Sorry for the delay. Anyway like I said this chapter starts the Glee Club and it looks like it's not going to be that easy getting ride of it like the Unholy Trinity thought, especially when they see who's in it.
Charlie's POV
I didn't feel ready for this, not in any way shape or form. It was premature, for both Kurt and I, but it'd be the only chance we'd get. It's not like we could go over his house for tea or something, we were here for something and it wasn't to suddenly become best friends. That would never happen and truthfully, I didn't want it to.
Dave had hurt a lot of people, and every single time I looked at Kurt, I keep seeing this fragile freshman boy who had to deal with hate every single day. That wasn't going to go away. Quinn came into the hospital with us, she said she'd be in the waiting room just in case Kurt or I needed her.
I just hoped that we wouldn't.
I also hoped that Kurt was going to be all right. I was the tough one here, that wasn't new information, but Kurt just looked so damn uncomfortable. I didn't want to put him through this if he didn't want to, that wouldn't be fair of me.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked Kurt stopping him before we got to Dave's room. Kurt was never this quiet, and right now I could use his sarcasm or at least a bit of sass, but it didn't look like I was going to be getting either anytime soon. "Look I'll go in there first. You go and grab yourself some coffee, in 15 minutes I'll come out and get you if you want to come in." Kurt nodded and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. He tried turning around but he didn't, or couldn't.
"But you're going to be in there all alone with Dave…" I nodded slowly until I caught on to what he was really saying.
"Oh…look that was last year. That was a different, angrier me…I've grown." I assured Kurt. "Now go before you pee your pants." Kurt laughed and so did I. I watched him rush off down the hallway and I walked over to Dave's hospital room. I put my hand on the door, wondering if I could just set everything aside for just a few moments, just look at Dave like a person, not like a bully.
I opened the door slowly, slowly enough for me to hear the squeak of the bed as he sat up, slowly enough for me to see the shock register in his eyes, as he looked direction at me. I closed the door behind me and walked over to stand in front of Dave's bed.
It was almost comical how small he looked, especially right now in this moment, and truthfully, I wanted to laugh at him. I really wanted to laugh. He'd spent his whole life breaking people down, making them feel so small, and now, that's exactly what Dave was.
"What are you doing here?" He questioned. I tried to pinpoint the emotion in his voice. It would be too easy if it was anger, but it wasn't. It wasn't fear, nor annoyance, it wasn't persistent or ruthless. It was nothing. His voice held no emotion.
"I'm visiting you." I said trying to lighten the mood.
"No, I mean what are you doing here? You hate me." He said clenching his jaw shut. I looked down at the thin cover over his legs, then his hospital wear, and then…his neck. I could see the red mark, the faint indent of a buckle, and it made my legs feel like jello.
"I don't hate you." I told him moving towards the side of his bed. He scooted his back against the headboard and watched me. I could tell he was waiting for me to say something else, but I wasn't in a rush. "It'd be way too easy to hate you."
"So I don't get it. Are you going to be like everyone else? Come in here look at me and pretend like you care? I got that bullshit from half the football team. When they come in here they pretend like they support me…I guarantee that won't last long." I shrugged, I wasn't actually here to listen to him spew his guts out for me, I didn't know what to say to make this better for him.
"Well lucky for you I don't actually care about you and I'm not going to stand here and lie about that." He bit back a smirk and so did I. Dave and I could really hold a contest of wits, and now was the time to show it. "Look what happened to you was awful-."
"But I deserved it, I know. I've heard it enough times already-." I couldn't believe he actually thought that and I could've believe people actually had the nerve to tell him that.
"No one deserves that, Dave, no one." I interjected. His eyes began brimming with water and I looked away from him to keep myself from falling apart too. "You hurt a lot of people Dave, but…I almost hurt you."
"You almost killed me." He corrected. He said it like somehow, we'd never have ended up in this room if it weren't for me. And yeah, maybe that's true. If I hadn't gotten expelled then maybe Kurt wouldn't have left, and you know what if that happened then this whole situation would be flipped upside down. Kurt would be the one in the hospital bed in front of me, not Dave.
"You made me see what a monster I could be and you made me feel so disgusting about myself. What you are…or what you used to be, I hated it. I hated you. But then for that split second when I really thought about killing you…it changed me. It changed everything." I bit down on the inside of my cheek just to make sure I didn't scream at him. I wanted to but I couldn't. That was my problem, I resorted to anger too quickly, it's always gotten me into trouble.
"So then why are you here? If you don't care about me, why did you even take the time out of your day to come here?" I starred into his eyes and wondered, what made him tick? What made him so alone in the world that he couldn't stand to live in it any longer?
"I'm here because it could just as easily be Kurt in your shoes. It could just as easily be me."
"But you're not…you're not gay." He said with this tone that made him sound so sure of himself. I wondered what it was about me that made people assume so much. They assume that I was just going through a punk phase. They assumed that I was some idiot. And most of all, they assumed that just because I was a pastor's daughter, that I could never in a million years be gay.
"I came out recently." I don't know why I said that in a hushed tone, there was no one else around, but I just didn't feel comfortable enough to say it loudly. "So as you can imagine, something like this happening to you sort of freaked me out." That was an understatement. It terrified me. I wasn't out at my school, and frankly, I didn't know what would happen when I finally came out.
What if someone pushed me out of the closet like Finn did to Dave?
"This wasn't something that happened to me Charlie. It was something that I did to myself." A single tear fell down his cheek and I watched as it slipped and fell to his bed sheet.
"You're lucky, you're one lucky son of a bitch, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something from all of this." I told him sincerely.
"Oh yeah and what should I learn? Use a gun next time-."
"Your dad found you right?" I questioned cutting him off completely. "He found you and you can never imagine what kind of pain he's going through right now. He's scared and hurt, but most of all he feels like he failed because you didn't go to him for help. That's the worst thing a parent can ever feel." Dave looked away from me and I knew I hit a nerve. And that was my point. "I know you and I can never forget last year, and that's okay. It'll take awhile for you to forgive me and that's okay."
"Why is it okay? I mean why are you okay with this?" He questioned.
"Because I'm offering you someone to talk to." I explained to him. He didn't seem to understand or maybe he just didn't believe me.
"You want me to talk to you about this stuff?" Dave asked.
"I guess technically I'm offering you two people to talk to." He looked confused and I patted his shoulder to relax him before he could freak out. "There's someone out there who you need to talk to. I apologized to you and now it's your turn to apologize to Kurt." His face went pale.
"What makes you think he'd ever listen to me? I made his life hell." This was the first time I saw this kind of passion in Dave. It was strange to see him so worried, so childlike, because he wanted to talk to Kurt. I could tell that much, but he wanted Kurt to listen to him more than anything.
"Yeah well now your life is hell so karma came back and got you. So let's stop all this, we can all work together you know. We're all facing the same battle, we'll get through this, we just have to be here for one another."
…...
Rachel's POV
"Are you sure I'm not imposing?" It was probably the fourth time Santana has asked that tonight. I wish she'd just stop worrying, but ever since dinner she's sort of been on her toes. I wanted her to feel comfortable, but there was that guarded part of her that was just so afraid of being hurt.
"Of course not, tomorrow my dad will just take us both to school; it's not a big deal. Plus I'm rather excited that you're over here. It's not everyday that I can say one of the most popular girls in school came over." Santana smiled and my heart warmed just that much more. I know she'd probably kill me if I said this, but she was kind of adorable in her own way. Not like a puppy, but more like this little piece of innocence was in her and every time it showed up there was a slight sparkle in her eyes.
"I um…I don't have anything to sleep in." She said bashfully looking away.
"Why are you suddenly passive aggressive? I thought you slept over Quinn's and Brittany's houses all the time." I asked as I bent over and rummaged through my pajama drawer looking for something that would fit Santana.
"That's different. B keeps a spare pair of matching duck pajamas and at Quinn's place I'm usually stoned and I wear whatever I wore during the day or I take off my shirt and pants and sleep like that. Neither place is really as classy as your house." I pulled out an oversized t-shirt and pajama pants and turned to show Santana.
Her eyes were already on me. Was she…? No that's preposterous.
"Do these work for you?" I had a feeling that if I told Santana that I needed a pint of her blood she would've personally gone and gotten the needle for me. She was just accommodating and sweet, and I could tell that she had been trying to make a good impression all night, even when my fathers weren't here.
"Yeah…I'll be right back." She took the clothes from me and went down the hall towards the bathroom. I walked over, threw on my boy shorts and a tank top, and sat on my bed comfortably, waiting for Santana to return.
She'd barley been out of my room for five seconds when my daddy walked in. "Hey there, so how about that Santana, huh? I'm a fan and I approve." I looked at my daddy and ran over to try to push him out of my room.
"Stop, if she comes back and you're here she's going to be so uncomfortable. Daddy please go." He raised his hands defensively and slowly waltz out of my room. I returned to my place on the bed and then Santana came in the room changed and refreshed.
"You don't mind if I stay in here? Even if you have a guest room?" Santana asked, taking a seat on the bed next to me.
"There's no fan in the guest room, I want to make sure you're comfortable." I lied. If Santana wanted to point out that, it was the fall and no one needed a fan she certainly didn't make it known. She seemed alright with sharing the bed with me even if we were both a little nervous. I got up and turned off my light, thankful for the open drapes and the beautiful moonlight outside. I walked back to my bed and got under the covers next to Santana.
I noticed Santana's irregular breaths next to me. It wasn't alarming or worrisome, it was just unique. I wondered how bad her asthma really was, but I reserved the question in the back of my mind for tomorrow. When her breathing evened out I assumed she'd gone to sleep.
I propped myself up on my elbows and examined Santana with the help of the moonlight. Her features were accented in a way that reminded me of an old film noire movie. She wasn't flawless, I could still see the faint cut near her eyebrow, and the purplish hue just below her eye. It was beautiful in a traumatic sort of way.
I wondered what it would be like in school tomorrow. A sleepover changes the friendship entirely, but I wonder how Santana felt about that. I had a feeling that it'd just end up being the same old song and dance. We were sort of stuck between this acquaintance and friendship thing. I hope someday we'd get past it. I hoped someday soon.
…...
Quinn's POV
Today had been a long day. I had a French test, which I thoroughly bombed, and then lunch was pitiful. Brittany and I spent our entire Spanish class pinching one another just to stay awake and even then Mr. Shuester wasn't exactly making anything exciting. I was almost grateful that it was almost the end of the day, but then I realize, next period is activities period, and that means Glee Club.
I was literally considering building myself a bridge and jumping off it.
I tried to at least pretend I was excited when Brittany came skipping over to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "We get to go to Glee Club in a few minutes! Aren't you excited?"
"Yeah B, totally." I lied as I scanned the hallway for Santana. I know she said she was changing into her normal clothes to be more comfortable, but we didn't have all day. I didn't understand why she did that, she'd just have to change back into her Cheerios uniform before practice anyway. "We'll just wait for Santana here." I informed her.
"Do you think we'll be dancing today?" Brittany asked trying to hold back her excitement until I answered.
"Well the club has only been going for like three days; I doubt they'll be enough people there to do much of anything." I tried explaining, but when Brittany started frowning, I added quickly, "but if you want to dance no one would dream of stopping you." Brittany smiled at that and I looked over to see Santana walking down the hall in her street clothes. Somehow, she always made black sweatpants, a white tank top, and a black beanie always look cool.
I envied her swag. I also should probably never say swag aloud, that's how plain I felt.
"I love when you wear hats." Brittany said taking Santana's hand and pulling us both towards the choir room. Santana was beyond less than enthused and she told Brittany to slow down right when we were about to enter the room.
"Come on." Maybe this was going to be the most frustrating thing ever but I was not about to walk in here like I was nervous or afraid. I reached back, tightened my ponytail, and put my hands on my hips. I walked in confidently and I knew Santana and Brittany were behind me.
As soon as we entered the room all eyes were immediately drawn to us, including Mr. Shuester. He walked right in front of us with a huge smile on his face.
"Hi ladies, are you thinking about joining Glee Club?" He asked with a little more shock than I would've liked. I looked over his shoulder as saw Mike Chang, Tina What's-her-name, Mercedes-from-Spanish-class, some kid in a wheelchair, Rachel-the-bain-of-my-existance-Berry, and Puck.
I couldn't even respond to Mr. Shuester I was so shocked. What on earth was Puck doing here? Santana saw Puck at the same time and decided to step up.
"Yeah we were thinking about it." Santana answered for me. I was looking at Puck, but Santana seemed slightly distracted by Rachel, but it figures she'd be here. Clearly, Santana had no idea. I could sense it, she was having second thoughts about the whole thing.
"What are you guys doing here?" Puck said from where he was seated in a chair. I furrowed my eyebrows and glared right at him.
"We could ask you the same thing Puckerman." Santana remarked snidely.
"Can you blame us for being a little curious? I mean top bitches don't usually climb down the social ladder unless there's something in it for them." Mercedes said getting nods from Tina and the wheelchair kid.
"Now guys that's not very nice. This is supposed to be a welcoming club and that means we don't turn anyone away. It's what we voted on from the beginning." Mr. Shuester defended for us. They should feel lucky that Santana didn't snap otherwise some of them would probably be in tears right about now.
"I agree with Mr. Shuester, this club welcomes all." Rachel said locking eyes with me.
"Thank you Berry." I said blowing past Mr. Shuester. We took the seats in the back of the stands and waited patiently for Mr. Shuester to begin.
"Now ladies it's the policy of the club that everyone must tryout before we let you in." I rolled my eyes and Santana scuffed.
"I thought you said that everyone was welcome to just join." Santana said dryly.
"Everyone is…as long as they perform first." Mr. Shuester said clasping his hands together like this was the greatest law since the Ten Commandments.
"Yeah we all had to perform." The wheelchair kid said looking at me like I'd just walked through a wall.
"I'm sorry what's your name?" I questioned rudely. I was trying to stay civil but that didn't mean I was above putting people in their place.
"Artie." He said quietly. I was about to say something crude but Santana tapped my knee and starred at me seriously.
"Don't." She said and I crossed my arms over my chest and gave Artie a cold bitch smirk before I looked up at Mr. Shuester. "Sure we'll perform, but…we don't have something prepared right now. Can we do it on Monday?" Santana asked kindly.
"Of course ladies, that sounds great. No does anyone else have something prepared for today?" Mr. Shuester asked. I zoned out to the conversation Mercedes, Rachel, and Mr. Shuester were having and looked over at Puck. He was staring up at me and he gave me an irritated expression. He mouthed what are you up to and I mouthed back nothing.
"Actually Mr. Shuester I do have something prepared for today." Rachel said standing up to her feet. There was an audible groan from just about everyone in the room, and I stifled a laugh.
"Who's it by?" Mike asked.
"Barbra?" Artie questioned.
"Probably Barbra." Mercedes replied.
"Who the hell is Barbra?" I asked and everyone in the room turned and stared at me like I was crazy. Well everyone except Brittany.
"Barbra Streisand." Santana told me like it was common knowledge. "She's a famous singer." She added.
"Barbra is perfection, and as today is October 24th and it's Barbra's half-birthday I'd like to perform Happy Days Are Here Again." Rachel stood in front of the room and the piano player began performing a slow tune.
Now it was the second time I decided to zone out. Everyone was paying attention to Rachel even Brittany who had some intense ADHD was looking ahead at her. Sure Rachel was a good singer, in fact she was phenomenal, but I just hoped that Santana would just ignore that fact and continue on with the plan.
You are now a thing of the past
Happy days are here again
The skies above are clear again
So let's sing a song of cheer again
Hey those were actually some pretty good lyrics, I looked up at Rachel as saw how deeply she felt the words that she was singing. That seemed like it was something special. I mostly sang in the shower and in Charlie's room when she was being a downer just to cheer her up. I never thought of it seriously.
The song finished quickly, it was short but not simple, and everyone, including me, applauded Rachel. She smiled and took a quick bow before returning to her seat.
"Fantastic job Rachel." Mr. Shuester said grabbing a handful of papers and standing in front of the group of us.
"Thank you Mr. Shuester." Rachel replied with a bashful smile, I rolled my eyes, and tried to see what was on those sheets of paper Mr. Shuester was holding.
"Now guys, as you can see we only have 9 people in Glee Club and while that's great, especially with our new additions….it's not enough to compete." Mr. Shuester started as he handed out the sheets of paper to each of us. "12 is the magic number which is why we'll be performing this song in front of the school to gain new recruits." I looked at the piece of paper in front of me. It was sheet music and lyrics for We Built This City by Jefferson Starship.
"Is this a joke?" Santana asked speaking up.
"I'm sorry I don't understand." Mr. Shuester said looking just as confused as Brittany looks in math class.
"What Lopez is trying to say is this song is whack." Puck said tossing the sheet music behind him. "If we go up there and perform this we're gonna get booed off stage."
"I agree t-this is suicide." Tina said looking towards Mike who nodded.
"Can't we perform something more recent? The students would relate to it much better if we did." Rachel said with a pleading tone.
"Sorry guys but I've already chosen this song." Mr. Shuester said in a way that didn't leave an opening to argue about it.
"What happened to a democracy?" Santana muttered under her breath.
"This is social suicide." I said to Santana.
"I think it's fun." Brittany interjected and Santana and I both shared fake smiles.
I should've known from the beginning, this little ploy wasn't going to be easy. My life was exciting enough as it is, I didn't need some goddamn Glee Club imposing and ruining everything that I've worked for.
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