A/N: Good lord! I am so happy you guys love this story. I am thrilled, you really have no idea. All of the alerts, reviews, and messages. You guys make my life!


Chapter 7: honey & milk.

Shelby looked to the auditorium full of McKinley High students. She didn't expect such a turn out for auditions. She'd spent three months before school began tearing out the arts department from the inside out. Things operated normally until she was able to make proper assessments of the students. She looked at the auditorium with a smile, finally things were about to change. She sat in on classes for three weeks and found the teachers were amazing, some were not suited or were better qualified for different levels and genres but she had a sound foundation and didn't need to let anyone go. She found most of the teachers were her former classmates or already trained. Will had a group of unique teachers on his hands and had no idea what to do with any of them. She had a little over three hundred students out of a population of over two thousand waiting to audition for this new program. This process would be long but she had a feeling it would be worth it. She took a moment to collect her self and think about all the hard work it took to get here.

She began by switching teachers around; there were many meetings with the staff to ask about their concerns both during the summer and after school at the beginning of the year. The main concern was Will Schuester and his lack of focus on the other departments. She was informed that the students wanted challenges and spotlight. They didn't want to just act as backup during the glee clubs in school performances. They had a desire to compete and they were good. She then began listening in on each class. She wanted to get a feel for each instructor's style. With the exception of an outburst from a student during first day orchestra she was happy with the talent she saw and the teacher's ability to control and instruct. She listened to the concerns of her new staff more than anything else. She knew without happy teachers, she would not have happy students. She was alarmed to find their concerns were the same.

The art department didn't want to just paint and build sets for the glee club. The theater department didn't want to just dance backup for the glee club during in school performances do the lighting for in school performances for the glee club. The chorus and orchestra departments didn't want to just provide backup vocals and instruments. What Shelby noticed in her assessment was the glee club got most if not all of the focus, and most of the menial budget. These classes merely existed to support the glee club that didn't compete. She noticed all the money they'd been provided barely went to their intended purpose. The school play last year was only a showcase for the glee club. Most of the students in the theater department didn't bother to audition for more than bit parts. After speaking with the theater teacher she was informed that Will Schuester had a lead in place before she was even informed there would be a play.

Will Schuester was without a doubt a terribly inexperienced department head. Shelby decided she needed to meet the man that turned the arts program into a joke. Maybe he wasn't as bad as the disgruntled instructors had let on. She walked down the hall towards his classroom during her free period. Will hadn't been fired, just demoted. He was not a history teacher. After the first week of classes his glee club had been temporarily disbanded and all projects ceased until Shelby could put it back together in a fair and impartial way. She would turn it into what it should be. She knocked on the door to his classroom and heard a voice on the other side telling her she could enter. She laid eyes on the man that had no clue in what he was doing. She expected to see a monster. Instead she got an unassuming man with curly hair, a sweater vest and a strong jaw. He'd be handsome if Shelby didn't already have preconceived notions.

"Hello, Mr. Schuester?" She asked as she entered.

"Yes, call me Will. How can I help you?" An easy smile spread across his face as he extended his hand. She noticed the smile didn't reach his eyes. This man was either sad at losing his position or faker than a $3 bill.

"I'm Shelby Corcoran." She said as she shook his hand. Her guess of the latter was correct as his arm jerked away and his stance became defensive.

"You're the woman that took my department, my job, and my club. Are you here to take my history class too?" He asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"No, Will…" She said as she was cut off.

"It's Mr. Schuester." He said bitterly. This man was immature and trying to save face.

"Okay, Mr. Schuester." She said emphasizing his name. "I'm not here to take anything from you. I was given this job. I don't know first hand what you've done in the past to be demoted so ferociously and that's not my business. I'm here to move forward and on. I've come here today to ask you for recommendations. I will be putting glee club and other classes back together and then I'll be preparing each one for sectionals and other competitions in a couple of months. I want to know if you think there are any students that show promise." She said as she leaned against his desk. She noticed him stand up straighter as he was asked for his opinion. Will reminded her of a peacock with his feathers up. He wanted to feel important and asking his opinion made him feel important.

"Well you definitely need Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson. They are phenomenal on stage. They both have the power to command an audience. Rachel can sing anything! She loves Broadway and popular music. You get them along with Blaine and Kurt and you won't be sorry. Rachel can be a bit too hands on but she knows what she's doing." Will said as he relaxed. Shelby only nodded. She'd heard the name Rachel Berry several times. Shelby almost shook her head at the thought of a student knowing more than their own teacher.

"Okay, what about the rest of the programs, any other musicians that show promise? Are there any actors or dancers that show promise as well?" Shelby asked. "You were the department head for two years. Surely you have some insight into the other programs. I need to gauge the talent in this school it would help if I had some input." She said with a smile. In truth she came here to see if Mr. Schuester really was as single minded and ignorant as the other teachers claimed. So far these teachers weren't bitter, they were just right.

"I-I…well…." Will trailed off. He bit his lip and leaned back on his desk. He was unable to think of any other students.

"Mr. Schuester do you realize that you have crippled this program. Last years play was only a showcase for this Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry you speak of. Students don't even bother auditioning for anymore because they know they'll be relegated to the back before they even have a chance to open their mouths!" Shelby said. "You don't even know what kinds of talent and teachers you have in this school. These teachers are highly trained professionals and you have made them stage hands in your quest to appease this little girl and her boyfriend." She said with her hands on her hips.

"When you see her in action you'll understand." Will sniffed with what Shelby could only guess was a pout. "She is talented and driven. She works hard for the spotlight. I know they'll both be stars." He said with a bit of reverence. Shelby only shook her head and left the room. This man wouldn't be good for any input and she had a department to run.

Shelby tore herself away from her thoughts as she stepped out onto the stage. That man was a disappointment. She walked over to the piano sitting in the middle of the stage and sat down. Her fingers hit the keys and began playing a few notes and smiled when the room started to quiet. Her fingers slid over the notes as she played Warm Whispers by Missy Higgins, it was a personal favorite. These students knew when to listen. She started to sing softly into the microphone. How could she expect her new students to bare their souls and go through the pain of possible rejection in front of their own peers if she wasn't willing to do the same? She heard a few voices join along in the little known song. She finished and stood up clapping along with the students.

"Hello McKinley High!" She said with a smile. "I'm Ms. Corcoran I'll be your new department head and one of the new vocal instructors, and head of your McKinley High Glee club. I've performed lead in several Broadway musicals as well as plays. I'm a trained actor, vocalist, and musician with many years of experience. I know you're all wondering why you're here auditioning for classes you are already in. McKinley High is heading in a new direction. Principal Sylvester has procured funding and a grant to participate in a new magnet program. A lot of your parents went to McKinley and they may have told you that it used to be a performing arts school. We have a strong desire to see that happen again. While we won't be taking away from athletics and academia we will be striving to create the best program Ohio and eventually the country has seen. Who's ready to help me reach those goals?" She asked. Her heart swelled when she saw hands go up. "I've been sitting in on your classes since the beginning of the year. I've had a chance to look at what some of you can do. There is a treasure trove of talent in this school. You will find some of you are going to be moved about. I am going to assess your strengths and weaknesses. If you find yourself in a class below where you normally would be, don't be discouraged it just means you have a little more work to do than originally thought. You also may find yourself somewhere completely different. This means your strengths lie elsewhere and I want you to explore and challenge yourself. If you don't agree with my placements please come and see me and we will discuss it privately. You've all been given numbers randomly. When you come onto the stage please state your name, piece you will be performing, and begin playing. You will be given five minutes. Auditions will begin now." She took a bow to a sea of claps and moved from the stage to sit in the front row with the rest of the teachers. They began the auditions.

Shelby began with the musicians. She was objective as she sat and critiqued each new audition. She had to admit there were some who were more advanced than others. She kept an open ear and stoic face. She wouldn't let on that she enjoyed any performance more than another. She wrote her recommendations quickly and efficiently. She recognized the faces of Sam and his friend Noah. She sat up a little straighter as each boy played. Noah was a very talented drummer, Sam was an exceptional guitarist. She nodded as she thought about how she could use each boy. A little blonde she recognized as Quinn came onto the stage and showed her Saxophone prowess. She was happy to see someone as advanced as she was show an interest in the program. She was pleased to see the girl was not only talented, but versatile. She nodded as she wrapped the first day of auditions. She'd seen 100 students in one day. She left the school that evening after meeting with the teachers. She was pleased to find they were all in accord with one another as to the placement of each student that day. She'd seen some truly exceptional talent and it only helped to fuel her desire to see this program succeed. These kids deserved it! Tomorrow would hold a new treasure trove of talent. As she drove home to her daughter and a night of grading she wore a smile.

Sam had never been so nervous. It took him over three hours to just get up the courage to walk to her door. Ramona and Belvedere practically pushed him out. He prayed that Peach would like his gift and accept his offer. He couldn't fight how he felt about her anymore; it was useless lying to him self. She was perfect and their fight reminded him of what could happen if he kept his feelings hidden for too long. Sam carried the large case up to her doorstep and knocked a few times. A tall woman with cropped blonde hair and Mercedes lips answered the door and looked him over.

"He-Hello Ma'am, is Mercedes home?" He asked as she straightened himself up. He ran a hand over the sides of his pompadour and tugged at the fitted blue button down. He'd gotten dressed up just to bring her this gift. He'd been working on it since the night after the Jamboree.

"You must be Sam Evans." She said making no attempt to move. "You're Ramona's grandbaby."

"Yes ma'am." He said extending his free hand. She only nodded a hint of a grin on her lips. She was enjoying watching him squirm and Sam knew it.

"I like Ramona. Spent a lot of time up at Turkey Point when I was your age, met my husband up there."

"Really, you were a drape?" He asked looking her up and down. He could see it.

"Were? One is never a Drape in the past tense. Ramona took me in and took care of me when I didn't have anyone else. Same thing with my husband, Ramona and I are still friends." She said pinning him with a stare.

"You're right ma'am. I'm sorry I misjudged." Sam said looking down. Once a Drape, always a Drape in his MawMaw's eyes.

"So, you're the one responsible for all this?" She asked pinning him with a stare that made Sam gulp. Her change of subject caught Sam off guard. Sam was never caught off guard.

"What am I responsible for, Mrs. Jones?" He asked shifting the large instrument to the other hand. He couldn't figure out how Mercedes carried this thing so easily.

"Her smile." She said leaning against the door wearing a "duh" face. "I haven't seen that smile from her in years."

"I'd like to think it was a team effort." He said. Sam was aware the girls had the pleasure of meeting her parents. He knew he'd have to come over eventually and say hello. They lived next door to each other. It was rude that he hadn't already. His only excuse was seeing Mercedes father. Technically Mr. Jones was his employer though he had very little contact with the man. Bernie Jones was intimidating and he looked at Sam as if he'd wanted to eat him alive several times.

"I've met all her other friends, you're the only one too chicken to come over here. Why is that Sam?" Mrs. Jones asked with a little grin.

"In all due respect, Mr. Jones scares me to death." He said. He made sure to never break eye contact, is his world eye contact showed respect. Mrs. Jones only nodded as if she expected his answer.

"I'll get Mercedes, come in." She said as she stepped out of the way. Sam stepped past the threshold and into the foyer. Sam looked around at the decoration. It was done tastefully, but it had a slightly retro feel. Sam liked what he saw. He turned his head in the direction of the feet he heard feet skipping down the steps. Mercedes came into view and Sam smiled. He liked her casual in her fitted baseball t-shirt and jeans. Sam licked his lips involuntarily.

"What's up Sam?" She asked softly. Her eyes darted to the side at the large case.

"I came to bring you a little "break a leg" charm. I have a feeling you used your last bass as firewood since Finn gave it to you and you've been using a loaner from school so I thought I'd bring you a little gift. It was Matt's but I personalized it." He said with a smile as he unzipped the soft case that held the large instrument.

"How did you know?" She asked as she crossed her arms.

"Next door neighbor." He said with a smirk.

"Do you always watch me from your window, stalker?" She asked with a roll of her eyes. They'd been tiptoeing around each other since their fight. Sam couldn't bear the awkwardness. He wanted all of her back. He wanted to go back to the night of the Jamboree.

"I heard you taking an axe to it and I didn't want to say anything." He said quietly. "The day after our fight I saw you carrying out one of the loaners."

"Finn gave me that thing when I turned 16. He broke the one my father gave me in a fit. Every time I played it I thought of him so it was the wood that burned my other memories." She said with a small smile. Mercedes was finally at peace with her life, but she did miss having her own instrument.

"Well, out with the old and in with the new. My uncle personalized Matt's just for you. I hope you like it. I may or may not have asked the girls what your favorite color was" He said as he uncovered the purple bass. She covered her mouth and let out a laugh as she looked it over. It was her favorite shade of purple and decorated in Sailor Jerry style designs. She ran her fingers over the roses, anchors, and the hula girl in the corner. She looked up to him with a smile.

"It's beautiful Sam!" She said as she threw her arms around him.

"That's not all. He turned the instrument around and on the back was a peach with a staff swirling through it. She recognized the notes going through it; they were the beginning notes to My Girl, one of her favorite songs. She ran her fingers over the red roses that surrounded the design. She laughed as she covered her mouth again.

"You are truly sick, Cry-Baby." She laughed as she ran her fingers over the design. "I love it. I love everything about it."

"I hope you really do like it." He said scratching the back of his neck. He watched her idly pluck at the strings.

"I love it, Sam." She watched him with those large doe eyes. She could tell he wanted to ask her something else. He wasn't there just to drop a gift off. "Is there something else?"

"Yeah, there is. Do you want to…?" He trailed off. His ears were completely red. Mercedes smiled, he was nervous and she couldn't figure out why. Cry-Baby Evans was unshakeable.

"Do I want to what, Sam? That was an incomplete sentence." She said standing in front of him.

"Doyouwant togooutwithmethisweekend,youknowonadate?" He blurted out in one long sentence. She could see his shirt moving, his heart was beating like a drum.

"Yeah." She said with a grin. She wasn't shocked by the offer, with the way her girlfriends spoke she would be a liar if she didn't expect this from him. "I'd really like that."

"That's great, that's awesome! Break a leg tomorrow. You're going to be amazing." He said with a mile wide grin as he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I should go. I know you need to get ready. Your audition is tomorrow, right? I know you have lots of tuning and what-not to do. I'll make sure my window is open so I can hear you playing." He said biting his lip. He didn't want to leave her. It always seemed as if they didn't spend enough time together. Mercedes couldn't stop smiling as he left. She looked at her brand new bass and shook her head. Sam really was something.

"Goodnight Sam." She stayed calm until she knew he was out of earshot. She squealed and laughed as she twirled the new instrument around. Tomorrow was going to be amazing. Armed with her new lucky charm she walked upstairs to practice.

The day of her audition came too soon. Her classes seemed to pass in a whirl. She spent each period tapping her pencil idly she could barely pay any mind to her teachers. She didn't even touch her lunch. Sam patted her hand periodically to calm her as they sat on the bleachers. He was discreet, making sure their friends didn't see. He knew the last thing she needed was to have the new turn in their relationship and her audition on the same day. He could almost smell her excitement. Sam was determined to be with her for the rest of the day. Sam accompanied her to the auditorium carrying her instrument. He made sure she was comfortable behind the stage before running off to sit in the audience with their friends. He wanted to see everything.

Mercedes stood behind the stage left curtain waiting for her number to be called. All she heard was the sound of her heels clicking on the stage as she came out to stand on the 'X' at the center of the stage. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hands over the conservative black dress she chose for the occasion. She held her new bass with confidence and spoke clearly. She made sure she didn't waver.

"Hello, my name is Mercedes Jones and I will be performing Tarantella." She said with a smile as she made eye contact with her teachers. This was her chance to get back into orchestra; all she had to do was nail this audition. She took a deep breath before picking up her bow and placing it on the strings. Five minutes didn't seem to be long enough. She was careful not to rush through the piece she took her time and kept her eyes open. She took a quick bow and left the stage only the sound of her heels clicking as she left. The auditorium was silent as she walked down the steps and into the audience. Her friends were kind enough to have her case and an end seat waiting for her. She packed her instrument up as fast as possible before sitting down.

Sam watched as Mercedes wrung her hands. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. "You did amazing. You're a shoe in." He took a moment to breath in the clean scent of her perfume.

"You really think so? Thank you, Cry-Baby." She asked as she turned her head, not expecting his mouth to be right there. There was a soft brushing of lips that had them both on edge. He only took her hand and smiled.

"Yes." He said licking his lips to savor the taste of her mocha flavored lip gloss.

"I think Ms. Corcoran would be a fool to not accept you." He whispered and went back to watching the students audition. Mercedes looked at him for a beat longer and tightened her fingers around his. The auditions sped by, she even managed to sit through Finn's audition without rolling her eyes. She couldn't stop herself when Rachel stood up to clap. Mercedes thought she heard her name several times as she gathered her belongings to leave.

"Mercedes, wait!" She heard again. Mercedes turned to see Ms. Corcoran walking towards her.

"Yes, Ms. Corcoran?" She asked raising her eyebrow.

"I want you to audition for the vocal program tomorrow." Shelby said as she looked down at the pint sized girl.

"Well, you sure don't waste any time." The girl said with a smile.

"I'm in the business of time is money. Please prepare a piece and have the sheet music submitted to me by tomorrow. The musicians I have will know it." She said with a hopeful smile.

"I'm not interested in the vocal program." She said flatly. In her mind she wasn't a singer.

"Well I'm interested in your voice. I only have 65 students auditioning tomorrow. I've heard from several instructors that you might be vocally." Shelby said. "Please give us all a chance to see what you can do."

"And if I refuse, Ms. Corcoran?" Mercedes asked. She didn't like being cornered.

"Then we won't speak of this again and I will place you in a class that will most likely not challenge you at all. You're very advanced. I have a feeling about you Mercedes. Please, audition tomorrow and prove me wrong or prove me right. If you're willing to audition please e-mail your sheet music before tomorrow morning."

"Yes Ms. Corcoran." Mercedes said. Her hands were shaking as she walked out of the auditorium. She was shocked to see Sam waiting for her at the exit.

"Hey, Peach!" He said. She couldn't help but smile. Sam always looked so happy to see her.

"Hey Cry-Baby." She said with a forced smile. Sam took the large instrument from her.

"What's wrong, Mercy?" Sam's stance was immediately defensive. Anytime she didn't look genuinely happy he wanted to know why.

"Nothing Sam, Ms. Corcoran just cornered me and asked me to audition for the vocal program tomorrow." She said with a sigh.

"Really? You should do it!" He exclaimed as they walked towards her car.

"Its not happening Sam. I play bass, I don't sing. I know what I'm good at." Mercedes said as she opened her trunk gesturing for Sam to hand her the bass.

"I've seen what you can do, and I know that's only a fraction of what you're capable of. Don't get in your own way." Sam said as he turned on his heel to walk away. Mercedes stood for a moment before pulling her phone out and calling an emergency 'girls meeting' she needed Rocky Road and a heart to heart with three girls and one woman that knew how to make it all better.

Mercedes pulled into her driveway and saw two cars waiting. She knew the girls wouldn't let her down. She came in to the sound of chattering and the unmistakable sound of silverware clinging on porcelain. They'd gotten started without her. She walked into the kitchen to see her friends and her mother standing around the kitchen island.

"Why did you call the emergency meeting? I was catching up on Teen Wolf." Quinn said around a mouth full of ice cream.

"Ms. Corcoran wants me to try out for the vocal program tomorrow." Mercedes said as she kicked off her heels.

"Well why are we here? Are you doing it or not?" Santana said as she fed Brittany a spoonful of ice cream.

"I don't know." She said as she pulled a bowl up.

"Child, when are you going to stop letting that stupid child dictate what you can and cannot do?" Mrs. Jones said as she shook her head.

"What stupid child?" Quinn asked as she reached for the carton of half eaten ice cream.

"Rachel." Mrs. Jones dead panned.

"What does Rachel have to do with you singing?" Quinn asked.

"During Sophomore year she challenged Rachel for a solo. That idiot teacher agreed to let her and before she went in to sing in front of the class Rachel suggested they do run troughs of their songs. After she finished Rachel had this look on her face and told her friend to friend that she shouldn't embarrass herself. She told my baby she was tone deaf." Mrs. Jones said as she rolled her eyes and watched her daughter scoop a bowl full of ice cream. This was definitely a double scoop kind of night.

"Excuse my language Mrs. Jones but we all know Rachel is a thirsty bitch. She just wanted to drink up the spotlight. There's never enough for her. She could have the Gatorade of spotlight and it wouldn't be enough to quench her thirst." Santana said as she rolled her eyes.

"Mercy, Rachel is jealous of you. It's obvious. I saw her yesterday and she was all but clutching the armrest during your audition. Why can everyone see it but you? You have everything she wants and for some reason you keep letting her take and take."

"You need to audition tomorrow. Then I can finally realize my dream of having a girl group. Just imagine you, me, Quinn, and little Britt-Brat singing together in perfect harmony?" Santana said with stars in her eyes as she put another spoon full of ice cream in her mouth with a grin.

"You're auditioning Quinn?" Mercedes asked.

"Yeah, why not?" Quinn asked as she shrugged.

"So are you doing it or not? If you're doing it you need the perfect outfit." Mrs. Jones said as she finished off the bowl of ice cream.

"What about a song?" Mercedes asked.

"You already have the song. The same song you were going to win that solo with before you let that idiot girl get in your way." Mrs. Jones said as if it was a fact.

"Your mother is right." Quinn said with a smile. "Are you going to tell us what song it is?"

"You'll see tomorrow when she auditions. Now go upstairs and help her pick something to wear." Mrs. Jones said as she shoed the girls off. Tomorrow was her baby's big day and she needed to be surrounded by her friends. She watched her little girl disappear with her friends. Mrs. Jones approved of these girls, even that foul mouthed Santana. She made a note to be there tomorrow for her baby's audition. As she walked through the house with a bottle of wine and two glasses she sought out Mr. Jones to inform him that he'd be there for his baby too.

"Bernie!" She said as she disappeared into his study.


A/N: I hope you enjoyed!