Hey y'all! Sorry this took a little longer than I wanted; I was pretty busy this week, and I think it's only going to get worse. Haha. Anyway, thank you again for reading and I hope you enjoy!
Songs Performed:
Take My Hand (Remix) – The Cab and Cassadee Pope
Chapter Seven: Reacting to Change
Three Days Later
Finn
I was having mixed feelings, mostly about Cleo joining glee club. Of course I was happy, because Cleo's audition was incredible, and we could use as much talent as we could for Regionals and possibly Nationals, but I was wary about her being there. Maybe it was because Rachel has been ignoring me since I told her the details about Cleo and our living arrangement, or is that not a good enough reason?
"Babe, you have to talk to me at some point." I finally said, because she gripped my hand tightly to the point it was going numb. It was painful; plus it was super awkward to walk hand and hand with someone who refused to speak.
Rachel didn't respond, but she let go of my hand and started walking faster. What did I do?
I sighed loudly, hoping that got her attention, but it didn't. Rachel stomped to her locker and did her combination.
"Rachel," I started, but she shuffled through her locker's contents and didn't listen. "Rachel." I said much louder, finally getting her attention. "What's wrong, babe? Did I do anything?" I asked, stepping closer, "I'm sorry if I did." Apologizing normally helped my case.
"It's not you; it's that, that new girl." Rachel said as she pulled out a notebook, "I don't know what to think of her."
I furrowed my brows, "Cleo?" I smirked, "She's harmless. Please tell me you're not threatened by her voice."
"Oh of course not," Rachel replied, turning her beautiful dark eyes on me, "I mean, she's obviously talented, but I'm not worried about that." She took in a breath, "I'm worried about your relationship with her."
"What?" I blurted.
Rachel closed her locker and continued, "I mean, you two are so close, so I obviously worry." We both started walking as she thought of what to say next, "It doesn't take much to see how amazing you are, so I would hate if she got the wrong idea and…"
"You think that Cleo might have a thing for me?" I questioned, raising my eyebrows. I stopped walking and grabbed Rachel's arm, "Look, Rachel, I know Cleo and I are extremely close, and that she kind of sprung up on you before I could explain, but I am telling you right now that I would never do anything to ruin what we have." I leaned in closer, "I love you too much to try and risk it with a girl that I can't even see myself with. Cleo's too good of a friend; she's basically my little sister."
Rachel averted her eye contact, "I feel ridiculous now. I knew that there was nothing, but you're too important to me." Her eyes came back up, "I'm sorry for even considering it. I love you, Finn."
I smiled, and leaned in and kissed her, "I love you, Rachel, and it's okay. Let's just relish in the fact New Directions has a new, talented member."
She smiled back at me, "Okay." We kissed again before walking to glee.
Cleo
"I can't believe what has happened in, like, the past week." I laughed. I looked over at Rory, whose hands were stuck in his pockets. "You managed to pull me into complete craziness after knowing me for ten minutes. How am I so easily persuaded?"
Rory laughed, "I say it's the accent."
We both laughed as I nodded in agreement. I actually really liked McKinley. I already had friends by my side, my teachers liked me, plus most of the students were nice. A lot of them ignored me, but they haven't got out of their way to be mean to me. I just waited for the day I'd eat those words and get mauled by bullies, or I would run into that Rick kid again.
Plus, Rory was really sweet to me. We had some classes together and talking to him seemed so simple. He was trying to make sure I felt accepted, because he was the newest new kid before I showed up, so we both understood what it's like to feel like the fish out of water.
And, he was really, really cute.
Wait, what? I shouldn't have thought that! I was still kinda getting over my breakup with Trevor (even though the boy didn't understand that we were no longer together); I didn't want to like someone. I didn't have time to like someone. I only knew Rory for a few days, so even thinking I liked him was crazy. It was pure crazy, so I needed to stop. But was it that simple?
"Hey," Rory said, "You've been kind of quiet, Cleo." Uh, his accent was so cute. Gah!
I shrugged, "Eh, I'm just thinking. Still trying to wrap my head around this place." I grinned at Rory and tucked my hair behind my ears.
He nodded, "Yeah, it can be a lot to take in. I still have troubles." He commented, "People still think I'm from Mexico."
"Are they missing a brain?" I asked, raising in an eyebrow, "Because saying you're from Mexico is like saying I'm Queen Latifah."
We both started laughing as Rory opened the door to the glee room. I walked inside and found a plastic chair next to the black girl, who was named Mercedes. I liked her. She was nice but sassy at the same time. She could also belt out Whitney like it was nobody's business.
Rachel and Finn were there too, sitting behind Rory and I. Finn smiled and waved at us; Rachel shot me a perplexed look but still smiled. Maybe Finn talked to her and she was giving me another chance, even though I technically didn't do anything to mess up my first chance.
Everyone else in the club; Kurt, Blaine (Kurt's boyfriend), Mike, Tina, Artie, Brittany, Santana, Sam, Quinn, Puck, Sugar; filed in in a period of ten minutes. Kurt gave me the run-down of all the couples: he and Blaine, Finn and Rachel (obviously), Mike and Tina, Brittany and Santana, and apparently Sam and Mercedes. The only single ones were Artie, Quinn, Puck, Rory, Sugar, and I.
Mr. Schuester, or Mr. Schue, walked in the room while everyone got settled in a seat. He had his bag over his shoulder and a dark navy binder.
"Hey guys!" greeted Mr. Schue, "I have a great idea for this week."
"Barbra Streisand?" Rachel blurted excitedly.
Everyone, including me, turned and stared at her.
"What? She's a legend!" Rachel huffed.
"Hey, maybe you should just let the man talk." Santana nearly snapped, but she must have been in a good mood because she didn't insult Rachel.
Mr. Schue interjected, "Okay, guys, settle down and listen up." We all turned back around and faced him, "We are doing duets!"
"Haven't we already done that?" Finn asked.
"Finn, we did that two years ago." Quinn answered.
"Look, I know some of us have sung ballads, but we have plenty of new members," I saw Mr. Schue's eyes flicker towards me, "So I think we should try it. Duets are our way of working with another performer. Working with other performers is a great way to get prepared to work as a team." He explained. "I think we should have an example." His eyes scanned the room, until finally, "Finn and Cleo."
What?
I felt everyone staring at me, and I couldn't help but ask, "Me?" I shook my head, "Are you sure? Maybe someone more experienced with a better connection with Finn could do it, like Rachel!" If I offered my part to her, maybe she'd like me better. The last thing Rachel wanted to see was me singing with her boyfriend.
Mr. Schue shook his head, "I want you guys to go outside your comfort zones with this assignment. I want you two to pick a song that shows your feelings for each other, then sing it. Just pick something; I think you can do it." He grinned at me. I guess he had a lot of faith in me.
Finn spoke, "I have a great song." He stepped down from his seat, "It does kind of explain our relationship," he added, smiling as he stood next to me, "Plus I know you know this song; you were listening to it last night."
I furrowed my brows, trying to think of what I listened to last night. I couldn't remember, but it was probably because I was distracted by my math homework. I nodded, "Okay, I trust you." I smiled back.
Finn nodded and whispered something to the band. The music started and I recognized the song right away. Finn and I started singing together:
"Take my hand and we'll run away
Down to this place that I know
How did this night become the enemy?
It's over it's over it's over"
Finn took over:
"C-c-c-calm your nerves now
And don't worry"
Me: "Just breathe"
Finn took my hand and twirled me around while he continued singing.
"Are you sure now
Don't bother packing, let's just leave
(All of them said) they wanna change
I hope that you remain the same
To show that this is not a game
Let's end this tragedy today"
I took over for the chorus, smiling as I faced Finn and stuck out my hand:
"Now take my hand and we'll run away
Down to this place that I know (place that I know)
How did this night become the enemy?
It's over, it's over, it's over"
During the guitar riff between verses, Finn grabbed my hand and we smiled at each other as I laughed. Finn started the second verse, let go of my hand, and pointed at me.
"Lay down with me
And let me hold you, baby, just breathe
This is ending
And we will get through eventually
(All of them) say they wanna change
I hope that you remain the same
To show that this is not a game
Let's end this (Both of us:) tragedy today"
It was my turn again. Everyone seemed to be getting in the performance, except Rachel:
"Now take my hand and we'll run away
Down to this place that I know (place that I know)
How did this night become the enemy?
It's over, it's over, it's over
Now take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know (place that I know)
How did this night become the enemy
It's over, it's over, it's over"
Everyone was on their feet, and Finn and I started pulling them in the performance as we continued:
"It's over
It's over, it's over, it's over
Take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know (it's over)
How did this night become the enemy
It's over, it's over, it's over
Take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know
How did this night become the enemy
It's over, it's over, it's over now
Now take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know (place that I know)
How did this night become the enemy
It's over, it's over, it's over now
Now take my hand and we will run away
Down to this place that I know (place that I know)
How did this night become the enemy
It's over, it's over, it's over now"
Finn and I made direct eye contact as everyone stopped dancing. We were completely still as we sang the last four lines.
"(We) we won't be a part of
(Won't) we won't be a part of this
(We) we won't be a part of
(Won't) we won't, we won't
"
The music ended and everyone applauded us, but neither one of us paid attention. Finn and I were too busy staring at each other. I examined his face, his eyes, and that half-smirk. I found myself smiling back. A rush of feelings surged in my body, but I had no idea what to think of them. My face went hot and I averted the eye contact.
"Guys, that was amazing!" Mr. Schue said, "Another solid performance, Cleo!"
I smiled and looked at the glee sponsor, "Thanks, Mr. Schue." I felt someone's arm around my shoulder. I glanced over and saw it was Rory. He wasn't looking at me though; he looking at Finn. His eyes were an intense shade of blue. Why did he have his arm around me? Why was he looking at Finn like that?
"Rory?" I said quietly, and he turned and looked at me. His eyes were back to his normal bright blue, "Did you not like it?"
Rory chuckled, "Oh, of course not, I loved it! You were great." He smiled at me and then hugged me.
I hugged back, wondering what that troubling, angry look in his eye meant.
