Hi guys. This is the longest I've ever gone without updating a story. 26 days, to be exact. I am so sorry. Like I said in my author's note for The Quarterback, the ending of Glee upset me, and I needed some time away. It still upsets me, but not enough to stop writing anymore. I just miss Finchel so much! It's good to write again though, and in this chapter I did write some dynamics I missed writing. Anyway, thank you all for your patience and understanding. I hope you enjoy this chapter and review if you want me to keep going! Again, so sorry for the wait. My Season 6 is almost over, but the good news is I am planning a Season 7 if you guys are interested :)

Chapter 28: Seattle

"Finn Hudson!"

Finn turned as he walked through the halls of the high school. He saw Collette calling out to him and groaned before turning to face her. "Hi."

"So, you and the glee club are leaving for Seattle soon," Collette began.

"Yes we are," Finn said. "Since you think you're so good at running a glee club, is there anything that I should know?" He decided not to argue, but instead to play around. He was nervous enough about Nationals as it was, he didn't need another thing in his way.

"Well, I hope you're giving that poor girl who was deprived so much spotlight a solo," Collette began.

Of course Collette was still going to use this against Finn. "I'm giving everyone a few lines, just like I did at Regionals." That was true. He was just giving Ariana the spoken lines of one song rather than the singing lines... Collette didn't need to know that now.

"Good," Collette said. "And how are we all supposed to know you're not planning things so your alma mater wins?"

Finn forced a smile. "Of course I won't do that." But he'd never thought of that before. Last year and the year before, he'd gone to Nationals to help the New Directions out. This year, he couldn't do that. He was on another side. He was the coach of another team.

His friends would be helping with the New Directions, working with their friends, mentoring them. He wouldn't be doing that. He couldn't do that. He'd be the only alumni who wouldn't be doing that. He'd be a bit on the outside. Would they still let him hang out with them during his breaks?

Finn tried to put those thughts out of his head as he walked to practice. What if Collette had said something like that to the kids? What if they didn't have faith in him anymore? He was honestly hoping for a tie at Nationals...

"This is going to be the first time most of us have even been on an airplane or been to the west coast!" Finn heard Miranda say as he went into the classroom.

"I know!" Scott said. "We'll get to see the Pacific Ocean."

Seeing the kids' excitement reminded Finn of his excitement when he was competing at Nationals. At least none of them were saying anything about him not being loyal... "All right, guys. Who's ready for Nationals?" Finn asked.

The group cheered. "Okay, your songs all sound really good," Finn said. "I think you have a really good shot at this."

The kids cheered again before beginning to rehearse their songs.

x

The trip to Seattle would be a nice distraction for Rachel. Sure, it did distract her to an extent from having a miscarriage to be in Funny Girl, but being in a different city would be something different.

Of course, originally she wasn't even supposed to make this trip. She was originally going to stay in New York because it wouldn't be safe for her to fly at this point in her pregnancy. She would have felt bad about missing Nationals, sure, but she felt even worse about the loss of her baby. Even though her parents and Finn's had encouraged her to look into adoption, she and Finn both really wanted to keep the baby. Her life had been busy lately, with playing Fanny every other week, having just finished the semester, and working at the diner, but that didn't stop her from thinking about the baby.

Finn came into their bedroom. "Hey babe."

Rachel went over and gave Finn a kiss. "Hey. How was glee club today?"

"It was good," Finn said. "Are you packed for Seattle yet?"

"Yeah, I am," Rachel said. "I was just thinking."

"About what?" Finn asked.

"I wasn't going to make this trip originally," Rachel said.

"I know," Finn said sadly. "I mean, I'm glad to have you coming with me, but I'd rather things still be the way they were before."

"Do you still think about the baby?" Rachel asked.

"Every day," Finn said. "I just don't know why we were in that accident. I wanted that baby."

"Me too," Rachel said, putting her arms around Finn.

"I've always wanted kids with you," Finn said. "When Quinn was pregnant with Beth, I was thinking about what a kid you and I had would be like."

"Really?" Rachel asked. She'd never known that.

"Yeah," Finn said.

"In a few years we'll both find out what a kid we have together would be like," Rachel said, giving Finn a hug.

x

As the plane took off from New York to Seattle, Finn felt his nerves building up. He hadn't felt this much pressure all year. There was always pressure attached as a first year director, especially one who wasn't even finished with college. Of course, Collette had been giving him a hard time, and he had a feeling if he lost at Nationals, she'd find a way to use that against him. After all, when they'd tied for the win at Regionals, she used that as a reason for his incompetence...

And of course, even if he did lead his glee club to a Nationals victory, he'd feel a twinge of guilt for competing against the club that made him the person he was today and beating them. He was hoping for a tie, but he knew that wasn't very likely. Of course he wanted his kids to win. They'd been working so hard all year and they were so happy to be going to Nationals. But he wanted the group he'd been in, that still had some kids he'd worked with during his first directing experience, to do well too.

"You okay?" Rachel asked Finn.

"Yeah," Finn said. "Just thinking."

"What about?" Rachel asked.

"What if my kids beat the club we were in?" Finn asked.

"Then that will show what an amazing director you are," Rachel said. "If you win, as a first year director, that'll be amazing, and we'll all be so happy for you."

"You don't think our friends will be mad at me?" Finn asked.

"Of course not!" Rachel said. "Finn, we're all so proud of what you've done with this glee club."

"The kids are just so happy to have made Nationals," Finn said. "They want a Top 10 finish..."

"They can do that," Rachel said. "Frankly, I think it'll be a tie for first between your kids and New Directions."

Finn and Rachel had always thought alike. "That's what I'm hoping for," Finn said. "Especially since I first worked with Marley, Jake, Kitty and Ryder when they were in their first year of the glee club, and now they're seniors..."

"Of course," Rachel said. "And I want to see my sister get another National title."

"If they win, she'll have more than you," Finn teased Rachel.

"Hey, when we were in the glee club, it was just starting out," Rachel giggled. "No need for sibling rivalry."

"Yeah," Finn said. "Though I do sometimes remind Kurt I won one more Regionals than he did." He paused before saying what he was thinking. "It'll be odd, when all of you guys are working with the New Directions and I won't be able to." Thinking of that made him feel a little left out."

"Don't worry, babe," Rachel said. "We all still love you, and you can still hang out with us when we all go out."

x

Finn had shown concern about coaching a team competing with New Directions on the plane, and now that Rachel was with the other alumni, except Finn, at a New Directions practice, she couldn't help but notice that Finn was missing. By now there were almost as many alumni as glee club members. "How's Finn?" Rory asked Rachel as the alumni arrived in the practice room.

"He's good," Rachel said. "I'm sure you guys will all get to see him."

Brittany came into the room and came over to Rachel, Mercedes and Tina. "Hey guys, has Santana said anything about me lately?" Brittany asked.

"She said she was really looking forward to seeing you at Nationals," Mercedes said.

Brittany looked over at Santana, who was talking with some of the girls in New Directions. "She did? Is she still dating that other girl?"

"Yeah, but Dani's actually out of New York right now," Rachel said. "She's a backup singer for a tour, so I haven't seen her lately."

Brittany looked intrigued. "Really?"

"Yeah, I bet she'll be glad to see you," Tina said.

As if Santana knew, she came over. "Brittany!" she exclaimed, giving Brittany a big hug.

"I missed you!" Santana said, hugging Brittany.

"I missed you too," Brittany said, leading Santana out of the practice room. "I have something in my hotel room that I wanted to show you..."

Rachel, Mercedes and Tina exchanged looks. It was clear that Brittany really missed Santana - and that Santana was really happy to see Brittany. Their thoughts were interrupted when Kurt and Blaine came over. "So, guess who else is in town?" Blaine asked.

"Who?" Rachel asked.

"Cooper," Blaine said. "He just called me and said that he's shooting a TV show in Seattle this week... I bet he'll come to the competition and critique everyone and everything..."

Kurt pointed at Blaine. "Make sure you point at him when he talks to you."

Blaine groaned. "Oh, I will."

Marley came over to Rachel, Kurt and Blaine. "There you guys are. I needed to tell the other New Directions alumni there - I got into NYADA!"

"That's amazing," Rachel said to Marley. "I know one of the girls in Finn's glee club is hoping to get in there, too."

"I'm so excited," Marley said.

"And I am so proud of her," Ryder said. "You guys ready to have the two of us and Kitty in New York next year?"

"Of course we are," Kurt said. "So, it's your senior Nationals."

"Yeah," Marley said. "It's kind of sad for it to be the last one."

"That's what mine was like too," Rachel said. "I was excited, but I knew I would miss the glee club."

"Yeah, me too," Kurt added.

"Is Finn excited to be directing a glee club at Nationals?" Ryder asked.

Rachel was reminded of her conversation with Finn on the plane. "Yeah, he is. I think he misses getting to do this though."

"Yeah, it is different without him," Ryder said.

"Don't worry, you'll see him soon," Blaine said.

x

After a fun week in Seattle, the competition day was finally here. Finn sat in his row with his glee club and the parent chaperones, and he saw the New Directions sitting in their seats a few rows down. He'd gotten to hang out with them when the parent chaperones were with the kids, but now it was really hitting him - he was competing against the glee club he'd been a part of.

Trying to ease the tension, Finn looked over at the New Directions, smiled and waved. Marley, Ryder, Kitty and Kylie did the same.

"I saw what you did," Ariana snapped in Finn's ear. "You want the group you were in to win, don't you?"

"What?" Finn asked. "Of course I want you guys to win! I was just saying hi." This was the first time someone had said something to Finn about his conflicted emotions. What if the kids somehow knew? What if they didn't trust him?

The first group performed, and after their performance, Finn needed to step out of the auditorium for a minute. He asked the parent chaperones to keep an eye on the kids and began walking around the hall. It was all going to be okay, right?

"Finn!" Finn turned and saw Blaine and Sam at the snack bar.

"Hey," Finn said, walking up to his two best friends.

"You okay?" Sam asked. "You look upset."

"It's just - I wasn't feeling this way until now, but I feel so conflicted about competing against the team that we were on," Finn said. "I didn't start thinking about it until a few days before we left for Seattle, but now I can't stop, and with today being the competition day, it's really setting in... but I can't let the kids see that I'm stressed..."

"Hey, it's okay," Blaine said. "That's normal feelings. You've done some great work with Choral Inspiration, Finn. This year you've really come into your own as a director."

"Yeah," Sam said. "Everyone knew that you were meant to direct a club, and now you're doing it."

"I just hope they're not mad at me if we beat them," Finn said.

"They won't be," Blaine said. "It would show what a great director you've become."

Finn managed to smile. "I really missed getting to hang out with you guys when you were all working with them."

"We missed you," Sam said. "But hey, we still got to hang out with you."

"Well, if it isn't my leading men from my time as the New Directions director," a voice said. Finn, Blaine and Sam turned and saw Mr. Schue.

"Mr. Schue!" Finn exclaimed as he and his friends hugged their former director.

"You guys getting ready for the competition?"

"Yeah," Finn said. "How's your glee club, the Golden Vocals? Are they excited?"

"Oh, they're intense," Mr. Schue said. "They really want to win - I wonder what they'll do if they don't."

"Well, they have a great director," Blaine said.

"I do sometimes wish they were more like you guys," Mr. Schue said. "It's all about winning for them..."

"I think my kids are just glad to have made it to Nationals," Finn said. "Speaking of my kids, I should probably get back to then."

"Well, good luck," Mr. Schue said.

"Thanks," Finn said. He smiled at Mr. Schue, Sam and Blaine, glad they'd all been here to talk to him and helped him feel better. He got back to his seat, and shortly after he was back in his seat, it was time for New Directions to perform. The MC announced New Directions, and Finn watched as Marley and Ryder took the stage for the duet.

Ryder: I'm standing on a bridge
I'm waiting in the dark
I thought that you'd be here by now
Marley: There's nothing but the rain
No footsteps on the ground
I'm listening but there's no sound
Ryder: Isn't anyone trying to find me?
Marley: Won't somebody come take me home?
Ryder and Marley: It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
But I... I'm with you
I'm with you
Ryder: I'm looking for a place
I'm searching for a face
Is anybody here I know
Marley: 'Cause nothing's going right
And everything's a mess
And no one likes to be alone
Ryder and Marley: Isn't anyone trying to find me?
Won't somebody come take me home?
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
But I... I'm with you
I'm with you
Ryder: Oh why is everything so confusing
Marley: Maybe I'm just out of my mind
Ryder and Marley: Yeah-he-yaa, yeah-he-yah, yeah-he-yah, yeah-he-yah, yeah!
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
But I... I'm with you
I'm with you
Ryder: Take me by the hand
Take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
But I... I'm with you
I'm with you
Marley: Take me by the hand
Take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
But I... I'm with you
I'm with you
Ryder and Marley: I'm with you...

Finn had to admit - that was the best duet Ryder and Marley had sang so far. The rest of the glee club joined them on stage for the first group number.

Jane: Red One
Konvict
Gaga (oh, yeah)
Kitty: I've had a little bit too much, much
All of the people start to rush.
Start to rush by.
Marley: A dizzy twister dance
Can't find my drink or man.
Where are my keys, I lost my phone.
Kylie: What's going on on the floor?
I love this record baby, but I can't see straight anymore.
Madison: Keep it cool what's the name of this club?
I can't remember but it's alright, I'm alright.
New Directions: Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Spin that record babe.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Duh-duh-duh-duh
Dance. Dance. Dance. Just dance.
Marley: Wish I could shut my playboy mouth.
How'd I turn my shirt inside out, inside out right.
Kitty: Control your poison babe
"Roses have thorns," they say.
Madison: And we're all gettin' hosed tonight.
What's going on on the floor?
Molly: I love this record baby, but I can't see straight anymore.
Keep it cool what's the name of this club?
Lily: I can't remember but it's alright, alright.
New Directions: Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Spin that record babe.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Duh-duh-duh-duh
Dance. Dance. Dance. Just dance.
Marley: When I come through on the dance floor checking out that catalogue.
Can't believe my eyes so many women without a flaw.
Sara: And I ain't gonna' give it up, steady tryna pick it up like a car
Ellie: I'ma hit it, I'ma hit it and flex and do it until tomorrow, yeah
Samantha: Shorty i can see that you got so much energy
Aubrey: The way you twirling up them hips round and round
Molly: There's no reason at all why you can't leave here with me
Lily: In the meantime stay, let me watch you break it down.
New Directions: Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Spin that record babe.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Duh-duh-duh-duh
Dance. Dance. Dance. Just dance.
Half psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint it's symphonic.
Half psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint electronic.
Half psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint it's symphonic.
Half psychotic, sick hypnotic got my blueprint electronic.
Sara: Go. Use your muscle, carve it out, work it, hustle
Ellie: I got it, just stay close enough to get it
Samantha: Don't slow! Drive it, clean it, Lysol, bleed it
Aubrey: Spend the last dough, I got it
In your Pocko, I got it
New Directions: Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Spin that record babe.
Da-doo-doo-doo
Just dance. Gonna be okay.
Duh-duh-duh-duh
Dance. Dance. Dance. Just dance.

This had been one of the best performances of New Directions ever, and Finn noticed the nervous looks on the faces of his kids. He found himself wanting a tie even more, since his former glee club was doing so well, but he also wanted his kids to win.

Ryder: Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair, hey, hey, hey
Jake: She acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's a time to change, hey, hey, hey
Jack: Since the return from her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June, hey, hey, hey
New Directions boys: Hey, hey, hey
New Directions: But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated?
Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star–
One without a permanent scar?
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?
Mason: Now that she's back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, hey, hey (mmm)
Roderick: She checks out Mozart while she does tae-bo
Reminds me that there's room to grow, hey, hey, hey (yeah)
Spencer: Now that she's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that she might think of me as plain ol' Jane
Ben: Told a story about a man who was too afraid to fly so he never did land
New Directions: But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back to the Milky Way?
And tell me, did Venus blow your mind?
Was it everything you wanted to find?
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?
Michael: Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken?
Nathan: Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know you're wrong
Oliver: Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance, five-hour phone conversation?
James: The best soy latte that you ever had and me
New Directions: But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back toward the Milky Way?
And tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated?
And tell me, did you fall for a shooting star,
One without a permanent scar?
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself?
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
And did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day?
Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na
And did you fall for a shooting star, fall for a shooting star?
Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na
And now you're lonely looking for yourself out there.

After the New Directions performed, Finn led Choral Inspiration backstage to change into their costumes for the performance. When it was time to circle them up, Finn tried to remember Mr. Schue's pep talks for him when he was in the glee club. "Okay, you guys are here," Finn said. "I could tell how talented you all were when I first took over the glee club, and I can tell even more now. You guys are going to be amazing out there. We've been working so hard all year, and no matter what the score is today, we'll win in our own way."

"Can I say something, Finn?" Josh asked.

"Yeah, of course," Finn said.

"Last night a group of us were talking, and we were all saying why we wanted to win, and we all said that we want to win for you," Josh said as the rest of the glee club backed him up. "Before you took over the glee club, we were just an extracurricular with an advisor who didn't know what she was doing. Then you came along. Now it's the best part of the week for us, and we've grown closer to each other. You sold out the musical, you got us wins at Sectionals and Regionals, and you've been a role model and a mentor for us. We know you're not out of college yet, but you're going to be an amazing teacher when you are."

The glee club cheered, and Finn didn't know what to say. That was what the glee club thought about him? Wow. He was strongly reminded of what he said to Mr. Schue his senior year... and now that was how these kids saw him. "Wow," Finn said. "Thank you all so much. Let's do this."

The group cheered before their names were announced and Finn watched Josh and Caitlin step on stage for the duet.

Josh: When life leaves you high and dry
I'll be at your door tonight
If you need help, if you need help.
I'll shut down the city lights,
I'll lie, cheat, I'll beg and bribe
To make you well, to make you well.
Caitlin: When enemies are at your door
I'll carry you away from war
If you need help, if you need help.
Your hope dangling by a string
I'll share in your suffering
To make you well, to make you well.
Josh and Caitlin: Give me reasons to believe
That you would do the same for me.
And I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.
Josh: When you fall like a statue
I'm gon' be there to catch you
Put you on your feet, you on your feet.
And if your well is empty
Not a thing will prevent me.
Tell me what you need, what do you need?
Caitlin: I surrender honestly.
You've always done the same for me.
Josh and Caitlin: So I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.
Caitlin: You're my back bone.
You're my cornerstone.
You're my crutch when my legs stop moving.
You're my head start.
You're my rugged heart.
You're the pulse that I've always needed.
Josh and Caitlin: Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum my heart never stops beating...
For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on.
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long, long after you're gone.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum my heart never stops beating for you.
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.
I'll love you long after you're gone, gone, gone.

The rest of the group went on stage for the group number, and Finn noticed it sounded better than it ever had in practice. There was no doubt about it - this competition was going to be close. Finn noticed some kids in another glee club looking nervous as the final group number began. Was his glee club really drawing that reaction?

Caitlin: This kitten got your tongue tied in knots, I see
Spit it out cause I'm dying for company
I notice that you got it
You notice that I want it
Miranda: You know that I can take it
To the next level, baby
If you want this good ish
Sicker than the remix
Choral Inspiration Girls: Baby, let me blow your mind
Tonight
Choral Inspiration: I can't take it, take it, take no more
Never felt like, felt like this before
Ariana: Come on get me, get me on the floor
DJ what you, what you waiting for?
Scott: Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Choral Inspiration: Watch me move, when I lose, when I lose it hard
Get you off with the touch dancing in the dark
You notice what I'm wearing,
I noticin' you're staring
You know that I can take it,
To the next level, baby
Hotter than the A-list,
Next one on my hit list
Baby, let me blow your mind
Tonight
Eva: I can't take it, take it, take no more
Never felt like, felt like this before
Heather: Come on get me, get me on the floor
DJ what you, what you waiting for?
Choral Inspiration: Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
See the sunlight, we ain't stopping
Keep on dancing till the world ends
If you feel it let it happen
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
Woah oh oh oh oh oh ohhh.
See the sunlight, we ain't stopping
Keep on dancing till the world ends
If you feel it let it happen
Keep on dancing till the world ends

At the end of the performance, Finn looked into the audience and saw Rachel and his friends on their feet. He just hoped that the last number would go well, too.

Josh: I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
Mark: 'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break even
Garrett: Her best days were some of my worst
She finally met a man that's gonna put her first
Paul: While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break even... even... no
Choral Inspiration: What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're OK?
Andy: I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces
Ethan: They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
Josh: 'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving
And when a heart breaks no it don't break even, even... no
What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're OK?
Choral Inspiration: I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces
(Rebecca: One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
(Rebecca: 'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break even)
Heather: Oh, you got his heart and my heart and none of the pain
You took your suitcase, I took the blame.
Hayley: Now I'm tryna make sense of what little remains, ooh
'Cause you left me with no love and honour to my name.
Josh: I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break...
Caitlin: No, it don't break
No, it don't break even, no
Audrey: What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you?
And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're OK?
(Brandon: Oh glad you're okay now)
Choral Inspiration: I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
(Brandon: Oh I'm falling, falling)
I'm falling to pieces,
(Brandon: One still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
(Brandon: 'Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don't break even)
Oh, it don't break even no
Oh, it don't break even no
Oh, it don't break even no

x

A little while later, the top five teams were announced and called to the stage - Throat Explosion, New Directions, the Boston Strong Singers, the Golden Vocals and Choral Inspiration. When Finn heard his glee club announced as a top five finalist, he couldn't believe it. Top five? Their goal was top ten.

The kids were cheering as they went on stage. The Golden Vocals were announced as finishing fifth. Finn hoped that Mr. Schue wouldn't get a hard time from his kids. After all, Mr. Schue had been talking about how they were all about winning.

Then the announcer announced that third place was a tie - New Directions and Choral Inspiration.

They hadn't only made Top Ten.

They'd made Top Three.

The kids were cheering as Finn was handed a trophy. He couldn't believe it. In his first year as a choir director, he'd managed to get his team third place at Nationals.

x

After getting back to the hotel that evening, Finn took his glee club to the hotel pool for a pool party. As it turned out, the New Directions were at this hotel, too, and they were also having a pool party.

"So, are the kids happy?" Rachel asked Finn.

"So happy," Finn said. "I am too. I can't believe it - third place at Nationals in my first year as a glee club director."

"I'm proud of you," Rachel told Finn.

"Thanks," Finn said as he put his arm around Rachel. "I wanted a tie - but I didn't think it would happen."

"It did," Rachel said. "All of us from glee club were so excited New Directions did well, too, especially with new directors."

"Yeah, it was great," Finn said.

Josh and Caitlin came over to Rachel and Finn. "Finn!" Caitlin exclaimed. "I just got the call! I got into NYADA! Carmen was at Nationals and saw me and she offered me a place!"

"You did?" Rachel asked. "That's amazing."

"I'm going to NYADA, too," Marley said, overhearing the conversation.

"Oh, I guess there's going to be lots of talent in our class," Caitlin said. "You guys were really good."

"Thanks," Marley said. "At least now I know someone in my class at NYADA. My boyfriend and one of my friends are going to school in New York, too."

"And we can't wait for you guys to join us," Finn said.

"I love how you're at Columbia and Rachel's at NYADA, and now I'm going to NYADA and Josh is going to Columbia," Caitlin said.

"It is pretty cool," Rachel said. She jumped into the pool, pulling Finn in with her. After a pretty crazy year, an evening of fun was a great way to wrap up the week.

SONGS: I'm With You by Avril Lavigne (performed by Ryder Lynn and Marley Rose), Just Dance by Lady Gaga (performed by New Directions), Drops Of Jupiter by Train (performed by New Directions), Gone Gone Gone by Phillip Phillips (performed by Josh Thompson and Caitlin McPherson), Till The World Ends by Britney Spears (performed by Choral Inspiration) and Breakeven by the Script (performed by Choral Inspiration)

Chapter 29 preview: Alumni and Mr. Schuester return to Lima for Marley, Kitty, Ryder and Jake's graduation.

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