Two months later the Schuester house was full of boxes, as the Schuesters were in various stages of packing. Finnia had made the most progress out of the siblings, Nico was somewhere in the middle and Evelyn hadn't even really started yet. In Evelyn's defense, her summer internship with the mayor had kept her rather busy, but the real reason she had made no progress was that she didn't really want to move.
"Hey, Nico." Evie announced as she made her way to her brother's room. Her jaw dropped when she saw that he was actually packing. "Tell me you're not packing."
"What choice do I have?" Nico asked as he crossed his arms. "Trust me, I'm not happy about this either, but I don't want dad to yell at me."
"Well, I've done some research on Knight Falls…want me to fill you in?" Evie offered as she sat on his bed.
"Of course, you did research." Nico said, a smile playing on his lips. Though the thought struck him that maybe he should have thought to do the same thing.
"Well, it's a small town in Texas with a population of about a thousand with an active church community," Evelyn started. "There's only one high school, oh and the only mall is like two towns over."
Nico let out a sigh. "I can't believe dad thinks this is a good thing."
"I know, it's ridiculous!" Evelyn exclaimed. She rested her chin in her hands as she thought, trying to plot a way out of the move. Just then, Will knocked on the door, then entered the room.
"Nico, you're making great progress," Will commented. "Evie, not so much. Have you even started?"
"No, I haven't." Evelyn said as she glanced over at her father fixing him with a cold stare.
Will let out a sigh. "Then you can get started, now," he said firmly.
Evelyn opened her mouth to protest but one look from her father shut her up. She sighed as she stood and left the room. This is so stupid, she thought annoyed.
That night at dinner, the two biggest talkers in the Schuester clan were unusually quiet, which meant that dinner was a rather quiet affair.
"Nico, your mother and I have decided that we're going to ship your car," Will said.
Nico's eyes lit up with excitement, he drove a pink 1956 Chrysler Windsor, given to him by his grandfather. The pair had repaired it the summer before Nico turned eleven and his grandfather had taught him how to drive it. He had been worried about how the car would handle the drive to Texas, and this was a huge relief for him.
"But, you'll have to pay us back for half of the cost." Will added.
"Of course, I don't expect you to pay for it yourselves," Nico was quick to say.
"Nico, I thought we could go for some ice cream after dinner, just the two of us," Emma offered with a smile. She wanted to talk to him about the move, away from Will who would shut down any of his complaints, as he was getting fed up with Evelyn's constant protests.
"Sure," Nico said with a smile.
"And Finnia, how about we go see a movie?" Will suggested.
Finnia nodded, glad that her father was actually spending time with her.
"Uhm, hello, what about me?" Evelyn asked, annoyed.
"You have packing to do," Will said matter-of-factly. He then turned his attention to his youngest. "What movie would you like to see?"
"We could go see Dear Evan Hansen?" Finnia suggested.
"Am I the only one that thinks Ben Platt looks gross in that movie?" Evelyn asked. "I mean, he's pushing thirty playing a highschooler."
Will smiled slightly, glad to see at least Evie was participating in the conversation. "They probably could have gotten a younger cast. But sure, we can go see it."
"Thanks, dad," Finnia said with a smile.
"Of course, kiddo," Will said, returning her smile. He then turned his attention to Evelyn. "And you young lady will spend the evening packing, I mean it."
"Fine, whatever," Evelyn muttered. I still can't believe he's moving us to the middle of nowhere, she thought.
That evening Emma took Nico out for ice cream. Nico insisted on driving, since he wouldn't have his car soon, and Emma was happy to let him drive. When they got into the ice cream parlor, Nico ordered butterscotch, while Emma went with classic vanilla. It was a nice night out, so they decided to sit outside.
"Look, I know this move has been hard on you and Evie, but we really need your cooperation," Emma started. "This is a big deal for your father, they've given us a moving allowance, much higher pay, it's a good career move for both of us. Besides, you graduate soon, if you really want to go back to Lima you'll be able to once you're done with high school."
"That's great but King Falls academically is not the school McKinley is. They don't even have a lacrosse team. Also, what loser in their right mind would want to go back to Lima? Ma, if I am going anywhere it's Chicago." Nico said, finally expressing his concerns about the move.
"Actually, King Falls is one of the best schools in the area," Emma corrected. "I know they don't have all the clubs and sports that you're used to, but I'm sure you'll make do with what they have."
Nico sighed. "This will mess up my entire senior year!" he complained. "I was so established at McKinley, now I have to start all over, it's not fair."
"I know it's a tough transition, but you're resourceful, you'll make it work," Emma assured her oldest.
"I guess," Nico said, sounding unconvinced.
"Besides, we'll still visit Lima on holidays, to see your grandparents," Emma added. "Just, give this a chance to work."
"Fine," Nico said, though he still sounded unconvinced.
"Thank you, Nico." Emma said as she gave his hand a squeeze. Now she somehow had to get Evelyn on board with the move.
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. In the next one the Schuesters arrive in King Falls, Texas!
Which means I'll be introducing other characters, there's still plenty of spots open, so if you'd like to submit, you know what to do!
