CHAPTER 4

Later in the day, the boys were ready to perform, with the girls and Mr. Schuester paying rapt attention. The jazz band started the music to Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta" and the Eels' "Eyes Down", and the boys' performance was largely enjoyed by the girls. The jazz band concluded the performance with the ending guitar solos to "Flagpole Sitta", and the boys were done. Mr. Schuester and the girls applauded, and Mr. Schuester stood up to speak.

"Okay, give me till tomorrow to consider who wins, and well done, everybody."

The boys cheered and high-fived each other.

INTERLUDE

The next day during school break, Hannah and Tina were walking around and discussing Sectionals, until they both saw Amanda and other cheerleaders huddled around Emily. It didn't take them long to notice that Emily did not look happy. Before they could approach, Amanda and the cheerleaders left, most of them laughing. Emily was leaning against her locker, clutching her books to her chest and hanging her head. Tina and Hannah approached cautiously.

"Hey, are you okay?" asked Hannah.

"Huh? Oh, hi, guys. How are you?"

"Well, we're more concerned about you", said Tina, "What did they want?"

"Oh, just the, uh… update on lunch prices."

"Look, you can trust us. We're your friends", said Hannah.

"Can I just be left alone? I'll see you guys in Glee Club", said Emily, and, near tears, she hurried off, tripping over herself and crashing into people every step of the way. Tina and Hannah exchanged worried looks and headed to class.

INTERLUDE

In the choir room, Mr. Schuester was the first to notice something was wrong.

"Guys, where are Xavier and Emily?"

"We don't know. We haven't seen them since yesterday", said Matt. Mr. Schuester sighed in concern before continuing.

"Get Xavier and Emily back after we're done today, and I'll let you know what my decision is. For now, let's get moving on our choreography."

The teens got up to prepare for the dancing routines, but Tina pulled Amanda aside.

"What did you and your friends do to Emily?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw you and other cheerleaders leaving her upset. What did you say to her?"

"Look, it's not a big deal. I was simply talking about a person she seemed to remind me of. That's all there is to it. Now, let's get back to this."

"Which person did you say she reminded you of?"

Amanda sighed heavily and faced Tina.

"I said she looked like a young version of my ugly uncle Zane. Are we through here?"

Tina was about to respond until Mr. Schuester broke it up.

"Girls, let's worry about personal issues later. Come on, we've got to practice."

Tina and Amanda exchanged glares before heading back to the group, and Mr. Schuester started directing them with leadership from Brittany and Matt.