Hello world! After months and months of reading fanfictions I decided why not try one myself. Warning, I am known to be very bad at English at school, or so my English teacher told me so sorry if any grammar or badly worded stories but I do have a genuine passion for glee, and I have loved the character of Sam since his introduction. I know that Marley is a new character, but she has shown so much potential and I love her sweet character and I know since I don't' really know her yet I may get her personality wrong sometimes, but this is going to be from knowledge of her in The New Rachel. So to finish up rambling, I hope you don't hate it haha. The first chapter is mainly following Sam's POV during "The New Rachel" so I hope things don't get repetitive. It will be mainly AU from then on.
Chapter One.
Set the day after 'Chasing Pavements'
Sam arrived at glee club early, because he was so pumped for it to be a new year of glee club, and after winning nationals last year he hoped they could do it again this year. Not for the popularity, which he has just found out is not for him, but for because he cared so much for the club and he truly felt he belonged there. He missed his family everyday so glee club was his rock whenever he needed them. He was surprised when he saw he wasn't the first there when he saw Marley was in the choir room already.
He met Marley earlier that week in the cafeteria, when she came over to the glee club's table to say hi, and he was slightly annoyed when Tina brushed her off. This wasn't the glee club he knew and loved, that excepted people for who they were and he didn't want her to get the wrong impression so he was going to ask her to sit with them but she'd already gone. He followed her subconsciously with his eyes. Suddenly Sam felt uncomfortable at the table, and he wasn't sure why. Sure, they were slightly mean to her but why should he feel so different so quickly, he knew nothing about the girl, for all he knew she could be a horrible bitch. No, Sam knew that wasn't her. She seemed sweet. She seemed different. Then some of the popular kids sat at the glee club table which impressed Sam. It looks like the New Directions had finally earned some recognition, and it felt pretty good. As he sat there he thought this meant the end of slushie facials and hopefully people would stop making fun of him because of his mouth or because he's poor, or because he was a Stripper. People felt they had the liberty to judge him because of things like his previous job, even if they knew nothing about him. On one hand he was ashamed, but on the other he was motivated when he brought home money for the first time so that Stevie and Stacy could have a toy to share. But still people had judged him, and he was more than ready for it to stop. He snapped out of his abrupt day-dream when he heard the kids at the lunch table making 'Yo Mama's so fat jokes', Sam listened in because he thought they were funny, but then he discovered they weren't general jokes, but they were aimed at one of the lunch ladies. Sam knew he should tell them its not cool, and to stop hurting her feelings, but then he thought of their popularity and the no-judging thing. He had a argument in his head for a while and the stay popular voice won. He heard Artie speak up and hoped that he instead was telling them to stop, but when he joined the taunting, Sam was worried he was going to be pressured into doing the same, so he got up and left quickly without saying anything. He passed Marley as he departed and smiled at her but she didn't see him as she was looking at the glee club's table and she seemed upset. He thought she was annoyed the glee club for not welcoming her earlier, but he walked on. He regretted walking on immediately. She was upset, and new at this school, who else would she have to talk to? Sam remembered when he was new to McKinley and the glee club became his friends, but this girl didn't have that. Why was he welcomed and she not? She didn't deserve it any less just because the glee club was popular now. I didnt make any sense. Later that day, he was walking home with Kurt and Blaine to the Hummel-Hudson house where he was currently staying. He asked Blaine
"Do you think we were mean to Marley earlier?"
"Who's Marley"
"The girl who said she was going to try out for glee club at lunch."
"Oh, no, I didn't say anything to her"
"Me neither, but that's my problem, we should've been more inviting"
"Well we don't have time to speak to everyone who wants to join glee club"
"Why not? We always have before"
"Yea, but we're popular now, we can't be nice to everyone"
"Yes we can" Sam said to himself, slightly annoyed at Blaine for acting so different within the first day.
The next day was glee club auditions. He was really excited about new talent joining them. There were a lot of people signed up so they were sure to find some great people. He was wrong. There were people who booty-popped the whole time, and some didn't even know what glee club was. There was a kid jumped on a pogo stick while doing the hula hoop but she didn't sing at all. She was Brittany's favourite. Marley was last up. Sam was glad she showed up because he was worried she might have been put off yesterday. He smiled at her as she walked on, she was wearing her cool hat that he loved, he gave her a thumbs up to show his support and she smiled back. She was singing a Barbra Streisand song which he had never heard of but she was phenomenal. She was one of the best singers he'd ever heard, and he was friends with Rachel Berry! She reaffirmed his love for the glee club, and made him comfortable again, since the new popular glee club made him feel a little unhappy. When she was finished he was dead set on standing up, but Blaine who was sitting beside him, held Sam's shoulder, stopping him from getting up. He knew at once Blaine was jealous. He didn't want to fight Blaine, but he made sure he clapped very hard and cheered for her. There was something about her. She was different.
He wasn't that surprised when she was the only new person to get in. He was so excited to get to know her. She was different. He could tell without actually having a conversation with her yet. That day at lunch he was sure to sit next to her so he could finally talk to her, but the popular kids were there once again and making fun of the lunch lady. He'd had enough and was about to finally stand up for her, like he should've done before when someone else beat him to it.
"That's really mean. You don't know her, you don't know what her life is like!"
Sam was shocked and proud at the same time. She was taking the words out of his mouth. He knew she was different. He was sure she would face a backlash, but he was ready to support her. Kitty replied immediately
"Excuse me, why do you care?"
"Because she's my mom"
Sam's heart sank. He felt awful. Not only had they rejected Marley initially, but they had also been horrible to her mother. He had failed to defend Mrs Rose, but it doesn't change things just because she's Marley's mom. He had failed to stick up for someone who is just as important as everyone else. He was so ashamed of himself, and the glee club who were currently blaming Brittany, Artie and Sugar who were the only ones who made offensive comments, and yet they all failed to defend her. Sam got up immediately in search of Marley. He looked all over the school with no success. An idea popped in his head. He sprinted to the cafeteria kitchens. He asked to speak to Mrs. Rose. He apologized for making fun of her even though he didn't, but for Sam, he may as well have. She was strangely forgiving and very sweet. He asked if she knew where Marley was and she told him she had gone home upset. He stayed and help her do some of the cooking while they talked. She told him about her and Marley's regular exclusion from all the previous communities they lived in. They both shared stories of their financial struggles, and they warmed to each other. As he left, Sam promised to visit again soon. Mrs. Rose was puzzled after he left. Never in her whole career had a student ever been so nice to her or talked to her for so long without making fun of her. She hoped Marley would become good friends with such a sweet boy. She needs someone like him. He was different.
Sam considered going to Marley's house to apologise, but he didn't know where she lived and he didn't want to freak her out by showing up at her house.
The following morning, Sam had seen Marley arrive at school and approached her, but got too nervous and he had to turn around and walk away. That never happened to him, he'd usually been pretty confident. But this was Marley. She was different.
He later saw her at her locker and he finally plucked up the courage to talk to her. He apologised but she wasn't sure as she was deeply upset about her mom. Then the glee club all arrived to apologise as well, and he was proud that the old glee club was back. She smiled again which made his day. Then 2 jocks slushied her and Unique. Anger shot through him and he felt like he should have stood in front and shielded her from harm. He and his fellow glee-club members were slushied regularly but he had never had this reaction before.
"Hey" Sam greeted her and anxiously sat beside her. "Hi, how are you?" She replied.
"So excited for glee club today, you're gonna love it!"
"I think so too" she smiled genuinely.
"I like your t-shirt" He noted, pointing at her top.
"Sarcasm?" She asked sadly looking down at her cheap top which had a large chess piece printed on the front.
"Noo! I love chess, even if its really dorky"
"It's not dorky, is a sport you know."
"Really? I don't remember seeing any olympic chessletes this summer."
They laughed as Mr Schuester started the class. They hadn't noticed everyone else arrive. Sam was slightly sad that his conversation with Marley had been cut short but he knew he was going to get to know her a lot better soon. He knew there was something special about her. She was different.
Over the next few weeks Sam and Marley quickly became very close friends. Most people thought they were spending too much time together, but they just felt so comfortable around each other and they got on so well. Marley wasn't Sam's only friend with since school started up again. Him and Mrs. Rose had formed the unlikely friendship. One Thursday Mrs Rose was all smiley and Sam wasn't sure why.
"Good day?" He asked.
"I may have heard something about someone which is exciting"
"Well you can't say that and not go into details!"
"I don't Know Sam, I said I wouldn't tell" She teased.
"Ha! So you've just pretty much admitted its about me then!"
"Ok, well you didn't hear this from me"
"Scout's Honour, even though I wasn't actually in scouts, but cub-scouts so it still counts"
"Well I spoke to Marley last night, and she was all nervous and I knew it was a boy. I asked her who it was but she said it was a secret. I wonder who that could be" She said in a suggestive manner.
"You really thinks she likes me?" Sam asked shyly.
"Sam, I know you and Marley have only known eachother for like a month, but she's never been this close to anyone. And I'm happy for you two. I know you'll care for her, you have a good heart." Sam smiled thankfully as he got a text.
Marley: Can we talk? I've got something I want to tell you about.
Sam: Surething, the park at 6?
Marley: I'll be there thanks.
He was so excited. He really liked Marley, her personality seemed like it was the female version of his, and she was breathtakingly beautiful. He'd never had a girlfriend who was his best friend too before. But then he thought about how special she was. She deserved to be treated well, and taken on extravagant dates but he couldn't afford that. She always says she doesn't mind being poor, and neither does he, but he didn't want to disappoint her. That's why he had to keep his relationship with Mercedes a secret year. He didn't want people thinking he was a terrible boyfriend who didn't treat her right, same with Marley. Now Sam was very worried. He can't give her everything she needs.
Sam arrived at the park 10 minutes early. He had brought a chess set, which he thought now was pretty stupid, but it was just something to do while they talked because he was so anxious. He saw her walk up wearing her hair in a side-pony and her signature hat. She looked gorgeous. He wanted her to be with him more than anything, but he still didn't know what he was going to say, so he decided he was just going to be honest about what he was feeling. So I know it wasn't great but I hope it will get better as time goes along. A lot of things seem rushed in this chapter but it was only so I could introduce things. Please review! Whether it be because you liked it or you didn't I would love your feedback.
"Bad news" she announced without sitting down.
"What?" He replied very scared.
"I don't know how to play" She laughed.
"Oh, we can't have that can we?" He smirked as he began to teach her. The moments when he would guide her hand with his own made him all tingly. Her eyes were like a TV that he was addicted to watching.
As they started an actual game she spoke up, breaking their comfortable silence. "So, I wanted to tell you something, but its a little sensitive."
He knew there is no way he could turn down someone so perfect. This was the beginning of a relationship with a lot of potential in his eyes.
"You can tell me anything" he reassured as she took his Bishop. She relaxed automatically even though he didn't notice she was uncomfortable before. There was a long pause until she blurted out "I think I'm falling for Jake". His stomach clenched. His eyes became unfocused. He panicked inside his head as though he lost something he never had. Why had he been so stupid and cocky. Why would someone like her give him a second thought. Of course she liked Jake, few girls in the school didn't. He realised he hadn't said anything in a while so he spoke up, his voice dry "Really? Cool! You would be great together." He lied. "You think so? He doesn't seem to notice me." She said timidly. As devastated as Sam was, Marley was his friend and she needed his support, so he put on his game face and rebuked her "Are you kidding! Of course he does! I've heard him talk about you in the locker room too." He didn't want to give her false hope, but theres no way someone couldn't like her. If being with Jake would make her happy, then Sam was willing to do anything to make that happen for her.