Revenge is a dish best served as humble pie.
Glee
Pairing: Rachel Berry/Quinn Fabray
Author: myIllusion
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters-no copyright infringement intended.
More M material in this Chapter. Sorry about the smut for those of you who don't like it, and your welcome, to those of you who do! ;) I try to space it out a bit but these last two chapters just happen to have back to back scenes. This chapter is a big, rambling, set-up for events that will happen in the very near future. Things are getting a bit complicated, but I promise to sort them all out. At the end is a bit of the 'Schmanson' Trial. Also, this chapter is a little rough around the edges. I'll be cleaning it up, but I didn't want to delay the update because it's been two weeks already.
...
Chapter XXXVIII: Disorder in the Court.
Rachel and Quinn.
Rachel really didn't have the time to follow through on the promises she made to Quinn before her girlfriend passed out. She would have followed through, with a great deal of zeal, however, her Dad and Daddy would be home from work soon. It was imperative they freshen up her bedroom so it didn't smell like sex! Her parents were aware that she and Quinn were active sexually but they never made it easy for the girls to be together. Furthermore, they never openly approved. Whenever Quinn stayed over they were expected to leave her bedroom door open. Well, except for that brief period after Stephanie attacked her.
At any rate, Quinn needed to wake up and take a shower with her. They needed to change the linens on her bed and open the windows to air out the room.
"Quinn... sweetheart... baby..." Rachel whispered into her girlfriends ear while gently stroking her cheek. "You must wake up before my Dad's get home... sweeeety..." Rachel pleaded but Quinn was sound asleep, she was even snoring a little.
Darn! (stomp) Rachel almost cursed, but decided to use a different technique. She snatched her water glass off the night stand, marched into her bathroom, filled it up with cold water, then...
Splash!
"Glug...lug...choke, gasp,... sputter...what the fuck?" Quinn sputtered helplessly, her eyes were clenched tightly together, but she managed a peek through the one that was less flooded only to glimpse a naked blur running for the bathroom.
"Giggle."
That little sneak. "I saw you Rachel, and don't think you're off the hook. You owe me five more orgasms!" Oh My God. Did I really just say that? Whatever, the little sneak made some dirty promises right before Quinn passed out and she was going to cash in her chips. She climbed out of the now soggy bed and headed for the bathroom where she could hear the shower running on full spray.
Some little time later...
Fully clothed and freshly showered both girls were attempting to study. Their books were spread all over Rachel's bed, but they kept getting distracted by one another. Quinn was distracted, simply because Rachel was in the room with her. And Rachel was distracted, well, for pretty much the same reason.
"Let's talk about tomorrow." Rachel decided it was useless to pretend that they would get any work done. She pushed Quinn's books off the end of the bed and crawled over to place her head in her girlfriends lap. Quinn stroked her face tenderly, before running her fingers through the silky soft tresses and continued to massage Rachel's head.
"What about tomorrow?" Quinn asked a little hesitantly because she heard a flutter of apprehension in Rachel's tone.
"Well, since you outed us to the whole school, how are we going to act? Like nothing happened at all? Or, are we going to step forward and make a statement? Kurt is the only student who is truly out. Everyone assumes that Santana and Brittany are a couple but even they don't hold hands or kiss where anyone can see them. They do link pinkies but that is a very ambiguous clue. What do you want to do Quinn?" Big brown eyes were wide with wonder at what her girlfriend might say.
It was a little disconcerting to try and think of an answer while holding onto that deeply expressive gaze. Gah! Whatever, I want to make it clear to Rachel what I want. No half-assed attempts, not after what I did in the cafeteria today.
"I want to walk down the hall holding your hand Rachel. I want every single person in the school to know that you are taken. I know Jeremy would never hit on you, but just seeing him sitting with you made me crazy. It made me think that everyone thought you were with him, or that you were going to be. Espescially after the Schmanson story was spread around. But, that isn't the only reason Rach. I just want them to know that we are together. I'm proud of us and I don't want to hide it anymore. Not to anyone."
Quinn got lost in her words for a moment, so she didn't notice the absolute joy consuming her girlfriends features. It became quite clear when Rachel pulled Quinn's face down, and soft, soft lips were suddenly fastened to her own. Hmmm...maybe Rachel would make good on her dirty promises after all. Quinn thought before succumbing to the softness of her girlfriends mouth.
...
Brittany and Santana
(Tuesday morning, the day after Quinn's meltdown in the cafeteria)
Nate Minetti and Jenna Doran were not the only couple in the school to take advantage of the linen closet in the laundry room. The space was a fairly large, long narrow room, boasting tall shelved cubbies loaded with McKinley High athletic wares. It housed spare uniforms, gym outfits, and towels for all the athletic teams and gym classes. There were also wool blankets with the schools emblem, and table cloths for special events and banquets held within the cafeteria. The laundry room facility was placed directly between the boys and girls locker rooms and thus was considered a neutral territory. Any student with access to a locker room, had access to the laundry room.
On a daily basis the athletes dropped off their sweaty, dirty uniforms, or gym outfits, their wet towels, and stinky gear to be laundered by a well trained staff of student workers. The work schedule was posted on the bulletin board so it was easy to know when the laundry room would be unattended.
Tuesday morning, third hour, was a study period for Santana Lopez and Brittany Pierce, but rather than wasting that precious time 'studying' in the Cheerio locker room, they capitalized on the down time in the laundry room. They staked their claim earlier in the school year, and eventually, after several interruptions and minor altercations, it was well established that the linen closet in the laundry room was off limits to everyone during third hour on Tuesdays. Except for Santana and Brittany of course.
"Ms. Lopez... you do realize you are under oath don't you?" Brittany was playing the horny lawyer and Santana was the naughty witness. They were practicing for Santana's upcoming testimony.
"Yes Ms. Pierce." Santana answered with a sultry whisper while unzipping Brittany's Cheerio skirt. Brittany just finished laying several blankets on the floor so they would be comfortable during their fantasy game of, 'Disorder in the Court.'
"Is it true, Ms. Lopez, that you're a badass in the streets, but a kitten between the sheets?"
"What?" Santana squawked.
"Awww...come on San, you're a totally cuddly kitten after your pussy had been stroked, and licked... 'specially after I've taken you really hard, and then I bring you down with lots of lapping and purring and petting... I want to do that now San...I want my cuddly kitten today."
But before Santana could object to Brittany's observations of her badassness in the bedroom, she was pulled into the blonde's lap, her Cheerio top was shoved up and out the way, and Brittany latched her mouth upon a nipple. Shortly thereafter, she was stripped of her skirt, straddling Brittany's lap and riding the blonde's hand like a cowgirl breaking a wild bronco.
"Ay...dios...(pant)...yes...don't stop baby...yes...fuck...please, baby pleeeaseeee...-
Then, suddenly, that near orgasmic bliss, that wild ride into a blinding sunset, collapsed into an anti-climatic nothing. Brittany's fingers disappeared, her lips detached themselves from a very distended nipple, and Santana was unceremonioulsy dumped upon the prickly woolen blankets on the floor.
"What the fuck Britt?" Santana screeched. She was lying on her back with her Cheerio top smushed over her breasts, her skirt around her ankles, and her face a vivid purple. Yeah, so, it was fairly impossible for Santana to look anything at all like, well, a 'cuddly kitten'.
"Shsssh...did you hear that San?" Brittany whispered to Santana, who was understandably apoplectic from being led to the edge of the cliff and left to dangle there. What the fricken fuck? Whoever had the balls to disturb her and Britt's time together wasn't going to have balls for very long.
Knock, knock, knock.
The softest tap a person could conceivably accomplish was being practiced on the outside of the linen closet door. Who the hell? Santana very regretfully pulled her top down, she dragged up her spanks and skirt, marched over to the door and yanked it open.
"What in hell could you two possibly want in this bloody closet? And don't you fucking know that Britt and I have it reserved for the rest of our high school careers on Tuesday during third hour?"
Cindy Bingham and Giles Deroche were nodding, frantically agreeing with the scary Latina. The color of their faces was beet, and darker beet, but still, Cindy found the courage to explain herself succinctly.
"Nate Minetti, Jenna Doran and half the swim team are planning on doing something to the glee club, but more specifically, they really want to hurt Rachel."
Silence...
"What?" Santana whispered in confusion, while gaping at the pair but saw that both of them were deadly serious. Serious enough to brave the temper of Satan Lopez to deliver this piece of ugly news.
"Get in here!" Santana ordered, she grabbed them each by a forearm and dragged them into the closet.
Brittany heard what Cindy said of course, and while Santana was slamming the closet door, Brittany grabbed another blanket to drape upon the floor so Cindy and Giles could sit down with them. Santana rolled her eyes but didn't have it in her to scold her girl for being such a gracious hostess.
Once the four of them were settled comfortably upon the blankets, Santna donned her 'badass in the streets' persona. She crossed her arms, glared at the frightened freshmen and quietly began demanding answers.
"Start talking." She growled.
Cindy and Giles bobbed their heads in unison, but Giles allowed Cindy to tell the story.
"We were hiding in the old equipment room during gym class. Coach Sylvester has us playing dodge ball again, and Giles and I are always the first ones out. We always sneak into the equipment room to avoid the rest of the match. Anyway, the swim team has weights second hour on Tuesday and Thursdays. The weight room is on the other side of the wall, and...um... we could hear everything that Nate and Jenna were saying."
"Wait a minute?" Santana held up her hand and narrowed her eyes at the timid girl.
Cindy visibly flinched while Giles stared at his lap. They were both tiny people. Their hair was the color of sun bleached straw, and their eyes were pale blue. If one didn't know any better they could have easily been mistaken for fraternal twins.
"How could you hear through the wall what was going on in the weight room?"
Cindy began to blush, but she had been bold enough to come to Santana with the news, so she would be brave enough to tell her the truth.
"Don't scare Cindy San, let her and Giles tell us." Brittany scolded Santana, but took the bite out of her words by bending over and kissing her on the cheek. Santana's cheeks reddened, while Brittany encouraged Cindy to continue. "It's okay Cindy, San just gets cranky when she doesn't know what's going on. Go ahead and finish your story."
The shy girl smiled at Brittany, she reached over to clasp Giles hand, then finished her explanation.
"We were standing beneath the air vent that's connected to both rooms. We were, um..."
Brittany winked at Santana and they both shared a grin at what the two were obviously doing in the old equipment room during second hour. They were avoiding dodge ball, but they were also getting their mack on. Which was kind of weird because Santana had pegged Giles as a mini Kurt. Not so much now, but it didn't matter because she had a new found affection for these two former losers.
"...anyway, we could hear everything that Nate and Jenna were saying. They think it's all the glee clubs fault. All the practical jokes. They don't even think there is a Skunker, they just think the glee club had been doing the pranks all along. Anyway, they plan on sabotaging your Sectionals competition. And for some reason, Nate really hates Rachel and wants to do something to ruin her voice. They were just saying a bunch of stuff, they didn't have a real plan yet, by the sounds of it. But... um... Nate sounded really mad and serious about hurting Rachel."
Silence...
Whoa! This was seriously wrong and Santana was fighting the urge to just hunt Nate down and pound the shit out of him right now. But it would be better if he didn't know they knew. That would give them time to prevent this all from happening.
"Cindy, did any of the swim team see you? Did they know you were in the equipment room?" Santana asked, hoping these two had used some common sense while trying to spy.
"No...we...ah..." Giles spoke up for the first time. He gained a little confidence when Cindy grabbed his hand. He was still blushing but his voice was steady. "We never talk very loud when we hide in the equipment room because we don't want to get caught. And we waited for the second bell to ring to make sure the swimmers were all on their way to third hour. We're late for Biology right now, but we wanted to tell you before they do anything, and,...um..." More blushing.
"...everyone knows where you two are third hour."
"I see," Santana snickered at the boy's forwardness. "Why didn't you tell Finn? He's still following you two around and chasing off anyone who would Slushie you, isn't he?"
"Yes." Cindy responded this time. "But we don't trust Finn. He isn't very nice to Rachel anymore, nor Quinn."
Santana and Brittay sadly agreed with that statement. Brittany felt a little bad that Finn had isolated himself so much from glee. She hoped he would come around soon, but before she could pursue that line of thought Santana had moved on.
"Okay, here's what we're going to do. You two are not to tell anyone what you just told me and Britt. Got it?"
Nod. Nod.
"We don't know what the swim team is planning but Sectionals is a month away, so that gives us some kind of timeline to work with. However, what you said about damaging Rachel's voice could happen at any time. We'll take steps to protect her, but in the mean time, I want you both to keep spying on the swim team during second hour on the days that they have weights. I'll work it out with Coach Sylvester so she doesn't notice you're absent from her class. Okay?"
Nod. Nod.
Santana and Brittany thanked the adorable couple, shooed them off to Biology class and sat back down to discuss how to broach this with Rachel and Quinn.
"We gotta tell Rach and Quinn right away San. He could put something in her drink, or poison her at lunch or something. I think we should go right now San."
"Okay." Santana didn't even bother to argue. She just folded up the blankets, while thinking a little forlornly of their interrupted game. Oh well, they could always play, 'Disorder in the Court' when they got home that evening.
Brittany started to cry. She was getting wound up and Santana knew that the only way her girlfriend would calm down was to go directly to Rachel and Quinn's AP Chemistry class.
And that's exactly what they did.
...
Rachel, Quinn, Brittany, Santana and all of the Gleeks. Except for Finn.
(Rachel's Lab Oratory Tuesday evening.)
"I still think we should inform Coach Sylvester, Rachel. I understand Nate and Jenna's need to punish the glee club for what happened at the swim meet. Even if they can't prove any of their allegations. I do, however, fear the threat against you, personally, much more. Nate has no concern about hurting you physically. I think he would enjoy that very much. None of the pranks the 'Skunker' has pulled have physically harmed life or limb... but this is really scary Rachel."
Artie finished his quiet speech and glanced around to see that most everyone was nodding their agreement.
Artie and Lauren had finally been invited into the fold. Rachel broke her rule requiring an audition and plea for admittance for these last two members of her cast. They had shown remarkable versatility throughout this whole year. They had both helped, unwittingly at times...or maybe not?, in several of the Scenes. They were also very supportive of she and Quinn's relationship and exceptionally displeased at Mr. Schuester's poor treatment of her at yesterdays glee meeting.
It was a tight fit, squeezing the twelve of them around Rachel's work table in her Lab Oratory, but she did have enough stools for everyone. Rachel even had one stool which sported a back support, and arm rests, so Artie could join them at the tall table.
"I say you just let me pound the shit out of that pervert. The rest of the swim team ain't so bad when Nate's not around to provoke them. Except for Jenna, but Santana can take care of her." Puck got off his stool to pace. Santana joined him and together they criss-crossed the lab creating a web of invisible tension.
"Puck's right. If we let those assholes know we're onto them they won't have the balls to try anything." Santana agreed.
"I agree with Artie." Tina cast her vote. Mercedes, Mike and Sam bobbed there heads in support.
"Coach Sylvester will not be able to accomplish anything, even if she wants to!"
Kurt's voice rang out clear and strong and held an edge of frustrated anger. Everyone turned to stare with big eyes at their fellow gleek.
"Don't you remember at the beginning of the year when David threatened my life? Sue took it to the School Board. They said without a witness to his threats they couldn't, and wouldn't, punish him in any way. No. As much as I hate this situation we have to come together and confront them ourselves. Hopefully, in a manner by which no one will be harmed." He glared at Santana and Puck while finishing his statement.
"Kurts right." Rachel finally spoke her thoughts. Quinn and Brittany were seated on either side and chose to sit and listen, they already knew what Rachel intended to do regarding the teachers and staff. Asking them to help would be pointless, which is why she started the Play to begin with.
"Coach Sylvester will not be able to act in our support. At least not openly, although recently she has been intentionally obtuse. I believe she is much more aware of everything that's happening and helping in her own way. However, this swim team problem is ours. Nate has reasons beyond the swim meet to dislike and fear me. I think he's using his teammates to help him retaliate because he fears getting caught. He knows who my Uncle is and is too smart to act alone in this. No. Nate Minetti will set this up for one of his teammates, or Jenna, to take the fall, so he can slither away untouched again."
"This is what we're going to do." Rachel continued, "We'll hold off on Act III, Scene II: 'Hey Teacher.' We'll postpone it until next Thursday, to time it so it follows after Coach Sylvester's testimony. We all know Stephanie's lawyer is intending to make a mockery of the school in a desperate attempt to get an acquittal. I was very disappointed with Mr. Schuester's reaction in glee club yesterday, but I was not surprised. All the teachers have become numb and indifferent to the bullying, but I intend to wake them up.
Each and every member of the staff will get a taste of what it's like to be betrayed by their peers. Hopefully, when it's all over, they will gain some insight as to what it's like for us. In the mean time. According to Cindy and Giles, the swim team is intending to sabotage Sectionals. That's a month away so we have time to prepare ourselves." Rachel raised her hand at this point, to fend off the incoming objections.
"As for Nate's threat about doing something to damage my voice? I think it's safe to say we should all take precautions. Whatever he intends to do to me, he could just as easily do to any of you. We will travel in groups. We will prepare our own lunches and drinks at home. Don't even use the fountains at school, or the bathroom sinks. That boy has as much self-restraint as Stephanie Hanson. We will set a trap for Nate Minetti, but before we get those details worked out, everyone must show precaution."
Silence filled the room while everyone took in what Rachel had said.
"Sniffle."
Brittany was crying again. She sat on her stool next to Rachel with big shiny tears pouring down her cheeks. She didn't want to be so upset, but everything just made her sooo sad. She tried not to, but just thinking about someone wanting to hurt Rachel again, and especially her voice, made her so, so, sad.
Rachel reached over encircling her friends waist. She placed a gentle kiss on Brittany's cheek while simultaneously 'eye talking' at Santana. Stop pacing around like a maniac! Get over here and hold your girlfriend. Santana scrambled around the table to pull Brittany into her arms.
"Lauren?" Rachel addressed the All Star Wrestler, thinking this might make Brittany feel a little better. Brittany was kind of in awe of Lauren. She would never let on in front of Santana because Santana was the baddest badass in all of McKinley, but Brittany thought Lauren really rocked.
"Would you consider joining Santana and Quinn as my personal guard throughout the day?"
"Hey!" Puck exclaimed indignantly. Rachel never asked him to be her personal guard. He did that anyway but still, she should be asking him, not his girlfriend. Crap! He caught the little diva's glance and realized that Rachel always had a reason for everything that she did. So, he shrugged his shoulders indifferently and punched his girlfriend on the shoulder as she responded to Rachel's request.
Lauren shoved Puck out of her way and gave him the 'stink eye' for punching her. She stretched her arms above her head, clasped her hands together and cracked her knuckles loudly before replying.
"I would be delighted, however, I should like the title 'Personal Assistant,' as bodyguard seems crude, and well, oafish."
Rachel giggled, Santana huffed indignantly, Brittany and everyone else laughed out loud.
Stephanie Hanson's Trial.
(Rachel)
Stephanie Hanson was sitting at the Defense Counsel's table, looking very young and vulnerable and innocent. Instead of diabolical, and disturbed, and demented as she truly was. Her flaxen hair was bound in a loose french braid, which settled upon her back; it shone brightly, radiating light and warmth. One could almost think she had a halo if one didn't know better. She wore a simple white blouse buttoned to the throat, clasped by a very ornate broach. It looked like a butterfly and Rachel cringed internally. How dare that evil creature choose a butterfly broach! She immediately started thinking of the tailor with the moth fetish in Silence of the Lambs. He stitched together dresses made of human skin. Eww. Rachel couldn't tell what Stephanie was wearing below the blouse but guessed it was a conservative skirt. Mr. Parker was making a point to present his client as wholesome and innocent. Harumph!
Quinn, Santana, Finn, and David Karofvsky were waiting in an office down the hall, they were all going to testify today, after Mr. Parker was done with Coach Sylvester. Rachel was seated behind the Prosecution, but in front of the gallery full of courtroom onlookers. Brittany was seated to her right and her Daddy and Judy were on her left. Her Dad had to work today but Rachel assured him that between her Daddy, Judy and Brittany she would be very well taken care of. She was bobbing her knee and tapping her foot while Brittany held her hand and squeezed it gently every time her knee started to gain too much altitude.
Sigh.
The trial was not open to the public, except for a handful of reporters, family, friends, and members of the Police department. Stephanie was being tried as an adult. The Prosecutor was forced to play hardball because Stephanie's lawyer refused to use common sense. His Honorable Judge, Francis Destrampe, was furious at Mr. Parker for moving forward with this defense. He believed that Stephanie would be better served by a plea and institutionalization where a therapist could work with her. However, her lawyer, Mr. Trevor Parker, argued that her chances of acquittal were high, which left the court with no option, except to go forward with a Jury trial.
So, here they all were, on the first day of the Defense Counsel's formal case. The Prosecutor already presented their argument and witnesses. That had been a rather straight forward affair. Except for the part where Mr. Parker declared that he would be recalling Peter as a witness. Rachel suspected he was going to delve more deeply into the matter of how Peter discovered Rachel's whereabouts when Stephanie abducted her. She sincerely hoped that Peter could come up with a believable lie, in lieu of confessing Rachel's camera eyes, thus exposing her as the PrankMaster.
Still, there was a mountain of evidence against Stephanie, which was really all that mattered. The film the Prosecution presented as their final piece of evidence would be hard to deny or misinterpret. The video of Stephanie's capture was chilling to watch, and even though she experienced the event in real life, Rachel was holding her breath throughout the whole presentation. The Jury had been rendered dumbstruck. Furthermore, after assessing the sympathetic glances directed her way, Rachel hoped the tape would be enough to send Stephanie away for a very long time, if not forever.
(Mr. Trevor Parker)
Trevor Parker was an ambitious man who was nearing the end of a lusterless career and harboring a thirst, a hunger, a deep seated longing for a really BIG case. That one case that would put him on the map. The case where Nancy Grace would be begging to decimate him on National T.V.
His practice had been modestly successful. He defended doctors and drunks and drug addicts. He handled the occasional embezzlement scandal, fraud, and domestic abuse galore, but never, ever, had he been presented with a case that had the potential to propel him into STARDOM.
Until now.
Everything about this case was a lawyers wet dream. Hell would have to freeze over before he chose to plea it out to an overly cocky Prosecutor. The Hanson girl was gorgeous, young, and very sympathetic. It didn't matter what she had done as far as Trevor Parker was concerned. With those looks and his skill, he could twist these facts around and make her the victim along with Rachel Berry.
The Jury would eat it up but so would the entire Nation. He couldn't wait to work his misleading magic; a little smoke and mirrors, a distraction or two, or three, by which the end result would be an acquittal for a misguided young girl. A young girl who was really sorry that her little prank had gotten so out of control. But, gee whiz, the same thing had happened to her at school so she didn't think it would be that big a deal.
Trevor Parker was convinced the Jury would buy it.
He mostly did. After his investigation of that Looney Bin School had been completed, he was overjoyed by what he had uncovered. That crazy High School would become the center of a shit storm, and at it's very core, would be the Championship Cheerleading Coach.
Ms. Sue Sylvester.
His star witness, who was, at this very moment, performing exactly how he anticipated.
He was content to let her ramble. She was truly insane and the more she talked the crazier she appeared. All he had to do was ask his pointed questions and Sue Sylvester gladly answered, confirming in the minds of every person in the court room that this lady was Certifiably Cuckoo.
Trevor shrugged his shoulders, forced himself to stop gathering wool, and continued his line of questioning. His slicked back his mostly not there hair, straightened his two hundred dollar tie, clicked his oxford heels on the floor, and asked the crazy lady his next question.
"Is it true you held a ceremony by which you married yourself ?"
"Of course, who else would I marry? There isn't another soul on the planet who is worthy of my affections. I performed the ceremony myself, I am an ordained minister. I acquired my license on line, probably at the same place you earned your law degree."
The courtroom erupted into giggles and chuckles at Sue's unveiled insult. She was the Defense Counsel's first official witness in these proceedings. Trevor Parker wanted a strong first impression. He wanted the members of the Jury to get a huge dose of how whacky and disturbing the environment at McKinley High School really was. Sue Sylvester embodied that insanity. So, he laughed along with everyone else, humoring the Cheerleading Coach, before continuing his examination.
"Is it true you were going to shoot a student out of giant canon? And that you created a waiver that would lure the student into agreeing to something that could have caused her serious, and possibly, fatal injury."
"Yes." Sue nodded enthusiastically, " That stunt would have clinched the Sixth National Title for our squad had William Schuester and his Cirque du Gleeks not betrayed me. Apparently, a personal injury waiver needs to be written with real pen and ink, not Crayola Crayons. I learned from that mistake and will be practicing with my canon for this years competition. However, to address the latter of your concerns, my answer is NO. The canon would not have hurt Ms. Pierce. We were practicing with dummies! I would never have fired Ms. Pierce out of that canon until at least one of the dummies made a safe landing."
Sue smiled confidently at the Jury. Mr. Parker shook his head in disbelief but decided to move it along. He had a very long list of questions that would illustrate just how NUTS Sue Sylvester really was.
"Is it true you broke into William Schuesters home and stole fifteen jars of Dippity Doo? And did you write a message with the stolen hair gel on his bathroom mirror that said: 'I got your goop Willfro, you've been duped. Live long and Frizz!' ?"
Sue snorted...giggled, chortled... smirked, before forcing her features into a stoic mask and answering with a simple, "Yes."
That blonde girl who was sitting with Ms. Berry broke into giggles, which caused a wave of muffled laughter to roll throughout the courtroom.
"Is it true you have a derogative nickname for every student in the school and address the students with these insulting epithets?"
"I wouldn't necessarily call them insults." Sue crunched up her brow, sincerely baffled by Mr. Parkers assumption.
"For example, I call the Berry girl, 'Streisand.' I think she rather enjoys being likened to her idol. And, that Hummel boy, the one who's 'light on his feet' - I call him 'Porcelain.' His fair skin blushes with pleasure every time I use the compliment.
The Jolly Green Giant, you know the Hudson boy? I have a plethora of pet names for him. Lets see...there's Frankenteen, Lurch, Herman Munster, Finncompetent,...oh wait... that's not right, actually... that's 'Fun Bags' nickname for The Towering inFinno. Fun Bags has a better list than I do for The Boy Moron. You should ask her to share them when she testifies. Oh, I guess you'll need to know that Fun Bags is the Lopez girl.
I also find it very offensive that you think I use these terms of endearment on students only.
Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Pillbury, is otherwise known as, 'The Ginger Bread Nut.' Get it? Pillsbury dough boy? Bread? Plus, she has red hair and a very obsessive, unhealthy fetish for sanitation. Well, technically, I guess you could call it a healthy fetish because she prefers everything to be as clean as the virgin sno...-"
Parker rolled his eyes, he could hardly believe how completely un-remorseful this woman was about the way she treated her students and fellow teaching staff. She was digging a hole for herself that she could never crawl out of. All the better for him but, still...just wow.
"We get it Ms. Sylvester, lets move on. Is it true you trampled and shoved students in the hallway just moments before destroying Coach Beistes' office in a fit of rage?"
"They were in my way! Everyone at the school knows the rules! If you aren't quick enough to dodge and weave then you get run over. They've had years of practice. I can't believe some of them are still that slow! I'll have to start doing random sweeps again, to get them back in shape."
Diabolical.
"Is it true you rigged the Secret Santa for the Staff, so you would be the sole recipient of all the gifts? And did you, or did you not, dress up as the Grinch who stole Christmas and destroy the glee clubs Christmas tree? And, last but not least, did you really steal the gifts the glee kids procured for a Children's Shelter?
"That was more than one question Mr. Parker, but I think I managed to follow your ramble, let me see...yes, yes, and oh... um...ah... wait. YES!
Moans and groans of disapproval could be heard among the gallery of courtroom onlookers.
"Did you force Jacob Ben Israel to reveal Quinn Fabray's pregnancy to the entire school on his blog?"
"Absolutely!"
"Quinn Fabray was the Captain of your Championship Cheerleading squad, why would you expose her in such a cruel manner?"
"Now that is your whole problem Mr. Parker. You've already made a judgment about my behavior, about my actions, without understanding the underlying motivations. I did Juno a favor. If I hadn't ripped that metaphorical band aid off, she would have suffered much more. My method allowed everybody to find out at once. She got pointed at, and stared at, for a couple of days, and then everyone went on with their utterly useless, un-fulfilling lives. Quinn would have endured months of pent up stress from sneaking and trying to hide her BIG secret from everyone. That would have been awful for her, not to mention bad for the devil's spawn the Puckerman boy implanted in her."
More moans and groans from the courtroom audience, but there was a also a high pitched little giggle that emanated from that blonde girl who was seated next to Rachel Berry.
"And, lets be honest, it was a GIGANTOR SECRET, which would not have remained a secret for very long. Preggo was gaining pounds by the day! Q. may have hated me at the time, but she eventually forgave me. She's back to being the Captain of my squad again. The cub she whelped has a new home with Streisand's cougar mother. Everyone is happy. Well, the garden gnome...ah, I mean, 'Streisand', was a little displeased that she was replaced by her nemesis evil spawn. However, I think Streisand and Juno have worked their little problems out, via the tongue and tonsil hockey matches they engage in frequently."
Trevor Parker was almost in awe of Sue Sylvester, as was the rest of the courtroom. They all watched and listened in shocked amazement as she continued to debase and, furthermore, brag about the abuse she inflicted upon her students on a daily basis.
"Is it true you singled out a group of students, isolated them in the gymnasium, and threatened to have them tortured by your private investigator, a Mr. Tinker Brown? And did you, or did you not, have Tinker Brown wield these weapons in a menacing fashion at this group of students?"
"Yes and yes!"
"Grumble... Oh My God... Is she for real?...Holy Hells Bells!...Shssh!...Giggle." (From the courtroom onlookers)
"Tell me Ms. Sylvester, how, in any realm of public education would such a scenario be deemed appropriate behavior for a teacher to inflict upon a student?"
"They weren't scared, they weren't even intimidated. Streisand laughed in my face and told me my use of props displayed excellent showmanship. Moments later the whole glee club performed an impromptu mash-up of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We are the Champions.' Half of the school cut class to sneak into the gym, by which, at the end of that astounding performance, the glee club was treated with a standing ovation, whistles, stomping feet and boundless cheers. What you are referring to as inappropriate was an unscheduled school assembly that the students remember fondly to this day."
"Did you instruct students to assault other students with Slushie Facials?"
Sue sat back in the chair of the witness stand and crossed her golden clad legs. She decided to wear her Gold Adidas today, in honor of the Wee Midget she was defending. No one else in the courtroom knew it yet, but she was on the War Path! Parker is such an arrogant ass. Sue reflected for a moment. He has no idea what he has so brilliantly set himself up for. Well, now that I've warmed him up, given him what he wants, I can go ahead and blow his head off.
"Ahem...Ms. Sylvester, we're waiting for your answer, please remember that you are under oath." That blonde girl, who was seated next to Rachel Berry, giggled again. What is her problem?
Sue flexed an eyebrow at the insufferable buffoon, she sat up straight and began to speak.
"Have you ever seen a predator hunt? Or a pack of predators, say like a pride of lions?"
Parker shrugged his shoulders, he decided to continue to humor Sue Sylvester's CraZy. "Yes, I watch the Animal Planet with my children on occasion."
Sue nodded her head in approval and continued with her line of thought.
"They hide among the tall grass and crouch upon the sand, scanning the herd, searching for the weak or injured. Somehow, they manage to communicate with one another, which among the hundreds of grazing gazelles is their target. Then, all at once, they strike. What does the rest of the herd do while this weak member is being slaughtered?
They're running for their lives!
Welcome to McKinley High School, because that's exactly what happens to the weak members of this uniquely pathetic herd of student gazelles. The lions travel in prides, they single out the weak and helpless, and they take them down.
My sole purpose for ordering Slushies was to disperse the attacks among a larger portion of the student body. In a community as small as this, names like Everson, and Fabray, and Karovsky, and Lopez, carry a lot of power and influence. These parents are members of the School Board, they're powerful attorney's and doctors, and they belong to the Church. A Church which funds and supports many of the extra curricular activities. They also have children who happen to be the most popular students, while simultaneously being the biggest 'bullies' in the school. These influential parents have tremendous sway over the School Board, who in turn, comes down hard on the Administration. And as much as you may not like what I am saying Mr. Parker you know this to be true.
The Teaching Staff is sandwiched between the students and the Administration. If a student like, Mickey Everson, for example, is accused by a teacher of wrong doing, who do you think the Administration will fall behind when expected to make a decision regarding dicipline? Again and again, I've watched this power struggle play out, and it's always the teachers who end up eating the dirt. So, guess what happens Mr. Parker? The teachers turn their backs and pretend not see, because if they do see they know that nothing will be done to correct the behavior. Generation after generation of rotten priveliged brats have had the run of this school and it's become tradition.
I chose the meanest, most influential brats and started to direct them. I never ordered them to Slushie any single individual more than once. I spread the joy around so everyone could suffer, instead of just a few... I was hoping to put some backbone into them, hoping they might fight back. But alas, that never happened...not until much later.
Had I not intervened, there are certain students who would have gotten Slushie Facials and dumpster tosses on a daily basis from these same popular 'bullies.' That still happened, somewhat, but not nearly as much if I hadn't re-directed some of the tormentors. The school has a very strict no bullying policy, and yet, how many times in the past five years has this policy been enforced? I'll tell you Mr. Parker. None. Zero, Zippo, Zilch.
My intervention spared some of the weakest, loneliest, lowlifes, a greater wrath they would have surely been treated to. My biggest mistake was not noticing that one of my very own Cheerios was among the worst of the offenders.
Your client, Ms. Stephanie Hanson, was doing exactly as I just described. She was fanatically targeting Cindy Bingham and Giles Deroche. My squad Captain was lost in Narnia making moon eyes at her Hobbit from the Shire. None of my other girls reported Stephanie's actions because they were too terrified of her retaliation. In a 'nut shell' Mr. Parker, Stephanie Hanson fell through the cracks, and by the time I was made aware of how awful she really was, it was already too late for Cindy and Giles.
Guess what happened next Mr. Parker?"
Trevor Parker shrugged his shoulders indifferently. He was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with the tone of Sue Sylvester's testimony and her sudden focus on Stephanie. However, that anonymous film established Stephanie's blatant harassment of those two students, it had already been shown to the Jury so it couldn't really hurt to allow Sylvester to talk about it. She hadn't said anything too damaging yet, but he would shut her down if she went too far off the course of his question. He nodded for Sue to continue her explanation.
"The Color Coder of Cheerios, The Skunker, The Bard of Bad Poetry, The Tricky Trickster, The Stealer of Pens, The Bagger of Bloggers, The Heartless Hacker, The Mutant Messenger, The Master of Mayhem...call him whatever you want... a Vengeance seeking Vigilante if you will. But this PrankMaster evened the playing field at McKinley High School. I was a victim of some of his pranks and I will still tell you, Mr Parker, that I am very pleased with his work.
This so called Jokester accomplished what none of the adults or community leaders was willing or able to do. He dished out a little home grown Justice to those who would never be judged. If I could, I would give this PrankMaster some kind of award. I haven't figured out what the award would be yet, but I am damned well working on it. Any other questions Mr. Parker?"
...
(Sue Sylvester)
Sue was having a blast. This testifying stuff was easy. It's not hard. Hard is hiking twelve miles in the scorching desert, only to be trapped in a bunker with no water or food, and bumping into the humps of five stinking, pooping, peeing, cud spitting camels. That's hard!
Hell, this Parker guy was such a moron. I wonder where he got his law degree? Probably a Cracker Jack Box, because Holy Mother of God was he a dolt.
"You do realize you are still under oath Ms. Sylvester?" Trevor Parker was becoming a little concerned because the Coach was smirking with a private thought of some sort, her expression left him feeling as though he was being set up for something.
"Of course."
"Ms. Sylvester, since you brought up the subject of this so called, 'PrankMaster,' why did you not immediately call the Police when you discovered five students restrained in wheelchairs in the basement of the School?"
"It was Halloween, I assumed it was a prank, which in fact, it was."
"Is it not true that during your interview of these five students, each and every one of them insisted they had been given a sedative, strapped against their will into wheelchairs, and forced to watch a video by which they were subsequently blackmailed with?"
"Exactly."
"And yet, you still did not call the Police?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Each and every one of these five students said they would deny being drugged, or kidnapped, if I did. They were terrified of that video getting out, and understandably so. Have you seen the film Mr. Parker? Not the nicest kids in the school wouldn't you say?"
"That is neither here nor there Ms. Sylvester, it was your duty as a Teacher, by law, I might add, to report this incident to the proper authorities, and yet you did nothing."
"That's not true Mr. Parker, I hired an investigator. Also, tell me what you think the Police would have done? It was Halloween. The students were at a dance, they were dressed as Ogres and Witches. Right after they told me they were kidnapped, drugged, and blackmailed they denied it ever happened. So, even if it was my duty to call the Police, these kids made it pretty clear they'd make me look like a fool? I still could have done so, but then the Police would have had that video to peruse, wouldn't they? Those same five students, who had been drugged, kidnapped, and blackmailed, would also be in very big trouble wouldn't they?
Assault and battery, harassment, stalking, not to mention the fact that the Prankster would have published it on a National level, just as he had threatened. I chose to deal with the incident internally. And I did, in fact, report this matter to the School Board and Mr. Figgins the acting Principal. If you are looking for a Patsy, go see Harley Everson."
Sue Sylvester stiffened her posture, she focused her steely blue gaze on Mr. Trevor Parker and took off her figurative gloves, she flung them at the floor visualizing a metaphorical gauntlet.
"Are you ever going to ask me something important Mr. Parker? Or, are you going to continue referring to my resume and accomplishments? Because, the way I see it you're just blowing smoke to cover up the real issue.
Your client, is an insanely violent predator. She is disturbed beyond any help in this known Universe. You pretend as though you are selflessly battling for her freedom by exposing the true villains who corrupted her delicate and fragile psyche. Bah Humbug! I say. What you really want is to breathe new life into the rotted, stinking, festering carcass of your careening calamitous career, all the while gathering some noteworthy headlin...-"
"Your Honor I object! The witness is pontificating. She is not a Psychiatrist, nor does she have the credentials to diagnose or even speculate as to the mental health of my client. I have not addressed her with an additional question yet she continues to...-"
His Honorable Judge, Francis Destrampe, for the first time during Sue Sylvester's testimony, was called upon to make a ruling. He was very Judge like in his manner. He was quite distinguished looking with his black robe, his silvery hair, and unblinking, somewhat owlish expression.
"Mr. Parker, you opened the door to this type of question and answer format. This is your own witness, surely you knew what her opinions would consist of. You've allowed her to speak her mind throughout this whole testimony, why now are you objecting to her rambles? I'm inclined to allow her to finish her thought. You can appeal the matter later if you so wish. Please continue Ms. Sylvester."
Sue pounded her fist upon the gate in front of the witness stand. She smiled her approval at his Honorable Judge, Francis Destrampe, before continuing to finish her, 'thought.'
"You think, Mr. Trevor Parker, if you paint the students and staff at McKinley High School with a black enough brush, that Stephanie Hanson won't appear to be the MONSTER she truly is. You're trying to make it seem that her horrific attempt on Rachel Berry's life is on the same level with the recent pranks at school. But you couldn't be more wrong, or misguided. Your attempt to manipulate this Jury is transparent and borderline evil.
Did you even watch the tape of Stephanie's capture Mr. Parker? That girl needs a lifetime of therapy, she needs to be kept away from the general public, and before you ask me what my credentials are, I believe I've already proven that I know CraZy. Isn't that why you've allowed me to rant thus far?
You've allowed me the freedom to hang myself with a big long rope haven't you Mr. Parker? Knowing that this Jury will look at me, listen to me, and by God, they will think: this lady is a total loon. Well, I'm here to tell you Mr. Parker, and ladies and gentlemen of the Jury,..."
Sue paused for a moment to make eye contact with every single member of the Jury panel.
"... that my brand of CraZy is a Hot Fudge Sunday in comparison to what that girl would do if she ever got loose in a community again.
And, incidentally, Mr. Parker, if she ever does get out...just so you know, you'll be at the top of her list. Believe me I know a list maker when I see one, and Stephanie Hanson is a list maker. You had the arrogance to play with her plea bargain and you manipulated her parents into going forward with this trial. You won't see it coming but you'll be dead when it's over Mr. Parker. Don't say I didn't warn you. I'll make sure to send your wife and kids a sympathy card. Mark my words Mr. Parker, should your appeal for Ms. Hanson's freedom succeed - you would be wise to get your affairs in order."
The whole of the court room was stunned by Sue Sylvester's final declaration. The gaping stares were split between Mr. Parker (who had been pacing back and forth in front of Sue) and Stephanie, who was sitting up a little straighter in her chair. Throughout the whole proceeding the girl seemed to be spacing out, completely uninterested in what was being said.
Until now.
Mr. Trevor Parker's face had turned pale white, he looked as though he was about to faint, because when he glanced at his client to gage what her reaction might be, she was wearing a miniscule grin. A grin that could curl one's toes. A grin that could curl the toes of Michael Myers, Freddy Kruger and freakin' Charles Manson.
Oh my God!
To Be Continued.
UPDATE: This story is on a temporary Hiatus.
Thank you very much to those of you who have continued to review and support this story. I realized the other day that I have been at this one story for almost a year. Ugh! I decided the best way to finish it is to focus on the rest as one big chapter. So, it will probably take a while but I promise to put it up when I am finished.
Thanks again.