Chapter 3

Ah soccer practice, running drills left and right. It was all in all, brutal. You'd think I would be used to it by now. I'm not! I sat panting bent over holding my knees. Coach Hagan wasn't taking it any easier on us for the semi finals Saturday. That is why she is such a good coach. She never lets us slack. Always making us be on our toes every minute. I really needed a breather.

"Come on Sav. You gotta get to work. We are almost done." Michaela ran up patting my back. I waved slightly breathing just as hard as when I stopped 2 minutes ago.

"I…know. I'm…just…winded." I sputtered out standing straight with difficulty. Michaela smiled and ran on to join the others who were about to practice kicking goals. I grabbed a cup of water pouring it on my head and then another to drink. It went down easily and I braced myself for the next go round.

"So Savannah you have that competition tomorrow, right?" Kate whispered from behind me making me jump. She laughed at my freaked out expression.

"Oh jeez Kate! Don't do that!" I cried grabbing my heart.

"Well it is tomorrow night right?" Kate spoke quietly again. I looked around to make sure no one was listening.

"Yea it is. Your coming, right? I mean it is a school competition anyway." I was more of commanding rather than asking. She gave me a look that said I was crazy.

"Of course I am coming! I wouldn't miss it. I just need to know what time I have to be at your house." Kate said leaning against the back of the bench.

"Sweet! It will be so much better when you are there. Be at my place by 7. My parents will drive you there. Come on we better get going before Coach Hagan makes us run laps again." We both groaned but stood and jogged over to the rest of our troop.

After practice the girls and I headed for the showers. I didn't need to hang around. Puck was bound to mention something about me watching him sing. I didn't want to deal with him. Changing into my clothes I looked around the room. No one was left. Ok so I liked hot showers and long ones. So what?

"I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair.

I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair.

I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair

And send him on his way!

Get the picture?"

I sang loudly to one of my favorite movies. South Pacific was a classic. Very sad, but still awesome. That was my shower song. I usually did that when no one was around. I breathed in as I dried my hair with my towel. Tomorrow night was the singing competition for McKinley and Brantley (Ok so I don't know the name of the school Vocal Adrenaline is part of) high schools. There I would go and prove my talent without showing who I am. There will be people from both schools watching and I don't want to take the chance of being found out. That is why I came up with the idea of having the nickname "Savvy" it is almost like my name. My mom and dad helped me go through with all the paperwork and finalities I just had to choose the music, costume, and setting. This is going to be huge! Talent scouts were going to be there to search out new talent. I just hoped I would win. I had no clue who my competition was all I knew was I needed to do my best. Yawning I picked up my stuff and headed home.

"Now honey, you have fun up there and do your best. We will be watching from the audience. We love you!" My mom and dad gave me a big hug before rushing my brothers out of the dressing room. I turned to Kate who was wearing a deep purple blouse with a pair of skinny jeans and black flats jumped up and down in excitement.

"I so cannot believe we are here! You are gonna be amazing! I am sooo excited!" She practically screamed. I laughed and started freaking out with her.

"I know! This is like the beginning of my career! Thank God for watching out for me." I said a silent thanks and Kate gave her "good luck" before going out with a wave. I changed into my dress, which happened to be black with red accents. Finished with all of my accessories I actually pulled it off. This is my dream. As I warmed up I could hear the host calling out the first contestant. A knock on my door followed by one of the stage directors asking for me to follow her made everything suddenly seem so real to me. How was I going to handle it? Was I going to faint right on stage from fright? My hands began to shake at what could happen. Who knew?

"You are part of the girls group so you will be on third. We have all of your songs ready for when you get on the stage. Are you sure you don't want anyone to know your name? It would certainly help the talent scouts." The director lady asked adjusting the head set over her ears.

"I am positive. Just use the stage name I gave you." I said pulling out my sunglasses. Every time I would be around people (other than the ones who were sworn to secrecy) I wore my glasses. Students from McKinley were going here. And who knows how many were in the audience. No way. I wasn't doing that.

"Suit yourself young one. Good luck out there." She said as I stood behind one of the curtains waiting for the girl on stage to finish. She was singing "Hello Dolly" from the musical. She wasn't too bad. As a matter of fact she was rather good, which made me even more nervous. I decided I wanted to see what she looked like so I walked over to the entrance. Little did I know that it was Rachel Berry from McKinley's glee club… I knew her. Well I saw her sing a couple times. She had talent, and lots of it. I watched her finish and stay on the stage for an extended amount of time before she took her exit. Taking in all the praise for her performance apparently. She was the star of the glee club at my school. Although because she was in glee she wasn't popular. Not at all. Slushy facial, insults and Hitler Mustaches in yearbooks doesn't sound so appealing. I watched as she pushed past me like I didn't even exist. Oh was that how it was going to be? I can play that game.

"And for our next performance. She hails from McKinley high. Give her a hand! Savvy come on out!" I took a deep breath grabbing my microphone before replacing my anxious face with a smile. I walked out waving to everyone. I didn't know there would be this many people. I collected my bearings shaking the host's hand.

"Good luck." He whispered before leaving the stage. I closed my eyes for a moment taking another breath. I was going to be ok. I just had to give it my all. I opened my eyes and scanned the room for me family. And sure enough there they were with Kate giving me a very proud look and a thumbs up. I nodded once feeling at ease. My "hottie senses" tingled and I looked across the room to see Puck and Finn with what I presumed to be the rest of the glee club. Their teacher Mr. Shuester must have brought them here as like a field trip or something. Who knows. Great. Just what I needed. I watched as Puck whispered something to one of his friends and made a face saying "that is smoking" before motioning to me. Ugh. Puck. The music began to play one of my favorite songs 'Evacuate the Dance Floor" by Cascada. The words came naturally to me and it didn't take long for me to get into it. I just let everything I felt out into my music and it seemed to show. I finished and waited for the worst but all I got was huge applause. People stood clapping my family doing so the hardest. I couldn't help but smile. The only reception I got was from the old people at the nursing home. Compared to the "senior citizens." This was definitely an improvement. I looked to the glee club and Mr. Shuester sat with his mouth semi open. I wasn't that good… was I? The rest of the glee kids seemed to have the same expression. Where was Jesse? Wasn't he in glee too? Oh well.

"Wow! Well I am impressed! What about the rest of you?" The host Derek Smith asked whistling as he came back out onto the stage putting his arm around my shoulder. The crowd cheered even more and by now I was laughing.

"It is probably safe to say that Savvy has made it through to the next level. Don't you agree?" Derek turned to the crowd who gave their screams of approval.

"Congratulations Savvy. Can't wait to see what you have in store for our "80's Classics" category seeing you killed our "Modern Pop". Savvy everyone!" Derek said as I saw the stagehand motioning to me to come off the stage. I waved as I walked off the stage and back towards my dressing room. I can't believe I made it! Yes! This was going good so far. I spent the rest of the time preparing for my next performance. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. My plan was to use the not so powerful songs until I got the final showdown. There were only a couple of us in the semi finals. We had already cleared the rest before.

"Excuse me." I heard a voice ask over the music on my IPod. I took one out turning around. My glasses were still on so I didn't need to worry. Rachel stood there with her arms crossed looking at me skeptically.

"Can I do something for you Ra-" I didn't finish. She couldn't know I knew of her.

"You go to McKinley high don't you?" She prodded taking a step closer.

"Yes." I answered backing up against the door to the bathroom.

"Well then you must have heard of me. I am Rachel Berry." She paused for effect or for me to jump up and down in amazement. I didn't know which. "The star of the glee club." She finished breathing in satisfied with herself. She wore a short black skirt with a pink and white-stripped blouse topping it off with flats. I looked down at her because she was about 4 inches shorter than me with my heals on.

"Oh yea. I know you. Nice to meet you anyway. Well your going to be up soon." I spoke as a subtle hint to get her to leave. She didn't move.

"I just wanted to let you know. Even though I don't recognize you, I warn you not to get into my spotlight. This is my dream." Rachel stomped off towards the stage and I just sat there not knowing what to think.

"Ok ladies and gentlemen. It comes between these two lovely ladies. Rachel Berry and Savvy! What a competition this has been! Have you had a good time?" Derek asked with Berry and myself on either side of him. They audience in front of us cheered and howled loudly.

"It has been a long battle. Just to refresh your memories Rachel sang "Hello Dolly", "Like a Virgin", "Time to Say Goodbye" and "I Dreamed a Dream" all were very well done if I say so myself. Savvy, sang "Evacuate the Dance Floor", "Girls Just want to Have Fun", "I Want you To Need Me" and You'll See". I can't decide myself who did better which is why we have judges." Derek commented making the crowd laugh. I was too busy to hear everything he said. I was getting anxious.

"Oh and here we go!" Derek said as someone came on stage and handed him an envelope. The stage lights were making me sweat slightly as I waited for the answer.

"And the winner of the Youth Talent show" is…" I held my breath in anticipation. This was important to me. I allowed myself a glance towards Rachel who wore a face that said she won it.

"SAVVY!" Derek shouted as a bunch of confetti and balloons fell from above me. I couldn't keep it in. I jumped up and down screaming.

"I can't believe this!" I shouted covering my mouth in awe. The audience showed that they agreed with the decision giving me a standing ovation.

"Do you have anything to say Savvy?" Derek asked shaking my hand. I felt light headed. This was too good to be true.

"Umm. I just want to thank my family for helping me get here along with my wonderful friend. You all in the crowd are amazing too! I appreciate your support. Thank you all!" I said waving.

"You did very well Ms. Berry. Thank you for competing. Perhaps next time you can dethrone the queen." Derek said shaking her hand as well.

"Thank you Mr. Smith." Rachel said indignant. She was pissed I could tell. Well no duh, I just beat her at her own game. I didn't know Rachel personally but from what I could tell she was a total diva. Walking up to her I stuck out my hand.

"You were great Rachel. It was a lot of fun." I smiled warmly showing I wasn't stuck up. She looked at my hand deciding whether to shake it or not. She finally did probably because everyone was looking.

"Thank you. You really were great. Too bad no one knows who you are." Rachel shrugged and took her leave of the stage.

"What an exciting weekend huh?" Derek asked with a little too much enthusiasm.

"From what we can tell McKinley high has the talent this year. Why don't we call the winner of the guys category? Come on out Jesse James!" Derek called and the crowd went wild again. They might tear the roof off the house! Jesse came walking out wearing a Fedora a black shirt that said "DC" on it and dark wash jeans. He was beautiful. I couldn't move. He won? And I won? What a weekend.

"Jesse I want you to meet Savvy." Derek said as we shook hands. Jesse smiled heartily and I smiled in return.

"Congratulations. You were amazing." Jesse whispered to me as we stood while Derek made his rousing speech.

"Thank you. Congratulations to you too. Although I didn't hear you sing." I spoke softly. He gave me a side glance that said "The night isn't over yet." I blushed to myself not believing this was actually happening.

"Alright everyone! Are you saying you want an encore?" The crowd cheered loudly. I knew this might come so I was glad I had a song prepared.

"Oh you want them both to sing?" Derek asked pretending he didn't know what they wanted. A duet? I didn't do duets. Sure I knew a couple but I wasn't exactly an expert. Then I remembered part of the program they gave me said I had to prepare a duet just in case.

"Pss. Do you know the girl's part in Good Girls Go Bad?" Jesse whispered down at me. I ran it through me mind.

"Yea." I answered slowly.

"Good that's what we will do." Jesse smiled down at me winking. This will be fun. I thought. I loved that song.

"Alright! Give it up for Jesse and Savvy!" Derek said jogging off the stage. Jesse grabbed two microphones and handed me one. He must have told them which song to play already because the music began to play. He was off. It was incredible. His voice was amazing and together we pulled off the song beautifully. Everyone loved it. Including Jesse and myself. We did a good job. I had told the stage lady that I was planning on singing Ke$ha ft. 3OH!3 for my duet so as soon as our first song was over the music for "Blah Blah Blah" started playing. Jesse motioned for me to take the lead and I took it as a challenge. I stepped forward and let it all go. Jesse stood beside me when he took over singing his part with a huge smile in his face. He was enjoying himself. I was too. All too soon however it was over.

"WOW wow wow!" Derek ran back on stage when we were done. I turned to Jesse with a smile. We did it.

"No wonder why they won ladies and gentlemen! That's all for tonight however! Take care everyone! Savvy and Jesse!" he called out one last time as the curtains closed in front of us.

"That was amazing Savvy." Jesse said touching my shoulder. I smiled.

"Thank you. You were awesome too." I replied looking at the microphone in my hand.

"And you do go to McKinley high?" Jesse asked getting a little too close to my identity. Well more than I wanted anyway.

"Yea I do." I looked behind me. "I gotta go Jesse. I'll see you Monday." I waved as I dashed back to the changing room. That was close. Now I made him curious. Good. He wouldn't find me anyway. My dream is over. It didn't take long for a knock on my door. I knew it was going to be my family. I stood from the chair I had looking back to the mirror. I had taken off my glasses waiting for them to enter.

"Come in!" I called looking in the mirror. To my horror it wasn't my parents but the Glee club!

"Oh shoot!" I swore grabbing my glasses quickly as all of the kids and Mr. Shuester entered.

"Hello." I spoke calmly even though my heart was racing. Mr. Shuester stepped forward and shook my hand.

"That was an amazing performance Savvy. Oh I am sorry. Let me introduce myself. I am Will Shuester and this is my glee club. We are from McKinley high. Jesse is one of us." Mr. Shuester spoke introducing me to each of the glee club members. I shook all of their hands Puck was last and he looked like he was enjoying himself. I grabbed his hands with a smile.

"Nice to meet you." I said trying to hold my annoyance in.

"You too. Just so you know. Your hot." Puck said plainly. Oh great now I had to complement him back! He was suspicious I knew it. His face said it all. Of course he was the one who spent more time around me than anyone else besides my girls.

"You're pretty smoking yourself." I cringed inside as I said the terrible words. But at least it threw off his suspicion.

"Thanks." He said stepping back. I looked around at them all who just stared at me like I was Madonna or something.

"Well the reason I wanted to see you was because we want you to join out glee club. We seriously need your talent." Mr. Shuester implored and I couldn't help but smile. Well at least I was wanted there.

"Umm… I will think about it. Don't worry I will let you know who it is if I decide to join." I shook his hand again.

"You can come anytime. Please don't hesitate." Mr. Shuester left with the rest of my schoolmates and I slumped back into my chair letting out my breath. That was close. Nothing however could take away from the victories of the day. My soccer team made it to the finals, which were going to take place in two weeks. I won the singing competition and no one knew who I was. This was one amazing weekend. Little did I know that this weekend was setting up for a terrible school week?