Big chapter, everyone! The chapter you've all been waiting for!
Oh yes, and pay attention to the author's note at the end of the chapter. It's VERY IMPORTANT.
Quiet on set!
I SAID QUIET!
First positions
Here we go.
Rolling
Speed
Slate in.
Action!
Today was Valentine's Day, an important day for both Rachel and Sam. For Sam, he would be performing his Valentine Singing-gram and once gain profess his love for her. For Rachel, it was the day where she apologized for being so stubborn and not forgiving him after all his attempts to apologize.
Rachel's room
Rachel woke up early and began her morning routine: wash face, early jog, brush teeth, etc.
Her wardrobe choice included a red Nanette Lepore Glamour Ponte dress (She wore this in season 3 episode "Heart"). She curled the ends of her hair and went light on the makeup.
As she fluffed her hair, she imagined how today was going to go. She knew that today was the last singing-gram, but how would she react? She knew perfectly well that once Sam stopped singing, all would be forgiven right then and there. No more excuses, no more running and avoiding.
You can't run from love.
When she got downstairs, her Dads smiled at her and pointed to the table. On the table where two vases, one containing a bouquet of red roses, the other one pink. There were also heart-shaped balloons tied to her chair.
She sat down as Leroy tipped some pancakes onto her plate and kissed her cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day, princess."
Hiram walked over to her and placed a card in front of her. "Good morning, baby girl. You got this in the mail today from Miss Sugar Motta. She's having a Valentine's Day party at Breadstix tonight and invited you."
She examined the invitation. "But it says I have to have a date because single people are sad."
Leroy leaned over and read the invite with her. "It does? Don't worry, sweetums, I'm sure you'll find a date by tonight."
She sighed. "I doubt it."
Hiram patted her head. "If you don't, we can be your dates."
She smiled and hugged him. "I'd rather have you two as my dates then no date at all."
He chuckled and kisses her head. "All right, eat your breakfast and finish getting ready. I'm sure you can't wait to join in the Valentine's Day festivities."
Leroy tweaked her nose. "We'll see you after school, honey. Be good today!"
They both kissed her cheek and left for work. She smiled and continued to eat her pancakes.
Sam's Room
Sam stared in the mirror and adjusted his shirt. Yesterday, he went shopping and bought a bright red button-down shirt which he would wear with black slacks and converse. Today was the big day...he would be performing Rachel's last singing-gram. After that, the ball was in her court on whether she had officially forgiven him and will take him back or not.
There was a knock on the door and Mercedes poked her head in holding a card. "Well don't you look nice?"
He smiled. "Hey there, Mercedes. Happy Valentine's Day."
She walked in waving the card in front of his face. "Sugar's having a Valentine's Day party at Breadstix tonight."
"Really?" He took the card and examined it. "Oh, it says no singles allowed."
She swiped the card back. "But we as in you and me have to go because she wants the God Squad to perform."
He turned back to the mirror and adjusted his collar. "What about Rachel? She doesn't have a date."
Mercedes glared at him. "Uh, that's why you ask her to be your date. Isn't this what the singing-grams have been all about? Getting her back?"
He nodded. "Well yeah. I just sure hope today works."
She smiled. "It will, trust me. And if it doesn't, I'll hit hr with a bottle. Now come on downstairs for breakfast, Mom made bacon and eggs."
Her phone beeped and she whipped it out of her pocket. "Oh hey, Rachel's texting me."
He turned away from the mirror. "What does she want?"
After a few minutes of texting back and forth, she frowned. "She asked me if I got the invite to Sugar's party. She also said if she can't find a date, she's taking her Dads."
He stuck his hands in his pockets. "Well that's...sweet."
She pushed his shoulder. "You can't let her take her Dads! Geeze, what kind of wannabe boyfriend are you?"
He rolled his eyes. "All right, I'll ask her! Quit interrogating me."
She laughed and walked out the door. "It's my job. Now come on down for breakfast!"
At School
Once Rachel got to school, the whole school was buzzing more than normal. Everyone was excited because not only was it Valentine's Day, a day to share with loved ones, but Rachel Berry...the school's biggest nobody was receiving a whole week of singing-grams and today she would receive her last one.
Many of the girls were jealous because their own boyfriends wouldn't waste their time and money to do what her secret admirer was doing. Even the single girls were jealous because they weren't getting attention like that.
There were also people that were happy that someone other than Finn would take an interest in her. They all figured that the relationship wouldn't last very long because he was always a little slow on the uptake for her so whoever had the guts to somehow be attracted to her was pretty brave. All though the day, she got a lot of pats on the back and good luck wishes from her admirers that her secret admirer was someone decent and true instead of just a cruel joke.
The teachers also seemed to get into the Valentine's Day spirit. In her English class, Ms. Coyne let the class read the romantic and action scenes from Romeo and Juliet which excited the class. In Biology class, Mr. Robinson brought in salamander hearts for the whole class to examine. He figured that specimen hearts were the closest thing related to romance and biology. In Art class, Mrs. Lawrence allowed them to paint whatever they wanted and instructed them to let their romantic juices flow onto the paper. During class, she received a good luck hug from Leanne. In Math class, her teacher let them watch Sweet November because his wife loved that movie.
During lunch, she received more good luck wishes and hugs.
Sugar came up to her chewing her gum like usual all decked out in red and carrying many plush animals. "Hey there girlie!"
Rachel smiled. "Hi, Sugar! My, that's a lot of gifts."
Sugar giggled. "All these gifts are from Rory and Artie! I think they're fighting to be my date to my party tonight, but I've been getting a lot from them. I don't know who I'll pick though."
Rachel shrugged. "I'm sure whoever you pick will be a wonderful date."
Sugar poked her. "So are you coming to my party tonight?"
"Probably." Rachel replied. "I doubt I'll get a date by tonight but if I don't, I'll just bring my Dads."
Sugar grinned. "How lovely! Aren't Daddies the best? My Daddy is the one who rented out Breadstix for the night so I can have my party. But I'm sure you'll find a date by the end of the day. If you don't, then boys are such jerks."
Rachel nodded. "Thanks, Sugar. You really are sweet."
In her U.S. History class, they discussed the era of Romanticism eventually ending on the famous V-Day in Times Square Kiss photo.
When seventh period Spanish class rolled around, her excitement grew because she hoped Sam would come in and perform the singing-gram and reveal himself as her secret admirer but Mr. Schuester called her over to his desk.
"Hey Rachel, I know you were hoping to get your last singing-gram in class today but you won't be. Sorry, but I have a lesson planned. You'll receive it during Glee today." He pulled a note out of his drawer. "But here's a note for you."
She frowned disappointed and read the note.
No cheesy line as a hint. Meet me in the auditorium during Glee and prepare to get your mind blown.
She smiled and took her seat.
Mr. Schuester stood up and walked to the front of the class. "All right, clase, I have an assignment for you. Each of you pick a partner and they have to be boy and girl. Since today's Valentine's Day, you and your partner will use your Spanish textbooks and dictionaries and write a romantic skit which will be performed at the end of the period. And keep your skits school appropriate, so no kissing or touching. Just romantic talking. Go!"
Since Rachel didn't know many of the guys in the class, she picked the random shy kid named Elliot. He was pretty good at Spanish, just not loud and obnoxious like most of the guys in class. They worked through their skit, choosing to do a cute one where they portray an elderly couple having dinner on their anniversary.
Mr. Schuester watched everyones' skits and applauded politely with a smile. "You all did a great job today! All right, I'll dismiss you guys early. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day and don't forget to show your love to everyone. See ya!"
After everyone left, he noticed that Rachel was the only one left in the classroom. He smiled and offered her his hand. "Ready to head to the auditorium?"
She nodded and took his hand. "Ready as I'll ever be."
As they walked through the hallway, they received stares and excited whispers from everyone in the hallway. Many girls gave her a thumbs up. When they got to the auditorium, the whole Glee Club was already there. Mercedes, Quinn and Joe were standing alone on the empty stage.
"Take a seat, Rachel. This is all for you." Quinn said.
Rachel took a seat in the front row while Mr. Schuester joined the rest of the Glee Club. She looked around and was confused not to see Sam anywhere. Where was he?
Mercedes smiled. "Rachel Berry, we will now reveal the mastermind behind all these singing-grams. This person literally loves you more than life itself and loves that pretty smile of yours."
"Your secret admirer is...drum roll please." Joe said suspenseful. Everyone started patting their hands on their laps in synced rhythm.
The group stepped away from each other revealing Sam who was crouching behind them. He stood up with his guitar ready in hand and a wide grin on his face. "Surprise, Rachel!"
Her face literally lit up when he spoke up. Sure, she already knew it was him all along but it was better to act like she wasn't expecting it.
Sam cued the band who began to play her most absolute favorite pop song ever.
Beauty queen of only eighteen I drove for miles and miles and wound up at your door
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else
I've had you so many times but somehow I want more
I don't mind spending every day
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
As he sang, Rachel wanted to do nothing more but to run up to him and hold him tightly. Just everything about that moment made her want to cry out in happiness. She just wanted to feel his warm arms tightly around her, to kiss his juicy lips and let him make her feel whole again.
I know where you hide alone in your car Yeah
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all
Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls
Sam saw Rachel sitting in her seat with tears in her eyes and smiled knowing that his final plan was working. He walked over and pulled up out of her seat and up on stage. She gasped in surprise as he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to him that their noses were almost touching. Her eyes continued to sparkle with happiness as she stared at him lovingly.
He reached up to stroke her cheek and he felt her body relax to his touch.
Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
They started swaying to the music, spinning in small circles and getting lost in the whole song until the end.
I don't mind spending every day
Out on your corner in the pouring rain, oh.
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
And she will be loved
Please don't try so hard to say goodbye Yeah, yeah.
Please don't try so hard to say goodbye
As the music started slowly fading, he leaned closer and started humming in her ear. Finally, he sang the last few words very softly.
I don't mind spending every day Please don't try so hard to say goodbye
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
The song ended and the whole auditorium sat in pin drop silence.
Rachel was so overwhelmed with emotions that that felt herself about to burst. She didn't, however, want to lose herself in front of everyone so she grabbed onto Sam's arms, averted his eyes and bit her lip as an attempt to hold herself down.
Sam looked down and noticed her trying to control herself. He understood that she couldn't express how the performance made her feel in front of everyone, so he looked up at Mr. Schuester who automatically got the message.
He nodded understandingly and stood up. "All right, everyone back to the choir room."
Everyone stood up and silently filed out of the auditorium. When they heard the door slam with a big thud, he leaned down and whispered "They're gone, Rachel. Go ahead, let it out. Whatever you're feeling, you can let it all out."
Her arms started shaking and her lip started quivering. Quick! She thought. Don't let him get away again!
She let out a strangled sob and threw herself upon him, crying into his shirt. She wept for everything: for losing him once, for losing him twice, for all the missed opportunities to feel whole again.
He rubbed her back comfortingly and place a small kiss on the top of her head. "It's all right, Rachel."
She sobbed even louder and gripped his shirt. "Please don't leave me again, Sam!"
He felt so sympathetic for her in his arms. She seemed so small and defenseless, it made him want to cry too. He could feels tears forming in his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
After a few minutes of sobbing on stage, they were both finally able to calm down. The crying suddenly got quieter and quieter until you couldn't even hear anything.
She felt so safe and secure nestled safely in his arms but there was only one thing left to do before anything was said and done. "Sam?"
"Hmm?" He looked down at her and wiped the remaining tears off her cheek.
She stood on her tip-toes and kissed him softly at first but then added a bit of pressure. The whole time, she felt as if the empty coldness in her body was being warmed up and lit like a lamp. He pressed her tighter to him and buried his fingers in her hair slightly combing it.
Finally they gasped for air and he chuckled. "I've been waiting for that for so long."
She stroked his cheek and smiled sadly. "Sam, I am so terribly sorry."
He stared at her in confusion. "For what?"
She closed her eyes and tilted her head down. "For being a total bitch this whole time. I don't know what I would do without you. I was so...empty this whole time you were gone. And when you came back hoping for a second chance, I pushed you away. I shouldn't have, I'm so sorry."
He shook his head. "No, I should be the one saying sorry. The reason why I broke up with you over the summer was because I let my friends influence me into thinking that we'd never work out but I shouldn't have. I should have fought to make it work. So really it's my fault. But after all I've put together for you, am I forgiven?"
She took a few shaky breaths and looked up at him again. "Yes, Sam. I forgive you. I always have."
He smiled and leaned in for another kiss. Quite honestly, he felt that no amount of fireworks could compare to the ones they were both feeling inside.
They leaned their foreheads against each other. "So...does that mean we can start over?" She asked.
He nodded. "I don't see why not. We have been waiting for this moment for a long, long time. But I love you, Rachel and I'll never let you down again."
She grinned. "I love you too, Sam."
They hugged again for a few minutes.
Suddenly Sam remembered something and pulled away. "Are you going to Sugar's party tonight?"
She shrugged. "Probably. I couldn't get a date so I'm probably just going to go with my Dads."
He frowned and left to go get something off stage. When he came back, he got down on one knee and presented to her a pink lily. "Rachel Berry, would you do the honor of accompanying me to Sugar's party tonight?"
She smiled, cupped his cheek with her hand and kissed him again. "Yes, I will."
He stood up, picked her up and spun her around. "Oh, I'm so happy!"
She hugged him, unable to describe how she was feeling at that moment. Sam was back in her life again but this time, she wants him to be. No matter what happens, they would work it out like a real couple.
Is this what it feels like to be on Cloud Nine?
And CUT!
All right, author's note time.
This is chapter 21, so now I put my ball in your court, dear readers. Here's why:
I've been working on this story for months now. The video this story is based on was just a short thing and I already covered the important parts. However, I'm torn between ending it right here or continuing. So here are your options.
I end it right here. Write one more chapter maybe detailing Sugar's party and go all mushy gushy about how happy they are and blah, blah, blah.
Or
Keep writing. I already have a lot more chapters sort of planned out. I was hoping to write more about their reaction to David Karofsky's suicide attempt, Regionals, Prom, Nationals, and a nice bittersweet Graduation chapter.
All right readers, the ball's in your court. Let me know what I should do in the reviews box. Ciao!