Author's Highlight: This was a really fun episode for me to write, so enjoy! This is about Will's high school reunion as well as Rachel nearing her opening night, as well as a surprising and sad twist at the end.
Co-Stars:
Riley Phelps-Spencer = Cherie Johnson
Colin Yip = Danny Nucci
Courtney Lim-Yip = Tina Fey
Friday, May 16, 2014
Kurt and Blaine were sitting in Madam Tibideaux's class.
"And so, Beauty and the Best opened on April 18, 1994, after previews starting on March 9, 1994. Does anyone know when the musical ended?"
"The show closed on July 29, 2008," Kurt said, "after 5,461 performances."
"Great job," Carmen said. "And does anyone know in which theaters it took place?"
"The Palace Theater from March 1994 until September 1999, and then the Lunt-Fontanne Theater from November 1999 until July 2007," Blaine said.
"We totally own this class," Kurt whispered, high-fiving Blaine.
"Alright, that's it for today," Carmen said. "Don't forget you all be showcasing a number from Beauty and the Beast next week, so come prepared. And remember, Thoroughly Modern Millie opens up in two weeks. Let us go support some of our very own students."
Sue and Shannon stood on the volleyball court, watching the last game of the season. Jake was the middle blocker, Colby was the setter, and Ryder was the opposite hitter. Point after point was scored for the Titans.
Sue led a small group of eight Cheerios in a cheer.
One!
We are the Titans
Two!
We still can't hear you
Three!
Just a little bit louder
Four!
More, more, more!
"Eyes on the ball!" Shannon exclaimed as Colby delivered the next serve. The other team's libero did a fantastic pancake dig for the ball, and it was set back over the net. Jake blocked it, but the ball came right back over the net. Colby set it, and Ryder leapt up and spiked the ball. The Titans won, 25-19.
"Fantastic job, boys," Shannon said.
"Alright, Cheerios!" Sue exclaimed. "Thank you for your presence, even though your captain was too wimpy to show up after being down with a sore throat and a bout of sneezing for the past week."
"Great job tonight," Marley said, going over to Jake to kiss him.
"Thanks for coming out," Jake said.
"Don't mention it!" Marley exclaimed. "Anyway, don't forget. We have to be over at the gym for Mr. Schue's class reunion tomorrow!"
"Right," Jake said.
"Alright everyone, disperse!" Sue exclaimed. "The Class of 1994 is coming in to decorate for their reunion!"
"Great game, coaches," Will said.
"Thanks, Will," Shannon said brightly. "Have fun at your reunion tomorrow!"
"I doubt it," Sue said. "William, let me remind you that everyone who shows up to these reunions are sneaky little brown-nosers with a hidden agenda. Either they want to rekindle some embarrassing memories, and let's face it, the hairstyle you sported for decades on end has to have been a target of humiliation; otherwise, people will be lying about their current success or lack thereof. So, feel free to go about your little reunion talking to your old school bullies, preps, jocks, and losers about how you are some two-time teacher of the year who took a show choir of misfits to Nationals for three out of five years, and how you spent some time in Washington D.C. reforming arts education, and saving your outcast students' lives one song at a time."
"But… I did do all that stuff," Will reminded.
"Well, that's arguable," Sue dismissed.
"You know what, Sue?" Will said. "I'm starting to feel a whole lot better about this. Thanks!"
"Well, I thoroughly enjoyed my reunions," Shannon said. "I graduated in 1989, and my 20-year reunion was great. That's actually when I found out I was hired to come coach over here. Anyway, you have fun, Will. I've got to head on over to the movies. Ken and I are watching The Amazing Spider-Man 2."
Saturday, May 17
Will was debating over which tie to wear to his 20 Year class reunion.
"What was your class color?" Emma asked.
"Orange," Will laughed. "Good idea."
He turned around to look at Emma in a beautiful yellow dress.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"Thank you," Emma said, kissing him. "Alright, shall we head out?"
"Gosh, I'm so nervous," Will said. "I haven't seen most of these people in so long."
"Well, cherish the moment," Emma said. "These are the people who you spent at least four years of your life with. Rebuild old relationships, you know?"
Will smiled. "Thank goodness I married a counselor."
The couple reached the McKinley High gym, which was decorated ballroom-style with tables lining one end of the gym, with the stage constructed at the front adjacent to an empty dance floor.
"Oh my gosh, William Schuester!" one woman exclaimed.
"Wow!" Will exclaimed. "Riley Phelps!"
"Riley Phelps-Spencer now," she exclaimed.
Riley was one of Will's fellow Glee Club members when the Singsations were run by Ms. Lillian Adler.
"I have to say, I was really losing hope in the fate of the Singsations when that Sandy Ryerson took over, but you, my man, have really revived our former glory days! Good job!" Riley exclaimed.
"Haha, thanks. I actually brought them here to perform tonight. My assistant director is getting them ready." Will said. "Oh, this is my wife, Emma."
"Nice to meet you," Riley said. "So, do you guys have any kids?" Riley pulled out a picture book. "This is my son, Dylan. He's fifteen. He actually goes here now. You might have him as a student next year. And this is my daughter Montana; she's eleven."
Will giggled awkwardly. "No, we just got married, no kids."
"Wait, I thought you got married to Terri Del Monico?" Riley asked.
"We divorced four years ago," Will said.
"Oh, sorry to hear that," Riley said. "Anyway, you guys go grab a seat!"
Will and Emma turned around and grabbed a table, where a man and his wife were sitting.
"Colin? Colin Yip! Is that you?" Will asked.
"Sure is!" the man said. "Man, you have hardly changed at all, Will! Courtney, this is Will. We played soccer with each other. Will, this is my wife, Courtney Yip."
"My maiden name is Lim," she said.
"Courtney!" Emma exclaimed.
"Oh my gosh, Emma Pillsbury?" Courtney exclaimed. "We went to high school with each other! Class of 1996! Wait, what happened to your OCD? I'm surprised you didn't bring in a bucket of soap and water to wash this whole area before you sat down!"
Emma giggled awkwardly. Courtney was one of those preppy girls. Not a jock, but not a loser. "Well, I've been working on getting my OCD issues resolved."
"And she's done a great job," Will said proudly.
And then, the dreaded question.
"So, you guys got kids?" Colin asked.
"We have four," Courtney said, pushing forward pictures. "Will is thirteen—"
"And he's a total soccer star, just like us," Colin bragged. "Already following the sweet initiation process we used to do. Remember we'd pin all the newbies together for a wrestle, and the last guy conscious gets to start? Anyway, Anne's twelve."
"She's out with her boyfriend right now," Courtney said.
"Wait, you let them date that young?" Emma asked.
"Well, who are we to say no?" Courtney asked. "Anyway, Skye is ten."
"Just got suspended from school for a fist fight," Colin sighed, with a proud taste.
"And this is our baby, Georgia. She's seven; going to turn eight next week, actually. We're getting her a new cell phone," Courtney said.
"Wait, she already had one?" Will asked.
"Of course!" Colin exclaimed.
Will and Emma gave each other a concerned look. These are the types of parents they dislike; the lax ones who don't care what their kids do.
"Well, we only just got married a year ago," Will said. "But we're planning on having kids someday."
"Well, that's sweet," Courtney said.
"Alright guys, that's a wrap for tonight," Myrna said, assembling the Thoroughly Modern Millie cast to the front of the stage.
"Now we just need to give you guys some notes before we open up in two weeks," Ivan said.
"First of all, Shelby, your voice is great, but don't be afraid to work it a little more in your blocking," Myrna said.
"Cassandra, tune down the bitchiness," Ivan said. "You make a great antagonist, but it comes off a little over-theatrical sometimes."
"Wes and Hunter, great job," Myrna said. "Betty, I know you're in a wheelchair, but you have to stop running props over."
"Got it," Betty said apologetically.
"Lindsay, remarkable job," Ivan said. "But if you ever forget a page of your lines again, we're going to have to resort to understudy."
"Adam, your accent is infectious in this role," Myrna said. "Brody, please, make more eye contact with Rachel when you have your scenes together."
"Same goes for you, Rachel, you're making things awkward," Ivan said.
"Got it," Rachel and Brody said together.
"Alright, you all are dismissed, but please go over all the songs tonight; we can't have any more pitch problems by this phase," Myrna said.
"Going back to Bushwick?" Adam asked Rachel as she walked out the door.
"Yeah," Rachel sighed exhaustedly. "That was quite a day."
"Indeed," Adam said. "Twelve hours!"
"But, anything for opening night," Wes chimed in as he walked down the hall.
"COMING THROUGH!" Hunter yelled, wheeling Betty down the hall.
"Gotta get our stage chemistry together," Betty laughed.
Shelby and Cassie came down the hall behind them.
"Good night, you guys," Cassie said.
"See you all tomorrow!" Shelby added.
"Good night, folks," Rachel said. "Alright, well, I guess we'd better head home."
"Will Schuester," a voice said behind Will as the dinner commenced.
"Bryan Ryan," Will laughed. "How are things? Haven't seen you since 2010!"
"Well, after my successful run as Jean Valjean in the Allen County community theater production of Les Mis, I had to keep working for the school board, but I still run off to see Broadway shows every once in a while," Bryan said.
"Well, I'm actually taking my Glee kids to New York to see Thoroughly Modern Millie," Will said.
"Aw, that's great!" Bryan said.
"Hey, Bryan!" a female voice said behind him.
"I know that voice anywhere," Bryan laughed. "Terri Del Monico! How are things?"
"Terri!" Will exclaimed. "I didn't know you were coming up from Miami!"
"Oh, of course I would," Terri said. "I'm not one of those people who suffered through high school and never wanted to show my embarrassed face here ever again. I genuinely love almost all of my classmates. But if Bryce Carrow or Kiara Rolland show up, tell them I'm not here."
"Wait, Miami?" Bryan asked. "What are you doing there?"
"Oh, I moved there in 2011 when a management position opened up at their Sheets-n-Things," she explained. "Will and Emma, nice to see you folks again," she said with a forced attitude.
"So, Terri, are you single?" Bryan asked.
"Oh, Bryan, you haven't changed," Terri sighed. "But no, I'm not, actually. I started seeing the manager at the Miami Mattressland about six months ago."
"And how's that working out?" Emma asked.
"Pretty good, actually," Terri said. "I mean, it's really hard to step into a new relationship after Will and I were dating for a whopping eleven years and then got married in 2004, which lasted for five years."
"Will, it took you eleven years to propose to Terri?" Bryan asked with shock.
"I just… wanted to make sure she was the right one," Will sighed.
"Well, guess that didn't work out," Terri whispered.
Of course, the mood at the table was awkward.
"Oh, my goodness, Will Schuester!" April Rhodes exclaimed, dashing over to Will's table and kissing him on both sides of the cheek, and attempting to kiss him on the lips.
"April, are you drunk again?" Will asked, though trying to keep his spirits high.
"Oh, you know me so well!" April chuckled. "Wow, look at all these people!"
"April, you're not even a Class of 1994 graduate!" Will said.
"Well, I thought this was a Class of 1991 celebration," April laughed. "Anyway, Will! How are all your Glee kids? I'm sure they've all graduated by now, so I don't know a single one of them, but I really hope they're coming tonight!"
"They are," Will laughed.
"Coolio," April trilled. "Anyway, Will! I had to talk to you about this secret project that I've got the inside scoops on! Rumor has it that new casts are being sought for 2016 Broadway productions, and rumor has it, one of those productions is none other than Wicked, which we both know, Will, you'd love a role in!"
"And what makes you think I wouldn't want a role?" Bryan asked.
"Well, you can both audition," April suggested. "But it is two years away, so don't get your hopes up, but I'll let you both know if I hear any further development. So far I've only been doing smaller roles in community theater or off-Broadway shows."
"Alright, everybody!" Riley shouted from the stage. "It's now time to kick off the entertainment! We've put together a slideshow of our whole class! Hope you all enjoy!"
"Oh, look, Will, the 1994 varsity boys soccer team!" Colin exclaimed, ruffling Will's hair.
"Oh, hey, Terri, the 1994 cheerleading squad!" Will said.
"Oh my gosh, so many memories!" Terri exclaimed. "Aw, our senior portraits! Oh, gosh, did you really have that much acne, Will?"
Will rolled his eyes.
"And there's the good old Bryan Ryan mullet," Bryan laughed. "Oh, my miss my full head of hair."
After the slideshow was done, Riley went back up to the stage.
"So, we have a party crasher in the house, Ms. April Rhodes, who did not graduate with her Class of 1991, but she says that she would like to do a little number for us, accompanied by two friends," Riley said.
"Two friends?" Will asked. "Who'd you bring?"
"Oh, I didn't bring anyone," April said. "You guys came on your own!" April dragged Terri and Emma on the stage.
"Oh my gosh, I can't do this," Emma and Terri said together.
"Howdy everybody!" April exclaimed. "Here's a little 1994 hit for you all, 'When You Believe' by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey."
"Wasn't that made in 1998?" Terri asked.
"Oh, what the hell, this isn't the first time I got my years mixed up tonight!" April laughed. "Hit it!"
Song: "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey
{Concept: The three ladies sing, and Will is surprised at the new Terri. He didn't even know she could sing that well.}
April:
Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful a song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could
Terri:
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
Emma:
In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My heart's so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speakin' words
I never thought I'd say
April:
There can be miracles
When you believe (Terri: When you believe)
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill (Emma: Mmmmmhhh)
Terri & Emma:
Who knows what miracles
Terri:
You can achieve (Emma: You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
Terri & Emma:
You will when you believe
All:
They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your faith
Can't see your way clear through the rain
A small but still resilient voice
Says hope is very near
Terri & Emma (April runs):
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
Somehow you will
Now you will
You will when you believe
When you believe
Will brushed tears out of his eyes and applauded as the three ladies got off the stage.
"You were great, honey," Will said as Emma reclaimed her seat. "And Terri! I… I didn't even know you could…"
"I know," Terri said with a smile. "I guess I was never confident in my voice because I never thought I would be as good as you. And you know, singing was never my thing in high school. It was keeping up with the status quo, but you teach your kids to be more than that, and that's why I fell in love with you, twenty years ago."
"Alright, let's quit this little love fest," Bryan choked. "Let's come up with another song. Testosterone style, this time."
Finn came into the hall.
"Everything okay?" Will asked.
"Yeah!" Finn exclaimed. "I was just wondering if I could introduce the next act."
"Of course," Will said.
Finn grinned and went up to the stage.
"Um, hi everybody! I'm Finn Hudson, Class of 2012, and I wanted to introduce the next singing act. I'm not sure if everyone remembers Will Schuester, sitting over in that corner, but when I was a sophomore, he really helped me get out of my shell, and it started to really happen when he let me and my best friend, Puck, sing in a little boy band he created back in the day," Finn explained.
"Oh gosh, no," Will muttered.
"The Acafellas!" Puck exclaimed, jumping out from behind the stage curtain. "We'd like to introduce the band members! First up, none other than the best show choir director ever, Mr. Will Schuester!"
Will grinned awkwardly and went up to the stage.
"Next up, the assistant manager, four years running, of the Lima Sheets-n-Things, Howard Bamboo!" Finn announced.
"Going on his fourth year of being thumb-less, it's Henri St. Pierre!" Puck announced.
"And one of our favorite football coaches ever, returning to the stage from Medford, Oregon, it's Ken Tanaka!" Finn exclaimed.
"And, featuring special guest, Bryan Ryan," Will offered, beckoning Bryan to join them on stage. "Nice to see you all again!"
"I haven't performed in front of this many people since 2009," Howard whined.
"Holding a microphone feels weird," Henri sighed.
"Someone had better be recording this for Shannon," Ken grumbled.
Will spoke into the microphone, "We are the Acafellas. I'm sure we all remember this actual 1994 hit by Boyz II Men."
"Alright, Mr. Schue, we're out of here," Finn whispered.
"What?" Will asked. "No way! You guys are honorary Acafellas."
"Well, we're in," Puck laughed, joining in for the performance.
Song: "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men
Will:
Close your eyes, make a wish
And blow out the candlelight
For tonight is just your night
We're gonna celebrate, all thru the night
Bryan:
Pour the wine, light the fire
Girl your wish is my command
I submit to your demands
I'll do anything, girl you need only ask
All:
I'll make love to you
Like you want me to
And I'll hold you tight
Baby all through the night
I'll make love to you
When you want me to
And I will not let go
'Till you tell me to
Puck: Girl relax, let's go slow
I ain't got nowhere to go
Henri: I'm just gonna concentrate on you
Henri: Girl are you ready, it's gonna be a long night
Ken: Throw your clothes (Howard: Throw your clothes) on the floor (Howard: on the floor)
Puck: I'm gonna take my clothes off too
I made plans to be with you
Finn: Girl whatever you ask me, you know, I could do
[CHORUS]
All:
I'll make love to you
Like you want me to
And I'll hold you tight
Baby all through the night
I'll make love to you
When you want me to
And I will not let go
'Till you tell me to
Will:
Baby tonight is your night
And I will do you right
Bryan:
Just make a wish on your night
Anything that you ask
I will give you the love of your life, your life, your life
[Chorus x2, with Will vocal runs]
Will went back up to the stage.
"Alright, as some of you might know, I am the current director for the McKinley Glee Club, the New Directions," Will spoke. "And I'm so excited to introduce these amazing young men and women to you tonight."
"Alright, folks," Finn whispered from behind the curtain. "Everyone in their places? Good!"
"—And, as our own Ms. Lillian Adler used to say, eyebrows up!" Will laughed, having Ken open up the stage curtains for the New Directions.
"Here's another 1994 hit coming at you," Joe spoke into the center microphone.
Song: "Anytime You Need a Friend" by Mariah Carey
Unique: Mmm…
Jeremy: If you're lonely
And need a friend
And troubles seem like
They never end
Joe: Just remember
To keep the faith
And love will be there
To light the way
[Chorus:]
All with Marley leading: Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
Marley: So don't you ever be lonely
Love will make it alright
Colby: When the shadows are closing in
And your spirit diminishing
Ryder: Just remember
You're not alone
And love will be there
To guide you home
[Chorus]
Rory: If you just believe in me
I will love you endlessly
Dottie: Take my hand
Take me into your heart
I'll be there forever baby
Unique: I won't let go
I'll never let go
[Chorus]
"Thank you guys," Will whispered, hugging everyone. "Marley, you were amazing."
"Alright, well, how about that!" Riley exclaimed. "A reminder to us all that even though we're all been split into our separate directions, we're still here for each other."
Rachel arrived back at the loft. Kurt and Blaine were at the table talking over pizza.
"Hey, where's Santana?" Rachel asked.
"She has a date with Tatiana," Blaine said.
"And we were too lazy to cook," Kurt sighed tiredly. "How was rehearsal?"
"Fantastic, tiring," Rachel said, setting her purse down. "We're so close to being ready for opening night; I'm so excited. Hey, do you guys want to hit a movie or something? I've been waiting to see Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return."
"Yeah, let's go!" Blaine exclaimed.
"Ugh, can we go tomorrow? You know I'm going to be tempted to get popcorn and a bunch of snacks, and I already had three slices of pizza," Kurt whined.
"Yeah, that'd be best," Rachel said. "I mean, I don't want to fall asleep during the show."
"Can't wait, then," Blaine said, relaxing back into his chair and grabbing another slice of pizza.
"Oh, I hear my Skype ringing," Rachel said, dashing into her part of the loft. Rachel logged into her laptop and was surprised to see that it was a friend request from one Marley Rose, whom she really only knew from watching her stunning performances in Grease and the glimpses she saw of her when she went back home for the winter holidays this past December. Rachel accepted the friend request. "Hello?"
"Hi, Rachel!" Marley exclaimed. "I'm actually on Puck's phone right now. But, did you hear about the Glee Club coming to New York to watch you perform?"
"Yes, I'm so excited!" Rachel said sweetly.
"Well, it got me thinking, I'm sure you wanted to give some sort of thank you to Mr. Schue for everything he's done in your life—"
"Of course!" Rachel piped. "Did you have an idea?"
"I did," Marley said with a smile. "Anyway, Jake got a new video camera for Hanukkah and it's a really good quality one, so I was thinking, what if we got together to make some sort of music video for him?"
"Oh my gosh, I'd love that!" Rachel exclaimed. "Kurt actually has this really good camera too. I'm sure he could help me put together something and then send it over to you to join them together."
Suddenly, Kurt and Blaine tumbled into Rachel's part of the room.
"Sorry," Kurt said. "I heard my name."
"I'm good at video editing!" Blaine exclaimed. "Well, kind of. I took a class on it at Dalton, but maybe Artie could do a better job."
"Well, I suck at video editing, so if you guys could do that, it'd be awesome," Marley laughed. "And Rachel, Puck says you and I might be on the same page with the song that'd be fitting to sing to Mr. Schue."
"'Thank You for the Music,'" they both said together.
"Marley, you're more like me than I thought," Rachel laughed.
"Well, you're more of a Broadway girl; I'm more singer-songwriter," Marley giggled. "Can't wait!"
"Alright, Marley, I need my phone back," Puck said. Marley returned the phone. "Oh, hi, Rachel, Kurt, and Blaine! Have a good night."
"Good night!" the trio exclaimed before Puck hung up the Skype call and proceeded on to start playing some new game.
"Oops, excuse me," Puck said after he accidentally bumped into Terri on his way out of the gym.
"Hey, can I talk to you?" Emma asked Terri.
"Sure," Terri said.
"Um… How exactly did you break the news to Will that you were pregnant, even though you actually weren't?" Emma asked.
"Oh my gosh," Terri breathed. "Are you pregnant?"
"I'm not sure," Emma whispered. "I took an early pregnancy test but it came out negative, but I'm feeling symptoms that suggest that I might be."
"Honey, you're a guidance counselor, I can't believe you're coming to me about this," Terri said. "But, since you're asking, I just welcomed him home from work one day with dinner, champaign, and candles. I'd do something a little more creative though, if you can top that."
"Well, I would need to go to the doctor's to see if I'm actually pregnant first," Emma said apprehensively.
"Wait, why do you look so upset?" Terri asked. "I was under the impression that you guys were actually trying to have kids?"
"Well, we were!" Emma exclaimed. "But it's like, this is the real deal, in nine-ish months I might be in a hospital bed screaming my lungs out when I'm pushing a baby out of me, and I don't even know how I'm going to handle this because I'm not totally sure how my OCD is developing and—"
"Okay, honey, calm down," Terri said. "I thought I had symptoms too, but apparently it was a hysterical pregnancy, so yes, go get tested, but seriously, don't worry about a thing." After a brief pause, Terri forced out, "I'm sure you and Will are going to be great parents."
Emma watched as Terri disappeared back into the crowd.
"Hey!" Will exclaimed, coming up behind Emma. "They're just about ready to clean everything up. You ready to go?"
"Um… yeah," Emma said, walking out the door arm-in-arm.
Monday, May 19
Joe, Rory, Unique, Marley, Ryder, Jake, and Ameera sat in the choir room, while Jeremy, Dottie, and Colby sat a ways to the side.
"Alright, here are the packing lists for our trip to New York," Will said, handing papers around. "Sophomores, I really wish you were able to join us, but don't worry, you'll get to travel next year, hopefully. And can someone please get a list to Kitty?"
"Will do," Ryder said.
"Alright, well, Colby, good luck to you and the volleyball team at the state tournaments, and Dottie, good luck to you and the yearbook staff," Will said.
"Thanks," Colby and Dottie said together.
Jeremy's parents didn't allow him to go to New York.
"Mr. Schue?" Marley asked. "Before we get released, I had a little surprise I wanted to show you."
"Wow," he smiled. "Show me what you got!"
Marley plugged in her laptop to the projector, and there on the screen were Rachel, Kurt, and Blaine.
"HEY NEW DIRECTIONS!" they all exclaimed.
"We're so excited to see you all coming up for opening night!" Kurt exclaimed.
"You guys are so luck you get to see a Broadway show as a group," Blaine said.
"Anyway, Mr. Schue, Marley coordinated this lovely surprise for you," Rachel said. "I heard it was your 20 year reunion this past weekend, and we wanted to sing something to you to show our gratitude for developing our passion for what we do."
Song: "Thank You for the Music" by Abba
{Concept: Marley sings on the left side of the screen, Rachel is on the right. Kurt and Blaine sing backup for Rachel, and Jeremy and Rory sing backup for Marley. }
Marley: I'm nothing special, in fact I'm a bit of a bore
If I tell a joke, you've probably heard it before
Rachel: But I have a talent, a wonderful thing
'Cause everyone listens when I start to sing
I'm so grateful and proud
Marley: All I want is to sing it out loud
All: So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
Rachel: For giving it to me
Rachel: Mother says I was a dancer before I could walk
Marley: She says I began to sing long before I could talk
Rachel: And I've often wondered, how did it all start?
Marley: Who found out that nothing can capture a heart
Like a melody can?
Rachel: Well, whoever it was, I'm a fan
All: So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
Marley: For giving it to me
Rachel: I've been so lucky, I am the girl with golden hair
Marley: I wanna sing it out to everybody
Rachel: What a joy
Marley: What a life
Both: What a chance!
All: Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
Marley: For giving it to me
So I say thank you for the music
Rachel: For giving it to me
"Thanks, Mr. Schue!" they all exclaimed.
Will brushed some tears out of his eyes.
"Wow," he laughed. "Gosh, as a teacher you don't always appreciate the impact you have on your students, but seeing you all going off to do great things… I'm so proud to be your teacher."
"Group hug!" Dottie exclaimed, leading the whole group up to hug Mr. Schue.
"I hate to break up this little love fest," Sue said, walking into the room.
"How can I help you, Sue?" Will asked sarcastically.
"I'm just going to cut right to the chase. As you know, every year the prom punch bowl gets spiked," Sue said.
Colby and Jake cast secret glances at each other.
"After the prom, I encountered one Stoner Brett, who was kind enough to spill that the alcohol on his breath did indeed come from the prom.
"Determined to catch any culprits, I installed spy cams around the punch bowl," Sue said, plugging her laptop into the projector, and there indeed was Sue running over to scold Colby, while Jake poured the flask into the bowl.
Both of the boys buried their faces into the stands.
"Unfortunately for you, Mr. Puckerman, school policy states that students caught under this class of offense are further ineligible to participate in any school functions whilst on suspension," Sue said.
Marley looked so embarrassed.
"Wow…" Will said disappointedly. "I'm sorry, Jake, but I'm afraid you won't be joining us in New York."
"Come on, there's got to be something I can do," Jake said. "Detention, or community service, or—"
"Even if you did all that, you still can't travel to New York as a member of the New Directions," Sue said.
Jake scowled and angrily stormed out of the room, slamming the door on the way out.
A few minutes later, Marley encountered Colby at his locker.
"I know you must have put him up to it," Marley said.
"Maybe," Colby said, shutting his locker. "But I certainly didn't put him up to the second dirty act he did that night."
"What are you talking about?" Marley asked.
"Well, I was at an after-party with some friends, who live right up the street from Jake," Colby explained.
"Jake said he had to go home because his mom wouldn't let him go to the after-party at Kitty's house," Marley said.
"True, but he was throwing his own little after-party there," Colby said.
"Marley," Wade whimpered from behind her.
"I'll let him/her confess," Colby said, turning around.
"What's he talking about?" Marley asked.
"I…" Wade cried.
"Unique!" Marley barked with fright.
"I slept with Jake that night," Wade cried.
The color faded from Marley's face. After a few deep breaths, Marley swung around and sprinted out of the school.
"WHAT THE HELL, DUDE?" Jake exclaimed.
"I couldn't keep it from her," Wade sobbed.
Jake punched a locker and ran down the other end of the hall. Wade slumped to the floor and buried his face in his hands.
As the door to the school shut behind Marley, Dr. Wu shut the door into his office.
"Alright, Emma, the test results have come out definitively positive," Dr. Wu explained.
"Oh my gosh," Emma whispered, brushing a tear from her face.
"Are you disappointed?" Dr. Wu asked.
"No," Emma whispered. "I'm happy, actually. I've always wanted to be a mom, and it's finally happening."
"Well, I'm booking an appointment for you for next week just to get some more tests done, but yes, you are clear to travel to New York," Dr. Wu said.
"Thanks," Emma giggled, patting her stomach.
"Being that the first day of your last period was April 24, that sets your due date to be around January 29, 2015," Dr. Wu explained.
Song: "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson
{Will, Finn, Marley, and Rachel all sing on the darkened McKinley stage, with spotlights on them as their parts come up.}
Finn: Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (Will: I would pray)
Marley & Rachel: Trying hard to reach out
Marley: But when I tried to speak out
Marley & Rachel: Felt like no one could hear me
Marley: Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
Marley & Rachel: So I prayed I could break away
[Chorus:]
Will & Finn: I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Rachel & Marley: Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Will: Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (Rachel: I will)
And breakaway
[Chorus]
{Rachel walks through a revolving door in New York.}
Rachel: Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway
All: I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
All: I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway