A/N: Wow, has this story taken on a life of its own! This is not what I had in mind when I started writing it, but I really love how the characters are springing to life beneath my fingertips. I was fighting tears while writing the last chapter, who knew Paul Karofsky was such a lovely guy? A great big thank you to vcg73 for some honest critiquing and great suggestions. The revised phone call, the upcoming confrontation, a better handle on Burt's character, all due to vcg73, Thank you again!
Chapter 4: A Call For Help
Paul
David has gone out for a walk and I am here just trying to figure out what to think and say and do. All of the evidence points to the fact that my son is gay and is absolutely terrified to admit it. Why wouldn't he be? All of his life he's been taught that a boy grows up, settles down with a good woman, has kids, and works hard to support his family. When does anyone ever say that he'll grow up and settle down with another man? I know his mother and I never did. I do not consider myself homophobic, but I will admit that I am reeling from finding out that my son is in all likelihood a homosexual.
I never saw this coming. I have always assumed that homosexuals were very easy to identify. Take the Hummel boy, for example. Don't get me wrong, he's a good kid, but it has always been pretty clear which team he plays for. David, on the other hand, is the epitome of masculinity. It looks like I need to broaden my thinking by leaps and bounds! One thing is for certain, I love my son unconditionally, forever, and nothing can change that. My heart is breaking for him; he must feel utterly lost and terribly frightened by his feelings. I know I do.
All I really know for sure right now is that I cannot handle this on my own. I need to talk to someone who understands even a little of what Dave is dealing with, what I am dealing with. There is only one person I can think of, but talking to him could be incredibly awkward, since his son is the object of my son's affection and subsequent torment. I fear I may have no other choice.
XXX
David has returned, but is completely exhausted, so I tell him to go get some sleep. I have decided to try to talk to Burt, and no matter how awkward it may seem I really can't think of any other options. The phone is answered on the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this the Hummel residence?"
"Yeah, this is Burt. What can I do for you?"
It's too late to turn back, so I press forward.
"Hello Burt. This is Paul Karofsky, David's father. Have you got a few minutes? There is something extremely important I need to speak with you about."There is silence on the other end of the line, and then
"No. No I don't have a few minutes. I don't have anything to say to you."
"Please, just a few minutes of your time."
"I don't want you calling here again."
There is a loud click as the call is disconnected. I expected as much. Burt has every right to hang up on me, after everything David did to Kurt, but I love my son too much to give up so easily, and I know I have to try again.
XXX
Burt/Carole
Burt slams down the phone and Carole is looking at him like he's completely lost his mind. She keeps staring, and Burt starts yelling.
"HOW CAN THAT MAN HAVE THE NERVE TO CALL THIS HOUSE?"
"What man, Burt?" asks Carole.
"PAUL KAROFSKY, THAT'S WHAT MAN! AFTER HIS KID THREATENS TO KILL KURT AND IS ALLOWED BACK TO SCHOOL? AFTER THE LITTLE PRICK SCARES MY SON SO BAD WE HAVE TO MOVE HIM TO A NEW SCHOOL TO KEEP HIM SAFE? DOES IT EVER END?"
"Burt, your heart. Please stop yelling. Let's talk about this."
"Yeah. Yeah, okay. I'm sorry."
"What did he want?"
"Said he needs to talk about something really important."
"Did he say what it was?"
"No. I didn't give him a chance."
"Okay. Why not?"
"WHY NOT? YOU KNOW WHY NOT!"
"Burt!"
"Alright! I'm sorry. It just makes me angry."
"I understand that, but Paul seemed like a pretty reasonable man when we met him at the school. He believed Kurt. His son is the one who hurt Kurt, not Paul."
"Geez, Carole, I know that. Just hearing his voice though, it makes me see his kid in the hall that day, making fun of Kurt. I wanted to put my fist through his face!"
"I don't think he would call you unless it was really important. Maybe you should have listened to what he had to say."
"How can I do that Carole? How can I do that to Kurt?"
"Maybe what Paul has to say is something that could help Kurt."
"Help him? How could it help him?"
"I don't know Burt, maybe it won't, but…"
"That's right, Carole, maybe it won't. I don't want any of this anywhere near Kurt. He's in a safe place and I want him to put all this stuff behind him."
"Alright Burt, but it might help us, too. There are so many unanswered questions. What if Paul has some of those answers? Wouldn't you like to hear them?"
"Maybe. I have to think about that."
A/N 2: Sorry this chapter is a bit on the short side, it just felt like a good spot to end it. I know not a lot happened, but I felt it was a good way to set the stage for the upcoming confrontation in chapter 5. It may be a bit before I get that posted; I want it to be right so I am going to take my time with it. I hope this chapter isn't a disappointment. I'd love a review if you feel so inclined.