Disclaimer: This is Part 1 of a Double Post! Sorry to keep you waiting! Enjoy! :)
Chapter 14
Tributes and Dedications
Puck was at the parking lot standing by its entrance. A few more minutes and the Glee Club meeting was about to start. It was one of the most important meetings since one, they were all going to perform, and two, that might be the deciding factor in McKynleigh finally giving in and transferring to their school.
He looks at the sidewalk and sees her, walking towards him and smiling. Great…I'm sure everyone will like her…
"Sorry to keep you waiting." She smiles and looks around. "Your school's cool. Nice and simple…"
He steps aside and lets her walk first. "I'll lead you the way." She nods as they both walk. They enter the school building, as Puck shows the different classrooms. They continue walking until they reach the auditorium. "So, due to our increasing members, we always use the auditorium for our performances now."
"Increasing members?" She smirked. "I guess you won't need me after all."
"No!" Puck's face turned anxious. "I mean…the club always needs new members. Actually, we're the most accepting club in the school."
She smiled again. "And I'm glad to hear that."
"Good." He smiled back and opened the door for her. They go down the stairway, the other members looking at them while making finishing touches to their routines. Mr. Schue was already seated on his table, also wondering who Puck was with.
"Guys! I'd like you to meet McKynleigh. She's from Carmel High."
"What?" Rachel stands immediately, her eyes bulging with fury. "You brought a spy?"
The tanned girl raised an eyebrow at Rachel. "I'm not a spy! And don't even think for one second that I'm a member of Vocal Adrenaline."
"Relax Rachel." Puck said calmly. "She's just here to observe. We have a potential new transferee and member here."
The others nodded, including Rachel, finally smiling at her. Mr. Schue does the same. "Well, McKynleigh right?"
"I think you should call me Miki. I don't want you guys to keep saying your school name." She laughs a little.
"So, Miki, make yourself feel comfortable while we start their performances."
She nodded as Puck leads her to their seats. She waves hi to Matheus and Samuel, who she met during Saturday, and Finn, who smiled at her as well. He leaned to Samuel. "You're right…I'm thinking he's not only recruiting her as a new member." Both chuckled.
"All right! Who wants to go first?"
Emily immediately stands from her seat, flipping her hair, winking at Samuel, and walking up the stage.
"Let me guess…" McKynleigh looked at the guy with the dreadlocks. "She has a thing for you?"
He smiled. "And I have a thing for her too." She smiled and shook her head, leaning again to her seat.
"You guys better get ready, because if I'm singing solo, I'm stealing your mojo." She looked at the band. "Hit it!"
The band starts playing, and a few of the members realize the song. Even Mr. Schue.
A lonely mother gazing out of the window
Staring at a son that she just can't touch
If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side
But he doesn't realize he hurts her so much
But all the praying just ain't helping at all
Cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble
So he goes out and he makes his money the best way he knows how
Another body laying cold in the gutter Listen to me
Don't go chasing waterfalls
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to
I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all
But I think you're moving too fast
The girls sing along to the chorus on their seats, as Emily was feeling the song. Her sultry tone made the song her own. As she sang the last note, she does her signature hair flip, and they all clap. She goes down the stage.
"How'd you think I did Miki?"
"Nice! I love that song and you sounded amazing!"
"Oh wow! I love you now!" She approaches her and gives her a hug, going back to her seat.
Finn stands up. "Let's go guys!" He walks to the stage, as Matheus and Sam follow.
"Good luck, Puck." McKynleigh gives him a thumbs-up, as he smiles at her. Finn goes to the drums, while Puck wears a guitar, while Samuel wears a bass. All of them had mic stands while Matheus just holds his and takes center stage.
"I didn't know that Samuel played bass," said Marissa, seated beside Emily.
"Oh yeah. He can play guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. There's only one thing he hasn't played with yet."
"What?"
The Latina looked at her and smiled. "Me."
"Oh god Emily…" The ginger rolled her eyes, and reverted to the stage to watch the performance.
The guys started playing, and some started to smile.
"That's my shower song!" Cameron exclaimed, as Damian, Marissa, and Emily look at him, frowning. "What? Everyone has shower songs!"
I'm so happy 'cause today
I've found my friends, they're in my head
I'm so ugly, that's OK
'Cause so are you, broke our mirrors
Sunday mornin' is every day
For all I care and I'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze
'Cause I've found God
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Some of them sang with the Yeah! parts, while others cheered. Matheus was rocking out, jumping and pumping his fist in the air.
I'm so lonely, that's OK
I shaved my head and I'm not sad
And just maybe I'm to blame
For all I've heard but I'm not sure
I'm so excited, I can't wait
To meet you there and I don't care
I'm so horny, that's OK
My will is good
Now, the whole group sings along the Yeah! parts. Even McKynleigh. Some even stand up from their seats, jumping with the music. The songs ends and they all cheer. They go down the stage, the visitor all giving them high-fives.
"So, what's your verdict?" Puck said, taking his seat.
"That was awesome!" She gave him a high-five. "I'm being more and more convinced, honestly…"
He smiled. "That's great!"
Kurt immediately stands up and calls his companions. "Let's go, Operation MC!"
"Hold on, I didn't say we were a part of that." Santana stood and remarked. Kurt turned to her and smirked. "Oh you'll soon be…" The Latina rolled her eyes, as she strutted toward the stage.
The five of them follow her and prepare some stools. The three girls plus Kurt sit on the right side, while Blaine and Sam take center stage, the blonde one with a guitar. Blaine fixes his mic.
"So, this song…goes out to a member of the club. There's a guy who really likes you. And, we're helping him relay the message to you. Sorry we can't say who. We like to keep it subtle."
Cameron froze for a bit. He knew that they were planning something, but he didn't think that it would be this. He glanced at Marissa, who didn't react to Blaine's mini speech. She didn't seem to get the context of the dedication, so he just focuses on the stage, waiting for what these guys set up. Emily seemed to have thought too as well. She nudged her elbow onto her friend and whispered, "Look at all of them, helping Cameron…another song dedicated to you, M!"
She shrugged and glanced at him, focused on the stage. Kurt was Cameron's mentor, and there's a big chance that the song was…for her. And it wasn't even entirely impossible that the guy beside her could like her. There were a few hints before which suggested that he may like her, but she didn't want to get her hopes up that a guy as nice and sweet as Cameron could feel that way about her. And she'd only recently realized that she liked him too. What does this mean now, for the both of us?
Rachel folds her arms, grudgingly watching Operation MC. Sam starts playing the guitar, strumming to a reggae beat, and those at the side do harmonies. Blaine starts singing.
From the very first time I rest my eyes on you, girl
My heart said follow through
But I know now that I'm way down on your line
But the waiting feeling's fine
So don't treat me like a puppet on a string
Because I know how to do my thing
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb
I wanna know when you're gotta come, you see
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
'Cause summer is here - and I'm still waiting there
Winter is here - and I'm still waiting there
McKynleigh whispered to Puck. "So, what's the dish on the dedication?"
"I'm not sure…but I'm thinking it's the tall guy and the redhead. They're seated together at the back."
She turned around slightly to get a look. "Ooh, they look compatible!"
Like I said -
It's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And still I can knock some more
Ooh boy, ooh boy - is it crazy look, I wanna know now
For I to knock some more
You see
In life I know that there is lots of grief
But your love is my relief
Tears in my eyes burn
Tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waitin'
While I'm waitin' for my turn
You see
The others now join in singing 'I don't wanna wait in vain for your love'. Cameron looks beside, seeing the two girls singing to the song as well. The redhead looked at him and smiled. "Did you know about this?" He shakes his head, not saying a word.
"I like it." She looked back at the stage. "The one they're dedicating it too is really lucky." She didn't want to tell Cameron that she somewhat knew that the song was for her. If she did, they were going to act awkward around each other again.
He looks at her, smiling as well. However, he wanted to tell that it was him, and the song was for her…
Sam ends with a strum of his guitar, and the six of them stood and bowed. The others cheered as usual as they went down the stage.
Artie starts going towards the stage, as Rachel, Tina and Mike follow him. Artie gets the guitar, as Rachel fixes the mic stand for him. "Do your best, Artie!" He nods as she goes to the two Asians, the three each holding their mics. Rachel then smiles.
"We would like to dedicate the song to the supposed guy who likes said member in the previous dedication."
The others frowned, especially Cameron. What are these people doing?
"Please listen carefully, so that you know how you really feel." Rachel nods to Artie. He starts playing the guitar, and then the band joins in. He then starts singing, while the others do background vocals.
Is that the stars in the sky, or is it
Rain fallin' down
Will it burn me if I touch the sun
So big, so round
Would I be truthful, yeah, in,
Choosing' you as the one for me?
Is this love baby,
Or is it just confusion?
My mind is so messed up
Goin' round and round
Must there be all the colours
Without names, without sound, baby?
My heart burns with feeling, but,
My mind, it's cold and reeling
Is this love baby,
Or is it confusion?
Cameron frowned, breathing deeply. What are they trying to say? That he is confused with his feelings? That what he feels for Marissa isn't love? He's been sure of it since the beginning. Who do they think they are telling me how I feel about her?
Artie does a guitar riff, while McKynleigh whispers again to Puck. "So, do you do this all the time? Dedicate songs to other members?" He shakes his head. "Today is an unusual day…"
Kurt looks at Blaine. "So…playing fire with fire…how can they even tell that Cameron's confused about his feelings? He obviously liked her since day one!"
Blaine shrugs. "You don't know for sure too, Kurt. Sometimes, you feel like you love that person, when really, it's just admiration." The pale one frowned. "And what about us? Is it only admiration?"
"I've known you long enough to know that it's more than admiration." He smiled.
My head is poundin', poundin'
Goin' 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round
Must there always be these colours?
Without names, without sounds
My heart burns with feeling, but,
My mind, it's cold and reeling
Is this love baby,
Or is it just confusion?
You tell me baby, is this
Love or confusion?
Mama, we must get together and find out
Exactly what we're tryin' to do
Love or confusion?
Confusion
They all bowed and exited the stage as the others clapped. The four sat down their seats happily.
"Hey! W-Wait!"
Cameron stands up, pulling Marissa from her seat. Fury was painted in his face as they both go up the stage. He wanted to show all of them that they're wrong. He liked Marissa since the beginning, and his feelings aren't going to change. Plus, he's not going to let anyone help him anymore. He's going to do it by himself.
He lets Marissa sit on a stool in the middle of the stage. "Cam, what are you doing?"
"What I should have done a long time ago."
He goes and takes a mic from one of the stands. He faces the audience. "Hi, I'm Cameron Mitchell. Since today, we're in a dedicating mood, let's continue on. I'm dedicating this song to Marissa von Bleicken." He presents her to the others.
"This song sums up my feelings for you."
The redhead becomes flustered, her cheeks turning red. Those in charge of the auditorium put the spotlight on, one on her and another on Cameron. She was feeling a little uneasy being exposed like that.
He nods to the band as they started playing. The beat was catchy, and the others reacted, knowing the song. Emily smiled. "Oh! That song is too adorable!" She glances at Damian. "Wait, I thought you three were singing together?"
He anxiously smiled. "Well, we had a change of plans…but I didn't know that they modified theirs drastically." Emily turned to the stage again. "Spontaneous…I like it Cameron!" She does a restrained applause and he then starts singing.
Wise men say,
Only fools rush in,
But I can't help,
Falling in love with you.
Shall I stay,
Would it be a sin,
If I can't help,
Falling in love with you.
He was looking at Marissa the whole time. He goes around the stool, still looking at her while singing. He sang as if it was just the two of them…alone. Just sing to her…that's worked before, it'll work again…
Meanwhile, she was watching him, her mouth slightly open, and eyebrows slightly frowning. So this is how he really feels? Her heart starts racing, as always. She didn't even want to look at the others who were watching them. She bit her lip, wanting to smile. He's charming though…
Kurt vigorously shook Blaine's shoulders. "He's doing it! Oh I can't even breathe!" Sam on the other hand smiled at Mercedes. "Great idea to leave them and let the thing roll on its own."
She frowned and smiled. "Of course he would know what to do better than us. He likes the girl!"
Like a river flows,
To the sea,
So it goes,
Some things are meant to be,
Some things are meant to be!
She then couldn't help but smile, watching him singing and moving around, his eyes only focused on her. This guy is just…unpredictable. He keeps doing things for her, but she never does anything for him…other than taking that slushie. I promised him a duet. She continued watching.
Take my hand,
Take my whole life too,
For I can't help,
Falling in love with you.
She suddenly stands and goes to a mic stand, leaving Cameron standing on his spot, surprised. She takes a mic, faces him and smiles.
Wise men say,
Only fools rush in,
But I, I can't, I can't help,
Falling in love,
With you.
Like a river flows,
To the sea,
So it goes,
Some things are meant to be,
Some things are meant to be!
She dances a bit, circling around him while singing the lyrics. He looks at her, still stunned. Does she feel the same way too? He then snaps out of his trance and goes near her. They started singing together, like a true duet.
Take my hand,
Take my whole life too,
For I can't help,
Falling in love with you.
Take my hand,
Take my whole life too,
For I can't help,
Falling in love with you,
For I can't help,
Falling in love,
Falling in love with you
Tina and Mike were looking at each other. "Maybe we misinterpreted the video…" Artie shook his head, facing them. "Why are you telling maybe? We obviously did."
Rachel watches the two on the stage intently. I was wrong…but then again, it was stupid to assume through that video… She looked at the stage, looking at the both of them singing at and with each other.
Like a river flows,
That's the way it goes,
I just can't help on it,
Falling in love with you,
Like a river flows,
That's the way it goes,
I just can't help on it,
Falling in love with you
The band stops playing, and Cameron and Marissa were standing in close proximity, looking at each other. They were both breathing deeply, and they can feel each other gasping for air. She was smiling at him, her lungs expanding rapidly for air. He gazed at her fixedly, also trying to catch his breath. Both of them feel a surge of emotions, their hearts pounding, and their stomachs feeling heavy.
Out of pure impulse, Cameron slowly leans forward, wanting his lips to meet with hers. However, Marissa suddenly steps back, not realizing what he was trying to do. Still smiling, she holds his hand and nods at him. He slightly frowned, but nodded as well. Both of them bow to the others, and they were met with applause.
As they went down the stage, Kurt and Blaine cheered, along with Sam and Mercedes. Emily was clapping incredulously as they neared their seats.
"And the two of you have the award for cutest couple ever!"
Marissa smiled at her, as she let go of his hand and they both sat down. "That was so sweet of you Cam."
"Thanks." He nodded and smiled back. But still, he was thinking about a while ago. He nearly kissed her, but she backed out. Did she know he was going to kiss her? Or…
Damian stands, smiling to the three. "I'm going guys. Wish me luck."
"You'll do fine," the ginger said, and Cameron patted him on the shoulder. "Go get your girl!"
This is it. You have to sing this song with all the emotion you have… He goes up to the stage and takes a mic stand. He takes a deep breath.
"I'm Damian McGinty. And I'll be singing this song to…someone I've known for quite a while. She was my first friend in the school. And, I'm very very grateful for her. Thank you, Lindsay."
He takes out his hand, and points to her, seated at the front. Her eyes widened as the others look at her, including Rachel.
"Lindsay?" She muttered to herself. "B-But…" She sighed. The video is slowly becoming more and more insignificant.
The band starts playing, a somewhat jazzy sound. Mr. Schue recognized the song, and realized that the arrangement was modified.
The first time I saw you I knew I was hooked on somebody other than me
The first time I held you, your soft lips and blue eyes
Were as far as my eyes could see
Yes here in my arms I knew I had found the reason that I'm living for
And I felt the feeling, such a wonderful feeling
That I'd never felt before
Lindsay let out a reserved smile. Blue eyes…soft lips…could he have not picked a better song? She steadily watches him, singing to her. Damian…he's singing this song to her…it couldn't get any better than this.
Baby, you're love's been a long time coming
Baby your love's got a hold on me
Baby your love's sure got me humming
Baby your love's been a long time coming
Deep in my heart there's a feeling I never knew
Until I saw a love that was very new
I'm gonna tell everyone what good love can do
Baby, you're love's been a long time coming
Baby your love's got a hold on me
Baby your love's sure got me humming
Baby your love's been a long time coming
Baby, you're love's been a long time coming
Baby your love's got a hold on me
The others cheered and applauded. Damian smiled and bowed as he went down the stage. Lindsay immediately stands from her chair and meets him at the steps of the stage. They faced each other.
"Thanks Damian. That really lifted up my spirits." She smiled widely.
"Lindsay…" He takes her hand, his eyebrows drawing together. "I…I…"
Say it, Damian, say it!
He anxiously gulps, still holding her hand. "Go on and sing." She nodded as she continued up the stage. Damian continued to his seat. She looks down walking up the stage. What was he going to say?
"Nice job Damo!" Cameron gives him a high-five.
"I couldn't have done it without you guys." He smiled at Cameron and Marissa as he relaxes on his seat. Why didn't he say that he liked her? Why did he hesitate? That could've been his moment. But, he brushes off his thoughts. He needs to watch Lindsay.
She stands on the stage, using that same mic stand Damian used. She smiled at all of them. "I'm Lindsay. And I'll be singing this song…to Damian."
Santana folds her arms, watching intently. "Hmm, now I know what to do…time to get my little leprechaun some loving…"
Lindsay nods to the band, and the piano starts playing. The members immediately recognized the tune.
Why do birds
Suddenly appear?
Everytime you are near
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you
Lindsay smiled, singing that last line. She looks at Damian, who was smiling as well. He focused as she sang with that powerful voice of hers. She feels the same way, I know it…
Why do stars
Fall down from the sky?
Everytime you walk by
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you
on the day that you were born
The angels got together and decided
To create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moondust in your hair
Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you
She ends the song, holding that last note as long as she could. She was met with tremendous applause as she went down the stage. She went back to her seat, unable to erase the smile on her face . I hope he feels the same way…
"Okay! Bryce and Quinn, you're up."
The two of them stand up their seats and go up the stage. Bryce arranges two stools side by side, then two mic stands in front. He lets Quinn sit, and he takes his place on the other one.
"We'll hope you'll enjoy this last performance."
"And unfortunately, this has no dedications." Quinn looked at Bryce and smiled, as he started playing the ukulele. Quinn starts singing.
Well I heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do ya?
Bryce strums as he starts singing.
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
The two then started singing together, both facing the audience.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Well Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
And she broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Bryce did a last strum, and they both looked at each other smiling. They both stand and go down the stage, Quinn going first.
"All right guys! That was great! All of you did amazing performances!"
He goes down from his seat and goes up the stage. "Now that we're done with our warm-ups, I guess it's time we get serious with Sectionals! From now on, we're practicing every afternoon for about 2-3 hours. Have we got ourselves a deal?"
The others clapped while some just nodded and said 'Yes'. Emily shook her head. "And now's the start of less sleep…"
"Okay! I'll see you all tomorrow then! McKynleigh, thanks for joining us, and I hope you consider our offer."
She nods to Mr. Schue. "It was my pleasure."
"That's it guys! Take care!"
The students stand up and start to leave the auditorium. Emily, Marissa, and Damian stand up to exit too, but Cameron grabs the redhead's wrist.
"Can we talk?" She faces him, her head tilted slightly. "It'll only take a while." The other two started walking, as she slowly took her seat again.
"We'll wait for you at the car," said the Irishman, as the two who were seated waited until they left the auditorium. Both of them face each other, Cameron taking a deep breath.
"Marissa, I like you."
Her eyes widened. He finally admitted it. She felt her heart racing. She found herself suddenly stiff, being unable to move any muscle. Her throat became unusually dry. What was she going to do? Should she say that she liked him too? Would it be too soon? "Um…Cam…I-I don't know what to say…"
He slightly flinched. What did he expect her to say? That she liked him back? Of course that's what he wanted her to say. A million thoughts began wandering his mind. However, one seems to stick in his head. I think I should not have told her in the first place.
"Cam…" She slowly stands up, walking towards the aisle. She turns around and faces him.
"I like you too."
He immediately stands. Yes! I can't believe it! S-She likes me too! He grinned from ear to ear, his eyes brightening up. "R-Really Marissa? You do?"
She looks down and nods slightly, as he goes near her and holds her hands. She looks up at him. "But, what do you think this means?'
"What? What are you talking about?"
She sighed as she removes her hands from his grasp and walks a few feet away from him. She turns to him again, her arms folded. "We like each other. What's next?"
His eyes wandered. What is next? He ponders on the thought for a moment. Being in a relationship would be really cool. Like he had contemplated before, it would be nice to finally hold her hand, both of them walking together in the hallways of McKinley, showing everyone what they have. But…is he ready? Are they ready?
He looked at her intently. "What do you think?"
She bit her lip. "Well…" Her eyes went down again, looking at her feet. "I just want to be friends."
He exhales some air and looks to his left. "Just…friends?"
"Cam…I'm sorry if you maybe were expecting something more…than friends." She bit her lip again. "Not that I'm assuming that you were, but it is possible that you were and—"
"No." He shook his head, still facing to his left, smiling slightly. He faces her, keeping that grin on his face. "You told me you liked me. That's all I wanted to hear."
She pursed her lips, her eyebrows furrowing. "C-Cam…really?" She looks down again, not wanting to look him in the eye.
He goes closer to her. "I'd rather be friends than be complete strangers. I can wait." He lifts her chin up, his other hand tucking some of her hair in her ear. "It's really up to you."
She looks at him, maintaining contact. "You're really turning out to be an awesome friend right now." She looks away, tilting her head sideways.
"Honestly?" He asked, smiling.
She let out a polite smile, distancing herself from him. "But I think that's a little too close, with us being friends, you know?"
"Oh…okay then. Your wish is my command. What's our limit going to be? 10 feet? No, 20 feet?"
She smirked, giving him a little push. "Yeah right, Cam." She started walking towards the door of the auditorium as he followed her. "Let's go. We don't want to keep them waiting."
"You're keeping everyone waiting, including me." He let out a little laugh. They exited the auditorium, walking down the hallway towards the school entrance. Marissa was smiling the whole way.
I might be keeping you waiting…but maybe not for long…
Author's Note:
And Chapter 14 is done and finally here! Yay! So this is the first of a Double post, so I'll keep this short. This one's all about the songs, so if you didn't pay attention to the lyrics, go back because I chose them based on their context. It would help too if you listened to the songs. :)
Featured songs are:
Emily – Waterfalls by TLC
Finn, Matheus, Puck, Samuel - Lithium by Nirvana
Blaine, Brittany, Kurt, Mercedes, Sam, Santana – Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley
Artie, Mike, Rachel, Tina – Love or Confusion by Jimi Hendrix
Cameron & Marissa – Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley (Cover by A*Teens – I imagined them singing with this version, and I can see how cute they look during the duet!)
Damian – Your Love's been a Long Time Coming by Elvis Presley
Lindsay – Close to You by Richard Chamberlain (Popularized by The Carpenters)
Bryce & Quinn – Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (Cover by Jeff Buckley)
So, chapter 15 is going to be a little interesting…I'm going to address a lot of plotlines and maybe create a new one. Let's get to it then and click next!
Please review the chapters separately! Thank you wonderful readers!