Hey ya'll! How is everything? I hope you've still been looking forward to when I update this story, because here comes yet another update! Please read, review, but most importantly, enjoy! :) In this chapter, the two generations of New Directions gleeks spend some quality time together in a glee club session, plans are made for training and tutoring, and the ice is broken with a performance. And at the same time, yet another plot of Charlotte's is, surprise surprise, foiled. Enjoy!
P.S: Strictly out of curiosity, do I still need to remind you how I do not own Glee or any songs used in this story?
Chapter 28:
We're all in this Together
The next day, Mr. Schuester, his sixteen former students, and his thirteen current students were all gathered together in the choir room. Mr. Schuester was seated nearby the piano, and the thirteen current New Directions members were sitting on their seats on the risers as they gazed intently at the sixteen New Directions alumni that were standing in front of them.
The thirteen teenagers couldn't have been happier in the presence of the sixteen former New Directions members. They knew how truly lucky they were to be experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity. In fact, this opportunity would be even better now considering how Mr. Schuester had told them the previous day after introductions that the sixteen alumni would be helping him in their training for the upcoming Regionals competition. That, was indeed something that had been worth looking forward to the way they saw it.
Mr. Schuester eventually began the meeting for the day. "Alright guys, as you know, Regionals will soon be upon us in the next few months."
The thirteen teenage gleeks nodded, for they certainly knew the truth in that statement.
"That being said," Mr. Schuester continued "it is time for us to really step up the game. In fact, it's even more important now that we do that because of how we are also going to hopefully have some of you perform in the school musical, which you may remember was moved to this month. However, while I have admittedly done a pretty good job with you guys so far, I believe that I might do even better at working with you for both Regionals practice and training for the musical if I have a few experienced helpers. That's why I agreed for my former student, Mr. Finn Hudson, to arrange for himself and my other former students who came for the reunion he set up to work with me. On that note, I now wish to go ahead and tell you that over the next few months, you will all have group times with me as well as single quality tutoring time with one or two of each of the alumni."
The New Directions cheered exultantly upon hearing this news.
"Alright everyone, I shall now sort you out with your one-on-one tutors among the alumni here. Diana, you'll be working with Rachel."
Diana smiled, and looked admiringly at Rachel, who smiled back and waved at her avid fan.
"Daniel, good thing you're sitting down at the moment, because you will be working with Finn."
"Oh yes! Hallelujah!" Daniel yelled. Finn smiled happily upon sight of the enthusiastic reception from Daniel.
"Calvin, you and Hobbes will be working with Sam."
"Sounds cool to me," Calvin responded. Hobbes barked once in apparent agreement. Sam let off a huge grin.
"Susan, you get to work with Mercedes."
"This will be fun," Susan said to Calvin.
"Damn right girl!" said Mercedes, causing Susan to smile.
"Zack, you will be working with Puck."
"The ultimate master of badassness," Zack said dreamily. Puck smiled at the praise.
"Charlotte, you shall be working with Quinn."
"Why do I always get assigned to work with the bitches?" Quinn asked herself in a whisper.
"No offense, but early in your high school years, you were a pretty nasty bitch yourself," Puck whispered back to her.
"If it weren't for the fact that I consider you a friend, I would've punched you in the face right now."
"I'll bet you wouldn't have said that to Joe," Puck grumbled under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing," Puck said timidly.
Meanwhile, Mr. Schuester was still assigning his current students to their tutors.
"Dunlap, say hello to your new one-on-one coach, Artie Abrams."
"Sweet!" Dunlap yelped in excitement. Artie chuckled, for he certainly was on board with working with someone who had prosthetic legs. After all, from a certain point of view, having those was very similar to being in a wheelchair.
"Naomi, you will be working with Santana. Santana, she's blind, so please be patient."
"Don't worry Mr. Schue," said Santana. "I know the difference between competitively inspiring and being cruel. I'm not going to be cruel to a blind girl."
"Just thought I'd warn you," said Mr. Schuester. "Alright; Darren, you will be working with Joe and Rory."
Darren whooped in pleasure, and Joe and Rory gave each other a fist bump.
"Amber, you'll be working with Sugar and Brittany."
"I like what I'm hearing," Amber responded. Brittany and Sugar grinned happily.
"Cody, you'll be working with . . ."
"Let me guess, Mike Chang?"
"How'd you know?"
"You were there when we all told you our idols among your former students."
Mike smiled, for he certainly admired the Korean American boy's enthusiasm.
"Ok then, very well, that I was. Moving on; Bailey, you shall be working with Tina."
"Oh yeah, time to turn up some serious heat," Bailey replied enthusiastically. Tina giggled, and made an amused grin.
"Alright Raj, that leaves you with Kurt and Blaine."
"The promised land," Raj said dreamily. The two gay men chuckled and looked at each other in amusement at Raj's enthusiasm at getting to work with them.
"Good to see you so enthusiastic Raj," said Mr. Schuester.
"That it is," Raj agreed with a big smile on his face.
The other glee kids and alumni smiled back upon hearing this. "At this rate, they're going to win Regionals in a heartbeat," Finn thought to himself.
Mr. Schuester smiled as well, and then stated, "Alright then. Now, just so you guys all know, the theme for Regionals this year is popular culture. Therefore, we must perform at least some songs that are either popular in today's culture, or used in a movie or TV show. I'll bet you're all excited to hear this news!"
The thirteen gleeks all cheered exultantly at the sound of this news. Even they had now spent long enough in the glee club to know about Mr. Schuester's reputation for favoring songs that were practically way past expiration date. Now they would be guaranteed to sing at least one song that wasn't on the hit list from 1942. Even the New Directions alumni couldn't help but say "Amen for that," under their breath. They to, knew how it had often felt under Mr. Schuester's leadership to have to very often perform songs that left them feeling that their teacher hadn't listened to the radio since 1981.
Mr. Schuester rolled his eyes in mock irritation, and continued with a straight face, "Also, this week we'll be holding auditions for the school musical this year. As announced by Principal Figgins this morning, the musical shall be held in two weeks from now. Also, the musical shall be, wait for it, Les Miserables!"
All 29 gleeks in the room couldn't help but cheer at this exciting news. "Best musical ever besides Funny Girl!" yelled Rachel.
"However," said Mr. Schuester "despite how there are going to be open auditions, I would like for all of you here in the glee club who aren't among the alumni to audition."
"Don't you worry Mr. Schue. You didn't even need to ask. We'll definitely audition. Won't we guys?" said Diana.
The other gleeks roared out their agreement.
"Alright then," Mr. Schuester yelled "That's settled! In that case, time to get things started in earnest today! Everyone, join with up your alumni tutors, and we'll get this show on the road!"
Charlotte raised her hand.
"But first let's hear what Charlotte has to say," Mr. Schuester amended.
Charlotte lowered her hand, cleared her throat, and said to the alumni, "I've often heard Mr. Schuester's stories about all your antics in this club, and I particularly thought that I might like to someday watch a performance by the legendary 'Unholy Trinity.' Considering the fact that you are all here, do you think that we could set aside some time today for a performance by them?"
The alumni looked each other in the eyes, smiled, and then turned their heads back to face the thirteen current New Directions members.
"Let me guess, you're the one that Mr. Schuester asked about that matter?" Finn asked.
"Yes," Charlotte said, though her voice showed obvious confusion as she remembered clearly that she had suggested the idea to Mr. Schuester first, not the other way round as Finn appeared to be thinking.
Finn smiled, and responded, "Well good thing he got your opinion on that matter, because thanks to him and the idea you provided for him, we made sure to get a performance prepared for today. Isn't that right girls?"
"Correct you are Finn," Quinn responded.
However, as this was happening, the other twelve current gleeks were staring suspiciously at Charlotte. Charlotte however, had assumed an innocent air. Inside, she was celebrating her apparent victory. Already, her current plan that she'd come up with on the fly as soon as she'd eavesdropped on Mr. Schuester talking to Finn on the phone was working perfectly. Within minutes, the Unholy Trinity would perform a song that she knew that her peers in the glee club would not be all that comfortable hearing. With that done, they'd feel uncomfortable with spending overly large amounts of time with their new tutors, and be all that more likely to lose at Regionals, and thus leave Daniel in just the right state of mind for her to get her hooks into him. When the other gleeks eventually looked away, she let a wolfish grin come onto her face.
Oblivious to this, Finn continued, "Alright everyone, I hope you're all ready for this awesome upcoming performance! Trust me, you're all going to love it, and I do mean all of you!"
The other gleeks mumbled their agreement, but Finn and the other alumni could tell that they didn't seem as if they truly believed this.
Finn shook his head side to side, turned to Quinn, and said, "Hey Quinn, maybe we should just start the performance and get a good start on breaking the ice with these kids."
"Couldn't agree more," said Quinn. She turned her head to Brittany and Santana and asked, "Are you ready girls?"
"You bet we are girl," Santana replied. Brittany nodded her head in agreement.
Quinn smiled, looked over at the band members, and said, "Remember which song Mr. Schuester told you we'd be doing?"
The band members nodded, all of them happily smiling.
"Good," said Quinn. "Hit it."
The band members promptly complied. As the band played the opening notes and the three alumni started doing the dance they'd practiced, it didn't take very long for the thirteen current New Directions members to recognize the song, and the majority of them happily smiled as they realized that the song was indeed something that they would enjoy seeing a performance of. Charlotte, however, had a very surprised look on her own face.
"Oh God, I love this song," said Diana with a dreamy look on her face.
"Wait a minute," Charlotte said in shock. "This isn't what I wanted them to perform!"
Unfortunately, it was too late. Already the Unholy Trinity was in full swing in their performance of a song that was most certainly not what Charlotte had asked Mr. Schuester to have them perform. When the time was right in the performance, the three women began singing, and the song went like this:
(Quinn)
Since the day they got married
He'd been praying for a little baby boy
Someone he could take fishing
Throw the football, be his pride and joy
He could already see him holding that trophy
Taking his team to state
But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket
All those big dreams changed
(Brittany)
And now, he's wrapped around her finger
She's the center of his whole world
And his heart belongs to that sweet, little, beautiful, wonderful, perfect
All-American girl
(Quinn)
Sixteen short years later
She was falling for the senior football star
Before you knew it he was dropping passes
Skipping practice just to spend more time with her
The coach said, "Hey, son, what's your problem
Tell me have you lost your mind?
Daddy said you'll lose your free ride to college.
Boy, you better tell her goodbye."
(Brittany)
But now, he's wrapped around her finger
She's the center of his whole world
And his heart belongs to that sweet, little, beautiful, wonderful, perfect
All-American
(Santana)
And when they got married and decided to have one of their own
She said, "Be honest, tell me what you want?"
And he said, "Honey, you ought to know...
A sweet, little, beautiful one just-a like you.
I want a beautiful, wonderful, perfect all-American..."
(Brittany)
Now he's wrapped around her finger
She's the center of his whole world
And his heart belongs to that sweet, little, beautiful, wonderful, perfect
All-American girl
(All)
All-American girl
Upon singing the last lyrics, the three women ended their performance with a bow to the audience.
The thirteen current members of the New Directions exultantly applauded after the performance was finished. Even Charlotte clapped just to be polite, though her facial expression clearly showed how disappointed she was now feeling at the foiling of her latest plan. The other New Directions alumni were also cheering happily. Joe in particular was the last to stop applauding. After all, he was just that awed by Quinn's part in the performance.
When the applause ended, Charlotte stood up and resolutely walked over to Finn, who could only stare uncomprehending at her as she stormed up to him.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Charlotte yelled angrily at Finn. "That wasn't what I asked for!"
Finn made an obviously confused facial expression, and replied, "What do you mean?"
"Do you not have any brains in that watermelon-sized head of yours? You're a teacher for Heaven's sake! That wasn't the song I wanted them to perform!"
"What are you talking about?" Finn asked before he was abruptly slapped hard in the face by Charlotte without warning. "Ow!" Finn yelled in pain and shock.
The instant Finn shouted this, Charlotte heard an angry noise that sounded very much like a growl coming from behind her. She turned her head just in time to see Daniel appearing to be on the verge of leaping out of his seat at her with a murderous look on his face. The only reason he hadn't already managed to get up from his seat was the fact that Calvin and Susan were each holding him by one of his arms. "Calm down man," said Calvin.
The other gleeks looked on nervously at the scene. Diana managed to say, "It if weren't for how tense the current situation is, I'd find the irony of this situation quite funny."
Susan rolled her eyes at her friend's comment, but she could certainly see what Diana meant. Usually it was Calvin who growled when angry and had to be held back to keep him from attacking someone in a rage. Daniel, meanwhile, was usually the guy who had to hold someone back, not the other way round.
Meanwhile, among the New Directions alumni, a similar scene was unfolding as Kurt and Puck found themselves desperately holding back Rachel, who looked as if she wanted to skin Charlotte alive.
"Keep it together Rachel," said Kurt. "We can't have you killing a student on our first day of working with them!"
"Kurt's right Rachel," said Puck. "Finn will be perfectly fine."
Still slightly dazed, Finn glared at Charlotte, and asked indignantly, "What was that for?"
"Did you not hear anything I said before I slapped you? That song wasn't the one that I wanted the Unholy Trinity to perform!"
"Since when?" Finn asked with considerable heat in his voice. "Mr. Schuester specifically told us that you wanted them to perform Carrie Underwood's All-American Girl!"
"No! I specifically told him that I wanted them to perform Wrecking Ball!"
"That's not true," Finn yelled back before drawing out the sticky note that Mr. Schuester had given him with the name of the song and showing it to Charlotte.
"See? It says right here, All-American Girl!"
At the sight of the song title, Charlotte gaped at the sticky note in horror. Aghast, she turned her head to Mr. Schuester and incredulously yelled, "This is your doing isn't it? You knew exactly which song I wanted and you had them perform a different one! Why?"
The sixteen alumni also looked at Mr. Schuester. "Mr. Schue, did she really suggest that we perform a completely different song than the one you had us perform?" Santana asked.
Mr. Schuester made a guilty grin and nodded.
"I can't believe you!" Charlotte screamed. "Despite how very clearly I expressed my opinion on the matter, you deliberately had them perform a song that was the exact opposite of what I wanted them to perform! Why?!"
"Judging from your attitude, I already have a feeling that I know why!"
Charlotte turned her head towards the area where she'd just heard that acerbic remark, and saw Artie glaring at her.
Charlotte folded her arms across her chest, stared down haughtily at the wheelchair bound man, and arrogantly said, "Oh really? Well why don't you go ahead and tell me that Captain Kirk?"
Artie yelled back, "Because he knows your type! He's dealt with people just like you twice before you! He had a feeling that you would have an ulterior motive behind suggesting that outrageously inappropriate and disturbing song you picked and made sure to counteract that!"
Charlotte gaped in surprise at this. Artie had indeed correctly interpreted her.
Artie wheeled his chair up to Charlotte, straightened up as best as he could in the chair, and yelled, "You may think you're the boss around here, but Mr. Schuester's word in this choir room is law, and me and the other fifteen alumni here hold far more loyalty to this club from over the years than you all combined. I don't care how high and mighty you think you are compared to us, but the truth is that we are older, smarter, wealthier, and most of all better than you! And we would never, I mean never, willingly betray the club that we ourselves used to be members of by making all the true loyal current members uncomfortable by performing some scandalous piece of garbage like Wrecking Ball or any other disgraceful rubbish! Now neither I, nor the other alumni will have any of your arrogant, pig-headed, buffoon attitude in our company! Now sit down, and actually do this club a favor for once by not keeping your head up in the clouds thinking of some other plot to destroy us!"
Charlotte could only stare stunned after hearing Artie's furious tirade. Artie snorted angrily, and rapidly turned around to roll back over to join the other alumni.
The other New Directions alumni gaped at Artie in shock as their wheelchair bound friend angrily wheeled back into his position from before putting Charlotte in her place. Mr. Schuester also gaped in surprise for a few seconds before eventually gesturing for Charlotte to return to her seat. Speechless, Charlotte slowly complied.
Mr. Schuester took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and said, "Alright guys, with that out of the way, time for you all to join up with your new tutors!"
Twelve of his current students got up in a flash and enthusiastically walked over to join up with their assigned tutors among the alumni. Charlotte was far slower in getting up from her seat and walked sullenly over to Quinn, who smirked at her. "That will teach her," she thought to herself as the dejected cheerleader walked over to her. As all her friends happily talked with their new students, Quinn's smile widened as she thought of how much fun the next few months would be.
And there you have it people! I hope you enjoy this! :) On another note, I know that Wrecking Ball was performed in episode 5 of season 5, but in this alternate reality, that particular event never happened, and I came up with this idea before I learned that that particular song would be used, so please forgive me if I offend any of you through the way this song was described in this story. Well anyway, please review! :)
Coming up next: The sixteen New Directions alumni make final casting decisions for who gets which major role in the upcoming school musical. Who will make the cut for which part? Will the students (especially the current New Directions members) be pleased with who they get cast as? Find out, on the next update! :)
