Author's Note:

Here's the 3rd part of Piper's adventures in Warblerland. Hope you all enjoy it. Reviews are love.

Disclaimer:

I don't the awesomeness of GLEE and Dalton by CP Coulter. I'm just a passenger in their huge gondolas.

Chapter 3

Mathilda and the Gardenias

I was in the Archibald library, again. Surprise! I'm still at Dalton. Although I know that this is just a dream, I can't seem to wake up from it. So, there I was in the library yet again to continue my catch-up work the professors gave me.

Seriously, now I know how Kurt felt like when he said "it's like parting the Red Sea". Here I am, alone on a library table - books lay open and a lot of crumpled papers are on it. My hand is starting to become sore from all the writing, and my head is buzzing with all the information from studying and the big one that Dean Ramsey said this morning.

"Good morning, Piper. So, how is your first day here at Dalton?" she asked in a cool tone.

"Quite good. Though, I do need a bit more catching up to do" I answered. "I see. Well, you'll be fine. With your grades from your old school and by what the teachers there say about you, I think you should be okay."

I just nodded. I was really not sure why she asked me to come into her office. "Well, I think you're wondering why I asked you to come. Your godmother Edna told me that you have decided boarding one of the Houses here, is that correct?" she asked, looking at me. "Uhm… Well, yes. Because their house is two hours from here and I think it would be better if I boarded. Besides, I don't want to be a burden to them" I replied, meeting her gaze. "I see. Well, okay then. I'll assign you at the Windsor house" she said, looking at a document on her desk.

"I'm sorry?" I asked in clarification. In my mind, I was thinking, "No way. I'm in Windsor house? Crap! This is not good." "I said you would be staying at the Windsor house. Is there any problem with that?" she asked.

"No, ma'am. I was just shocked" I responded (which would be known as an understatement of this very young century). My insides were writhing like snakes. I do enjoy reading about the Windsor House boarders' crazy but I don't think I can handle it at a real life level.

"Well, then. Off to your classes. I'll just inform Mr. Howard" she said with finality in her tone. "Okay, then. Thanks ma'am and good morning" I said as I shouldered my bag and went out of the Dean's office.

And so it was - I am going to be staying at the Windsor house. I didn't know what to do and I was afraid of approaching the people there.

Still, I was in the library to start my catch up. Then, I saw someone come in who made my heart do a complete 360 and a couple of somersaults - Blaine Anderson was walking towards my table. He was carrying a geography book. He was as dreamy as ever. His curly hair gelled to submission, with clean shaven face and an approachable aura. I remembered when he first appeared on GLEE. The way he smiled melted my heart into a fondue. Totally awesome!

I was staring and gaping at him like an idiot. All work forgotten as my mind went blissfully blank. Then, he saw that I was looking at him. He grinned at me, and my heart did 3 cartwheels and a perfect split. I waved like an idiot as I became beet red. I immediately looked back to my work.

After a few minutes, I saw another person. He was sneaking on the shelves of the library. He was slightly taller than Blaine and skinnier. He was so pale that he was almost translucent (almost like a vampire). The only lively-looking color on him was his lips which were red. He had a crop of black hair contrasting powerfully against his skin pallor. He was holding a large tome with a pentagram on the cover. Holy cow! I was seeing Dwight Houston. He seemed so eerie-looking and it gave me a quite a chill on my body like seeing ghosts take physical form or something.

Ah, my Dalton-loving heart knows this scene. This is where Dwight will be telling Blaine about Kurt's aura. Whoa! I'm now in Chapter 2 of Dalton. After a few quick exchanges between Dight and Blaine, and Mrs. Abernathy appearing, Dwight scampered off and Blaine took out his phone to call an emergency meeting. Gosh! I feel like an Oracle of Delphi or something. Anyway, I still have lots of work to do, so I just watched Blaine go out of the Library.

I'm sitting in my Music class at the moment. My professor is none other than Ms. Sylvia Medel. She's a tall, beautiful woman in a well cut black blouse contrasted by a long flowing skirt that flipped around her ankles. Her hair is platinum blond and is shaped into a bob cut. Although, I usually thought only celebrities can pull off that color, it actually suits her very well. It makes her look more approachable and kind, but still with an air of seriousness.

So, for the last hour, or so, we were discussing about Joseph Haydn. He was an Austrian composer - one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period. He was also known as "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" because of his contributions to these forms of music.

Then, Ms. Medel called me. "Oh! I almost forgot we have a new student with us. Piper Almeda, am I correct?" she asked looking at me through her sliver rimmed glasses. I stood up and said, "Yes ma'am."

"Well, welcome to Dalton" she uttered kindly. You could feel the warmth of her welcome. Then, the melodious bell rang signaling the end of classes. My classmates filed out of the room (I usually leave last in classes because I still feel awkward joining the throng of blazers). As I was getting up, a man walked into the room - Mr. Harvey. He was wearing a 3-piece suit and had warm brown eyes. His hair was sort of brown in color (I could not exactly distinguish what color it was). He walked towards Ms. Medel and the two of them chatted a bit then both looked at my direction.

"Could I, what I mean is, Could we ask a favor from you?" Ms. Medel asked gently. I said, "Uhm… Sure. What is it?"

I was walking around Dalton with a picture of a student. He had grayish-blue eyes and his hair is slicked back a bit. The skin on this person was just immaculate (white, smooth, and clear). He really looked like someone royal. Yes, I was holding a picture of Kurt Hummel, my ultimate favorite GLEE character.

Here are just some of the reasons why I adore Kurt Hummel:

1.) His voice is AWESOME.
2.) The way he dresses is impeccable and he knows what to wear.
3.) His scathing retorts and funny one liners.
4.) His eyes have the capacity to tell whole stories.
5.) "Single Ladies"…
6.) He's very loyal to his friends.
7.) He's proud of who he is.
8.) He can be a bit of a DIVA but it's not over the top unlike some people. Plus, it actually suits him.
9.) He has a kind heart.
10.) And so on and So forth…..

I was asked by Ms. Medel and Mr. Harvey to advise Kurt to come to the second music room early so that they would be able to formally meet him for the first time. I did not know that I would be THAT student runner. Seriously, this was the most awesome/scary thing ever. I was about to meet Kurt frickin' Hummel!

I was in a hall when I saw him come out of a classroom. I was still a bit shy and scared at the same time. The snakes in my stomach started to act up again. But, if I don't tell Kurt about this the story won't proceed as it should be. So I bucked up and decided to go tell him.

I was walking towards him shaking like a leaf in the wind. He was standing there rummaging in his bag. Good gosh! He is just plain gorgeous. Now, I can personally say that he is just perfect! Anyway, he looks up and he sees me coming towards him. My breath starts to quicken as well as my heart beat.

Once I approached him I said, "Uhm…Hey." Wow that's all I can muster. "Hi, do you need anything?" he asked, looking puzzled. "Well, Not really. Uhm, by the way, you're Kurt Hummel, right?" I asked timidly as if I did know it was him. "Yes. Why?" he asked, raising his eyebrow a bit. "Oh! Well, Ms. Medel and Mr. Harvey asked me to tell you to go to the second music room. You know, the Warbler's hall. They would like to meet you, I guess" I said rather quickly.

"Oh! really? Right now?" he asked looking just a wee bit nervous. "Yes" I said. "Well, I'll be going then. Thanks!" he said simply and left without another word. Holy gosh! I just talked to Kurt frickin' Hummel! I did a girly fan jump after that.

It was late in the afternoon. I was walking with a guy at the moment. No, it's not what you think. I did not snag a date in between classes. I was walking with none other than Mr. Todd Howard. Yes, the Mr. Howard of Windsor House. He seems intimidating at first but he's actually really kind. When I was sitting on a bench along a hallway, I saw him approaching me. My first thought was that "Am I going to be in trouble?" (He does give-off that type of vibe).

When he reached me he said, "Are you Mr. Piper Almeda?" "Yes, uhm… did I do something wrong?" I asked awkwardly. "No, nothing's wrong. I'm Todd Howard, head of Windsor house. Dean Ramsey told me you were going to board there" he said simply. "Oh! Yes. Dean Ramsey did assign me there" I said. "I see. Well c'mon then I'll be showing you the Windsor house."

So, there we were walking towards the Windsor house. Turning around the corner, I finally got a view of the famous Windsor house. It was an awesome manor-type brick house. It radiates such an air of seriousness that it's hard to imagine the Tweedles are living here.

We were standing in front of the oak doors. He turned to me and said, "Since I'm head of the Windsor House it's just fair to warn you. The people here can get a little crazy. Explosions and screams are normal occurrences here. So, are you sure you would want to move in here?" he asked, peering through his glasses. Those warm gray eyes inquiring. "Yes" I just said simply. Although I feel like I'm going to be sucked into a black hole or something, I still decide to go for it. Since I'm here, I told myself I'm going to be a Windsor.

"Okay, then" he said simply and he opened the door. Entering the house and walking across the marble floor I was in a state of awe. Never in my life had I entered a school building that exudes so much elegance and fortune. As it is stated in Dalton's story and I quote, "The architecture was exquisite - from the rich tints of the wood to the elegant hues of the walls and the tasteful décor, Windsor might as well have been an exhibit at a museum depicting old world elegance."

"Blaine?" Mr. Howard said in a large booming voice. No one answered. "Is anyone in here?" he asked again looking confused. A scuffle of feet was heard and Wes appeared on the top of the stairs together with David and the Twins. Good gosh! The Warblers are here in the flesh. My heart beats faster and I feel queasy.

"Hey, Mr. Howard. What brings you here?" Wes asked and his eyes fell on me. "Oh! Hey Piper, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Oh, looks like Mathilda has come to follow our Alice" the twins' ice blue eyes were eyeing me with interest. Good gosh! Did they just name me? And why the heck are they so gorgeous? The twins ran down the stairs and suddenly, they were in front of me. "Welcome to Warblerland!" they greeted. "Uhm… Thanks" I said as I blushed furiously and looked down on my feet. I can't believe this is happening. Wes and David followed down the stairs.

"Where's Blaine?" Mr. Howard asked. They all grinned knowingly "Blaine is currently preoccupied with something important at the moment" David said. "I see. Well, since he's acting prefect and should be the one doing this and you're all here... Boys, Dean Ramsey assigned Piper Almeda here at the Windsor House. Give him a tour and orientation. I need to go to the Dean's office" he said and left without another word.

So I was standing in the entrance hall with Wes, David and the Twins and they were grinning at me. "So, is he the Filipino foreign exchange student in your French class, Wes?" David asked. "Yup. And he's pretty awesome. He speaks fluent French in front of Madame Saint-Clair. She grilled him for about the whole class and he survived" he said smiling at me. I blushed again. "By the way I'm David Sullivan. The names Piper right?" he said, extending his hand. I took it and gave it a shake. "Uhm, yes… Nice to meet you, David" I said. "And I'm Ethan" the twin on my left raised his right hand. "And I'm Evan" the one on my right said and then, they switched places.

"Uhm… it's nice to meet you as well Evan and Ethan" I said looking a bit confused. It's really hard to tell them apart. "And of course, you know me" Wes said his eyes twinkling. "Yeah" I said awkwardly clutching my book.

"Hey! What are you reading?" one of the twins (Ethan, I think.) said as he pulled the book from my hands. "Well, it's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I never leave home without it actually" I said. They all looked at me, amazed.

"So, you love Harry Potter?" Wes asked. "It's actually my favorite book series. You could say I'm a Harry Potter geek" I said. Then, an explosion on the upper floor banged the house. Scared, I looked around. "What was that?" I asked. "Oh it's nothing. Hey, c'mon. We'll give you the tour" David said.

"Yeah, c'mon. Let's go and tour Mathilda" the twins chorused. They pulled me towards the next room with Wes and David.

I was hiding behind the corner on the stairs. I was holding a nerf gun and Wes and David were with me. "Wow! Piper, you look like your enjoying yourself" Wes said keeping a look out. "This is actually really fun. But, the twins are really good" I said. "Yeah, we know. But, since there's the 3 of us, I think we can beat them" David said grinning.

Let me explain what happened. They toured me around the lower floors. They showed me the common room and then the kitchen with the scorched ceiling. Once we got to the second floor so that they can show me the rooms, the twins suddenly disappeared.

Wes and David showed me the rooms, which looked liked five-star hotel rooms with their four poster beds and elegant furnishings. Suddenly, the twins reappeared with nerf guns in hand and they tossed me one and I caught it easily. They were wearing identical evil grins. So, nerf war began. I was teamed with Wes and David.

"They must like you a lot to allow you to use one of their own nerf guns" Wes said. "Plus, they already had a nerf gun fight with Kurt earlier" David said, nodding his head. All of a sudden, the twins appeared out of nowhere.

"Surrender now!" Ethan (I think) said and we were pelted with nerf gun bullets. I was able to dodge some of the bullets by rolling on the floor. I took aim and shot a couple of bullets and it hit both twins on their stomach. "Haha! Nice shot" They both chorused. Then someone exclaimed, "What the hell is going on?"

Turning around we saw that Blaine and Kurt were standing on the hallway. Blaine was looking confused and angry while Kurt just looked amused. Kurt saw me and he gave a smile. I waved a bit at him as I stood up brushing my pants.

"Hey, Blaine! We have another Windsor. Mr. Howard dropped him off so that we can give him a tour" Wes said. "Oh and his name is Piper Almeda. He's the foreign-exchange student that got assigned in Windsor House" he added. "Hi, I'm Blaine Anderson, temporary prefect of Windsor House" Blaine said with that adorable smile as he held out his hand. I blushed very deeply and I felt like my face would just burn instantly as I shook his hand. Kurt gave me a knowing look. "And this is Kurt Hummel. He's a newbie here as well" he said, gesturing at Kurt. "Hi. Nice seeing you again" he said smiling. "You know him?" David asked looking puzzled. "Yeah. He was the one who told me to come to the music hall 2 for my Warbler audition" Kurt answered.

"Wow, Mathilda does really take care of our Alice" Evan (I think) said. "Good Lord! They've named you, already" Blaine said face palming. I know this one - if the Tweedles named you, already, a character from Alice in Wonderland it means they really like you and they might pull off crazy stunts. That made me a happy Dalton Fan Girl.

"So, this is really what usually happens when you tour newbies in Windsor huh? The nerf gun fights and being given an Alice in Wonderland name?" Kurt said, raising an eyebrow. "For special newbies only" the Tweedles said in unison. It's really disorienting when they do that. I mean, they're really cute and all but still a bit crazy just like Fred and George Weasley.

"Well, then, Piper. When are you moving in here?" Blaine asked. "Uhm, it would probably be two days from now because I have to pack and all" I replied. "We'll help you move Mathilda! After we help Alice move as well" the Tweedles said. "Oh no, it's okay, I think I can manage. I don't want to be a burden to anyone" I said, blushing and looking down my feet.

"Please, you're a Windsor now. The fact that you can keep up with the Twins on a nerf gun fight as well as tolerate the crazy, we're going to help you" Wes said. "At least I have someone aside from Blaine that's not crazy at all" Kurt said. We all laughed.

I was feeling good this day since I had a blast with the Windsors yesterday. I also talked with them. Though, most of the time I could barely talk to Blaine. Confession time: I have the biggest crush on him ever since he was first shown on GLEE - the way he looked and performed the Teenage Dream made my heart go wild. The smile, the hair, and those kind eyes made my heart stop and beat faster at the same time. I know. Cheesy, right?

I was totally ecstatic that I'm spending time with Blaine. But, I know in my soul that he has eyes only for Kurt. I mean, Kurt is just gorgeous compared to little old me.

Anyway. So, I was heading towards my locker because I had left my book for Advanced Physics in it. Don't ask me why I have taken up an AP for Physics, Chemistry, World History, English and Theater. I mean, seriously, they let me in to those classes. I had to do a lot last night since I still have some catching up to do. I'm so drained. I feel like I'm like a deflated balloon.

Opening my locker, out came bouquets of flowers. Not just any flowers, my ultimate favorite - the Gardenia. My locker is filled with Gardenia petals as well. There's a note on the bouquet that says:

"Welcome to Dalton Mathilda! Hope you have a nice day! Maybe we'll have tea together…

-Tweedles"

OMG! The hottest twins (aside from Fred and George Weasley) gave me bouquets of flowers. I stared in awe and probably looked like an idiot because of the enormous amount of flowers in my locker. I had to dig through all of it to find my darn Physics book.

I feel slightly embarrassed with all the people staring at me because of all the flowers. I don't even know what to do with them. This is the first time that a guy (in this case, two guys) gave me flowers. I feel so pretty and giddy. So, I was debating with myself what I would do with them. I mean, what do you do with flowers that a guy or guys give you?

"So, you've met the Twins" a deep voice said from behind. Turning around, I saw that set of deep, totally gorgeous, piercing green eyes. Good golly! It's Logan, again. He's still smoldering hot. "Uh, yeah. They gave me a tour of the Windsor House" I said, blushing a bit and smiling awkwardly. "They gave you a tour of the Windsor house? Are you moving to the Windsor house?" he asked me looking straight in my eyes. Why does his piercing gaze make me forget all thoughts in my head? I mean, seriously. What is he, a telepath or something?

"Uh. yeah. I got assigned to the Windsor house" I said. "Really? You got assigned there huh? Well, good luck with that" he said smirking. It's really disorienting when he does that. "Well, thanks" I said simply. "So, are you going to class?" he asked. "Yeah. I'm going to Physics class, and you?" I asked. "What a coincidence. AP in Physics?" he asked. "Yes." I said, picking up my book.

"You should be in Stuart house, I think" he said, eyeing me with interest. "Why?" I asked. "You seem very smart and you'd fit in there perfectly" he said and smiled. I blushed furiously because that made him more gorgeous. "I think we should be going to class then" he said. I nodded and put back the flowers back in to my locker.

Okay. So, basically Physics class was like going through all the 9 circles of Hell. I mean, sure I understood most of the lessons but, the catch up that needed to be done is like Mt. Everest. I feel so drained, already. It did not help that Logan was with me during class. I never really focused on our conversations. Just the typical answers like yes, maybe, sometimes, and/or no. I was really scared of him because he can go all ballistic. Plus, I do tend to clam up with overly gorgeous guys. So, our conversations never really registered and I never really looked directly at those gorgeous, green eyes. So, when the bell rang, I may have as well apparated out of the room.

Anyway, I was carrying a stack of papers to the Warblers hall. Ms. Medel saw me sitting on a bench. She was carrying sheet music for the Warblers but she needed to go to the teacher's lounge first because she forgot something. So, she asked me to bring them to music hall number two, or the "Warblers hall".

Pushing the double oak doors open, I felt like bursting out and singing Bills, Bills, Bills like Blaine's scene on GLEE (but I didn't). I stacked the sheet music on top of the grand piano inside. Then, something caught my eye - A Unidyne Vocal Microphone (the microphone you see on the entrance theme of American Idol) which was standing in the middle of the hall. I really love that mic. So, I decided to go near it.

I do tend to sing in the shower and I always imagine using this type of microphone. Especially, when I hear jazzy or mellow songs like Valerie, Turning Tables, Jar of Hearts. I always tend to imagine I'm the lead singer in a jazz club named Cat's Eyes.

While holding the microphone stand, someone with a girl's voice said, "Why don't you sing?" Turning around I saw a tall girl with caramel-colored curly hair that reached her waist. She was holding a lyre and was wearing a Greek tunic dress that stopped to her knees. She was wearing killer red pumps as well. I stared at her. Good gosh! I think she may be Terpsichore. "Terpsichore?" I asked. "Yes, that's me. What's up Piper?" she greeted. "What's going on?" I asked, staring at her. "So typical of mortals to do - answering a question with a question. Anyway, I'm visiting you. We were the ones who sent you here." she said, raising an eyebrow. "Well, please take me out of here" I requested. "Well. no. I can't possibly do that. Clio will be mad at me. Plus, the story has not played out yet" she said smiling, her eyes twinkling. "Please. I don't want to be here" I said. "Really, now?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Well, technically, there's this part of me that's just happy (understatement of this very young century) to be here. I mean, I got to talk to the Windsors and all that jazz but, I honestly don't belong here. I was missing my family, friends and basically my normal life outside of this. So I'm actually torn about this one. You know that feeling when you're obsessing at something and you would always want to be a part of it, then here you are becoming a part of the thing your obsessing about and then it hits you that you actually be better off as a spectator. I don't really know if I'm making sense.

"As you are silent then I would conclude that you'd like to stay" she said, smiling. "I did not say that!" I retorted. "But, you never did say anything more so, sue me" she said, rolling her eyes. And in all fairness it was a very good eye rolling. You can say in all honesty that she saw her nerve cells because her eyes were so rolled back.

"So, I would like you to audition for the Warblers" she said in a commanding voice. "And I would like to be a ballerina and star as the lead inSwan Lake and would like to attend Hogwarts. Not going to happen" I said rolling my eyes. God it felt good to give a sarcastic retort.

"Why not? You love to sing" she said. "Well yes that's true, but that doesn't mean I'm good enough to join any Glee club, especially the Warblers!" I said crossing my arms on my chest. "Oh, please! Deep down in your soul you know your good. You can be a bit of a diva. Don't think for one second that you can hide the fact that you have been dying to audition for the Warblers. Plus, I hear you singing in your shower. The images you think of when performing a song is just epic. They're so fun to watch!" she said chuckling a bit. "What do you mean?" I asked. 'Well let me show you" she snapped her fingers and the room transformed - black circular tables appeared. The tables have a vintage looking lamp on the center that was lit. The lamps had intricate metal work on it. A bar stood at the back end. The place where I was standing suddenly became raised. There was a spotlight shining on me. It was blinding and I could feel it's warmth. The floor was tiled in black and white, like a chessboard. There was a black curtain at the back and a Jazz band set lay scattered on the floor, well except for the drums which has been set up already. A grand piano stood auspiciously on the right hand side. The sign at the bar said Cat's eyes. Oh My Witchy Aunt! My imaginary Jazz Club was now a reality.

"How did you do that?" I asked seeing Terpsichore sitting on one of the tables. "Oh, please! By magic, of course!" she said looking impatient. "I mean, wow!" I stammered. "We need to do something about that uniform of yours. Since you're going to sing, we need a costume change!" she snapped her fingers and I felt myself twirling. After twirling twice I saw my reflection on the mirror. I was wearing a long sleeved black polo. The sleeves were rolled up to my upper arm. I was wearing a double-breasted vest and an ultra white tie. A pocket watch chain can be seen going from my pocket to my pants. I was wearing a fedora hat like the one Kurt was wearing when he went to church with Mercedes. You know, the one with the feathers. "Perfect!" she said. She even changed into a flapper girl dress with a matching beret. Oh, by the way, I was wearing some killer Oxfords. Totally awesome!

"Now you can totally sing. You can now live out your fantasy" she said grinning from ear to ear. "No I don't want to sing" I said even though every fiber of me wanted to. Then, I heard a snap. Terpsichore began to glow yellow, her eyes were bulging and then she started to grow. I mean, totally grow in height. She was now towering over me and I felt puny. When she spoke, it sounded like 3 people were speaking at once and Greek fire started to burn on her pals. "LISTEN PIPER ALMEDA! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE! YOU WILL SING NOW OR I WILL PULVERIZE YOU!" she said in a very angry tone. I whimpered and said, "Okay, fine. Just please don't incinerate me." Seriously, she needs to calm down.

She returned to normal and laughed. I mean, Bipolar much? "So, what would you like me to sing?" I asked. "Well, how about Turning Tables by Adele? I do love her and it's perfect for your voice" she answered, smiling. I sighed and said "Okay, then." "Oh, wait. We're missing something" she said, putting her index finger on her temple.

"What is that?" I asked. The spotlight started to burn already. Then, she did a face palm and said "Of course, people!" she said and snapping her fingers and the people appeared on the tables and waiters scurried about. Even the Jazz band members and a pianist appeared. A barman was at the bar serving people their drinks. Then my heart skipped a beat, the one sitting on the bar was the guy who broke my heart and beside him was the skank queen Gorgon of a girlfriend. I am so gonna kill this song. The music played and I began to sing.

Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

I closed my eyes and started to feel the song. As the song reached the chorus, I opened my eyes and pointed at the man who broke my heart.

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I cant give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables

His Gorgon of a girlfriend smirked at me and kissed him. I looked away, I think I have to barf but the bridge was coming.

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls to me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I cant give you, what you think you gave me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Turning ohh

As the song closes, the spotlight on me dimmed a bit. Wow! Really dramatic. I looked down as the lights went out. Then, I heard someone said. "Excuse me?" a woman's voice said. Turning around, the Warbler's hall reappeared and there was a throng of people on the door way. Oh my Wizard God! Ms. Medel, Mr. Harvey and the rest of the Warblers were all looking at me.

Mr. Harvey was peering through his glasses and said in a casual tone "Young man, are you trying to audition for the Warblers?" (Talk about awkward.) Looking around, I saw Kurt was smiling at me. Blaine was grinning. The Twins were jumping up and down looking wild. Wes looked shocked. David gave me a nod. Reed was smiling broadly. Logan was smirking again. I manage to stammer "Uhm, no… I just wanted to sing using the vintage looking microphone. I'm really sorry. I'm just going to go now." Confession: I have this weird habit when I'm nervous where I'll hold my hands gracefully at shoulder height (ike the White Queen in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie. I would also move like her). So, I picked up my bag and started to leave. Mr. Harvey then said "Why don't you join the Warblers?" raising an eyebrow.

"Uhm well, that's because their all rockstars and I'm just me." I said clutching the strap of my bag. "Well, with that voice you can be a rock star too." Wes said. I blushed. "Well, then. Would you like to join the Warblers, Piper?" Ms. Medel asked, smiling kindly. "So, uhm, do I have to audition to get in?" I asked. Duh? Stupid question. But, I'm totally nervous. "We would gladly like to hear you audition, if it wasn't yet," said a boy from the back, earning laughing agreement from majority of the group.

"Well, I think we don't have to let him audition again. You did hear him right boys?" Mr. Harvey said. "Yeah, we did. Your rendition was actually really good" a boy said. My mind went blank, then I saw Terpischore laughing at the far end. She is so getting pummeled when I'm done here. The boys began to clap and hoot loudly.

"Settle, settle. This is serious. Now, we have to make this official." Mr. Harvey said, his eyes twinkling. "We need to vote. All those in favor of having Piper join us, raise their hand."

A lot of hands—the twins held up both of theirs and jumping wildly—went up. Ms. Medel laughed appreciatively. "And as decreed by the group," she looked at me and smiled, "welcome to the Warblers, Mr. Almeda."

And in a single cheering wave, the boys ran from their seats and up to me, giving me heavy pats and cuffs on the shoulders before draping all of their jackets on top of me, as was unofficial tradition they do to any new Warblers. Gosh did I just say that. Wait, mental slap! Oh yeah, it's still happening.

OMG this was like the same thing that happened to Kurt, and now I'm buried in a mass of jackets. If I can just post on Facebook my status would be, I'm Warbler-ing on!