Season 1, Episode 1: Pilot
Ownership of Glee: FOX, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk
Violet Berry walked down the halls of McKinley High, looking at the bulletin board her older sister, Rachel, dragged her over to. "Violet, we have to sign up. Being in this glee club could help me become a star in the future," Rachel said pointedly. Vi, of course, rolled her eyes when Rachel wasn't looking. "Okay, Rach. Let's sign up. But do not force me into a Broadway number." She said, though she knew her words fell on deaf ears. They always did.
When Rachel finished signing her name, Vi wrote hers down. Before she could have the chance to say anything, her sister came face to face with a cherry slushie, provided by the jocks of McKinley High. Slushies were the worst. It was a good thing Vi never got one. It's not like people would pay much attention to her, anyways. She always felt invisible.
Rachel was the star child of the family; Vi knew this well. Rachel would do singing lessons and dance classes, while Vi preferred to read and draw. She knew their two gay dads favored Rachel over Vi; she was never seen at the dinner table with her sister and dads. She'd gone her whole life being invisible. Maybe glee club would change all that.
-after school-
Vi waited patiently in the wings of the auditorium, watching her sister perform "On My Own" from the musical Les Misérables with envious eyes. Of course, Rachel wouldn't stick around to see Vi audition. If she saw or heard her sister, she'd have every reason to sabotage her and take all the solos in this club. Vi just wanted a fair chance to be just as good as Rachel.
Vi walked on to the stage, music in hand for the man at the piano. "Can I have your name and the song you'll be singing?" Mr. Shue asked. "My name is Violet Berry, and I'll be performing 'Colors of the Wind' from Pocahontas," she introduced. The music began, and she stunned herself to hear such clarity and confidence in her voice.
(The Tori Kelly cover is the version Violet sings for her audition)
Once she finished singing, Vi received applause from her Spanish teacher and Brad, the piano player. "Well done, Vi," Mr. Shue praised. Beaming fondly, Vi exited the auditorium, only to come face to face with a blue raspberry slushie. It was all over her face and shirt, and in her hair. The work of one Noah Puckerman, a football jock that did this to other people, as well. Vi took one step towards the girl's bathroom, and slipped on the slushie that was on the floor.
She sat on her knees for a good minute before a hand stretched out for hers. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?!" The deep voice asked worriedly. "I-I'm fine. Just got a slushie to the face." She said. Her green eyes fixated on who just helped her up. He was tall, brunette hair with brown eyes to match. She knew who he was: Finn Hudson, quarterback of the football team, and boyfriend of Quinn Fabray, the head cheerleader. "I-I'm Finn Hudson," he said softly. "I-I know. You're the quarterback of the football team. I'm Violet Berry. My friends call me Vi." She said.
Finn looked at her, seeing her in a mess. "I'm sorry about the slushie. Puck's an ass," he apologized. Vi gave him a small smile. "You don't have to apologize, Finn. You didn't drench me in blue raspberry slushie. Don't beat yourself up for it." She assured. Finn's lips pressed together in a tight line, obviously still uncomfortable with what went down. "Hey, do you need a ride home from school? I can drop you off," he offered. Vi chuckled. "Finn, thanks but no thanks. While I appreciate the offer, I don't think Quinn would appreciate you driving a loser — let alone a freshman — home." She explained.
After departing ways with the quarterback, Vi found herself feeling completely sticky from the corn syrup in the slushie. Just then, a boy about Rachel's age came up to her with a satchel thrown over his shoulder. This was Kurt Hummel, one of Vi's only friends. "Oh my god. Vi, are you okay? I have a spare change of clothes in my locker for you," he said very rapidly. "Kurt, I'm fine. Just got my first slushee. But I am getting sticky." the freshman said with utter distastefulness for the corn syrup drink that soaked her clothes.
Kurt walked over to his locker, opening it up to give Vi an old Madonna shirt and a pair of skinny jeans he no longer wore. "Here. These are my old clothes, but I know you can fit them. I'll take you home." Kurt said, to which Vi kissed his cheek swiftly. "Thank you, Kurt. I really appreciate it," Vi said softly before she went to the girl's locker room, showered, and then changed into the clothes Kurt provided before taking her slushied clothes and walking out, meeting Kurt at his locker.
Kurt smiled fondly. "Hmm. I knew I did you good. If you're ever in need of some clothes, you call me and then I will come get you for a fashion day." The chestnut haired boy offered his best friend with a big smile. Kurt and Vi were best friends. They were often seen doing tons of things together: shopping, getting coffee, sometimes having sleepovers at Kurt's house. Burt, Kurt's father, told Vi she was welcome over anytime. She had become a vital person in Kurt's life ever since his mother, Elizabeth, died when he was 8 due to cancer.
Kurt always had this feeling to protect the younger Berry from any harm, including Rachel. Though he knew Vi loved Rachel to death, he knew that she was just incredibly invisible at home. The only Hummel child was in discontent, because he'd seen the full range of Vi's talents; she was just as good—if not better—than Rachel Barbra Berry. If only the older sibling could get past her selfish ways and accept her sister for who she was...but Vi had given up trying when she turned 12. She realized that no matter what, she'd always be second best to her big sister.
Kurt stopped right in front of the Berry household, tenderly kissing Vi's left cheek in a friendly fashion. "I'll see you in glee club okay?" He said. Vi nodded, giving him a hug. "I love you." She mumbled softly. Kurt's heart swelled. "I love you too," he murmured as he kissed her hairline. She exited Kurt's vehicle and waved as he drove off, waiting till he turned the corner to walk inside. She could hear Rachel's soprano-like voice in the kitchen, knowing she was talking to their fathers about her stunning glee club audition. She didn't even bother to say hi; she'd just be ignored as usual.
Vi made it upstairs to her bedroom, which was pretty decent and decorated to perfection for her. A white canopy laid atop her bed railings, exposing the wonderful pictures she had mounted on the wall of her and Kurt from 7th grade. She had a smile on her face just thinking about her best friend. As she thought about the Hummel, her heart fluttered and her stomach felt like it was going to explode. Yes, Violet Dorothy Berry had a crush on Kurt Elizabeth Hummel. But she knew there was no point in having a crush on him; Kurt was probably gay, and then it'd just be weird between them.
- Skip -
Vi couldn't help but think badly of the New Directions. Other than her, Rachel and Kurt, they were also there with Mercedes Jones, Artie Abrams, and Tina Cohen-Chang, whom Vi was friends with. They'd just finished their first rehearsal of Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat. "We suck." Rachel said, voicing Vi's opinions. However, Vi tuned out most of the conversation...until Rachel commented on Artie getting the male lead, despite him being in a wheelchair. It hurt the other Berry's feelings, because Artie was a great guy she was friends with.
"Rachel that was really insensitive, rude and offensive on so many levels," Vi stated, which made everyone shut up. The girl didn't really talk much, and she was sticking up for her friend. "Violet...this does not concern you." Rachel said snobbishly. "Actually, Rachel it does. Because you just outed Artie for something he had absolutely no control over. You don't even know any of these people, so you have no right to judge anyone. If anyone has any right to do anything in here, it's Mr. Shue." She snapped back. Kurt looked up with a proud smile. She finally talked back to Rachel. Said girl was red in the face from anger, and stormed out of the choir room.
"You didn't have to say that, Vi," Artie said suddenly. "Yeah I did, Artie. I love Rachel, don't get me wrong, but she has no right to say that kind of stuff. And you're my friend. I'm not gonna just stand by and let Rachel bully everyone here and act like she's the boss. It's not right. This club should be about expressing who you are and who you want to be. No one should be bringing anyone down in here." Vi reasoned. Mr. Shue smiled at her, unable to express how proud he was of her. Everyone nodded in agreement to Vi's statement, especially Kurt. He couldn't help but send her a smile, to which she smiled back.
The next day, if things couldn't get any worse, Mr. Shue had convinced Finn Hudson to join the glee club. It wasn't bad, per se, but Rachel was being weird. They were all practicing You're the One That I Want from Grease, with Finn and Rachel as Sandy and Danny. But Rachel... was over the top while singing with Finn. Vi noticed this as she stood by Tina and Kurt in the back, watching her sister push said boy, nearly wheel Artie offstage, and she got all up in Mercedes' grill! Vi wasn't really paying attention, until she heard Mercedes say "I'm Beyoncé! I ain't no Kelly Rowland."
After biology, the younger Berry was at her locker when she heard, "I love your shirt. The cat reminds me of Lord Tubbington." She turned around to come face to face with three Cheerios —cheerleaders of McKinley High — Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez, and Brittany Pierce. "Uh... t-thanks?" She questioned. "Your sister is RuPaul, right?" Quinn asked. "If you mean Rachel, then yes. What'd she do?" Vi asked right away. "She didn't do anything. But we've seen and heard how she treats you. She doesn't respect you." Santana said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Vi's heart raced, internally panicking. "We just argue a lot. We're sisters." She tried to lie, but failed miserably. "Cut the crap, Violet. And before you ask, we are both in the same algebra class. We know that you are too talented to not have a chance to shine. So... we want you to try out for the Cheerios." Quinn said with a hint of concern for the freshman. Vi paled. "J-Join the Cheerios?" She clarified. "Yes. Violet... we really think you'd enjoy being a Cheerio. So what do you say?" The head cheerleader asked.
Vi thought it over in her head. Either she joined the Cheerios or continued to be Rachel's invisible baby sister. "Fine. I'll join the Cheerios. But the second I don't wanna be on the squad anymore, I want out." Vi negotiated. "Deal. Now come on. Tryouts are after school today." Santana urged as the three girls dragged poor Violet down the halls of McKinley.
- After School -
Violet looked at the trio of girls, who were chatting excitedly amongst themselves. Apparently, they'd been wanting Vi to join the Cheerios for a while now. "Trust us, Vi. We put in a good word for you with Coach Sylvester. She's curious to see just how good you are." Quinn said. Vi was panicking internally. "I'm nervous," she admitted. "Don't be. Just go out there and show Coach a badass routine," Santana said. Vi nodded as she headed out, wearing a pair of black Nike shorts and a gray top. "Are you...Violet Berry?" Asked Sue Sylvester. "Yes Coach." Violet said as she heard the song begin playing. She was trying out with Express Yourself by Madonna.
"Stop!" Screamed the cheerleading coach, and Vi immediately stopped. "Um...was it bad?" She asked softly. "Violet, that was the best routine I have ever seen here at this school. Welcome to the Cheerios. Q, Britt, Santana...get this girl her uniform." Sue said, making the freshman beam. "Thank you so much, Coach. I won't let you down," she said. "I know you won't." Sue said confidently. The three Cheerios took the freshman into the locker room, and five minutes later came out in her Cheerios outfit (pictured above).
While wandering the halls, Violet heard a gasp and turned to see Kurt. "Violet? You're a Cheerio?" Kurt asked in shock. Vi nodded and smiled brightly. "Coach Sylvester loved my tryout routine, Kurt. Aren't you proud of me?" She questioned. The boy's eyes widened, knowing he must've sounded skeptical. "Of course I'm proud of you! I'm super proud of you, Vi. Do you wanna stay over tonight? I mean...it is Wednesday," he inquired. Vi usually stayed at the Hummel house Wednesday through Saturday.
"I'd love to, Kurt. Just please don't think that because I'm a Cheerio now I'm gonna change who I am. I'm still Vi...just with pom-poms." She said, and the bisexual boy just laughed. "I promise I won't ever change how I see you. Besides...the skirt looks good on you," he admitted shyly as his face turned bright pink. What am I saying? She looks gorgeous! Who am I kidding? She's way out of my league now, Kurt thought to himself.
The next day, Mr. Shue announced to the glee club that he was leaving the school to become an accountant. Violet was disheartened; he really wanted to direct the club! "Is it because we suck? Because we can do better." Mercedes said and Violet nodded. "No it's not that. It's just... Terri's pregnant; she wants me to get a higher paying job," Mr. Shue said.
"So does that mean I don't have to do this anymore?"
You don't have to be a genius to know who said that.
Violet sent the quarterback a dangerous look. "I can't believe you, Finn! You've only been in the club for an entire day and now you're gonna quit. If your popularity really means more to you than your love for music, then haul your ass out of this auditorium." She sneered. Finn's eyes widened a bit and took a step back in case she decided to murder him. Then her attention turned to the Spanish teacher. "And Mr. Shue... I'm upset. You wanted to direct this glee club so badly, and now you're going to give it up because your wife wants you to get a higher paying job. You talk about us being different and believing in ourselves; you sure are one hell of a hypocrite. I hope you know that," Violet stated before walking out of the auditorium, too upset to think straight.
- Violet P.O.V. -
About an hour or so later, I felt someone sit by me on the bleachers. "Kurt I'm not apologizing to either of them." I said and turned around to see Finn Hudson. "Oh. Sorry Finn; I thought you were Kurt," I said sheepishly. He shrugged silently. "It's cool I guess. I'm not even offended by what you said; you were right. I was putting my popularity before my passions. I want to be in glee club, but I don't want to be made fun of," he explained.
I nodded in understanding. I knew how Finn felt. "I get it. But if you really love singing... then you won't care what others say about you. You ever watch the Rocky movies?" I ask. He nodded. "Yeah they're like the best movies ever. Why?" He asked. "Because the conversation between Rocky and his son in the sixth movie speaks to me the most, and it might help you understand what I'm trying to say. 'It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward.' Finn you have to get past the fear of being teased to truly enjoy being in the glee club. It's supposed to be a place where everyone can be accepted for who they are and be appreciated by people that are different. If you can accept that, then you should go back to the club. I'm sure they'd let you back in." I said. He seemed to think long and hard about it for a few minutes.
I was pulled out of my small daze when Finn stated "I'll come back to glee club. But I need your help with something," he said. I nodded and we began discussing things.
- Another Skip -
"Did I miss something in the hour and a half I was gone?" I asked as I approached Rachel, Tina, Artie, Mercedes and Kurt. Rachel turned around and looked at me pointedly. "This is a closed rehearsal. Why're you here Violet? Didn't you quit?" She sneered. "Okay drop the attitude Hobbit. I didn't quit; I took some time to cool off." I clarified. Rachel looked horrified that I'd called her a Hobbit. It doesn't help that it's true.
I was talking with Kurt when Finn (finally) made his way to us. He apologized to the others and then started acting like a true leader. Mercedes was in charge of costumes, Artie was in charge of getting together with the jazz band, Rachel was in charge of choreography, which left Kurt, Tina and I with nothing to do.
"Hey Finn. What can we do?" I motioned to the three of us. "Someone has to check lighting and sounds. Tina could you do that?" Finn asked the goth girl. "T-Totally," She said. Finn then looked at Kurt and I, pondering on what we could do. I got an idea that popped into my head. "Y'know Finn... rehearsal is going to be tiring. We're gonna need drinks and snacks. Kurt and I can get those for everyone." I offered. Finn's smile grew wide. "I like that. You guys can totally do that," he said and I took Kurt by the arm to go get snacks and drinks.
"You know it's crazy to let him just come right back to glee club right?" Kurt asked as I helped him get water bottles for everyone. "I know. But I think that Finn truly wants to change, and he loves music. What better way to change than by being in glee club?" I replied. I could literally see the wheels turning in Kurt's head. I finished helping him pack the water bottles before sending him off. I grabbed some fruit, crackers, and a bag of Sour Patch Kids for Finn. I came back to the auditorium with my hands full. "I have enough for all of us plus the jazz band." I said as I showed Finn the display. "Perfect!" He said.
We rehearsed for a good hour and a half with our version of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' (Making this arrangement of the song was what he needed help with) before changing into our red shirts, denim jeans, and sneakers. "I kinda dig this look," I said and posed a few times in front of Mercedes and Kurt. They both clapped for me like I was a model. "Those pants are doing great things for your ass." Mercedes said. "Thanks. I have no ass. It doesn't help that I wear a cheerleader uniform with a mini skirt. I've had people checking me out all day," I said and I saw a hint of what looked like jealousy in Kurt's glasz eyes. I shook it off and got into position with Kurt, Mercedes and Tina in the back.
When we finished performing, we saw Mr. Shue in the auditorium. "Guys that was a 9. We need to make it a 10." He said. He then gave us constructive criticism about our performance, and a smile formed on my face. "So... does this mean you're staying?" I asked hopefully. "It would kill me to see you guys win Nationals without me," Mr. Shue said as he returned a smile my way. I got off the stage and walked up to him. "Mr. Shue I need to apologize for what I said. I'm sorry for getting upset with you," I said with my head down.
"No Violet. I'm sorry for giving up so quickly. You're right; I was a hypocrite. But I'm staying and I'm not going anywhere." He told me and it put another smile on my face. "Alright guys let's take this from the top!" He said and I got back onstage.
Who knows? Maybe this glee club will end up being one of the best things I ever do in my high school life.
Songs Mentioned/Performed
Colors of the Wind - Violet
On My Own - Rachel
Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat - New Directions
Don't Stop Believin' - New Directions
What's up guys? I decided to combine all of the pilot episode into one chapter. I know this isn't as conventional as some of my other writing, but I didn't exactly have the script that I could look at. But thanks for bearing with me! I hope you guys liked this, and I can't wait to put up Showmance.