Chapter Twenty-Eight
Diane wasn't happy about him missing dinner, but at least she hopefully appreciated that he called. He doesn't want them to end up fighting again about the kid or Miranda. Maybe he should have said no when she called to ask for his help, but Kenny is his son as well and he would have regretted if he hadn't come.
He doesn't like choosing between his wife and his child, because he loves them both. And now he knows that Diane can't handle the situation as well as she shows. And he doesn't blame her for feeling this way, but he doesn't know what would be the best solution. Disappointing her tonight surely doesn't help his case, but it's not like Diane seemed to enjoy their lunch today that much. They might have gotten over the fight and apologized to each other, but it's not the same as before, and he's wondering if it will ever be the same again.
He hears the door of Kenny's room open and Miranda steps out.
"I can stay another hour," he states, even though he feels a little guilty, but the smile on the woman's face gives away that she's grateful for the company. Her sister will arrive home soon, he's just staying to keep her company until then, because she clearly needs it after the day she's had.
"Thank you, I really don't want to cause any trouble," she says in a soft voice and he knows that she's being honest. He doesn't think for a second that she called him for any other reason than because of her worry about their son.
"No trouble at all," he replies with a smile, hoping for it to be true.
"My mom prepared plenty of food before she left, what are you in the mood for?" she asks as they start walking towards the stairs.
"I'm not picky," he remarks, trying to get used to this awkward situation that they are alone now.
He has to admit to himself that he felt more comfortable when Kenny was also present, even when he was already asleep.
"You used to like lasagna, if I remember correctly," her statement just makes it even worse.
"I do," he nods, not feeling like taking the road down memory lane.
"I think there's still some left," she says as they enter the kitchen and starts searching the fridge.
"That would be perfect," Kurt sits at the table, although he'd much rather leave this very moment. "Can I help with anything?" he offers, he isn't used to not doing anything in the kitchen and he especially feels the need to occupy himself with something now.
"No, it will be ready in a few minutes," she takes the box out of the fridge and puts it in the microwave, while Kurt discreetly checks his watch.
With every minute that goes by he is less certain if he is doing the right thing staying for dinner, but it's definitely too late to change his mind.
o-o-o
By the time the key turns in the lock they are already done with dinner and Kurt doesn't miss the smile on Tanya's face when she finds them together in the kitchen. But he doesn't really care about its meaning. He is relieved that he can finally leave, because the thought of Diane waiting for him at home is more persistent in his mind.
He says goodbye to the sisters, making Miranda promise she will call to inform him about Kenny's state tomorrow or if she needs anything. He rushes to his car and drives straight home. Before he puts the key in the lock he takes a deep breath, trying to prepare himself for anything that might happen once he is inside, knowing this time he can only blame himself.
He finds Diane on the couch watching something on TV, with Justice at her feet. The sight makes him smile and he doesn't even know anymore why he accepted Miranda's invitation for dinner, when this is the family where he belongs.
"Hey," Diane turns to him as she hears his steps getting closer and he claims to see a small smile in the corner of her lips.
"Hey," he joins her on the couch and places a kiss on her cheek.
"How is he?"
He appreciates the concern in her voice and on her face more than anything.
"He finally fell asleep. The doctor said he might sleep through the night thanks to the meds and he will hopefully be better by tomorrow."
As he says it out loud, he finally feels relief. He has been worried about his son, which is an unfamiliar feeling for him. This day has definitely taught him something about being a parent and he appreciates that Diane is on his side, showing her support.
"Hopefully," he can see her lips curl up and she places her palm on his.
"I'm sorry it took so long, I even missed dinner," he apologizes, even if it doesn't seem necessary.
"It's in the kitchen if you are hungry."
"Maybe later," he decides to keep it to himself that he already had dinner, he doesn't want her to think more to it than it really was, a dinner and nothing else.
He stares at the TV screen as neither of them says anything else. He doesn't pay attention to what they are watching, he simply enjoys that her hand is still resting on his and he wouldn't mind sitting with her like that for the rest of the night.