A/N - Well, since it's been a while, you guys get to have a pretty long chapter. Don't shoot me, I know the main characters are F/R, but not all chapters work with just them...hopefully most readers won't be bothered by this. I wanted to get this out sooner, but Easter weekend was a gong show of sorts, and all these ideas kept hitting me for both this and the next chapter, and I had to try and figure it all out. But it's done finally, so hopefully everyone will enjoy this installment. Thanks to everyone who's read, reviewed, commented and subscribed to this story. I appreciate it all.
Disclaimer - See Chapter 1, if necessary.
"Blond!" Elphaba (Rachel) spat the word out as though it disgusted and repulsed her all at once.
Beth sat in the audience of the Gershwin Theatre, mesmerized by the production. From the corner of her eye she knew her mother was chuckling at her. She had, after all, insisted to Beth that she would enjoy 'Wicked' on Broadway much more if she saw Rachel Berry perform the role rather than simply the Broadway- Across- America tour show in Dayton. Beth had been skeptical that it would make any difference, but even at the age of twelve she could admit she'd been completely wrong about that disagreement. Shelby Corcoran knew when an actor or actress was talented, and she'd told Beth that Rachel was supremely talented. No longer would Beth ever doubt her mother in that department.
Rachel Berry was everything the reviewer online said she was, and there was literally nothing she couldn't do onstage. Her comic timing was down to a science, her dramatic moments seemed to strike a real chord of emotions in Beth, and her singing was flawless and phenomenal. The woman was literally born for the stage. They were only about halfway through the first act and Beth was the most focused she'd ever been watching a live theatre show. As the play went on, Rachel drew people in further and further to the point where Beth actually forgot this was her mother's biological daughter and only saw Elphaba on stage. When the show was finally over and Elphaba made her escape, Beth actually had tears running down her cheeks from being so emotionally overwhelmed at the sheer enormity of sacrifice the character had made, and she knew only a very talented actress could have pulled off giving the audience such and emotional response to the story.
As she and her Mom exited the theatre and came into the lobby (after two standing ovations for Rachel alone) Beth turned to her Mom with a questioning glance. "Mom, how come we aren't staying to meet up with Rachel? It'd be really nice to see her again, you know?"
Her Mom sighed and squeezed her shoulder. "I know, Beth. But Rachel hasn't returned my call or text messages. I sent an email not long ago and didn't get any response from that, either."
"How come?"
Her mother shrugged. "She's… going through a tough time, Beth. What you saw up there is her job, and her passion. Fortunately she excels at it. But her personal life is in shambles right now. Have you kept up with any entertainment news?"
Beth shook her head. "You told me all the tabloids are garbage and not worth wiping my ass with."
Her Mom laughed at the comment. "It's true, but if you read the entertainment section of a normal newspaper, you'd see more truthful stories. She and Dmitri…well…they've separated."
"Really?" Beth's attention was rapt by what her mother had said, to the point where she actually stopped walking for a moment and was bumped by the patron behind her heading for the exit. She quickly apologized before falling back into step with her Mom. "Why? They seemed perfect together!"
"Looks can be deceiving." Her Mom said sadly. "I don't know all the details, but the last time Rachel emailed, she said she and Dmitri had had a big fight. And a couple weeks ago she was spotted leaving their house with a few suitcases. Any way you slice it, it looks like her marriage is over. I think we should be respectful of what little privacy she's afforded these days and let her get her life in order before we berate her for not spending time with us, right?"
Beth nodded in agreement, feeling a pang of sympathy for her 'almost-sister'. She hadn't had a boyfriend or relationship herself, unless you counted kissing Brett Sanders during a game of spin the bottle at a birthday party (which she didn't since the boy actually licked her lips in the process. Gross!). Still, she knew a girl in her class who had just broken up with a boyfriend, and that girl cried about it all the time, so it must really hurt a lot. Beth tried to console the girl by telling her at least she had a boy to like her in the first place and didn't have to have her first kiss during a birthday party game. For some reason, that didn't work very well.
"Rachel will be okay." Beth declared assuredly and suddenly, causing her mother's eyebrows to go up in surprise. Beth shrugged a little in response. "Well, c'mon. I mean, she has all that talent and all these people who love watching her perform, right? I mean, yeah, it's not nice she might be getting divorced, but she's got everything else going for her. Looks, talent, popularity, money. I mean, I wish I was Rachel Berry. She's amazing!"
Her Mom smiled and put an arm around her shoulder as they exited the lobby and onto the street. "If you work at it hard enough, want it badly enough, and aren't afraid to make some sacrifices, I'm sure you can achieve everything she has. She's a strong, talented, independent woman. There are definitely worse role models for you than Rachel Berry. Just remember one thing, okay? Something that took me a long time to learn." Beth nodded and Shelby pursed her lips before she spoke again. "The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence."
Beth frowned a bit as she turned that phrase over in her mind. She finally decided that she didn't care if the grass was green, brown or even purple; she still wanted to be famous like Rachel Berry.
Rachel Berry was awesome!
-X-
"I don't see how you can just stand there and say it's fine! Fine is when our competition wins their own Sectionals performance. Fine is when we flub a number during Invitationals or an exhibition show. Fine is not when our fiercest competition consults with a professional actress intent on destroying us!"
Beth crossed her arms as she sat in the front row of Carmel's choir room, sulking unhappily. It was childish, and she knew it was childish, and that she was doing it in front of her team when she was Co-Captain probably left something to be desired about her professionalism, but damnit, Mr. H. did not understand what a severe problem Rachel Berry was for their team.
"Overdramatic much, Beth?" Mr. H. raised an eyebrow and flashed a lopsided grin at her. She seriously had visions of slapping it off his face, and she liked her Uncle Finn. The problem right now, however, was that he wasn't taking this threat seriously at all!
Ben, the male lead of V.A., a shorter boy with closely cropped sandy brown hair, spoke next. "Although I think predicting our doom might be premature, I do understand where Beth is coming from. We don't have a professional helping us along with our numbers."
Mr. H. frowned at him. "I think Mr. Chang might disagree with you."
"He's a choreographer, Mr. H. Not a talented celebrity star from Broadway." Shandra explained as though to a child, and most of the other students nodded in agreement.
"What do you think Broadway uses? You think they let the actors on stage create their own dances?" Mr. H. scoffed at them as he pulled out a new set of sheet music. "It's going to be challenging but don't go thinking we're doomed just because Rachel Berry is helping them. Despite her fame and fortune, at the end of the day she's just one person helping them be better. It's no different than when Mr. Chang helps us. Besides, she doesn't have the experience in Show Choirs that we do. We already know our strengths and weaknesses; she's got to learn theirs, which gives us the advantage.
"So here, come grab your parts. We're going to be doing something different for Sectionals."
Beth rolled her eyes as she followed the other students who had gotten in line. Everything about Rachel Berry helping New Directions simply screamed unfair and unjust to her. The others in the group might be placated with assurances from Mr. H. that it was no different than hiring a choreographer, but she knew better. Rachel Berry was a force of nature; she powered her way through off Broadway and her first films, had no qualms about severing ties with her husband while still earning critical acclaim for playing Elphaba, and since then had simply moved onto bigger and better roles in film and on stage. Most Broadway productions would kill to have her on their production for a couple months at a time because of the cash and crowds she could draw. It was even rumoured she'd walked from a new project because they changed the director at the last minute, and once she had dropped the script, so had the producers and theatre.
Being her high school flame, Mr. H. should have understood that she was now show business royalty. Vocal Adrenaline didn't have a prayer.
Without a word, she grabbed the sheet music from Mr. H. and returned to her seat in the front row, huffing a bit as she dropped herself into her chair unceremoniously. It wasn't until she heard more than normal chattering amongst her fellow team-mates that she chanced a look at Shandra beside her. Shandra had big, wide eyes as she stared open mouthed at the music in front of her. Raising an eyebrow at her reaction, Beth looked down at her own sheet music and-
Okay, it was official. Mr. H. had gone right off the deep end of his sanity!
"You can't be serious, Mr. H." Shandra said as she looked up, voicing the collective concern of everyone else present. "This…we're Vocal Adrenaline. We'll never get a piece like this to work!"
"Never say never." Mr. H. said as he put the rest of the music away and turned back to face them. "Just because it hasn't worked before doesn't mean it won't work now."
Beth shook her head in astonishment before swallowing and casting her teacher a disbelieving stare. "Mr. H. C'mon. Look at us. Check our history. We've never been able to do stuff like this. Not even back before we were born."
"What is with you all today?" Mr. H. suddenly asked loudly, causing the group's protests to fall silent. He shook his head in confusion and began mocking them, slapping his forehead with his hand. "OMG! We're dead because a star is helping New Directions! OMG! We can't do this music because we've never done it before. Save me! Save me!"
The group quieted down and a few even smiled a bit at his impersonations of them. He flashed them a lopsided smile in return. "Come on, guys! Are we, or are we not Vocal Adrenaline? Do we, or do we not have three national titles in the last three years? Have we, or have we not defeated New Directions every time we've faced them?"
He sighed a bit and ran his hand through his hair, but Beth could tell now that he had the whole group's attention, he was starting to settle down a bit. "Look, I know both Mr. Schuester and Rachel Berry quite well. They're really good; both of them. And working together, yeah, New Directions is gonna be a threat. We shouldbe worried. We shouldn't panic." He gestured to the sheet music in front of them. "That's why we're going to go in a direction no one would expect. If we keep going with the same thing, they'll have us figured out by Regionals. Then that backup trip to California that's been dormant for years will need to be rolled out. No thanks.
"New Directions has never had a problem with this type of music, so I don't see why we should. Maybe other directors were afraid to go near it, but that's in the past. It's time to move forward. So, who's with me for trying some 'new directions' for Vocal Adrenaline?"
Beth had to admit, it was a peppy little speech her Uncle Finn had just given them all, and it definitely had the desired effect on them. She could see smiles return and shoulders pull back with confidence, and though she wasn't convinced of his plan of action, she figured she didn't have anything to lose by giving it a chance.
"Beth. Ben. Shandra. You guys split the lead vocals. There are three verses so it should be easy. Rest of you, watch the timing of your backup notes. There's lot of little off eighths and off sixteenths coming out of the chorus." He smirked again. "This is gonna be a tough song, guys, but if you pull it off well, Sectionals will be a breeze. Ready to try?"
The group instantly leaped to their feet and put the sheet music on music stands in front of them. Beth took a deep breath, trying to stay positive as Mr. H. aimed the remote control at the karaoke machine.
"From the top!"
XXXXX
"I'm just saying it's not fair."
"I've told you many times, Beth, that life isn't fair."
"Seems fair for you, getting to travel to New York for show choir business meetings. Why can't I go with you to New York for these meetings? We could catch a Broadway show during your downtime."
Shelby shook her head and smirked while she finished packing an overnight bag on her bed in the master bedroom. "You're in school, Beth. You need to attend classes, do your homework, go to dance lessons, lead Vocal Adrenaline to another national title; you know, all that jazz."
"No pressure." Beth quipped at her mom as Shelby went back and retrieved a few more things from her dresser drawer.
"It's only for a couple of nights, Beth. There's more than enough leftovers in the fridge for tonight, and there's money on my dresser so you can order in whatever you want tomorrow."
"It's not like classes or V.A. will suffer without me for a day or two." Beth complained as she lay on her mother's bed, leaning her head in her right hand while watching her mom pack. "I'm getting A's on everything except history."
Shelby stopped for a moment and regarded her. "Why not in history?"
Beth shrugged. "'Cause studying Industrialization and the 19th Century is boring. But it's not like I'm failing. I got a B on my quiz."
Shelby sighed a bit and shook her head. "Maybe if I have a trip on the weekend sometime you can come with me, Beth, but school is very important. It's you job to learn and get your diploma so you can get into college afterwards."
Beth rolled her eyes even as she collapsed onto her back and stared at the ceiling. "Yeah, 'cause Broadway and Hollywood really care if you're a college grad. You know how many stars didn't finish high school? Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Julie Andrews, George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra-"
"And for every one of them I can name a star who did receive a degree. James Franco, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington. Hell, even Ron Jeremy; he has a master's degree!"
Beth quirked an eyebrow as she lifted her head up off the bed. "Who's Ron Jeremy?"
"Uh… never mind. Just dating myself, I guess." Shelby huffed out a breath while blushing furiously. Beth couldn't help but be curious to her mother's reaction since it was the second time in six months she'd seen her turn that color. Beth quickly made a mental note to research this 'Ron Jeremy' fellow on the internet later.
"The point, Beth, is that education is important. School is important, so don't be flippant about it. Yes, many have succeeded without it, but far more have succeeded with it. If Broadway and Hollywood don't work out, you'll be able to do a lot more in your life with a degree or diploma hanging on your wall." She picked up her overnight bag and slung it over her shoulder. "You know who else finished college before she became a star?"
Beth groaned and collapsed back on the bed, staring at the ceiling again. "Yeah yeah… Rachel Berry."
"Exactly." Shelby nodded in her daughter's direction before her cell phone began blaring out I Dreamed a Dream from the Les Miserables musical. Shelby answered it quickly. "Hello? Yes, I'll be right down. Thanks." She shut off her phone and turned back to Beth. "That's the cab to take me to the airport, so get off the bed and come give your mama a hug, okay?"
Beth sighed and did as she was told, pulling her Mom into a tight hug. "Take care, Mom. Think you can bring me back something fancy with gold stars on it?"
Shelby laughed and placed a fond hand on her cheek. "I'll see what I can find, okay? Love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
Shelby left the house and Beth watched from the upstairs window as her mom got into the cab. When it backed out of the driveway and turned down the street, Beth grabbed her phone out of her pocket and checked her email. She scanned down her list until she came to one she'd been waiting for.
There in bolded text, was the message.
Location: Buffalo Wild Wings
Event: Karaoke Contest – 8:00pm to 12:00am
One prize of $100 dollars awarded each hour for best performance
Beth smiled as she looked at the time. 5:17pm. She figured she had enough time to do her homework and eat before getting doled up and heading out to earn some money. As long as she won it in a contest, she was technically a contest winner couldn't be called a professional, thus not disqualifying her from any show choir competitions. The money could then go into her special savings account she was setting aside to hopefully go into a recording studio and cut a demo to either use for college admissions or garner the attention of talent agents.
It was just another step in her show business ambitions. It made perfect sense to use her talents to pursue her passion. Normally she wouldn't be able to sneak out and do stuff like this during a weekday, but with her Mom gone to New York, well, what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her, right?
She grinned and hopped down the stairs to quickly do her homework and grab some leftover dinner. After all, an empty stomach would just detract her from giving a sublimely jaw dropping performance.
XXXXX
"I gotta admit, Tyler, these are damn fine wings !"
"Told ya. Now if you'd just loosen up and order a fuckin' beer or something, we'd be set to get this night started."
Caleb shook his head even as he slurped a bit of Coke through his straw. "No way, man. I ain't getting tossed out for doing something stupid. I don't have to be home 'till eleven. That cash is mine!"
Now I don't hardly know her,
But I think I could love her.
Crimson and clover.*
The two boys cringed as they watched a portly, balding, bespectacled middle-aged man moaning out the lyrics to the oldies classic. Despite what the 'contestant' thought about his abilities, he was making it exceedingly easy for Caleb to believe he had a shot at winning the prize money.
Well, for this first hour, at least.
Tyler threw his used napkin at his friend, scoffing at him. "The fuck, Caleb? We're supposed to be having a guys night out, not sitting around and waiting to sing love songs to all the fuglies that grace this place."
Caleb laughed and tossed the napkin back at his friend. "Not my fault the fuglies are the only hope you have to get laid. Besides, you don't have to sing. Just sit there and offer moral support or whatever."
"Providing moral support costs cash, bro. You split the winnings with me, and we're even."
"I'll buy the wings. You ain't getting more than that. Besides, I have to win it first, moron."
"Pffft! Like you got any competition in this place. Look around you. Bunch 'a lonely hearts and rock star wannabes. And just listen to that guy destroy this song. And I don't even like this song!"
Caleb turned in their booth and did finally look at some of the other customers gathered around the karaoke stage. It was the usual grab-bag of random people; middle aged business men, young college students, a few housewives who seemed to be in a group having a 'ladies night' or something, and a few other stragglers. It seemed like a sure-fire win. All he had to do was choose the right song.
"Uh oh!" Tyler's eyes suddenly got very wide and his features turned to concern. "I think you just got some competition, dude."
"Really?" Caleb turned to follow his friend's line of sight. He didn't see anyone he knew amongst the four people walking in, but then three of them separated from one girl as the waitress showed them to a table. The girl left by the door removed her coat and pulled off a large, grey, non-descript sweatshirt.
The McKinley student felt his breath escape in just one moment. It was her. The girl he'd met a while ago at the Carmel Glee Club sponsor luncheon. And ever since he'd heard her name escape his friend's mouth, he hadn't forgotten it at all.
Beth Corcoran.
She was as stunning in a loose fitting off- the-shoulder light blue shirt and shapely blue jeans as she had been in her more formal skirt and blouse. Her hair this time, however, cascaded loosely down her back, and was secured by a simple bronze barrette on top of her head. She glanced around the area by the stage quickly before deciding on an empty four person booth closest to the karaoke host and operator. Her movements were fluid, graceful, and so sexy that Caleb stifled a soft groan of appreciation. He unconsciously licked his lips and shook his head as he watched her take a seat and order her drink from the waitress.
SNAP!
Two fingers suddenly appeared in front of his face and caused the sharp sound, drawing his attention away from her. He turned quickly to see the grinning face of Tyler, who was still chuckling at him. "Dude, I told you, forget it! She doesn't date."
Caleb shrugged with one shoulder. "Maybe she just hasn't found the right guy."
"No, I told you, she simply lives for the stage and doesn't want a guy. Again, let me list them off. Quarterback, swim champ, basketball captain, class president…she's turned them all down. One is a monster, one is lean and athletic, one is super tall, one is super smart. If she isn't turned on by any of that, man, what's left?"
The McKinley student thought for a moment before turning back to his friend. "Canadian?"
Tyler laughed in good nature and shrugged himself, waving with his hand. "Okay, Captain Canucklehead. You think your northern charms are going to make any difference, go for it. But don't come back sulking all night when she gives you a shoulder colder than an icy boulder."
"Wow, did you make that up all by your lonesome?" Caleb chuckled as he got up and waved at his friend, even while Tyler shook his head, grinned and made a motion with his hands clearly saying 'help yourself.'
Caleb turned and set his sights on the beautiful girl in front of him. He walked over slowly, noticing that she was still looking at the menu, and ran through the list of things his father had told him in regards to how to behave on a first date.
Treat her like a lady. Don't offer a cheesy pick up line. Smile at her. Be polite. Pay for her. Stare at eyes and hair, not at her chest; if you're lucky, you can stare at that on the tenth or eleventh date.
He reached the table just as the waitress did with Beth's drink, and without even thinking about it, Caleb smoothly took the drink and handed the waitress a five dollar bill. "Thank you. Keep the change."
The waitress smiled at him warmly and the exchange caused Beth to look up from the menu in confusion just as Caleb set the drink down in front of her smoothly. "A true gentleman buying the lady a drink? You might want to keep this one, honey." The older waitress indicated Caleb with a nod of her head before she sauntered off.
Beth leaned back and smirked a bit even as she crossed her arms. Her eyes narrowed in caution. Caleb didn't get the impression that she was angry or upset, so her motioned to the other seat in the booth. "Is this seat taken, Beth?"
Shock registered on her face briefly and her eyes went wide with surprise, but she quickly recovered and sighed a bit. "And am I supposed to be impressed you somehow deduced my name when I didn't give it to you, Connor?"
Oooh, feisty! Trying to get a rise out of me by calling me 'Connor'. Heh, she's good. Looks like I'm in for a challenge.
He smirked and sat down, facing her fully and leaning back in the booth's other seat. "Actually, I'd say you're lucky, Beth. I'm not the type who's bothered by other people's lack of manners."
Her facial features twisted into incredulousness as she stared at him open mouthed. "Excuse me! Lack of manners? You just invited yourself into my booth."
"I asked for your name, Beth, and you refused to give it to me. From that I must deduce you either wanted me to find out through others, or simply aren't versed in proper etiquette dealing with male/female interactions." He motioned towards her far more calmly than he felt. "Am I wrong somehow?"
Her open mouth, wide eyes and look of utter disbelief had him a bit worried, he had to admit, but he somehow got the impression she wasn't going to simply smile and talk to him as a total stranger who obviously had an attraction for her. At least if he was going to be rejected out of hand, he'd have gotten a few barbs in, first. After all, he wasn't going to totally leave her alone without at least knocking her down a peg or two.
After a moment's hesitation, she cleared her throat and returned to looking at her menu. "Yes, Kevin, I'd say you're very wrong. I didn't give you my name because I'm not interested in dating."
Caleb put up his hands in a questioning gesture. "Who said anything about dating? Don't you have to be friends first? Did you ever think I just wanted to get to know you?"
"Sure you did," Beth replied sarcastically. "Judging by the way you glanced up and down my entire body, I'd say you've already gotten to know me in every way, shape and form you're guttural mind could imagine."
Keep it cool, Caleb, keep it cool. She's just trying to throw you off your game.
"I won't deny you're very attractive." Caleb threw in, which simultaneously caused Beth to roll her eyes even as her cheeks pinked into a blush. Score! "But please don't judge me or fault me for my fantasies. I'm sure in the last three minutes you've had the fantasy of kicking my nuts into my throat, but I'm not judging you for that, right?"
Her eyes shifted to regard him, and she held his gaze for a moment before a slow smile spread across her face. "Touche, Caleb. Touche! Alright, perhaps I've been hasty." She held out her hand again for him to shake. "Beth Corcoran. I go to Carmel, sophomore year. And you?"
"Caleb Board." He responded, shaking her hand but noticing a jolt of electricity go through him as they touched a second time. Their eyes locked momentarily, and he could feel himself being drawn into the hazel orbs before he continued. "Junior at McKinley."
"Really?" Beth suddenly seemed guarded as she sat up a bit straighter and cast him an inquiring look. "So…what brings you here tonight?"
Caleb jerked a thumb over at the karaoke machine. "Just trying to win the cash. So far I haven't seen much to impress me. I figured this town would have better singers than this."
Beth smirked a bit. "It does. I might just have to show you how much better."
The McKinley student raised an eyebrow. Was she challenging him? Tyler had told him she lived for the stage, but he wasn't exactly sure how. Tyler had never mentioned if Beth wanted to act, sing or dance, just that she loved the stage. That could mean anything, really. "I didn't know you were a singer."
Beth huffed out a breath. "Really? Most people who know me well also know my practice schedule for all things performing arts related is actually quite strict."
"Isn't that why I'm sitting here? I'm trying to get to know you since right now all I know is that you love to sing and go to Carmel High. Oh, and that you have nice shoes."
The compliment caused her to grin in surprise as she glanced down to her feet to look at her baby blue bedazzled one inch pumps. "Really, you like them? My Mom passed them down to me when our feet got to be the same size. I know it's normally a fashion 'faux pas' to wear pumps with jeans, but-"
"Whatever." Caleb shrugged and grinned at her. "What matters is what you like, right? You're the one wearing it."
The time Beth didn't grin, she gave him a full out beam, and Caleb could feel his heart racing a little faster to be the guy in the room receiving that special smile of hers. She giggled a bit and had another sip of her drink before setting it aside. "The iced tea tastes especially good tonight. Must be because it was paid for by some nice guy."
"Really?" Caleb smiled some more and mentally pumped his fist while doing a happy dance in his head. "Is being nice a good or bad thing?"
Beth shrugged nonchalantly. "That depends entirely on the situation."
They shared a knowing glance at each other that was longer than normal and Caleb felt butterflies dancing around his stomach. He swallowed at one furtive glance which seemed to smolder a little on her part, but just as quickly she glanced away to watch the next person take the stage. Reluctantly, Caleb did the same.
XXXXX
"Oh my God!" Beth hid her face in her hand and turned away from the stage in embarrassment for the woman singing her song. It wasn't that Beth was against anyone belting out a tune when the moment struck, but some people really needed to learn that their voices shouldn't be shared with others. "Please, Caleb, tell me when it's over."
"What? Not a big fan of Celine Dion?" Caleb joked with good humour.
"I suppose you love it, being from the same country and all."
The McKinley student rolled his eyes. "Please! I think she's lived in Vegas longer than Canada by now. And no, I've never been Celine's biggest fan. But I will admit that she can sing this song better than this lady."
Beth glanced over at the McKinley student who'd done a very rare thing in her life; he'd somehow convinced her to give him a shot and let him sit with her. It was almost a date, really; a completely impromptu date, yes, but a date none the less. They had shared stories of high school, her listening intently as he told her a few of the differences he'd noticed between the U.S. and Canadian education systems, but soon their common love of music, movies and performing dominated the discussions. She was so happy to have someone outside of her Glee club to talk to about such things in general. Most of her conversations inside Vocal Adrenaline usually focused to shift on how she could better her performance or work the crowd or even when to sing an octave higher or lower. None of the other kids in the group seemed all that interested in just being around her and relaxing while talking about similar interests.
Caleb, on the other hand, had no preconceptions of her and only five minutes ago learned she was the lead singer for Vocal Adrenaline. True to his word, he was keeping the conversation light and interesting, and she found herself more and more excited to be talking to him about her favourite songs, movies and even plays or Broadway shows. Although he wasn't as familiar with everything as she was, he knew enough to converse intelligently on the subject, and the more he spoke and joked with her, the more she started realizing that he was a pretty decent looking guy. His jaw was relatively square, his blue eyes almost piercing, and he seemed to have a slight touch of stubble on his cheeks as though he hadn't shaved in a day or so. His arms (what she could make out, at least) were muscular without being bulky, and he was in shape though not super skinny or the body builder type. In short, he was just your typical cute teenage boy who happened to be intelligent, down to earth and fun to be around.
It was at that exact moment Beth's eyes and his connected for the third time that night and shared some kind of spark between each other. He grinned at her disarmingly in a friendly manner to show her (she was sure) that he was having a good time. It stunned her that she suddenly was wondering what it would be like to have that smile wiped off his face by pressing her lips against his and-
"Wazzzuuuuup!"
She was jolted out of her daydream suddenly as another boy plopped himself beside Caleb and handed out some drinking glasses. She looked over at him before scoffing at his intrusion, recognizing him as one of her fellow students from music class. "Tyler! What the hell are you-"
"I can't believe you ditched me, man!" Tyler shook his head as he talked to Caleb rather than her. "Well, okay, I can believe you ditched me since I'll admit she's better looking, but c'mon, man, we were here for-"
"Wait! What?" Beth shook her head in confusions as she glanced between both Tyler and Caleb. "You guys know each other?"
"Are you kidding? Of course we know each other. He's my brother from another mother!" Tyler put his arm around Caleb's shoulders in a platonic gesture of friendship and put on a fake Austrailian accent. "We've been best mates these last few weeks, we 'ave!"
"Would you shut up?" Caleb elbowed him in the ribs. "And knock off the accent."
"Just trying to make you feel more at home!" Tyler said as he smoothly poured three glasses of cola from the jug he'd also brought with him.
"I'm Canadian, not Australian!" Caleb fired back.
"Damn! Always get them mixed up. Such friendly chaps from both countries. I'm sure you understand."
"That doesn't explain why you're here at our booth!" Beth's eyes narrowed a bit. "I agreed to Caleb sitting with me, not you."
"I'm wounded to the quick, m'lady!" Tyler flourished a mock bow at her before extravagantly presenting her a fresh drink of cola. "I promise I can behave myself, if you just give me a chance."
"History begs to differ." Beth retorted. "Didn't you make that promise to Mr. H. before deciding to prove your knowledge of Morse Code to Mindy?"
"She didn't believe that I knew how to send an S.O.S."
"I don't think she intended you to demonstrate by making farting sounds with your armpit!"
"Hey, you'd be surprised how much skill that takes. Getting the length of the dashes properly took hours of practice."
Beth gave him a perturbed, disgusted look before finally turning back to Caleb. "Did you really come here with him? He goes to Carmel! How do you even know him?"
"It's a long story." Caleb shrugged apologetically. "One I'd like to forget sometimes, frankly."
"Oh! Ow! More barbs!" Tyler smiled a bit at both of them before gesturing to the drinks. "Perhaps a spot of this grand concoction will appease you both of my company."
Beth had to admit that she was thirsty. The air in the restaurant was particularly dry and their waitress hadn't returned since delivering some appetizers to them. Normally she would just ask for a glass of water, especially when she still planned to sing, but with a tall glass of cola sitting right in front of her…
"One soda won't prevent you from being famous, B.C." Tyler assured her as he pushed a glass an inch closer to her. "You can do it, honest."
"I suppose simply asking you to let Caleb and I continue our evening together is out of the question, isn't it?" Beth snidely commented before reaching for the proffered drink. She took a sip and felt a strong burn suddenly fill her mouth and fire its way down her throat. It was unexpected and yet familiar all at once. After coughing a bit into her elbow (Caleb had much the same reaction as she did) she glared over at Tyler. "What the hell is this?"
"Why, it's your beverage!" Tyler said cheekily even as he gulped a sip of his own drink, turning nonchalantly to watch the lady on stage finish her performance. He continued speaking over his shoulder. "Just a little…pepped up, is all."
"With what? Turpentine?" Beth coughed again into her elbow.
"More like rum." Caleb cleared his throat and looked at the glass a little more appreciatively. "Rum and Coke. Not a completely bad call, but here in a restaurant , Tyler?"
"There's no wrong place to enjoy Captain Morgan's! I spiced it up under the table while everyone was busy watching the show." Tyler smiled at them both as he took another long sip of his drink. "Besides, we're going to need it if we want to survive the screaming and caterwauling of this karaoke contest and find out who winds up with the prize money."
Beth scoffed at him. "Don't be absurd, Tyler. You already know it's mine."
Caleb made a face and held out a hand. "Whoa, wait! Slow down there. What makes you so sure you'll win the prize? "
"Caleb, I mean no disrespect, but if I can lead Vocal Adrenaline to a national show choir championship, I'm pretty sure I can beat anyone here at the bar." She sat back and smiled smugly. "I am pretty awesome, if I do say so myself."
"You do. And you keep saying it yourself, actually." Tyler confirmed as she gave him an icy stare.
Caleb leaned forward across the table towards Beth. "So let me get this straight; you think just because you've won some kind of national competition that there aren't any singers out there that can challenge you?"
He grinned at her in a manner that was competitive and inviting all at the same time, and Beth felt herself getting excited at the prospect of being tested by this McKinley student. She'd put the verbal smack-down on a number of other legitimate contenders at the Show Choir Championships in Nashville; someone like Caleb shouldn't even be seen as worthy competition. However, his challenging (gorgeous) blue eyes and confident (adorable) little boy smile made her eager to prove herself.
Wait! When did she start thinking of his eyes as gorgeous or his smile as adorable?
Beth's eyes narrowed at him. "I think I stand a much better than average chance of winning the money, yes. I have a demo I want to record and professional studios cost money."
"Well, I have musical instruments I want to buy and they cost money too, so don't go thinking your victory is guaranteed." Caleb retorted.
"Oooh, lover's spat! I love having front row seats for these." Tyler leaned forward on the table with his head swiveling between the two.
Beth ignored Tyler's entirely inappropriate comment and continued to stare into Caleb's eyes. "Nuh-uh! The only way you're getting that cash is by beating me. And trust me, you can't."
"It sounds like someone at this table needs a check; a reality check." Caleb leaned back and grinned confidently. "Care to put your money where your mouth is?"
Beth leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand, as she gazed at Caleb from across the table. He definitely got a lot more attractive when he smiled at her and his eyes smoldered with that competitive edge she'd only seen on a handful of people before, including herself. She had to admit, she was extremely happy he seemed to have that same passion for performing. "I'm listening."
"We each sing a song of our choice. If you win, not only do you get to keep the cash, but everything you've eaten tonight is on me. Drinks, food, I'll even buy you dessert if you like."
"Sounds suspiciously like a date." Beth intoned cautiously as she had another sip of her spiked cola, which went down easier now that she expected the taste. She didn't really like the idea of having the man pay for everything on a date lest he think somehow that he be owed…something…in return. Then again, if she was any judge of character, she was pretty sure that wasn't how Caleb 'rolled'.
"Not quite done yet." Caleb continued. "If I win, you pay for everything I've eaten, even dessert if I choose to order it. And, you agree to let me take you for a real date. No meeting at the restaurant and no coaxing or tricking you into letting me sit at your booth. I pick you up, we go somewhere nice and actually enjoy each other's company. What do you say?" He held his hand out for her to shake in agreement.
Beth made a show of mulling over the offer quickly. Truth be told, she'd actually have no real problems going out with Caleb again. He was funny, he was smart, and as the evening went on she realized more and more how cute he was. And above everything else, he listened to her, which was more than she could say for most of her so called 'friends' in V.A.
Still, she wasn't about to let him see how eagerly she'd accept those terms, so waited a few more seconds before answering in a dramatic fashion. "Well, I suppose that's fair, provided one more condition is met from me." She shifted and cast a slightly annoyed look at the red haired boy beside Caleb. "Said date must be free from any distractions or annoying third wheels pushing illegal drinks at us."
"Hey!" Tyler protested, shaking his head. "I'm just trying to lighten things up and have some fun."
"Agreed." Caleb and Beth gripped each other's hands for a third time, and a rush of excitement jolted Beth as she made contact with him. She had to wonder what it was that was suddenly giving her thoughts or feelings she'd hardly ever experienced before with a boy, but the way Caleb's eyes smoldered at her as they shook on their 'agreement' sent a tingle straight down her spine and an odd though pleasant warming between her legs. She swallowed as Caleb grinned again and then squeezed past Tyler to go put in his song choice.
Tyler watched Caleb even as he spoke to Beth. "I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd go for it."
Beth's brows furrowed at the red haired boy as she sat back in her booth and sipped another drink from the cola. This was quickly turning into a very good drink with the added alcohol, and she had to wonder why she never tried it before. "He's nice enough to consider having one date with. I could do worse."
"Is the 'Ice Queen' actually melting?"
She sighed at the ridiculous nickname she'd somehow acquired at Carmel High School, though she had to wonder why she'd gotten it in the first place. Really, was it so hard for people to believe she didn't bother with boys because most of them seemed to have nothing in common with her? She didn't care about football or swimming, and thus didn't bother with those two 'champions' as that's all they talked about. She had no interest in dating the basketball captain since after one conversation he revealed complete ignorance of anything Broadway related (other than thinking it was a property acquired in 'Monopoly'). And frankly she didn't like the class president since popularity was the only thing he seemed interested in; Aunt Quinn and her own Mom had both warned her of the dangers involved with being too concerned about such trivial matters.
Finally, Beth shrugged and turned to Tyler after yet another sip of her drink. "I'm not an Ice Queen. I'm just… picky."
"Do you have any hot friends who are less picky?" Tyler asked after a pause. "'Cause you know, I'm still single, too."
Beth rolled her eyes as Caleb took to the stage, grinning like an idiot and grabbing the microphone. He pulled it off with a flourish and motioned with his head to Beth. "Okay, so this song is dedicated to the gorgeous blonde sitting over there. She was nice enough to give me a chance to sit with her."
He pointed towards Beth, who sat back with wide eyes and an embarrassed flush quickly spreading over her face. Some of the other contestants turned and smiled at her, some rolled their eyes in a good natured way, and she noticed one slightly older girl actually scowl a bit at her. Beth didn't understand why she was being looked at that way by this other girl. It's not like she asked Caleb to single her out in the crowd.
The music started with pan flutes echoing in the speakers a couple times before a bouncy rhythm overtook them and a keyboard and horn section started playing. Beth wasn't familiar with the tune and frowned a bit as she listened and tried to place it, having another sip of her drink in the process. And damn, that rum tasted better with each sip. She definitely should have tried this concoction before.
Oh, use it!
Before you lose it!
Caleb's singing garnered her attention with just the few notes, and she was surprised to hear a much better than expected voice come from him. He smirked at her as he noticed her watching, spun with a flourish and flipped the collar on his leather jacket up before starting the song in earnest.
You could have a steam train, if you'd just lay down your tracks.
You could have an aeroplane, flying, if you bring your blue sky back.
All you do is call me. I'll be anything you need.
You could have a big dipper, going up and down, all around the bends.
You could have a bumper car, bumping. The amusement never ends.
I want to be, your sledgehammer!
Why don't you call my name?
Oh let me be your sledgehammer!
This will be my testimony.**
The lyrics were strange and nonsensical to her. Fortunately, she wasn't concerned with what he was singing, but rather was drawn to his performance simply by his presence and command of the stage. He exuded complete confidence and energy. Beth looked around the restaurant a bit to notice that almost everyone in the small area for karaoke singing were just as drawn to Caleb's singing as she was. And his voice! It had so many interesting qualities to it; gravelly where he wanted, smooth when he needed, and power in spades that he used sparingly. It was difficult for her to understand why he wasn't involved somehow in his school's arts programs. Not that she was about to mention that to him; after all, she really didn't intend to give her competition more ammunition to use against Vocal Adrenaline. Bad enough they had Rachel Berry. Before she could continue that line of thinking, though, the music paused and Caleb's voice again drew her attention.
Show me round your fruit cakes, 'cause I will be your honey bee.
Open up your fruit cakes, where the fruit is as sweet as can be.
I want to be, your sledgehammer!
Why don't you call my name?
You'd better call, the sledgehammer!
Put your mind at rest.
I'm going to be, the sledgehammer!
This can be my testimony.
I'm your – your sledgehammer!
Let there be no doubt about it. **
"Not bad, is he?" Tyler murmured to her as they sat at their booth, watching Caleb spin and dance to the music with some modern moves that served the song pretty well. In the process, he'd also managed to get the audience to clap along with him on beat two and four of every bar. "Even if the lyrics don't make any sense whatsoever."
"Way better than I would have thought." Beth agreed to her fellow student but still watching as Caleb moved around the small stage. He jumped in the air, landed in a manner that seemed awkward to her, but then spun in a full circle and stood straight. She noticed that his eyes were locked onto hers as he sang the next group of lyrics.
I kicked the habit.
Shed my skin.
This is the new stuff, I go dancing in.
Won't you show for me?
I will show for you.
Show for me, I will show for you.
I do mean you.
Only you, you've been coming through.
Going to build that power
Build, build up that power, hey!
I've been feeding the rhythm.
I've been feeding the rhythm.
Going to feel that power, build in you. **
The song tapered off and the group around the stage clapped enthusiastically. A few older women seemed to give Caleb and appreciative glance up and down, and Beth felt a bit indignant that they were so blatant about it in front of her; Caleb had, after all, dedicated the song to her! The looks the others were giving him were therefore completely inappropriate. It had nothing to do with any sense of jealousy she might be feeling.
Nothing at all.
"Way to go, dude!" Tyler clapped Caleb on the shoulder as he came back to the booth. Perspiration lined his brow, even as his smile came easily to his face as he bumped fists with his friend before turning back to her.
Caleb clasped hands with her and bowed with a flourish, kissing her chastely on the back of her hand as his eyes stayed in contact with her. "You have officially been serenaded. Since you're going to lose, I felt it only fitting to dedicate the song to you."
Beth's eyebrows went up in mock surprise and she quickly pulled her hand away dramatically (even though she had a feeling he'd make some kind of comment along those lines). "And what makes you think such an inferior performance could possibly win this contest?"
"Inferior?" Caleb chuckled and shook his head, playing along with her. "I saw that look of surprise on your face. Don't pretend that I didn't rock that song, or rock you with it."
She frowned a bit at the last part of his comment, not sure to what exactly he was alluding, but decided to dismiss whatever meaning he intended. "It was adequate, I suppose, but a truly exceptional performance has to be about more than just a good voice, a few dance moves and a silly, nonsensical song."
Caleb's mouth dropped in shock at her dismissive comments. "Nonsensical? You didn't catch the meta-"
"Sorry man, but I gotta agree with Beth. You sounded great, but that song was totally off. It made no sense whatsoever!"
The McKinley student looked back and forth between both of them, seemingly confused. "Really? You guys- "
"Think you blew your chance?" Beth interrupted him with a smirk. "Yeah, sorry, you did. Time to step aside and watch a professional grade artist at work." With that, she sauntered to the stage, put in her request to the karaoke technician, and assumed her spot on the stage.
She looked up as the music began to swell in the background and stared at Caleb. "This one is for the boy who serenaded me. Seems fair I return the favour."
The music started and Beth smirked at him as she strutted around the stage, making sure to allow her bare shoulders to roll with the music's beat and move her hips a little to show herself off. She knew she had a decent figure and could dance well, and she would use any dance step or move which might give her an advantage over her competitors. The 'sexy shimmy' as her Mom had once called it, was a surefire way to ensure she had the attention of all the boys in the room.
Including the one she wanted the most attention from.
I've known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart,
But you've got being right down to an art.
You think you're a genius you drive me up the wall.
You're a regular, original, know it all.
Oh oo oh you think you're special,
Oh oo oh you think you're something else.
Okay, so you're intelligent.
That don't impress me much
So you got the brain but have you got the touch?
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night.
That don't impress me much.***
A few cat calls and whistles were being thrown her way from the crowd, and much as Caleb had, most of them started clapping along with the beat of the song. She moved across the small stage to make sure she had everyone's attention in the front row, then circled slowly in a provocative manner. Much to her delight (though she kept her face neutral) Caleb's eyes were staring at her appreciatively. She brought the microphone up to sing the next verse.
I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve-just in case.
And all that extra hold gel in your hair oughta lock it
'Cause Heaven forbid it should fall outta place.
Oh oo oh you think you're special,
Oh oo oh you think you're something else.
Okay, so you're kinda cute,
That don't impress me much.
So you got the looks but have you got the touch?
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright,
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night.
That don't impress me much.***
The cheers and applause were coming in from all areas of the bar now, and Caleb and Tyler both stood at the booth with mouths open and disbelieving expressions on their face at how much audience reaction she was garnering. Really, neither boy should have been surprised. Didn't Caleb say they were at the Booster Club party after Invitationals? They should already know of her incredible talents and commanding stage presence. Beth could hold an entire auditorium captive with a Broadway song; holding the attention of a restaurant full of people was small potatoes, especially when mixed with a classic country song. Right in time with the beat, she turned back to lock Caleb with a stare, smirking as she did so.
You're one of those guys who likes to shine his machine,
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in.
I can't believe you kiss your car good night.
C'mon baby, tell me-you must be jokin', right?
Oh oo oh you think you're special,
Oh oo oh you think you're something else.
Okay, so you've got a car.
That don't impress me much
So you got the moves but have you got the touch?
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night.
That don't impress me much
You think you're cool but have you got the touch?
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely night.
That don't impress me much.
Okay, so what do you think you're Elvis or something? Whatever!
That don't impress me.***
The audience in the karaoke section roared with applause and cheers as she ended the song in a seductive pose with her back facing them and her head over her shoulder looking at them coyly. She smirked at Caleb when she watched him roll his eyes in a mixture of annoyance and amusement, even as he applauded her for her number. Tyler, meanwhile, still stood in shock at watching what she'd done.
"I don't think there's any doubt about who won that round, do you folks?" The Karaoke operator said into his microphone and handed Beth an envelope full of cash. "Big round of applause to Beth for that fantastic number. Guess we'll see if anyone can dethrone her in the coming hour. I'll be back after a quick ten minute break." With that, karaoke operator patted her on the back before taking the microphones back behind the machine and then scurrying towards the bar for his drink and (she assumed) meal.
As she made her way slowly back towards her table, accepting congratulations and accolades along the way, she noticed Caleb standing there against the table, his arms folded and a smile on his face, while Tyler had resumed his seat and started pouring another round of 'pepped up' cola. Caleb's eyes were mischievous as their gazes met, and she waved the envelope in front of him tauntingly. "So?"
"So." He responded evenly, though the look on his face didn't change. "You won. Congratulations."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did predict I'd win, yes?"
Caleb nodded and gently took the envelope from her. He peered inside to notice the five twenty-dollar bills inside before he closed it up and handed it back to her, a huge smile evident on his face. "You know, another hundred is awarded in an hour. Care to make it double or nothing?"
Beth bit her lip. She knew she was a stronger performer than Caleb that round, but what she didn't know was whether he had any further talent he'd been hiding before. Could he hit a high B? If so, how well? Was he able to drop his voice into increasingly lower registers without her knowledge? Was he a better dancer than he let on during that inane song he'd sung before? Doubling the bet meant if she lost the next round, she lost all the cash.
But it did mean she got to sit across from him, spend more time with him, and enjoy seeing that increasingly heated look he was giving her. And she had to admit, he was really easy on the eyes, and she was starting to really enjoy that heated look.
Before she could think about it any further, her mouth had made up her mind for her. "You're on!"
* Lyrics from Crimson and Clover, written and recorded by Tommy James and The Shondells.
** Lyrics from Sledgehammer, written and recorded by Peter Gabriel.
*** Lyrics from That Don't Impress Me Much, written by Robert 'Mutt' Lange & Shania Twain. Recorded and performed by Shania Twain (lyrics altered slightly for the story).
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