CHAPTER 1

It was the year 1994. The McKinley High Football Team had achieved another championship title, with Lawrence Cooper as the quarterback, James Puckerman as a wide receiver, and Ken Tanaka as the one of the guards. The three were notorious for their numerous pranks on the teachers and fellow students, bullying streaks, and unusually exceptional high grades, as well as keeping the rest of the team and fellow students in line in their presence.

"Nice work yesterday with the chalked chair, dude", Lawrence said to James, giving him a high-five.

"It was worth it, man. Old man Saxon is such a drag", James answered, pantsing a freshman, "Ha! I'll never get tired of that."

"You're still experimenting with your special sauce?" Ken asked, taking a small bite out of his sandwich.

"Heck, yeah, man. I'm telling you guys, it'll be the best stuff you will ever taste."

"Well, certainly not the best. I mean, come on, how many chicks have we scored in this school this year alone?" Lawrence laughed.

"For me, at least nineteen", said Ken.

"Ha, you lie", James laughed, pulling Ken in and rubbing his knuckles on his head.

"Well, I don't like to brag, but I've got a little over thirty under my belt, if you know what I mean", said Lawrence.

"Wasn't one of them a teacher?" said James.

"Eh, more like the principal's secretary", said Lawrence, giving a quick wink to her as they passed by. Her only response was a dry smirk.

"Speaking of which, who are you taking to the Prom this year, Lawrence?" asked Ken.

"Ah, only the hottest girl in the school from my standpoint, and the only girl so far to resist my debonair charm and still become my lovely lady", Lawrence sighed, looking around the hallway to try and find her.

"Come on, if she weren't involved in the arts, she would truly stand a chance with you", said James.

"Eh, she wouldn't be involved in the arts if I have anything to say about it. But I put up with it because, well, she puts up with me. I'd call that an advantage. And there she is", Lawrence countered, pointing out a tall, beautiful brunette.

"All right, well, catch you later", said James, pulling Ken with him, and Lawrence approached the girl from behind.

"Larry, your deodorant really does not do you justice", she said as he came within an inch of her hair.

"Ah, come on, baby, I'm trying here", said Lawrence, turning her around for a kiss, "Come on, give me some sugar."

"How about a teaspoon?" she answered, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Yeah, well, how do you feel about going to Prom with me?"

"Are you speaking as my devilishly handsome boyfriend or the ever-cocky quarterback?"

"Why can't it be both? What do you say?"

"You know, I'd like to, but the Glee Club is gearing up for the Showcase Competition, and they need me."

"Right, the Glee Club. You know, they have fifteen members, more than enough to make it without you. You can take a vacation day, can't you?"

"Larry, I'm devoting an entire half of my life to the arts. Devotion does not always equal vacation."

"Baby, come on. This will be one of two chances to go to prom, with me. I'm a favorite for Prom King, and I'd be honored if you were to be my queen."

"You're seriously asking me to do that a week before Prom?"

"I'm good at rigging the game."

"Look, I'll tell you what. We'll both compromise. I'll go to Prom with you, but I won't run for Queen. Instead, I'll let you take my virginity."

"Wait… you're serious?" Lawrence asked, looking at nearby students in case they overheard.

"Well, unlike Prom, popping one's cherry is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things", she crooned, stroking his cheek, "And besides, you are the quarterback of the football team. If I were a cheerleader, having sex with a popular guy would be a lot shallower and less meaningful."

"Babe, you've got yourself a deal", said Lawrence, and she kissed him and left.

FLASH

It was Prom night. The couple entered the gymnasium to a lively party complete with streamers, balloons, flashing neon lights, music of varying genres, and a mass of students having a good time. After about two hours, she was called up to perform Bow Wow Wow's cover of "I Want Candy", and later danced with Lawrence as the rest of the Glee Club performed other songs.

FLASH

"Ladies and gentlemen, this year's Senior Prom King, by a whopping ninety-four percent of the votes, is none other than Lawrence Cooper!" the principal announced.

FLASH

As the night continued, Lawrence and James proceeded to attempt to spike the punch bowl, while Ken was a lookout. When he was momentarily distracted by a girl looking at him, he forgot his duties, and a teacher noticed Lawrence and James and began lecturing them. Lawrence quickly placed the blame on James, who was thrown out.

FLASH

Behind the bleachers of the football field, Lawrence and Shelby were preparing for their moment with passionate kissing. Lawrence knew how to exhibit romance, having had a lot of practice.

"Did you bring condoms?"

"Babe, don't worry. I have protection", said Lawrence, and they proceeded to have a great night.

FLASH

Their actions that night had gotten her pregnant, but they broke up, with her claiming that it was for the good of her arts career, graduated and went their separate ways. Lawrence had never been able to meet his child, and continued to resent his ex-girlfriend's participation in the arts.

FLASH

Lawrence woke up, determined more than ever to take down the Glee Club to spite her.