Jar of Hearts - Chapter 1
"Being a part of something special makes you special." That's something I have always believed for as long as I can remember. I used to be a part of something special…but I threw it away. I was stupid and selfish – as I usually am. Only this time, it cost me so much more than I could have ever imagined. It cost me the love of my life. Two weeks ago, Finn and I were unshakably the strongest, most dedicated couple at McKinley High, and now he won't even speak to me. No amount of apologizing can fix what I've done. And now that winter break is over, I will have to face that truth every single day.
The worst part of this is that aside from Finn, I really didn't have any real friends at McKinley. Now I am even more alone than ever. As I walked into the choir room for Glee Club and sat down in my usual seat in the front row, no one even looked at me. Usually I would at least get a glare from Santana or an eye-roll from Mercedes. This time, nothing. I thought about blurting out some overly confident and self-centered line about how we should start off the new year with a great show stopping tune featuring me. However, I just couldn't do it. It was my overconfidence and self-centeredness that got me into this mess. More of the same certainly wasn't going to fix it or even make it any better.
As time grew closer for rehearsal to begin, I noticed Finn still hadn't shown up. He didn't quit did he? This is all my fault. Without Finn, New Directions has no male leader – well other than Mr. Shu…but he doesn't count! They need Finn! WE need Finn… I need Finn. Just as the bell rang and I had completely lost hope, Finn came running in, all out of breath. "Sorry, I'm late Mr. Shu, I had to talk to coach Beiste and just lost track of time…"
For an instant I forgot that he and I were no longer a part of something special, and my face lit up when he came running in, but as he walked right past the empty seat next to me and moved further to the back, it hit me all over again. I did this to myself.
"Alright," Mr. Shuster said, clapping his hands together to get our attention, "I hope everyone had a great holiday and is ready to get to work! Regionals are right around the corner and then it's on to Nationals!" The club cheered as he finished this and many of them were giving each other high fives and fist bumps and such. I just smirked a little, keeping my hands folded in my lap quietly.
"As you all know, Vocal Adrenaline won their sectional competition once again this year and since we have already seen what they can do and we know their weakness, it's time we take full advantage of that knowledge." He paused here for dramatic effect – like he so often does when he obviously thinks he has a brilliant idea. "Over the next couple of weeks your assignment will be to find songs than bring out strong emotions in you. I want to hear you sing about the happiest moment in your life, the most terrifying thing you can imagine, I want to hear you sing with every emotion in your heart, mind, body, and soul."
"Whoa, whoa. I'm a man's man. I ain't gonna get all touchy feely like some chick. And I sure as HELL ain't gonna sing about it. " Puck retorted.
"Yeah, I'm not sure about this idea either." Sam quipped, "I mean, I'm still trying to earn respect with the football team, andif word got out about something like this I might as well quit the team now."
Just as the group began to argue about the values/consequences of the assignment, Mr. Shuster stepped in to put an end to the dispute. "Guys, I never said I wanted you to sing the world's saddest, sappiest song. I want to hear the songs that speak to YOU. I want to hear YOUR emotions coming out, whatever those emotions may be." He paused again, though this time he seemed to be thinking. Here, let me show you what I mean." He leaded over to the piano man and then the music began…
"This is the moment
This is the day
When I send all my doubts and demons on their way
Every endeavor I have made ever
Is coming into play
Its here and now today
This is the moment
This is the time
When the momentum and the moment are in line
Give me this moment
This precious chance
I'll gather up my past
And make some sense at last
This is the moment
When all I've done
All of the dreaming schemeing and screaming become one
This is the day
See it sparkle and shine
When all I've lived for
Becomes mine
For all these years
I've faced the world alone
And now the time has come
To prove to them I've made it
On my own
This is the moment
My final test
Destiny's beckoned
I never reckoned second best
I won't look down
I must not fall
This is the moment
The sweetest moment of them all
This is the moment
Damn all the odds
This day or never
I'll sit forever with the gods
When I look back
I will always recall
Moment for moment
This was the moment
The greatest moment
Of them all!
The choir room burst into applause as Mr. Shu finished his amazing solo. I even got goose bumps listening to him sing. Needless to say he really got his point across. Everyone was totally pumped for this assignment. Well, maybe not everyone…
Hello! Thank you for reading Chapter one of Jar of Hearts! This is my first fic, so please be kind and review my story. Any suggestions or constructive criticism is welcomed. Thanks again and I hope to see you back for chapter two!