The stage light seemed surreal. They were almost taunting us. The Governor's wife came onstage with an envelope. She smiled at all of us.

"Okay," she said, taking the microphone, "We saw some great talent today. Each of these groups have proved themselves through song. Unfortunately, there can olnly be one winner. So, with out further ado, in third place: The Songbirds!"

Everyone clapped and the Songbirds left the stage. I felt a little relieved. Either way, we placed.

"And our winners are…" she paused dramatically, "McKinley High's New Directions!"

It was like all sound had gone out. I was shock. Everyone was jumping and cheering around me, even Sam hi-fived a couple people. I shot back into reality and all sound came back. I saw Damian hug Lindsay and twirled her around twice before setting her down awkwardly. Somehow Matheus got the trophy and was holding it over his head. It was taller than him. I hugged Micky and Samuel. Cameron awkwardly approached me and gave me a nervous hug. It was an amazing moment.

"Breadsticks!" Mr. Schue exclaimed. We all cheered even louder.

We all climbed into the bus. Mrs. Larson and the rest of our parents followed. My dad wasn't there, he had to work.

When we got to Breadsticks we crammed into two booths, not counting the parents who had their own booth. Sam, Damian, Cameron, McKynleigh, Lindsay and I sat in one while Matheus, Hannah, Alex, Emily, Ellis, and Bryce sat in another.

"That was amazing!" Lindsay said, "I've never been so nervous in my life! When we were waiting for the results I though I was going to throw up. I surprised you didn't Marissa! Damian, you and Cameron did really well rapping, I was very surprised! Your accent got us crucial swing votes from the judges. And Marissa, who knew you could belt? McKynleigh you did superb! For being sick you did fantastic, Samuel. It's a good thing I carry around tea bags with me at all times. When I was five, my director for the community theatre did that, that's where I learned that trick. It's proven very useful in the past. It was really good luck Emily had that sucker. I wonder why she had that… I'll ask her later. So, what are you guys ordering?"

Samuel, Cameron, McKynleigh and I looked at her with wide at while Damian sat, starring at her dreamily. Cameron coughed, calling the five of us back to reality.

"How bout we split a pizza?" Micky suggested. We all nodded our approval.

"Is vegetarian okay?" Lindsay asked, "I'm going on an all vegetarian diet. It's supposed to help boost my metabolism. I hope it works. I could use the extra energy too! I've been getting really tired lately. My crazy aunt says it's because of the moon but she's hardly ever right. One tine she told me my eyes would turn red if I didn't eat my green beans. One night I forgot to eat them and when I realized what I'd done I cried. When I looked in the mirror my eyes were red from crying. That made me cry more! Then I ate green beans, stopped crying and the redness went away. I hate green beans now, and my aunt." She sighed.

"Yeah, uh, vegetarian's fine by me," Cameron said.

"You have great stories," Damian said dreamily.

"Oh wow, thanks Damian," Lindsay said, "I've often been told that. Once-"

Thankfully a waitress showed up before Lindsay could say anymore. "One large vegetarian pizza and a Dr. Pepper for me," Micky told her, handing her the menus. The waitress took the rest of our drink orders.

"So, what'e you guys doing tonight?" Damian asked, "'Cause I bet I can swing a party at my house tonight. Or better yet…" Damian looked at me expectantly.

"No," I said flatly. He looked at me pleadingly. "No, Damian!"

"C'mon Mars!" he said, "It'll only be twelve people! The guys can spend the night at my house and the girls at yours!"

"No!"

"Mars!" he begged, "Your dad won't care and my mum and dad are out of town! Your dad probably won't even be home till the morning!" He gave me his stupid puppy dog eyes.

"Fine," I said begrudgingly, "But someone else is replacing the alcohol." I looked at him and he nodded, smiling like a fool. He exited the booth to tell the other table.

I crossed my arms and scowled. This party had better rock.