Chapter Eight: The Return Of The Tracksuit
2 Days Before Sectionals:
With sectionals only a few days away, Sam was struggling to keep his focus. It was starting to show in Glee Club. It had been over a week since his 'date' with Mercedes and she still hadn't called. He knew she needed time, but he was getting impatient. Sam just wanted to meet his son. He didn't want to waste time.
"Umm… Mr Evans?" It was Wednesday afternoon, two days before sectionals. Izzy had called to her Glee coach in rehearsal. She had just finished a duet that her and Josh had been practising as part of the sectionals performance. The other kids stared at Sam, awaiting his response.
"Uncle Sam?" Holly leaned down from the seat behind him and gently tapped his shoulder. "You ok?" Sam had completely zoned out. Just before he let his eyes fill with tears, he shook his head. He was, and always had been, adamant that he wouldn't bring his home life into work. He stood up and clapped his hands together once. "That was great guys! Can we just work on those harmonies in the last verse a little more, and then it will be perfect!" Josh nodded, put his arm round Izzy's waist and led her back to their seats.
Caleb had been sitting next to Holly every day in Glee Club since their date. When he noticed her worried expression at her uncles current state, he took her hand and squeezed it. No one knew what was wrong with Sam, even Blaine. Neither he, nor Mercedes, had told anyone. Kurt was the only outside party who knew, and that was purely by accident at the party.
Regaining composure, Sam continued the lesson as normal. The Glee kids rehearsed the group numbers and Caleb and Holly went over some steps for their duet. In one of the group songs, Josh and Izzy had a duet as well.
Every night since she'd discovered she had a key role in the club's performance; Holly had rehearsed her part in front of the mirror. When Kurt heard is daughter singing to herself, his heart filled with pride. Some nights, he and Blaine could hear Holly from the living room, bursting into song. They couldn't wait to hear her sing on stage, in her first competition. The whole family was going to be there; Kurt, Blaine, Rachel, Jesse, Grandma Carole and Grandpa Burt. Plus, with all the old Glee kids who had children in the current Glee Club, it was going to be like a reunion!
Sectionals:
This year, Sectionals was held at McKinley. This was because of its large stage facilities. Despite the increase in arts programmes across the state, McKinley still had the largest auditorium. It was perfect for competitions.
The New Directions were preparing in the Glee Club's classroom, with vocal exercises and last minute costume checks. The competition was going to be tough, the main rivals being The High Notes. They were a large group of energetic students from a school across the state. The High Notes had been The New Directions toughest competition since Vocal Adrenaline, and they were just as good.
Zoe stormed into the classroom, face filled with rage. The Glee kids all turned to look, as Bella ran in behind her. "Why aren't you in your costume, Zoe? We're about to go on!" Sam exclaimed.
"I'm sorry Mr Evans. I can't wear my costume because of this." She held out a hand as Bella lifted hers to reveal a bundle of torn, white fabric. "This is my dress."
Holly raised a hand to her mouth in shock. The rest of the kid's faces reflected the same horror. Zoe's beautiful, white, chiffon dress had been ripped to shreds. It was in pieces and unfixable. Bella put an arm around her twins shoulder, as Zoe began to cry. Sam's expression clouded. Who would do such a thing?
At that moment, Mr Schuester entered the room. He had wondered why The New Directions hadn't been preparing backstage, so had come to investigate. When he saw the crying girl and the horrified looks on everyone's faces, he knew something was terribly wrong.
"Mr Schuester!" Sam ran to his side. "We have a serious problem."
"What's going…"
Before Will could finish his sentence, a voice interrupted him.
"Well, well, well… If it isn't my favourite Butt Chin."
The blood drained from Will's face.
Sue Sylvester.
