Hey everyone! So this is my first story ever! Any criticism would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy!

Disclaimer- I own nothing to do with Glee or its characters. If I did, I'd be rich. But I'm not. *sad face*

Chapter 1

Present time- Junior Year

Alright now you all know the story. Typical high school girl. Nowhere near popular and yet not entirely at the bottom of the food chain either. I guess you can say I'm stuck somewhere in the middle. I have friends- some popular and some not. But then there's the "not so friendly" ones as well. Mostly the jocks and cheerleaders who's life goal is to torment those they deem beneath them. I, myself have unfortunately ended up on a few of those lists. Like Dani's.

Dani is the captain of our high school's cheerleading squad, the Cheerios. She came off as a queen around here. People bowing their heads when she walked by just so as not to make eye contact. The football players always looked like wounded puppies when she didn't pay them any mind. And let's not forget her "ladies in waiting" that follow behind her religiously. The student body worshipped her. It didn't help that she was grooming the younger classmen to uphold her image for when she graduated. That's just what this world needs, little Dani robots.

I personally couldn't wait for her to graduate this year. Being a junior myself, I've had to deal with her for way too long. The endless slushies, the rude comments about my appearance, or just the overall burning glares I received on a daily basis.

It wasn't always this way. I was actually part of the "it" crowd. I was popular, I was on the Cheerios, I had a ton of friends and life was awesome.

But that all changed last year.


One Year Before- Sophomore Year

It was the middle of sophomore year. Attending William McKinley High School was actually a blast. Freshman year, I had tried out for the cheerleading squad and with no surprise had made the team. I was a natural-born dancer, so cheerleading was no challenge to me. When I received my uniform I was ecstatic. If you wore that red and white uniform it meant something. It meant respect. I didn't have to earn it, it was expected and demanded. The whole school looked up to us. It didn't matter the we're younger, the seniors took care of us. We covered each other's backs.

Well it was around this time that I discovered something about myself. Or rather "came to terms" about something. I liked girls. Plain and simple. I noticed it in middle school when all my friends would gossip about how cute the boys were and I was noticing how beautiful the girls were becoming. I knew something about that wasn't "normal", so I just played along with them and kept quiet.

As the years went on, I found the pull I had toward girls growing beyond curiosity. I had zero desire for boys and I knew why. I was gay. And I was terrified. I didn't want to be different from my friends. High school isn't the place where being different is a good thing. Not only that, how was I going to tell my parents? My little sister who looked up to me? I couldn't imagine what I would do if they ended up hating me.

Luckily I didn't have to worry about them. I decided to be honest with myself for the first time and accept myself for who I was. I needed to tell them. I couldn't let my secret eat away at me anymore. So one night after dinner, as I was helping my mom with the dishes, I decided it was time.

"Mom, I wanna talk to you about something," Brittany said.

"Is everything ok?" Her mom asked with a quick glance in her direction.

"I'm not entirely sure. I mean I'm ok, but I don't know if what I want to tell you is gonna be ok."

Linda Pierce dried off her hands, turned to her daughter and looked her straight in the eye.

"You can tell me anything. You never have to be afraid to tell me anything. I want us to always be honest with each other," she told Brittany

Brittany took a huge breath to calm her nerves and said it.

"Mom, I'm gay."

Linda stared at her daughter for a whole two seconds before she engulfed her daughter in a bear hug.

"Oh sweetie, I'm so happy for you! I knew it! I knew when you were getting older and you would only hang up pictures of female pop-stars that that was a big clue. Plus I've noticed your stares towards other girls lately. I didn't want to say anything in case I was reading too into it. But sweetie, I'm so proud of you for telling me."

It was as if a weight had been lifted from her. She could breath again. Her mom was happy about it! This whole time she was making herself sick with thoughts of her mom and dad not accepting her.

But wait…..Dad?

Dad still doesn't know. What if he didn't like it?

"What about daddy? Do you think he'll be ok with it?" Brittany asked with a somewhat cautious look.

"You have nothing to worry about, Britt. Trust me, your dad knows." Linda told her with a slight chuckle.

"How would he already know?" Brittany asked confused.

"I think you telling him you would rather be the prince instead of the princess because you wanted to marry the princess yourself when you two played with your Barbies was a big clue to him. He may have also mentioned how when you have dance competitions and we record them, you watch them later, but tend to linger a little longer on certain parts. Like the other girls dancing." Linda explained in a teasing manner.

Brittany felt her face go red at the mention of her leering. She honestly didn't think anyone noticed and that she was being discreet.

"Honey, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're young and discovering your body, developing feelings, and your hormones are raging…."

"MOM! I got it thank you!" Brittany exclaimed turning even more red.

Her mom laughed and told her she would talk to her dad later that night about everything.

The next morning was as if nothing was different. She really wasn't expecting anything different, but for some reason a piece of her thought it would.

Her sister Aly, who is three years younger than her, sat playing on her phone while mom and dad ate their breakfasts respectively. When I walked into the kitchen my parents looked up and smiled at me. Nothing was said. Nothing needed to be said. Their faces said it all. Everything was fine.

"Just so you know, I've always known you were gay," Aly said without looking up from her phone.

"And are you ok with it?" Brittany asked apprehensively.

"Why wouldn't I be? Just because you like girls doesn't change anything. You're still my sister. I still love you. The way I see it, nothing changes. So no biggie."

Brittany smiled and reached over to ruffle her sister's hair. Aly batted her hand away in mock anger, but sent a small smile to her big sister. Everything was going great now. She accepted herself, and she had her families support. Nothing could spoil her moment.

If only that were the case.


Having her parents on her side made her feel awesome. She didn't have to hide anything about herself or pretend to be someone she wasn't. Looking back at that moment still makes her happy. Even if the next set of events is what really changed her life. And thinking about it, maybe for the better.

Going to school that morning was an incredible feeling. Brittany felt free. Free from guilt, free from all the secrets. It was exhilarating! Telling her friends was gonna be no big deal, because she knew no matter what they'd all have her back.

Brittany walked to her locker to get the stuff she'd need for her first couple of classes. As she was switching her textbooks a couple girls from the squad said good morning to her in passing. She gave them a quick smile and wave, closed her locker and went to wait at her best friend Dani's locker.

Dani was her idol. She wasn't very tall, but she was built. Her hair was long and blonde like Brittany's. Also add to the fact that she was extremely beautiful. Being a year older than her she had really helped Brittany settle into the school and cheerleading squad. Everyone knew Dani was gonna make captain next year. She was even more popular than Sarah, the actual captain right now. She was the one who helped Brittany get on the team in the first place. She had seen Brittany dance and practically begged her to join as they needed the talent, not to mention she helped come up with some of the new cheer routines.

Brittany came to Dani whenever she had a problem. Whether it be failing classes, studying, or even if she felt like she didn't give it her all in practice that day. Dani was her go-to person.

Brittany watched Dani come down the hallway, people rushing to get out of her way to avoid punishment. She smiled in Brittany's direction and walked up to her locker.

"Hey Britt, how's it going?" Dani asked the younger girl.

"I'm great! How are you?" Brittany asked.

"Can't complain. I've got a date with Josh tonight. You know, we can make it a double if you'd go out with Zack from the football team? I see the way he stares at you. Wouldn't hurt to have an older boyfriend here. Maybe bump up your popularity status." Dani told her with a smirk.

Brittany looked down nervously, not wanting to tell Dani about her recent "news" in front of half the school, but also not wanting to tell her about her zero interest in Zack.

"Thanks, but no thanks. You enjoy some alone time with Josh. But I was wondering if I could talk to you later about something, alone?" Brittany asked.

"Is everything okay?" Dani asked.

"Yeah, everything's fine! I just have something I'd like to tell you, but not in front of everyone." Brittany explained.

"Okay sure. We can talk at lunch? I as planning on going to the gym to work on a new routine. You can help."

"That's perfect! I'll meet you there!" Brittany replied.

"Alright well I'll see you later then. Think about the date with Zack!" Dani yelled over her shoulder as she turned to head to her first class.

Brittany turned and continued in the opposite direction, thinking about how to tell Dani that Zack will never end up in the picture.


The morning seemed to fly for Brittany, which she wasn't complaining about. As soon as the bell rang signaling it was time for lunch, Brittany bolted to her locker, dropped off her books and ran to the gym to meet Dani.

When she got there Dani was in the process of stretching, so Brittany dropped her bag on the bleachers and joined her.

"So what did you wanna talk to me about?" Dani asked as she sat up from stretching her legs.

"Well, I thought it was time to tell you something about me that you don't know. Nobody knows actually except my family and they just found out recently." Brittany exclaimed.

"Are you sick? Should I be worried?" Dani asked with a slight panic.

"No! No I'm perfectly healthy. It's nothing that dire. It's something about my lifestyle that I've recently come to terms with that I want to tell you." Brittany said while walking over to the bleachers to sit down, patting the spot next to her silently asking her to sit.

Dani joined her and gave her her full attention.

"So," Brittany started, "I thought I would let you know that something about me is different, a good different. Just know this doesn't change anything about me and our friendship."

"Brittany just tell me already! You're killing me here!" Dani yelled.

"Dani, I like girls." Brittany stated.

Dani gave her a confused look.

"What do you mean you like girls? Like girls how?" She asked.

"I like girls like I'm suppose to like boys. I'm gay Dani." Brittany told her.

Dani's expression went dark. Her face like stone as she gave Brittany a hard glare.

"You better be joking, Brittany. And if you are it's not funny."

Brittany looked at her confused.

"I'm not joking. I'm seriously gay. Why would you think I'd joke about that?" Brittany asked.

"Because it's wrong! And disgusting! Two people of the same sex together, doing things together. Ugh I don't even want to picture it!" Dani told her in a disgusted tone.

Brittany felt her heart drop with every nasty word Dani threw at her. She wasn't expecting this reaction at all, especially from Dani. Someone she always looked up to and was like a sister to her.

"What does it matter to you if I like girls? It doesn't affect you in any way." Brittany argued back.

"Of course it affects me! It affects all of us! The squad has been exposed to you! How many times have we all changed clothes in front of each other? How many sleep-over's have we had together? God knows how many times you've hugged us or made a pass at us. It's not normal! It's like you're a whole other person now."

Brittany was livid. There was nothing wrong with her. She knew that. And to see this side of Dani floored her. Dani was suppose to be behind her for anything. She looked at her like she was a leper. Diseased. She couldn't have that in her life. She wouldn't let anyone tell her what was okay and what wasn't. No one was gonna tell her who she can and can't love. It was her life and she was gonna live it her way. Not by someone else's way!

"So that's how you really feel Dani? How you'll always feel?" Brittany asked.

"Yes. This isn't right Brittany and you know it." Dani said.

Brittany stood up and gave Dani her own hard glare.

"No, it's not right in your eyes. So I like girls. So what? It doesn't define me, or change me. It's just who I am. You like boys. That doesn't change anything about you. No one cares who you date. So why should it matter who I date? I'm allowed to like whoever I want. I don't need you permission to like someone. And I certainly don't need your approval. I came to you hoping you'd be happy for me, but apparently that's not gonna be the case. I don't wanna make anyone uncomfortable, but I'm also not gonna let people make me uncomfortable. So as of right now we're done. Done with our friendship and done with the Cheerios, because I know once you tell all the girls about me they're all gonna side with you anyway. I'm done with all of you. This was suppose to be a team, which means we back each other up, not single them out for being different. So if this is how the team is gonna be run then I'd rather not be a part of it. Just remember- YOU came to ME for help with the routines. And now, its YOUR loss. Remember that."

Brittany grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder and headed towards the exit.

"I'll turn in my uniform tomorrow."

And with that Brittany left.


Brittany's prediction was correct. Word spread about her being gay and by the end of the day everyone knew. The Cheerios ignored her, the guys made rude gestures at her, but she kept her head up. She wasn't gonna let them see how hurt she was. She wasn't gonna let them have the satisfaction.

When she got home that night, she told her parents about what had happened. They held her as she broke down and cried for hours. They knew something like this could happen, but they prayed it wouldn't. Brittany always saw the good in everyone and this was like a slap in the face. All her friends hated her and for what? It wasn't fair. And God only knows what other rumors Dani had spread about her.

But she had to come to terms with the fact that come the next day, everything was gonna be different. People were gonna treat her differently. Some were gonna be rude to her and say hurtful things. But she'd take it. She wasn't gonna change who she was just to fit in again. She didn't need any of them. She had her family and that's all she needed.


Present time- Junior Year

The weeks following were pretty tough on Brittany. She was an outsider now. There was a silver lining though. She actually became friends with a lot of the Glee kids. They of course heard all the rumors about her. One day at her locker, Brittany was approached by Rachel Berry. Rachel was the big recruiter for the club, always looking for talent to join them. The Glee kids were used to being ridiculed everyday for being different so they understood how Brittany felt. They also knew that Brittany wasn't like the other Cheerios. She never teased them or made fun of them. It was actually because of one member of Glee, Kurt Hummel, that she decided to come out. Kurt was the only openly gay student at their school. And she found him to be "inspiring" I guess, because she saw how people treated him on a daily basis and he just took it. He didn't care what people thought of him. As long as he was happy, that's all that mattered to him.

Anyway, the day Rachel showed up at her locker kinda put Brittany in better spirits.


Last Year

"Hey Brittany! I wanted to extend an invitation to you to join our Glee club. I know you're going through a hard time right now, but I just thought I'd give you the opportunity. I've seen you dance outside of Cheerios and you're amazing! I thought you'd like to put your talent to good use, because we could definitely use you. If you're interested let me know or you can just come to one of our meetings after school. I hope you consider it!" And with that Rachel turned on her heel and briskly walked down the hallway, disappearing into the crowd.

Throughout the day, Brittany pondered over Rachel's offer and by the end of the day she decided it wouldn't hurt to just check it out. So when the final bell rang, Brittany headed toward the choir room. She poked her head in the door and was spotted instantly by Rachel.

"You came! I'm so happy you decided to join us! You're gonna have so much fun I promise!" Rachel practically screamed.

"Rachel, I haven't joined yet. I just came to check it out." Brittany told the excited girl.

"Trust me, after watching us practice today you're gonna want to join." Rachel told her confidently.

Rachel grabbed her hand and pulled her further into the room to introduce her to everyone.

"Guys this is Brittany Pierce. She's thinking of joining us. I'd like to introduce her to everyone. So we have Finn, Artie, Sam, Kurt, Blaine- who just recently transferred here from Dalton Academy and is Kurt's boyfriend. Mike, Tina, Mercedes, Quinn, Sugar, Rory and of course you know Mr. Schuster from Spanish."

"Brittany," Mr. Schue said coming out of his office, "Welcome to Glee Club! Rachel's been telling us about your dance skills and we've all been anxious to see for ourselves. We hope you decide to join us."

"Thanks Mr. Schue. I was hoping I could just observe today? See what it's all about. I don't want to jump into something I'm not ready for." Brittany asked.

"That's perfectly fine! You can sit up near the back and just watch today. We're getting ready for the Invitational next month so you'll be the first person to see and critique our performance. So in a way, you being here today is great for us too! We'd love to get your feedback. So guys, lets all get set up and do this!" Mr. Schue clapped his hands and got everyone into position.

Brittany climbed up to the last row of seats and sat in the center chair. Everyone got into position and when the music started everyone started the routine.

The song they used was by someone Brittany had never heard of. It sounded like it was from the 70's and the dancing didn't seem to fit the song either. Rachel and Finn played off each other as they sang the solo's and everyone accompanied them by singing back-up. Brittany thought it felt stiff, like it was a little too safe.

When they finished the first song, they all turned toward Brittany to hear what she thought of it.

"So what did you think Brittany?" Mr. Schue asked.

"Honestly," Brittany said, "It felt too safe."

Everyone looked at Mr. Schue to get his reaction.

"I don't understand what you mean by too safe?" He asked confused.

"Well, you guys did good. Don't get me wrong! But nothing really fits together. The song isn't working because it's old and tired. The dance steps are blocky and stiff. I've been in a ton of dance competitions and I know the judges want to see you guys take risks, step out of your comfort zone. You wanna show people what you're capable of. Not that you're too afraid to go that extra step." Brittany told him honestly.

"She's right Mr. Schue," Finn spoke up. "We gotta use what we have. We've got some insane talent in here and we need to use that if we wanna win."

Everyone agreed and looked at Mr. Schue to get his opinion.

"Guy, you make an excellent point, but it's too late to change the set list now. The competition is in a month! We'd never be ready in time." Mr. Schue tried to explain.

"Not necessarily!" Rachel announced. "If we put in some more practices and if maybe Brittany and Mike teamed up and came up with some better dance moves, we could totally do this in time."

The excitement in the room grew as the prospect of new and exciting songs were heading their way.

"Hold on guys! Wait a second!" Mr. Schue yelled over everyone's voices. "Brittany hasn't even agreed to join us yet. Brittany, I don't want you to feel pressured into this. This is entirely your decision."

Brittany looked around at everyone staring back at her with hopeful looks. She knew she could help them and maybe this was exactly what she needed. They accepted her for who she was. Hell they didn't even mention it! She felt she could trust these guys and as a bonus she could do what she loves the most, dancing.

"You guys need all the help you can get. I'm in." Brittany told them smiling.

Everyone yelled in excitement. Rachel ran up and hugged her tightly, which Brittany found to be a little awkward at first but funny nonetheless.

Everyone started throwing out ideas about what songs they should sing and how with Brittany's help they were definitely going to Nationals this year. As everyone got together to start brainstorming, Mike approached Brittany.

"Hey I'm Mike. I know we were introduced earlier, but I thought I'd come and personally introduce myself since we're gonna be working together pretty closely now." He told her as he shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you Mike. So are you the head dancer here?" Brittany asked.

"Not really. Mr. Schue usually does the choreography himself and from time to time he'll ask me for help. But this'll be the first time I've ever done a whole routine. I thought you and I could get together and show what we can do to see what we both have to work with?" Mike asked with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Yeah, that'd be great! I'm free most nights so whenever you wanna do this is fine."

Mike looked down at his phone to check the time.

"Well I have football practice tonight, but I'm free tomorrow after school. We could meet up in the dance practice room?"

"Fine by me. I'll meet you there." Brittany told him. She was actually pretty excited about it. Dancing always made her happy. And now she had a chance to show off what she could really do.

The rest of the time spent in class was used to try and figure out the new songs they were gonna use. Everyone added their input on who should sing which part and who should have which solo. They surprisingly agreed on most of the decisions made, not to say there wasn't the occasional argument between Mercedes, Kurt, and Rachel over who could sing better.

As the day was coming to an end and everyone was packing up, Brittany felt someone watching her. She looked around the room and caught Quinn's eyes on her. She walked towards Brittany and gave her a knowing look.

"How are you holding up Brittany?" Quinn asked kindly.

Quinn had been on the Cheerios with Brittany last year. Quinn was a somewhat private person and mostly kept to herself so she and Brittany never really talked. But then one day, out of the blue, Quinn up and quit the Cheerios. No one on the team ever knew why. All they knew was one day she was on the squad and the next she wasn't and they were holding open auditions for her spot. They were also told not to talk to her, and no surprise, everyone on the squad listened. Brittany always wondered what had happened because Quinn always looked like she enjoyed it.

"I'm doing okay I guess. It's still taking some getting used to. This club is a good fall-back for me though. How have you been?" Brittany asked.

"I'm doing much better now thanks. Like you, it took some time getting used to the change, but trust me it gets better." Quinn explained.

"I hope you don't mind me asking and you don't have to tell me, but I was wondering why you quit the Cheerios last year?" Brittany whispered so no one else heard her.

"Sarah and Dani never told you guys?" Quinn asked surprised.

"They never told us anything. Dani just said you left the squad and we were looking to replace you. That was it. And that we weren't allowed to talk to you." Brittany confessed.

"What are you doing after this?" Quinn asked out of the blue.

"Nothing that I know of. Why?" Brittany asked confused.

"Do you wanna come with me to the Lima Bean? Get a cup of coffee and talk?

Brittany was curious about what Quinn wanted to talk about. Maybe they had more in common than she thought.

"Yeah, I'd love to."


Brittany drove behind Quinn into the center of town to the Lima Bean. It was the only place in town where you could hang out and get a decent cup of coffee.

As they both walked into the building, they got in line and out in their orders. They grabbed their drinks and found a table near the back.

"So," Quinn started, "Dani never told anyone why I left the Cheerios?"

"Not that I know of. I mean not to the people I talked to. We all just got the impression you didn't want to be a Cheerio anymore." Brittany told her.

Quinn took a sip of her drink and looked up at Brittany with a confident stare.

"I didn't quit Cheerios. I was kicked of the team."

Brittany looked at her confused, because it didn't make any sense. Quinn was an awesome athlete and an even better cheerleader. Coach Sue would be crazy to let her go!

"Why were you kicked off?" Brittany asked.

Quinn took a deep breath.

"You know Noah Puckerman?" She asked.

"Yeah he's the running back for the football team. Why?"

"Last year, he and I were dating. Towards the middle of the year, things started heating up between us and long story short- we went to a party, got drunk and he got me pregnant."

Brittany choked on the mouthful of coffee she had just taken.

That was the last thing she expected to hear! Pregnant? How did she not notice it?

"Oh my God, Quinn! What did you do?" Brittany asked her shocked.

"I was terrified. Just turning sixteen and about to have a baby. When I found out I had to tell my parents. They were so disappointed in me. What made it worse was when I told Puck, he didn't even care. He wanted me to just get rid of it. I couldn't do that. I wasn't ready to be a mother, but I also wasn't ready to make a decision like that. So, I had the baby and I gave her up for adoption. I actually gave her to someone I knew, Rachel's mom. I knew she would give her a life that I couldn't." Quinn told her with a solemn look.

"You had a girl?" Brittany asked with a small smile.

"Yeah, I named her Beth. She was so beautiful. Rachel's mom, Shelby, actually made a deal with me. She wanted me to be a part of Beth's life. She didn't want her to grow up thinking I didn't want her. And I didn't want the either. So I see her on weekends. Since she's still a baby it doesn't matter right now, but when she's older we're gonna tell her the truth, but until then I'm just gonna be a friend of her mom's." Quinn said with a shrug.

"That's actually pretty awesome of both of you. It's like she has two moms looking out for her." Brittany praised.

Quinn smiled at her compliment.

"I just wanted the best for her. I can't say everything went great for me. I had to tell Coach Sue and she of course told Dani and Sarah and they kicked me off the squad in a heartbeat. They didn't even want me back after I had Beth. I knew then that things needed to change. I didn't want to be on the squad anymore. Why would I fight to be on a team that treated me like shit? They didn't give a second chance so I wasn't gonna give them one either. To be able to just get rid of me like that was bullshit. We were suppose to be a team, to watch out for each other, but it was all a lie. I'm better off without them."

Brittany was happy. Finally someone knew how she felt. How betrayed and hurt she was. Quinn's situation was definitely different from hers, but the outcome was exactly the same.

They were shunned basically.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that Quinn. And I'm also sorry for not even attempting to talk to you after it all went down." Brittany apologized, ashamed.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault. If our places were reversed I'd have probably done the same thing." Quinn told her.

"I honestly didn't know about any of this. I was blindsided when they turned on me too. I hate them. I hate them for who they were trying to turn us into. It just sucks. Mostly for them, cause they lost two of their best cheerleaders and we ain't gonna be that easy to replace!" Brittany joked.

"Hear, hear!" Quinn knocked her cup against Brittany's in a mock toast.

"So you came out to the team and they shunned you?" Quinn asked.

"Well Dani did. I know the rest would follow so I took myself out of an uncomfortable situation before it even started. And it was a good decision too, because after I told her I got the cold shoulder from everyone. I didn't deserve that. How many times was I there for those girls? For them to throw everything away…..Fuck them." Brittany said with confidence.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm kinda glad about all this. It's like someone now sees these bitches for who they really are and I don't feel so alone anymore. I mean, I'm not alone alone. The Glee kids really helped me last year and I've really bonded with Rachel, considering she's now sisters with my daughter in a way. But it's nice to have someone who knows, you know?" Quinn replied honestly.

"I get what you mean and I agree. I never saw any of this and to know what they were capable of turns my stomach. God forbid people be different! Well, at least I'm not alone anymore either. I think that's a better trade-off."

The girls finished their drinks and exchanged phone numbers so if one of them needed to vent or just to talk they could call or text each other.

Brittany went home and told her mom about what happened today and how she had joined Glee Club. Linda was happy to see her daughter putting herself back out there. Brittany needed something like this to cheer her up.

Brittany helped her mom with dinner then did her homework before going to bed. Tomorrow was gonna be a new day. A better day.