Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Glee. They are owned by the respected creators. The character of Alex Westner is owned by me (Derek Jordan Sytsma/Kered Amstys), and any use must be with explicit, written consent of the owner, This is strictly a work of fiction, using vague story lines from the television show adaptation of Glee. The lyrics of Changes are owned by David Bowie
Author's Note: This story is written in the first person perspective of Alex. It takes place after Comeback, but essentially deletes "Blame it On The Alcohol" from existence. Any sung parts will be italics.
Chapter 1: Changes
I eyeballed ticking wall clock of my English III class, impatiently waiting for the bell to ring. I was a new transfer to William McKinley High School, having left Westvale High School just twenty-four hours prior. I had my reasons for leaving, but those weren't important at the moment. In all honesty, nothing seemed more important to me than what I had planned. I was nearly bouncing in my seat, launching forth like a spring loaded toy when the bell finally sounded and echoed through the room and halls. I had one place and one place on in mind to move to, and nothing would deter me from my destination. As countless McKinley students shuffled toward the front doors, I move further into the school, toward the hard, wooden double doors of the choir room. I took a deep breath and pushed them open; walking into the New Directions Glee Club meeting that was getting ready to start. All eyes were on me as I put one foot in front of the other and entered the brightly lit room. I recognized their faces…I had seen them at competitions. Thirteen pairs of eyes just seemed to burrow into my skin…but I was not going to be intimidated. I refused to be scared away. I adjusted the red, canvas jacket that I was wearing, ran my fingers through my deep, brunette locks, and smiled.
"Will Schuester?" I said, looking toward the director of the club. "My name is Alex Westner. I'm new at McKinley, having just transferred from Westvale yesterday. I know it's a little last minute, considering Regionals are right around the corner…but I'd like to be the newest member of New Directions, that is, if you'll have me." I said, smiling so that my emerald eyes were almost squinted. As I felt a hand grab my shoulder, I dropped my smile to see Mr. Schuester in front of me. "Well, like everyone else Alex, you can join…if you pass the audition." He said, looking to his club for their opinion. Most nod their heads, but one stands to object. I knew her face…it was one that I couldn't shake ever since I saw it at Regionals last year. She was none other than the songstress of the group, Rachel Berry.
"Mr. Schue, if he is going to audition with Regionals right around the corner, and the theme is Anthems, then I believe he should have to audition with one. Does everyone agree?" She said, scanning the group for any sign of disagreement. I smiled at this revelation. "I was hoping someone would say that…" I said with a hint of confidence. "Do you happen to know Changes by David Bowie?" I asked the pianist. With a quick nod, he bag to play and I cleared my throat.
Oh yeah. Mmmm. Still don't know what I was…waitin' for. And my time was running wild. A million dead end streets and, every time I thought I got it made, it seems the taste, was not so sweet! I belted out as looked clear across the room into the eyes of Rachel Berry, the instigator of this "anthem" performance. I too, however, felt the need to scan the room. Mike Chang and Tina Cohen-Chang were smiling and swaying in time with my singing. Finn Hudson was nodding his head in an agreeing manner. Artie Abrams was doing the same, while Noah Puckerman gave no sign of good or bad. I continued singing the first verse until I hit the chorus, which was where I decided no one else in the room mattered…I needed to know that, above all else, I knew I was doing well.
I'm much to fast to take that test…Ch-ch-ch-changes, as I hit that note, I heard Mr. Schue chime in as the back-up singer (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes!) Don't wanna be a richer man. Ch-ch-ch-changes. (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes!) There's gonna have to be a different plan. Time may change meeeeeeee, but I can't trace time.
I continued, feeling a tear stream down my cheek as I hit the end of the second verse. And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultation. They're quite aware what they're going through. Ch-ch-ch-changes. (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes!) Don't tell them to grow up and out of it! Ch-ch-ch-changes. (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes!) Where's your shame, you've left us up to our necks in it! Time may change meeeeee, but you can't trace time.
Strange fascination fascinating me. Changes are taking, the pace I'm going through! Ch-ch-ch-changes. (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes) Oh, look out, you rock and rollers! I said, ushering toward the entire group Ch-ch-ch-changes. (turn to face the strain Ch-ch-changes!) Pretty soon now you're gonna get older. Time may change me, but I can't trace time. I said that time may change meeeeeee, but I can't trace…time… I said, closing out the song as tears were streaming down my cheeks. I didn't realize how much of an "anthem" for my life the song had truly become until I sang it. As I wiped my tears, I listened to the room. I felt my stomach knot up as there was nothing up silence…which was broken moments later by applause from Finn, followed up the group as whole, Puckerman whistling along with his claps. Mr. Schue grasped my shoulder again and smile. "If that wasn't an all out audition, I don't know what would be. Alex, I don't know why you left Westvale, or Aural Intensity for that matter, but I don't honestly care either. Welcome to New Directions." He said.
With those words, I was left in silence. I was struck with awe, perhaps, that for once my life was going through changes and for the better. As Mr. Schue said his "welcome to the team" basics, the entire group got up and began patting me on the back, Quinn and Brittany hugging me, Finn shaking my hand, and the others smiling and saying their welcomes. I never had this at Westvale. It was time for changes, and I was going to make them happen.
Hope everyone enjoyed Chapter 1. I plan on having much more to come, and I promise that Alex's reasons for leaving Westvale will be revealed soon enough. Please review, they're always appreciated!