Cameron trudged through the halls of McKinley. She focused her thoughts inward to fade the chaos to the background. She pulled the straps of her bag higher up on her shoulders and heaved a exasperated sigh. The bell would ring soon but she did not care whether she was late to class or not.
She observed the other students rushing to be on time. Cameron lacked their motivation. She just knew she would always be miserable here. Already she was on her fifth week at the school and she had yet to find anyone interesting or kind enough to befriend.
Cameron used the opportunity of the tardy bell mayhem to slip into the auditorium – she wanted to find the piano.
Music and solitude were her comforts. Though, she would never perform for a live audience. Not that she was afraid. Cameron just lacked the ambition to take her musical talents any further.
Gently, she set down her bag, sat at the piano bench, and lifted the cover from the keys. She let her fingers rest motionless above the keys as she considered what to play. Her fingers began to glide across the piano as she settled on a piece of her own creation.
Softly she began to sing along with the piece she played.
" Is it over? Have we even begun? This is our song that needs to be sung. Tell me all your lies and I promise to believe every word. Wrapped in your betrayal, I swear I won't mind. When is it over? How is this my fault? Is this over now?..."
The piece wound down and her quiet voice faded away. Her heart raced and tears shone in her eyes at the memory behind the song.
Someone applauded and Cameron turned and frowned in response.
A brunette, dark eyes bright, skipped down between the auditorium seats and walked on stage.
"That was rather incredible. I would like to invite you to join the Glee Club. I am Rachel Barry."
Rachel proffered her hand, but Cameron did not reach out to take it. She simply hesitated a moment then looked away.
Rachel pulled her hand back, said "Well if you change your mind, just come to our practice room. I would be delighted to teach you a few things and improve upon your vocals."
Hurriedly, Rachel left the auditorium and left Cameron to reject the offer in her mind.