Mike
Mike Chang.
People never really knew before. Well, they knew my face because I was the ninja in the football field but behind closed doors, who was I to them really? They didn't bother getting to know me, heck they only knew who I was when I was wearing my football uniform or my letterman jacket but that was it, I was just another student who they will never know.
Because of it, I lacked confidence in myself. I was afraid to dance outside my room and I hid behind my father's shadow and followed every single instruction he gave me. I was Michael Robert Chang to him and I had to be the obedient child. It was frustrating but I never rebelled because I was so afraid that he'd disown me and so I had to hide my passion from him, from my Mom, from the world.
And then Finn entered Glee club and Puck found out. Puck was so pissed at him but I found it ironic that a few weeks later, he entered the club himself and we found out that he was actually a pretty good singer, actually much better than Finn if I may add. And it Finn and Puck's courage to join the club that got me and my buddy, Matt, thinking and so a few days later, we signed up ourselves.
Even in the club, they never knew my name. I was mostly called as Other Asian because Tina was there and she was Asian and so that made me other Asian. But I didn't mind, because those students I was with, those kids, they were so impress by my skills in dancing that my confidence started building up and I was so happy that I could finally dance outside my room.
And after summer, during Asian Camp, Tina and I got together and I was so happy. She was a great girlfriend and my father approved of her because she was also Asian. But it wasn't her ethnicity that made me love her, it was her will and drive to achieve her dream that made me love her. Yes, she didn't always ask for solos like Rachel did but she was so optimistic and so supportive. She was awesome.
"Hey Mike!"
I turned around and smiled when I saw Sam. He walked over to me and clamped my back, "Hey dude."
"So you already prepared a song for Glee?" Sam asked.
Mr. Schue gave the seniors an assignment earlier and I was thrilled. Though I rarely sing and didn't know how to before, I didn't want to pass up this opportunity. I had so much to say to my fellow Glee clubbers, like Rachel had said earlier, we were more than a team, we were a family and I didn't want to leave McKinley high without telling any of them how I felt.
"I actually have," I said with a smile as both of us made our way to the choir room.
I sat beside Tina who was talking to Quinn. I kissed her cheek and she smiled at me. I took her hand while she continued talking to Quinn. I was a little bit nervous and I think she could sense it because I heard her excuse herself from Quinn and she turned to look at me. She raised a brow and looked at me in the eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Just a little nervous."
"You already have a song prepared?" she asked with a bright smile.
I nodded, "Yes."
She kissed my cheek, "You're gonna be great."
I smiled, "Thanks."
Mr. Schue entered the room a smile on his face. He sat beside Blaine in the first row and waited for one of us to step forward. I took a deep breath and stood before everybody. Mr. Schue smiled and nodded at me for acknowledgement and Tina winked at me for support. I took a deep breath and looked at everybody, looked at the people I saw as my family.
"When I became a football player, nobody really knew me. Despite the fact that I was a jock, there bunch of others out there and the rest who did know me called me ninja because they said I was a ninja in the field," I said with a smile and watched as Sam, Finn and Puck laughed.
"When I joined the Glee club, nobody knew me too. Nobody acknowledged me much. Nobody knew my name and you all called me Other Asian at first," I said smiling at the memory, "But I didn't mind. I never minded it and never will. Maybe because that once I entered this club, there was a different aura in it. It felt like, I belonged here. And I could dance freely without worrying for someone who'll judge."
I looked down at the floor, I didn't want them to see me crying, "The people sitting before me, you guys, you are amazing. You guys are so unique. And though I admit the drama and tension in this room, can sometimes be suffocating, I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"Each one of you left a mark in my heart. And I'm so glad I met people like you guys," I said smiling and finally looking up, letting them see that I was crying, "And this choir room, this very room, will always be always be special to me. Just like you guys. Just like Glee club."
I wiped my tears and laughed, "I'm sorry for crying I just gotta let it out. So, hit it guys."
Remember the times
I've heard those words before but now they're mine
Every memory of that sweet sunshine
Is living here in my heart and mine
The song was upbeat and they were all clapping. I danced around of course but I didn't pull anyone to dance with me yet. I looked at all of them, how was it that in the course of three years, these people in front of me were now my best friends, how in all the drama and tension that we've been through, we still managed to win it all.
Oooh
Every laugh
We share together yea we still give back
Can you believe all the fun we've had
Just getting ready for the other half
I pulled Blaine and Kurt first because they were nearest to me. They danced around me and with me. Blaine was a really great guy, even when I get annoyed by him since he gets a lot of solos ever since he arrived. And then Kurt. Kurt was beyond amazing. He was nice, outstanding and he had such a promising talent. And the main thing I love about him, he wasn't afraid to be different, he wasn't afraid that he was gay.
You know a friend becomes a part of you
Like this dream that's finally, coming true
Coming true
I pulled Puck and Sam next. I pulled them because out of all the Glee guys, I was closest to the both of them. I've been friends with Puck from the beginning and though he screwed up a lot and didn't have a care in the world, he had a pretty kind heart. And then there was Sam. I only knew him last year but man, he was a person to look up to. He had gone through so much yet he didn't change, he still maintained his childish and humorous nature which was great.
It's all good, alright
See you later doesn't mean goodbye
It ain't over there's time to fly
And we're just getting started
Oooh
Brittany and Santana joined me. I hugged both of them. I've been hanging out with them since Freshmen year since we were part of the popular crowd. But when we entered Glee, I became more closer to them. Santana has been through so much this year since she came out, which wasn't much of a shock for me since I've seen the way she treated Brittany. I'm just glad that she finally decided to come out. But between the two of them, I was more closer to Brittany. Maybe it's because in all the Glee club numbers, she was always my dance partner. I just hope next year, when I'm gone, she gets a partner that's just as good as her.
Let's celebrate
Life is coming yea and I can't wait
It's a ride that we all get to take
We're gonna help each other find our way
Oooh
Joe wheeled Artie and they plus Rory and Sugar joined us on the floor. They danced with us too. I smiled at Artie, I knew I practically stole Tina from him but I was just glad he still remained my friend. I've only known Joe for a couple of weeks but based on how he cared for Quinn, well, I'm sure he's a nice guy. I hope Rory wouldn't get deported next year so he could still remain in New Directions because I know his voice would be a great addition. And I hope Sugar's voice would sound better next year, just like mine did.
Every friend is now a part of me
Together we're just like a, family
Breaking free
Finn and Rachel joined us. They were the power couple of the group. I know that they cost us Nationals last year but I know that if they didn't get together sooner, it would be hell for the club considering how much drama Rachel could give us. I'm really happy for them, I know that getting married at our age is a bit wrong but they're in love, marriage for them was bound to happen so they chose to do it sooner, who cares? As long as they're happy I'm good.
It's all good, alright
See you later doesn't mean goodbye
It ain't over there's time to fly
And we're just getting started
We're just getting started
Quinn and Mercedes joined us and Quinn gave me a hug. I've always been friends with her. She may have been a bitch most of the time but she had a really kind heart. No one except Tina knew that mine and Quinn's friendship was actually pretty deep. When she got pregnant, sometimes I'd see her by the bleachers crying and I'd comfort her and we'd talk about other things to get her mind off things. I was actually, well, me and Tina were the only ones who knew that she was so hurt when Puck ignored her after she gave up Beth and that she was in love with Sam when they were together. And then there was Mercedes. We weren't really close but I praise her for her voice. It was just pretty damn amazing and it had soul.
It's all good, alright
The world is changing that ain't no surprise
But that can't stop us just let it fly
Cause we're just getting started
I pulled Tina from her seat and kissed her forehead. I've never had a girlfriend like her before and I really want to marry her someday. She had always been so optimistic and supportive and amazing. I didn't know what would happen to me if Asian Camp didn't happen, if Tina wasn't mine. I know that Glee club was a huge part of my breaking out but Tina was a big part too. She always believed in me and I was so happy that she made my father see what she saw in me too.
Who knows what we'll find in the great unknown
The stepping stone
Wherever we're going
I know, we're gonna get there from here
Hey-yeaaah
Finally I went over to Mr. Schue and gave him a big hug. He's been more than just a teacher, more than just the Glee club coach. He was a father, a mentor. And he didn't just teach us how to sing better and dance more, he taught us how to dream and how to achieve, how to believe in yourself, how to hope. I owe him so much and I know I could never return it all back to him, I could never not owe him.
It's all good, alright
See you later doesn't mean goodbye
It ain't over there's time to fly
And we're just getting started
Just getting started
It's all good, alright
The world is changing that ain't no surprise
But that can't stop us just let it fly
Cause we're just getting started
I was out of breath when I finished the song. They were all laughing and crowding over me. Tina hugged me tight and I kissed the top of her head, "I love you guys. I love Glee!"
And Mike's chapter is done. I hope you like it. The song's Just Getting Started and I forgot the singer. :D But it's in the high school musical 3 soundtrack and it's on YouTube so just check it out guys.
Xo,
Dani