Meeting The First Sibling
Matilda stuck out her hand to Kurt, smiling. He graciously took it and smiled back, a look of “sorry I spilt that coffee of you” still showing on his face.
“Mati, why don’t you and Kurt go get acquainted with each other while you get me another coffee?” Isabelle smiled and shooed them out of her office. The two did as she said, making their way down the halls. Neither one of them spoke until they got back to the break room.
“So, you’re Kurt Hummel?” Before he could answer, she continued. “Isabelle’s talked about you a lot the past couple days. I’ve seen some of your pictures myself and I must say this; You have a good eye for fashion.”
“Thank you...What did you say your name was?”, Kurt asked.
“Matilda. Most people around here just call me Gilbert, but you can call me Mati if that’s easier.” She smiled as she fixed the coffee. Kurt recognized the nickname from when Isabelle said it earlier and took a mental note. “So what brings you to New York, except the obvious fashion route”, Mati cut him off.
“Oh. That’s actually probably the funny part. I tried out for NYADA last year but didn’t make it in. My friend Rachel got in though, so I moved to the city with her. We haven’t been here long, but I submitted my application to Vogue because I didn’t want to get stuck at Spotlight Diner.” He explained everything as Mati nodded along.
“My older brother tried out for NYADA a couple years ago, but he didn’t get accepted. He chose NYU and I followed after him landing up at Vogue about the same way you did. You didn’t want to stay in Ohio and I didn’t want to stay in Jersey.”
“Jersey? You don’t sound like you’re from there.” He was used to people having a thick accent, but Matilda didn’t have that. She sounded almost just like the New Yorkers he’d met in the city. Let’s just say, he was a little confused.
“Most people don’t think I am. My brother and I would take the transit into the city to see shows and concerts. He loves watching musicals and plays, but I could care less. I actually think you’d get along if it wasn’t for the difference in styles.” She noticed a look of confusion on Kurt’s face and elaborated. “He’s more...how do I put this? Black.”
“You have a black brother? Were one of you guys adopted?”, Kurt asked quickly. He wouldn’t be surprised if one of them was, but her chuckle answered his question.
“No, no. Not black as in African-American. Black as in he wears a lot of it, and more relaxed. You wear outrageous outfits that are bright and don’t look too comfortable. When he wears outrageous outfits, they’re dark. His “off-stage” style is more relaxed, with flannels and lightweight shirts.” She continued chuckling as Kurt realized what she meant by “black”.
“Oh. Well then, I say that I’d like to meet this brother of yours sometime.”
“And I say we need to get Isabelle her coffee. Her iced americano if you want to be more exact.” Matilda smiled as they started walking back to Isabelle’s office.