Size Doesn't Matter (Except to the Airlines)
By: Mykindofparty
Summary: Lauren receives some unexpected news from Mr. Schue after the New Directions wins regionals.
A/N: This is set right after Original Song and before Night of Neglect. That being said, Terri hasn't given Will the first class tickets yet a la Funeral. Also, Kurt hasn't rejoined New Directions and Jesse hasn't returned to be the show choir consultant.
Lauren Zizes didn't do emotions.
She didn't flinch when Santana Lopez picked a fight with her.
She didn't lose a wink of sleep when her sex tape idea got scrapped by Miss Holiday.
She didn't bat an eyelash when she was rounded up for Sue Sylvester's Old Maids Club.
She didn't shed a tear when she has to choose between her winning a wrestling match and a potential love interest.
But all those previously unheard of emotions unraveled when Mr. Schuester called her into his office days before Nationals with some unexpected news. He asked to speak to her after Spanish class. She figured he had some feedback on her latest test. While Spanish isn't her best subject, she's been studying a lot more for it lately. Probably something to do with luchadores.
She knows it's bad when Schue shuts the door. He'd only ever be behind closed doors with a student if it was really important. Or if he was horny. She doesn't know for a fact what he and Rachel Berry get up to, but maybe there's more than speculation there. Well, he's an idiot if he thinks he's going to seduce her.
"So Lauren, how are you?" he asked. Clearly he doesn't know how to broach whatever topic is going on inside his pea brain. Lauren's not surprised. Most people don't know how to talk to her or address her. They only know how to admire her. Mostly from afar.
"I'm all right. I haven't made anyone cry lately so am I in trouble…?" she asked. No sense in beating around the bush.
Mr. Schue sighed. "Unfortunately it's come to my attention that there are only enough airline seats for the twelve glee club members and myself."
Lauren grunted. "I know math isn't your subject, Mr. Schue, but you got it right. There are only thirteen people going to New York."
"Lauren, I hate to be the one to have to tell you this. The airline requires passengers of a certain… I'm not quite sure how to say it…"
"Size?" Lauren guessed.
"Yes, that," Schue mumbled, looking quite flushed and relieved at the same time, "To purchase two tickets. And I wanted to give you a heads up since with our current financial situation, it might not be possible for the glee club to buy another."
Lauren looked at the ground. "What happened to all that Cheerios money?"
"I was going to talk to you kids today. Sue's hidden it all away. I'd be more than willing to talk to your parents if they have any concerns, but my hands are tied. I'm so sorry, Lauren. So sorry."
"I've never been on a plane," Lauren admitted. "I didn't know either."
"Would you like to hug? Or maybe sing about it?" Mr. Schue asked.
Right, like she'd sing about this. Oh hey guys, I'm too fat to fit on a plane, here's a song about how I'm okay with it. As if.
Lauren pushed past Mr. Schuester and into the hallway. It was embarrassing, that's what. Pure humiliation. She's been different her whole life. She knew early on that her thyroid problem might cause some weight issues. She just never imagined it'd stop her from doing anything once she set her mind to it. Her family could barely afford basic cable, let alone a plane ticket to New York.
No one could possibly understand. A tear threatened to roll down her cheek, but she brushed it away before anyone saw. When she turned the corner on her way to last period, there he was. Noah Puckerman. He must have sensed something was amiss with her because he genuinely looked concerned as he made his way toward her.
"What's wrong?"
No hi, no hello, no hey baby. It was infuriating how he knew better than to sweet talk her right now. She wished he would. It'd be so much easier to yell at him and get pissed off than to deal with emotions.
"I'm quitting glee club." The words were out before she can even think. It's her only option, really.
"You can't!" Puck insisted. "How are we supposed to compete with only eleven members? You can't do that to them. And what about us? Please, just tell me why you're doing this."
She'll miss that adorable mohawk. But the truth was too painful. She can't tell him.
"I got what I needed out of it," she lied. There. Simple, vague.
"No," he replied, "You got what you wanted. You got me, you got friends. What you need is to perform. I know you act tough all the time and I like that about you because I always fantasize about you pinning me down on those wrestling mats. But my point is that I see how happy glee club makes you. Whenever we're on stage, you're like a butterfly. You come out of your cocoon. You need to go to New York because singing and dancing makes you happier than you've ever been."
"This club turned you into a wuss," she snarked.
Puck smiled. "I meant what I said. Now will you please tell me what's wrong?"
"I'm too fat."
"Says who? I'll beat their asses."
"There's no one to beat up, Puckerman. It's Nationals. I found out today I have to buy an additional plane ticket."
"Did you cry? Because I know some nerds who'd pay big money for your bottled tears," he joked. "But seriously, anything I can do to help? I do have my above ground pool cleaning business. The weather is getting warmer."
"I don't really know," she admitted, "but thank you for being here for me." Puck smiled and gave her a huge hug. Another tear almost fell.
Sometimes, Lauren figured, emotions came in handy after all.
