Raising the Volume Chapter 9, a glee fanfic

Gabe's POV

Mr. Evans walked into Glee Club and wrote Fear on the board. "This theme was suggested by one of you, who will remain anonymous. Anyway, Sectionals is next week and I think you guys are great and are going to win…"

"But there is a but" Emily said, quietly.

"…but, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement." He stated, it was true. I mean we did have to be even better for Regionals and Nationals if we make it that far. "Fear is something everyone has. It is something that can hold you back, even from the things you love."

"So we are singing songs about stuff we're afraid of?" Josh asked.

"Yes and no. You can, but I'd like you also to get in touch with any fear you have. So sing songs that remind you of it and try to go with the theme." He cleared up. "Would anyone like to go first?"

"I will!" Elsa volunteered. That is surprising, wasn't she only here because she had to be?

I'm stuck in your head, I'm back ,back from the dead
Got you running scared, I'm fearless
I'm calling you out, I'm taking you down
Don't you come around, I'm fearless, I'm fearless

Whoa, whoa I'm fearless
I've got the upper hand now, and you're losing ground
You never had to fight back, never lost a round
You see the gloves are coming off, tell me when you've had enough
Yeah

You used to make my heart pound, just the thought of you
You used to be a cold wind, always blowing through
But I won't take it anymore, that's not what I came here for

I'm stuck in your head, I'm back from the dead
Got you running scared, I'm fearless
I'm calling you out, I'm taking you down
Don't you come around, I'm fearless I'm fearless

Whoa, whoa I'm fearless
I've got the upper hand now, and you're losing ground
You never had to fight back, never lost a round
You see the gloves are coming off, tell me when you've had enough
Yeah

Ready for a showdown, and we're face -to -face
I think I'll rearrange it, put you in your place
You don't get the best of me, check it, you're afraid of me

I'm stuck in your head, I'm back, back from the dead
Got you running scared, I'm fearless
I'm calling you out, I'm taking you down
Don't you come around, I'm fearless, I'm fearless, I'm fearless

I'm stuck in your head, I'm back, back from the dead
Got you running scared, I'm fearless
I'm calling you out, I'm taking you down
Don't you come around, I'm fearless

After Glee Club, I went to talk to Emily.

"Hi." She said when she saw me. We had become good friends once we were made the captains; I hope her didn't ask her to and she only likes me because of that.

"Hey, so I was thinking. Maybe we could work on an assignment together." I suggested and she smiled. I guessed she liked the idea.

"Okay, you can over now—or are you doing something?" Emily asked and I nodded, but then shook my head. She was confused. So was I.

"I can come over now." I cleared and she nodded. She grabbed something and then I got in the car with her and her father; it was very strange riding in a car with Mr. Evans. I texted my mom telling her I was going over to a friend's to work on something for school.

"You two be careful." He said as we walked into his and Emily's home. I noticed he was looking at me when he said that; made me feel more uneasy, didn't he know we were just doing homework? Emily took me up to her room and closed the door.

"Sorry about him." Emily said. "Don't worry about it, he trusts me and was mostly just trying to scare you."

"It worked." I said.

"And now he knows he can trust you." Emily commented. I grinned, I am just glad he won't come up here at any time and kill me for being too close to his daughter. "Anyway, so what song do you think we should do?"

"Maybe we should reveal ourselves first." I thought, but once I turned to Emily again, I knew that I had said it aloud. "Sorry…"

"No, I just don't understand what you mean." Emily said.

"Well, this week is about fear right?" I started off and Emily nodded, she was still with me. "Maybe if we told each other what we are afraid of…it could help with the song choice…I don't know it's stupid—"

"No, I like it." Emily said and I sighed in relief, mentally. "So since it was your idea, what are you afraid of?" Emily asks me and I gulp. The first thing that comes to mind is my father—my adopted father anyway. He died not too long ago—when I was eleven I think—in a car crash and now I can barley get into a SUV or a hospital without thinking about the accident and him.

"Dying." I said, I didn't want to get into my life story, but it was true. Those two things I was afraid of were associated with death. "Dying young, actually."

"Why?" Emily asked. She wanted to why…great. Now how should I say that I'm terrified of dying young because my father was hurt in a car accident when I distracted him from driving and then died at a hospital and it's my fault. "…sorry, you don't have to tell me."

"What do you think is the worse way to die young?" Emily asked me. I wondered if she was afraid of the same thing because of this question. "When you think about it what do you think about?

"Hospitals. No one wants to die there right?" I said, nervously. I wonder if it would have been better for my father to die right away in the car than make it to the hospital in pain and die there.

"My mother died in a car accident." Emily told me.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay…I mean she was supposed to die right? She had cancer—"

"She was in remission?" I asked and she nodded; that was messed up. She was able to tell me this and I couldn't tell her about my dad dying? That was also messed up. "We were just talking and then the next thing we knew—my dad and I woke up in hospital beds and my mother never did." I put my arms around her and hugged her.

"My dad—he died when I was eleven." I told her, she told me something that wasn't easy to tell, I should tell her mine; even if it doesn't compare to hers. "I was in the car with him and my mom—I distracted him and the car flipped."

"He died then and you and your mother made it out?" Emily asked me and I shook my head.

"No, we all made it to the hospital. But my dad, they took him into surgery and he never made it out." I told her and it was then her turn to hug me as she wrapped her arms around me. I grinned.

"I think I have an appropriate song." Emily said and turned on some music and then began to sing.

[Emily]
We know full well there's just time
So is it wrong to dance this line?
If your heart was full of love
Could you give it up?

'Cause what about, what about angels?
They will come, they will go, make us special oh oh oh

Don't give me up
Don't give,
Me up

[Gabe]
How unfair, it's just our love
Found something real that's out of touch
But if you'd searched the whole wide world
Ho oh oh would you dare to let it go?

[Emily & Gabe]
'Cause what about, what about angels?
They will come, they will go, make us special oh oh oh

Don't give me up
Don't give,
Me up

'Cause what about, what about angels?
They will come, they will go, make us special

It's not about not about angels, angels

Melody's POV

I met up at Lucy at lunch—well we didn't go to lunch. I guess she didn't want anyone to see us making out; it was a good thing because I didn't want anyone knowing that I liked girls yet either. We were making out in the hallway, but I couldn't stop thinking about the assignment.

Sing about the pain and the fear. Yes, I had something that I was afraid of—well more like someone that I was afraid of. Actually two people: Ana and Jess.

Jess had an act on making my life miserable by getting me in trouble and Ana—she just hated me. I was pretty sure she only was with my dad for his money and if she could she would ship me off to boarding school.

Now my dad works a lot more and with my older sister gone—I'm alone and those two can do whatever they want to me whenever they want to; it sucked.

I really missed Ella. There have been some many times where I have wanted to pack my bags and runaway to go live with her; I knew I wouldn't make it. Jess would find out and tell Ana or my dad and they would stop me—my dad would stop me and then when he would leave, Ana would hit me a few times.

So I wouldn't dare try it unless it was a life or death situation.

"Hey, are you okay?" Lucy asked me, probably realized I wasn't as into it as I used to be. "Are you not into this?"

"I am—usually." I replied.

"What's wrong?" She asked me.

"Nothing."

"Tell me." She said and I sighed, she wouldn't stop until I told her. I knew that for sure.

"I was thinking about the assignment." I admitted. "I mean I was thinking about my dad and how I'm afraid to tell him—what I am."

"That you like girls?" Lucy questioned and I nodded. "I understand. Neither of my moms know either."

"We should tell them." I suggested.

"Wait…I'm not sure it's the right time."

"Lucy, you like me right?" I asked and she nodded. "And you like…what we're doing?"

"I more than like it." She replied and then gave me another kiss.

"Then we should tell our parents. I mean, then we could go home together and we would have to kiss in empty hallways."

"Okay, I'll tell them. Or at least try to." Lucy agreed and I kissed her again.

I went home right after school. I had to work out how I was going to come out. I didn't really care about what Jess or what Ana would say because it would be the same as always; they hate me. My dad loved me now and I just hoped he would love me afterwards.

The trick for me is telling him because my dad is homophobic and it terrifies me of what he will do to me when he finds out. I just hope he can understand.

I went home and was welcomed home by Jess. I rolled my eyes and moved right past her, but she stopped me. "Get back here!" She demanded, but I ignored her. She probably just wanted to either annoy me or boss me around.

I went into the kitchen and saw both Ana and my father. "Honey, Melody's home." Ana said, kindly, which she only is like when he is around. My father turned and smiled at me; I really hope this won't be the last time.

"Dad, can I speak to you?" I asked and I took him into a separate room.

"What is it you want to tell me?" He asked and I took a deep breath.

"You love me right? No matter what?" I asked and he smiled at me.

"Of course, you're my daughter. You and Ella, I will always love you both." He said and I took another deep breath; it's now or never.

"I'm—I'm gay." I said softly.

That was when his smile fell and I had a feeling that wasn't a good sign. "What?"

"I—I like girls." I admitted. "…and I have a girlfriend. Her name is Lucy and I love her." I had tears in my eyes, I was holding them back. "Please say something." I begged when he didn't say anything and just looked at me; no longer with a smile.

"You're not." He said.

"What?" I asked. I didn't understand.

"You're not gay. You probably just haven't met the right person for you." He said and I shook my head, but he kept talking. "I am sure everyone has thought—like that at least once."

"Dad, you're not listening." I said, I knew I would regret it. "I like girls. I'm gay." I said it a little louder. I waited a few seconds, wondering what he would say. He looked at me as if I was angry. And then he slapped me across my face.

"Dad—" I said, but he hit me again.

"You are not my daughter." He said. "You are disgusting." He walked out, leaving me there. Tears rolled down my face as he walked away from me, hating what I was. I should be sad—which I am. But I am more angry that he said he would love me always, and clearly he does not.

I met up with Lucy the next day. I showed up with a black eye, I hope I could come up with a good excuse for it. "Hey, what happened?"

"My step sister and I kind of got into an argument." I told her and she seemed to believe it. "So, did you tell you moms that you are a lesbian?"

"No…sorry I couldn't. Besides Dani wasn't home last night." She told me and I sighed.

"I did." I told her and it went great.

"Maybe it isn't the right time for me to tell them."

"Lucy, it's not that you don't want to tell them—I mean they are exactly like you." I said, I really needed to get this off my chest. "You just don't want people here to know—or better yet, you can't admit it to yourself."

"Mel, that is ridiculous! I am perfectly fine with who I am, I just don't want everyone knowing because I don't them all in my business!"

"I told my parents and I finally admitted to myself. I was so worried about he would think. That he would hate, but you know what? If they don't accept me screw them! It's more important about what I think." I told her. "And if you really want to be with me, you would tell people. You wouldn't care about anyone else as long as you had me."

At that point I walked away; I couldn't talk to her any longer.

In Glee Club I decided to sing a song.

Your love belongs to me,
Don't you run, don't you hide.
Your love does something to me
Deep inside, I come alive.

'Cause you and I belong together
We've been hiding long enough
We can't care what they approve of
Can't let them tell us who to love

So let's fight for the right to live
Fight for the right to give all
Fight for the right to fall
Fall, fall in love

We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we gone
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we gone

I've got the right to fall

If loving you was wrong,
I don't wanna be right
And I won't be surprised,
If I love you for the rest of my life

'Cause you and I belong together
We've been hiding long enough
We can't care what they approve of
Can't let them tell us who to love

So let's fight for the right to live
Fight for the right to give all
Fight for the right to fall
Fall, fall in love

We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we gone
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we
We're gonna love, off we gone

I've got the right to fall
I've got the right to fall
I've got the right to fall

Jamie's POV

After Glee Club, I decided to meet up with the guys, but apparently they had other things they had to do. I didn't know what I was going, but I saw Bridget and I wondered if she would mind hanging out with me.

"Hey." I said.

"Hi, is there something you want?" She asked me and I shook my head, but then nodded. She grinned at me, which I knew was a good sign.

"I was wondering if you'd want to do something with me." It sounded very awkward.

"What did you have in mind?" Bridget asked.

"I don't know…I honestly didn't think I'd get this far." I said and she started to laugh. Then someone knocked into Bridget and she fell into me…as if this wasn't awkward enough. She laughed a little and stood back up.

We looked and saw Colin and Daniel—well Daniel, but I had to know that Colin was probably the one that accidently shoved Bridget because Daniel was right behind. Everyone in the school—or Glee Club at least, knew what Colin was like.

"Sorry guys." Daniel said.

"Colin?"

"Yep." He said nodding and started to walk away. "Hey, wait up!"

"Why don't we go walk…or something?" Bridget suggested and I nodded. We left school and we just walked together, maybe we would walk to her house or something and we would just talk to pass the time, I didn't know—I think too much.

"So do you have any ideas for the Glee assignment?" I asked and Bridget shrugged.

"I don't know…" Bridget said. "What about you?"

"I don't think I'll be able to do it." I admitted.

"What are you fearless or something?" She asked and I laughed. Then I shook my head…no way could I be fearless. "Then what is it then?"

"I don't like performing…in front of people." I admitted. She grinned, was she about to laugh? "Don't laugh!"

"I'm not…I'm just confused. You don't like performing in front of people and yet you are in Glee Club." Bridget said, it was true.

"I mean I love to sing and stuff…it's just in front of people and by myself that I have problems with." I told her.

"How did you audition?"

"I may have looked at my feet the whole time." I said and she smiled.

"I was thinking that you used a blindfold." She said, I was pretty sure she was joking. I rolled my eyes and laughed with her. I smiled at her as we then stopped walking. I guessed that this was probably her house.

"I guess I'll see you later…" She started to say, she probably didn't remember my name. Eh, I never really said so it didn't bother me.

"Jamie." I said.

"…Jamie." She said and then went inside. I sighed and smiled and then walked away from the house. I liked Bridget, she seemed pretty cool. I don't why she didn't talk more and wasn't one of those girls with a lot of friends; I think she is amazing.

I think she liked me, but I don't know.

I feel strange…Oh god. I can't be in love with her. I mean, this is like the first time I talked to her and I am pretty sure she doesn't like me back.

Okay maybe I am worse with girls than I am with performing.

The next day in Glee Club, Colin was performing a song.

I brush my teeth and look in the mirror
And laugh out loud as I'm beaming from ear to ear
I'd rather pick flowers instead of fights
And rather than flaunt my style
I'd flash you a smile of clean pearly whites

I've been to the dentist a thousand times
So I know the drill, I smooth my hair
Sit back in the chair
But somehow I still get the chills

"Have a seat", he says pleasantly
As he shakes my hand and practically laughs at me
"Open up nice and wide", he says peering in
And with a smirk he says, "Don't have a fit
This'll just pinch a bit", as he tries not to grin

When hygienists leave on long vacations
That's when dentists scream
And lose their patience

Talking only brings the toothaches on
Because I say the stupidest things
So if my result goes south
I'll swallow my pride with an Aspirin
And shut my mouth

Golf and alcohol don't mix
And that's why I don't drink and drive
Because good grief, I'd knock out my teeth
And have to kiss my smile goodbye

I've been to the dentist a thousand times
So I know the drill, I smooth my hair
Sit back in the chair
But somehow I still get the chills

That was an interesting choice. I guess it went with the theme, I wonder if he related to it.

"That was great Colin, why did you pick that song?" Mr. Evans asked him.

"I just thought it went with the theme…I don't relate to it personally." Colin said and that's when Daniel walked over to him.

"He actually hates hospitals." Daniel commented and Colin shoved him.

"Shut up." Colin said and then they both kissed. That was unexpected. After they both sat down, I got up and went to the front of the room. I can't believing I'm doing this. This can go two of ways: really good or really bad.

"This is one of my favorite songs." I said and then music started.

Simmer down, simmer down
They say we're too young now to amount to anything else
But look around
We work too damn hard for this just to give it up now
If you don't swim, you'll drown
But don't move, honey

You look so perfect standing there
In my American Apparel underwear
And I know now, that I'm so down
Your lipstick stain is a work of art
I got your name tattooed in an arrow heart
And I know now, that I'm so down

Hey!

I looked at Bridget and she was smiling; I am guessing that she liked it. I smiled at her and after I sat down next to her, I gave her a kiss on the cheek. She then looked at me surprised and then smiled; thank god! She likes me!

Mia's POV

"Watch it!" Someone calls out as they walk past me. I sigh, like I really could do that. I try my best to look at the bright side of things and be positive, but sometimes it's too damn hard. This week we are preparing for Sectionals and I don't feel as excited as everyone else.

Probably because I can't perform.

I want to, but how can someone who is blind do that? The stage will be unfamiliar and people will be moving faster than I can keep up with without my sight; it would be dangerous for me to be out there. I really hated being blind sometimes.

I had been blind since I was ten I think and I try to be okay with it, but I remember what it was like to see. I miss it, it's time like this I really miss it.

That's why I have to do this. I have to do this for me.

As I am walking, I almost fall after bumping into someone, but they catch me. "Whoa!" I could hear that it was a boy. He helped me to my feet and I grinned. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." I said.

"I'm Steve." He told me.

"Mia." I replied. "I sort of recognize your voice from Glee Club."

"Thanks, I think." He replied and I grinned.

"Sorry, I'm blind so I don't know what you look like." I told him.

"I know." He said. I am pretty sure the whole school knew about me. Mia Peterson the blind girl. The blind girl who is happy and sings. But mostly just the part about being blind. The real jerks will yell at me and tell me to 'watch it', knowing that I can't. They think that blind people shouldn't be in public schools, they get in the way; they think the same way about deaf kids too.

"Look I have to go." I said, but I had a feeling that he would follow me.

"Where are you going? Let me help you?" Steve offered, a lot of people do; they offer to help the blind person.

"I can manage." I told him.

"Wait."

"Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't get to where I need to be." I said.

"Tell me where you are going." He said, stopping me. "Sorry, I'm curious."

"Don't tell anyone." I said.

"I won't."

"I'm getting this surgery." I told him.

"To try and get your vision back?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yes. I am mean, I try to be happy and positive and everything. But I am tired of it. I am tired of the jerks yelling at me to 'watch it' and 'look out'. I'm tired of having teachers trying to get me an escort. I am tired of everything that I can't do because I'm blind." I told him. "I am doing this for me. This is best for me."

"I understand, if anyone was in your situation—"

"I want to be able to perform at Sectionals next week." I told him. "I only need a few days recovery and I learn dance steps easily. As long as it works then Mr. Evans will have to clear me to go on stage."

"Wait, you're going on stage?"

"I'm blind, Steve. What do you think? Is it safe to have a blind person perform on an unfamiliar stage and try and dance? No blind person would be able to keep up." I said.

"What if it doesn't work?"

"I don't care, I got to try. I don't care what anyone not even what my dad says!" I exclaimed. Oh great, he knows now that my dad doesn't approve of this. He has that I am doing great and I shouldn't risk anything. The only risk is me not trying and missing out on something I could have again. I guess it's a good thing I learned his signature before I went blind.

"Goodbye Steve." I said and started to walk away. Please don't follow me. Please don't follow me.

"I think you'll need me to come with you." Steve said, walking beside me.

"And why would I need that?"

"Because for now at least, you are blind and since your dad doesn't know about you doing this, you'll probably need someone to get you there." He said and I sighed. He had a good point. I then smiled, I guess I could use someone for moral support.

Steve's POV

I took Mia to the hospital and so far that I know they would do the surgery tonight and she would wake up by morning. I would come see her after school and that would be when she tested her vision to see if the surgery worked.

I hoped that it did.

"You good?" I asked her, I probably should go before my parents got worried about me.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Go home." Mia told me.

"I'll come by after school." I told her and she smiled.

"I won't let them take them off until you get here. You helped me and I want to see your face first." Mia told me and I smiled. I felt flattered. "You are also the first person who didn't treat me like a blind person right away."

"Hey, before you go. Sing a song with me." She said and I couldn't say no. She started out.

[Mia]
Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know You are near

[Steve]
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?

[Steve & Mia]
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

The next day in Glee Club, we were going to do a group number as a way to prepare for next week. Maybe Mia would be able to be in the next one.

Gabe was singing lead on the song.

I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid!
(Yeah)
To take a stand, to take a stand
(It's been a ride)
Everybody, everybody
(I guess I had to)
Come take my hand, come take my hand
(Go to that place to get to this one)

We'll walk this world together through the storm
(Now some of you)
Whatever weather, cold or warm
(Might still be in that place)
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
(If you're tryin' to get out)
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road
(Just follow me, I'll get you there)

You can try read my lyrics off of this paper before I lay 'em
But you won't take the sting out these words before I say 'em
'Cause ain't no way I'ma let you stop me from causing mayhem
When I say I'ma do something, I do it, I don't give a damn what you think

I'm doin' this for me, so fuck the world
Feed it beans, it's gassed up if it thinks it's stopping me
I'ma be what I set out to be, without a doubt, undoubtably
And all those who look down on me, I'm tearing down your balcony

No if, ands, or buts, don't try to ask him why or how can he
From "Infinite" down to that last "Relapse" album
He's still shittin' whether he's on salary, paid hourly
Until he bows out or he shits his bowels out of him

Whichever comes first, for better or worse
He's married to the game, like a fuck-you for Christmas
His gift is a curse, forget the earth, he's got
The urge to pull his dick from the dirt and fuck the whole universe

Okay, quit playin' with the scissors and shit and cut the crap
I shouldn't have to rhyme these words in a rhythm for you to know it's a rap
You said you was the king, you lied through your teeth
For that fuck your fillings, instead of getting crowned you're getting capped

And to the fans, I'll never let you down again, I'm back
I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact
Let's be honest, that last "Relapse" CD, was "eh"
Perhaps I ran them accents into the ground

Relax, I ain't goin' back to that now
All I'm tryin' to say is get back, click clack, pow
'Cause I ain't playin' around, it's the game called circlin'
I don't know how, I'm way too up to back down

But I think I'm still tryin' to figure this crap out
Thought I had it mapped out, but I guess I didn't
This fucking black cloud still follows me around
But it's time to exorcise these demons, these motherfuckers are doing jumping-jacks now

I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
To take a stand, to take a stand
Everybody, everybody
Come take my hand, come take my hand

We'll walk this road together through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road

And I just can't keep living this way
So starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage

I'm standing up, I'ma face my demons
I'm manning up, I'ma hold my ground
I've had enough, now I'm so fed up
Tryin' to put my life back together right now

And I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
To take a stand, to take a stand
Everybody, everybody
Come take my hand, come take my hand

We'll walk this route together through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road

So Gabe and Emily had a moment having to do with their late parents. Melody came out to her dad and is having a little relationship trouble with Lucy. Jamie and Bridget are in the making. Also Mia is getting a surgery so she can see again and perform at Sectionals, which is next chapter.

Songs: Fearless (Olivia Holt), Not About Angels (Birdy), Right To Fall (Jessica Sanchez), Dental Care (Owl City), She Looks So Perfect (5 Seconds Of Summer), Never Will Let Go (Jeremy Camp), & Not Afraid (Eminem)

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