't care. It's not fair and those men need to pay for everything, not just for what they did to me but to my father and Caroline Hudson and all the other people they have hurt." Kurt took shallow breaths and looked at Jeff whose was sitting quietly across the room. "Okay" Jeff replied calmly "But I hope you have more in mind then just stabbing them with a pair of scissors" Both boys smiled to each other and Kurt felt himself calm down slightly. "I-I think I am going lie down for a while. Do you know where my room?"
"Yeah, I'll show you" The boys walked upstairs in silence to the guest room, prepared earlier for Kurt. Upon reaching the door, Kurt turned to Jeff "Tell your parents' thanks and I'll see them in the morning…and Jeff thank you" Kurt smiled. "No problem. "Night Kurt." Kurt nodded in return and entered the room. Placing the box on the nearest table, he laid himself down on the bed; shutting his red eyes and easing his swollen mind into sleep.
The next morning, Kurt had to leave for his newest foster home placement and to formulate a definite plan from the ideas in his head. The morning was nice considering and Kurt had a cheerful breakfast with the Sterling's before playing some games in Jeff's room. Ahead of leaving the Sterling's, Mr Sterling took Kurt aside. "Kurt, I am sorry I didn't find you sooner but I just want you to know you can come to me now for anything, okay?" Kurt nodded and smiled at the brown-haired man. "Good, now I want to give your some money that should hopefully help you in the future if need be." Mr Sterling handed Kurt a statement of his bank account and Kurt's eyes widened at the number off zeros on the end of it "Sir, I can't take this"
"Yes you can" A car horn signalled it was it here to take Kurt to his newest home. "Okay that's probably the car. Kurt you take care of yourself and promise me you'll visit soon" As Kurt hugged Mr Sterling, the steps of Mrs Sterling and Jeff could be heard behind them. "Thank you sir, I will." Turning around, Kurt said both his goodbyes to Mrs Sterling and Jeff before entering the car to leave state
Kurt hugged Mr Sterling. "Excuse me boys can I talk to Andrew here for a moment?" Mr Sterling politely asked. "Sure Dad" Jeff replied. Kurt and Mr Sterling moved away from the boys slightly before Mr Sterling began "What are you doing here? And why are you pretending to be Andrew Hamilton? Do you know how dangerous this is?" His face was twisted in concern and confusion. "Mr Sterling don't worry, I just wanted to finish school here somewhere my father would have wanted me to have gone and I felt I could only do that as someone else, trust me."
"I do, I am just concerned but if you say that's all it is then I must accept it" He sighed and smiled at Kurt "It really good to see you, I am glad you stayed safe" The men both shared another hug. Releasing Kurt, Mr Sterling bid Kurt goodbye and moved through the crowd of people to leave Kurt to find the boys again. When he reached the group again, Jeff looked at him questioningly but Kurt ignore it. "I've still got some things to unpack so I'll see you guys at the party" The boys said their farewells and Kurt made his way back to his room.
Kurt settled on his bed; the small wooden box open and its contents spewed on his bed. He shifted through the pictures again of Daniel Johnson and Claire Anderson. It was quite hard for Kurt to predict if they were going to try anything at the party but if these pictures were anything to go by they were not a very good at being discreet and seemed to enjoy the thrill of nearly getting caught gave them whenever Kurt was tracking them. But it had all paid off and Kurt took a red sharpie and put a cross over a smiling portrait of Daniel Johnson.
The time for meeting the others came after a couple hours in which Kurt had preoccupied his self with placing the final additions to his plan and unpacking. "Hey Andy" Jeff cheerily said as he arrived at Kurt's door ready to go to the party. "Don't call me that" Kurt sighed, locking his dorm room door behind him. "Well it is your name, you're so tense all the time" Jeff smirked at Kurt. "Anyway I would love to know why Mr Johnson and Claire came out shitting bricks and crying after you took Mr Anderson went in some hallway" Kurt smiled; Jeff was observant. "I don't see why it matters and I'm know you're smart enough to figure out what happened"
"Oh I am but how did you know I mean wasn't that a bit risky"
"Maybe but I always have a plan so it did not matter entirely if it went wrong"
"Well it definatly went right Blaine had to console Claire for 2 hours before she had to go home." The boys walked in silence for a while as they walked to Sebastian's dorm room. "You're still wearing your clothes from before?" Kurt asked as he took in Jeff's attire. "Yeah, why?"
"Nothing, just how could you wear the same outfit twice" Jeff laughed.
"Really?...Sorry Kurt not all of us feel the need to change outfits twice in a night"
"There is nothing wrong in taking care in our appearance"
"Hey, I take care in my appearance"
"Sure you do" Kurt scoffed when the boy's reached Sebastian's door and Nick opened it. The music was fairly loud considering they were still on site but Kurt didn't question it as he found the group and a couple other students sprawled in the room and he said his greetings; Jeff following behind. "What do you mean?" Kurt sighed. "Well for one you do have a matching hair cut with Ellen DeGeneres" Some of the boys turned their attention to Kurt and Jeff's conversation whilst others (like Sebastian who just turned his head, smirked before turning back to flirt with another boy) paid no mind. "Oh Jeffy what's wrong?" teased Blaine when he noticed Jeff's upset face. Ignoring Blaine's comments Jeff continued to prove to Kurt he cared. "Aw come on Andrew my hair isn't that bad, I mean look at Blaine's it's like a fortress of gel" Blaine patted in helmet of hair, clearly upset by Jeff's statement. "Andrew what did you do to Jeff?" lightly chided Thad. Kurt looked at the boys innocently. "You know how sensitive I am about my hair Jeff" Blaine muttered. "We do Blaine and I'm sure he is sorry, we understand that not everyone can have great hair like me" Sebastian added, feigning sympathy.
"I didn't know CW haircuts were in?" Kurt smirked. Sebastian smiled as the other boy's cheered.
"Oh you gonna take that Sebastian?" challenged Wes. Sebastian's attention was fully taken off the other boy vying for his acknowledge and for some reason having the intense gaze on Kurt pleased him. "Of course you would know 'what's in' considering you have stereotype written all over your forehead"
"Easy Sebastian" David said. Everyone was waiting to see Kurt's reaction, assuming it wouldn't be good and darkening the mood. Kurt raised his eyebrows but the smile still placed on his lips; this guy really went for it, shame being called a stereotype stopped affecting Kurt about 3 years ago. Kurt laughed "That was pretty good" and the tense moment soon was brushed away when the boys continued teasing and joking. Sebastian regarded with what appeared to be respect but whatever it was he seemed to warm to Kurt more. "So Sebastian you ready for the game tomorrow?" asked Blaine.
"Please this guy here could do it in his sleep" Thad piped, slightly pissed from his drinks. "What game?" Kurt questioned.
"Oh Sebastian is captain of the lacrosse team and him, Jeff and David have got a huge semi-final game tomorrow" Nick replied.
"You still play Jeff?" asked Kurt as he remembered him and Jeff talking about how Kurt played also (before he went to juvie). It was also an interest he shared with the real Andrew.
"Yeah as defender. What about you?"
"Wait you play? Well guess you're not such a stereotype after all. Any good?"
"I'm alright" Kurt answered modestly.
"We'll have to play each other one day"
"How about tomorrow?"
"What?" Sebastian chuckled. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, come on Smythe, one game"
"Well, I could use a team to practice against. Alright then Hamilton, we'll play but before the main game"
"Deal" Both boys smirked to each other. "You know we could make this more interesting if you guys want" questioned David. The group of boys smiled before Thad shouted "Bets!" They all laughed at their drunken friend who was giggling with an almost-as-drunk Blaine. "Okay, okay let's keep it simple you win I'll do whatever you want Smythe." Sebastian's mouth curled upwards, his eyes bright. "Alright, If I win you have to go to your first class in your underwear" The rest of boys cheered, challenging Kurt to top it. "Okay"
"What about you? What do you want if you win?"
"You'll see" Kurt grinned at him.
"Fine by me. Tomorrow at 11?"
"Tomorrow at 11" Kurt confirmed.
Hi! Sorry I have been gone so long but I did give you a monster of a chapter so I hope you like it. Thanks again for everyone who read and alerted and favourited. You are all awesome. I would love to hear what you all think so please leave some reviews :). I should have chapter 4 up soon seeing as it is finally summer holidays! WOOO! So yeah have an awesome day and see you soon. I also have a tumblr so if any of you guys are interested in being tumblr friends just PM me. Okay BYEEEE!
SM
