A/N: Well here's my first chapter, and boy is it a long one. I hope you enjoy :)
J4X3YN
Chapter 1: The First Day
It was Sunshine's first day in Lima, Ohio; since she arrived at her grandmother's house at two o'clock that morning, and also the last day of summer. Lima was a small town and the kids would all go William McKinley High School, assuming they didn't have any behavioral problems. Sunshine was a soon to be sophomore that will be attending William McKinley this year, and should be receiving her green card any day now.
Garrett and Gustavo, Sunshine's older brothers, were 18 now; which meant that they would have to do one more year of high school before they go off to college. Their mother, Gia, who was working to become a nurse instead landed a job in a factory until she finished school online due to the fact that the college credits in the Philippines meant nothing in America. The children's father, unfortunately, died in a house fire before they could move to America. Meanwhile Sunshine's grandmother, Ujana, had retired though she had enough money to live off on her own.
Sunshine was in what use to be her mother's room at her grandmother's house, unpacking her luggage while the twins were helping their mother with the rest of the furniture. She began humming an original song of hers until there was a knock at the door.
It was two teenage Asians, a female and a male. The boy was built like a dancer while the girl was pretty but had more of a goth look to her. The girl held what looked like an apple pie.
"Hello, we fellow Asians would like to welcome you to the neighborhood." introduced the tall adolescent boy. The goth girl happened to slightly roll her eyes at the boy.
"I'm Tina Cohen-Chang and he's Mike Chang." the girl added with a smirk as she handed over the pie.
"Thanks, the name's Sunshine Corazon. Rising Sophomore at William McKinley."
"I'm a sophomore too!" Tina said excitingly.
"I'll be a junior this year."
"If you're lost tomorrow, just look for us. We aren't that hard to spot."
"Okay, I'll keep that mind."
"Also, if you have any interest in singing, please join the Glee Club. We need one more member to be able to qualify for competition." Tina begged. Gia had arrived from the back door unnoticed.
"Well thank you for your pie and your welcome, we'll be seeing you around now." her mother thanked before she slammed the door in their faces. "Remember Sunshine, studies first." Like any other stereotypical parent, Gia wanted the best for her children and stressed academics since the day they were born. When it came to things like the arts, she wasn't too fond of it. Meanwhile, Ujana was all for expression and allowing the kids to follow their own route.
"I know mom, I know; I can get scholarships for extra-curricular activities and clubs like Glee Club."
"I only want the best for my daughter, is that such a crime?"
"No it's not." Sunshine murmured.
"Good." That was the end of their conversation and unfortunately for Sunshine, she knew that. The twins had tried to pull off the same stunt when they were younger. Garrett was an excellent artist while Gustavo was a very talented dancer. Gia had then requested that they take more math and business classes, removing any room for extra-curricular classes out of their schedules once the extra-curricular credits weren't needed.
"Sunshine, don't fade now." her grandmother encouraged from the living room as she made her way to the staircase. "You do what your heart says it to. It'll lead you to a much better place in life."
"Thank you Grandma." said Sunshine, ending their conversation with a long hug.
The first day of school has finally arrived. Everyone seemed either excited, disappointed or tired. Sunshine wore a blue beret, with a blue graphic t-shirt, jean Capri pants, white flats and a mini black vest. She carried a brown side bag with it that had a few Hello Kitty pins attached to it.
She was on her way to her locker to prepare for the first day. She thought a lot about joining the Glee Club, but she wasn't so sure how her mother would feel about it. While thinking things through, the short Filipina had ran into a slightly taller brunette with piercing blue eyes that rivaled Kurt Hummel's. The brunette wore a red on white polka dotted, 50's styled dress with black flats and a white knitted beanie.
"I'm so sorry." said the brunette.
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
"The name's Harmony Overstreet." said the girl rapidly. "You probably recognize me from all of those Gerber Baby commercials, or the episode of "Murder, She Wrote" where my ultrasound was used."
"Sunshine Corazon, exchange student from the Philippines."
"By any chance, would you know where the bulletin boards are? I heard the Glee Club sign up sheets were posted on them. Hopefully with me in the club, they'll be able to make it to New York for Nationals!"
"Yeah, they're that way. Good luck." Sunshine pointed behind her.
"Thanks. Well I guess I'll see you soon." Harmony said as she departed down the William McKinley High School corridor.
'Maybe I should be signing up for Glee Club...' Sunshine thought as she watched the determined adolescent girl down the hallway. It was time for Sunshine to make a choice. Join Glee Club or miss out on an amazing opportunity.
Throughout the day, Sunshine was unsure of what she should do. She wasn't the kind of girl to rebel against her parents, in fact she was far from that. She was a pleaser, someone who did not want to upset their parents and made sure that their demands were met. However, Sunshine couldn't give up something that she loves so easily.
Before anyone knew it, lunch time had arrived. Sunshine had went outside; she was invited to sit with a group of peers from her Algebra II class. She noticed Harmony sitting by herself, drinking what looked like hot herbal tea.
The group that Sunshine was sitting with were talking about what they did this summer and their plans during the school year.
"So Asian Beret, are you liking Lima, Ohio?" asked a girl. The girl was a brunette too, who also had blue eyes but they were nothing like Harmony's. She was a like a blue-eyed brunette version of Carrie Underwood. Sunshine giggled at her nickname.
"It's a real nice town and all but there isn't much to-" Sunshine began until they heard music playing. It was the instrumental to "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z ft Alicia Keys.
New Directions Boys:
Bum, bum, bum
New Directions Girls:
Pa, pa, pa, pa
Pa, pa, pa, pa
A few students had appeared out of nowhere, wearing the same black shirts that read: NEW (in pink) YORK (in green) CITY (in yellow). They were singing the background instrumental, with some dancing on the tables. Sunshine had spotted Tina and Mike from the group. This was William McKinley's Glee Club. Not many people were paying attention, but it gained attention from a group of students scattered throughout the courtyard including Harmony.
New Directions Boys:
Bum, bum, bum
New Directions Girls:
Pa, pa, pa, pa
Pa, pa, pa, pa
A kid in a wheelchair had then began rapping, as they made their way through the courtyard.
Artie:
Yeah, yeah, now I'm up at Brooklyn (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
Now I'm down in Tribeca, right next to DeNiro (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
But I'll be hood forever, I'm the new Sinatra (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
And since I made it here, I can make it anywhere (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
Yeah they love me everywhere
Another freakishly tall guy then began rapping.
Finn:
I used to cop in Harlem (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
All of my Dominicanos, Right there up on Broadway (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
Brought me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stash box (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
Five Sixty State street (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons with them pastries
The rapping continued upstairs with another guy and a girl who provided some vocals. The girl was a little bit on the heavy side but boy could she sing her butt off. While they were doing their solos, a brunette dancing on the tables had spotted Sunshine singing along and smiled at her. She was the only one wearing a skirt, while everyone else wore jeans.
Puck:
8 million stories out there in it naked (Mercedes: Whoa, whoa) (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
The city is a pity half o' y'all won't make it (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
Me (Mercedes: Whoa, whoa) (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
I gotta plug Special Ed "I Got It Made" (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
If Jesus payin' LeBron, I'm payin' Dwayne Wade
3 dice Cee-Lo (Mercedes: Whoa, whoa) (New Directions Boys: Bum x3)
3 card Marley (New Directions Girls: Pa x8)
Labor Day Parade, Rest in peace Bob Marley
The two then joined the others that were in the courtyard and were accompanied by three other girls. A Hispanic girl and two blondes.
J-gga I be spiked out (Santana: Cmon)
I can trip a referee (Santana: Cmon)
Tell by my attitude that I most definitely from… (Santana: Cmon)
Santana, Rachel and New Directions:
In New York (Rachel: New york!) (Puck: Heey)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of (Santana: Huh, yeah)
There's nothing you can't do (Puck: That you can't do) (Mercedes: You can't do, oh)
Now you're in New York (Rachel: You're in New York) (Puck: Welcome to the bright lights baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new (Rachel: You feel brand new) (Mercedes: Brand new, baby)
Big lights will inspire you (Rachel: Inspire you) (Mercedes: Oh)
Let's hear it for New York (Santana: Uh, huh)
New York (Santana: Yeah)
New York (Rachel: Yeah, hey)
By now, a bunch of people were paying attention to the kids. They gazed upon them like they were superstars while Sunshine song along quietly with a smile on her face. Though she hates to admit it, she was jealous of how much fun they were having.
Mercedes with New Directions Girls:
One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty
No place in the world that could compare
Put your lighters in the air
Mercedes and Finn with New Directions:
Everybody say yeah (Santana: C'mon)
Yeah (Santana: C'mon)
Yeah (Santana: C'mon)
Yeah (Santana: C'mon)
Santana and New Directions:
In New York (Mercedes: New York) (New Directions: New York) (Santana: Yeah, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of (Mercedes: Jungle, yeah, yeah)
There's nothing you can't do (New Directions: You can't do)
Now you're in New York (Mercedes: New York, New York) (Artie: New York) (Santana: Yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new (Mercedes: Brand new) (New Directions: Brand new)
Big lights will inspire you (Mercedes: Inspire you) (New Directions: Inspire you)
Let's hear it for New York (Mercedes: New York) (Santana: Huh)
New York (Mercedes: New York) (Santana: Yeah)
New York (Mercedes: New York, yo whoa) (Santana: Huh, uh)
New Directions Boys:
Bum, bum, bum
New Directions Girls:
Pa, pa, pa, pa
Pa, pa, pa, pa
After the astounding performance, the New Directions had received their standing ovation just as they thought they would. Seconds later they received what was known as "a slushie facial" by Karofsky and a group of jocks that surrounded them as the crowd applauded. The standing ovation died down and everyone took their attention to getting to the next class as the bell rang.
"Can they just get away with that?" Sunshine asked the group at her table.
"Technically, they can. It's not considered 'bullying' because it's not harming the students." responded the girl who called Sunshine, "Asian Beret".
"I mean, let's be honest. Glee Club isn't going to be as cool as us football players." said the jock next to Sunshine. "Sure they can sing and dance and put on a show but we're not giving up our spot to be on top."
"Then looks like you'll have to make room." Sunshine said simply as she left from the table. Sunshine didn't care if she got slushied, heck she didn't care if someone threw food at her. She just wants to sing. And now that Sunshine has set her priorities straight, she can.
The New Directions were sulking in the choir room. They worked so hard on the performance, only to get slushied. And what's even worse, no one had auditioned except for a girl named Sugar Motta who did a terrible cover of "Circus" by Britney Spears. However, hope wasn't lost as Harmony Overstreet had arrived in the choir room.
"Hello, I'm Harmony Overstreet and I'd like to audition for New Directions." she greeted. Smiles on everyone's faces grew.
"That's just great. Any song in mind?" Mr. Schuester asked.
"Gimme Gimme from Thoroughly Modern Millie?" She asked the pianist, hoping he knew the song. He nodded.
"What key?" asked the pianist.
"Surprise me." Harmony then began clearing her throat and cued the pianist to play with a head nod.
Harmony:
A simple choice, nothing more
This or that, either or
Marry well, social whirl, business men
Clever girl
Or pin my future on a green glass love
What kind of life am I dreaming of?
I say, gimme gimme
That thing called love
I need it
Highs and lows, tears and laughter
Gimme happy ever after
Gimme gimme
That thing called love
Her voice then began to crescendo and it was much stronger. It reminded everyone of the talented Rachel Berry. It was obvious that she was a soprano.
That thing called love
I don't care if he's a nobody
In my heart, he'll be a somebody
Somebody to love me
I need it
Gimme that thing called love
I want it
Here I am, St. Valentine
My bags are packed; I'm first in line
Gimme gimme
That thing called love
She finished off with a very long and high note that only few could hold as the members, excluding Rachel, of New Directions cheered and applauded.
"Impressive, very impressive." Mr. Schuester complimented. "Well Harmony, we'll let you know if you're in or not. But I'm pretty sure we've already came up with a decision." he continued. Harmony had curtsied in her dress then waved as left the choir room. Before the New Directions could decide whether or not they wanted Harmony, Sunshine had appeared in the choir room. Tina waved excitingly at Sunshine.
"Hello. You-like-us-sing?" Rachel asked, assuming that Sunshine couldn't speak English.
"I understand English." Sunshine responded. Brittany and Santana had giggled at Rachel's face when she realized how stupid she was acting.
"Anyway, I'm Sunshine Corazon and I'll be singing 'Listen' from the movie Dreamgirls." She introduced. She connected her I-Pod to the CD player and played the instrumental that she downloaded; she loves singing to instrumentals of her favorite songs on her I-Pod.
"Broadway show first." Rachel informed the group. Everyone shushed her while Puck yelled "shut up". Sunshine was finally ready to go.
Sunshine:
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start but can't complete
Listen to the sound from deep within
It's only beginning to find release
Oh the time has come for my dreams to be heard
They will not be pushed aside and turned
Into your own, all 'cause you won't listen
Listen
I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I've tried and tried
To say what's on my mind
You should have known oh
Now that I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what
You've made of me
I followed the voice, you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own
You should have listened
I don't know where I belong
But I'll be moving on
If you don't, if you won't
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start, but I will complete
OH now I am done believing you
You don't know not what I am feeling
I'm more than what you've made of me
I followed the voice you think you gave to me
But now I got to find my own
My Own.
The audition was perfect. Amazing vocals, amazing hand gestures, amazing performance overall. Even Harmony, who spied quietly by the door during the performance, thought that this girl was too good for words, of any language, to describe. Not mention how it ironically showed how Sunshine wants to do what she wants to do with her life. It was well received by everyone except Rachel and her boyfriend Finn.
"Wow." Mr. Schuester complimented with a chuckle. "Welcome to New Directions!" he continued as the New Directions applauded and cheered. "I'll give you the practice schedule la-"
"Wait!" Rachel interrupted. Santana had sighed heavily, knowing that Rachel would say something to annoy her. "As one of the original members of Glee Club, I feel that I must set an example and help the next generation of New Directions myself."
"Thanks!" said Sunshine.
"Wow Rachel, I'm impressed with you taking the initiative."
"All in the days work."
"Glee Club is dismissed!"
And on that note, Sunshine left the choir room as happy as could be. Little did she know that Rachel wasn't helping, in fact she was doing quite the opposite...
Well what do you think? I wanted to give Sunshine a background story that will later play a part in the plot. Most of the OCs will be (probably) introduced in the next chapter, or the chapter after that though I already introduced one secretly. Cast list will be posted later on today. Review please! :)
