Chapter 51
"I can't believe we made it." I covered my mouth with my hands excitedly. "Puck this is a dream come true!" I exclaimed pulling on his arm unable to contain my happiness. He smiled and wrapped me in a hug before kissing me deeply.
"I'm just happy to be with you, whether it be here or Lima." He said rubbing my arm while the others grabbed their lunch sitting on steps to eat. I was practically glowing. Puck and I were finally back together and we were in my dream city New York. I could die happy for all I cared.
"I love you." I breathed out pecking him on the lips taking his hands in mine.
"Seriously you two. We're all glad you're together but could you lighten up please?" Sam fake gagged making everyone laugh. I rolled my eyes sitting down to join them all.
"Guess what my friends. I bought us all tickets to go see one of the most brilliant musicals ever. Cats!" Rachel grinned holding up the tickets. We all looked at her happily surprised she did something so sweet.
"Um Rachel, you might want to check the dates on those tickets because Cats stopped playing a decade ago." Quinn said raising her eyebrows and Rachel's face fell. I felt a bit bad for her but not bad enough to think much of it.
"Well that explains why the man who sold them to me ran my credit card through his butt crack." She mused shrugging lightly. I didn't even want to think about what she just said.
"I'm telling you now guys we're going to blow the competition out of the water!" I shouted raising my hand in the air finishing up my sandwich.
"You got that right!" Mercedes cheered back with everyone else adding their 'whoops' and 'yeas' but before we knew it Mr. Schuester called us back to our hotel rooms, which he divided by 'sexual orientation' as it were. Creepy if you ask me.
"Come on." Puck said pulling me towards the bar in the hotel lobby. I grinned grabbing his muscular bicep as we walked.
"Where are we going? You know as well as I do that we're too young for booze." I whispered while Puck sat down on a stool and had me sit next to him. I was so happy to be back with him, I'd follow him anywhere no matter how crazy it was. I was obsessed with him clearly.
"Sshhh… they don't have to know that." Puck breathed into my ear kissing my temple and tapping the counter with an evil smile on his face. I set out into another round of giggles while turning red. I never thought I would be that typical schoolgirl that would swoon at the sight of the guy she had a crush on but that was really what I was.
"I'll take a Manhattan." Puck waved at the bartender who just stared at him like he was nuts.
"Do you know what is in a Manhattan?" She spoke obviously annoyed putting her hand on her hip. Puck quirked an eyebrow and smiled at me.
"Yea, I am. Now get me…" Puck and I were grabbed by the back of our jackets and pulled out of the bar.
"Seriously you two, don't make me have to put you on leashes." Mr. Schuester scolded walking us back to the group and letting us go.
"Better luck next time baby." I said sticking my lower lip out in a pouty face and wrapping my arms around his waist.
"I'm sure I'll find something to take the hurt away." Puck commented pulling my beret off and running his free hand through my hair before leaning in and kissing me. I met his lips with equal fervor and heard more groans from our fellow glee clubbers. We pulled away for a moment and looked to see where the protest was coming from.
"Come on!" Sam spoke exasperated giving us another 'are you still going at it' expression.
"Deal with it Bieber." Puck retorted kissing me again for a few moments before pulling away and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. We all headed up to our hotel rooms and Mr. Schue told us we had to work on our songs and we couldn't leave until we did. I sighed turning towards the window and looking out over the vast city. This was heaven for me and yet I couldn't go out and enjoy it. This was certainly not the way of getting creative juices flowing. Especially for someone like me, who couldn't write songs worth a lick.
"Awesome. The one thing I suck at the most." I sighed flopping onto one of the beds beside Mercedes. Puck handed me a pencil and piece of paper with a smile and climbing behind me, picking me up and laying me on his lap with my head resting against the nape of his neck. One thing I had noticed about Puck since we got back together was that he never let me be alone for long. If he could have he would have glued himself to my side.
"Comfortable?" I asked with a small chuckled snuggling closer to him. Hey, if I was going to be locked in a room with someone I'd prefer it be him.
"Extremely so." Puck answered kissing my cheek and we all got to work. About three hours later we all were still stumped.
"This is ridiculous." I groaned letting my head hang off the side of the bed so everything was upside down. Brittany had just sung us her song about a plastic cup and we all pretty much realized that we're toast like this.
"Well this isn't going to help anything." Quinn stood and grabbed her jacket. I looked over at her curiously.
"Mr. Schue says we can't leave until we write our songs." Finn said quickly glancing at the rest of us for support.
"We don't need to write songs. New York is going to write them for us." Quinn added giving us all a 'let's do this' expression.
"I'm in!" I exclaimed jumping up and grabbing my white jacket that I had tossed across one of the chairs. I wasn't too into being cooped up in a hotel room with so many other people when just outside was New York calling my name. It didn't take long for us all to find our mojo again.
"There's something magical about this city." Rachel said taking a deep breath as we all strolled down the street with grins all around.
"Because this city is our future Rachel." I replied draping my arm over her shoulder. She and I had become closer over the past few weeks and now I could say I was on good terms with everyone in New Directions. Ok so Santana and I would never be on the same level. She was still a man-stealing harpy and nothing would change that. Rachel smiled at me and pulled my arm off her shoulder to loop through hers.
"I couldn't put it better myself." She commented that's when we all began another round of singing. A mash-up of "I Love New York" and "New York New York" two great songs and super fun to sing by the way. At the end I jumped into Puck's arms and he spun me around, us both laughing like giddy kids. And just like that it hit me.
"Hey hey hey you and me!
Keep on dancing in the dark
It's been tearing me apart
Never knowing what we are!" I sang out loud to some beat in my head. I didn't know what I was doing it just came to me. Santana stood up next and added her bit.
"Hey hey hey you and me
Keep on trying to play it cool
Now it's time to make a move
And that's what I'm gonna do" Everyone looked around and we all began to nod. We knew what we were doing.
"Let it all down." Artie piped in.
"Got something to say." Santana twirled around dancing to the uncomposed music in her head.
"Let it all down." Artie repeated adding his own twist to our song.
"Throw your doubt away!" I jumped onto the fountain behind me and everyone pulled out their pieces of paper and began to brainstorm. I couldn't stop smiling as I scribbled the song I was thinking of down. Maybe I wasn't so bad at writing music. Maybe I just needed to be inspired. Just as I was about to put down the second line I heard my phone ring. I groaned knowing I'd probably lose the thought but picked it up anyway.
"Hello?" I answered looking around at my fellow teammates knowing that they were probably having the same stroke of genius I was.
"I always knew you'd come visit me." A somewhat familiar voice asked over the phone. My eyebrows pulled together in confusion for a moment.
"Wait, Uncle Roddy?" I asked happily walking a few paces away from the others so I could hear him better. My Uncle Rodney or Roddy (as I called him) lived here in New York. He was actually a director's assistant at the Majestic Theater and was currently working on a new show. I was surprised to hear him to say the very least.
"That's me Savvy Star." He answered with his unique nasally voice.
"It's great to hear from you! But how did you know I was in New York?" I asked looking around like he was hiding behind a tree or something. He chuckled from the other line and said something to I presumed one of the stage hands before replying.
"Your mother told me of course. Which is what I was calling you about. Do you think that you could come down to the theater? I've got someone here who might be interested in your future." I could almost see the smile on his face while he was talking. My mouth hung open in amazement.
"Are you serious?" I asked trying desperately not to jump around in excitement.
"Why would I lie to you? Now listen, do you think you'll be able to get here?" He spoke in a hushed voice. There must have been rehearsals going on.
"I'm on my way! See you there." I answered hanging up the phone and taking a deep breath pressing my cold hand to my hot cheek.
"This really can't be happening to me." I breathed out feeling a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. I walked back to my group who still were huddled together working on the song. My mind was completely out in space and all traces of 'so called' genius were gone.
"Hey guys, I've got to go meet my uncle who lives here but I'll be back at the hotel room in about two hours or so." I said putting my phone back into the pocket of my jacket. Puck's eyes were the first on me with a look of confusion.
"O…kay." The others murmured looking from one to the other as if they would know what was going on.
"Don't worry, I'm not joining a circus. I'll be back." I laughed waving at them and taking off towards a taxi.
"You don't think you're going without me do you?" Puck questioned behind me after I flagged a driver. I looked over my shoulder at him with a small smile.
"Come on." I replied pulling him into the cab. I filled him in on the situation while the driver fought his way through the horrible New York traffic. He listened quietly with a slightly saddened look on his face. I asked him what was wrong but he just brushed it off and said he was happy for me.
"We're here!" I announced and my smile was as big as the Cheshire Cats from Alice in Wonderland. The Majestic Theater was a place I always dreamed of going. Every summer I begged my parents to let me go visit my uncle but I was old enough or we couldn't afford it so that was why I worked with my mom on Saturdays to earn cash that I had saved away to come here. Well, thanks to glee club I finally made it.
"Hurry Puck!" I grabbed his hand in mine and rushed into the building.
"There's my niece! It's so good to see you!" My Uncle Roddy exclaimed when he saw us come in. I released Puck's hand and ran into his outstretched arms for a hug.
"I'm so glad you called me!" I said hugging him tightly before pulling away staring up at his face. His eyes were very similar to my clear blue ones and his goatee was always the subject of my teasing.
"I wouldn't pass the chance to show you off to my friends. You're bound to be the family star." He smiled back patting my head like I was five again.
"And who is this?" My uncle inquired raising his eyebrow at Puck.
"This is my boyfriend Noah Puckerman. He's in the show choir too." I introduced them and they shook hands.
"A pleasure to meet you I'm sure. Now Savannah, there's someone I want you to meet." My uncle draped his arm over my shoulder and led me down the aisles of seating to a man sitting in the front row who was squinting at some papers in his hand despite having glasses. He was elderly, I'd say about 80 or so but his face was pleasant.
"Savannah, I'd like for you to meet Hal Prince. Hal, this is my niece I've been telling you about Savannah." My eyes lit up with amazement.
"It truly is an honor to meet you sir." I spoke quickly shaking his outstretched hand with reverence. Hal Prince was the producer/director of plays going way far back. He's a legend as far as musical theater is concerned.
"I am happy to finally have met you young one. Your uncle tells me you are a singer. If it is ok with you I would love to hear you sing something." Hal said standing up with a heave. My mouth hung open for a minute and Puck squeezed my arm reassuringly.
"I would be more than willing Mr. Prince." I nodded deeply. I wasn't sure if I would be able to sing, my stomach was swarming with butterflies.
"Perfect! Do you know 'The Winner Takes It All' from Mamma Mia? Your uncle and I have joined forces to put it together and it should be opening in the spring God willing." I cleared my throat. That song had been one of my hits at the nursing home. But then again, they weren't Hal Prince.
"I will do my best to give it justice." I cracked a smile hoping it would help calm my jitters.
"Excellent you can go on stage if you wish." Hal motioned for me to go before calling the music guys.
"You'll do great baby, I'm here for you." Puck whispered in my ear and I turned to kiss him one last time before he helped me up the stairs to the stage. I took a deep breath and walked to the center just as one of the spotlights turned on. My eyes were shut tight but I opened them with some difficulty to see the most spectacular thing I could imagine. An actual theater. My stomach stiffened and my shaking ceased. This was where I belonged.
"Whenever you are ready." Hal said taking his seat beside my uncle and Puck. I took one final breath and nodded to the man backstage who cued the music.
Me:
I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history
I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play
The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny
I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I'd be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules
The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It's simple and it's plain
Why should I complain?
I decided that the best way for me to accomplish my goal was to add as much emotion as I could into it without screwing it up. My eyes locked onto Puck and I began to remember the old way I felt when he wasn't with me. It was painful to relive but it got my point across.
But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be obeyed
The judges will decide
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always stay in love
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all
I don't wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all...
When I finished I nearly had to gasp for breath I had held the second to last line for a long time using my ability of power to my advantage. I couldn't keep a smile off of my face imagining the crowds and hearing the echoes of cheers all around.
"That was fantastic!" Mr. Prince announced standing back up from his chair and clapping.
"Thank you." I beamed hopping off of the stage and taking Puck's hand.
"Savannah I'm going to make you an offer. When you graduate come back and see me. I can't promise that your first few shows will have leading roles but I guarantee you a spot. You have a big future ahead of you Savannah and I will be more than happy to be the spearhead for it. And you can have that in writing." Hal spoke seriously and I could have collapsed with the shock of it.
"Oh my… This is too good to be true." I covered my mouth and felt tears come to my eyes.
"Your uncle and I will draw up a contract for you to sign as soon as you are old enough. I look forward to working with you more in the future." Mr. Prince shook my hand again and not much later Puck and I headed back to the hotel. It was a good thing I had him with me because my mind was not anywhere near earth and he ended up having to guide me where we needed to go.
"Just don't tell anyone yet Puck. I don't want anyone to get distracted from us needing to win Nationals." I said lowly as we walked down the hall hand in hand. He was silent for most of the trip and I knew something was bothering him.
"What is it love?" I turned to him concerned stopping between the girl's room and the guy's room. He sighed and sat us both down on the ground with our backs against the wall.
"When you become a big star on Broadway you probably won't need me anymore and you'll forget about us." He admitted resting his head against the board behind him. I looked at him shocked.
"Noah Puckerman." I said sternly making him look at my face. "I will never forget about you and I will never stop needing you. You're part of my life and I don't want to have any sort of future if you aren't in it." I whispered kissing him softly. He eagerly met my lips with his own and soon our kiss was turning into a make out session. I pulled away first like I usually had to do but rested my head against his.
"You'll never give in to me will you?" He chuckled closing his eyes. I smiled and shook my head.
"Not unless you plan on marrying me first." I replied touching his cheek gently.
"This is going to be difficult for me. I can't resist my manly needs." He muttered running his hand through my hair.
"It's too bad you decided to leave me to go sleep with Santana back a few months ago. Because I nearly was going to offer to let you have my v-card." I shrugged leaning back against the wall with a smug smile on my face. Puck swore and hit the ground beside him with his fist.
"Now you tell me." He crossed his arms clearly in a huff.
"We'll work something out Puck. I know we can get through it." I moved closer to him to kiss him again.
"Until then I'll be happy with just a kiss goodnight." I answered laying down across his lap and began to sing softly.
Me:
Lyin' here with you so close to me
It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe
Caught up in this moment
Caught up in your smile
The love of my life was smiling down at me with an undeniable look of love in his eyes before he joined in.
Puck:
I've never opened up to anyone
So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms
We don't need to rush this
Let's just take it slow
Both:
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight
Me:
I know that if we give this a little time
It'll only bring us closer to the love we wanna find
Puck:
It's never felt so real,
Me:
No it's never felt so right
Both
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
Puck:
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight
Both:
No I don't want to say goodnight
I know it's time to leave, but you'll be in my dreams
Me:
Tonight
Puck:
Tonight
Both:
Tonight
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright,
Me:
Oh, let's do this right, with just a kiss goodnight
Both:
With a kiss goodnight
Kiss goodnight
When the song was finished I sat up knowing that I would have to get back to the girls or they would assume things.
"I love you Savannah." Puck said lowly taking my hands in his and kissing me sweetly one last time before we parted ways.
I felt nauseated as I held onto Puck's hand waiting for our cue to go onto stage. Rachel and Finn were singing a classic duet written by Finn himself and it really was beautiful.
"Don't be nervous babes." My boyfriend muttered to me giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
"I'm not used to this is all. I'll be fine once we get on." I smiled up at him and we all piled out onto the stage to sing the song we had worked on now titled 'Light Up the World'. I sang the first part and found my voice easily once I got sight of the crowd. Was it odd for me to say they were calming instead of nerve wracking? It wasn't long before everyone was on their feet cheering and moving along with the sound. I thought we did well, if the audience was any indication.
"Way to go guys! I'm so proud of you all." Mr. Schuester grinned high fiving us all as we passed by. When the judges were consulting to find out who was moving on we all waited in the lobby talking about Rachel and Finn's 'epic kiss', which Puck denied as epic and said if it were with me it would be. Words can't describe how much I love that boy.
"Now guys, remember, no matter whether we move on or not that we are still a team and we are in this together." Mr. Schue spoke nervously like we all felt. We had seen some of the other teams who had performed and they were awesome. And just like that we heard celebrating and gasps from those who made it and those who didn't.
"Let's go together." Finn offered and we all linked arms walking to the board with bated breath as if we were going to our deaths or our salvation. I glanced up at Puck whose face was about as anxious as mine and everyone else's. Mr. Schue pushed passed other teams to check our position.
"What did we place?" Rachel asked timidly with crossed fingers. He didn't answer at first and I swear my heart was going to pound right out of my chest.
"We didn't." He answered sadly and lowly and my heart fell flat onto the floor. We didn't advance? How was that possible? We were great. I held onto Puck's arm tightly feeling a swell of disappointment rush through me. I was upset like everyone else but I had so much more to look forward to. My future in Broadway, my life with Puck glee club next year, just the thought of it all was enough to uplift me. Letting go of Puck's hand I walked to stand in front of the rest of my glee clubbers who all were my closest and most wonderful friends.
"You know what guys?" I began taking a deep breath. "Just because we didn't win this time doesn't mean it's the end of the world. We're going to get better and those of us who will be coming back next year to win it will be that much better. You all have been the most amazing and supportive friends a girl like me could ask for and I thank you all for that. Especially you Puck for being my best friend and my boyfriend at the same time." I looked down at my black dress trying to push the happy tears out of my eyes. "As far as I'm concerned this team right here," I motioned to New Directions. "Are glee's finest."
THE END
