Coming Home

by IloveheartlandX

It's been 25 years since the original glee club graduated and Finn Hudson has taken over the McKinley High Glee Club. He's determined to make the Glee club great again and he has just the group of kids to do it-the glee clubbers have come home and brought their kids with them. With these kids, the drama is likely to be just as great as when their parents were in high school. SYOC!

3. Auditions Part 2

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. All rights go to RIB and Fox.

A/N: So this is the second part of auditions and anyone whose character wasn't in the last chapter will be in this chapter. I'm hoping to update Our Vow of Love soon, the next chapter is almost written so once I've posted this, I'll started working on that. The first chapter auditions were on a Wednesday, this will be a Thursday and the big group number will be on Friday.

Chapter 3: Auditions Part 2

Nova's POV

My dad's been trying to convince me to re-join Glee for ages now but I don't want to do it. I miss singing and dancing, of course I do but I can't do it anymore. Not after what happened to me, during winter break last year.

Flashback

"Oi Frankenberry, get over here!" Coach Kitty yells. It's my winter break and I'm helping her with this new stunt that she wants the cheerios to do for our next competition. It's freaking dangerous, what she's trying to do but she won't let up about it so I figured since I know more about this stuff than most people, I should probably be the one to help her.

"You've known me for years Coach, you know my name is Nova" I say.

"I don't like names, I prefer nicknames. The nastier, the better-it takes me back to my old high school days" she says.

"You're going to electrocute yourself if you don't do that properly. Let me sort it" I say.

"I hate to tell you this but health and safety laws and all that jazz mean that I can't legally let you near a highly dangerous device like this one" she says.

"Please, I help out with pyrotechnic stuff at Auntie San's all the time. I'm probably better at this than you. Besides, since when did you care about health and safety laws? Our last cheerios routine definitely wasn't healthy or safe" I say.

"Okay, give it a go. But if anything happens to you, then I definitely did not tell you to do it, go it?" she says.

"Got it" I say smiling. I attach the cables in the right place and then I turn to Coach Kitty.

"We'd better stand back" I say. Once we've got a far enough distance away from the machine, I flick a switch on the remote control and a burst of sparks is sprayed out of the machine. I release the breath I hadn't even realised I'd been holding when it actually works. Until a few minutes later, the machine starts to sputter.

"SHIT!" I yell.

"That's not supposed to happen is it?" Coach Kitty asks, actually looking a little scared herself now.

"Hell no!" I say. I try turning it off with the remote, but the remote is malfunctioning.

"Do you have wire cutters?" I ask.

"In the box of tools" she says. I grab the wire cutters but as soon as I touch the machine, I feel a burning singing pain down my hand. A bright burning light explodes out from the machine.

"NOVA GET AWAY FROM THERE!" Coach Kitty calls. I'm too shocked to recognize that she's called me by my first name. I'm thrown backwards by the explosion from the machine and I fall back against the wall. My knee is in burning agony, a chunk of the machine stuck there. I scream, the pain is so overwhelming. I can feel the blood dripping from my face and arms, my entire body feels like it's on fire. "Help me, please" I beg Coach Kitty. I can barely see her; white spots are dancing in front of my eyes.

"Nova? Nova?" she asks but her voice is getting fuzzy in my ears and I can't see her anymore. All I can feel is pain. Sharp burning pain.

End of flashback

I roll up the right leg of my skinny jeans revealing the huge jagged red scar which goes across my entire knee. I trace the place where the stitches once were. I've done this a lot since the accident, trying to remember what it looked like when it wasn't horribly scarred. I have to walk with a crutch now, the scarring was so bad.

I quit Glee after the accident. My dad keeps trying to get me to re-join but I just can't. I haven't danced since the accident and it's far too painful to watch everyone else doing something that I used to love so much. Sometimes though, I sneak into the auditorium before school and sing which is what I'm doing today. No one knows about this or they'd think that I was going to become the same old Nova I used to be. One thing I learned whilst I was stuck in the hospital all those weeks is that I'll never be the same old Nova. I'm scarred for life and not just physically. I close my eyes and start to sing.

Nova:

Hands touch, eyes meet

Sudden silence, sudden heat

Hearts leap in a giddy whirl.

He could be that boy

I'm not that girl

Don't dream too far

Don't lose sight of who you are

Don't remember that rush of joy

He could be that boy

I'm not that girl

I pause momentarily when I hear the door to the auditorium open.

"Don't stop on my account" a voice says. I recognize it as my sister Ember. Of all the people, it had to be her. My sister's a lovely girl, she really is but she never keeps secrets, she likes to tell everyone all the gossip which means that this will be around everyone in school by 12.

"Ember, you can't tell anyone about this" I say.

"Why the hell not? This is awesome! You're singing again" she says.

"I've been sneaking in here since spring last year but I don't want anyone to know" I say.

"That you're trying to become yourself again?" she asks.

"I'M NEVER GOING TO BE MYSELF AGAIN, DON'T YOU GET THAT?" I yell.

"Why not?" she asks.

"Let's see, I'm covered in scars and I can't walk without a crutch" I say sarcastically.

"So? You shouldn't let that define you" she says.

"Why? Everyone else does" I say.

"Since when do you care what other people think of you?" she asks.

"You don't understand what it's like, everyone staring at you in pity because you're covered in scars and you can't walk properly anymore" I say.

"You're right I don't. But I do know that you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and you know that I'm going to tell everyone about this" she says.
"Right because you can't keep anything to yourself!" I say angrily.

"This, I don't want to keep to myself" she says grinning happily before leaving.

I'm walking to my first class with my friend Avery Hummel-Anderson when we are blocked by Ty and his gang of cheerios. Ember's big mouth sure works quickly.

"A little birdie told me that a certain someone was rejoining Glee" Ty says.

"Why would you care? Dad told me that you auditioned for Glee yesterday. I told him that you were probably just joining because Coach Kitty wants to take Glee Club down but he likes to believe the best in people" I say.

"Well I guess we should probably welcome you back to loserdom then" he says taking a grape slushie out from behind his back. Those are my least favourite, the purple stains so badly.

"Go on then, do it" I say staring him down. He looks completely terrified, but then most people are scared of me. I guess ugly scars and a killer gaze do that to people. I shut my eyes expecting the icy cold shower of a slushie but it never comes. When I open my eyes, Avery is standing next to me covered in purple slush.

"You're gonna regret that!" I say pushing him down.

"Oh come on, I can't hit a cripple" he says.

"I AM NOT A CRIPPLE!" I yell beating him with my crutch. Any doubts he had about hitting me are gone, he starts scratching me and pulling at my hair. I kick him in the groin with my good leg.

"Guess the rumours that you were a girl weren't true after all" I say. He scratches me with his nails; I punch him in the nose. We're beating on each other for about fifteen minutes before teachers come and pull us apart.

"You two in Principal Schuester's office now" Mr Lynn says.

"Can I at least help my friend clean off first?" I ask.

"It's fine Nova, I can clean myself off" Ave says. Mr Lynn marches us into Principal Schue's office, where my dad is already waiting for us.

"You called my dad? Really?" I ask.

"Nova, I'm worried about you. You haven't been the same since your accident" my dad says.

"It is not my fault that Ty decided to slushie Avery. Since no one at this school ever does anything about that…" I say but then Principal Schue interrupts me.

"You decided to take the law into your own hands" he says.

"I was standing up for my friend. Technically this is all Ember's fault, she has such a big mouth" I say.

"How exactly is this your sister's fault?" my dad asks.

"She overheard me singing in the auditorium this morning and she decided to tell everyone. Ty thought I was re-joining Glee so he decided to slushie me for goodness knows what reason except I "scare" everyone too much so he slushied Avery instead. Then I went for him, like any good friend should.

"Well fighting is not condoned in this school, no matter how good a reason they have for doing. Mr Lopez-Pierce you are suspended from the Cheerios for two weeks and will be having after school detention every day this week. Ms Hudson, I think your dad should decide your punishment" Principal Schue says.

"I guess Nova could join Ty in after school detention. Plus she should be required to join Glee for at least the rest of this year" my dad says. Man he's finally found a way to get what he wants.

"No way! I'm not doing that" I say.

"It's either that or a suspension on your transcript" Mr Schue says.

"Fine, can I go now?" I ask.

"You still need to audition. I can't give you special treatment just because you're my daughter" my dad says.

"But you already know I can sing" I complain.

"Do you really want to make this worse Nova?" Principal Schue asks.

"No, even though I still maintain that I was right to hit him. Someone needs to stand up to Coach Kitty and her evil demons" I say, getting up. Storming out is nowhere near as effective when you walk with a crutch.

"Since I'm here Nova, why don't you just audition now?" my dad asks.

"Where do I start? I have no music, I haven't actually prepared anything and there is no way I'm singing in front of that twat" I say pointing to Ty.

"Nova, you and your mom used to sing things with no practice and no music all the time" my dad says.

"That was before" I say.

"I think Nova singing now is a great idea" Ty says. I glare at him.

"That one black eye is looking a little lonely. Speak again and I might have to add another one to it. Understand?" I say grabbing his t-shirt. My dad pushes me off.

"Enough Nova. This attitude has to change. You can't be like this forever" he says.

"Why the hell not?" I ask.

"Because your "the world gave me crap so I'll give crap back" attitude is not helping you or anyone else" Dad says.

"You said you'd always support me no matter what" I say.

"I will, but I hate seeing you like this. It just isn't you Nova" he says.

"It's the new me. Nothing's going to change my mind. Not you, not glee, not Mom or Ember or Chris" I say.

"Fine. Let's just hear your song then" Dad says.

"I'll sing Alice by Avril Lavigne" I say, figuring it's a song I've sung enough times since my accident that I can sing it without music or practice.

Nova:

Trippin' out

Spinnin' around

I'm underground, I fell down

Yeah, I fell down

I'm freakin' out

So where am I now?

Upside down

And I can't stop it now

It can't stop me now

Ohhh

I, I'll get by

I, I'll survive

When the world's crashin' down

When I fall and hit the ground

I will turn myself around

Don't you try to stop it!

I, I won't cry

I found myself (myself) in Wonderland

Get back on my feet again

Is this real? (Is this real?)

Is it pretend (Is it pretend?)

I'll take (I'll take) a stand (A stand) until (Until) the end

I, I'll get by

I, I'll survive

When the world's crashin' down

When I fall and hit the ground

I'll just turn myself around

Don't you try to stop me!

I, I won't cry

I, I'll get by

I, I'll survive

When the world's crashin' down

When I fall and hit the ground

I will turn myself around

Don't you try to stop me!

I, and I won't cry

It's not the best I've ever sung that song, but I thought it sounded pretty good, even without music.

"I'd ask what you think but since being in Glee Club is my punishment, I know I'm in anyway" I say.

"Why did you choose that song?" my dad asks. The question takes me off guard a little.

"I guess I can relate" I say.

"Nova, your life doesn't have to be over just because you can't dance anymore" my dad says.

"I never said it was" I say.

"You've given up everything you used to love" he says.

"Maybe I've changed. Why can't everyone just understand that it hurts too damn much?" I say.
"What does?" he asks.

"Not being treated the same, being pitied. No one treated me like the same old Nova anymore, so I became a different one. Are we done here?" I ask.

"Yes Nova. I'll see you at home okay. We're not done talking about this" he says.

"We are. Because there's nothing else left to say" I say, hobbling over to the door slamming it behind me on my way out. I might have to join Glee, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Emberly's POV

I can't say I felt too bad about telling Ty about Nova's singing. She needs to get back to normal and I hear Dad's forced her to join Glee because she started beating on Ty. That's a start at least.

My mobile buzzes and I take it out from my pocket. It's a number I don't recognize so I look at the message curiously.

-Hello Emberly,

I don't know if your parents have told you about me, but I'm Jesse St James, your birth father. I'm sorry for not contacting you before, but I figure you don't want to hear my excuses-none of them are good anyway. I'm in Ohio for a few weeks visiting my parents and I was hoping you'd like to meet me. Feel free to say no-I know I've treated you horribly but I'm hoping you're as curious about me as I am about you.

Jesse

My dad would hate it if he knew I was meeting up with my biological dad, since they hate each other and everything. I'm sure he's not as bad as my dad makes him out to be. I have to admit, I'm not exactly keen on him either. The man gave me away and in fifteen years, has never contacted me. Why should I believe that he wants a relationship now, any more than he did when I was a baby? On the other hand, I really am curious about my biological father.

"I need to talk to you" Nova says appearing from thin air behind me.

"Nova, you scared me" I say.

"Your big mouth got me in trouble with Mr Schue and Dad. I've had to join Glee because of you" she says angrily.

"Usually I'd say I'm sorry but I'm not in the case. Nova you love singing and you need to get back into it" I say.

"You think surrounding myself with dancers is a good way to accept the fact that I'll never dance again?" she says.

"I think that throwing yourself back into what you love will help" I say.

"What are you looking at?" she asks, swiftly changing the subject.

"A text. From Jesse" I say.

"Who?" she asks.

"Jesse St James. My biological dad" I say.

"Ah, the absentee birth father. What did he want?" she asks.

"He's in Lima and he wants to meet me" I say.

"Are you going to?" she asks.

"I don't know. He's had fifteen years to see me, so I don't see why I should give him a chance now but I am curious. What do you think I should do?" I ask.

"One thing's for sure, you can't tell Dad about this" she says.

"I knew that, he'd go mental. But do you think I should I even go?" I ask.

"In the end it doesn't matter what I think. Do you want to meet him?" she asks.

I think for a few moments. Did I really want to meet the man who chose his career over me?

"Yes" I say. At very least I could thank him for giving me to great parents, or scream at him for choosing his career over me. I guess I'll figure it out when I meet him.

"Thanks Nova" I say.

"For what? You made this decision by yourself. I would have said the same thing, but I didn't want to tell you to meet him if you didn't really want to" she says.

"For helping me figure out what I really want" I say hugging her.

"Just because I'm hugging you doesn't mean I forgive you and your big mouth" she says.

"I wouldn't expect anything less" I say laughing.

"Do you want me to come with you? For moral support I mean?" she asks.

"No, I think this is something I have to do on my own" I say.

"I guess I'll see you later then. Tell me everything about how it goes, okay?" she asks.

"You'll be the first to know" I say. After she leaves, I take out my phone and text Jesse back.

-I'd love to meet you. Is today too soon? We could meet at the Lima Bean?

-Emberly xxxx

I don't have to wait very long for a reply.

-Sounds great. I'm so looking forward to meeting you.

I'm slightly nervous, now that I know I'm definitely meeting Jesse for the first time. What if he hates me? What if my dad's right and he's really horrible to me? I decide to push those thoughts from my mind for now and just head to my next lesson.

At lunchtime, I head for my Glee audition. Unlike Nova and Chris, I actually really want to join Glee, the only reason I didn't last year was because Coach Kitty wouldn't let any of the cheerios join. But this year, both Ty and Lace have joined so I decided I would join as well. To be fair they've probably only joined so they can take it down for Coach Kitty. I would be insulted that she didn't ask me, but since I'm Finn's daughter she probably thought I'd say no, which is entirely true.

"Hi Dad" I say when I walk into the auditorium.

"Ember, I'm glad you're here. Are you auditioning or did you just want to talk to me?" Dad asks.

"I want to audition" I say.

"Great, what are you going to sing?" he asks.

"Burn by Ellie Goulding" I say.

"Let's hear it then" he says.

Emberly:

We, we don't have to worry about nothing

Cause we got the fire, and we're burning one hell of a something

They, they gonna see us from outer space

Light it up, like we're the stars of the human race, human race

When the light started out they don't know what they heard

Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world

We'll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky

Cause we got the fire, fire, fire

Yeah we got the fire, fire, fire

And we gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

Gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We don't wanna leave, no. We just wanna be right now (right), r-r-right now

And what we see is everybody's on the floor acting crazy, getting loco 'til the lights out

Music's on, I'm waking up, we fight the fire, then we burn it up

And it's over now, we got the love, there's no sleeping now, no sleeping now, no sleeping

When the light started out they don't know what they heard

Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world

We'll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky

Cause we got the fire, fire, fire

Yeah we got the fire, fire, fire

And we gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

Gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

When the light started out they don't know what they heard

Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn (burn burn)

Burn burn burn burn (burn burn)

We can light it up, up, up

So they can't put it out, out, out

We can light it up, up, up

So they can't put it out, out, out

We can light it up, up, up

So they can't put it out, out, out

We can light it up, up, up

So they can't put it out, out, out

When the light started out, they don't know what they heard

Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world

We'll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky

Cause we got the fire, fire, fire

Yeah we got the fire, fire, fire

And we're gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

Gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

When the light started out, they don't know what they heard

Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world

We'll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky

Cause we got the fire, fire, fire

Yeah we got the fire, fire, fire

And we gonna let it burn

"So what did you think?" I ask.

"You sound just like Kym" he says.

"Really?" I ask. I've never heard Kym singing so I don't know if this is a compliment or not.

"Really. It's a good thing, Kym's a great singer, she's has a really nice jazzy type of voice. Anyway you're in, rehearsal is at four tomorrow" he says.

"Oh, can you tell Mom I won't be able to make dinner tonight?" I ask.

"How come?" Dad asks.

"I have plans, that's all" I say.

"Ember, you know how important our Thursday night family dinners are to your mom" Dad says.

"I know, I just have really important plans that I can't change" I say.

"Am I allowed to know what these plans are?" my dad asks.

"They're sort of private dad" I say.

"Hanging out with your boyfriend are you?" he asks.

"Yeah, that's it" I lie.

"Then why couldn't you tell me that?" he asks.

"You're my dad, I really don't want to tell you what me and my boyfriend do when we hang out" I say.

"Point well taken. Okay I'll tell your mom you can't make dinner but no excuses next week okay?" Dad says.

"Okay, I promise Dad" I say. I feel really bad for lying to him, after all my boyfriend and I are currently in the "off again" stage of our relationship so it's not even a half truth. I text Jesse again as I'm leaving the auditorium.

-How will I know who you are? –Emberly xxx

The text comes back relatively quickly.

-Just look for the most dashingly handsome man in the room. Jesse

I laugh at that and then send my reply.

-Something a little more specific maybe. –Emberly xxx

-I have dark curly hair and I'll be drinking a cinnamon espresso. Jesse

I can barely concentrate the entire rest of the day, I'm so nervous about meeting Jesse. When the final bell goes at the end of school, I run from school to the Lima Bean, just to make sure I'm on time.

I search the café for someone with dark curly hair drinking cinnamon espresso, noticing a man in the back left booth. I walk over to him, clearing my throat so he looks up at me.

"Are you Jesse St James?" I ask.

"Emberly?" he asks.

"That's me" I say.

"I have been waiting so long to meet you" he says hugging me.

"It only took you fifteen years" I say, trying to keep my voice light and jokey but I can tell from his eyes that he can hear the hidden hurt.

"I'm really sorry about that. I haven't really had much chance to get out of New York in the past few years but that's not the main reason. I knew Finn would hate it if I got into contact with you and to be honest I didn't think you'd want to hear from the man who gave you up" he says.

"Well I did. Ever since I was little, I was waiting for you to get in touch with me. I couldn't understand why Kym did, and you didn't" I say.

"It was a long time ago Em. I was young and I wasn't ready for a baby, neither was Kym. Rachel was offering you a good home" he says.

"They were never stopping you from contacting me" I say.

"I'm here now aren't I?" he asks. I can tell this is a sore subject for him so I change the subject.

"So what show are you in at the moment?" I ask.

"I'm actually between shows at the moment, that's why I'm in Ohio. I haven't been able to visit my parents for the last few years, so I thought whilst I had a break I'd come down to see them" he says.

"So you didn't come just to see me?" I ask.

"I said in my text that I was here visiting my parents. Being able to see you was a bonus" he says.

"What was the last show you did?" I ask.

"Into The Woods actually. It was off-Broadway but still a great show. That was last year" he says.

"What part were you? I really want to be Cinderella in the film version one day" I say.

"I was Cinderella's Prince" he says.

"How many times have you been on Broadway?" I ask.

"I've done six shows actually on Broadway but I've done a lot of stuff in off-Broadway theatres too. It takes a long time to make it on Broadway, for most of us. Your mom was just special" he says.

"Do you still love her?" I ask.

"Rachel? I guess a part of me probably always will. But she was always in love with your dad, even when we were dating. I knew that" he says.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I ask.

"No. I haven't really dated anyone since Kym. Broadway schedules are very demanding, I don't really have time to meet anyone" he says.

"She hasn't dated anyone since you either" I say.

"How do you know that?" he asks.

"We have an email relationship, I know these things. Why did you break up with her again?" I ask.

"What's with all the questions about your mother and me?" he asks.

"A girl's allowed to be curious about these things" I say shrugging.

"We wanted different things" he says.

"Please, that's just adult speak for I'm still in love with her" I say.

"How do you know that?" he asks.

"I've said it enough times about why I broke up with my boyfriend" I say.

"Look I know all kids dream that their parents are one day going to get together but that's just not going to happen for Kym and me" he says.

"First of all I don't dream of you and Kym getting together, I have two parents already. Secondly, I just want you to be happy" I say.
"Really, you want me, your biological father who abandoned you and never contacted you to be happy?" he asks.

"Of course" I say.

"Well you're a much better person than I am" he says.

"So what's your favourite show that you've been in?" I ask.

"Whoa, quick topic change" he says.

"You sounded like you didn't want to talk about it anymore. I figure if you and Kym are meant to be then you'll get back together eventually" I say.

"How did you get so smart?" he asks.

"I guess I get it from my parents" I say, making him smile.

"My favourite show? That was what you wanted to know right?" he asks.

"Yeah" I say.

"I guess that would have to be Wicked. I played Fiyero. It's my favourite musical, when I was younger I always dreamed of starring in it" he says.

"That's one of my mom's favourite musicals as well, although there's nothing she loves more than Funny Girl" I say.

"I remember. We watched it so many times when we were going out, although I bet if you asked your dad he'd tell you that they've watched it together more times than we ever did" he says.

"Well they have been married a long time and my mom makes our entire family watch it every Christmas" I say.

"So what's your favourite musical then?" he asks me.

"Jekyll and Hyde. My mom has recordings from when you guys were in the show. You had great chemistry" I say.

"Yeah, you can't fake chemistry like that" he says.

"Can I see a picture of Mom?" I ask.

"Sure. Your parents have never shown you one before?" he asks.

"No and she wasn't playing Emma in the performance that my parents have on tape, it was the actual actress" I say.

"I know just the photo" he says, taking a picture out of his wallet and handing it to me.

In the picture is a woman with red hair just like mine, although hers is curly whilst mine is wavy. She's holding a baby, who I guess is me and smiling up at the camera.

"Is that me?" I ask.

"The day you were born yeah" he says.

"I can't believe you kept this all these years" I say.

"It was the only picture I had of you, of course I kept it. You can have it if you want" he says.

"Are you sure?" I say.

"You don't have any pictures of your mom, I have plenty. Besides I think I'm due a current picture with you, don't you?" he says handing me the picture.

"I think that's fair" I say taking out my phone. I put my arm around him and take the picture.

"Can I see?" he asks. I show him.

"That's one nice picture" he says.

"I'll send it to you" I say quickly attaching the photo to a message.

I check my watch and I can't believe how long I've been sitting here just talking with Jesse and there hasn't even been any awkward silence.

"I have to go, I want to surprise my dad by being back in time for family dinner" I say.

"It was nice to meet you Emberly" he says.

"Call me Ember, all my family does" I say.

"Okay then Ember. I'd like to see you again, I mean if you'd like to see me" he says.

"I definitely would. You have my number-how did you get that by the way?" I ask.

"Kym gave it to me. I hadn't contacted her in years but I was hoping she might have your number and she did" he says.

"So anyway, call me when you have time to meet up again" I say.

"I will. I'll definitely see you again before I have to head back to New York" he says.

"I'll see you soon then Jesse" I say. I don't think I'll ever be able to call him Dad, as much as I've connected with him, he'll always be my father but not my dad. My dad is Finn Hudson; he's the man who raised me, who's loved me since I was a baby.

"See you soon Ember" he says.

Shanna's POV

"Hey sweetheart" a voice says. I look up to see Avery Adams leaning on my locker.

"Avery what are you doing over here?" I ask.

"I just thought you looked extra beautiful today, that's all" he says.

"We've been friends for twelve years, what do you want?" I ask.

"I really did just want to tell you that you looked pretty" he says.

"Thank you, I guess" I say starting to walk away.

"Wait Shanna" he says following me down the hall.

"What?" I ask.

"How would you feel about going out on a date?" he says.

"Are you kidding? No way Avery. I've known you since I was three years old. If you're asking me out then you clearly want something" I say.

"Or I just like you, I always have and I really want to go on a date with you" he says.

"My parents would kill me if I dated a guy like you" I say.

"Give me three reasons why" he says.

"I can give you more than that. You have a nose piercing, a tattoo, a motorbike, you risk your life on a daily basis and you've had more girls in two years of high school than my dad did in his entire four years" I say.

"They allow you to be friends with me" he says.

"They didn't know that you were going to grow up to be a bad boy. By the time they realised we were already too close" I say.

"Come on Shanna, you're just as bad as me. I've seen some of the boys you've been out with" he says.

"But you haven't seen what my dad's done to some of them. One of my boyfriends, he literally kicked out of our house" I say.

"Why would that be a problem?" he asks.

"Because if you were to date me and my dad hated you then that would ruin our friendship and I would hate that" I say.

"I'm not giving up you know" he says.

"I really wish you would" I say.

"I'm just not that type of guy. When I want something, I get it" he says.

"You can't force me to feel things I don't. I just don't like you in that way" I say.

"How do you know that?" he asks flicking his fringe out of his face.

"Why don't you just get that damn thing cut?" I ask, he's had a way too long fringe forever.

"It's a look" he says.

"Like the leather jacket and the Doc Martens?" I ask.

"Exactly" he says.

"Anyway, you never answered me. How do you know that you don't like me?" he asks.

"You've been my friend forever" I say.

"So? Doesn't mean you don't have feelings for me" he says.

"Yes it does" I say pulling away from him but he grabs my wrist.

"Avery let go of me" I say.

"You think you don't have feelings for me?" he asks.

"Yeah" I say.

"Prove it" he says.

"How?" I ask. He doesn't answer; he just pulls me into his arms and kisses me. I should feel like I want to pull away, but I just kiss him harder and I don't understand it. Eventually he pulls away from me.

"You still feel like you don't have feelings for me?" he asks.

"I…" I say but I am completely speechless.

"Thought so. So how about that date?" he asks.

"Nope. You're gonna have to do better than one kiss" I say turning and walking away. I won't admit to him that it was one of the best kisses I've ever had. It confuses me a little, we've been friends forever. But especially because I thought I had a crush on Jake Ryan, another bad boy jock. I won't tell him this though. He might be my friend but I don't completely trust him when he says he likes me. I've seen what he does to the girls he dates-well more like sleeps with on a daily basis. They're here one minute and gone the next and I don't want to be like that with Avery.

After school I go to my Glee audition and to my surprise, Avery is there. I know he likes music but the sort of music he's into is mainly rocky stuff and I'm more of a pop kind of girl.

"Avery, what are you doing here?" I ask confused.

"I'm auditioning with you. Is that okay Mr Hudson?" he asks.

"You won't even know my song" I protest.

"Try me" he says.

"Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson" I say.

"Yeah I know that song" he says.

"Really? It's not really your style" I say.

"Not all of the songs I know are rock songs. You forget I've listened to your iPod about twenty thousand times" he says.

"Okay then. You can sing with me if you really want to" I say.

"Great. Let's hear it then you guys" Uncle Finn says. It's weird calling him Mr Hudson at school because as my dad's best friend, he's been Uncle Finn for as long as I can remember.

Shanna:

Grew up in a small town

And when the rain would fall down

I'd just stare out my window

Dreaming of what could be

And if I'd end up happy

I would pray (I would pray)

Avery:

Trying hard to reach out

But when I tried to speak out

Felt like no one could hear me

Wanted to belong here

But something felt so long here

So I prayed I could break away

Both:

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly

I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky

And I'll make a wish

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun

But I won't forget all the ones that I love

I'll take a risk

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway

Shanna:

Wanna feel the warm breeze

Sleep under a palm tree

Feel the rush of the ocean

Get onboard a fast train

Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)

And break away

Both:

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly

I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky

And I'll make a wish

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun

But I won't forget all the ones that I love

I'll take a risk

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway

Avery:

Buildings with a hundred floors

Swinging around revolving doors

Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but

Gotta keep moving on, moving on

Fly away, breakaway

Both:

I'll spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly

Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye

I gotta take a risk

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun

But I won't forget the place I come from

I gotta take a risk

Take a chance

Make a change

And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

"You guys sound really good together. I'll see both of you at the first meeting tomorrow. Four o'clock don't be late" Uncle Finn says.

"Thanks Uncle Finn…oh I'm sorry, I mean Mr Hudson" I say.

"That's okay Shanna. I knew you had a great voice but your boyfriend there has an awesome voice too, thanks for bringing him with you" he says.

"I didn't bring him; his being here was a total shock to me. He's not my boyfriend either, he's just a good friend of mine" I say.

"Try her best friend for twelve years" he says.

"Well I guess you guys just have really great stage chemistry" Finn says, looking like he doesn't quite believe me when I say that Avery is not my boyfriend.

"I guess we do" I say sharing a look with Avery. He runs off pretty abruptly but I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe he was hurt when I said that we were just good friends. I follow him anyway. He's talking with a bunch of his friends.

"I can't do this anymore guys. You can have your money back, I don't want it. I actually really like Shanna and if I'm ever going to have a real shot with her, I can't take your bet" he says handing over a wad of cash to one of his friends.

"You're just scared because you don't think you can tap that. I don't blame you, no one wants to sleep with that fatty" he says. I want to run over and punch that guy but I don't have to. Avery's fist shoots out and hits him right in the nose.

"Don't you ever say that about her, ever again" he says.

"You love her" the other jock says.

"Maybe. So what?" he asks.

"So that's why you're giving back the money. You don't want her to find out that you bet you could get her to sleep with you and you were so confident that you said we should give you the money and then if you were wrong you'd give it back" the other jock says.

"She's my best friend. I don't want to hurt her. Besides she's not that type of girl" he says.

"If you say so. I still think you're a guy in love" the other jock says and the group of them walk off, wolf whistling back at him.

I don't know whether to go out there and confront him or just walk away. Eventually I decide to just leave it. There's no use ruining our friendship. But I do know now that I'm only going to allow him to be my friend, nothing more. Not until I'm sure I can trust him again. Because he's right. I'm not the kind of girl that just sleeps around-as many boys as I've been out with, I'm still a virgin and the only person I'm going to sleep with is someone I love. After our kiss, I thought maybe that person could be Avery but I guess I was wrong. I always seem to be wrong about guys.

Sophia's POV

"Sia?" a voice calls from behind me. There's only one person who calls me that. He taps me on the shoulder and I can't help but scream.

"Whoa, easy there" Norm says. I turn around and actually face him.

"I'm sorry, you gave me a fright" I say.

"You knew it was me. Who else calls you Sia? Your family and friends all call you Soph" he says.

It would take too long to explain why I don't like him touching me. Why I don't like anyone touching me.

"What do you want?" I ask.

"I wanted to apologize for being a little too forward yesterday. I like you Sia I do, but if being your friend is all you're ready for right now then I'll accept it" he says.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"For now at least" he says.

"What do you mean by that?" I ask.

"I'm very persistent. When I want something, I go after it and I've decided that I want you" he says.

"Why?" I ask.
"What do you mean why?" he asks.

"Why do you want me?" I ask.

"You're beautiful and smart, you have a great voice and we've been friends forever. Who wouldn't want you?" he says.

"Well thanks I guess" I say.

"Anyway I just wanted you to know that" he says.

"It was good of you to admit. I'm sorry for freaking out so much" I say.

"Why was that?" he asks.

I immediately tense up. I can't even tell him why I was so freaked out by him trying to kiss me.

"I can't tell you, I'm sorry" I say.

"Sia, I'm one of your best friends, there's nothing you can't tell me" he says.

"I can't tell anyone this. It's too awful" I say.

"Whatever it is I can help you. I want to help you" he says.

"That's very sweet but you can't. No one can" I say running down the hall away from him. He calls after me but I don't respond. I lock myself in the toilets and cry. His trying to kiss me yesterday brought back horrible memories. Memories I've been trying to forget for the past two years.

Flashback (Trigger warning-rape scenes and abortion. Rated M)

"Have you got everything Soph?" my mom asks me as we pull up in my friend Danielle's drive.

"Yes I'll be fine Mom. This isn't my first sleepover" I say.

"I know. I just worry about you when you're not at home" Mom says.

"I'm twelve Mom and you've met Danielle's mom a million times. I'll be fine" I say.

"Okay then. Well I'll see you tomorrow" she says kissing me on my forehead.

"See you tomorrow Mom" I say hugging her.

"Soph get in here, we're just about to start karaoke" Danielle says poking her head around the door and pulling my arm in.

I have a great time that evening. We sing, we watch girly movies and gossip about school stuff, everything's great.

When we go to sleep that evening, I feel my sleeping bag being unzipped. My legs kick out at the person but I feel strong hands clamped around my wrists.

"It would be best if you didn't move" a menacing voice says.

"Who the hell are you?" I ask.

A torch light fills the sleeping bag and I look up. All I can see in the dim light is a pair of silvery grey eyes.

"Can't you tell?" he asks.

"It's not exactly light in here" I say.

"Fine. Let's go somewhere a little more….private" he says. I try to scream but he clamps his hand over my mouth, dragging me into a room. He switches the light on.

"The bathroom really?" I ask.

"We can run the water. I have a feeling things are going to get a little….rough" he says giving a sick smile.
"Get away from me!" I yell trying to push him back but he pushes me into the tub, and I hit my head.

"Oops did that hurt?" he asks feigning innocence.

I kick my legs out; trying to hit him but the knock to my head has left me disorientated and none of my blows land.

"Stop it, Milo" I say, finally using his name.

"Not a chance in hell" he says. He turns the nozzle and the shower sprays me with freezing cold water. He clamps one hand over my mouth and one around my wrist before pulling me up.

"If you struggle it will only make it harder" he says menacingly. Taking the hand away from my mouth, he kisses me angrily. I try to slap him with my free hand but he has fast reflexes and pins my hand down before I have the chance.

"You can make this easy or difficult but either way, I'm getting what I want" he says. He rips my pyjamas off with his teeth.

"Now it's your turn" he says.

"Sorry what?" I ask.

"Take my clothes off" he asks.

"No!" I scream.

He grabs my neck and starts to squeeze. "If you don't I'll kill you" he says, in a low, threatening voice.

My hands tremble as he forces me to take off his shirt, then his jeans and then his pants. When he's completely naked he forces my hand to grasp him.

"Now it's time for me to have my fun" he says squeezing my wrists so hard they feel like they're going to break. He bites my breasts, sucking on my nipples. I close my eyes waiting for the hell to be over but he slaps me.

"I want you to watch as I do this to you" he says.

"Just get it over with" I yell, my head wound from earlier making me feel nauseous. He scratches his fingers along my back and then thrusts himself into me, sending a wave of intense pain through me. I can't control myself, I have to scream. His thrusts seem to last forever, each one more painful than the next as he slides further into me. I bite into his shoulder, each time to stop myself from crying out in pain.

"Stop it, stop it, stop it" I whisper softly, tears falling down my cheeks. I don't know how long it's been when he finally pulls away from me, only that I don't have the strength to stand anymore and I collapse into the tub. He kicks me in the ribs, twice for good measure.

"Goodnight, my beautiful little whore" he whispers. My tears mingle with the still running water which is turning red with my blood. With the last of my strength, I lift my head and throw up over the side of the tub. Lights spin in front of my eyes and then the sweet relief of darkness descends on me.

I quickly cover my bruises with concealer before my mom picks me up that morning but there's nothing I can do about my head.

"Sweetie, what happened to your head?" she says reaching out to touch it. I wince at her touch, remembering the horrible ways Milo touched me last night.

"Nothing. I don't want to talk about it" I say and I remain quiet for the entire drive home.

3 weeks later

I have nightmares for the entire three weeks after Danielle's sleepover. I haven't been able to look her in the eye since. I've been throwing up every day for three weeks and I had to sneak a pregnancy test out of one of my friends' mom's house so I didn't have to buy one at the store. Those three minutes are the longest of my life and all I can do is relive every second of that horrific night. As soon as the little plus sign appears, all I can do is throw myself to the floor and cry, using running water to mask my tears-although all that does is remind me even more.

I feel so guilty when I arrange the abortion, from the phone call, to the cheque I falsify with my mom's signature as I don't have the money to pay for it. I have to get the train to New York because even though abortion was eventually legalised in Ohio, I would have to get my parent's consent and then I would have to tell them what happened to me. I can't do it; I can't talk to them about it.

The train ride is the most excruciating one of my life. Damn Ohio state abortion laws. I get more and more nervous as I approach the surgery.

"I'm Sophia Puckerman, I scheduled an abortion" I say to the receptionist when I get into the surgery.

"Aren't you a little young. You didn't sound that young on the phone?" the woman behind the desk asks.

"I came here because you don't have to have parental consent in New York, so does it really matter?" I ask.

"I guess not. Fill out these forms and the doctor will be with you shortly" she says although I swear I can see her frowning at me.

"DON'T YOU DARE JUDGE ME! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH. MY FRIEND'S BROTHER SNUCK UP ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND ASSUALTED ME!" I say breaking down and crying onto her desk.

"I'm sorry sweetie" she says coming around and attempting to give me a hug.

"Please, don't touch me" I say backing away from her.

A few minutes later the doctor calls my name and before I know it, I'm sitting on the examination table with my feet in the stirrups. I have to stop myself from flinching when they do the blood test to confirm my pregnancy.

"It looks like you definitely are pregnant" she says when she comes back from analysing my blood results.

"So what happens now?" I ask.

"Well since you're so early in your pregnancy, I'm just going to give you a drug called Misoprostol. If you're sure you still want to do this" she says.

"I'm sure. Give me the drug" I say. She gives me four pills.

"Place these under your tongue" she says. Half an hour later she tells me to spit out the inner tablet.

"It's a painkiller, you don't want to swallow that" she says.

"That's it?" I ask.

"That's all. I'm going to give you another two doses. You have to take the second one three hours after now and then the third one three hours after that" she says.

"How will I know it's happened?" I ask.

"You should experience bleeding and cramps. You'll probably throw up a bit too. Schedule an appointment to come back and I can confirm the abortion has been successful" she says.

I don't start feeling guilty until I'm at home and I take the second dose of Misoprostol. It only really hits me then that I'm killing my own child.

I wake up in the middle of the night, my stomach cramping and my sheets covered in blood. I sigh with relief when I realise the abortion has worked but it's tinged with a little guilt. I have to remind myself that my baby barely existed at all but that doesn't stop the tiny percent of me that feels guilty.

End of flashback

I try not to think about the abortion. Every time I remember it, I get the same stomach cramps I had back then. They made me have counselling afterward but I would never talk. Talking meant reliving it and that's something I just couldn't do.

I go to my glee club audition after school. "Hello Mr Hudson" I say. Mr Hudson sounds so formal; he's always been Uncle Finn to me.

"Sophia, nice to see you. You breaking the Puckerman trend and joining Glee in your freshman year?" he asks.

"Yes I am" I say.

"What song are you going to sing?" he asks.

"Come See About Me by The Supremes" I say.

"Your mom and Brittany and Santana sang that song when we were younger" he says.

"I know, that's why I chose it. It's one of my mom's favourite songs" I say.

"Well let's hear it then" he says.

Sophia:

I've been crying (ooh, ooh)

Cause I'm lonely (for you)

Smiles have all turned (to tears)

But tears won't wash away the fears

That you're never ever gonna return

To ease the fire that within me burns

It keeps me crying baby for you

Keeps me sighin' baby for you

So won't you hurry

Come on boy, see about me

(Come see about me)

See about you baby

(Come see about me)

I've given up my friends just for you

My friends are gone and you have too

No peace shall I find

Until you come back and be mine

No matter what you do or say

I'm gonna love you anyway

Keep on crying baby for you

I'm gonna keep on sighin' baby for you

So come on hurry

Come on and see about me

(Come see about me)

See about you baby

(Come see about me)

Sometimes up (ooh, ooh)

Sometimes down (ooh, ooh)

My life's so uncertain (ooh, ooh)

With you not around (ooh, ooh)

From my arms you may be out of reach

But my heart says you're here to keep

Keeps me crying baby for you

Keep on; keep on crying baby for you

So won't you hurry

Come on boy, see about me

(Come see about me)

See about you baby

(Come see about me)

You know I'm so lonely

(Come see about me)

I love you only

(Come see about me)

See about your baby

(Come see about me)

Hurry, hurry

(Come see about me)

"That was really nice Sophia. Were you thinking about anyone in particular?" Finn asks.

Norm crosses my mind but I don't say that. "Nope, just like the song" I say.

"Well you're in. I'll see you at rehearsal at four tomorrow" Finn says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say. When I'm walking out, my phone bleeps with an incoming text message.

-Hey bitch,

Meet me at my house after school. Don't be late.

Milo xxx

My hand shakes just reading the message. It's been two years; I thought he'd forgotten about me.

-No freakin' way. S

The reply makes me feel sick to my stomach.

-I know what you did to our baby. I'm going to get you. Milo

I scream dropping my phone to the floor, shattering it. My eyes flick around the hallway, checking to see if Milo's following me.

"Soph? Are you okay Soph?" my sister Mandy says placing her hand on my shoulder. I flinch away from her touch.

"I'm fine Mandy. Please just take me home" I say. We get into her car and we don't talk for a while.

"Why were you so freaked out?" she asks me.

"No reason. It's fine" I say.

"Soph, it's not. You screamed and dropped your phone, why?" she asks.

"I can't tell you" I say nervously looking around.

"Why? I'm your sister Soph, you know you can tell me anything" she says clasping my hand but I pull it away.

"Not this. I can't tell anyone this. If I do, well then bad things will happen" I say.

"Soph, if someone is threatening you, you need to tell the police. Or mom or dad" she says.

"I can't tell anyone. He'll kill me if I do" I say.

"Who will kill you?" she asks.

"I can't say" I say crying onto her shoulder.

"Soph, I won't tell. Not unless you want me to" she says. I've been keeping this secret for so long that I almost want to tell her.

"You have to promise. Like swear. Because this is bad and if he finds out that you know, then he will kill me" I say. She pulls over into a layby, stopping the car.

"I promise Soph. What's going on? You're scaring me a little bit" she says.

"Milo, Danielle's brother Milo…..he….two years ago…..he…r-r-r-aped me" I say struggling to get the words out.

"What? Why didn't you tell anyone?" she asks.

"I was hurt and ashamed" I whisper, just crying into her shoulder as she rubs my back like she always does when I'm upset.

"It's not all though" I say. I feel a little lighter now I've told someone my most shameful secret, but if she's going to help me then I have to tell her everything.

"I was pregnant. I went to New York and got misoprostol pills" I say.
"What are misoprostol pills?" Mandy asks.

"Abortion pills. I killed my baby" I say, tears streaming down my face.

She sits in stunned silence but before she can speak again, I do.

"Now Milo is going to kill me" I say. She still doesn't say anything, just starts up the car and drives us home.

Nettie's POV

(A/N: Daddy is Kurt, Dad is Blaine)

"Hey Dad, Daddy" I say cheerily when I go downstairs to get breakfast that morning. When I turn to face them after putting my bagel in the toaster, I am surprised to see them wearing their serious faces.

"What's wrong?" I ask. My Daddy wordlessly hands me a letter, postmarked from New York.

"Who's it from?" I ask.

"We don't know, we don't open your mail sweetie" Dad says.

"But you looked like it was someone bad" I say.

"We kind of had a feeling from the handwriting" Daddy says.

"So then who is it?" I ask.

"Just open it Nettie. You'll see" Dad says.

I rip open the envelope and scan the page. I have to read it twice as I'm so shocked reading the first time through, I barely get any of it.

Dear Annette,

This letter is long overdue and I'm really sorry about that. You won't know me, but I am your biological mother, the surrogate & egg donor your fathers used. My name is Laura Calloway. I've spent years imagining what you're like. I want to come and visit you, I've checked with your dads to see if it's okay but I'll only come if you're okay with it. I want to have a relationship with you, but only on your terms, and I'm fine with answering any questions you may have.

If you don't want to meet me then I understand but I hope you do.

Love

Laura Calloway (your mom)

I notice that something dropped out of the letter when I opened it so I lean down and pick it up. It's a picture of me as a toddler with a woman, who I guess is Laura. She really does look like me, the same blonde hair and brown eyes.

"Are you okay sweetheart?" my dad asks.

"Why now? It's been fifteen years, she could have contacted me at any time" I say pacing back and forth anxiously.

"I don't know sweetie, we haven't heard from her since we left New York when you were one" my dad says.

"How can she do this? Just waltz back into my life?" I ask.

"She can't, Nettie. It's down to you" Daddy says.

"What would you do if you were me?" I ask.

"Honestly sweetie I don't know. I'd be curious I guess but I can understand if you're angry with your mom. You know your Aunt Rachel always regretted not patching things up with her birth mom" Dad says.

"But her birth mom rejected her. What if Laura does that to me?" I ask.

"I'm not going to say that she won't. But she's reaching out to you and this is an opportunity you might regret if you don't take it" Daddy says.

"Are you sure you're okay with me meeting her?" I ask.

"Why wouldn't we be?" Dad asks.

"I didn't think you want me to have a parent other than you guys" I say.

"She's your mom sweetie; of course we're okay with you meeting her. We told her right from the start that she could have a relationship with you and she did when you were a baby but then she just stopped coming to see you. Never told us why" Daddy says.

"Just another thing I can yell at her about" I say.

"Don't be too hard on her sweetie" Dad says.

"I have years of pent up anger towards her. It will be good for me to finally release it" I say.

"Is the only reason you want to see her to yell at her?" Daddy asks.

"No, I really do want to get to know her. After I'm done yelling at her" I say flicking my hair over my shoulders and walking out of the house.

When I arrive at school, I go straight to the computer room. I figure if I'm going to meet my mom, then I need to find out more about her and besides, I need a phone number or an email address for her anyway.

"What are you doing?" a voice says from behind me, making me jump.

"Ace you scared me!" I say, relieved when I realise it's my sister.

"You should have seen your face" she says laughing.

"What do you want?" I ask.

"Dad told me about the letter from your mom. I wanted to see if you were okay" Ace says.

"I'm fine. I'm trying to see if I can find some contact information for my mom" I say.

"What have you found so far?" she asks.

"That there are five Laura Calloway's that live in the New York area. You would think that if she wanted to see me, she would at least leave some contact info but no" I say.

"Do you know anything other than her name?" Ace asks.

"No why?" I ask.

"Because then we'd have something to work off. She was what 27 when she had you?" Ace asks.

"She was 2 years older than Daddy and he was 28, so no she would have been 30" I say.

"So that makes her 45 now that narrows it down a little" Ace says.

"She's not on this list" I say scrolling through names on the search list. None of them are the right age, or in the right area.

Ace flicks to another page. "Hey isn't that her?" she asks.

I scan the page. It says Laura Calloway, 45, lives in Brooklyn.

"My mom lives in Brooklyn? Man I thought she lived in Manhattan" I say.

"Maybe she moved. The important thing is that there's a contact number" Ace says.

I quickly scribble down the number, hoping that we have in fact got the right Laura Calloway-I didn't realise there would be quite so many of them.

"I'm proud of you Nettie" Ace says.

"Why?" I ask.

"Because you're giving your mom a chance" Ace says.

"Once I've yelled at her for abandoning me for fifteen years" I say.

"Naturally" Ace says laughing. She has Trig and I have English next so we walk as far as we can together before we have to separate to go to our different classrooms.

Lunchtime can't come soon enough. As soon as the bell rings, I rush to the auditorium for my glee audition. To my surprise, (and okay a little delight) John Chang is there.

"Hi Mr Hudson" I say. I always have to remind myself not to call him Uncle Finn in school, but I guess that's true of most of us glee kids-we're all really like one big extended family.

"Hi Nettie. Is Avery going to be auditioning too?" he asks.

"I don't know Mr Hudson. She loves to sing, but she just hates people. It's taken her years to open up to me or Ace, or our dads and even then she doesn't exactly do it often" I say.

"That's a shame; she has such a lovely voice. Anyway what are you going to be singing Nettie?" he asks.

"Anything But Ordinary by Avril Lavigne" I say.

"Great song, let's hear it" Finn says.

Nettie:

Sometimes I get so weird

I even freak myself out

I laugh myself to sleep

It's my lullaby

Sometimes I drive so fast

Just to feel the danger

I wanna scream

It makes me feel alive

Is it enough to love?

Is it enough to breathe?

Somebody rip my heart out

And leave me here to bleed

Is it enough to die?

Somebody save my life

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

To walk within the lines

Would make my life so boring

I want to know that I

Have been knocked to the extreme

So knock me off my feet

Come on now give it to me

Anything to make me feel alive

Is it enough to love?

Is it enough to breathe?

Somebody rip my heart out

And leave me here to bleed

Is it enough to die?

Somebody save my life

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

Let down your defences

Use no common sense

If you look you will see

That this world is a beautiful

Accident turbulent succulent

Opulent permanent, no way

I wanna taste it

Don't wanna waste it away

Sometimes I get so weird

I even freak myself out

I laugh myself to sleep

It's my lullaby

Is it enough?

Is it enough?

Is it enough to breathe?

Somebody rip my heart out

And leave me here to bleed

Is it enough to die?

Somebody save my life

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

Is it enough?

Is it enough to die?

Somebody save my life

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

"Great performance Nettie. So you're a pop punk fan then?" he asks.

"Yeah, pop punk, alternative rock, indie rock. I love them all" I say.

"That's great, I'm more of a classic rock fan myself but I think you and I will have a lot of fun working on songs together" Finn says.

"Does that mean I'm in?" I ask.

"Yeah. I'll see you at our first rehearsal tomorrow at four" he says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say.

John comes and finds me once I've left the auditorium.

"Hey, you sounded great in there" he says.

"Thanks. What did you want?" I ask.

"What makes you think I wanted anything?" he asks.

"You came to my glee audition, I assume you wanted to talk to me" I say.

"I just wanted to hear you sing. I asked your sister when you'd be auditioning" he says.

"Well that's sweet of you. I really have to go though, I have an important phone call to make" I say.

"Calling your mom?" he asks.

"How did you know that?" I ask.

"Like I said, I ran into Ace earlier" he says.

"Could you stay? I could use some support from a friend" I say.

"Sure" he says. I take out the piece of paper with my mom's number on it out of my pocket and type it into my phone. I don't notice that I'm squeezing John's hand until she picks up the phone, but I don't let go.

"Hello?" Laura says, or at least I hope it's Laura.

"Is this Laura Calloway?" I ask.

"Yes, that's me" she says.

"I hope I've got the right Laura Calloway, my name is Annette Hummel-Anderson" I say

"Annie?" she whispers down the phone, sounding on the edge of tears. I've definitely got the right one. It feels slightly strange to be called Annie, I've only ever been called Nettie by my dads, friends and sisters but at the same time I don't want this woman to call me Nettie. She might be my birth mother but she's not my mom yet.

"Yeah it's me" I say.

"I've been waiting so long to hear from you" she says, sounding as if she's crying.

"Well it was your choice to wait so bloody long" I say coldly.

"I know. I'm sorry" she says.

"Sorry just isn't good enough. But I don't have time for you to explain that now, so let's just say I'll let you explain when you come and visit" I say.

"You want me to come see you?" she asks.

"Yeah that's why I called" I say.

"I kind of thought you'd just called to yell at me" she admits.

"I'm more of a yell of people to their face kind of girl" I say.

"Me too" she says laughing softly to herself.

"So when could you come visit?" I ask.

"How does next week sound to you?" she asks.

"That soon?" I ask, I was hoping to have a few weeks to prepare myself first.

"Marvin and I are dying to meet you" she says.

"Marvin who's he?" I ask.

"My husband" she says.

"Oh and I suppose you have replacement kids too?" I say not even trying to mask the anger in my voice.

"No. No kids" she says sadly.

I sense I've hit a sore spot, but I don't entirely hate it, since she abandoned me and everything.

"Well I'll see you next weekend then. Is Saturday okay?" I ask.

"Saturday's perfect. I can't tell you how much this means to me Annie" she says.

I'm about to hang up but then I decide to ask her something.

"Why do you call me Annie? My dads and friends all call me Nettie but you don't" I say.

"Would you prefer Nettie?" she asks.

"No, I like it, I was just wondering why you called me it" I say.

"My mother's name was Annette, that's why you were called that name and she was always known as Annie" she says.

"So you picked my name?" I ask.

"Your fathers are kind men. I asked them if they would mind naming you Annette after my mother and Kurt said it was perfect because your middle name was after his mother" she says.

"I'll see you Saturday then Laura" I say. I don't know if she's hurt by the fact that I didn't call her mom, but I'm not there yet.

"See you Saturday, Annie" she says and then I hang up the phone.

"How did it go?" John asks.

"She's coming to see me on Saturday" I say dazed.

"That soon?" he asks.

"She really wants to meet me I guess" I say.

"I'm so happy for you. You're finally meeting your birth mom" he says.

"Will you be there with me? I could really use some moral support" I say.

"Why don't you ask your dad or one of your sisters?" he asks.

"It would be too awkward. Please John, it would mean a lot to me" I say.

"Of course, if it means that much to you then I'll be there" he says. I fling my arms around him and hug him.

"Thank you John" I say.

"You're welcome Nettie" he replies.

Avery's POV

(A/N: She calls Blaine Dad and Kurt Pops).

It was maybe slightly hypocritical of me to tell Ace to move on from her parent's death when I haven't moved on from mine. It should be easier for me, I never knew my parents. Yet I've had just as much difficulty. It just seems so unfair that I never even got to meet either of my parents. That the car crash killed them and not me. I should be dead now, not them. I place the red roses on my mother and father's grave. The only things I know about them are through my grandmother and she's dead now-the last link to my mother is gone.

"Hey Mama. I'm fifteen years old now, did you know that? What am I saying of course you didn't, you're dead. I miss you and daddy-I'm not even sure why, I never knew you guys. I have a photo of you holding me in the hospital-you were so beautiful mama. I guess I'm just angry because I'm the only one in my family now who's never had parents. My sister Ace has had three sets of parents already, okay her birth ones weren't that great but she loved her first adoptive ones and our dads are great. Nettie doesn't know her mom but she's actually daddy's daughter. I didn't have parents until I was six. Why did you have to leave me? Why did you have to die? I'm not sad as much as I'm angry that I didn't have parents until I was six. Everyone else got to, why couldn't I?" I say. As I have done recently when I visit my parents, I curl up and cry between mama and daddy's graves.

I hate crying, it makes me feel weak. I prefer my other method of coping but Dad won't let me do it. Ever since he found out he's been watching me like a hawk. Still he's not watching me now. I slip the razor from my bag and slash it along my arm. It sounds sick but the feeling I get when the blood trickles out from my arm, is one of such release. I do it over and over again, slashing all the way up my arm. Crying is probably healthier but it doesn't feel anyway near as good. I start feeling slightly lightheaded but I've learned to deal with this. I grab the first aid kit that I always keep on hand, ever since I started cutting when I was twelve. I did it for a whole year until I stopped but started soon after. The bullying at school was unbearable, still is and it became my way of coping with everything. That's how I deal; I shut the world out and think that if I keep on cutting then everything will be okay except it never has been.

I spend the whole day, wishing for it to be over. When the final bell rings, I am walking out of school, when I notice that my dads are walking along the hallway in the opposite direction to me. I follow them to the auditorium, even though I know they'll tell me off if they find me eavesdropping. I know it's bad, but I want to know why they're here. I follow them all the way to the auditorium. They sit there waiting for someone, and then I notice Uncle Finn coming down the hall. I hide behind the nearest lockers as he walks through the door to the auditorium.

"What did you want?" Uncle Finn asks sitting down in front of my parents.

"We'd like you to convince Avery to join Glee" Dad says.

"How come?" Uncle Finn asks.

"She's been living with us for nine years Finn and she just won't open up to anyone. She's obviously still grieving about what happened to her parents but she won't talk to anyone about it" Pops says.

Why should I? It's none of their business how I grieve, I think angrily.

"I thought her parents died when she was a baby" Uncle Finn says.

Doesn't mean I can't miss them, my anger builds when he says that.

"They did but Avery resents the fact that she never got to know her parents and she doesn't have an effective way of dealing with it. She cuts herself Finn. She stops and she thinks we don't know she started again but I saw the blood soaked bandages in her bin" Dad says.

"And you think that Glee can help with that? Shouldn't you be talking to a psychologist?" Finn asks.

"She just needs to find a healthier way to open up and cope. She loves singing, this could really help her" Pops says.

"I guess I could try talking to her" I say.

I'm so angry that they're not including me that I burst through the door.

"Since when do you get off deciding what I do?" I scream.

"Were you listening this entire time? You know what we told you about eavesdropping Avery Bethany Hummel-Anderson" Dad says.

"I wouldn't have to eavesdrop if you included me in decisions!" I yell.

"We're just doing what we think is best for you. We're worried about you sweetheart" Pops says.

"I will deal with my grief, my way" I say coldly.

"Even if that way might kill you? We know you're cutting again" Dad says.

"I'm just trying to cope. It's better than crying or yelling" I say.

"You can channel that pain into your music Avery" Uncle Finn says.

"What if I refuse?" I ask.

"That's up to you, but I really think Glee would be good for you. You're an artistic person Avery, you need an outlet" Uncle Finn says.

"If I agree to do this then will you guys get off my back about my….unsavoury habits?" I ask.

"I guess we can agree to those terms" Pops says.

"Alright then. Just give me a moment" I say.

"Why? Where are you going?" Dad asks.

"My audition song needs an acoustic guitar" I say. I come back a few minutes later with Marie Puckerman and her guitar.

"So what will you be singing Avery?" Uncle Finn asks.

"An acoustic version of Top Of The World by Bridgit Mendler" I say. I take my seat behind the piano, signal to Marie and we start to play.

Avery:

You got that fresh way of talking

It could be four in the morning

And you're making me trip

My heart skip, skip the beat

You know that this is amazing

Please tell me why you're hesitating

Let's risk it all, risk the fall tonight

Take the rope and climb

Close your eyes

Love will take you high

So just hold on tight

We'll be sitting on top

Sitting on top of the world

Oohh oohh

Oohh oh oh oh oh oh

Oohh oohh oohh

I hear the wind in the trees

And I'm weak in the knees

When you're holding me close

Got tingling toes tonight

You got me so elevated

You wanna jump?

Why you waiting?

Let's risk it all, risk the fall tonight

Take the rope and climb

Close your eyes

Love will take you high

We'll be sitting on top of the world

Baby, you and I were born to rise

So just hold on tight

We'll be sitting on top

Sitting on top of the world

Oohh oohh

Oohh oh oh oh oh oh

Oohh oohh oohh

I'm begging you, begging you

Got my loving hand out

I'm begging you, begging you

Got my loving hand out

I'm begging you, begging you

Got my loving hand out

Begging you, begging you

Begging you, begging you

Take the rope and climb

Close your eyes

Love will take you high

Baby, you and I were born to rise

So just hold on tight

We'll be sitting on top

Sitting on top of the world

Take the rope and climb

Close your eyes

Love will take you high

We'll be sitting on top of the world

Baby, you and I were born to rise

So just hold on tight

We'll be sitting on top

Sitting on top of the world

Oohh oohh

Oohh oh oh oh oh oh

Oohh oohh oohh

Sitting on top of the world

We will be, you and me

We will be sitting on top of the world

"Was it that awful Avery?" Uncle Finn asks when he notices my scowling face.

"I just don't like being forced into doing things. I actually quite liked the whole singing thing" I shyly admit.

"Good. Well you're in so I'll see you at rehearsal tomorrow" Finn says.

"Thank you Mr Hudson. That doesn't mean I'm not insanely mad at you guys for going behind my back" I say glaring pointedly at my fathers.

"We know" Pops says.

I turn to leave when Finn calls behind me.

"Oh and Avery? If you ever need anyone to talk to, that's not your dad or your sisters, I'm here. I have a little insight on what it's like never to know a parent" he says.

"I'll remember that Mr Hudson" I say before leaving. I know that I won't be talking to him though. I get that he lost his Dad when he was a baby but I just can't talk to him. Opening up to people makes you weak and vulnerable and I swore after all the bullying I went through that I would never be weak or vulnerable again and damn it; I'm going to stick to that.

Bianna's POV

(A/N: She calls Santana Mama and Brittany Mom)

"Bianna Lopez-Pierce, I swear if you don't get down here now I'm coming up there with a freezing cold bucket of water and tipping it over your frickin' head" Mama calls up the stairs.

"Un minuto mas por favor Mama" I yell back.

"No un minuto mas, ahora mismo Bianna" Mama calls.

"Vale, vale ya voy" I call back. Neither me, Ty or Mandy are fluent in Spanish but for some reason when I'm barely awake in the morning, Spanish comes more easily to me than English. Of course, I don't actually wake up; I figure if I wait long enough Mama will just forget.

No such luck. I hear the click of her heels coming up the stairs and bury myself under the covers. I scream as I feel icy cold water on my skin.

"Vamos levantarse!" she says.

"Vale, vale" I mutter, reluctantly getting out of bed.

"You and need to talk missy. Downstairs now" she says dragging me down the stairs-I'm quite impressed that she manages to do this in heels.

"De què trata?" I ask.

"I think you know Bianna" she says.

"I really don't skip class that often" I say switching to English.

"Now she speaks English" Mama says.

"It's too early to translate those sorts of sentences into Spanish" I say.

"I knew I shouldn't have listened to Brittany and brought the two of you up bilingually. But that's off topic. I've had calls from Mr Schue twice this week, saying that you haven't shown up to class" Mama says.

"So I've been having a little fun? So what?" I ask.

"So maybe instead of being out partying with your friends all night long, you should actually spend your evenings studying and show up to class" Mama says.

"You were just as bad as me when you were my age" I say.

"No, no mija. I may have partied when I was seventeen yes but I had to maintain my GPA, or I wouldn't have kept my spot in Glee or the cheerios and I wouldn't have been able to set up a business with your mom" she says.

"But you never went to college like Mom did" I say.

"No, mija but you're going to college" she says.

"Què pasa si no quiero?" I yell angrily.

"No me importa, vas a Universidad" she says.

"No tengo un opciòn?" I say.

"Soy tu madre, yo estoy a cargo" she says.

"Mama, tu es un puta" I yell slamming the door.

"This conversation is not over Bianna" Mama yells through the door.

"Oh, sí es" I say.

Just to annoy her even more, I rev the motorbike I bought myself when I turned sixteen. It took me an entire year of teaching the intermediate classes at our family dance school to earn the money and Mama blew her top when she saw what I'd bought. It was totally worth it. I put my helmet on and revving the motorbike one more time for good effect, I pull out of our drive and head to school.

Most people when their mom yells at them for cutting class, would probably make sure they were at school for every single class for the next week. I don't roll like that. I could do all of my homework and get through all of those classes in my sleep but I just don't want to.

I meet my friends behind the bleachers outside. "I heard you and your mom going at it this morning" my friend Oscar says. Oscar Ramos lives next door to me and he's one of my best friends. My mama hates him because she thinks he's a bad influence on me but I love hanging out with bad boys. They don't deny who they are and there's a lot less drama with them than with supposedly "good" boys and girls.

"Do you have a fag? My mama confiscated mine" I say.

"Here you go. Wow you're mom's a real hard ass isn't she?" he says.

"Don't I know it" I say lighting my cigarette and inhaling deeply.

"Shouldn't you be in class?" he asks.

"I could say the same for you" I say and he winks at me.

Our cigs are down to their very last stumps when Principal Schue appears behind the bleachers.

"Why is it always you three?" he says. Me, Oscar and Jorge are in trouble together a lot, but then we all have overbearing Hispanic parents, and love to have fun so it shouldn't be surprising to Principal Schue anymore, after all we've been doing this since freshman year.

"Because no one else would have the guts to do it" I say. I know it's not the best time to be mouthy but I'm just in that kind of mood today.

"All of you in my office now. I will be calling your parents and rest assured, I will not go easy on any of you this time. This has been going on for far too long" Principal Schue says. He turns away, expecting us to follow him but we all just stand there.

"Oh and Bianna? I called Santana in, and she sound fuming. She was cursing in Spanish and everything and we all know what that means" he says.

I nod to Oscar and Jorge to follow me. Usually I would just stay there and it would be a battle of wills between me and Principal Schue-a battle that I always win because no one is more stubborn than I am. But when my mama gets angry, she gets really angry and I've already pissed her off enough for one day.

Oscar and Jorge don't look anywhere near as embarrassed as me sitting in the principal's office. Mr and Mrs Ramos don't care about what their son does, neither do Mr and Mrs Hernandez but my mama is fiercely protective. I'd rather have a mother that cared too much though, than one that didn't at all.

Or maybe not. I'm lucky people can't really tell when I blush, because my cheeks are burning when my mama storms into the office cursing in Spanish.

"Bianna Evita Lopez-Pierce, que está en graves problemas jovencita" my mama yells.

"Lo siento mama" I say.

"Tu apuesta tu es. Què nos limitamos a hablar de esta mañana?" she yells.

"Mama, me estás avergonzando!" I say.

"Que no debería haber metido en problemas luego" she says angrily.

"Can we speak in English now please Mama?" I ask.

"You know how when Mama gets mad she speaks in Spanish mija" Santana says.

"I have called Mr and Mrs Ramos and Mr and Mrs Hernandez but they don't seem to have answered so I'll just start this now" Principal Schue says.

"Neither the Ramos' or the Hernandez' will be here, Mr Schue. I'll take full responsibility for Jorge and Oscar" Mama says.

"Are you sure Santana?" Principal Schue asks.

"Yes I'm sure" Mama says.

"Well as I explained over the phone, Bianna, Jorge and Oscar here were caught skipping class and smoking out behind the bleachers. As you are aware this is not the first time this has happened" Principal Schue says.

"Yes, I am aware" Mama says pointedly looking at me, making me sink further into my seat.

"I would consider expulsion for this kind of repeated offense" Principal Schue says.

"Is there not something else we can work out? I think I can speak on behalf of all parents involved that none of us want our kids involved" I say.

"Santana, I don't want to expel your daughter or Oscar or Jorge but I'm really at my wits end as to how to deal with these kids. This can't go on, they've been suspended more times than all the other kids in this school combined" Principal Schue says.

"I have an idea" Mama says.

"Let's hear it then Santana" Principal Schue says.

"Well I've found that the best way to deal with troublesome teenagers is to remove the things they love the most. So I suggest for Jorge and Oscar, a two week suspension and removal of their electronics. For Bianna, the removal of her electronics and her requirement to join the glee club" Mama says.

"But that means B's the only one who doesn't get suspended! That's not fair" Oscar says.

"I agree with that, they should all have the same length of punishment. A two week after school detention for all three of you, I'll take all your electronics for the same length of time and for Bianna, the requirement to join glee club until she graduates seems like a fair enough punishment. Hand them over" Principal Schue says.

"Que por le tanto no es justo!" I complain as we all hand over our electronics.

"Esto es perfectamente justo. Estar seguro de jovencita que sa basará. Voy a estar allí para su audición, asi que no creo que puedes salir de tu" Mama says.

"Pero Mama…." I say.

"Suficiente! Te verè en el almuerzo" Mama says storming out of the office, in much the same way as she stormed in.

"The three of you may leave. Bianna, I will be notifying Finn and he will be expecting you for your audition at lunchtime" Principal Schue says.

"It sucks that you have to join that loser club" Oscar says.

"I like singing and dancing. It sucks more that I'm going to be grounded so I won't be able to get out of the house to party for the next two weeks" I say.

"Since when has that ever stopped you?" Jorge asks.

"That is very true. We're going to have to be insanely careful though. I've never seen my mama so mad" I say.

"What about Brittany?" Oscar asks.

"Mom never really gets mad. Mama says she's not exactly sure how to" I say.

"I love your Mom, she's so cool" Jorge says.

"Yeah, I wish Mama could be the same way" I say.

"At least your mama cares about you. My mami couldn't give a damn" Oscar says.

"She cares about you in her own way" I say.

"Then where the hell is she?" he asks. I can't answer. How horrible it must feel to realize that no matter how badly you behaved are your parent will never notice you. My dad's never noticed me, but I don't think he knows who I am, and I don't know who he is. Besides I have two moms who love me. Jorge and Oscar's parents just don't notice them at all.

I'm pissed that I have to audition for Glee so I spend the morning figuring out a way that I can piss off my mom back. By lunchtime and after a few illegal texts-teachers at McKinley really don't care what we do during lessons as long as we get good grades so my plan is fully in place by the time my glee audition rolls around. Nettie Hummel-Anderson has just finished singing and now it's my turn. The pole I paid the AV club to get for me is wheeled onto the stage-I haven't asked how they did it and to be honest I don't want to know, and then I walk out onto the stage.

I hear the clack of my Mama's heels down the aisle of the auditorium.

"Good you showed up" Mama says.

"You didn't exactly give me much choice" I say.

"Neither did you. You misbehave, I have to punish you. I think you'll also find that every single box of your cancer sticks has been removed from the house" Mama says.

"Mama!" I complain. I can't live without my cigs.

"It's for your own good" she says.

"Mama, we're being rude" I say nodding towards Finn.

"Santana can lecture you as much as she wants Bianna, it was a very stupid thing you did" Finn says.

"I know, that's why I did it" I mutter. My mama ignores me.

"Why couldn't you send Mom down?" I say.

"Because as great as your mom is, she's far better at playing good cop than bad cop. Plus she was teaching a class this morning" Mama says.

"Well let's get on with it then" I say dropping my coat. I smile at my Mama's shocked face as she sees my red spangled bra and red sequinned skirt.

"Bianna Evita Lopez-Pierce, poner algo de ropa ahora" Mama says.

"Que es por mi rendimiento" I say winking.

"Let's just hear the song, okay Bianna" Finn says, trying to stop a verbal sparring match between me and my mom.

"Not a problem" I say. My mama's mouth drops, as she sees me work my way up the pole.

Bianna:

What's the time?

Well it's gotta be close to midnight

My body's talking to me

It say, 'Time for danger'

(My routine is a very intricate dance routine involving the pole and I can tell my mom is hating every second of it)

It says 'I wanna commit a crime

Wanna be the cause of a fight

Wanna put on a tight skirt and flirt

With a stranger'

I've had a knack from way back

At breaking the rules once I learn the

Game

Get-up life's too quick

I know someplace sick

Where this chick'll dance it at the flames

We don't need any money

I always get in for free

You can get in too

If you get in with me

Let's go out tonight

I have to go out tonight

You wanna play?

Let's run away

We won't be back

Before it's New Years Day

Take me out tonight (meow)

When I get a wink from the doorman

Do you know how lucky you'll be?

That you're on line with the feline

Of Avenue B

Let's go out tonight

I have to go out tonight

You wanna prowl

Be my night owl?

Well take my hand we're gonna howl

Out tonight

In the evening, I've got to roam

Can't sleep in the city of neon and chrome

Feels too damn much like home

When the Spanish babies cry

So let's find a bar

So dark we forget who we are

And all the scars from the

Nevers and maybes die

Let's go out tonight

Have to go out tonight

You're sweet

Wanna hit the street?

Wanna wail at the moon like a cat in

Heat?

Just take me out tonight

Please take me out tonight

Don't forsake me- out tonight

I'll let you make me- out tonight

Tonight- tonight- tonight

To end my routine I do a split back flip off the top of the pole, landing in the splits. I'm not sure Finn knows what to say. My mama definitely does though.

"Bianna Evita Lopez-Pierce, que era tan inadecuada" Mama says.

"Why exactly did you choose that particular performance?" Finn asks me.

I can't say I chose to do it to piss off my mom so I say the first thing that comes into my head.

"I heard from a very reliable source that RENT was this year's musical. I want to be considered for the part of Mimi. With my dance skills and complexion, I would be perfect" I say. It's not entirely a lie, I was going to try out for the part of Mimi. I can see by the looks that they share, that neither he or Mama believe me.

"I'll definitely consider you, that was a very good dance performance, whatever else it may have been. Obviously you are in Glee anyway, I'll see you for our first rehearsal tomorrow" Finn says. He quickly rushes off to his office, not wanting to be involved in the huge fight me and my mom are about to have.

"I'm taking you off school for the rest of the day. Then you can explain to me why you think it is acceptable to dance on a pole like una estriptista" Mama says.

"Lo siento, Mama" I say, not really meaning it.

"I don't think you are. We will talk about this more at home though" Mama says dragging me out, with me hanging my head in shame-not for the outfit I'm wearing but for having my mama drag me through school like I'm some little kid. This battle is definitely not over yet.

Amanda's POV

(A/N: As with Bianna, Mom is Brittany, Mama is Santana. There will be some M rated content towards the end of Amanda's POV)

Flashback

The snow is whirling all around them. I can see my younger self getting into the car, and my parents getting into the car. I want to scream to stop us, to tell them that nothing will ever be the same again if they get into that car but of course they can't hear me. I feel like I'm paralysed, I can't move to stop them. Everything seems to move in slow motion as I watch the car move from the driveway. My ten year old eyes are transfixed at the falling snow. I want the dream to end, I know what's going to happen next and I can't stop it. The big black car comes speeding towards us, only in my dream it's not speeding-it's crawling. The screech of the tires seem louder now than it was then, and I watch in horror as the car crumples and my parents are thrown into the windscreen, the sound of glass shattering is amplified tenfold. The only thing I can hear though is my screams as I try desperately to shake my parents awake but there's no movement. No movement.

End of flashback

My screams if possible, are even louder now than back then, shrill and piercing.

"Mandy, sweetheart what's wrong?" Mom asks running into my room.

"I had the nightmare again. I had to watch them die again" I say sobbing into Mom's shoulder.

"Oh sweetie" she says hugging me tighter. I can't count how many times they've had to do this in the last six years.

"Baby do you think you need to speak to someone? Not me or your Mama, someone professional" she says.

"NO! I can't, I just can't. That is the most fucking ridiculous idea I've ever heard. You think I want to sit there and talk to some stranger about my DEAD parents? I don't. I just want these fucking nightmares to stop! But I won't talk about them, I won't. I don't want to remember!" I scream.

"Sweetie, let Jeanine go okay. You need to take control again. Sweetie you're hurting me" Mom says trying to take her wrist out of my grip.

"You can't make me go talk to someone!" I scream.

"I know sweetie, I know. Just calm down okay. I won't make you go and talk to anyone you don't want to" Mom says.

I relax into her embrace. "What happened just then?" I ask feeling a wave of forgetfulness pass over me.

"Jeanine" my mom says.

I have Multiple Personality Disorder; it came out after my accident. All the stupid doctors my moms made me go to said there was nothing I could do about it, I just have to live with all these different personalities taking over my life. Jeanine is verbally (and sometimes physically) abusive.

"Did I hurt you Mom?" I ask.

"Only a little bit" she says showing the bruise on her hand.

"I'm sorry Mom" I say.

"I know you can't help it sweetheart. How about I make you some warm milk?" she asks.

"I don't feel like milk right now. Can I just sit and watch a movie with you?" I say.

"It's late Mandy and I have an early class tomorrow" Mom says.

"Please Mom, I'll have nightmares for the rest of the night if you don't stay with me" I say.

"Okay Mandy. Just one movie though okay" she says.

"I promise, only one movie" I say. Mom does make me a hot chocolate instead of warm milk.

"What do you want to watch?" Mom asks me.

"The Lion King" I say. It's my favourite movie and one of my best memories from when I was little was watching that film with my parents.

"The Lion King it is" Mom says. She slots the movie into the DVD player and I sit on her lap in the recliner, as I always do when I have one of my nightmares. I snuggle into her chest as we watch the movie. I hadn't realised how tired I was though and I'm soon asleep.

When I wake up the next morning, I'm still on top of Mom.

"Come on sweetie wake up" a voice says. I yawn and stretch, looking up at my Mama.

"Morning mama" I say.

"Did you have another nightmare last night sweetie?" Mama asks.

"Yeah. We watched like a half hour of The Lion King and then I fell asleep" I say getting up.

"Sweetie we really need to do something about those nightmares. Maybe you should talk to somebody" Mama says.

"We already discussed that last night. It brought out Jeanine" Mom says sleepily, showing her bruised wrist.

"Fine no therapist for now but if she gets any worse then we'll have no choice" Mama says.

"You're talking like I'm not even here!" I yell.

"Mandy, we just want you to be happy" Mama says.

"I'm fine. I'm happy" I say.

"You're not happy Mandy. What can we do to make you happy?"

"Bring my parents back. Except you can't do that. So I guess I'll never truly be happy" I say sadly. These times where I'm just normal Mandy are maybe the saddest. When I'm Kara or Jeanine or Marcia or Tiffany or Liza, I can be someone different, even if it's just for an hour or two and I can forget normal sad Mandy.

My moms don't really know what to say to that. They never do. I love them but they're not mine and I'm constantly reminded of that, not by them but by the daily nightmares of my real parents dying. In six years I've never actually been to their graves, I suppose maybe I thought that if I didn't have to see it, I wouldn't have to believe that they're dead.

Being at school with MPD is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. People always treat you differently because they're never sure exactly who you'll be that day. I should tell them it's far harder for me not knowing who I'm going to be each day than for them.

"Hello gorgeous" I say wolf whistling as Mandy Puckerman walks down the hallway. I forgot to mention that as well as having MPD, I am also a lesbian. If there is a God then he has a wicked sense of humour.

"Excuse me?" she asks.

If I had been normal Mandy, I would have blushed and walked away but Kara is in control now. I don't actually really know whilst my different personalities are in control that I'm not me, I have no idea what I say or do, the only way I know is by asking the people around me at the time-the amnesia is the most annoying part of MPD.

"I said that you were gorgeous" I say placing my hands on her chest and leaning in to kiss her. Kara is apparently incredibly forward according to what my moms have told me.

"Get off me you weirdo" Mandy says pushing me towards the lockers. She's pretty damn strong because I hit my head flipping hard on the locker and black out.

Everything's fuzzy when I wake up. I feel bile rising in my throat and proceed to throw up right into Mandy Puckerman's lap. I hadn't noticed that she was even still here.

"I am so sorry about that" I murmur.

"Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard" she says.

"What was I doing?" I ask her.

"You don't remember? Do you have a concussion?" she asks.

"I don't think so. I have MPD" I say.

"What's that?" she asks.

"Multiple Personality Disorder. I have different personalities but I can't remember what I do when I'm in each personality, apart from my own. What was I doing?" I ask.

"You were kind of coming on to me" Mandy says awkwardly.

"That would have been Kara then. Once again, so sorry" I say.

"If you don't know what you're doing when your different personalities are in control then how do you know which one you were?" she asks.

"My parents tell me. I guess they gave their names the first time they came out. You're lucky you didn't meet Jeanine, she's kind of abusive" I say.

"Is it weird that I'm a little creeped out by this?" Mandy asks.

"No" I say. Everyone's creeped out by it. Since my parent's death six years ago, that's what I am, creepy. Creepy and unlovable.

"Should I help you clean that off?" I ask her pointing to my vomit on her jeans.

"That's alright, I'll do it myself" she says. She helps me to my feet and when she touches my hand, I feel warmth and a spark that I've never felt before. I hide my face behind my hair so she can't tell that I'm blushing furiously.

"Sorry again for coming on to you" I say.

"Don't worry about it" she says. I see a little sparkle in her eye and wonder if she was really as angry as she seemed when I tried to kiss her.

"Of course if you do it again, I'll do much worse than push you into a locker" she says. Maybe not then. Or maybe she's like me and just trying to hide who she really is. It's easier for me-I have multiple personalities to do that.

"I guess I'll see you later Mandy" she says. She seems to be blushing as hard as I am, except she hasn't used her hair to hide it.

"See you later, uh, Mandy" I say laughing at our shared nickname. We would make such a cute couple. I have to mentally hit myself for thinking that way. I know my moms wouldn't hate me-after all they're both lesbian too but I don't want to be bullied the way Uncle Kurt was.

I can't get my mind off Mandy Puckerman all day. Even when I go to my Glee audition after school, the main thought in my head is her softened blue eyes as she helped me up in the hallway.

"Hi Mr Hudson" I say. He's just been watching Avery Hummel-Anderson, I saw her leave as I came into the auditorium.

"Mandy Lopez-Pierce, it's good to see you. Wait, is it Mandy?" he asks referring to my MPD.

"Yes it's Mandy. For now at least" I say.

"What will you be singing Mandy?" he asks.

"Broken Vow, the Josh Groban version" I say.

"Great song, let's hear it" Finn says.

Mandy:

Tell me his name

I want to know

The way he looks

And where you go

I need to see his face

I need to understand

Why you and I came to an end

Tell me again

I want to hear

Who broke my faith in all these years

Who lays with you at night

While I'm here all alone

Remembering when I was your own

I let you go

I let you fly

Why do I keep on asking why

I let you go

Now that I found

A way to keep somehow

More than a broken vow

Tell me the words I never said

Show me the tears you never shed

Give me the touch

That one you promised to be mine

Or has it vanished for all time

I let you go

I let you fly

Why do I keep on asking why

I let you

Now that I found

A way to keep somehow

More than a broken vow

I close my eyes

And dream of you and I

And then I realize

There's more to love than only bitterness and lies

I close my eyes

I'd give away my soul

To hold you once again

And never let this promise end

I let you go

I let you fly

Now that I know I'm asking why

I let you go

Now that I found

A way to keep somehow

More than a broken vow

"That was lovely Mandy, were you singing to anyone in particular?" Finn asks.

I was imagining Mandy Puckerman throughout the entire song but I won't tell anyone that.

"No, I just like the song" I lie.

"Well you're in. I'll see you at our first rehearsal at four tomorrow" he says.

"Thanks" I say.

Whenever my lesbian tendencies seem to be coming to the surface, my alter ego Tiffany appears. She's a massive slut and party girl. That evening I sneak out of the house and go to a bar, wearing a cropped top and a very short pair of shorts. Tiffany is a regular at Lima's only bar, The Watering Hole.

"Hey, everyone Tiffany's back!" I yell stumbling through the door. Boys wolf whistle appreciatively when they see my outfit and I get a couple of them slapping my ass, but Tiffany doesn't care. She laps up the attention.

"Anyone care to get a girl a drink?" I ask, leaning on the bar. When I'm Tiffany, I like to make sure my boobs are on full display.

"Beer on the house" the bar tender says.

"Why thank you" I say. I haven't even had to show my fake ID.

"Man, I'd like to see what those puppies look like out of that shirt" an older man at the bar says, salivating as he sees my boobs.

"Would you now?" I ask sitting on the man's lap. As Mandy I would be creeped out by a guy like this, but Tiffany thrives on men like this.

He nods and I shift closer to him.

"Have at it" I whisper in his ear. He cups one of my boobs under my bra with his hand letting out a slight moan of pleasure. I have a flicker of feeling like Mandy, realising that this guy is like forty and I shouldn't be doing this, but Tiffany takes back control relatively quickly.

I can feel the hardness in his pants as he sucks on my nipple. He throws me up on the bar. He rips my shirt off, leaving me sitting on the bar in just my bra and shorts.

"Derek get everyone out of here now" the older man says.

"But it's nowhere near last call" he says.

"I know but this little lady and I are going to have some fun and we're going to have our fun whether everyone is here or not" the older man says.

"If you get everyone out of here I'll let you have a feel" I say leaning forward so my boobs are exposed again. The man eagerly grasps my boob and I let him hold it for about a minute before pulling away.

"Everyone finish your drinks and go. The bar is closing early tonight" the bartender says.

I wink at him and smile at my older male friend. Tiffany may be a slut but man is she fun. Everyone including the bar tender clears out, leaving just me and the older man in the bar.

"I think we should break out some more alcohol, don't you?" I say downing the last of my beer.

"Whatever you want sweetheart" he says, his gaze firmly fixed on my boobs.

I pour shots into glasses. "How would you like to drink these off my bare stomach?" I purr in his ear. He nods eagerly. I lie down on the bar and he places them on my stomach. He quickly downs each one and then places a trail of kisses along my bare stomach.

He moves to undo my shorts. "Uh uh, not yet" I whisper in his ear.

"You are such a tease" he says.

"You know you love it" I say.

I take a bottle of champagne from the bar and down half of it. By this time I am feeling decidedly tipsy.

"How about I put on a show for you?" I ask the man. I find the speaker system and put on some music. I kick my heels off and dance sexily on the bar. I tear my bra off revealing my boobs to the man. He grabs my waist and pulls me down on top of him. He sucks at my nipple again as I pull down his trousers. He pulls my shorts down with his teeth and slides his hand into my panties sticking one finger inside me. I moan lightly as he builds up in a rhythm.

"I want all of you" I whisper in his ear seeing his hardened dick through his pants. He tears off my panties and I remove his shirt and underpants so we are both naked on the bar.

"You know you want in" I whisper and he slides inside of me, causing me to moan louder. I wrap my legs around his waist as he thrusts inside me, harder and harder and I let out ever louder moans. I kiss him; he grabs my ass and pulls us into a more upright position. He thrusts ever harder, his mouth biting my nipples, mine tongue over his. My moans have turned into screams of pleasure until I reach my climax. He slides out of me, panting heavily.

"That, princess was damn good sex" he says. He's not even an attractive forty, he's an old, balding man with a pot belly but it's clear he knows what he's doing when it comes to sex. I don't think I've ever had as good sex as Tiffany-the memories of these nights eventually come back to me after the initial amnesia.

"Do you want to go for round 2?" I ask.

"I don't think so. I'm exhausted" he says.

"But I was going to show you how incredibly…..bendy I could be" I say bending one of my legs around my head, so my clit is fully exposed to him.

"Well when you put it that way….." he says, climbing back onto the bar and kissing me again.

I wake up in the bar the next morning. As with any other time one of my personalities, I have no idea why I'm there, the last thing I remember is going to bed the night the before and yet here I am, completely naked and alone in a bar.

Ivy's POV

"Ivy Whitney Evans, we are going to be late!" my mom calls to me.

"10 more minutes" I moan.

"Not ten more minutes, now please. We have to be in the studio in a half hour" my mom calls.

That makes me shoot up out of my bed. I'd forgotten that today was the morning I was going into the studio with mom. She's allowing me to record a duet with her for her second album! I'm excited but also kind of nervous since my mom is bound to be better than me and everyone who listens to the song will probably compare my voice to hers. As if I'm not compared to my mom enough. Still it's a great opportunity to get noticed-maybe I could get a solo record deal if a record producer hears our duet on my mom's album then they might like my voice enough to give me my own record deal.

"IVY!" my mom calls.

"I'm coming" I say quickly slipping on my red leggings, black tank top and black beanie hat, throwing my leather jacket on over the top and sliding into my red converses. I run down the stairs.

"If we're late for this because of you then I swear you'll be grounded" my mom says rustling me into the car. I swear she runs basically every single red light from our house to the studio in Columbus.

"Jackson" she calls when she opens the door to the studio. I follow her down the halls until we get to the recording booth where she finds her producer Jackson.

"Mercy. Little Mercy" he says nodding to each of us. I hate that he calls me Little Mercy but I've never corrected him.

"Sorry we're a little late, Miss Cranky here didn't want to get out of bed this morning" my mom says glaring at me.

"It's okay Mercy; we've got plenty of time. You're the only person I'm seeing this morning" Jackson says.

"We'll run through Ivy's verses first, then mine and then the chorus. Is that okay Jackson?" Mom asks.

"It's your album. Sounds good" he says. I go into the booth and put the big headphones on.

"Okay Little Mercy. We've set everything up for you, the backing track will come through your headphones and you just need to sing your verse" Jackson says.

"Not a problem" I say. I sing my verse and I think I've done pretty well but my mom does not look happy.

"You were flat Ivy. Try again" Mom says. It takes forever before my mom agrees that all my verses are good enough and then she takes to the booth to as she says "show me how it's done".

It's infuriating how easy she finds it. Every one of her verses is perfect first time around and she almost looks as if she's gloating when she comes out of the booth.

"Don't worry about it Little Mercy. Your mom's a pro, she's obviously going to get it perfect faster than you do" Jackson says.

"It's IVY! My name is IVY! Not Little Mercy" I yell angrily.

"Ivy you don't talk to people like that do you?" Mom says.

"Sorry Jackson" I mutter.

"Don't worry. Divas come with the territory" he says ruffling my hair like I'm a little kid. I give my best grumpy look but my mom glares at me so I fake a smile.

By the end of the recording session, I am desperate to get to school. It's not that I hate being in a recording studio, but my mother constantly telling me that I'm flat and I'm bringing her voice down on the chorus of her song is kind of esteem killing. I want to go somewhere where I'm just Ivy and not "Little Mercy".

My mom drives me to school after we're finished at the studio. It's already lunchtime so I don't see why she's taking me, there's not much more of school left.

"It's your glee audition today right sweetie?" she asks.

"Yes. But why would I want you to come when you spent the entire morning belittling my voice in the studio?" I ask grumpily.

"Oh Vi, you can't think I was doing that to be mean. You know I love your singing voice, today just wasn't your best day that's all. I'm sorry if you took it like that. This is the first album that I've had a duet with you on and I just want everyone to hear what I hear when I hear you sing" Mom says.

"They won't. They'll hear amazing you and then average me" I say.

"Vi, you're young and you have an incredible voice for a fourteen year old. Don't compare yourself to anyone" Mom says giving me a hug. It makes me feel a little better but not much.

"Now come on, let's go to your glee audition. You know there's nothing I like more than hearing my baby sing" Mom says.

I'm still feeling a little resentful towards her but I allow her to take my hand and we walk into school together. In the auditorium, I see Bianna Lopez-Pierce who is wearing basically nothing, being dragged out by her mother. I can tell by my mom's face that she's glad I'm not like that. Still Bianna is 17 and I'm only 14, there's still time for me to be like that.

"Hi Mr Hudson" I say.

"Hi Ivy, oh you brought your mom with you" he says noticing my mom.

"We were at the studio this morning and I wanted to see her audition. That's okay right Finn?" she asks.

"Of course Mercedes, you're always welcome in this auditorium" Finn says smiling at my mom.

"So Ivy, what are you going to sing for me today?" Finn asks.

"Read All About It by Emeli Sande" I say.

"That's a great song, let's hear it" Finn says.

Ivy:

You've got the words to change a nation

But you're biting your tongue

You've spent a life time stuck in silence

Afraid you'll say something wrong

If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song?

So come on, come on

Come on, come on

You've got a heart as loud as lightning

So why let your voice be tamed?

Maybe we're a little different

There's no need to be ashamed

You've got the light to fight the shadows

So stop hiding it away

Come on, come on

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream till the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

At night we're waking up the neighbours

While we sing away the blues

Making sure that we're remembered, yeah

Cause we all matter too

If the truth has been forbidden

Then we're breaking all the rules

So come on, come on

Come on, come on

Let's get the TV and the radio

To play our tune again

It's bout time we got some airplay of our version of events

There's no need to be afraid

I will sing with you my friend

Come on, come on

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream till the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Yeah we're all wonderful, wonderful people

So when did we all get so fearful?

Now we're finally finding our voices

So take a chance, come help me sing this

Yeah we're all wonderful, wonderful people

So when did we all get so fearful?

And now we're finally finding our voices

Just take a chance, come help me sing this

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

"Wow Vi, it's like listening to a young Mercedes" Finn says.

"Thank you" I say, although there's nothing I hate more than people comparing me to my mom.

"You're in. Our first rehearsal is tomorrow at four" Finn says.

"Mr Hudson? When are the auditions for RENT?" I ask.

"I haven't even said that's the school musical for this year yet. How do you know already?" he asks.

"I heard from a very reliable source" I say.

"Yeah, I've heard that already today. Who's the source?" he asks.

"Ember has a really big mouth okay. She said she heard you and Rachel talking and you said that you wanted to try something more risky for the musical this year and Rachel suggested RENT" I say.

"Yes, RENT is the musical. What part would you be interested in?" Finn asks.

"Joanne" I say.

"Well the sign-up sheets for the musical will be going out relatively soon, so just remember to sign your name up then" Finn says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say.

"Mercedes, I don't suppose you want to perform? For old time's sake?" Finn asks.

"Yeah, sure I could do that. I'd love to be able to say that I performed one of my own songs on the McKinley stage" Mom says.

I sink further into my seat with each verse that my mom sings. Why can't I just have one thing that's mine for once? Why does she have to ruin everything? All I can think about as she sings is how rubbish my audition must have been in comparison to hers.

Marie's POV

I don't want to take down Glee. I like singing and I'm so furious that Ty is basically forcing me to help him. Mr Hudson is my favourite teacher at this school and I don't want to take Glee away from him. Still this does give me an excuse to join, and I've been looking for one for the past year so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. My first class of the morning is Math. I hate Math but I can do it in my sleep so at least I don't have to concentrate too much. Unlike Maddie, who's been held back a year and is still only freshman level math standard.

I notice that our math teacher Mr Wilkes is standing next to a tall, handsome blonde boy with the most striking grey eyes. I find myself crossing my fingers, hoping that he sits in the empty seat next to me. I almost hyperventilate when I see him coming my way.

"Is this seat taken?" he asks. He's not American but I can't figure out from his accent where he's from.

"No" I say hoping that my hair is hiding my furiously blushing cheeks.

"Can I sit here?" he asks.

"Go ahead" I say.

"I'm David O'Connor. You can call me Dave, if you like" he says.

"Marie Puckerman" I say holding out my hand for him to shake. Instead he kisses me on the cheek.

"Handshakes are far too formal" he says.

"Where are you from? I just can't place your accent" I say.

"I'm Canadian actually. From Ontario, my family just moved her for my brother's new job" he says.

"Let me guess, you're a hockey player?" I say.

"Now how on earth did you figure that out?" he says laughing.

"Lucky guess" I say.

Mr Wilkes calls for us to be silent then. Whatever stupid algebra he's talking about is wicked easy so I just engage in a few daydreams about David.

"Marie?" he asks.

I have to shake myself awake when I hear him talking to me.

"What's up?" I ask.

"Can you help me with these?" he asks. He hasn't managed to solve any of the equations we've been given.

"Sure. These are relatively easy" I say.

"I suck at math" he admits.

"I'm sure that's not true" I say and I proceed to help him with the equations. He's not the worst student I've ever had but it's clear that math isn't a strong point.

"How are you so good at this?" he asks.

"I've had to help my sister with her math for years-she has dyscalculia, it's basically dyslexia but with math" I say.

"Do you tutor?" he asks.

"That's how I make most of my money. You have no idea how many kids are bad at math in this school" I say.

"Like me you mean" he says.

"You're honestly not that bad. I've had far worse students" I say.

"What do you charge? I really can't afford an expensive tutor" he says.

"Usually it's $15 an hour. For you, I'll do $5" I say.

"You would do that for me?" he asks.

"You're new, you need help with math and you won't find a better tutor than me" I say shrugging. I don't mention that I have a crush on him.

"Thanks Marie. That's really nice of you" he says.

"No problem. So Ontario what's it like?" I ask.

"Cold" he says making me laugh.

"I'm being serious. I've never been to Canada" I say.

"Well that's mainly what Canada is-really cold. It's why we're so good at ice hockey. London's just the same as any other city really except we have some great parks. We also have some really cool festivals. My favourite one is the London Rib-Fest because barbecue ribs are like my favourite food in the entire world" he says.

"I wish I could eat ribs" I say.

"Why can't you?" he asks.

"I'm a cheerleader, gymnast and a ballet dancer, I can't put on weight" I say.

"But surely all that exercise means you burn tons of calories" he says.

"Well yes but they need a very particular diet" I say.

"I'd never be able to do that, I just love food and hockey's great exercise so I burn enough calories with that" he says.

"I wish I could eat like that" I say.

"So other than ballet, gymnastics and cheerleading, what else do you do?" he asks.

"I sing actually and I play guitar and piano" I say.

"That's awesome" he says.

"Are you musical?" I ask.

"Not as much as you. I can sing a little but I don't play guitar or piano" he says.

"What do you play?" I ask.

"Drums and sax" I say.

"Sax? Seriously? I love jazz music" I say.

"Me too, Ray Charles is like my favourite musician ever" he says.

"I'm more of an Etta James and Amy Winehouse fan but Ray Charles is awesome" I say.

"Well maybe I could play for you sometime" he says.

"Are you good?" I ask.

"Grade 7 standard" he says.

"Woah. Okay you're definitely playing for me" I say.

"Only if you sing for me" he says.

"It's a date" I say. I wait to see what his reaction is when I say date but he just smiles.

"I'd like that" he says.

"Really?" I ask.

"You're a pretty girl, I wouldn't mind going on a date with you" he says smiling.

"You barely know me" I say.

"That's what dating is for, to get to know someone. Why do you not want to now?" he says.

"No, I definitely do" I say.

"Good" he says.

"I know this great piano jazz bar, you'd love it" I say.

"How about you give me a call sometime then?" he asks.

"I'll need your number for that" I say. He takes out a piece of paper and scribbles something down on it.

"I guess it would be only right to return the favour" I say writing my number on a piece of paper and handing it to him.

"So other than being a math genius, having a sister with dyscalculia and loving music and dance what else can you tell me?" he asks.

"My mom writes songs and my dad's a dance teacher" I say.

"So that explains the singing and dancing then" he says.

"Yeah, performing's in my genes. You?" I ask.

"My parents are dead, I live with my brothers, my older brother is 24 and my younger brother is 14" I say.

"I'm so sorry" I say.

"Don't worry, I got over it, they died five years ago"

"Your brother's a lot older than you" I comment.

"My parents were eighteen when they had him. He's been looking after me ever since they died" he says.

"You sound really close. I wish my sister and I were that close" I say.

"We've had to be" he says. The bell for the end of the lesson rings, interrupting our conversation.

"Do you want to come to my house after school tomorrow? For math tutoring, I mean" I say.

"I'd like that. Maybe you could show me around a little too. I haven't really seen much of the town since me and my brothers moved here" he says.

"Sure but there's not much to see. You probably saw most of Lima, on the drive in" I say.

"It's not seeing the town I'd be looking forward to, it's the company" he says.

"Sure you can come over, but we'd be working most of the time, understand?" I say.

"I understand" he says winking.

"I'll see you tomorrow Dave" I say.

"See you tomorrow Marie" he says.

I've never had a more enjoyable math lesson. I spend the rest of my day thinking about Dave and how cute his smile was. Clearly this was where I was going wrong, I was looking for Lima boys when Canadian boys are so much sexier anyway.

After school I go to my Glee audition. Mandy's just finished singing and then I go out on stage.

"Hi Mr Hudson" I say.

"Marie? I wasn't expecting to see you here" he says.

"Coach Kitty doesn't control me" I say.

"That's funny, Ty and Lace said the exact same thing yesterday" he says.

"That's just a coincidence. She didn't tell us to say that" I say quickly.

"I wasn't accusing you Marie" he says.

"You're a great teacher Mr Hudson and I really want to join Glee" I say.

"I'm glad Marie. What are you going to sing?" he asks.

"Impossible by Shontelle. I'll being playing piano too" I say.

"Let's hear it" Finn says. I take my seat behind the piano and start to play.

Marie:

I remember years ago

Someone told me I should take

Caution when it comes to love

I did, I did

And you were strong and I was not

My illusion, my mistake

I was careless, I forgot

I did

And now when all is done

There is nothing to say

You have gone so effortlessly

You have won

You can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know now

Shout it from the roof tops

Write it on the sky line

All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy

And my heart is broken

All my scars are open

Tell them what hoped would be

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

Falling out of love is hard

Falling for betrayal is worse

Broken trust and broken hearts

I know, I know

Thinking all you need is there

Building faith on love and words

Empty promises will wear

I know, I know

And now when all is gone

There is nothing left to say

And if you're done embarrassing me

On your own you can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know now

Shout it from the rooftops

Write it on the skyline

All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy

And my heart is broken

All my scars are open

Tell them what I hoped would be

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible!

Ooh impossible (yeah yeah)

I remember years ago

Someone told me I should take

Caution when it comes to love

I did

Tell them all I know now

Shout it from the roof tops

Write it on the skyline

All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy

And my heart is broken

All my scars are open

Tell them what I hoped would be

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

Impossible, impossible

I remember years ago

Someone told me I should take

Caution when it comes to love

I did

"So what did you think Mr Hudson?" I ask.

"It was very nice Marie. It will be great to have a piano player in the club" he says.

"So I'm in?" I ask.

"Yes. Be in the choir room at four tomorrow for our first rehearsal" he says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say turning to walk off stage.

"Oh and Marie?" he says.

"Yes?" I ask.

"Since everyone seems to know about it already, this year's school musical is RENT. The sign-up sheet is going up next week. Would you be interested in that?" he asks.

"Yeah, I just might audition. Thanks Mr Hudson" I say.

"No problem Marie" he says. As I leave the auditorium, I know for sure that I'm not going to be taking down Glee. Ty's going to have to do that one all by himself.

Heather's POV

Being Kitty Lynn's daughter is not exactly a piece of cake. I'm not allowed to be who I want to be, because if I was then I would disappoint her. Not that I already haven't. My mom expects me and my sister to be perfect and I'm just not. My mom wants me to be interested in doing flips and somersaults, when all I want is to paint and take pictures. I want to be able to be a nude model for college art classes rather than having to constantly be making sure that Lace toes the line and only being able to drop into art club at school. I'm never going to get to be a model or a photographer if I don't get to practice.

I sneak out of the house that morning so I can go to one of the college art classes. I wish I didn't have to but otherwise, I'm never going to get to do what I want. I got a call from the woman down at the college saying they needed a model, and I'm going to take this shot, because I probably won't get one again. Mom and Lace are at a really early morning practice so I just have to get past Dad.

"Aren't you supposed to be at that practice your mom is holding?" he asks almost causing me to fall down the drainpipe.

"Daddy, this is important. Please don't tell Mom" I say.

"Your mom's going to find out anyway. Why don't you just tell us what you're doing?" he asks.

"Because you won't like it" I say.

"You could try to tell me. I'm not like your Mom, I'll understand whatever it is you want to do" he says.

"Dad can you just cover for me with mom?" I ask.

"What should I tell her?" he asks.

"I'm really sick?" I suggest.

"She'll see you at school" Dad says.

"Maybe I just won't go to school" I say.

"No way in hell is that one happening. I'll tell her you overslept okay?" he says.

"Sounds fine. Thank you Daddy" I say.

"Heather?" he asks.

"What?" I reply.

"Since I know you're going, don't you think it would be more sensible to use the front door?" he asks.

"Right, of course" I say clambering back through the window.

"Thank you Daddy" I say.

"Heaths?" he asks.

"Yeah?" I reply.

"It's not dangerous or illegal whatever you're doing?" he asks.

"No, it's not I promise" I say.

"Well go on then, you don't want to be late" he says.

I hate not being able to drive yet; I have to cycle all the way down the Lima Uni art centre which is on the other side of town from my house.

"I'm the model for the 7.30 class" I say to the woman at the front desk.

"It's down the hall and to your right" she says. I check my watch and breathe a sigh of relief; I just managed to make it on time.

The entire class is full of girls, so at least one of them has to be gay. Knowing my luck, they're probably all straight though.

I slip out of my clothes and take my position on the chair in the centre of the room. I have to keep completely still but my eyes flick around the girls to see if any of them are checking me out. I notice a pretty dark haired girl who looks like she's staring at my boobs. I flash a small smile. The girls keep drawing me for about an hour.

After the class I change back into my clothes. I notice that the dark haired girl has hung back, so I go over to talk to her.

"Hey" I say.

"Hi" she replies.

"I noticed you checking out my boobs" I say.

"I wasn't" she says using her long hair to hide her face.

"I know you were. It's okay, I have great boobs" I say flirting with her.

"Please don't tell anyone about this. No one knows" she says nervously.

"I know how to keep a secret. Especially that kind of secret" I say.

"So you're…..?" she asks. I place my finger on her lips.

"Heather Lynn. I'm a sophomore at McKinley High" I say.

"Cara Morgan, I'm a sophomore at Findlay High" I say.

"You're only a sophomore and you're taking college art classes?" I ask.

"What can I say? I'm really good" she says.

"Let's see" I say. She points out her easel and shows me her drawing.

"Wow this is good" I say.

"I'm good at a whole lot of other things as well" she says blatantly flirting with me.

"I'm sure you are" I say. She leans in to kiss me but I pull away.

"I'm going to be late for school" I say.

"I'm sorry, I thought I was getting a vibe" she says.

"You might have been but I just can't" I say running out of there.

"Can I at least have your number?" she asks.

"If we're meant to meet again then we will" I call behind me. I have no intention of seeing her again. She probably wants more than I can give her, all I'd be able to do with a girl is sneak around as I have no intention of telling my parents about my love for girls.

"You can count on it" she calls. I hadn't even realised that I was late for school; I was talking to Cara for so long.

As soon as I get there, my mom ambushes me. Oh crap. My dad probably made up a really shitty lie as to why I wasn't at cheerleading practice this morning.

"Heather Leigh Lynn! Get in here now" she calls from her office.

Yup he definitely did.

"What's up mom?" I say, pretending I don't have a clue what she's talking about.

"Don't play coy with me Heather. You weren't at cheerleading practice this morning, why?" she asks.

"I overslept, I'm sorry" I say.

"I set your alarm for 5.30. Now stop lying to me. Why did you miss practice this morning?" she asks.

I don't know what to say to her. I can't exactly tell her I was doing nude modelling.

"I'm sorry Mom. It won't happen again" I say.

"I want to know what you were doing Heather" she says.

"Well I'm not going to tell you, so just punish me already" I say.

"You're grounded for two weeks. You can only come out for school, cheerleading and church" she says.

"Lace will want me to join Glee" I say.

"Fine, I guess I can let you go to Glee Club practice as well but that's it. No parties, no friends over and no electronics" she says.

"Do you really have to take away my phone?" I ask.

"You had to miss my practice so I have to take your things. Would you like it to be your allowance instead?" she asks.

"No" I say angrily handing over my phone and IPod.

"I'll take your laptop when we get home" she says.

"Fine. Are we done here?" I ask.

"That depends, are you going to tell me the truth about what you were doing this morning?" she asks.

"Nope" I say.

"Then yes, we're done" she says.

"I'll see you at home" I say.

"No you won't. You will be meeting me in the gym after school to go over your parts in the routine. We are not messing up at Nationals because you decided that something you won't even tell me about is more important than the team!" she yells.

I should tell my mom that I don't give a crap about the stupid cheerleading competition. That I only do cheerleading because Lace wanted me too. Everything I do is because Lace wants me too, or because my mom wants me too. When is it my turn to do something because I want to?

"Of course. I'm sorry Mom. I'll see you later" I say.

"You better, or your allowance is actually going to be taken away from you" she says. I don't say anything, just leave her office.

"How bad was it?" a voice says.

"How do you manage to know where I am every minute of every day? Aren't you supposed to be in class?" I ask Lace.

"I could say the same for you. You know that I don't even need to go to class and I'll still get straight A's" Lace says.

"Well not all of us can have a 4.0 GPA without going to class so if you'll excuse me" I say pushing past her.

"Aren't you at least going to tell me where you were?" she asks.

"Nope" I say.

"Why not? I'm your sister, I won't tell mom. It could be something we could do together" she says.

"It isn't, now I'm going to class" I say pushing past her.

"It's the last day of auditions for Glee today? I joined, you're going to as well right?" she asks.

"Of course. We do everything together right?" I say.

"Right. So when's your audition?" she asks.

"Lunchtime, I have to go to extra cheer practice with mom after school" I say.

"I guess I'll see you there then" she says.

"See you there" I say.

I wish my sister and I didn't do everything together. Just because we're twins doesn't mean we're not allowed to have different interests, but she doesn't see it that way. She thinks I should do everything she wants to but she doesn't care about what I want. At least I have my art for my own-Lace would never do Art with me, she sucks at drawing.

My English teacher almost kills me for being late for class but I don't really care. All I'm thinking about is the beautiful girl I met this morning, Cara Morgan and how I wish I would have kissed her. Heck if I'm wishing for things, I should really wish that my mom wasn't super religious. Then I could be who I wanted to be, I could kiss girls without worrying that my mom would disown me. I don't even really believe in God-why would I believe in someone who supposedly says that my sexual preference is sinful?

Lace and I walk to my glee audition at lunchtime. If it wasn't for Lace I wouldn't join Glee. It's not that I hate singing; I'd just rather be in Art Club or Photography Club than Glee Club.

"Hi Mr Hudson" I say.

"Hi Heather, I'm glad you're here" Finn says.

"How come?" I ask.

"Well if both you and Lace are in Glee, you can do some great sister duets" he says.

"Sounds super" I say, though I don't mean it. I wish people treated me and Lace like regular sisters rather than twins. Regular sisters aren't expected to do everything together, but we are.

"So what will you be singing?" he asks.

"Little Lion Man, by Mumford and Sons" I say.

"Sounds great, let's hear it" he says.

Heather:

Weep for yourself, my man

You'll never be what is in your heart

Weep, little lion man,

You're not as brave as you were at the start

Rate yourself and rake yourself

Take all the courage you have left

And waste it on fixing all of the problems that you made in your own head

But it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I my dear?

Didn't I my…..

Tremble for yourself my man

You know that you have seen all this before

Tremble, little lion man,

You'll never settle all of your scores

Your grace is wasted in your face,

Your boldness stands alone among the wreck

Now learn from your mother or else spend your days biting your own neck

But it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I my dear?

Didn't I my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I my dear?

Didn't I my dear?

"So what did you think Mr Hudson?" I ask.

"It was great Heather. Maybe a little less swearing next time, yeah?" he says.

"Okay" I say laughing.

"Well you're in. I'll see you and Lace at our first rehearsal at four in the choir room tomorrow" he says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say.

"You did it, you're in" Lace says hanging off my neck as we walk out of the auditorium.

"Do you mind Lace?" I ask and she lets go.

"Anyway why did you think I wouldn't be? Finn accepts everyone who auditions as long as they can sing well" I say.

"I didn't, I'm just excited. We're going to be able to sing together all the time" she says.

"Sounds great" I say but I don't mean it.

"I have some news I think you'll like" she says.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Ty and I are going to join Sam's modelling program and we want you to come with us" she says.
"Really? Like actually?" I say, feeling properly excited now.

"Yeah. You've always liked watching the shows that Sam's agency puts on, we thought you'd like it" Lace says.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I say hugging her.

"So I take it you like it then?" she says.

"Oh you have no idea how much" I say smiling to myself. For once I am actually getting to do something that I want to do, even if I do have to do it with Lace and Ty and she does have no idea how good it feels.

Robby's POV

I'm called into the office by Principal Schue that morning. I have no idea why, my brother's more likely to be in here than I am. I'm the one that skipped a grade and up until last year went to a prep school in Toledo, he's the one that filled Principal Schue's office with bubbles.

"Ah Robbie, you got my message. Please come in" Principal Schue says, welcoming me into his office.

"Why exactly did you want to see me, Principal Schue?" I ask.

"It's nothing bad Robby. We have a new girl at the school and I was hoping that you would help her out for her first few days, help her get used to the school" he says.

"So she's a junior?" I ask.

"Well no. She's a freshman, but I'm going to level with you here. She's meant to be a junior but she's kind of a troublemaker and she skipped every one of her classes in her freshman year-this is her third and last time repeating, if she doesn't pass this year then her parents are pulling her out of school" Principal Schue says.

"What do you expect me to do about it?" I ask.

"Well, we were hoping you'd be a good influence on her. Her last school in Columbus kicked her out and like I said this is her last chance. You're a great student Robby, maybe being around someone like you could help her" he says.

"I guess I could give it a shot" I say.

"Great" Principal Schue says. He gestures for a girl and her dad to come into his office, they must have arrived since I've been in here.

The first thing I notice about this girl is her legs which seem to go on for miles. My eyes travel up her, noticing her belly button ring and her muscles. When I finally reach her face, I notice how pretty she really is. She has light brown skin and wavy blonde hair but the most striking thing about her is her stormy grey eyes. She's wearing skinny jeans and a crop top.

"I don't need a babysitter you know" the girl says angrily.

"Robby's not a babysitter, Immie, he'll just be a friend to help you get used to it here" the man says.

"I choose my friends Richard" she says visibly hurting the man. There's clearly a story there but I don't ask.

"We don't have to be friends. Basically I'm the one who's going to make sure you do your work" I say.

"I don't need one of those either" she says.

"Clearly you do. I'm fifteen and I'm two grades ahead of you" I say.

"Yeah well you're an Asian. Asians are always smart" she says.

"I would have thought someone with your skin tone would be against stereotyping" I say.

"It's not stereotyping when you can prove it's true" she says.

I don't see why Mr Schue thought I would be able to influence this girl of anything; she seems like the sort of girl that will do anything, as long as she's told not to.

"Anyway, I'll be speaking to you at the end of the day Imogen but in the meantime, here is your timetable, you do anything that Robby tells you to, okay? He'll be showing you to your classes" Principal Schue says.

Her eyes are saying "as if" but she puts on a big smile and says "Sure".

"Good. We won't be tolerating the same stunts you pulled at your school in Columbus Imogen" Principal Schue says.

"Of course. Goodbye Principal Schue, goodbye Richard" she says.

She storms out of the office and I follow her.

"Where are you going? That's not the way to classes" I say.

"That's the whole point nerdy" she says.

"Do you just not want to graduate?" I ask.

"I really don't give a damn. I just want to have fun" she says flicking her hair over her shoulder.

"If you're not in your classes then I'm going to get in trouble" I say following her.

"God forbid if that happened, good little Asian boy missed a couple of classes" she says.

"Why would you want to? Because of that, you're going to be in your twenties by the time you actually graduate" I say.

"I'm never going to graduate. You have to go to class to graduate and I have no intention of doing that" she says.

"Do you get a kick out of ruining your life or something?" I ask.

"My ride is over here. Now you can either be a good little boy and go back to class or come with me" she says.

"What?" I ask.

"You heard me, you can come with me" she says.

"I thought you didn't want to hang out with me" I say.

"I don't. Consider yourself a charity case. I feel sorry that you'll never get to do all the fun things I do when I'm not in class so I figured since you're not going to leave me alone I may as well introduce you to them. You do have a fake ID right?" she asks.

"No. I don't have a fake ID" I say.

"Okay, well I guess I'll be the only one drinking then. Now grab the spare helmet and hop on" she says. I hadn't even noticed that we'd reached her ride, let alone seen what it was.

"You have a Harley?" I ask.

"Yeah. Why have a car when you can have a bike?" she says putting her helmet on and getting on the bike.

"I can't get on that" I say staring at it nervously.

"Are you a scared little boy?" she taunts.

"No, I'd just rather go home this evening with all four of my limbs intact. Something tells me that you're not the best driver" I say.

"That's half the fun. So are you getting on the back of the bike or not?" she says winking.

"Fine. But this is only to make sure you don't do something stupid" I say, taking the helmet from behind her. I sit on the bike behind her.

"Hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride" she says.

I was right when I guessed that she wouldn't be the safest driver in the world. I feel like I'm about to fall off the damn bike the entire way to the bar. I'm not entirely sure if I'm doing this because I don't want her to do something stupid, or if I'm doing it because there's something about Immie Morgan that intrigues me.

We pull up at the Watering Hole, the only bar in Lima.

"It's not even lunchtime yet" I say.

"You knew we were coming to a bar, I asked if you had fake ID" she says.

"I know, I'm just not sure if it's a good idea for you to be drinking this early in the day" I say.

"Well tough luck. Now come on, I thought you wanted to make sure I didn't do anything stupid" she says.

I follow her into the bar. She has an amazing air of confidence about her that you just can't help be a little bit intimidated by her.

"I'll have a beer and he'll have….what do you want?" she says.

"Just a lemonade please" I say.

"ID?" the bartender asks. She slides her ID towards him. He looks a little dubious but he does eventually pour her beer for her.

"Anything else?" he asks.

"No, that's all" she says.

"That will be $10" he says.

She slides the money across the bar to him. I didn't even think about that.

"I'll pay you back" I say as she carries our drinks to a booth in the back of the bar.

"No need. This isn't a date, you're just my chaperone" she says.

"You don't seem like the type of girl who would want a chaperone?" I say.

"I don't. Like I said, I feel sorry for you not getting to have fun like I do and it gets a bit lonely drinking alone" she says.

"Nerds do have fun" I say. Beer spouts from her nose as she laughs at this.

"Like what?" she asks.

"Okay maybe my type of fun is a little different than yours but I do have fun. I like music, I sing, I play piano and guitar. Yes, fixing computers, programming and math may seem a little nerdy but I like it. Just like you like your bike and skipping off school" I say.

"I do like other things you know" she says.

"Like what?" I ask.

"Well I like music too and I play guitar, both acoustic and bass. I love to dance and I'm really great at gymnastics" she says.

"You like music? That's great, you could join Glee club" I say.

"Sorry, I'm a gymnast, not a singer" she says.

"Why can't you do both?" I ask.

"Because singing is just a hobby and I need to work on my gymnastics if I'm going to have a shot at qualifying for the Olympic team" she says.

"You're a professional athlete?" I ask.

"Yeah, I've been competing in junior championships for years and I started competing in senior championships last year" she says.
"Are you any good?" I ask.

"I represented the US at the last World Championships" she says.

"That's really cool" I say.

"Thanks" she says.

"So where exactly from the South do you come from?" I ask.

"I was wondering if you'd ever pick up on my Southern accent" she says.

"It's pretty damn obvious" I say.

"I'm from Nashville" she says laughing.

"The home of country music" I say.

"Yeah, I've dabbled a little in that but I much prefer rock music" she says.

"Someone from Nashville who's not all into country, now that's fresh" I say.

"What can I say, I like to surprise people" she says.

"I have a question. What's up with you and your dad? You seemed kind of frosty with him in the office this morning" I say.

"This is way too much about me. What about you?" she asks.

"I'm an open book, you're the one causing all the intrigue" I say.

"Fine. That man is my adopted father, not my real father. I was left on their porch when I was a baby by my parents because they were only seventeen and they'd rather abandon me than face the shame of raising me. My adopted parents didn't tell me about it until I was eleven and they hid all the letters my birth parents had ever sent me. Neither my adopted parents nor my birth parents wanted me. No one wants me! So now you have your answers to why I have an attitude and why I just don't care about what grades I get in school. I just want someone to notice me, no matter how bad a thing it is for! So there you go intrigue gone" she says.

"Immie, I didn't mean to pry" I say.

"Yes you did. You know what, I'm not thirsty anymore" she says, throwing the beer down on the table causing foam to spill everywhere.

"Are you sure you should be driving? You've been drinking?" I ask.

"I had one beer I'm fine. Now get on the damn bike!" she says. I've clearly opened a wound I shouldn't have by asking about her adoptive dad. The ride back is even worse than the ride to the bar.

"There you only missed the first two lessons" she says.

"I'm sorry I asked about your adoptive dad. I should have kept my mouth shut" I say.

"Yes you should have. I would've told you eventually, but I have to trust you first and you backed me into a corner" she says.

"I didn't realise you'd take it like that" I say.

"Like I said, there are a lot of things you don't know about me" she says.

"I know. But I'd like to. I mean if you let me" I say.

"I'll need a few days to cool off" she says.

"I understand" I say.

"But I did enjoy our chat and I would like it if we could be friends" she says.

"Really? Even though you're hot gymnast who's flunking out of school and I'm a nerd?" I ask.

"Even though" she says. I put my helmet back on the bike.

I tear a piece of paper out of the notebook in my bag and write something down on it, and then I hand it to her.

"What's this?" she asks.

"My phone number. I figure when you're done being mad at me for prying into your personal life, you could call me and we could hang out. As friends" I say.

"I'd really like that. Thanks Robby" she says.

"You're welcome Immie" I say.

"I'll see you soon, Immie" I say.

"You can count on it, Robby" she says smiling. She revs the engine of her motorbike before speeding away. She's sure one complicated girl, but I've seen a glimpse of a girl that I think I could like and I want to get to know her better.

After school I go to my Glee audition. Marie's just finished singing and I smile at her as she walks past me, out of the auditorium. Then I walk onto the stage.

"Hey Mr Hudson" I say.

"Robby, nice to see you. Your math teacher said he didn't see you in class this morning" Finn says.

"I was looking after Immie Morgan the new girl. She has a few issues" I say.

"Are you sure your parents would be okay with you hanging out with a girl like that?" he asks.

"She's a nice girl really, she's just angry and she has good reason to be" I say.

"Well don't be skipping classes again. Your parents will go ballistic" he says.

"It won't happen again" I say and I mean it completely. Today was fun but I felt so guilty skipping class.

"What song will you be singing for your audition?" he asks.

"Money For Nothing by Dire Straits" I say.

"That's a great song, let's hear it" he says.

Robby:

Now look at them yo-yos that's the way you do it

You play the guitar on the MTV

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it

Money for nothin' and chicks for free

Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it

Lemme tell ya them guys ain't dumb

Maybe get a blister on your little finger

Maybe get a blister on your thumb

We gotta install microwave ovens

Custom kitchen deliveries

We gotta move these refrigerators

We gotta move these colour TV's

See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup

Yeah buddy that's his own hair

That little faggot got his own jet airplane

That little faggot he's a millionaire

We gotta install microwave ovens

Custom kitchen deliveries

We gotta move these refrigerators

We gotta move these colour TV's

I shoulda learned to play the guitar

I shoulda learned to play the drums

Look at that mama, she's stickin' in the camera

Man we could have some fun

And he's up there, what's that? Hawaiian noises

Bangin' on the bongos like a chimpanzee

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it

Get your money for nothin' get your chicks for free

We gotta install microwave ovens

Custom kitchen deliveries

We gotta move these refrigerators

We gotta move these colour TV's, Lord

Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it

You play guitar on the MTV

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it

Money for nothin' and chicks for free

Money for nothin' and chicks for free

"That was great, Robby. It will be good to have some rock voices in Glee" he says.

"So I'm in?" I ask.

"Yeah, rehearsal is in the choir room at four tomorrow" he says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson" I say turning to leave the auditorium.

"Be careful with this girl okay" he says.

"She's not a bad girl; she's just misunderstood and a little lonely. All she needs is a friend and that's all I am" I say.

"You sure you don't want something more?" he asks.

I think about this. I mean Immie is an incredibly attractive girl.

"I just don't know yet. But for now we really are just friends" I say.

"If you say so" he says. As I leave the auditorium, Finn's words ring through my head. Do I really like Immie as more than a friend? Is that why I went with her today? I try to convince myself he's wrong but there is a shred of lingering doubt.

Bea's POV

I decided to give Chris a chance but that doesn't mean I trust him yet. If he thinks winning me over is going to be easy, he has another thing coming. I'm not that easy. I head to the Lima Bean before school that morning for coffee with him.

"Hi Bea. I'm glad you came" he says. He goes for a hug but I make it into a handshake instead.

"Why did you think I'd change my mind?" I ask.

"A little bit" he says.

"I said I'd come for coffee. One thing you need to know about me is that I don't go back on my promises. Ever" I say.

"Good to know" he says.

"Second thing you need to know is that I hate coffee. A hot chocolate will do for me" I say.

"Got it" he says. He orders our drinks and then takes me to the booth in the back.

"This is my favourite booth" he says.

"I bet it's where you bring all the girls to make out huh?" I say.

"Well…" he says.

"Choose a different one. There will be no making out" I say.

He takes us to a booth near the window instead.

"Is this better?" he asks.

"Much" I say.

"So is there anything else to know about you other than the fact that you don't like me very much?" he says.

"I never said that. I just didn't want you to think I was as easy as most of the girls you dated" I say.

"Well mission accomplished. I have a feeling winning you over is going to be the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life" he says.

"You got that one right" I say.

"So other than being an ice queen, what else are you interested in?" he asks.

"I'm not an ice queen, I just don't want to get hurt" I say.

"What makes you think I'm going to hurt you?" he says.

"Please, this is my second year at this school, I've seen what you do to the girls you date" I say.

"Maybe I want to change" he says.

"I don't believe people can change" I say.

"Isn't that a little cynical of you?" he asks.

"I like to think it's realistic" I say.

"Who's made you think that people can't change?" he asks.

"Let's see, I got bullied all through school and my dad kept saying he'd spend time with me but he never did" I say.

"I'm not an arrogant douche all the time. I have a softer side" he says.

"Like when you sing?" I ask.

"Yeah, just like that. I open myself up to people when I sing. Maybe you should try that" he says.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask.

"You just seem like a very closed off person. You might find that singing about your feelings would help" he says.

"Maybe" I say.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" he asks.

"No, I'm an only child. You have two sisters right?" I ask.

"Nova and Emberly yeah. Emberly's adopted though" he says.

"Like me" I say.

"You're adopted?" he asks.

"Yeah, my parents were teenagers when they had me. My dad wanted my mom to have an abortion but she didn't so he left her. She gave me up to my adoptive father instead" I say.

"Is he a nice guy?" he asks.

"Well he's my dad, of course he's nice. But he just works a lot" I say.

"Do you ever wish you had siblings?" he asks.

"Sure, I guess it would be nice not to be alone all the time. But my dad's 50 and he hasn't been with a woman in all the time I've been in that house so I'd say it's pretty unlikely. What about you? Do you ever wish you had a brother?" I say.

"I love my sisters. They like enough of the same things that I do that it's not a problem that I don't have a brother" he says.

"So what are they like, your sisters?" I ask.

"Well Ember's my mom's ex-boyfriend's biological daughter. She has the world's biggest mouth so you can't tell her any secrets because she'll spread them like wildfire. She's actually a lot like our mom, which is weird since they're not biologically related. Nova used to be like that, but she had an accident last year where a pyrotechnic machine exploded on her leg and now she's kind of withdrawn and quiet" he says.

"Poor Nova" I say.

"Yeah, she loved to dance and it kills her that she can't do it anymore. Although she hasn't tried, so she doesn't know that she can't but the scar tissue from the accident is pretty bad" he says.

"Was she a good dancer?" I ask.

"One of the best" he says.

"I wish I could dance, I'm like the clumsiest person ever" I say.

"I can guarantee you are not. You've never seen my dad dance before have you?" he asks.

"No. Why how bad is he?" I ask.

"Think of a herd of elephants and it's still not enough" he says.

"That bad?" I ask.

"Believe me, I'm not exaggerating" he says.

"So I know you sing but do you play any instruments?" I ask.

"Guitar, piano and drums" he says.

"That many? I only play piano" I say.

"My dad plays guitar and drums and he taught me those. My Uncle Blaine plays piano so he taught me how to do that" he says.

"You obviously play football as well?" I say.

"Yeah, but it's because I like it not because I want to be popular" he says.

"You keep telling yourself that" I say.

"It is! My dad taught me to play when I was a little kid; I've grown up playing it. What about you? Do you like sports?" he says.

"Running, I like to run. Mainly because it helps me stay thin" I say.

"Are you not worried that you're a little too thin? I mean you said that you don't eat anything?" he asks.

"I got bullied for my weight all through middle school; I'm not going back to that. If that means I have to run a lot and not eat very much then that's what I'll do. I do not have an eating disorder" I say angrily.

"Okay, no need to be so touchy" he says.

"Let's just talk about something else" I say desperately wanting to change the subject.

"So who's your favourite singer then?" he asks.

"Taylor Swift" I say. He laughs a little.

"What? She's a great singer, she plays loads of different instruments and she writes her own songs" I say.

"I wasn't laughing because I think she's a bad singer. I was laughing because you like country music and you can't play the guitar" he says.

"Maybe I just need someone to teach me. Know anybody?" I say.

"Yeah, I happen to know this really great guy, who has very agreeable rates" he says.

"So when should I come over for my first lesson?" I ask.

"How does Sunday sound to you?" he asks.

"Perfect. I'm looking forward to learning guitar" I say.

"I'm looking forward to teaching you it" he says.

"So how agreeable exactly are these rates?" I ask.

"$5 an hour" he says.

"I think I can do that" I say. We talk for a while longer, until it's time for us to go to school.

"Any chance of a kiss goodbye?" he asks.

"On the cheek, that's it. This was just a friends coffee not a date coffee" I say.

"Fair enough" he says. He gives me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Do you want to walk to school together?" I ask.

"Yeah I'd like that" he says. We walk together and he slips his hand into mine but to my surprise, I don't pull away. He really doesn't seem like I thought he was. This date has let me see the first glimpse of a guy that I could actually like. He gives me another kiss on the cheek before we go to class.

"I had fun hanging out with you this morning" he says.

"So did I" I say.

"I guess I'll see you soon" he says.

"See you soon" I say.

I spend my morning classes thinking about Chris and how different he's been from my original perception of him. That doesn't mean I'm going to let him do anything more than kiss me on the cheek for now. I just want to be friends for now at least.

At lunchtime I head to my glee audition and to my surprise, Chris is there watching. I wasn't expecting him to come; I didn't even tell him when it was.

"Hi Bea, it's nice to see you again" Finn says.

"Nice to see you too Mr Hudson" I say.

"I'm glad you decided to join us" Finn says.

"Well I love to sing" I say.

"So what will you be singing for me today?" he asks.

"Unconditionally by Katy Perry" I say.

"That's a great song, let's hear it" he says.

I take my seat behind the piano and start to play the chords for the song as I sing.

Bea:

Oh no, did I get too close?

Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside?

All your insecurities

All your dirty laundry

Never made me blink one time

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

There is no fear now

Let go and just be free

I will love you unconditionally

Come just as you are to me

Don't need apologies

Know that you are worthy

I'll take your bad days with your good

Walk through the storm I would

I do it all because I love you, I love you

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

There is no fear now

Let go and just be free

I will love you unconditionally

So open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart

Acceptance is the key to be

To be truly free

Will you do the same for me?

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

And there is no fear now

Let it go and just be free

'Cause I will love you unconditionally (oh yeah)

I will love you (unconditionally)

I will love you

I will love you unconditionally

"That was a very nice song Bea. It seems like there was a lot of emotion there, were you singing to someone in particular?" Finn asks.

"No" I say my cheeks turning a furious red. I swear I see him wink at Chris.

"Well regardless, we could use a voice like yours in Glee Club. Our first rehearsal is at four in the choir room tomorrow" he says.

"Thanks Mr Hudson. I'll see you tomorrow" I say.

Chris follows me out of the auditorium. "That song was for me wasn't it?" he asks.

"You'll never know" I say.

"Bea, if you like me, why can't you just let me in?" he asks.

"Because I don't want to get hurt" I say.

"So that song was about me?" he asks.
"Like I said, you'll never know" I say.

"I am going to win you over eventually you know" he says.

"I'd love to see you try" I say.

"Well get ready because you're about to see something amazing" he says.

"I wouldn't expect anything less" I say.

I smile as he walks away. Now I get to see the really romantic side of Chris Hudson and I can't wait.

Finn's POV

This year's intake of Glee members is the biggest I've ever had, even bigger than last years which is great seeing as most of my glee club last year were seniors who have obviously graduated, so I lost a lot of good singers but I think this year's group of kids are even better than last years.

"Okay guys, welcome to New Directions! I'm so pleased that so many of you decided to join this year. I'm not going to give you guys an assignment today, instead we're just going to do a big group number so I can see how you guys work as a group. The number we'll be doing today is Price Tag by Jessie J, and we'll be doing it acapella so I can see how strong your voices are without music or instruments" I say. The girls seem more excited than the guys about this.

"So girls on one side of the room, boys on the other" I say and the kids split off.

The girls start the song.

Avery:

Okay, coconut man, Moon heads and pea

You ready?

Nova:

Seems like everybody's got a price

I wonder how they sleep at night

Emberly:

When the sale comes first

And the truth comes second

Shanna:

Just stop for a minute and smile

Mandy:

Why is everybody so serious?

Acting so damn mysterious?

Sophia:

Got you shades on your eyes

Bianna:

And your heels so high

Amanda:

That you can't even have a good time

Ivy:

Everybody look to their left (yeah)

Maddie:

Everybody look to their right

Marie:

Can you feel that (yeah)

Lace and Heather:

We're playing with love tonight

Bea:

It's not about the money, money, money

We don't need your money, money, money

All:

We just wanna make the world dance.

Forget about the price tag

Ain't about the (uh) cha-ching cha-ching

Ain't about the (yeah) ba-bling ba-bling

Wanna make the world dance,

Forget about the price tag (OK)

Chris:

We need to take it back in time

Ty:

When music made us all unite

Ace:

And it wasn't low blows and video hoes

Avery:

Am I the only one getting tired?

Nettie:

Why is everybody so obsessed?

Jeremiah:
Money can't buy us happiness

Norman:

Can we all slow down and enjoy right now?

John:

Guarantee we'll be feeling alright

Robby:

Everybody look to their left (All boys: to their left)

AJ:

Everybody look to their right (All boys: to their right)

Avery Adams:

Can you feel that? (All boys: yeah)

Lace and Heather:

We're paying with love tonight?

All:

It's not about the money, money, money

We don't need your money, money, money

We just wanna make the world dance

Forget about the price tag

Ain't about the (uh) cha-ching cha-ching

Ain't about the (yeah) ba-bling ba-bling

Wanna make the world dance,

Forget about the price tag

Robby:

Yeah yeah

Well keep the price tag

And take the cash back

Just give me six strings

And you can, can keep the cars

Leave me the garage

Jeremiah:

And all I, yes all I need

Are keys and guitars

And guess what? In 30 seconds

I'm leaving to Mars

Yeah we leaping across

These undefeatable odds

Robby:

It's like this man

You can't put a price on the life

We do this for the love

So we fight and sacrifice

Every night

So we ain't gonna stumble and fall

Never

Jeremiah:

Wanting to see or send a sign of defeat

Uh uh

So we gonna keep everyone

Moving their feet

Robby:

So bring back the beat

And then everyone sing

It's not about the money

Girls:

It's not about the money, money, money

We don't need your money, money, money

We just wanna make the world dance

Forget about the price tag

Ain't about the (uh) cha-ching cha-ching

Ain't about the (uh) ba-bling ba-bling

Wanna make the world dance

Forget about the price tag

Boys:

It's not about the money, money, money

We don't need your money, money, money

We just wanna make the world dance

Forget about the price tag

Ain't about the (uh) cha-ching cha-ching

Ain't about the (yeah) ba-bling ba-bling

Wanna make the world dance

Forget about the price tag

Avery:

Yeah, yeah

Oh-oh

All:

Forget about the price tag, yeah

"So what do you think Dad?" Emberly asks.

"I think I'm looking at this year's National champs!" I say and everyone cheers.

"But we're going to have a lot of work to do, so starting next week we're going to start preparing for Sectionals!" I say and they cheer again. This is going to be a great year with my favourite group of kids yet.

A/N: The songs used in this chapter were Alice-Avril Lavigne, performed by Nova Hudson, Burn-Ellie Goulding, performed by Emberly Hudson, Breakaway-Kelly Clarkson, performed by Shanna Puckerman and Avery Adams, Come See About Me-The Supremes, performed by Sophia Puckerman, Anything But Ordinary-Avril Lavigne, performed by Nettie Hummel-Anderson, Top Of The World-Bridgit Mendler, performed by Avery Hummel-Anderson, Out Tonight-RENT, performed by Bianna Lopez-Pierce, Broken Vow-Josh Groban, performed by Amanda Lopez-Pierce, Read All About It-Emeli Sande, performed by Ivy Evans, Impossible-Shontelle, performed by Marie Puckerman, Little Lion Man-Mumford and Sons, performed by Heather Lynn, Money For Nothing-Dire Straits, performed by Robby Chang, Unconditionally-Katy Perry, performed by Bea Bell and Price Tag-Jessie J performed by New Directions. I don't own any of the songs, all rights go to owners. My OC's introduced in this chapter were Avery Adams, David O'Connor, Cara Morgan, Immie Morgan (no relation), Danielle and Milo.

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