Chapter Nine: Jesse St Sewing Machine
Will's head turned to face his old nemesis. "Hey there, Susie-Q."
"That's Government Official Susie-Q."
"Oh yes, I forgot. You must have bribed people to vote for you, because I can't understand how else you would get votes." Will smirked.
"William, you must've forgotten. Now that I'm a member of the United States government, I have a hefty security officer waiting just outside that door," Sue gestured behind her. "So, I'd be careful what you say to me." She winked and chuckled.
Will sighed. He was sick of Sue's games. He thought those had ended after they had 'made up'. Apparently not, as now she was back and ruining things for the Glee Club once again. "Why are you here, Sue?"
"I just thought I'd pay my old friends at McKinley a visit. A little 'throwback Thursday' as the kids are calling it these days."
Josh stifled a laugh.
"Something funny, Chuckles McMuscles?" Sue glared at Josh and he fell silent, his cheeks flushing red.
"What did you do to Zoe's dress? More to the point, why did you do it?" It was Sam who spoke up this time. Like Will, he'd had enough of whatever Sue was doing. It had happened too many times to him and his friends. He didn't want the same for the new kids.
"Ah, Trouty Mouth! You're still working here? Haven't joined the cast of Magic Mike yet?"
"Sue, why have you destroyed Zoe's dress?" Will fumed.
"My dear Spongehair Squarechin… Haven't you heard? I'm the new coach of The High Notes!" Sue cackled with joy. "Wow, I'm so good at being evil! I should be on Broadway! Probably do better than Berry did!" She winked at Holly, as if she knew exactly who she was. A shiver ran up Holly's spine. "Hey there, little Berry! You're a lot less manly than the last one!" With that, Sue turned on her heel and left the room. "Nice catching up, Buttchin!" She called over her shoulder.
Will sank to his knees, head in his hands. Sam patted him on the shoulder. "It's ok, Mr Shue. We can sort this. We've never let Sue get to us before, and I don't intend on doing so now."
Holly couldn't help but feel deflated. She'd always wanted to meet the woman who had essentially brought her dads back together. Now she wished she hadn't. Then she had an idea. Pulling out her phone, Holly rapidly text Jesse. After all his years at Vocal Adrenaline and producing so many musicals, she knew he knew how to whip up a costume! She put her hand on Zoe's shoulder, which was still shaking from her tears. "Don't worry, Zoe. I know someone who can help."
Jesse gasped as he read Holly's text. "What's wrong?" Rachel was sitting next to him. Her brows pulled together, noticing his stressed expression. "Nothing, babe. Sit tight, I'll be back in a second." He stood up, kissing her forehead as he rushed towards the Choir room.
As Jesse approached the room, he had flashbacks to his days in The New Directions. He remembered Finn's jealous rendition of Jesse's Girl. He thought back to when he and Rachel had sung Rolling in the Deep around the piano in the auditorium.
Holly let out a huge sigh of relief when she saw Jesse. She rushed towards him, the torn dress in her hands. "Eggy, we desperately need your help! It's a long story, but basically Sue is coaching our rival team and she ruined Zoe's dress! Do you think you can help?" Jesse's mouth hung open in shock as he listened to Holly's problem. "Sue's back?!" Holly nodded. "That's not important right now. Do you think you can fix the dress? We're on in less than five minutes!"
Jesse nodded and took the dress from Holly's hands. "Point me in the direction of a sewing machine and I'll see what I can do."
Jesse worked like a madman on the machine. The Glee kids warmed up while they waited. Holly had butterflies in her stomach when she thought of performing a duet in front of so many people. She didn't want to let her team down. Caleb noticed that Holly had stopped joining in on the warm up. He walked over to her and before she knew what was happening, he had pulled her into a hug. "It's going to be ok," He whispered in her ear. "I'll be on stage right next to you. You're a born performer, just like your mum. There's no need to be scared." Holly turned her face so that she could press her lips against his cheek. "How did you know I was nervous? Is it that obvious?" Caleb chuckled lightly. "I know you, Holly. I know what you're feeling just from the look in your eyes. You mean so much to me. You know that, right?"
Holly's heart fluttered and she squeezed her arms tighter around her boyfriend's waist. Resting her head on his chest, she whispered, "I love you."
Caleb's sharp intake of breath caused panic to shoot through Holly's body. Her startled eyes were enough for Caleb. "Don't look so panicked! I was just surprised. That's all."
"Why's that?" Holly asked, in barely a whisper. She was too nervous to hear the answer.
"Because I was about to say exactly the same thing," he laughed. "You just beat me to it." Holly's shoulders felt like a huge weight had been lifted. Her stomach did somersaults, but not from nerves. She was ecstatic! She was ready to take on anything this competition had to throw at her.
Caleb put his hand under Holly's chin and lifted it to meet his gaze. He leant down, but just before his lips could touch hers…. "I've finished!" Jesse cried out. The whole room erupted into applause. Holly pulled away from Caleb, hoping no one had noticed their private moment. Izzy caught Holly's eye and winked. Izzy never missed a beat!
Zoe ran to change. With less than a minute before they were due on stage, the nerves were building. Sam gathered the kids and Mr Schuester into a show circle. Jesse had returned to his seat, after much thanks and appreciation from all the Glee kids. Holly didn't know how he'd done it, nor did she care. She was just grateful that the Glee Club was saved.
Sam leads the group, "Alright everyone, hands in. On three: One, two three…"
"AAAAMAZING!"
