Chapter 13
The group retired to the den to watch movies on the flat-screen on the wall. Wes and Thad shared popcorn between bowls and cuddled in the arm-chair. After the first movie they took a break to change for bed and bring blankets and sleeping bags down and get settled as Sam produced Avatar from his backpack, a movie non of them could turn down.
As his friends drifted off Wes looked at his boys and girls. Thad was asleep in his arms on the arm-chair, David and Matt not far behind by their feet. Santana and Brittany were facing each other while their 'boyfriends' held them together, the boys hands lacing fingers. He smiled, he'd known something was going on. Blaine curled up in Puck's embrace, the older boy just holding him how he needed to be held. Sunshine, Sam, Sugar and Rory lay still watching, huddled together, Rory looked about to drop, but he fought with sleep. Rachel and Ross curled on one side of the couch, Nick and Jeff of the other half. The three other freshmen lay in front of the sofa in a heap with several other boys. Tina and Mike were watching the stars outside, having excused themselves from the movie, they re-joined them, sitting by the heater to watch the ending.
The next morning the students are up and the house is a buzz with energy. Today was scheduled for auditions and his uncle had given him use of the Auditorium. The New Direction students stared in awe, as Wes set up the tripod and camera, this place was twice the size of theirs and was emaculatly decorated in Dalton colours. "Everyone take a seat," Wes called as he leapt onto the stage with the grace of a dancer. "I'm going to begin with the speaking so, here is a monologue, one male one female you read it how you would as the character I thank you, you head to the next corridor through those back doors and practice your song audition. As you will notice, all interactions will be recorded and submitted with my work." Sliding equally as gracefully from the stage he began to hand out the monologues. The boys had Moritz and the girls Ilse. "You have five minutes to get familiar with the script, I will leave you alone, so I'm seeing it fresh, break a leg." Closing the doors behind him Wes took a walk to the campus cafe and ordered coffee and a blueberry muffin, watching out of the window while he ate. Ordering another coffee he headed back to the Auditorium. The room silenced as he entered and walked calmly to the desk, turned on the lamp and placed his coffee down. From his back he pulled a note pad, pen, copies of the monologues, a list of the cast (Alphabetically) and his director's script. "Blaine Anderson." He called. Blaine swallowed some water and went onto the stage.
Wes watched and took notes after each performer in regards to who he thought they should play. After the last speaker finished and waited to be dismissed Wes took his final notes and looked up. "Ask Blaine to come back please." The Sophomore nodded and shuffled backstage, Blaine apearring moments later. "OK Blaine, what will you be singing?"
"I'll being singing Blow Me (One Last Kiss) P!nk." Wes nodded and he began.
After half an hour Wes looked at his watch and called lunch. The Cafeteria had been talked into cooking extra for the few extra students, not like they actually had to cook anything more, there was always left overs. Rachel looked at the piles of food, realising she couldn't eat any of it. "Um, Ross," she said quietly.
"What's wrong Rach?"
"I'm vegan, I can't eat most of this," she said looking down.
He grinned, "Rach, I'm vegan, it's not the first thing I tell people, but trust me, they have options." Taking her hand he lead her to a station at the far end of the room. "Hi Mags," he greeted happily.
"Ross," she smiled fondly.
"What're the vegan options today?"
"We have.." She listed the various meals available and the pair made their choices before going to sit. Meals were included in tuition and the New Directions were classed as guests.
Thad returned to the Auditorium where Wes sat working. He didn't look up as Thad sat beside him. "I called Lunch."
"I know, but you have to eat too," Thad said softly placing Wes' favourite sandwich in front of him. Wes eyed it, he really needed to finish his notes, but Thad knew him too well, he couldn't turn down freshly grilled ham, cheese and tomato.
"Thank you," he smiled giving in. "Have you prepared your audition?" He asked. Thad was first up after lunch.
"Of course."
"I haven't heard you practice."
"I can't give everything away now can I? I've practiced in my free periods." Thad chuckled as Wes bit into his meal. "What you thinking with the ND then?"
"Well, I know which girls I want and I'm pretty sure I know who Puck can be. Other then that, the boys, there's so freakin' many of you. Luckily I know who roughly I wanted, some auditions just sealed the deal. How're you holding up?"
"I'm OK, it's just wierd having girls around here."
"Get used to that one. NAYDA has girls, lots of. And boys."
"I figured."
The others came in after their lunch and a little fresh air. Those who had yet to audition went back to the practice rooms while the others sat in the audience.
Just over an hour later they were on the last audition, Oliver, the freshman. "When you're ready Oliver," Wes smiled. Oliver took a deep breath and looked to the back of the Auditorium.
"Dear Mr. President,
Come take a walk with me.
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me.
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep?
What do you feel when you look in the mirror?
Are you proud?
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?
How do you walk with your head held high?
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why?
Dear Mr. President,
Were you a lonely boy?
Are you a lonely boy?
Are you a lonely boy?
How can you say
No child is left behind?
We're not dumb and we're not blind.
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pave the road to hell.
What kind of father would take his own son's rights away?
And what kind of father might hate his own son if he were gay?
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine.
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?
How do you walk with your head held high?
Can you even look me in the eye?
Let me tell you 'bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you 'bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you 'bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you 'bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothing 'bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Oh
How do you sleep at night?
How do you walk with your head held high?
Dear Mr. President,
You'd never take a walk with me.
Would you?"
Wes took a minute before composing himself, Oliver was good, the kid was damn good! "Oliver, that was amazing, thank you. OK everyone, that about wraps up for today, I'll be bringing cast lists and scripts on Monday. rehearsals begin Monday after school, here at Dalton and McKinley. Monday will be at McKinley, so guys, get there as soon as you can. I'll start work with the girls until you get there. Have a nice day. "Thad are you hanging out or coming home?"
"Um, Sam, could I have a ride on your way to Lima, it's not off track or anything."
"Sure." The blonde replied.
"Thanks, see you later Wes." They shared a quick kiss and Wes made his exit, intent on beginning his casting.