Chapter 1
Lauren slams her locker shut loudly. "Whoa, careful, Zizes!" she hears Puck call before she can see him. It's just after 3:00 and the hallways of McKinley are already dark and deserted.
"God knows this school doesn't have the money to replace a locker than has been dominated." He approaches her, grinning, and instinctively leans in to kiss her cheek softly. She just nods, clearly not really listening to him. "What's wrong?" he asks.
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong. My wrestling coaches just pulled me into their office to tell me I'm competing at Districts."
Puck's face lights up immediately. "That's so awesome, baby!" he nearly shouts, as he pulls her close to him. "But why do you seem sad?"
Lauren gets out of the embrace to pick up her bag from the floor at their feet. She avoids eye contact by pretending to look for something in the large messenger bag and quickly explains, "The meet is Saturday." His big grin drops into a grimace. "So that means," she continues, "I have to choose between Districts and Nationals. Wrestling or Glee Club." She sighs and gestures to the choir room with her head. They slowly start walking to rehearsal.
The New Directions have been intensely preparing for Nationals since they won Regionals in March, and the competition is this Sunday. Show Choir Nationals takes place every year on Memorial Day weekend. Choirs from around the country will be making their way to New York to compete for the coveted title.
"Can't you do both?" Puck asks with hope in his voice.
Lauren shakes her head. "The meet won't be over 'til after noon on Saturday. You guys are leaving Friday after school," she says, "Mr. Schuester is making a big deal about getting there early enough to rehearse and 'take in the magic of the Great White Way' whatever the fuck that means. There's no way he'd be willing to wait until Saturday afternoon. No way."
Puck just nods empathetically. He is quieter than normal. About ten feet outside of the choir room, Lauren grabs his hand to stop him. "Don't tell them, okay? I just don't want it to turn into a big discussion where all of them think they can tell me what to do. Like with Rachel's nose. I'm going to figure it out. I'll make my choice and talk to Mr. Schue and that'll be it."
She exhales slowly again and shakes her head one more time. "Not that it's much of a choice. I committed to the wrestling team a long time ago. And this is show choir." She drenches those two words in exaggerated disdain, adding, "Plus, with Kurt back, you guys don't really need me."
"Lauren," he whispers, moving closer to her. "That's…"
"You guys coming in?" Mr. Schuester interrupts from the doorway.
Lauren doesn't move her eyes from Puck and answers, "Yeah. Sorry. We're coming." They stare at each other for just a moment longer and Lauren drops his hand, walking quickly into the choir room. He follows close behind.