I'm so sorry this took so long everybody, I'll explain more about it when we get to end of this episode. Anyway after a long wait here we have Episode Three of Glee: The OC Project, where we will begin to learn more about these wonderful characters and their lives.
Elliot, CeCe and Jax sat next to each other at a student council meeting. Amy was stood up and was currently going over what had been successful in the past week at the school whilst Elliot was taking notes, CeCe was just nodding along and Jax was looking at his phone.
"Over the past week we've achieved some fantastic things throughout this school," Amy began. "However, this school still has a long way to go before we're considered one of the best in the area and this council will make that happen. For starters Jax!"
"I thought I was just here for comedy?" Jax asked. "I mean if you want something done do you really think that I'm the guy you need to ask? I struggled feeding my pet goldfish."
"Just deliver a message to Niko," Amy bluntly replied. "His soccer team have lost three out of three games so far this season, if he wants to remain captain he needs to step up."
"Hey it's not his fault," Jax defended his friend. "Coach won't let us play the way we want to. It's all defence and no attack!"
"Considering the coach has won five championships at East High in Arizona I don't buy it," Amy fired back. "Now either tell him or I'll make sure that you get kicked out of that team. Understand?"
"Fine," Jax sighed as he leant back into his chair and folded his arms.
"Good," Amy said. "The rest of the sports teams have been on a hot streak and it looks like we'll be getting more state championship trophies added to our cabinet. Our cheerleading squad are training for the regional competition but with CeCe leading that we better not get our hopes up."
"Boosting my confidence as always," CeCe sarcastically commented.
"Just don't screw this up Davenport, like I hope you're not screwing up this Glee club," Amy instructed much to CeCe's annoyance. "Now, how has this club been going Elliot? Have you made any breakthroughs or does the whole club still sound like a cat in a blender?"
CeCe rolled her eyes as Elliot replied, "Actually the club currently has thirteen members which means we now can compete in sectionals."
"But has your club actually sang together yet?" Amy asked.
"What do you mean?" Elliot followed up.
"It's a simple question," Amy sneered. "Has your club actually sang together yet or are they just singing songs by themselves still?"
"Still singing songs by themselves still," Elliot mumbled.
"Just like I thought," Amy sighed. "If your club hasn't even tried to sing with one another yet do you really expect to do well in sectionals? I'm not the one running your club but if I were you right now I'd get them actually singing with one another and not singing with just their friends."
"Why not their friends and why not have them sing all together first?" Elliot asked.
Amy rolled her eyes at Elliot's question, "Don't run before you can walk. Get them to sing in small groups before you pile them all together. As for a club, to get it to work all the members must have a mutual respect of one another. Doesn't matter if they don't like each other outside the club, they just have to get a long in the club. It's how I run student council and I suggest you follow my lead."
"Mutual respect?" CeCe questioned. "You insult me any chance you get, how is that respect?"
"You're the exception to the rule," Amy replied with a smirk. "You know, considering all your failures last year, I think you've deserved the right to lose the whole council's respect."
CeCe uncomfortably shifted in her seat, which Elliot noticed and he knew he had to change the subject, "Luckily everyone in our club already has a mutual respect for one another so we should have no problem coming together and becoming a success like the council."
"Keep telling yourself that," Amy told Elliot. "Just remember if this whole club fails then you're out of the council and something tells me you don't have the money to get back in like Davenport."
"I didn't buy my way in," CeCe rebuked.
"Of course you didn't," Amy sarcastically replied. "Feel free to lie to others but don't lie to yourself Davenport. Without the money your family gave you'd of been out of this council and probably this school with the amount of damage you made."
"Damage she made?" Elliot asked.
"Oh, you don't know?" Amy questioned as she looked at CeCe who shook her head in response. "Well, I'd suggest you ask your partner in crime Elliot about what happened last year. Maybe she'll actually tell you the truth… Or maybe she'll lie to you."
"Shut up Amy," CeCe told her getting upset by the situation before realising what she just said. "I'm sorry Amy… I didn't mean-"
"I'd recommend you only speak when spoken to from now on Davenport and remember your place in this council. Understood," Amy asked to which CeCe nervously nodded.. "Now you and Elliot are dismissed for the rest of the meeting. I suggest you go and sort out your club and actually learn more about each other than just your first names."
CeCe and Elliot both nodded as they stood up to leave the room. CeCe looked visibly shaken from the events and as they walked out of the room Elliot knew it was time to ask questions and know more about CeCe than just the obvious facts.
"So are you actually going to tell me what happened last year?" Elliot questioned.
"I think it's best to forget what happened last year," CeCe explained. "The sooner the whole of the council forgets the better."
"Considering what Amy just told us don't you think it would be wise for you to tell me?" Elliot tried to reason with CeCe.
"Do you really think I care about what Amy told us to do?" Amy spat at Elliot. "I know you've got a lot of hair gel on but get this through that and into your thick skull that I would rather forget about it than remember it. Mutual respect. I respect you want to know but you need to respect that I don't want you or anyone to know."
"Even if every time someone mentions it I have to defend you without even knowing what I'm actually defending?" Elliot asked.
"It didn't stop you the first day we met, why should it stop you now?" CeCe questioned as she walked off. "Oh and we're putting them in groups today and they're performing tomorrow and if they don't like who they're with then they can take it up with the real life Regina George."
"So does that mean I have to pair you and Jude together?" Elliot yelled back.
"Do that and I'll castrate you with a rusty spoon!" CeCe jokingly threatened as she turn the corner and the bell rang.
Milo and Artemis were walking down the halls next to each other with Tori and Gia walking slightly ahead of them, chatting for the first time since Gia joined. Artemis looked at the two of them fondly whilst Milo remained focused in his own little world.
"Isn't it great to see our kids getting along?" Artemis asked Milo who was still in a trance. "Earth to Milo, are you listening to me?"
Artemis clicked her fingers in front of Milo's face and he was back into the world, "What? Sorry I kind of zoned out there."
"No shit Sherlock," Artemis replied. "What were you thinking about? Why the alphabet is in that order? If all the worlds a stage then where do the audience sit? Or maybe why a round pizza comes in a square box?"
"No but I'm going to be thinking about that all night now so thanks for that," Milo told her. "I was actually thinking about something my dad said last night."
"What'd he say to you?" Artemis asked. "I know you and him don't have the best relationship but whatever he said I'm sure he has his reasons."
"It was about my mom," Milo mumbled.
"Oh…" Artemis quietly said knowing the situation with Milo's mom. "I'm sure whatever he said he didn't mean it Milo so don't take it too much to heart."
"He said I reminded him too much of her," Milo hissed. "How can i not take that to heart?"
"You know how your dad gets when he's had a long day, I'm sure he just got a bit hot headed and took it out on you," Artemis began trying to make Milo feel better but realised she wasn't having much look. "How about tonight you come round mine and we'll do whatever you want, just you and me. You want to chat whilst my records play in the background then we will. You want to sit down and play your guitar the whole night then I'll sit and listen. Or if you just want to watch terrible TV and hear me complain about Catie Turner was robbed on American Idol then we will."
Milo chuckled at Artemis, "Sounds good, thanks Artemis. I owe you one."
"At this point you owe me at least twenty and probably a new car," Artemis teased. "Onto more positive news can you believe how well our two kids are getting along?"
"You're still doing this surrogate children stuff?" Milo laughed. "You know they're going to find that a little bit weird and probably want to be emancipated."
"Maybe I only do it around you to make you uncomfortable," Artemis giggled. "I'm just happy Tori's finally got a freshman friend or acquaintance at least."
"Both musical theatre fanatics, both short, both love to sing," Milo listed. "Are you sure they're not clones of each other?"
"Well siblings do tend to be similar to each other," Artemis teased to which Milo rolled his eyes as the camera begins to focus in on Tori and Gia.
"So what is your favourite musical?" Gia asked a smiling Tori. "Mines always been In The Heights ever since I heard the soundtrack!"
"I love In The Heights too!" Tori agreed. "My favourite is Once The Musical, there's just something so amazing with all the cast playing the instruments on stage."
"I never got to see that!" Gia told her. "I saw the movie but I've heard so many good things about the show! I wish it was touring again."
"We'll have to go if it ever tours again," Tori excitedly said as she walked into the choir room with Gia, Artemis and Milo behind her and all members of the Glee club in the room. "It's the show that made me want to play an instrument.
Artemis, Milo, Tori and Gia all took a seat together before Gia asked, "You play an instrument?"
"The drums," Tori answered. "I tried the guitar but my hands are too small, same with the piano but when I played the drums, it felt like being introduced to an old friend."
"That's so cool," Gia exclaimed. "I need to hear you play sometime."
"Yeah! I'll have to show you sometime," Tori nervously said realising she might have a friend.
"Okay people quiet down!" Elliot commanded as the whole choir room feel silent. "Today we're going to be doing something a bit different."
"Oh god, are we going to have to be nice to Davenport?" Jude commented.
"It's CeCe, Judith," CeCe bit back. "And no, I'm not going to take away your sad obsession of insulting me on a regular basis."
"Although it would be brilliant if you guys could do that," Elliot interjected.
"We're instead going to be doing collaborations," CeCe informed everyone who all seemed rather happy as they began to try and pair up with other people. "Oh but you can't pair up with people who you were friends with before you joined the club."
Everyone then looked at CeCe with annoyance before Shangela asked, "Any reason for this or are you just doing this to torture us?"
"We've been told to do this by the student council," Elliot told everyone.
"So you're both lap dogs for Amy now?" Shangela followed up.
"I'd rather staple by tongue to a moving train than let that happen," CeCe sneered.
"We're not her lap dogs," Elliot answered quickly after her. "Amy made some very valid points about this club and how we need you all to get along when we're in this choir room, that includes being nice to CeCe."
"That's like asking a horse to fix a merry-go round, it's just not going to happen," Jude explained.
"Well that horse is going to have to at least try," Elliot told Jude. "Look, we're behind schedule. We need you all to start singing together but before that we need to know you can work together with everyone in this club."
"Which is why we'll be pairing you together today and you'll be performing tomorrow," CeCe said which caused everyone to whine.
"Sorry, can't do that," Artemis replied. "Me and Milo have plans tonight."
"Well you're going to have to rearrange, that goes for everyone here and I don't want to hear any complaining!" CeCe told everyone who all glared at her in response. "Good. Now me and Elliot are going to put you into five groups, if you don't like your groups then get over it. I'll let Elliot choose the first one."
"The first group is Milo, Tori and Gia," Elliot announced as Tori and Gia high fived whilst Milo sighed slightly realising he was going to be with two freshman.
"the second group will be Artemis and Shangela," CeCe followed up as Artemis and Shangela both nodded in each others direction.
"Xavier and Willow," Elliot told them both as Xavier smiled at Willow who gave an awkward wave as he tried to hide his excitement.
"Josie, Judith and Jax," CeCe said as Jax tried to high five them both but got rejected by both of them so awkwardly lowered his arm.
"Which means out final group is Reed, Rhys and Teddy," Elliot concurred.
"Picked last," Reed sighed. "It's like gym class all over again."
"Now you can spend the remainder of this meeting talking about your songs as well as figuring out where you can practice tonight," CeCe explained to everyone.
"Wait a moment," Jude exclaimed. "The last group should be you two shouldn't it? I mean it seems incredibly unfair for you to take away our evenings but not your own?"
"We run the club Judith," CeCe told her. "We do not perform nor do we do as you tell us."
"I agree with Jude," Xavier agreed. "I mean you two should have to do this as well."
"Especially as you don't get along with each other," Tori quietly added.
"We get along," CeCe defended herself.
"I've see cats and dogs get along better than you two," Artemis told them both. "You made me cancel my plans CeCe, I think it's only fair you do the same."
CeCe looked around to see everyone was agreeing with Artemis, "Fine me and the future model will sing together tomorrow as well. Happy now?"
"Okay… well everyone get into your groups and discuss what you'll be doing this evening," Elliot instructed. "I'll be doing the same with CeCe."
Elliot stepped aside with CeCe before she asked quietly, "Okay so who's house are we going to tonight and can we make it quick because I have other things I'd rather be doing?"
"I don't have a house," Elliot explained. "I live in a small apartment with my dad so I think yours will probably be the best."
"Well my parents won't be home so we won't disturb them," CeCe mumbled. "Yeah you can come round to mine after school, it's in the upper east side so it's a long subway ride. Just remember you don't touch anything without my permission in that house, understand?"
"Yes your majesty," Elliot sarcastically replied.
"I'm serious," CeCe bluntly told him. "My parents are very particular, if they see anything has moved or become dirty they'll lose there minds."
"Okay, okay, I won't touch anything," Elliot conceded.
"Good and you better be prepared to work," CeCe said. "I'm not being made to look like a fool in-front of them all."
"You'll have nothing to worry about I'm sure," Elliot reassured her as the camera panned over to Milo, Gia and Tori.
"Do you guys want to come round to my house tonight?" Gia asked excitedly. "It's close to the school so it's not too far to walk and we could even have a sleep over!"
"A junior sleeping round a freshman's house?" Milo questioned. "That doesn't sound dodgy at all now does it?"
"It was just a suggestion Milo," Tori told him quietly. "I'd love to come round your house Gia, as long as it isn't mine I'm happy."
"Same here," Milo added. "I don't exactly want to see my dad right now."
"Then it's settled you guys will come round mine tonight," Gia happily said.
"Wait, why don't you want to see your dad?" Tori asked Milo, slightly worried.
"Long story, you don't need to worry about it," Milo followed up.
Artemis leaned in and quickly added, "Trust me girls, you don't want to ask about it. You'll just open up a whole can of worms."
"Aren't you meant to be talking with your partner?" Milo asked rolling his eyes at Artemis.
"Yes, but I wanted to say we'll rearrange our plans for tomorrow, now back to your regular scheduled programming" Artemis told him before leaning back over to Shangela. "Now where were we before I rudely leaned out of the conversation?"
"I was saying you should come round mine," Shangela began. "It's a small house but we'll have enough privacy to do whatever we want and that includes texting your boyfriend over there."
"Milo?" Artemis gagged. "I'd rather set my face on fire and try and put it out with a fork."
"Could've fooled me," Shangela teased. "I thought you two were madly in love with each other."
"Please can we change the subject, because this making me feel sick," Artemis said as she faked feeling ill. "I can come round yours tonight though, my older brother probably wouldn't leave us alone if we went round mine."
"You have an older brother?" Shangela asked to which Artemis nodded. "Is he single and cute?"
"He's cute but trust me, he isn't your type," Artemis explained.
"I'll take what I can get at this rate," Shangela commented. "If he's got a pulse then I'd be happy."
"Sooooo I'll come round yours tonight?" Artemis asked trying to change the subject.
"Wait," Willow said as he leaned over to Shangela. "Are you guys coming round to mine tonight?"
"Ours Willow, remember sharing is caring," Shangela teased her brother. "But yeah Artemis is coming round ours tonight. I'm guessing Xavier is coming round too?"
"Well I was going to ask him but I'm so nervous but so excited about it," Willow told her.
"Good to know, but it'd probably be a good idea to actually talk to Xavier about instead of talking to me right now don't you think?" Shangela asked her brother.
"But… I just don't know what to say or how to do it," Willow confessed.
"Like this," Shangela answered as she leant forward in her chair to see Xavier. "Yo Xavier! You wanna come round mine and Willow's? Artemis is coming too and once we're done we can watch some terrible films and pop some popcorn."
"Terrible movies? I'm in," Xavier confirmed. "Seriously I know way too much about bad films. I think I know The Room word for word."
"Sharknado for me," Artemis chimed in. "It has more D-list celebs than Trump's inauguration and that is really saying something."
"Birdemic is a classic," Willow added trying to impress Xavier.
"Okay, when I said bad films I meant like an Adam Sandler film, not ones I've never heard or seen before," Shangela told everyone.
"Wait, you've never seen The Room?" Xavier asked as Shangela shook her head. "Okay, we need to finish these duets quickly because you need to watch The Room."
"It's the worst yet best film ever," Artemis confirmed. "I dream of being the female Tommy Wiseau."
"I regret ever suggesting this now," Shangela confessed as she placed her head in her hands.
"You won't!" Jax exclaimed from across the room. "You will never laugh so much in your life."
Jude grabbed Jax's head before harshly turning it to face her and Josie, "You get distracted so easily like seriously dude, you've got the attention span of Daffy Duck."
"I know," Jax chuckled. "Why else do you think I'm so bad at English? I can't get two pages into a book before getting distracted by a fly."
"Well can you try and focus?" Josie asked "We need to figure out who's house we're going to tonight and what song we can do tomorrow."
"We'll figure the song out," Jax brushed it off. "We've got a whole night to get it all done! As for the house why don't we go to yours? The Crowder house is huge anyway."
"When have you ever been to my house?" Josie asked with genuine concern.
"Your brother was star of the football team and Jax was a soccer player," Jude explained. "Do you seriously expect him to not be at one of your bro's house parties?"
"I thought I'd of seen him," Josie quietly replied. "I saw CeCe there all the time, she even came to my room some nights to help me with my homework."
"Davenport being nice?" Jude questioned. "Have you hit your head in the last twenty four hours?"
"What do you have against CeCe?" Josie asked.
"If she hasn't told you then what makes you think I will?" Jude replied whilst glaring at Josie.
"Because you seem to despise her," Josie said trying to look strong against Jude. "Why wouldn't you tell me something bad about her?"
"If Davenport's not going to own up to what she did then I'm not going to stoop to her level and tell people what she did," Jude coldly told Josie.
"Wow, this is just like an episode of Gossip Girl," Jax jokingly said. "Maybe we should stream it when we're round yours Josie?"
"Sure… whatever," Josie mumbled as she looked over to CeCe, wondering what exactly she did before focusing on Teddy and his group. He noticed and gave her a casual wave before turning back to his group and talking.
"So who's place are we going to tonight?" Teddy asked. "I'd offer my place but we're still unpacking and it's looking like a disaster zone."
"I guess you guys can come to mine," Reed said. "My mom works late most nights and she always tells me to bring company round."
"Why does your mom work late?" Teddy asked.
Reed smiled as he thought of his mom, "She's a nurse. She's always out late and up early, she literally never stops it's kind of crazy."
"My mom would love your mom," Teddy followed up. "Any doctors, nurses, surgeons, anybody health related she just loves."
"Maybe we should get them to meet sometime, my mom could do with some friends," Reed suggested to Teddy.
"My mom knows no one here so that would be perfect!" Teddy happily said.
"What time are we going to yours?" Rhys asked quickly trying to change the subject.
"Oh ummm, how about right after school?" Reed followed up. "I can walk you guys there."
"Good," Rhys harshly said to Reed and Teddy's confusion just as the bell rang.
Elliot stepped away from CeCe and addressed everyone as the bell rang and everyone began to leave, "You know what do everyone. We're expecting greatness."
"Expecting greatness?" CeCe questioned. "Could you be any more of a cliche?"
Shangela, Willow, Artemis and Xavier were sat down in a subway car with a few people sitting away from them, avoiding the loud teenagers obviously. Shangela and Willow's house was a half an hour subway ride away where they'd usually be listening to music but now they were happily making small talk with Xavier and Artemis.
"So we're sorting out the songs and then having a terrible movie marathon?" Willow asked in a nervous yet oddly excited tone.
"We've said yes six times already Willow," Shangela sighed.
"Let's just hope we actually finish the songs and can have a movie marathon," Xavier said.
"What do you mean?" Artemis asked with a chuckle. "We'll get those songs done faster than Trump leaving for another golf game."
"You seriously believe that?" Xavier asked with a chuckle. "It used to take me hours and hours to figure out what I was going to sing for the debate club shows."
"Well me and Shangela are girls," Artemis teased as she put her legs up on the seat next to her. "Maybe we're just better at getting things done than you boys."
"What do you mean maybe?" Shangela joked. "Before you boys get your britches in a bunch we're joking… but we are better at getting things done than you."
"How so?" Willow asked.
"Well for starters we actually have fun with it," Artemis explained. "I've seen you play football Xavier, you never look like you're having fun out there. Seriously it's like Eeyore put on a football uniform and decided to play."
"You've seen me play?" Xavier questioned with a smirk.
"Don't flatter yourself Eeyore," Artemis told him. "Our school is literally the best at sport in the state, I think I've seen every team play at least once, even the freaking badminton team and I think a colonoscopy would be more fun than doing that again."
"Remind me to never get a review of a bad game from you," Xavier chuckled.
"Oh I won't but when you actually enjoy the game I might give you a half decent review," Artemis responded with a little smirk.
Shangela laughed as she raised her hand and gave it a little wiggle, "Preach sister! Enjoy what you love, even if it is football."
"Hey football is different okay," Xavier defended himself. "I love to play and it is fun but the stress does get to you when you feel like the whole of New York is watching and you've got college scouts in the crowd wanting to sign you once you graduate."
"You're a junior," Shangela laughed. "You shouldn't be stressing about all that yet. I mean I'm not, I'm saving all that stress for senior year."
"Same here," Artemis chimed in. "Enjoy youth whilst I can."
"I have to worry with scholarships," Xavier told them both. "If I don't get a scholarship I probably won't be going to college at all."
"Same here," Willow solemnly said trying to make a connection with Xavier.
"Willow, you're a sophomore. You've got another two years before you have to panic and you've got a 4.0 grade point average," Shangela scolded her brother as she then turned to Xavier. "Yeah you're gonna be stressed about all that but that doesn't mean you can't have fun doing something you love to do. I mean you're kind of sucking the joy out of playing the game."
"Like I said, you're like a real life Eeyore," Artemis teased. "Whilst me and Shangela are the Tiggers of the group."
Xavier shook his head and chuckled as he looked down at his feet, "So how do I have fun with all this stress then Tigger one and Tigger two? Just forget about college, football, tests and everything else that's panicking me in my life?"
"Don't forget about them just put them in the back of your mind," Shangela told him
"And how do I do that then?" Xavier asked.
"Like this," Shangela smiled as she stood up. "Tigger two, shall we give these boys a quick preview of our shamazing performance?"
"Making it clear now, I didn't give her cringe permission to say the performance was shamazing," Artemis sarcastically commented as she stood up and joined Shangela.
Ain't It Fun by Paramore performed by Shangela and Artemis
{Artemis began to sway from side to side in the empty subway as Willow and Xavier watched the pair with eager anticipation}
[Artemis]
I don't mind letting you down easy
But just give it time
If it don't hurt now then just wait, just wait a while
You're not the big fish in the pond no more
You are what they're feeding on
So what are you gonna do when the world don't orbit around you?
So what are you gonna do when the world don't orbit around you?
{Shangela took Artemis's arm and pulled her to the nearest pole where the two began to dance around it laughing the whole time}
[Artemis & Shangela]
Ain't it fun living in the real world
Ain't it good being all alone
{They both got off the pole and Shangela walked over to Xavier and Willow and sat on Xavier's lap as she sang this part whilst teasing Willow with it as well}
[Shangela]
Where you're from
You might be the one who's running things
Well, you can ring anybody's bell to get what you want
You see, it's easy to ignore trouble
When you're living in a bubble
So what are you gonna do when the world don't orbit around you?
So what are you gonna do when nobody wants to fool with you?
{Artemis dragged Shangela off of Xavier as the two continued to move around the subway car before both ending standing on top of some empty seats}
[Artemis & Shangela]
Ain't it fun living in the real world
Ain't it good being all alone
Ain't it good to be on your own
Ain't it fun you can't count on no one
Ain't it good to be on your own
Ain't it fun you can't count on no one
Ain't it fun living in the real world
{Artemis and Shangela began to clap their hands trying to encourage the boys to clap along, which they did}
[Artemis]
Don't go crying to your mama 'cause you're on your own in the real world
[Shangela]
Don't go crying to your mama 'cause you're on your own in the real world
{The two of them began to run up and down the cart, leaping, flipping and jumping off the seats and looking like they were having a ball until the end where they both jumped into their previous seats}
[Artemis & Shangela]
Don't go crying to your mama 'cause you're on your own in the real world
Don't go crying to your mama 'cause you're on your own in the real world
Ain't it fun
Ain't it fun
Baby, now you're one of us
Ain't it fun
Ain't it fun
Ain't it fun
Ain't it fun living in the real world
Ain't it good, ain't it good being all alone
Ain't it fun living in the real world
('Cause the world don't orbit around you)
Ain't it good, ain't it good being all alone (oh)
Don't go crying to your mama 'cause you're on your own in the real world
(Down to your mama) x4
This is the real world
This is the real world
"And that's how you do it boys," Shangela teased them both as she and Artemis sat back down. "We just got our song sorted and had fun doing it. Now for your turn boys."
"No way," Willow quickly answered. "We don't even know what song we're doing yet. You girls knew before you even did that."
"I might've sent Shangie a text saying that Hayley Williams was my personal Goddess," Artemis casually explained.
"And I might've told Art that Ain't It Fun was my favourite Paramore song," Shangela added.
"And I might've told her it's my favourite song to sing in the show to the point where the last time I sang it I came out to my siblings singing it in a choir formation," Artemis explained
"And I might've told her we were doing that song no matter what," Shangela finished off. "Add planning and communication to the list of thing we're better at than them."
"Hey me and Willow are going to kill it," Xavier exclaimed as he wrapped his arm around Willow. "We'll come up with something incredible, right dude?"
"Sure," Willow awkwardly said, smiling at Xavier wrapping his arm around him. "We'll do something amazing because we make an awesome team."
"That's the spirit dude!" Xavier cheered with a smile.
"I have a question though," Willow stated. "I thought you couldn't sing Artemis? You sounded really good there though."
Artemis chuckled before shooting Willow a look, "I think you need your ears testing Willow."
"I'm with Willow here," Shangela added. "You sounded great, why do you think you can't sing?"
"Because I can't," Artemis told them. "Simon Cowell would say I sound like dog howling."
"I disagree," Willow said. "You sound like Hayley Williams."
"Okay now I know your ears need checking," Artemis confirmed. "My family and best friends have heard me sing and all have said I'm bad."
"Maybe their ears need checking," Shangela countered.
"Keep telling yourself that guys," Artemis sighed.
Gia, Tori and Milo were all walking towards the front door of Gia's house. It was a modest little house in the suburbs of New York City that wasn't too far away from the school so they could all walk it, although Milo made sure he was always far behind the girls so no one saw him leaving the school with two freshman. He didn't want the rumour mill exploding with that one.
"So this is your house?" Tori asked as they approached the door.
"For the past two years," Gia answered as she opened the door to her house. "Hey I'm home!"
"Gia!" a young girl exclaimed as she ran forward to hug Gia. "Serafina and Andrew aren't home yet. They went shopping with Eric, something about him growing out of his old clothes."
"Seriously? I swear that kid is always growing," Gia sighed as she hugged the young girl before turning to Milo and Tori. "Oh yeah, Tori and Milo this is my little sister from another mister Serenity."
"From another mister?" Milo questioned despite already seeing their clear skin colour difference.
"We're foster kids," Gia explained. "I've been in the system since I was born and I met Serenity when I was nine and we haven't left each others side since. Whatever foster home she goes into, I will follow and vice versa."
"She's the big sister I never had but always wanted," Serenity added with a joyful smile. "Plus it's nice having someone who can help me with my homework."
"Help?" Gia laughed. "You're pretty much a certified child genius, if anything you help me."
"True, I just wanted to hear it from you," Serenity chuckled. "So what are you guys doing here? Study group? If so isn't he a bit old to be here?"
"Okay I'm out of here!" Milo exclaimed before Tori and Gia both grabbed him and stopped him from leaving the house.
"No Serenity," Gia told her. "Milo is in Glee club with me and he is actually a really good musician. Artemis told me he plays the guitar like a rock god."
"You play the guitar?" Tori asked feeling slightly hurt Artemis hadn't told her about this. "You and Artemis never told me that before."
"I prefer to show my guitar playing ability than talk about it," Milo reassured Tori.
"You could play Andrew's guitar," Serenity told Milo. "He loves to play and he used to be in a rock band when he was younger. He could even give you a few tips when he gets back."
"Sorry but Milo won't have time for that because we have to work out how we're going to give the most kick ass performance of all time tomorrow evening!" Gia told her sister as she pushed Milo and Tori up the stairs into her room before shutting the door behind her.
"You know I might've wanted to play your dad's guitar," Milo said to Gia.
"He's not my dad," Gia firmly replied as she walked over and sat on her bed. "So what song do you guys want to do?"
Tori looked around the room and didn't think it matched Gia at all. It was incredibly pink and looked like something a typical pre-school kid would have but she pushed it aside and said, "I'm not really sure, I mean Milo's musical taste isn't exactly like ours."
"You two aren't getting me singing some cheesy show tune," Milo bluntly told them both. "Or any other cheesy pop number for that matter."
"So I'm guessing that means no Katy Perry?" Tori asked awkwardly chuckling to herself trying to lighten the mood in the room.
"She calls her music purposeful pop but it's really just ugh that song again music," Milo insulted the famous pop singer.
"What about some Disney songs?" Gia followed up. "I could see you doing a mean Let It Go."
"Yeah a guy who wears nothing but black, loves rock and hates musicals is one hundred percent going to love to perform a Disney song," Milo countered as he went to the pink bean bag in the corner of the room and fell into it.
Tori sighed as she realised this was going to be more difficult that she first thought, "Well how about we all just come up with a list of songs and we'll go with the one we all like the most and won't kill each other by the end of this?"
"No musicals or cheesy pop songs from either of you two though!" Milo yelled.
"Okay," Gia nodded. "But also, no heavy rock songs, cliched rock songs or anything done by someone who sounds like they've been rubbing sand paper down their throat for the past twenty years of their life."
"Okay then, let's get searching!" Tori exclaimed quickly distracting them both as they turned to their phones to look through their music which made Tori smile with relief.
Elliot stepped into CeCe's penthouse and his mouth opened in pure amazement. It was a huge penthouse that looked like something straight out of a teen movie, everything was spotless and decorated sophistically with famous artworks around the building as well as a few statues scattered around the place. It was definitely a step up from what Elliot was living in.
"You live here?" Elliot asked in awe as he span around to look at the place.
"No, I just broke into a random top story penthouse to impress you," CeCe sarcastically responded. "Yes I live here, take it all in, just don't touch anything. My parents will go crazy if they see so much as a finger print on any of the artwork."
"Can't say I blame them," Elliot agreed. "I mean they must've cost your parents a fortune."
"More than my parents paid for my education, clothes, food and nanny," CeCe explained as they both began to walk through the house.
"You have a nanny?" Elliot asked slightly dumbfounded by the idea of her having someone besides her parents looking after her.
"Yeah, her names Rosita," CeCe commented as she began to walk up the stairs. "My parents are always busy with work and fancy dinners so they hired Rosita to look after me and the house. She's pretty much my third parent."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Elliot said as he joined CeCe on the stairs. "Where we going by the way?"
CeCe rolled her eyes, "Don't apologise for something you can't control Mr Moral Compass and we're going to my room. It's the only place where my parents aren't allowed, the perfect place for us to work and for you to not touch anything."
"Great," Elliot sarcastically replied as CeCe continued to lead the way. "So will you ever actually tell me what happened to you last year."
CeCe tensed up as Elliot brought this up, "This again? Remember what I told you, mutual respect."
"I understand that but-" Elliot began before CeCe interrupted him.
"Then that's all you need to do," CeCe told him. "Look if I am ever ready to tell you I will but until then you're going to have to deal with not knowing. How about you actually get to know me before you think you deserve to know something I'd rather keep to myself."
"I know you," Elliot commented.
"Okay then," CeCe sighed as she turned to face Elliot. "Who's my favourite singer? What's my favourite movie? Who was my first kiss? What's my middle name?"
"I don't know any of those," Elliot said.
CeCe smirked as Elliot realised his defeat. "Exactly, so don't give me grief for what I won't tell you. Anyway this is my room. Don't touch anything."
"So, exactly like the rest of this house?" Elliot chuckled as he stepped into CeCe's room.
"You learn fast," CeCe replied as Elliot looked at the room, it was very much what he expected from CeCe. The walls were a sun warm yellow with all the furniture being a nice pure white, everything had a specific place with the room being spotlessly clean but there was one thing that Elliot didn't expect to see in the room.
"Is that a Squirrel Girl poster?" Elliot asked CeCe who's eyes widened realising she forgot about it.
"I completely forgot I had that, I'll just take it down," CeCe lied as she went to take it down.
"Why are you taking it down?" Elliot questioned. "Squirrel Girl's a great superhero, I loved her in some of the Spiderman comics I had as a kid."
CeCe stopped in front of her poster as she realised what Elliot said, "Wait, you know who Squirrel Girl is and you like her?"
"Of course," Elliot confirmed. "I wouldn't be a Marvel fan if I didn't. Never thought you'd be a fan of her though, comics don't really seem like your type of thing."
"They aren't," CeCe quickly said. "My mom got it for me on one of her business trips, I just keep it up so she doesn't think I don't like it."
"Then why do I see some Squirrel Girl comics under your bed?" Elliot asked as CeCe's face turned bright red realising she'd been caught out but Elliot noticed and smiled slightly. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone about it."
"Good, because if you do you're dead," CeCe told him before realising she was being a bit too harsh on Elliot. "Thank you."
"It's no problem," Elliot said as he stood next to CeCe looking at the poster. "So who did get you the poster? Was it you or was it really your mom?"
"Nope," CeCe said popping the P. "It was Rosita. Her daughter was throwing out some of her old things and she thought it'd be a waste to get rid of it all so she came over with these old Squirrel Girl comics. I fell in love with the comics, everything about them was so bright, fun, colourful and just goofy. My parents didn't approve and tried to make me get rid of them but luckily Rosita hid them for me. Every week she brought me one and I'd hide it in my room, since my parents don't really come in here that often."
"Wow, you're a mega fan then," Elliot commented.
"I haven't missed a single issue," CeCe replied as she sat down on her bed. "She's probably the closest thing I've ever gotten to a role model. Wow that sounds sad."
"Hey Spiderman was my role model, are you saying I'm sad?" Elliot asked as CeCe raised an eyebrow to him.
"Why was he your role model then?" CeCe followed up. "I mean considering I just told you my love for a girl who can talk to squirrels it seems only fair you do the same with him."
Elliot leaned back on the wall as he chuckled at CeCe's comment, "I always loved what Spiderman was about. A young guy who didn't have to become a hero but wanted to because he wanted to make a change in the world. He tries to help everyone no matter who you are, I mean he's even helped super villain's with their life before. I guess I just always wanted to be someone who made a change to the world, even if it was something small and saw myself in him."
"Guess you're just our friendly neighbourhood politician," CeCe joked awkwardly.
"That's my dream," Elliot added. "Make a change somewhere, no matter how small and make one person's day just a bit better."
"You really couldn't be more of a moral compass could you," CeCe chuckled before getting up, walking over to her desk and changing her tone of voice to a serious one. "Come on let's get this song sorted. The sooner we do it the sooner you can leave."
Elliot burrowed his eyebrows in confusion before responding, "Okay, whatever you say."
"So what type of song do you want to sing?" CeCe asked. "I'm guessing you'll want something poppy or opera based."
"Ummm why did you think I'd want to sing opera?" Elliot questioned.
"You're well dressed, well spoken and want to be a politician," CeCe explained. "I mean you just seem like the type of guy who'd sing The Prayer in the shower trying to do both parts."
"Well you're wrong, I'm actually a rock fan so you couldn't be further from the truth," Elliot told her. "Don't judge a persons taste based on their appearance."
"I'll tell Milo that his rock look doesn't hide the fact he loves girlbands and K-POP then," CeCe said.
"Point taken but I stand by what I said," Elliot replied. "It's like me saying that because you're a cheerleader so you must love One Direction and Justin Bieber and something tells me you don't."
"Bieber and One Direction? Seriously, I'm not a twelve year old girl," CeCe fired back.
Elliot chuckled before replying, "See, don't judge a book by it's cover. So what type of music do you actually enjoy then, or was I right and you're secretly a Belieber?"
"Not in this lifetime," CeCe told him. "If you want to know what type of music I like why don't you just look at my records. Second shelf on my bookcase."
Elliot turned to face the bookshelf and began to flick through the records and began to see a recurring pattern, "Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, all of these are Jazz albums."
"Great eye Sherlock," CeCe sarcastically responded. "But yes I am an avid Jazz lover. From Sinatra all the way too Billie Holiday, it's pretty much the only thing my parents have shown me that I actually like… well love but you get the idea."
"I'm guessing you're a huge fan of La La Land then," Elliot commented remembering when he saw the movie with his dad.
"Obviously," CeCe happily replied. "A movie focusing around Jazz music with a sappy story in-between that ends in sadness? What's not to love?"
"The sadness part," Elliot said.
"You've never listened to a good Jazz album then," CeCe began. "Jazz usually sounds happy but when you see the artists play live you see the amount of sadness and emotion they put into every single note. Some people say it's just noise but for me, it's a magical experience."
"That's like me with Rock," Elliot agreed. "Always get told it's nothing but noise but the sound draws me in and when you go to the show it's a full sensory experience. The smell of sweat, the bass sending vibrations through your body, the mosh pits, it's something spectacular."
"Sounds good," CeCe chuckled awkwardly not liking how in-depth they were both getting.
"I'll have to take you to a Rock show sometime," Elliot suggested. "That's the only way you'll really get the feel of rock."
"Same with you and a Jazz show then," CeCe retorted before getting uncomfortable and quickly changed the subject. "Well do you know any Jazz Rock songs? Otherwise we're kind of screwed."
"I'll sing Jazz," Elliot told CeCe much to her confusion. "I don't mind. I mean you did say I should know you better and what better way to know you than sing the music you love."
CeCe rolled her eyes, "If you get anymore cheesy I'm gonna need a barf bag. Come on then, it's time I schooled you in Jazz."
"This place is still as awesome as the first day I time I came here," Jax smiled as he entered Josie's house with Jude following behind the two of them.
"Just don't freak out my parents please Jax," Josie insisted. "This is the first time I've had friends over and I'd prefer if they didn't think you were weirdos."
"As opposed to us being friends?" Jude laughed. "I'm sure your parents will be thrilled that you're friends with the girl who's been held back a grade and has dreadlocks and piercings."
"Don't joke about this Jude," Josie whispered as she heard her parents approaching. "Just play nice for a few minutes would you, then you can be a total b-word to me."
"A total b-word?" Jude asked. "What are you, eight?"
"Josie," Her mom greeted her as he stepped out from behind the doorway. "Who are these people with you? Friends from… cheerleading?"
"Cheerleading?" Jude questioned as Josie quickly hugged her mom to distract her from Jude.
"Mom, these are my friends Jax and Jude," Josie explained. "Jax plays for the soccer team and Jude is…"
"She must be a cheerleader," Josie's mom said as Josie's eyes widened. "They always let in one down on their luck girl to make them seem more unique."
"Down on their luck girl?" Jude angrily questioned.
"In my year we had a girl who was six months pregnant," Josie's mom continued. "She was never good going into the air but at least the baby bump broke her fall. Are you pregnant too?"
Josie quickly stepped between the two of them before Jude could do anything, "Yes mom, Jude is a cheerleader. She isn't pregnant or hard on her luck she's just got a different look."
"Oh that's marvellous!" Her mom cheered. "Could you show me one of the new cheer chants? I've missed hearing those when walking down the halls each day."
"Lady you just asked if I was pregnant and I'm not-" Jude ranted before Josie interrupted her.
"Please," Josie whispered. "I'll do whatever you want just play along. I beg of you."
Jude sighed as she realised how desperate Josie was before putting a big smile on her face and began to cheer in a scarily chipper voice, "Yes mam, I'll happily give you a special preview!"
"Wait, let me just record this for the whole school," Jax said as he brought his phone out.
"I wouldn't if I were you, this is a secret cheer and if you record it I'll have to force your testicles to go back into your body, okay?" Jude asked keeping up with her exaggerated cheerleader impression before getting her cheer ready. "Let's do this! S is for super, U is for unique, P is for perfect cause you know we are sweet, E is for enthusiasm, R is for rap, so come on all you Panther fans and dang stand back!"
"Umm isn't our mascot a tiger?" Josie's mom asked.
"We use the panther so no one knows it's actually our cheer miss Crowder," Jude explained to Josie's mom continuing her terrifying act. "Now if you'll excuse us we have to work on a special project for the school. Let's got tigers!"
"I won't keep you here then," Josie's mom said as Jude and Jax walked up the stairs. "Josie, I really like that girl."
"Thanks mom," Josie nervously replied as she followed Jax and Jude upstairs.
Once they were out of ear shot Jax turned to Jude, "Where did that come from? You do a better cheerleader impression than the actual cheerleaders!"
"That never leaves this house," Jude told them both. "Now can you explain to me why the hell your mom thinks I'm a cheerleader? Or more importantly why she thinks I'm pregnant!"
"My mom speaks without a filter, I'm sorry about that pregnancy comment," Josie explained. "She thinks you're a cheerleader because she thinks that I'm a cheerleader."
"So you're lying to your parents about being a cheerleader?" Jude asked to which Josie nodded. "I have a lot more respect for you right now."
"Thank you," Josie awkward replied not knowing what she meant by that. "I owe you one for all you did back there. I know that mustn't of been easy for you"
"Make sure that no one ever finds out about that and we're even," Jude told her. "Oh and Jax, I meant what I said back there. I'll happily beat you until your voice goes back to sounding like mouse on helium."
"Aww but I want people to know," Jax sighed. "But I'd prefer to keep my testicles hanging low."
"Good choice," Jude told him. "Now where's your room, after fake cheerleading I'm going to need to lie down."
"Just down the hall," Josie said as she lead both Jax and Jude to it. "Sorry it's going to be a bit of a mess in there."
"It'll match your life," Jude commented as Josie shot her a glare. "After what I just did for you back there you're going to have to accept that."
Josie rolled her eyes as she walked through her bedroom door with Jax and Jude following behind her. It was exactly what Jude imagined Josie's room would be, dark purple walls, black furniture, a large double bed and to top it all off a corner of the room that was filled with canvases, painting supplies and a paint covered tarp.
"That bed is mine," Jude exclaimed as she ran and jumped onto the bed. "Man, feels like I'm sitting on a cloud. I might have to come here now."
"Ha very funny," Josie replied as Jax joined Jude on the bed. "So what type of song are we going to sing? I mean we're all really different in our music taste."
"The sooner we pick the sooner we can leave so let's just pick a song and get this over with," Jude told her as she got comfortable on the bed.
"We need to be serious here," Josie said trying to keep a tough composure to make Jax and Jude agree with her. "I want to do well, there must be something you both want to sing?"
"I've got it! Something that's fun and completely unexpected " Jax exclaimed with joy which got Josie's attention. "We sing Barbie Girl by Aqua."
"Yeah you're really gonna get the Emo chick and the girl with dreads and piercings to sing about being pretty in pink," Jude explained before smacking Jax round the head. "I think you've taken too many soccer balls to the head."
"Thanks for reminding me," Jax remembered, realising he hadn't told Niko about the student council meeting earlier. "I need to send a message to Niko."
"Can we please focus," Josie exasperatedly said. "I really want to get this done so my parents don't get suspicious about all of this."
"Yeah because they're really not gonna get suspicious about three teens singing songs over and over again are they?" Jude questioned as she sat up on the bed. "Look if they ask anything just tell them we're doing it for a pep rally and they'll be fully supportive and think the sun shines out of your butt. Everyones happy."
Josie looked at Jude warily before asking, "Why are you being nice all of a sudden? This morning you were being really harsh and mean but now you seem… pleasant."
"Wow really high praise there," Jude sarcastically responded.
"If you guys are going to argue again can I record it this time?" Jax asked. "I mean if I can't get Jude being a cheerleader then I at least deserve this."
"Do that and I'll punch your dick with a cactus," Jude threaten Jax who immediately backed down, before Jude turned back to Josie. "Look we were talking about Davenport, if you defend the stuff she's done to me then I'm going to be harsh, plain and simple. Especially when you don't even know half the stuff she's done to other people."
"She's my friend," Josie stated in defence. "Of course I'll defend her even if I don't know what she's done to you. I call that being a good friend"
"I call it being stupid," Jude told her. "Let's just change the subject, I'm not in the mood to fight you."
"No," Josie said. "I want to know why you hate her so much, so tell me."
"I'm not doing that," Jude responded. "Like I said this morning, if I do that I stoop down to her already low level."
"But you're willing to insult her and make fun of her in front of the entire club on a daily basis?" Josie asked with her arms folded.
"Instead of asking why I do it how about you do something more productive and wonder why you're the only one defending her when everyone else joins me," Jude retaliated. "Or better yet wonder why her being apart of the club has made more people want to not join the club?"
Josie remained silent before sighing, "Whatever, you don't have to tell me."
"Glad you understand," Jude told her dryly. "Now how about we do something useful and actually figure out what son we're going to sing."
"Fine," Josie bitterly said. "Hope the others are having more fun than us."
Teddy, Reed and Rhys stood in a living room with one of their phones plugged into a speaker on a shelf. The living room was fairly spacious for a little apartment but they had moved the chairs and table out of the way. They all stood in a small circle before counting the beat til the song started.
Rollercoaster by Bleachers performed by Teddy, Reed and Rhys
{Teddy stood in the middle of the room as he kicked off the song}
[Teddy]
It was summer when I saw your face
Looked like a teenage runaway
And God I never thought we'd take it that far
Some killer queen you are
{Rhys stepped forward and the two began to sing together with Rhys keeping his cool composure whilst Teddy was just waiting for the chorus to go crazy}
[Teddy & Rhys}
And now I'm running and I can't stop anywhere I go
I think about it everyday and night I can't let go
Man, I'm never the same
We were shotgun lovers
I'm a shot gun running away
{As the build up to the chorus continued Rhys began to get more into the song and move from side to side with his foot tapping heavily}
[Rhys]
So come a little closer
There is something I can tell yeah
You are such a roller coaster
And a killer queen you are
{As the chorus arrived Teddy leaped into the air and began to dance like nobody was watching whilst Rhys and Reed looked at him with bemused looks on their face}
[Rhys, Reed & Teddy]
Ro roller coaster and I don't say no
Ro roller coaster, when you don't say no
And it's such a roller coaster
Some killer queen you are
{As Teddy calmed down Reed stepped up to sing his part and he soon understood why Teddy was going so crazy, the song really was infectious}
[Reed]
We took the bones out from the road
Those endless nights that we traveled we stole
You let your clothes fall to the floor
And lit a fire while I waited for more
{Reed looked at Rhys as Teddy looked at the pair with his eyes full of excitement. The two knew what was coming soon and decided to accept what was about to happen}
[Reed & Rhys]
And now I'm running and I won't stop I don't wanna go
I think about it every day and night I can't let go
Hey, I'm never the same
It's a hundred miles an hour on a dirt road running away
{Teddy happily sings his part waiting for that chorus to arrive}
[Teddy]
So come a little closer
There is something I can tell yeah
You are such a roller coaster
And a killer queen you are
{Teddy leaped into action again with Reed trying to join in as best he could but looking more like a dad awkwardly dancing at a party whilst Rhys remained still rolling his eyes at the pair}
[Rhys, Reed & Teddy]
Ro roller coaster and I don't say no
Ro roller coaster, when you don't say no (oh-o)
And it's such a roller coaster
Some killer queen you are
{Rhys sat down in a chair as he sang waiting for Teddy to become hyper again and preferring to stay far away from it}
[Rhys]
Come a little closer
Why don't you
Come a little closer
{Reed was beginning to get to the same level of excitement as Teddy but he soon realised he wouldn't be able to keep up with him but tried the best he could}
[Reed]
Why don't you come a little closer
There's something I could tell yeah
You were such a roller coaster
Some killer queen you are
{As Teddy and Reed jumped around the room Rhys just sat quietly in the corner and let the two get on with it, hoping it would soon be over}
[Rhys, Reed & Teddy]
Ro roller coaster and I don't say no
Ro roller coaster, when you don't say no (oh-o)
And it's such a roller coaster
Some killer queen you are
Ro roller coaster and I don't say no
Ro roller coaster, when you don't say no (oh-o)
And it's such a roller coaster
Some killer queen you are
"Wow, that was surprisingly easy," Reed happily said.
"We're so going to rock it tomorrow," Teddy added with glee as he jumped into his seat. "They'll be in pure awe of our performance."
"As long as we don't make complete and utter fools of ourselves I'm happy," Rhys commented.
"Always remaining positive Rhys," Teddy sarcastically said.
"So what do you guys want to do now we're done?" Reed asked nervously. "My mom won't be back for a while so we could order pizza or play video games or something?"
"I'm up for some pizza and video games," Teddy told Reed. "My mom is out a doctors convention tonight and is probably going to come back with about fifty different new medicines I need to try."
"Different medicines to try?" Reed asked with a confused expression upon his face.
"My mom just really worries about me," Teddy responded nonchalantly. "I was born two months early and was really weak so she would always worry about me doing anything as a kid… and now to be honest."
"Why the medicines though?" Reed followed up as he sat down on the seat opposite from Teddy.
"I have asthma," Teddy explained. "It's nothing serious, I just occasionally get asthma attacks. My mom wants to find a cure for it or anything that can make me immune to any type of illness known to man. It's kind of sweet but the amount of medical supplies she has access to is kind of scary."
"It's nice of her to do it," Reed reassured Teddy. "My mom works all kinds of crazy hours just to try and make ends meet. I keep telling her I can get a job but she always tells me to focus on school and having fun more. I really love her."
"Can we stop talking about mom's please?" Rhys angrily asked under his breath.
"Umm sure," Teddy cautiously answered. "Any reason or do you have a thing for milfs?"
"Ewwww," Reed said in response. "That's really horrible to think about."
"Let's just say I don't really see eye to eye with my mom," Rhys told them both. "So I don't exactly like hearing how amazing both of your mom's are compared to mine."
"She can't be that bad," Teddy reasoned with Rhys. "I bet she's nice but just comes down on you too hard at times."
"Yeah, I can't see why a mom would be bad," Reed added.
Rhys stood up and quickly walked towards the door, "If you're going to try and convince me that she's that bad then I'm out of here."
"Wait!" Teddy yelled as he leapt up from his chair and stood in front of the door, blocking Rhys' path. "Ok, we won't say anything else. Let's just order a pineapple pizza, play some video games and forget about the whole mom thing."
"Pineapple Pizza?" Rhys asked. "I want to leave even more now."
Reed laughed at Rhys' answer, "I'm with him on this one!"
"Me and my weird taste," Teddy chuckled as he wrapped his arm around Rhys' back and lead him back to the centre of the room. "How about just a pepperoni pizza? I'll buy."
"You'll buy?" Reed asked happily.
Teddy pulled out twenty dollars from his pocket, "Some old birthday money, might as well put it to good use since this won't be able to buy me a new piano."
"Every penny counts," Rhys told Teddy. "You sure you wanna blow it all on some pizza?"
"I think I'll survive," Teddy reassured Rhys. "Now someone call a pizza and get the games out!"
Rhys rolled his eyes as he went to turn the game console on whilst Reed called for a pizza and Teddy kicked leapt into the chair and kicked his legs up in full relaxation mode.
"So has anyone found anything yet?" Tori asked nervously as Gia and Milo both pulled their earphones out of their ears. "I've just got Paramore down."
"Can't do them," Milo explained. "Artemis is singing that with Shangela, she texted me earlier."
"I've got Rainbow Connection but the Weezer version," Gia began. "Twenty One Pilots, I just wanna see Milo rap, Snow Patrol, nothing but classic jams from them and finally Passenger for some laid back songs."
Milo nodded along before sternly saying, "Get rid of Rainbow Connection and we're good."
"But I found a version that's got some rock back bone to it," Gia explained trying hard to convince Milo about the song. "They keep it mellow but have rock parts in it too, I'll show you."
"Don't play the song," Milo firmly told Gia.
"Trust me Milo," Gia continued as she got the song up on her laptop. "You'll love this version."
"What part about don't play the song don't you understand?" Milo asked as he slammed her laptop shut. "Don't play the song."
"Milo is something wrong?" Tori asked nervously. "You seem a bit edgy."
"That and you just slammed by laptop down for wanting to play a song," Gia added.
Milo rubbed his face before sighing, "Your sister said your foster dad has a guitar, where is it?"
"It's in the garage with all his other instruments," Gia explained. "Why do you want to know?"
"Because right now I just need to play one," Milo angrily stated as he began to leave with Tori attempting to follow. "Alone Tori… Look you Gia sort the song out and I'll sing it. It can be anything but that song."
Milo left the room and slammed the door behind him as Gia and Tori looked at each other before Gia said, "Okay so I know we haven't known him that long but I can't be the only one thinking that that was really weird."
"Yeah, I've not seen Milo like that before," Tori agreed. "I mean he's usually a bit full on when it comes to his decisions but even then I've never seen him upset like that. Maybe we should go help him out, see if he's okay?"
"You heard him right?" Gia asked. "He wants to be alone for a while and just play some music."
"But sometimes if someone wants to be alone it means they want someone to talk to," Tori countered knowing exactly what she was talking about.
"Or he could really want to be alone," Gia told Tori as the house began to fill with an electric guitar being played. "And judging by that sound I think I'm right. Let's just figure the song out and then sort Milo out when he's a bit less erratic."
"Maybe we should call Artemis?" Tori asked. "I mean she knows him better than anyone, she'll know what to do in this situation."
"Fine, but if he's just being a bit of dick we get to make him sing a Disney Princess song," Gia said with a sly smile.
"Deal," Tori giggled as she pulled out her phone and called Artemis who answered instantly and was put on speaker. "Hey Artemis it's Tori."
"I guessed from the caller ID small stuff, what's up?" Artemis, who was sitting on a sofa next to Shangela, asked.
"Milo's being a bit… weird," Tori explained.
"You know I'm not his carer right?" Artemis joked. "Has he been moody, hungry or argumentative? If so it's just his time of the month."
"Well he's been moody and argumentative, not sure about him being hungry, but it only really started a few minutes ago," Tori explained.
"Where's Milo now?" Artemis asked.
"He's down stairs playing a guitar," Gia told her. "Well my foster dad's guitar but at least he's not going crazy over a song."
"Milo going crazy over a song, well that doesn't surprise me," Artemis laughed. "Let me guess you guys tried to get him to sing some Disney song."
"Not us guys entirely," Tori said quietly.
"Throw me under the bus then," Gia chuckled. "I tried to get him into Rainbow Connection but the Weezer version. Honestly it's so good and rocky I thought he'd love it."
"Wait, did you say Rainbow Connection?" Artemis asked with a serious tone. "Please tell me you didn't say Rainbow Connection."
"We did," Tori confirmed.
"What's the big deal?" Gia asked. "It's a good version of the song that Me, Tori and Milo would actually enjoy doing together."
"Milo has a bit of history with that song," Artemis explained.
Tori nodded along before asking, "What's the history with the song or are we not allowed to know?"
"It's Milo's story to tell smurfette," Artemis told Tori before sighing to herself. "Do you guys need me to come round? I know what he can be like and I'm not sure you guys could handle him."
"No we'll be fine," Tori quickly intervened. "Milo is a softie when you get through to him, I'm sure you know. Me and Gia will cheer him up don't worry."
"Well if you need me give me a call okay?" Artemis sighed.
"Deal," Tori confirmed. "We'll talk to you later Artemis, we've still got to work on our song."
"Okay kiddo, talk to you later," Artemis said as she hung up the phone.
"Is the old ball and chain giving the kids some trouble?" Shangela asked with a laugh.
Artemis chuckled under her breath, "I swear I'm a middle aged woman in a sixteen year old's body. I mean I'm practically married, have two kids and have been seriously tempted to share minion memes on facebook."
"Why aren't you and Milo a thing anyway?" Shangela asked. "I mean you two are pretty much a couple, what's held you back?"
"You know a guy and girl can be friends without there being any romantic feelings right?" Artemis told Shangela. "Plus I've seen his dick and trust me that alone made all romantic feelings disappear completely."
Shangela made a disgusted face, "Ewww I don't wanna hear about Milo's nasty area. Can we change the subject please?"
"Well there is something I've been wondering about you and Willow," Artemis pondered.
"I'm a foster kid," Shangela told Artemis who was slightly taken aback by her bluntness. "Willow is Miss McClay's son and I'm her foster kid."
"How did you know I was going to ask that?" Artemis asked.
"It's the usual question I get asked," Shangela explained. "However you got the honest answer. I usually tell people Willow was born in Transylvania and I was given to miss McClay from a Gypsy who was gonna use me as a bowling ball."
"People don't genuinely believe that do they?" Artemis laughed.
"You'd be surprised, I mean have you met half the idiots at that school. If I went in and said Trump was a great president they'd probably say I was right" Shangela chuckled.
"Well you're not wrong," Artemis agreed before becoming awkward quiet along with Shangela. "So, your parents are they?"
"Alive?" Shangela asked with a smile. "I have no clue, all I know is that I was given up at birth in Washington. Why do you want to know?"
"No reason," Artemis quickly responded whilst playing with her fingers whilst Shangela gave her a confused look.
"There's something you're hiding from me here girl," Shangela told Artemis.
"No I'm not," Artemis said trying to rub off Shangela's curiosity.
"Girl, I'm not stupid," Shangela firmly told Artemis. "You're not making eye contact with me, playing with your hair and your foot is tapping on the floor so much I can see a dent forming. So what's up?
Artemis sighed before turning to Shangela, "Look just don't tell anyone in the club alright? I don't want any of that sympathy crap."
"You have my word," Shangela said.
"When I was four my mom, dad and I went on a car drive to the mall," Artemis began in a low tone as she pulled her legs to her chest. "We were driving down the highway, I was singing along to Avril Lavigne whilst my mom and dad were focusing on the drive. I wanted them both to watch me sing so they both took their eyes off the road to watch me. It was only for a second but the next thing I knew I was in hospital with the doctors and nurses surrounding me telling me they thought I wasn't going to wake up. I asked what happened, where my parents were and what was going on but they wouldn't answer me. A few hours later a social worked came in and told me a truck collided head on with the car and my parents died on impact."
"Oh honey," Shangela sighed.
"I had no immediate family and no friends of my parents could look after me so I was put into foster care and my new family was in the centre New York. It didn't work out with them, they only fostered me for the allowance they got from having me there and didn't look after me at all. My social worker found me crying in a cupboard when she came for a visit and took me back to a foster home. After that I didn't want to go anywhere near a new family, I just didn't want anyone but my mom and dad. That was until Meredith and James came along. They're the nicest people I've ever met and they just made me feel like I actually had a home. They didn't care that I wasn't their own flesh and blood they loved me for me. I still don't call them mom and dad or anything but they're as close as I'm gonna get to a real family and I love them."
Shangela remained quiet for a few seconds before saying, "I wasn't expecting that, listen I-."
"I don't want any sympathy remember," Artemis interrupted her.
"I know, I was just gonna say that when you're older you need to get your life turned into a Hallmark movie," Shangela joked which caused Artemis to laugh loudly and actually roll off the couch because of it.
"You're one of the only people who's actually not given me sympathy," Artemis told Shangela whilst still chuckling to herself.
"Foster kid as well remember," Shangela explained as she joined Artemis on the floor. "Trust me, I don't want any of that stuff either."
"Yeah, that's pretty much the reason Milo is my best friend," Artemis began. "When I first told him about my parents he just said that I'm Batman and to a seven year old girl who loved DC, it made me feel so freaking bad ass."
"So you got told you were like Batman when Milo first found out," Shangela contemplated. "When Willow first met me he thought it would be like Annie and I'd sing show tunes. Somehow I think yours was the cooler option."
Xavier came down the stairs and stepped into the living room, "You girls okay? I heard maniacal laughing and someone falling."
"We're fine dude, we were just having too much of a good time," Artemis replied.
"If only you two boys could join us," Shangela teased. "Seriously how long does it take you guys to get one song sorted? It took me and Artemis like five minutes."
"We're getting there don't worry," Xavier told them both. "We've gotta make sure it's perfect, I mean how else are we going to outshine Shartemis."
"Please never call us that again or I'll have to forget you exist," Artemis instructed Xavier who chuckled and nodded back. "Good, now go upstairs and finish the job."
"That's what she said," Shangela joked giving Artemis a fist bump in the process.
"Very funny girls," Xavier yelled back as he walked upstairs and back into Willow's room.
The room was exactly what you'd expect from someone like Willow. The room wasn't heavily decorated, it was minimalistic with only a few decorations scattered around the room and the walls were a modest sea blue. The bed was in the centre of the room with a book case and desk either side of it and Willow was sitting cross legged on his bed.
"Are they both okay?" Willow nervously asked.
"They're fine," Xavier reassured him as he joined Willow on the bed. "They were just laughing like hyenas for nothing. Now where were we?"
"We were trying to figure out the song," Willow replied. "But considering we've been here for two hours I don't think we're going to be done anytime soon."
"Let's try something new then," Xavier recommended.
"Let's find out some stuff about each other. I mean we've only chatted like twice, might as well get know each other a bit better," Willow suggest.
"What do you want to know dude?" Xavier asked.
"Your family, what're they like? What do they do?" Willow followed up, trying to find out more about his crush.
"Well my dad is a football coach so I've never really stayed at anywhere for too long," Xavier began as he lied down and looked up at the ceiling. "New York's the longest I've spent living somewhere, mainly because my mom doesn't want to move again. I mean moving on your own is stressful but moving a family of eight must be hella stressful."
"Family of eight?" Willow exclaimed. "You've got five siblings!"
Xavier chuckled and nodded at Willow, "Yep, two brothers and three sisters, a bit different that just having one like you hey?"
"I don't have one, I've got two," Willow answered back with a little smile.
"Oh, guessing your other sibling is at college?" Xavier asked.
"No, he just lives with my dad," Willow replied as he looked out of his window, remembering the last time he saw his brother. "My mom divorced my dad and he chose to go with him, haven't seen him in three years now."
"I'm sorry to here than man," Xavier comforted Willow as he placed his hand on his knee. "We can change the subject if you want, talk about something else? Like how I still owe you for telling me where Rhys was the other day."
"You don't owe me for that," Willow told him as he felt himself blush.
"You're kidding right? If you didn't tell me Rhys would've avoided me like he was talent and I was Paris Hilton. I owe you whether you like it or not," Xavier said.
Willow looked at his feet for moment before saying, "You can repay me by getting the song done. I just want to watch the bad movies."
"Let's get this song sorted then!" Xavier cheered as he launched himself to his feet. "Let's start with the basics, what type of music do you like?"
"Why do you want to know?" Willow questioned.
"If I know what type of music you like an idea might come out of it," Xavier explained. "Like, if you like rap we could do a weird take on Kanye."
"Well I don't like rap for sure," Willow replied quietly. "I mean I like modern pop mainly like Demi Lovato and Coldplay. What music do you like?"
"Rock and some indie stuff mainly, nothing like good rock and roll track" Xavier answered as he wiggled his hips a bit. "Imagine Dragons and Bastille are a personal favourite of mine, a bit different to Demi Lovato and Coldplay really."
"Well what can we do with two different genres?" Willow questioned. "But that's impossible, I mean how could we-"
"Dude you're a freaking genius!" Xavier exclaimed as he jumped up for joy. "Where's the speaker, I've got an idea!"
Willow leaned forward and pointed to his speaker in the corner of his room, "It's over there, but why am I a genius, what did I do?"
"Just follow my lead," Xavier instructed as he went over to Willow's speaker and got prepared for his idea.
Mashup of Pompeii by Bastille and Viva La Vida by Coldplay performed by Xavier and Willow
{Xavier stands with the phone in his hand looking at Willow who is giving him a look of confusion}
[Xavier]
Eheu aul aul (x8)
{As the music starts Xavier signals Willow to start singing the lyrics and he does it nervously with Xavier looking at him smiling the whole time}
[Willow]
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
{As Xavier begins to sing the Bastille lyrics Willow suddenly realises what Xavier is actually doing. Xavier places his phone down and walks around the room as he sings before signalling Willow to sing again when his time comes again}
[Xavier]
Eheu aul aul (x8)
I was left to my own devi-i-i-i-ces
Many days fell away with nothing to show
And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Gray clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above
{Willow is a lot more confident singing and does so looking incredibly happy and is bouncing off of the energy that Xavier is providing}
[Willow]
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you'd gone there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
{Xavier looks at Willow the whole time he sings his part and Willow is just looking back with a huge grin on his face as he realises how great they sound together}
[Xavier]
We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us
And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
{Xavier signals Willow to join in again, the pair end up high fiving each other when they finish this part realising how good that sounded}
[Xavier & Willow]
Gray clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above
{Xavier signals Willow to keep singing whilst he does the backing vocals. Willow happily does so all whilst looking at Xavier and beginning to feel his feelings for him growing.
[Xavier]
Eheu aul aul (x8)
[Willow]
But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
{Xavier goes back to the phone as he sings this part to see how long is left}
[Xavier]
Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?
Oh oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?
{Willow confidently stands on top of his desk whilst he sings the oh's as Xavier just looks at him and chuckles under his breath not realising awkward Willow became a mini diva when he began to perform and sing}
[Willow]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh [5x]
{Willow jumps off the desk and Xavier wraps his right arm around his shoulder as the two sing the final part of the track}
[Xavier & Willow]
But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
If you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
"Yes!" Xavier exclaimed. "That was amazing dude!"
"How did you come up with that?" Willow asked with a huge smile on his face.
"You dude!" Xavier told him as he high fived Willow. "Combining two genres was genius, the credit all goes to you here!"
"So does that mean we can watch the bad movies now?" Willow followed up.
"Duh, let's watch some bad movies!" Xavier cheered as he grabbed Willow's hand and pulled him out of the room.
Elliot and CeCe sat together in CeCe's room as she was teaching Elliot about jazz.
"So when it comes to a song like this it doesn't matter about how impressive your voice is," CeCe began. "It's all about the emotion. If you believe what you're singing is true then the audience will believe it as well."
"Wow, you really are passionate about this," Elliot remarked.
"It's my passion so what do you expect?" CeCe asked. "Now come on we need to get this done so you can leave."
"And here's me thinking you wanted me to stay longer," Elliot joked.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and CeCe got up to go and answer it, "It's probably Rosita checking up on me."
CeCe opened the door and sure enough Rosita was standing there with a huge smile on her face, "My Cecelia! How are you doing?"
"Rosita!" CeCe greeted her as she hugged her. "I'm doing great, how's your day been?"
"Mi nino, it has bee a long day," Rosita told her as the hug ended. "I've come to tell you, your parents are back and they want to see you."
CeCe glanced back at Elliot nervously before turning back to Rosita, "Can you tell them I'm busy with school work?"
"They were very insistent mija," Rosita explained. "I think they just sealed a deal with the Kents and wanted to celebrate with you."
"The Kents? That's a big deal," CeCe sighed. "Tell them I'll be down in a few minutes."
"I'm guessing you want me to leave?" Elliot asked as he stood up and Rosita left to tell CeCe's parents what she just told her.
CeCe walked over to Elliot, "No, we still need to finish this song and I'm not going to let Jude have that ammo in her gun. You're going to have to meet my parents but you can't mention Glee club."
"Why?" Elliot asked.
"All you need to know is my parents won't like it," CeCe insisted. "So let's just go down, have a few celebratory snacks and come back up here and finish this song off."
"Whatever you say Miss Davenport," Elliot agreed as he followed CeCe out of the room.
"It's CeCe, never call me Miss Davenport and the same goes with my parents," CeCe began as she walked out of her room and began to make her way to the dining room. "Call them Mr James Davenport and Mrs Rosalie Davenport, always their full names. My dad will offer you a handshake, make sure yours is firm and strong and my mom will hug you, hug back and make sure it's not awkward. Finally, make sure you don't say anything bad about them, that includes joking around when they might poke fun of you."
"A lot of rules for just meeting parents don't you think?" Elliot questioned as they both went down the stairs.
"They're not just any parents, they're my parents," CeCe countered as they got off the stairs and turned to face a wooden door. "They're different so please just play along and if you don't every time you're about to drift off to sleep I'll slam a book on your testicles."
"You're getting very creative with these threats," Elliot complimented her as they entered the dining room to see CeCe's parents standing in formal attire with both holding a glass of wine.
"Cecelia," CeCe's father greeted her as he place his wine down on the table. "We are honoured that you've finally graced us with your presence."
"Very funny father," CeCe replied as she hugged her father. "Good to see you too mother."
"I feel the same darling," CeCe's mother said as she hugged her daughter before noticing Elliot. "And who might I ask is your cute little friend here."
"Oh mother, father this is Elliot," CeCe introduced him. "He's my friend from school, we're working on an extra credit assignment."
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Elliot," CeCe's father said as he offered his hand to him which he took. "Nice firm grip son, good choice."
"Thank you sir," Elliot replied with a smile.
"It's Mr James Davenport son," CeCe's father, James, informed Elliot. "And you may called my wife Mrs Rosalie Davenport."
"Yes Mr James Davenport," Elliot agreed.
CeCe's mother, Rosalie, stepped in-between the two and gave Elliot a hug, "Welcome to our home Elliot, we hope Cecelia has treated you well."
"She's been a wonderful host Mrs Rosalie Davenport," Elliot confirmed.
"Good," Rosalie said as she walked over to her daughter and placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "We would hate for Cecelia to give you the wrong impression of what our family is like."
"Darling, Cecelia knows better than to do anything like that," James told his wife as he placed a hand upon CeCe's other shoulder. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes mother and father," CeCe replied looking really uncomfortable with the situation.
"Good, now why don't you go and get a drink for you and your friend," James instructed his daughter. "Don't worry about your friend, we'll make sure he feels welcomed."
CeCe nodded as she cautiously walked to the kitchen.
"So Elliot," James began. "What do you do at your school? I presume you're a model student?"
"Well I am currently on the student council as the freshman ambassador," Elliot told James.
"Ahhh just like our Cecelia," James smugly said as he took a sip of his wine. "Hopefully you're doing a better job than her."
"I'm sure I'm level with CeCe with how I am doing Mr James Davenport," Elliot responded.
Rosalie scoffed at Elliot's reply, "Then you're not doing a very good job. Cecelia was an unadulterated disaster last year, we're still paying the school for the damages. I mean she-"
"Umm Mrs Rosalie Davenport, CeCe has made it clear she doesn't want me to know about what happened last year," Elliot interrupted her.
"She does now does she?" Rosalie questioned.
CeCe entered the room with two glasses of orange juice and handed on to Elliot, "Sorry we didn't have anything non alcoholic except for this."
"Darling, your little friend here was just telling us how you haven't told him about last year," Rosalie began as CeCe visibly stiffened up. "Is this true?"
"Yes mother, it is true," CeCe uncomfortably answered her mother.
"Now why haven't you explained your failure to your friend?" James asked his daughter.
"I think you know why father," CeCe bitterly responded whilst looking down at the floor.
"Now Cecelia you know what it means to be a Davenport," James began. "Please tell me what does it mean to be a Davenport?"
CeCe looked up from the floor and made direct eye contact with her dad, "A Davenport must always succeed and never fail."
"Correct and why must a Davenport never fail?" Rosalie followed up.
"Because… because it would tarnish the Davenport name," CeCe answered with a slight quiver in her voice.
"Partly correct you missed out one crucial part Cecelia, which is?" James asked his daughter who remained quiet not wanting to answer the question. "Answer the question Cecelia."
"Because failure follows you for your whole life," CeCe answered with her fist clenched.
"Correct and that means your friend will find out sooner or later about your failure," James explained to CeCe. "So either tell Elliot now or I will tell him."
"No," CeCe quickly said. "You can't do that. I don't want him to know."
"Mr James Davenport, if CeCe doesn't want to tell me then I don't think it's your right to do so," Elliot told James.
"Is that you refusing to do what I've told you to do Cecelia?" James asked, ignoring Elliot, as he took another sip of his wine.
CeCe gulped before firmly saying, "Yes."
"I see," James darkly said. "House keeper!"
Rosita entered the room cautiously, "Yes Mr James Davenport?"
"Escort Cecelia to her room immediately and make sure she remains there for the rest of the night," James commanded. "Elliot will go up to her once I have told him of her failure."
"You can't do that!" CeCe screamed. "I don't want him to know, don't you understand that!"
"Rosita take her now!" James demanded. "We shall speak about your behaviour this evening later Cecelia but until them go to your room. Now."
Rosita took put her arms round CeCe's shoulders and guided her out of the room as Elliot was left there feeling incredibly awkward.
"We're sorry for our daughter's retched behaviour Elliot," Rosalie apologised to Elliot. "Rest assured she will be punished later this evening."
"I don't think she did anything wrong," Elliot told Rosalie who rolled her eyes in response.
"It's cute that you're defending a friend but don't lie to yourself about her," Rosalie sneered.
"Elliot take a seat," James instructed as he took a seat at the dining room table.
"I think I should check on CeCe," Elliot said before James cut him off.
"Cecelia will be fine, she's just a drama queen," James told Elliot. "Now sit down."
Elliot nervously pulled out a chair and sat down, "I don't think you should tell me about this. If CeCe doesn't want to tell me then she doesn't want to tell me."
"But you want to know don't you son?" James asked. "I know everyone at Elmwood talks about what happened last year and you're one of the few who don't. So wouldn't you like to join the rest of your school in knowing what she did?"
"Of course I would," Elliot calmly said to a now smug looking James. "But I also want to respect CeCe's wishes."
"You're a loyal boy Elliot," James compliment him as he took another sip of his wine. "But also very, very stupid."
"Thank you James," Elliot replied.
James glared at Elliot, "Remember it's Mr James Davenport."
"I know what I said," Elliot smugly replied.
"Well allow me to explain this further," James calmly began as he stood up, walked over to Elliot and stood behind his chair. "Cecelia has proven to be troublesome over the years towards our family's name. Everywhere we take her a disaster seems to follow, whether it be at a gala where she knocks over an ice sculpture or a orchestra performance where falls asleep and snores. I've had to teach her over the years to know her place in this family and when she sully's our name, I punish her accordingly. Right now the punishment for last years disaster is me telling you."
"But like I said-," Elliot began before James interrupted.
"I know what you said, but I also know like most teenagers your curiosity will get the better of you," James whispered in his ear. "Cecelia won't even know I've told you if you don't want her to. You can easily lie and say you refused and remain the good boy you want her to see you as."
Elliot looked at the ground nervously, "I suppose."
"Good boy," James complimented Elliot as he patted his shoulder. "Now, let me tell you what happened."
Josie was sitting at her desk and sighed, she wasn't enjoying her time with Jax and Jude and was beginning to question things she didn't want to think about.
"No need to mope Josie," Jude commented. "We'll get the song sorted and leave you alone."
"Awww but this bed is so soft," Jax moaned.
"Like your head," Jude joked.
"I'm not moping, I'm just thinking," Josie sighed. "Everything you said about CeCe is just making me question somethings."
"Look is CeCe nice to you and do you like her?" Jude asked.
"Yes, obviously," Josie replied.
"Then don't care what I think of her," Jude told her. "Move on and focus on the now and how we need to get this freaking song sorted."
There was a knock at the door and Josie's mom entered the room, "Hey kids, I just wanted to check and see how everything is going."
"We're doing fine mom, thanks for asking," Josie replied.
"Are you sure?" Josie's mom questioned. "You all have been awfully quiet, I haven't heard one word from you all since I saw you downstairs."
"Well Mrs Crowder we're trying to come up with a song for our pep rally," Jude told Josie's mom putting on her fake peppy cheerleader voice. "But we're finding it super difficult because we don't know what we want to do."
"From my experience nothing makes people more pumped for a pep rally than a upbeat song that just makes people dance," Josie's mom said whilst moving her body from side to side. "Maybe some ABBA or some modern dance music."
"Something tells me the dance music we listen to isn't going to be allowed," Jax stated. "I can't really imagine the teachers loving us singing about smoking weed and I'm not wearing a sequin suit singing about being a dancing queen… at least not during the day. The night is a completely different story."
"Well find a modern song that isn't like that," Josie's mom followed up. "There must be something, I mean there's different types of music everywhere. Music is life after all."
"Thanks mom… I think," Josie said.
"Well if you need any snacks or drinks just let me know kids. oh and Josie," Josie's mom said as she went over to Josie and whispered in her ear, "Keep that Jude girl around, I like her."
"Okay mom," Josie replied as her mom left the room. "Well Jude, my mom likes your cheerleader act, she wants me to keep you around."
"Great, can't wait to continue with my fake cheerleader act," Jude sarcastically said. "Maybe next time I should come here in short skit and bleach blonde hair."
"Be happy, my mom usually hates anyone I bring round," Josie explained to Jude.
"Then your mom needs better taste in people and music," Jude told Josie who chuckled along with her. "I swear all moms listen to is ABBA and old boybands."
"You missed out Bonnie Tyler," Josie added with a smile. "My mom has seen her live like fifty times and everyday in the house. Every time I hear someone say turn around I immediately say bright eyes, it's that bad."
"My mom's obsession with the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and New Kids On The Block is terrifying," Jude stated.
"That sounds like a 90's festival lineup if ever I've heard one," Josie laughed along with Jude.
"And a modern festival called Menapausealooza," Jude joked as Josie laughed harder than before. "I'm just happy my mom likes some of my music, means car journeys are a bit more fun."
Josie rolled her eyes as she sighed, "My mom hates all of my music. Guys wearing eyeliner and heavy guitars, not really her type of thing."
"So you're a punk rock type of girl?" Jude questioned.
"Yeah, it's kind of all I listen to," Josie answered. "What music you listen to?"
"I have a nose piercing, dreadlocks and just look at what I'm wearing. Take a wild guess," Jude told Josie as she stood up from the bed.
"Look at you two getting along," Jax commented with a smile from his bed. "It's like seeing Katy Perry and Taylor Swift make up after all their drama. So beautiful."
"So hip hop I'm guessing?" Josie asked choosing to ignore Jax.
"You know it," Jude confidently stated. "Sucker for anything by Post Malone, Juice WRLD, any soundcloud rappers with a face tattoo and my favourite Elliphant."
"Hey I love Elliphant!" Jax cheered not liking the fact he was being ignored.
"I haven't heard of her, is she good?" Josie asked.
Jude's eyes widened as she approached Josie and went onto her laptop, "Girl, get prepared to be taught about some sick music."
Milo sat in the basement of Gia's house playing the electric guitar. He was lost in his own world as he continued to play any melody that came into his mind. He was so focused he didn't even realised that Serenity, Gia's adopted sister, had walked in.
"Excuse me," Serenity said but Milo was still playing the guitar. "Excuse me!"
Milo looked up and stopped playing the guitar immediately, "Sorry, I didn't realise you were there."
"That's okay, Andrew does that all the time when he's playing," Serenity explained to Milo. "I'm trying to study for a test, I was wondering if you could turn it down a bit?"
"Oh sure," Milo agreed as he turned down the volume of the amp next to him.
"Why are you down here anyway?" Serenity questioned. "Shouldn't you be with Gia and Tori?"
"I just needed some time away from them both," Milo calmly explained.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Serenity asked.
"Thanks but I don't think talking to an eight year old about my problems will help me," Milo told her as he placed the guitar back on it's stand.
"I'm twelve not eight," Serenity bluntly replied. "But I've read in multiple psychiatric books that talking to someone who you don't know can often help lead to the solution of the problem."
"Wait, you read psychiatric books?" Milo asked really confused by what she just said.
"I'm a certified genius, as Gia likes to say," Serenity explained. "I love learning things like psychology, science and politics so I think I'm somewhat certified to help you."
"I'm not going to tell you-" Milo began before Serenity grabbed his hand and pulled him over to a couch on the other side of the room.
"I won't take no for an answer," Serenity insisted as she force Milo to sit down on the couch. "Now sit and talk. Why are you down here?"
"It's private kid," Milo cautioned her.
"Correct but I want to help," Serenity replied seeing how distressed Milo's eyes looked. "I promise I won't tell anyone, I'll keep it a secret from everyone. Even Gia."
Milo sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, "You sure you can keep this on the down low?"
"I'm not sure what that means but I can keep it a secret," Serenity honestly responded.
"Okay then," Milo solemnly said. "I have a problem with the song the girls want to sing."
"And that problem is?" Serenity followed up.
"When I was younger my mom used to sing me to sleep every night," Milo began. "Even when she got back late from gigs she'd still come and sing to me. There was one song I'd always want and that was Rainbow Connection, I loved The Muppets. So I have a bit of history with the song."
"Okay, so your mom used to sing you the song Gia and Tori want to sing," Serenity recalled. "I don't see why you have a problem with the song, logically it should be a happy memory, right?"
"You'd think so wouldn't you?" Milo rhetorically asked. "My mom didn't really like the whole family thing, she wanted to be out on the road performing every night and not having to worry about a husband, house and a kid to look after. The last thing I can remember about her is her singing that song to me."
Serenity nodded solemnly, "That makes more sense."
"That's not all," Milo added as Serenity pulled her legs up and folded them on the couch. "Last night my dad decided to tell me that I reminded him of my mom. That was probably the worst thing he could've said to me and it scared me."
"So you're scared you might do what your mom did to you but with your friends instead?" Serenity asked quizzically.
"Yeah, that's it," Milo mumbled as he stared at the floor. "I don't want to be what my mom is."
"May I be honest with you?" Serenity questioned to which Milo nodded. "The fact you're scared you could be like your mom says that you're not like her at all. You know what she did was wrong, your mom obviously didn't. You aren't like her."
"Thanks kid," Milo replied.
Serenity rolled her eyes, "I'm twelve not six. Also don't let her ruin that moment you used to have. I know I'd give anything to just see my mom and dad again."
"Oh yeah, your mom and dad aren't around and here I am complaining about this stupid thing," Milo solemnly replied.
"It means something to you so don't call it stupid," Serenity told Milo.
"Seems stupid in context what you've been through," Milo explained.
"We all go through different things that effect us," Serenity fired back. "My parents aren't around, your mom left you. Don't compare your situation to someone else's."
The two remained silent until Milo asked, "Do you ever think about what your life could've been if your parents were around?"
"All the time," Serenity honestly said. "But I've got the memories and that's all I need. I don't let them being gone ruin those fun times."
"Maybe I should do the same?" Milo asked himself before someone knocked on the basement door where Tori and Gia entered slowly.
"Hey Milo, we just wanted to check how you were doing?" Tori nervously asked.
"And hopefully my sister wasn't bothering you too much," Gia added just spotting Serenity.
"Actually she helped me realise something," Milo said happily as he pat her on the head.
Serenity frowned before grumbling, "Certified genius, you don't need to pat my head."
"Sorry," Milo apologised as he stood up.
"So you're feeling better now?" Tori asked Milo with a smile across her face.
"A lot better," Milo happily told Tori. "Look I'm sorry for what I was like earlier, I was going through something that I hadn't really thought about in a while."
"We know, we asked Artemis if it was normal of you," Gia joked which made Milo chuckle too. "She said it was something to do with the song. Me and Tori talked and decided we'll do something rock and roll, we just don't want you to feel stressed."
"Thanks but that won't be necessary," Milo laughed as he walked over to the guitar on the other side of the room. "Because it's about time I enjoyed this song again."
"Are you sure?" Tori asked. "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"I'm sure. I'm going to take a leaf out of Serenity's book and not let the bad times ruin these good memories," Milo happily explained as he placed the guitar strap around his neck.
"Nice to know someone appreciates my knowledge and advice," Serenity smugly said.
"Let's just do this before her head gets any bigger," Gia teased her sister.
Rainbow Connection by Weezer and Hayley Williams performed by Milo, Gia and Tori
{Milo calmly begins to strum the melody of the track whilst Gia, Tori and Serenity lean back and listen to him play and sing. Milo seems at peace throughout the whole performance}
[Milo]
Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
{As Tori begins to sing Serenity's eyes begin to flutter as she tries to stay up to hear her sing. Whilst Tori goes over and stands by Milo as she sings softly and watches him strum the guitar}
[Tori]
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it
Well look what it's done so far
{Serenity at this point is really struggling to stay awake. Gia joins Milo and Tori and places her hand on Milo's shoulder as she sings}
[Gia]
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
{Serenity falls asleep as the trio sing the final part of the song together with all of them smiling happily. Tori and Gia continually glance at each other smiling at how Milo is actually singing this song with them and having fun with it.}
[Milo, Gia & Tori]
All of us under its spell
We know that it's probably magic
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me
As they stopped Milo noticed Serenity had fallen asleep on the couch and pointed it out to Gia and Tori who both chuckled.
"Got a blanket?" Milo asked Gia.
"In my room, I'll go grab it," Gia told Milo as she left the room.
Tori stood awkwardly rubbing her arm before looking at Milo, "Hey, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about earlier. Me and Gia didn't know and we're both really sorry."
"Water under the bridge Tori," Milo told her as he placed the guitar down next to him. "Let's just forget it ever happened. Deal?"
"Deal," Tori replied with a smile. "You might want to give Artemis a call by the way. She sounded worried when I told her about all of this."
"I'll do it when we leave," Milo confirmed as he looked at the time on his phone. "Which might have to be now if we want to get some sleep tonight."
Gia entered the room carrying a big blanket, "This oughta keep the little munchkin cozy."
"But Tori's not even sleeping," Milo teased Tori about her size.
"When I get tall you're gonna pay," Tori joked as Gia put the blanket over her sister who snuggled up to the blanket.
"She falls asleep way too easily," Gia chuckled. "Guess the bring brain she has require a lot of energy."
"Or our song was boring to her," Milo laughed. "Either way we better leave and let you two sleep."
"Seems like the best option," Gia agreed. "We're gonna kill that performance tomorrow."
Reed and Rhys sat down eating Pizza whilst Teddy pulled out a pack of playing cards from his back with a sly smirk on his face.
"So who fancies a good old fashioned game of truth or dare," Teddy suggested.
"I'm not playing the dare part," Reed told Teddy as he finished off his slice of pizza.
"Neither am I," Rhys agreed. "Just play truth or truth."
"Fine," Teddy huffed as he dealt the two of them a card. "Highest card asks the question, lowest card answers."
Reed revealed he had the highest card whilst Teddy had the lowest which made Reed say, "Do you regret wanting to play this now?"
"Nope, ask away," Teddy replied with a smile.
"What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?" Reed asked curiously.
"Easy, my mom running into my middle school to take me to the hospital and announcing to my whole class that we really need to get my butt rash checked and see if there's anything that will help my gas problem," Teddy told them both as they lightly chuckled over his story.
"Important question," Rhys followed up. "Did your butt rash clear up?"
"It's all pink and dandy there now," Teddy laughed as he pulled out another card and the other two did the same revealing Rhys now had the highest and Teddy had the lowest.
"And at this point Teddy realised he'd screwed up," Rhys said. "Least favourite person in the glee club?"
Reed's eyes widened, "Bit of a harsh question to ask."
"We already know he's got a crush on Josie so may as well follow it up with this," Rhys explained.
"Who said I had a crush on Josie?" Teddy questioned.
"It's kind of obvious," Rhys told him. "Now answer the question."
"Well you're wrong with Josie," Teddy said as he leaned backed and thought for a second about the other question. "I don't know man. If I had to pick someone I guess CeCe, but only because everyone else seems to hate her."
"Following the crowd I see," Rhys nodded as Teddy handed everyone another card revealing that Teddy was highest and Reed was lowest.
"Started from the bottom and now I'm finally here!" Teddy cheered. "Okay if you had to kiss anybody in the glee club who would it be?"
Reedy thought for a second before answering, "I guess it'd be Milo."
"Wait you're gay?" Rhys asked curiously.
"Bisexual actually," Reed corrected Rhys. "But if I had to kiss a girl it'd be Shangie."
"Oooooooh a love for the bad boy and a forbidden romance for your best friend's sister," Teddy said. "I can just see the gossip spread around the school."
Reed looked around uncomfortably which Rhys noticed and instructed Teddy as he pulled another card from the deck, "Dude shut up."
"Okay I'll stop," Teddy told them both as he pulled and Reed also pulled a card with Rhys being highest and Teddy being lowest.
"From top to bottom again," Rhys chuckled before getting serious for a second. "Biggest fear?"
"My parents dying," Teddy quietly sighed. "But I think every high school kids fear is that."
"It's definitely mine, I don't know what I'd do without my mom," Reed agreed.
"Not mine," Rhys said. "Honestly I'm kind of waiting for it to happen to my mom right now."
"Not cool dude," Teddy scolded Rhys as Reed looked at him with shock.
"If you knew what my mom was like right now you'd get it," Rhys sighed. "Not all parents are good parents remember."
Teddy shook his head, "No man. Even if she wasn't good I wouldn't wish for my mom to be dead."
"Good for you then," Rhys sarcastically told him.
"Can I change my answered to least favourite person in glee club?" Teddy asked whilst glaring at Rhys who didn't seem phased.
"Very mature," Rhys commented.
"It's true. Why would you even want to say something like that about your family? It doesn't make any sense. You just sound like a dick in all honesty and considering how you've acted this evening that doesn't surprise me."
Rhys sighed as he stood up, threw his card to the floor and walked out of the house and room before saying, "If you knew you'd understand."
"Highly doubt it!" Teddy yelled back as he went and shuffled his deck of cards with a scowl on his face.
Reed looked awkwardly between Teddy and the door before getting up and going after Rhys, "Rhys wait!"
Rhys sighed as he stopped walking down the dimly lit street, "Go away Reed, this is none of your business."
"But-" Reed began before being interrupted by Rhys.
"No buts," Rhys demanded as he shoved his hands in his coat pockets and continued to walk away from Reed. "You and Teddy aren't going to get it so don't even bother trying to."
"I can try!" Reed yelled back to which Rhys didn't respond. "You're not the only one with bad parents you know!"
Rhys stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Reed, "So what's the matter with yours? What'd they do to you?"
"My mom? Nothing," Reed began. "My dad… everything."
"What'd he do?" Rhys awkwardly asked.
"Does it matter?" Reed questioned, not wanting to recall what previously happened with his dad. "He did something unforgivable, something I will never be able to forget… but that doesn't mean I want him to die."
"Then you're a better man than me," Rhys calmly said thrusting his hands into his jacket pockets.
"What did your mom do to you?" Reed asked cautiously after seeing what Rhys got like earlier when the subject was approached.
"Does it matter?" Rhys replied and the two stood there in silence until Rhys continued. "She's done something I can't forgive."
"Then how am I meant to understand?" Reed followed up.
"The same way I understand yours," Rhys answered him as he began to walk away from Reed.
"Wait, what about tomorrow?" Reedy asked as he watched Rhys walk away. "You and Teddy need to make up before our performance!"
"I won't be there, but good luck to you," Rhys told him. "You're going to need it."
Reed sighed as he turned back to enter his house not knowing what had just happened and feeling extremely uncomfortable about the whole situation.
Music Is Life by Elliphant performed by Jax, Jude and Josie
{Jax stands on Josie's bed whilst the other two girls stare at him waiting for him to do something idiotic as per usual}
[Jax]
Music is life, life, life, life
Come again
{Jude jumps onto the bed and kicks Jax off onto the floor causing Josie to chuckle at the scene. As Jude finishes she jumps down at points at Josie to start her section}
[Jude]
E-e-elliphant
Holla at me hater Imma holla back
See me cut a dread in a disco track
Beer's on ice, soon as I'm home
Roll up a shrink now my beer is cold
I put my headphone on
Man gon' plug in and soon Imma zone
Imma groovin
Gotta keep grooving gotta groove for life
Rhythm is me window it's me hope it's me life
I gotta stay true yo, visitors free
I better hold on now, this time is me
And my man Josie
If he cook a rock serve a melody
{Josie confidently begins to sing the song with Jude and Jax encouraging her every second with Jax even dancing along and pulling her in to dance with him}
[Josie]
Hey yo yo, gotta keep movin' and groovin'
For life, for life
Hey yo yo, this type of music keep me groovin'
For life, for life
Music is life
{Jude sits down at Josie's desk with Jax leaning on the wall next to her and when she says Jax she gets up and let's him sit in the seat}
[Jude]
Another day another dollar said
Waking up waking out wanna fly away
Who are you baby I never saw you bro
You're like a brush in my eyes
N-n-now Jax
{As Jax sits in the seat he begins to fidget in the chair, spin around in it whilst also pushing it across the room almost hitting the girls in the process.}
[Jax]
Good vibes the people them want
Play the music ah tell me of Jah
From Jamaica to Sweden to France
People all jump and prance
It's source of life
Take heed from the word of the wise
When I'm down and out and I need some strength
Music can keep me alive
{Jude grabs Josie's arms and begins miming the lyrics along to what Josie's singing whilst Josie is smiling from ear to ear with absolute glee}
[Josie]
Hey yo yo, gotta keep movin' and groovin'
For life, for life
Hey yo yo, this type of music keep me groovin'
For life, for life
Music is life
{Jax is back on the bed as he slows down to sing this part}
[Jax]
Feel no pain
Blood run through my veins
Feel so good in my neighborhood
{Jude joins him on the bed, this time not kicking him off to sing her part}
[Jude]
Breathe in breathe out and feel the love G
You may be poor but music is free
A shitty day but then you press play
[Jax]
Music will take you away
{Jude pulls Josie up onto her bed and they begin to jump happily as Josie sings her final solo}
[Josie]
Hey yo yo, gotta keep movin' and groovin'
For life, for life
Hey yo yo, this type of music keep me groovin'
For life, for life
Music is life
{The three all stop and sing the final chorus together on Josie's bed before collapsing onto the bed at the end of the track and all pant because of how much they were moving throughout the song}
[Jax, Jude & Josie]
You gotta keep moving boy
You gotta keep moving girl
You gotta keep moving on
You gotta keep moving on
You gotta keep moving boy
You gotta keep moving girl
You gotta keep moving on
You gotta keep moving on, moving on, move
"We did it!" Josie ecstatically celebrated as she high fived both Jude and Jax whilst getting off of the bed.
"I told you Elliphant was the queen of music," Jude gloated as she sat up on Josie's bed.
"She's no Hayley Williams but she comes close," Josie chuckled as she sat down by her desk. "Thanks for showing Elliphant."
"No problem, just don't expect to find anyone else better than her. I've been trying for years," Jude said as she smiled at Josie.
"Can I just say I feel very left out right now," Jax joked as he stood in the centre of the room.
"There's a reason for that," Jude commented as Jax pouted.
"Come on Jude, as much as it kills me to say it he did stop us from killing each other at times tonight," Josie complimented Jax.
"I suppose you're right," Jude nonchalantly said.
Jax's eyes widened as he jumped for joy before he leaping onto Josie's bed flinging Jude off, "I got a compliment from Jude! That's like my Birthday, Christmas, Easter and Hanukkah all rolled into one!"
"Never have I regretted something more in my entire life," Jude sighed as she got herself up from the floor.
"At least you're not having to pretend to be a perky cheerleader," Josie chuckled. "I mean, I'll happily call my mom up if you'd prefer that?"
"I'd rather have Nickelback come play my birthday party," Jude joked as she leaned on the wall whilst Jax settled on the bed. "So what do we do now? We're done."
"Well we could just talk for a while," Josie suggested with a soft smile. "Like friends?"
Jude raised an eyebrow at Josie, "I thought you didn't like how I talked about CeCe though? Or me in general if we're honest."
"Like you said, it's better to just forget about the past and focus on the now and right now you seem like someone I want to be friends with," Josie explained as she fiddled with her fingers.
"I ship this so hard," Jax commented from the bed. "Ship name, Jojude!"
"Why does Jude get her whole name in and I only get Jo?" Josie asked pouting her lips
Jude rolled her eyes at Jax's comments and Josie's reply, "I'm down for just talking. Besides you still need to show me some pop punk bands."
"Yes!" Josie cheered as she grabbed her phone. "You're going to love Makeout!"
"Jude she just asked you to make out with her, don't turn it down!" Jax cheered quickly after.
"Jax, leave before I throw you out the window," Jude told Jax who looked unfazed.
"Fine," Jax sighed as he got up and began to leave the room. "Have a good night girls. Don't try and kill each other whilst I'm gone!"
"He's such a dork," Jude commented. "Now show me who Makeout are then."
"So you're okay now?" Artemis asked in the kitchen of Shangela and Willow's house. "You're actually okay with what happened with your mom?"
"I'm not a that stage yet but I'm better than I was," Milo explained to Artemis.
"Well I'm happy for you," Artemis told him as she smiled down the phone. "I know it's been hard for you with her but I'm glad you're feeling better about it. What're you doing now?"
"Walking Tori home," Milo said. "Too dark to let her walk there by herself."
"Look at you being the responsible dad," Artemis joked. "First you sang a kid to sleep and now you're walking your daughter home. What happened to you?"
"Why am I friends with you again?" Milo asked with a chuckle.
"Because without me you'd die of boredom and probably be expelled from school by now," Artemis explained. "Besides you know you love me."
"I guess you're right," Milo agreed. "I'll talk to you tomorrow Artemis, Tori says we need to get the subway from here."
"That's fine, I'll speak to you tomorrow and take care of Tori okay?" Artemis asked with a smile across her face.
"I will. See ya Artemis," Milo replied as he hung up the phone.
Artemis smiled at her phone as she walked back into the lounge where Shangela, Willow and Xavier were all sitting down watching Birdemic.
"Saying hello to lover boy?" Shangela teased her as Artemis sound down next to her.
"When are you going to realise he's not my boyfriend and we're not in love?" Artemis asked, getting slight exhausted by Shangela's insisting on the issue.
Shangela pondered for a second before replying, "Probably when you two actually become a couple or when Milo or you date someone else."
"I need to get into a relationship fast," Artemis joked.
"Why aren't you and Milo in a relationship anyway?" Xavier asked. "I mean you spend all your time together, get along famously and the whole school knows you rarely see one without the other. So why hasn't it happened yet?"
"Because Milo is my best friend," Artemis stated. "I don't feel any romantic feelings for him but I don't know what I'd do without him. We can tell each other anything and know exactly what to do to cheer the other up. Some people go their whole life without a friend like that and I don't want to not have that friend in my life."
"Good reason," Willow agreed with Artemis. "I feel the same with Reed, he's my best friend and I can't really imagine having any feelings for him.
"But people actually want Artemis and Milo together," Shangela countered. "If you and Reed were together I don't think you'd ever leave the house or do anything out of your comfort zone. You'd just do the same thing everyday."
"People change," Xavier rebuked. "In a years time Willow might end up being the most badass dude around. Reed could be the same."
"Maybe," Shangela said as she held in laughter trying not to embarrass her brother. "Sorry but Willow is too sweet and nice to be a badass."
"I could be a badass," Willow murmured.
"Being nice is better that being a badass Willow, trust me," Artemis comforted him as she gave him a thumbs up. "Milo might seem like a bad boy but he takes Flintstones Vitamins every morning and he's ridiculously sweet when no ones looking."
"Why does he dress like he's that weird kid that sets fire to things then?" Shangela asked curiously.
Artemis chuckled under her breath, "He wants to be like the classic rock stars, so he dresses like them. Denim jackets, leather pants, he'll wear it all if he gets to look like Bon Jovi."
"Remind me to get that boy an ASOS catalogue," Shangela joked as she leaned back into her seat.
"So how are you finding your first experience of The Room?" Xavier asked Shangela.
"They've dubbed the voice of this long haired dude, they had a family pillow fight that felt really wrong, the guy said hello to someone on the roof and I cant tell if everyone in this movie is high or not," Shangela explained with an annoyed tone in her voice. "I freaking love it. It's so bad but equally brilliant!"
"Told you it was a classic," Xavier told her as he leaned over and the two exchanged a high-five. "Next it's the classic Sharknado series."
"From the people who brought you Vagina Conda, they now create the most politically uniting thing to happen in America for over a decade," Artemis laughed.
"Featuring mechanical sharks, time travel, moving speeches and a talking robotic head," Xavier added continuing the joke.
"You missed out chainsaws," Willow exclaimed with joy.
Shangela stared blankly at them all, "The worst part of this is I can't tell whether or not you're joking about this."
"That's half the fun of it," Xavier teased Shangela.
Just then Artemis's phone began to go off, it was FaceTime call with 'Brother' being the name displayed on the screen.
"Oooooooh your brother!" Shangela quickly teased. "Let's see how cute he is."
"Fine but be nice, he hates it when I'm not home," Artemis sighed as she answered the FaceTime call to reveal a 17 year old boy with downs syndrome. "Hey Miles how are you doing?"
"I'm doing good," Miles replied as Shangela sat there quietly. "Are you coming home tonight?"
"No bro, I'm going to stay round a friends tonight," Artemis replied. "But I'll be back tomorrow, I'll tell you all about tonight."
"Who's the friend?" Miles asked curiously.
"Shangela, she's known for being a bit of a badass," Artemis teased Shangela who awkwardly smiled.
"Cool!" Miles ecstatically said. "Well I'm going to go to bed now, have fun!"
"Will do bro," Artemis replied as she hung up the phone and turned to Shangela. "So was he as cute as you imagined?"
"He was cute," Shangela replied with a nod. "Not my type but still cute."
Artemis smiled at Shangela, appreciating what she said, "I'll have to introduce you to him sometime. He loves Milo so I'm sure he'd love another person in a leather jacket."
"If he loves Milo then he'll freaking adore me," Shangela bragged as she put her feet up on the table in front of her.
"Keep telling yourself that," Artemis chuckled as she lent over to grab the remote. "So Sharknado?"
"Yes!" they all cheered as they started the infamous Sharknado series.
Elliot walked out of the dining room with a stern look on his face as he approached the stairs only to find Rosita standing there waiting for him with a concerned expression. She walked over to Elliot and looked him directly in the eye.
"The Cecelia you know is not the real Cecelia," Rosita calmly told Elliot before turning away and began to guide him back to CeCe's room.
"What do you mean?" Elliot asked as he followed Rosita.
"Mr and Mrs Davenport put a lot of pressure on her," Rosita began to explain. "Ever since she was a child she has been expect to maintain the Davenport name. She's had to be harsh, strong, powerful and be everything her parents are. That's not her though."
"Then why does she act like that if it's not her? Surely she should allowed to be herself," Elliot questioned.
Rosita solemnly shook her head, "That is the problem, she can't be herself. Her family has been like this for many generations and when someone doesn't conform they're not apart of the family anymore. Her cousin, Margaret, was like CeCe. Sweet, kind and such a loving heart, but that's not what Davenport's are like. She failed one too many times and was cut out of the family."
"That's horrendous," Elliot gasped.
"I know nino, I know," Rosita agreed with Elliot. "She tries to be what they want her to be but that is not her. She is a girl who loves comics, jazz and would love to be in any Marvel movie."
Elliot looked awkwardly around the hall before looking back at Rosita, "Why are you telling me all of this?"
Rosita stopped outside CeCe's room before turning to look Elliot in the eye, "In all my years of being the housekeeper for the Davenport's CeCe has never brought someone to the penthouse. You are the first person to come here which means CeCe cares about you. No matter what she says to you she does and I don't want someone she cares about to change their mind over one mistake she made."
"I can promise you nothing about the mistake will make me change my mind about CeCe," Elliot told Rosita with a soft smile.
"Good nino," Rosita thanked Elliot. "She needs someone like you in her life."
"Thank you Rosita," Elliot replied with a small smile.
Rosita began to walk away from CeCe's room and Elliot before saying, "She's been in there crying ever since she was forced to her room. Please try and cheer her up."
"I will," Elliot confirmed as he turned and opened the door to see CeCe sitting solemnly on her bed with her head down and eyes red from the tears. "Hey."
CeCe wiped her nose before looking up at Elliot, "I know you probably hate me now. I know you're never going to want to talk to me again. I just wanted to say I'm sorry. What I did. It was never meant to happen."
"CeCe wait-" Elliot said before he was interrupted.
"Let me finish," CeCe told him as she stood up. "It was never meant to happen and I just want it to be a bad memory… but people never forget. They all remember. I just wanted one person to not know. To have one person who wouldn't always think of me in that way. Please don't… just don't become like everyone else."
As CeCe choked on her last words Elliot wrapped his arms around her in a hug and calmly comforted her, "Hey, don't cry. It won't change my mind about you."
"How do I know?" CeCe asked as she continued to cry into his shoulder.
"I'm here aren't I," Elliot reassured her as he continued to calm CeCe. "I mean I don't know what you did but that wouldn't change me being here."
"What do you mean?" CeCe cried into Elliot's shoulder. "They told you. You know."
"I don't," Elliot confirmed which caused CeCe to look up in shock and end the hug.
"What?" She asked in shock.
"Your dad was going to tell me," Elliot began to explain. "He told me to just hear it and then lie to you… I won't lie, I thought about doing it. Then I remembered what you said earlier about how it was your choice to tell me when you felt I knew you and you knew me well enough. I argued with your dad and your mom for a while, they threw some insults, tried to convince me they knew what was best for you but eventually I just walked out."
CeCe smiled as she wiped away the last of her tears, "Thank you."
"Don't mention it," Elliot replied.
"No really thank you," CeCe said with a wide smile across her face. "I mean, no one would ever do that for me. They'd all want to know. Not the cheer squad, not anyone in the glee club… no one would do that for me."
Elliot lightly chuckled, "Well like you said, I'm the human incarnation of a moral compass."
"I guess you're right," CeCe said with a look of joy on her red face. "Now how about you actually get to know me now?"
"What do you mean?" Elliot asked with a confused look on his face.
"Remember what I said earlier this evening?" CeCe began to explain as she sat back down on her bed. "I said you needed to get to know me before I even thought about telling you. Well after what you just did I think you deserve to get to know more about me. Ask me anything, whatever you want to know about me and I'll answer it."
"Sounds like a plan," Elliot agree with a smile on his face. "But it's a two way street here. You've got to ask me questions too. Whatever you want to know, I'll answer too."
CeCe nodded along before asking, "Deal. Firstly, what is up with the amount of gel in your hair?"
"Well that didn't take long," Elliot chuckled as he sat down with CeCe.
Milo walked through the school, making his way to the choir room feeling a lot better in himself that he did the previous day when he was last here. What he didn't expect though was to have a happy Artemis leap onto his back.
"Someone looks happy today," Artemis commented as she gripped onto Milo's back who was also trying to stabilise himself. "What happened? Did Jon Bon Jovi finally return your calls or did you finally listen to Black Veil Brides new album?"
"No and no," Milo replied as he continued to walk through the halls with Artemis on his back. "Can't I just be happy without there being a reason."
"Your Milo," Artemis rebuked. "You're only happy when you're on stage, when you're playing the guitar or at a concert."
"People change," Milo said as he dropped Artemis off his back as Tori and Gia appeared next to the pair.
"Hey guys!" Tori happily greeted the two before focusing her attention on Milo. "Are you ready to nail this performance Milo?"
"You know it small stuff," Milo replied. "You ready too Gia?"
Gia shrugged her shoulders, "As long as I don't fall asleep like my sister I think I'll be fine."
"Come on guys let's go," Tori ecstatically told everyone as her and Gia began to walk down the hall together.
"Those girls really did a number on you Milo," Artemis commented as they both followed the girls. "And you said you didn't want kids."
"Are you still on that?" Milo questioned.
"Hey, I told you kids would change your life," Artemis continued to tease him. "You went from a moody rockstar who didn't care about anything to a loveable dad who makes terrible puns on a regular basis."
"Did you just call me a rockstar?" Milo smugly asked.
Artemis rolled her eyes at that being the only thing Milo noticed. "Jokes aside, I'm proud of you. I know it's been hard for you but I'm really happy and proud of you."
"Thanks Art," Milo solemnly said. "I'm always there for you, you know that right?"
"Oh I know," Artemis answered as they entered the show choir room that was filled with all the members except for Rhys.
"Okay that's everyone," Elliot announced as Milo, Tori, Artemis and Gia took their seats.
"What about Rhys?" Xavier asked. "He isn't here yet."
"That's the bad news," CeCe interrupted. "Rhys has decided to leave the club. He called me and Elliot last night and said he just didn't enjoy working with Teddy and Reed."
"What did you two do?" Xavier questioned the two of them.
Teddy folded his arms and huffed, "We did nothing wrong."
"We were playing a game of cards and Rhys and Teddy got into a bit of an argument," Reed intervened. "Rhys left because of it and said he wasn't going to be here today."
"What was the argument about?" Xavier followed up.
"Family, let's put it that way," Reed answered wanting to help Rhys anyway he could.
"Damn," Xavier sighed. "It's a touchy subject with him. I'll speak to him when I can, I'm sure he'll comeback once he's calmed down a bit."
"Hopefully that's true," Elliot agreed. "We could do with someone like Rhys."
Amongst the brief silence Shangela spoke up, "So when are we going to show you guys what we've got? Me and Artemis are ready to slay some Paramore."
"Well me and CeCe realised something last night," Elliot began. "Before yesterday how well did you know your partners?"
"I thought I hated Jude, but it turns out she's a good person who has great taste in music," Josie commented to which Jax cleared his throat. "Oh and Jax is also incredibly funny and one of the stupidest people I've ever met."
"I take that as a compliment," Jax confidently said.
"Josie may look like your regular emo but underneath all that she's pretty dope," Jude explained. "She also has a great taste in music which is surprising."
"Artemis has been through a lot of crap," Shangela began glancing over at Artemis who was smiling at her. "But that doesn't change the fact she's funny as hell, has a sweet brother and has made me laugh more in the last 24 hours that I have in a long time."
"Shangela is powerful, strong and one of the most outgoing people I've ever met. She doesn't judge you on anything except who you are," Artemis told everyone whilst smiling at Shangela.
"Xavier has a huge family," Willow followed up. "But he's also a great leader and has the best ideas that come out of nothing."
"Willow can go from a shy awkward teen to an absolute rockstar when he sings," Xavier complimented Willow.
Gia chuckled before stating, "Tori loves musicals, speaks from the heart and always tries to make sure everyone around her is happy and safe. Milo, although we fought a bit, is so passionate about music it's insane, like you should all hear him play guitar. He's also really good with my sister. He'd be a great babysitter."
"Gia is a great big sister and has been through more than I could ever handle," Milo happily said. "Also if Serenity ever needs a babysitter I'm all for it."
"She's a child genius remember?" Gia reminded him. "She's probably better at looking after herself than you are."
"Reed is so nice it's not even funny," Teddy began. "He hates pineapple pizza and loves video games but would give it all up for his mom in a heartbeat."
"Teddy has asthma," Reed stated. "But he's also incredibly generous, loves playing card games and would kill for pineapple pizza."
"CeCe is one of the strongest people I've ever met," Elliot followed up. "Nothing can stop her."
"Elliot is the kindest person I've ever met in my life," CeCe explained whilst looking Elliot directly in the eye. "He never does anything wrong, he is true friend and I cannot thank him enough for letting me co lead this club with him."
"Woah CeCe being nice?" Jude questioned. "Elliot what did you spike her drink with?"
"This is a rare occasion," CeCe replied. "Give me til tomorrow and I'll be threatening to castrate him with a piece of string and wind up toy car."
"What does all this have to do with the performances?" Milo asked.
"We did this to know you all could work together and get to know each other," Elliot reminded everyone. "After what you all said I think that it's safe to say you did that and then some."
"So you don't have to perform today," CeCe followed up to which everyone nodded accordingly. "Consider it a thank you from us."
"If you really wanted to thank us you'd both sing," Artemis teased the pair. "I mean I've heard everyone else here sing but you two."
"That's not going to-" CeCe began before Elliot intervened.
"Sure," Elliot complied with Artemis whilst CeCe looked a bit flustered by his response.
"But we never-" CeCe began again.
"Just trust me," Elliot interrupted CeCe as he offered her a stool next to him.
CeCe took the seat next to him before realising the song that was beginning to play.
City Of Stars from La La Land performed by CeCe and Elliot
{Elliot calmly swayed from side to side as CeCe looked at him with a bemused look on her face}
[Elliot]
City of stars
Are you shining just for me?
City of stars
There's so much that I can't see
Who knows?
I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
{Elliot glanced over at CeCe who smiled as she faced the member of the club for her solo}
[Mia]
That now our dreams
They've finally come true
City of stars
Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars
And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants
It's love
Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else
[Elliot]
A rush
[CeCe]
A glance
[Elliot]
A touch
[CeCe]
A dance
{Elliot and CeCe stood up as they sang together awkwardly swaying together whilst both attempting to dance but end up making each other laugh because of how bad they are}
[CeCe & Elliot]
A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send it reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here
And you'll be alright
I don't care if I know
Just where I will go
'Cause all that I need is this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat of my heart
[Elliot]
Think I want it to stay
City of stars
Are you shining just for me?
City of stars
[CeCe]
You never shined so brightly
{The song ends and the Glee club erupts into a round of applause as the two end their track with them high fiving each other.}
Cast:
Elliot Wade Cavaliere (Peyton Meyer)
Cecilia Davenport (Lili Reinhart)
Milo Gunner (Jamie Campbell Bower)
Artemis Eileen Cole (Casey Lee Williams)
Victoria Marie Liddle (Sabrina Carpenter)
Josie Ann Crowder (Landry Bender)
Ajax Christian Lexington The Third (Alex Aino)
Jude Winter (Zhavia Ward)
Shangela Davis (Jude Demorest)
Willow McClay (Ross Lynch)
Reed Lievers (Ben Platt)
Gianna Rose Copeland (Alexandra Shipp)
Theodore Stephens (Corey Foglemanis)
Rhys Dignam (Joe Keery)
Xavier Bradshaw (Dylan O'Brien)
Serenity Fitch (Malina Weissman)
Songs:
Ain't It Fun by Paramore performed by Artemis Eileen Cole and Shangela Davis
Rollercoaster by Bleachers performed by Rhys Dignam, Reed Lievers and Theodore Stephens
Mashup of Pompeii by Bastille and Viva La Vida by Coldplay performed by Willow McClay and Xavier Bradshaw
Rainbow Connection by Weezer and Hayley Williams performed by Milo Gunner, Victoria Marie Liddle and Gianna Rose Copeland
Music Is Life by Elliphant performed by Jude Winter, Josie Ann Crowder and Ajax Christian Lexington The Third
City of Stars from La La Land performed by Elliot Wade Cavaliere and Cecilia Davenport
There we go, the third episode is finally done. Now onto why it took so long. Unfortunately life got in the way, a lot of bad things happened one after the other which lead to this having to be pushed to the side for a bit but luckily I'm still going to keep writing this story as I thoroughly enjoy doing it as the characters are so interesting and all have something about them that makes me happy when I write for them. I know some of you would prefer regular updates and I am trying but unfortunately I can't control my life and I apologise for that but I will update whenever possible.
The next chapter is going to focus on the character development of a few characters this time rather than the whole ensemble so that we get a chance to see each person shine individually so I really hope you enjoy this. Also shoutout to the people who sent me PMS checking on me, that was really lovely and massively appreciated!
Now onto the episode, what did everyone like? Anybody who you grew to love a bit more? Anyone who surprised you with their backstory? Any specific moments you loved? Favourite performance? Any song suggestions or storyline suggestions? Whatever you want to say, say it. I love reading the reviews and seeing where I can improve! I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you next time!
Keep the light shining!
Lux