CHAPTER 1
Christmas-time had finally come around on McKinley High, much to the joy of the students. As the New Directions helped the staff decorate the halls with Christmas-themed appliances, they performed "Deck The Halls" to show their love of the holiday season. Now that they had another Regionals victory under their belts, the New Directions were in an even more joyous mood.
The only issue the New Directions had with the timing was Alexander's leaving them. He had not told anybody why he left the club, and he was constantly distancing himself from them. Despite this setback, the New Directions were in the holiday spirit, determined to not let anything hold them back. In the choir room later in the day, Will addressed the New Directions happily, noticing that they had already set up a Christmas tree surrounded by presents to give to homeless children.
"All right, everyone, we have a killer plan for the holidays this year. We have been cordially invited to go caroling to raise money for the less-than-fortunate and for our trip to Hollywood for Nationals."
"As much fun as that sounds, Mr. Schue, caroling just isn't really our style", said Blaine.
"Yeah, the last time we tried it, people threw stuff at us", said Brittany, flashing back to when they had done room-to-room caroling, resulting in the students throwing items at them, complete with the teacher throwing her shoe.
"Well, that's not going to happen this year, because instead of doing room-to-room caroling, we're doing house-to-house. We're really going to put people in the Christmas spirit with what we do best."
"Do we get to pick the songs?" asked Becky.
"Yes, you do, and you get to put them in your own order to perform to each household."
"We'll certainly do this well now that we have five special needs people in our midst", Amanda snorted.
"What are you talking about?" asked Hannah.
"Oh, come on, Brittany's IQ is pretty much equivalent to that of a tsetse fly. Artie's still a cripple, no matter what changes Alex may have made. Becky's got all the sympathy votes for what she's going on, Abigail's stature is just enough so that she qualifies as an Oompa-Loompa stunt double, and Ray's blind as a bat even at night. This will be a piece of cake."
"Someone's got their own version of the Christmas spirit going", said Tina.
"Yeah, you're one to talk, Captain Ethanol", said Amanda.
"Hey, don't talk to her like that", said Sam.
"Has anyone ever told you that you could pass for one of those singing basses that you hang up on your wall?" said Amanda.
"Okay, guys, that's enough. Let's get back on track", said Will.
"I agree. Amanda, your words may be poison barbs in my skin, but I'm still going strong. My Christmas spirits are high for several reasons. One: I have great friends and a wonderful family to spend it with. Two: it's my favorite day of any year. Three: I am one step closer to one last Nationals win before I graduate. And Four: I have already gotten an acceptance letter to Columbia University School of the Arts. So no matter what insults you've cooked up for me or anyone this year, I'm leaving with my head held high", said Artie, and he led the New Directions through Cliff Richard's "Mistletoe And Wine", eventually luring Amanda in to join them. Will watched them with pride, knowing they still understood what Christmas meant.
INTERLUDE
After rehearsals ended, Emily caught up with Amanda.
"Why do you have to be so mean to everyone?"
"I'm not being mean, I'm being honest. Think of it this way: if I don't vent, it builds up, like a water balloon. But instead of water, it's urine. And you don't want me to burst that balloon later, would you?"
"I guess not, but can't you find anything nice to say to people?"
"Not really, no. See, Christmas is the time of the year where people ignore the Jewish and Christian meanings and instead focus on benign stuff like caroling and getting what you've always wanted but will never use anyway. You, for instance, could have always wanted beauty and grace, but instead all you got was some beatnik-style loser-ville life mixed with some sad need to be useful."
"So you're saying that this is the time of year where you think that you can be mean to people just because you can?"
"No, it's not. Geez, can't you get anything through that thick nerd skull of yours? I thought you were intelligent these past few months."
"So what is this about for you, then?"
"This is the time of year where I can fully put my skills and passions to the test", said Amanda, and she turned on her heel and walked away. Emily shook her head and turned to leave, bumping into Alexander on the way.
"Oh, sorry, Alexander, I didn't see you."
"Do I know you?" asked Alexander, and Emily stared at him in confusion.
"Alexander, it's me, Emily."
"I'm afraid I don't know you, and my name's not Alexander. It's Aaron. It's nice to meet you."
"Um, I don't know what kind of game you're playing here, but it's not very fun."
"What are you talking about?"
"How come you weren't in Glee today? We've been given a new assignment."
"Emily, my dear, I know nothing of what you're saying. I've got to run along now", said Alexander, and he started down the hall, but Emily stopped him.
"Alexander, are you going crazy or something?" she asked, and Alexander turned to look at her with a sudden look of familiarity.
"Emily, what are you talking about? I'm not going crazy."
"Are… are you okay?"
"Never better. So are we still good for seeing Warm Bodies tonight?" asked Alexander, and Emily stared nonplussed at him.
"Okay, you're really freaking me out right now. A second ago, you were acting like you didn't know who I was."
"I was? I don't remember that."
"But you just were! I don't think you're okay."
"Emily, I assure you, I'm fine."
"Okay, I'm just trying to make sure, that's all."
"I can help with that", said Alexander, and he leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss, which she returned. As soon as the kiss ended, Emily was sure that he was back.
"I think I'm ready to see that movie now."
"Good", said Alexander, and he took her arm in his and walked with her down the hall.
INTERLUDE
Brittany was seated in Emma's office, unsure of why she was called in. Emma eventually entered carrying several pamphlets and college brochures.
"Hi, Brittany, thank you for coming by."
"I hope this doesn't take too long. Lord Tubbington is in dire need of a manicure."
"Okay, well, I actually wanted to see how you were doing. I know that it's been a rough couple of months for you, so I wanted to help you get back on your feet."
"You don't have to do that. I can still move my legs."
"No, that's not what I meant. Um, how are you doing after what happened with Zane?" asked Emma, and she saw Brittany shudder at the mention of his name.
"I'm kind of afraid to be touched now. After what happened, I'm finding it hard to trust people."
"Well, I'm not certified to give advice on rape crises, so I've already sent the appropriate information to a licensed rape crises counselor. She's a good friend of mine, and she has agreed to see you free of charge."
"When can I see her?"
"She's ready to see you anytime. You just need to set up an appointment with her", said Emma, and she gave Brittany a card detailing the counselor's contact information.
"Briana Ferguson?" asked Brittany.
"She has helped many women, young and old, to get through their fears and insecurities following their ordeals."
"But what if it doesn't work with me?"
"It will, and you know why? Because you are a strong, smart, and beautiful young woman who won't let anything stand in her way", said Emma, and Brittany worked up a smile and tucked the card into her coat pocket.
"So, what's all this for?" asked Brittany, pointing at the brochures.
"These are college brochures that I think will be perfect for you. I know that you want to make a difference in the world, and if you want to go to college, these might be the perfect fit for you."
"But there're only five of them."
"True, but that's good news. Now you don't have to worry about such a big selection."
"Did you pick these out for me?"
"Well, no, Santana did. After you helped her recognize that college in Kentucky, she wanted to return the favor. She just thought it would be better coming from me."
Brittany smiled and took the brochures, putting them into her bag.
"I'll take a look at them when I get home. My mom can help me. And I'll think about seeing that counselor."
"Good for you, Brittany", said Emma, and Brittany picked up her bag and left, smiling to herself and knowing that she still had a shot. She eventually broke into Elvis Presley's "If Every Day Was Like Christmas".
INTERLUDE
Alexander entered the cafeteria later in the day to see it full of students and Christmas paraphernalia. He eventually caught sight of Ray and moved toward him.
"Hey, Ray, how are you?"
"Not too bad. How about yourself?"
"Not much to report. Are you by yourself?"
"I don't know. Is there anyone sitting next to me?"
"No, there isn't."
"Then go ahead and take a seat", said Ray, and Alexander rolled his eyes and sat down.
"How are things in the Glee club?"
"Oh, so you still care, huh? How come you left?"
"I have my reasons."
"Well, we all miss you in there. It doesn't feel the same without you."
"You've been in the club for less than a month, and you're already telling me this?"
"Hey, when you're blind, it's a whole other life. Seriously, though, we need you back. You're one of our most talented performers."
"Maybe so, but it's time someone else took the responsibility."
"Hey, come on, do it as a Christmas present to me, man."
"I always assumed you wanted your sight back for Christmas."
"That's what I asked Santa for when I was ten, but you can't always win", said Ray, and Alexander shook his head and went up to get lunch.
"So are you coming back or not?" Ray continued, but Alexander didn't answer, "Alex?"
"I'm over here now, Ray", said Alexander.
"Oh, geez!" Ray groaned, and he picked up his cane to join Alexander in the lunch line, but Alexander had already gone back to the table with his food, "Please warn me next time before you leave in the middle of a conversation."
"I'm back at the table, Ray."
"Oh, geez!"