New Blood Chapter 17, a glee fanfic

Disclaimer: And here's the Second Chapter of the consecutive Double Post! Refer to the previous chapter to understand this one. Personally, I don't know if it's one of my best chapters, but I'll leave it to you guys to judge! And I've just realized…90000 freaking words! Now look what you made me do! Just kidding! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 17

Sectionals

The Lima Civic Center was awfully full that Saturday. Majority must have been the parents and friends of the Warblers, all proud, wearing their navy blue and red scarves, also some even wearing their preppy blazer.

The New Directions had just entered, all of them wearing coats, either to shield from the cold weather or to hide their outfits. They looked around to see any familiar faces, but so far, no supporters from their school. It was just Mr. Schuester and Ms. Pillsbury, who were both registering the club.

Then, the Warblers blocked their way, all their arms folded, looking at the New Directions. One tall guy with brown hair stepped out and smirked. "Good luck to you guys. I see both our clubs have new members. A lot." Blaine looked at the Warblers noticing that they had recruited about 10 or 11 members. "You could've been the head if you didn't transfer, Blaine."

The curly brunette smiled. "Well, Nick, I'm happy with where I am now." He glanced at Kurt and smiled. Nick and the other Warblers nodded, and proceeded to the waiting room. At that moment, Mr. Schue approached them, clasping his hands, "All right guys. You're the last to perform!" Rachel clapped in delight, knowing that being the last means being remembered and it will play a part in the judges' decision. The members filed inside the hall for their seats. It was familiar territory for the old members, but the new ones were slightly nervous, as it was their first time performing, even though they weren't on stage yet.

Cameron was focused on the stage, but still he couldn't stop glancing at Marissa, who was 3 or 4 seats away from him. He wasn't able to apologize for what he said in the astronomy classroom, yet he carried on her plan. Sadly, Bryce who was seated beside him was forced to act as their messenger the whole duration of it. The others did not seem to notice that they weren't talking to each other, maybe because Marissa had Cheerios practice and her and Damian were practicing nonstop. Cameron, on the other hand, was keeping himself busy trying to think of the best way to apologize to her. And like Marissa's plan, he was going to apologize today. I hope it's going to work.

Marissa was seated on her seat, playing with her fingers and looking at them. She and Cameron hadn't talked that much the past week, probably due to their encounter in the astronomy classroom. However, he did not let her down. Yesterday, Bryce showed her the finished product, the book, complete with the title Cameron suggested. It was more than what she expected. Nothing but the best from Cameron… She still couldn't find a way to face him, and she was even guilty that she dragged Bryce into this. After all the times he persuaded them to make up, they acted stubborn and didn't. Was this really how their friendship was going to end? She shook her head. She has to apologize, and it has to be now.

Damian, seated beside Marissa, was also looking at the stage. He tried to give Lindsay the letter at least five times, but still, she ignored him. It was like he didn't even exist anymore. But, like Artie said, he kept the note in his binder, along with the numerous drafts he had written. After Sectionals, he's going to show Lindsay everything he has written, even those cheesy ones he wanted to throw. If she still doesn't want to listen, he'll stop. It must be for the best.

The emcee just went on the stage, met by numerous applause. It was June Buddington, who the people recognized as the winner of Miss Ohio 2009. She had long brunette locks, complimenting her white and black polka dot dress. "Before we start, I would like to introduce our judges for this competition." She smiled at the audience.

"First, we have a judging veteran over here. For the third time in a row, we have as a judge the broadcasting legend Rod Remington!" A lot of older adults were clapping, with some even standing up and shouting 'Ohio loves you Rod!'. He stands from his seat and waves to the crowd, and after a few minutes taking his seat again.

"Our second judge is a total sweetheart, and another of Ohio's broadcasting veterans. Please welcome Andrea Carmichael!" She was met with the same applause as Rod Remington, and she waved and worked the crowd. She took her seat immediately, Rod giving her a little peck on the cheek.

"And last but not the least, we have another sweetheart on our table of judges!" She gives a smile at the blonde who was seated beside Andrea. "Let's all give an applause to the owner of the Lima Flower Shop, Ms. Gretchen Weeds!" She stood up and waved to the crowd, also giving them flying kisses. "Please buy my flowers! 5% discount on those who have bulk orders!"

"Okay, why the hell is she judging? All those flowers are overpriced." Mercedes reluctantly claps, leaning toward Kurt, who maintained his composure. "I have a soft spot for her tulips."

"And I guess we can get this show on the road then! Performing first are the Dalton Academy Warblers!" A lot of the audience stood up and cheered. The New Directions were amazed at the fanbase the club has. The Warblers lined up at the stage, their heads down. They start harmonizing immediately, something they take pride on. They were, after all, an acapella group.

Uno, dos, tres

It's been a really, really messed up week
7 days of torture, 7 days of bitter
And my girlfriend went and cheated on me
She's a Californian dime but it's time for me to quit her

La la la, whatever
La la la, it doesn't matter
La la la, oh well
La la la

We're going at it tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop, top of the world
Tonight, tonight
And we're dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's alright, alright, tonight, tonight

The New Directions members looked at each other. Their choreography had improved greatly, and the new voices were really a great addition. Blaine smirked, looking at Kurt. "It seems as if my transfer really helped them."

I woke up with a strange tattoo
Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket
And it kinda looks just like you
Mixed with Zack Galifianakis

La la la, whatever
La la la, it doesn't matter
La la la, oh well
La la la

Cameron was nodding to the beat of the song. Bryce frowned at him. "So, is this another one of your shower songs?"

"This is my 'walking to school' song." He smiled, not even caring about what he said. In front of them was Rachel, who looked at the Warblers intently. "They're still the same group. I'm confident that we will win Sectionals. Our mash-up is going to blow them away."

The Warblers ended their performance, and the audience gave them a standing ovation. The Dalton Academy students who watched were shouting and cheering. It looks like they have audience impact in the bag. Mr. Schue stands up and calls their attention. "All right guys, let's get ready. I want a little pep talk before we go on." They all nodded as they stood up and slowly headed to the waiting room, Ms. Pillsbury staying to save Mr. Schue a seat.

Puck opens the door, and they see the same set up, a few chairs and some stools. The guys let the girls sit down, as they stood up. All of them removed their coats, revealing their outfits. The girls wore a black dress with purple details, and black flat shoes, while the guys were wearing black dress shirts, black pants, black shoes, and a purple tie. Mr. Schue enters and closes the door. He faces them, taking a deep breath.

"We've won Sectionals two times in a row, and I don't want to jinx it by saying that the third time's a charm."

As Mr. Schue's speech was ongoing, the Jane Addams Academy Glee Club went on the stage. The music playing had a familiar beat, and they sang and danced with a lot of energy. One girl out of their leads stepped up front and started rapping.

Just another one champion sound
Me and my friends about to get down
Who the hottest in the world right now.
Just touched down in London town.
Bet they give me a pound.
Tell them put the money in my hand right now.
Tell the promoter we need more seats,
We just sold out all the floor seats

Another of their lead singers steps out of the formation and pushes the one on front, who gladly goes back to the formation.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You'll be my American Boy.

He said Hey Sister.
It's really really nice to meet ya.
I just met this 5 foot 7 guys who's just my type.

The New Directions look up at the speaker in the waiting room, listening to the performance. McKynleigh shook her head. "Boy, they sound good."

Mr. Schue sighed. "Guys, we have had more than enough practice. We can do this! I know it! Just go out there and sing."

They all looked up at the speaker again, Mr. Schue nodding, agreeing to what McKynleigh said. They were good. But, he's confident in his team. Actually, this is the most confident he felt about them in all of the performances they had.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You'll be my American Boy. American Boy.

Can we get away this weekend.
Take me to Broadway.
Let's go shopping baby then we'll go to a Cafù.
Let's go on the subway.
Take me to your hood.
I neva been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good.
Dress in all your fancy clothes.
Sneaker's looking Fresh to Def I'm lovin those Shell Toes.
Walkin that walk.
Talk that slick talk.
I'm likin this American Boy. American Boy.

The girls finished with all their hands up in the air, smiling. The audience cheered at them, and even some Dalton students were cheering. The New Directions could hear the applause on the speaker. As it was sinking in that it was their turn to perform, some of them stood up, shaking their hands. Others were taking slow deep breaths. A voice spoke on the speaker. "All right. We will have a 10 minute break for all the folks watching. And when we return, it's time for the last performance of the day."

"Okay guys!" Mr. Schue opens the door. "Let's get ready backstage. Damian and Marissa, you know your places."

All of them nodded and filed out of the room. However, Bryce and Cameron weren't moving, getting ready for the next phase of the plan. Cameron leans to him. "You go ahead, I'll take care of this."

Bryce frowned at him. "Are you sure? But—"

"I need to do this for her…alone." Bryce sighs and nods, following his orders. Then, Cameron blocks Lindsay, who was just about to step outside the door. "Could I talk to you for a minute? This is kind of important."

Lindsay was frowning, her blue eyes looking at the tall guy. "Sure…" One by one, the members filed out, even Mr. Schue. He pushed her a while, giving some space. And then, only the two of them were left. Or so Lindsay thought. Cameron steps aside, revealing Marissa, blocking the door, looking at her. Her hands were hidden at her back.

"I'm not listening to any of this…" She looked at Cameron. "We have to get ready! Especially you!" She glared at Marissa, raising an eyebrow. "Don't you have a duet to sing?"

"Before we go you have to read this." She brought out her arms, revealing sheets of paper, hardbound into a book. It was as thick as a yearbook. The redhead approaches Lindsay, who turns her back against her.

"If we don't go, we're going to lose!"

"Please hear us out. No, please listen, or rather read what Damian has to say." She goes beside her, giving her a peek at the book, making her read the title. Lindsay was still frowning, but she decided to take it.

"Wha—What is this?"

"The past weeks…Damian has been writing a letter to apologize to you." Cameron said, his hands in his pockets, his feet fidgeting. "We stole it yesterday, and had it bound immediately. We even put a title." He let out a polite smile.

Lindsay runs her hands through the blue hard cover, reading the title which was beautifully engraved in front. "The Contents of the Heart of a Man named Damian McGinty…" She glanced at Marissa, but looks at the book again. "But, why is it so thick?"

"We also placed the drafts he wrote. You could see that he had a lot of erasures. We haven't read any of it though, don't worry." The brunette opens the book, looking at the contents. She could tell Marissa was smiling when she said that. She flipped through the pages, seeing on every left corner of the page the words 'Dear Lindsay'. While flipping, she smirked. Marissa was right. There were a lot of erasures, but she could still see the phrases erased, such as 'You're being so irrational' and 'I could never steal Marissa from Cameron'. He didn't want to insult her or put anything irrelevant. He wanted this to be perfect…for me…

She was down to the last page. There it was, the finished product. She smiled. His handwriting was at times unreadable, but it was adorable it its own way. She reads it in her mind, imagining Damian saying it.

Dear Lindsay,

We've been through a lot these couple of months. Some were happy moments, those which I really want to relive over and over again. My conversations with you were some of the best I had in my entire life. When you said that I gave you the 'nudge' to join the Glee club, I was ecstatic. It was then that I thought, I have met the greatest friend in this school, and I'll was completely fine if you were the only friend I made.

Then duets came. I know you wouldn't still believe me, but I stand by what I said. Choosing Marissa was a business decision. No, wait, let me take that back. I thought that it was my obligation as a friend to help her. I overheard her and Bryce talk about something, and I had to ask her about it. She was furious with me for a long time, and when I finally had the guts to apologize to her, I overheard her again talking to someone. It turns out that I had unwillingly heard about something that she wanted kept, and I wanted to let her know that I was there, as her friend, and I would never tell anyone about this thing. And yes, Lindsay, I'm sorry, but that includes you.

It's okay if you wouldn't believe me, but I can honestly say that this is the whole truth and whatever you make of it, it's up to you. I just felt that you needed an explanation from me. However, I have one last thing to say.

Lindsay Heather Pearce, I like you. I liked you ever since I saw you staring at that Glee Club list during the first day. At first, I was confusing these feelings for a previous relationship I had, but no. I meant every word I sang and every word I have written here. I don't care if I realized my feelings just now, or if I apologized for everything too. You're the one I want Lindsay, and the most important thing to me right now is seeing you happy. It's killing me knowing that I might've caused you so much pain, and I would do anything to see you smile again.

I've poured my heart out into this letter and I'm not asking you to do the same. I just want to stop hurting you again. And if ever you are hurt, I'll always be here…whenever and if ever you need me.

Damian

She was trembling, a few tears dropping on the page. Marissa stepped near her, wanting to comfort her, but she doesn't know if Lindsay will want to. She looked up at the redhead, frowning and concerned. She drops the book and immediately hugs her friend. "I'm sorry, M. I'm so so sorry! I can't believe how stupid I was!"

"You're not stupid Linds." She rubs her back, reassuring her. "This was just a misunderstanding. But, it's okay. Everything's okay now."

Lindsay takes a deep breath, letting go of her friend. Cameron hands her a handkerchief, and she wipes her eyes. "Thank you…" She looks at the two of them. "You went to all this trouble."

"Anything for a friend." Cameron smiles, looking at Marissa. She nods at him, a gesture of thanks for helping her with the plan.

Lindsay finally relaxes, picking up the book. "It would be so good to tease him with this." She giggled. Suddenly, she realizes something and looks at her watch. "We have three minutes! We have to go!"

She pulled Marissa to the door, but she doesn't follow her. "Marissa, you have to prepare for your duet!"

"I can't." She bit her lip, looking down. She then looked at the both of them and started to smile. She shakes her head. "After everything that's happened, it's not right for me to sing the duet with him."

Cameron went near her, grasping her arms. "What are you talking about? This is Sectio—"

"Damian said he would've picked you as a duet partner. Not me." She looks at Lindsay. "I think you should sing with him."

Both of them gasped. Lindsay goes near her. "But Marissa…Mr. Schue, everyone, they're going to flip—"

"If you sing with him, he'll realize that you have forgiven him, and you two will generate undeniable chemistry that the judges will surely look at! Both of you won't need practice, because you'll both mean every word you sing anyway."

The two of them looked at her, who was still smiling. "Go! I'll deal with all the angry faces later." Lindsay looked at her and nodded. She goes out of the door, leaving the two behind. Marissa takes a deep breath and pulls Cameron. "We better go backstage now." However, he pulls her instead, and in an instant, he wraps his long arms around her shoulders, her head resting on his right shoulder, his head on her left.

"I'm sorry. All those words I said at the astronomy classroom, please forget them. I didn't know what I was thinking. Sometimes, I get so impulsive that I blurt out everything that I say and—"

This time, it was Marissa's turn to keep him quiet. She places a finger on his lips, and smiled. "Let's just go and perform. I just want to get this over with." He slowly nodded, as she takes his hand, pulling him towards the door.

Mr. Schue goes to the fifth row, where Ms. Pillsbury saved him a seat. He was excited to see his kids perform. Their number was polished perfectly, and if they pull it off, the Sectionals trophy is once again theirs. The emcee goes to the podium and announces. "And now, for our final group in the competition, we have the William McKinley High School's New Directions!"

The crowd clapped vigorously, and among them were their two chaperones. Mr. Schue turned to one of the curtains at the back. Like before, Finn and Rachel were going out of these, surprising the audience. Now, it was Damian and Marissa.

Backstage, the others were getting themselves energized, hearing the applause. Rachel looks around, seeing if they were complete. "Hey, where's Cameron and Lindsay?"

"I'm here." Cameron arrives just in time. Everyone had their jaws dropped and eyes widened, seeing Marissa. Finn goes near her, still shocked. "W-What are you doing? You're supposed to be out there!"

She looked at everyone, each demonstrating a different expression, from worry, to doubt, to anxiety, and anger. She bit her lip, not knowing what to say that could make them calm down. Then, the music started playing, and surprisingly, they heard someone singing.

You by the light
Is the greatest find
In a world full wrong you're the thing that's right
Finally made it through the lonely to the other side

Mr. Schue had his jaw dropped as well, seeing Lindsay go down that aisle. What happened? Where was Marissa? Why isn't she the one singing? Ms. Pillsbury frowned and leaned towards Mr. Schue. "Will, is there something wrong?"

He shakes his head. "It's just…this wasn't how we practiced this…" The guidance counselor frowned, not knowing what could possibly be wrong, because her voice was really fitting for the song.

Damian, on the other hand, had his eyes widened. That voice… He knew that it was Lindsay. But why was she the one singing? Did Marissa persuade her to do it? Does that mean that she…she forgave him already? A million emotions were going through his head. But, he has to keep himself grounded. Finally, a duet with Lindsay and it was during Sectionals. This is one chance you are not ruining!

You said it again my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark,
And I'm in love and I'm terrified.
For the first time in the last time
In my only life.

The members hurried on the right and left sides, taking a peek at the performance from the curtains. Rachel shots a look at Marissa. "If we don't win Sectionals, you know that it's your fault." The redhead sighed but kept quiet. Then, Damian goes out from his aisle and sings, the crowd cheering.

This could be good
It's already better than last
And love is worse than knowing
You're holding back
I could be all that you needed
If you let me try

You said it again my hearts in motion
Every word feels like a shooting start
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time in the last time
in my only

They were now both at the stage, singing to each other, about two feet apart.

I only said it cause i mean it
I only mean cause it's true
So don't you doubt what i've been dreaming
Cause it fills me up and holds me close
Whenever i'm without you

Out of impulse, they both hold hands and face the audience, singing their heart out with the last verse.

You said it again my hearts in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time in the last time
In my only life

They faced each other, now both too close for comfort. They were both breathing deeply, staring at each other's eyes. Mr. Schue slowly stands. These two cannot kiss! What happened in Nationals must not happen again.

However, both smiled at each other, even giggling a little. They both faced the audience again, and did a little bow. The applause became louder, almost everyone giving them a standing ovation. Damian smiles and bring his mic to his mouth. "We are the New Directions." The audience continued clapping, taking their seats, as they were about to sing their next song.

Mr. Schue gives out a sigh of relief, and relaxes in his seat. Ms. Pillsbury looks at him and smiles. "Just relax Will, you've done this before. Those kids know how much this means to them, and to you."

The girls go out, Lindsay joining them, and switching places with Marissa smoothly, to keep the formation intact. The boys also go out, doing harmonies, Damian joining them. All of them were clapping, and snapping their fingers.

Ice Ice Baby

Dum dum dum da da dum dum
(Ice Ice Baby) Dum dum dum da da dum dum

They repeat it at least three times, the audience clapping to their tune. The band starts to play, and Mike steps out of the formation, shouting "Let's kick it!", and rejoins the boys immediately.

Pressure, pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man ask for

The boys give way to the girls, now ready to sing their line.

Under pressure, that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets

The boys sing, going beside them and snapping their fingers to the beat, doing the same steps as the girls. The girls join in with the singing.

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming
"Get me out!"
Pray tomorrow
Takes me higher
Pressure on people
People on streets

The group now condenses into one, still singing.

Dum dum dum da da dum dum
(Ice Ice Baby) Dum dum dum da da dum dum

Samuel goes out from the group and starts rapping, the girls singing background vocals.

All right stop
Collaborate and listen (Chippen around)
Ice is back with a brand new invention (Kicken my brains around the floor)
Something grabs a hold of me tightly (These are the days)
Flow like a harpoon (It never rains but it pours)
Daily and nightly
Will it ever stop?
Yo-I don't know (Oh)
Turn off the lights (Oh)
And I'll go
To the extreme (Ba ba)
Rock a mic like a vandal
Light up a stage and (Ooh Ooh)
Wax a chump like a candle

This time, it's Hannah who raps, pushing Samuel from center stage, as he smiled, going back to their formation.

Dance
Go rush a speaker that booms
I'm killin' your brain like a poisonous mushroom
Deadly
When I play a dope melody
Anything less than the best is a felony
Love it or leave it
You better gain way
You better hit bull's eye
The kid don't play
If there was a problem
Yo I'll solve it
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it

All the girls plus Alex and Kurt join Hannah in the center, belting out as she ended the rap. Now, the girls split into two groups, the one on the left being Rachel, Mercedes, Tina, Alex, Lindsay, McKynleigh, and Santana.

Why can't we give ourselves
One more chance

Those on the right included Brittany, Quinn, Kurt, Marissa, Emily, Ellis, and Hannah, who sang their line.

Why can't we give love
One more chance

All the girls, plus Kurt and Alex now sing, their voices blending perfectly.

Why can't we give love
Give love
Give love
Give love
Give love
Give love

The boys join them in the center, making a boy-girl-boy pattern. All of them were now stepping right and left while clapping to the beat.

Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you
To care for
The people
On the
Edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure

Dum dum dum da da dum dum
(Ice Ice Baby) Dum dum dum da da dum dum

Under pressure

Dum dum dum da da dum dum
(Ice Ice Baby) Dum dum dum da da dum dum

They all end, standing with their arms on their sides, their heads bowed down. They received a standing ovation, and after a few seconds, they look at the crowd smiling. Some of them were waving, glad that they gave the audience a good time. Mr. Schue was also clapping, and even though the first number didn't go as planned, it was more than he could have hoped for. Still, he was surprised. He may be biased, but their group had the longest standing ovation out of anyone.

The New Directions were as happy and noisy as they could be inside the waiting room. They were all hugging, giving each other high-fives, and raving about their performance. Damian and Lindsay were standing side by side, not knowing what to say to each other.

"I'm sor—"

Both of them faced each other simultaneously, and they suddenly giggled. Damian looked at her, smiling. "Are we good now?"

She faced him and nodded. "It's thanks to this." She shows him the book that Cameron and Marissa made, and Damian leaned reading the title. "W-What is this?" He pulls the book from her grasp and reads the contents. He immediately blushes. "How did you…"

"Cameron and Marissa stole it from you and compiled it." She was still smiling. "I love it that you had no clue."

"None at all…" He was still looking in awe at the book. He closed it, and looked for the two culprits, who were both seated at the couch. Unbelievable…those two…

Rachel goes to Marissa, frowning and her arms folded. "What were you thinking doing something like that?" She sits on the chair opposite them. "Sure it might've worked out well, but what if it didn't?"

The redhead sighed. "I'm sorry Rachel, I really am. But, I had to do it. They're my friends." Rachel tightened her lips and sighed as well. "Well, I have to admit…yes, they do have vocal and physical chemistry, and in my opinion, she was a much better fit than you, no offense." She takes a deep breath. "…but I'm begging you, never do anything like that again."

"I promise Rachel." She nodded as the senior returned to Finn and the others, who were still on a high. Cameron faced Marissa. "That was really brave of you."

"Not really…" She looked down. "It was only now that I realized that we could've lost if it didn't work out."

"But it did. So don't dwell on it too much." He leaned backward on the couch. "If we don't win Sectionals however…"

"Cam!" She slapped him on his arm. "You're not helping!" He chuckled, and just in time, the door opens. It was Mr. Schue. "They're going to announce the winners now. Let's go."

"Yeah!" They all exclaimed, as they hurriedly rushed to the stage.

"Marissa, could I talk to you for a while?"

She slowly nodded, letting Cameron go ahead to join the others. Both her and Mr. Schue were at the doorway, him closing the waiting room.

"Why did you do it?"

She gave him a polite smile. "I thought it would…help Damian and Lindsay…" She looked at him, apologetic. "But, I'm really sorry Mr. Schue and I swear! Nothing like this is ever going to happen again."

"You thought of your friends but you didn't think of the club as a whole?"

"Mr. Schue, I said I was sorry. I—"

He sighed. "I'm surprised that the seniors didn't even lash out at you. This is their last shot, and we still don't know if you blew it or not."

She bit her lip and looked down. Somehow, he was right. If they lost, they would put the blame on her, as she was supposed to sing the duet. She would've been branded as the girl who stopped their dreams of reaching Nationals. From where they were, they could hear the emcee, who was now announcing the winners.

"In third place, we have…the Jane Addams Academy!" The audience was clapping, and they know that the pressure was on the remaining two clubs.

"And I will now announce the first place finishers, who will go on and represent our district for Regionals. They are…the New Directions!"

They were met with a thunderous applause, Rachel and Finn accepting the trophy on Mr. Schue's behalf. All them members at the stage, were jumping and screaming. Back at the waiting room, the two were somewhat relieved. They had won.

"So, we won…but that doesn't get you off the hook." Mr. Schue said. "You need some time to rethink your priorities when being a member of the club."

"Okay Mr. Schue. Shoot." She was ready for anything. At that same moment, the other members were quickly filing in, the trophy on Artie's lap, all of them excited to show it to Mr. Schue.

"I'm suspending you from club activities for a month."

Her eyes widened. Did he just say it correctly? Suspended from the club for a month? She couldn't breathe. Not being in the club…with her friends? She just stood there, still taking in what she heard.

Meanwhile, the others were shocked as well. Mr. Schuester wasn't known for giving punishments, but this was certainly something new.

Marissa lets out an anxious gulp, finally wanting to speak. "Mr. Schue, t-that's too long! I mean, Regionals is next, and it's even more important!"

"Exactly. Now you know what it feels like to actually lose something important. I guess you just have to set your priorities and work harder when you return."

"But Mr. Schue—"

"I had to give up being on Broadway to help these guys win Nationals. And right now, that is our main goal. I can't let anything, or anyone for that matter hinder our chances. My decision is final."

He turns around, and takes a step back, seeing Ms. Pillsbury a few feet behind him. She lets out a polite smile. "Some of your parents are already here to pick you up."

"Fine. I'm going then." The redhead hurriedly walks away from them, leaving everyone, still quite shocked at what happened. Mr. Schue looks at the other members. "You guys should leave too." They all nodded as they slowly walked towards the exit.

Cameron stops and interrupts Mr. Schue. "It's not entirely her fault, Sir. I helped her do this. You should punish me too." He shakes his head. "She's the one who messed up the routine Cam." He avoids him but the tall guy was persistent. He blocks his way again. "Then I quit Mr. Schue. I'm only going to be returning if you bring her back on the club."

Their teacher sighed. "You're being unreasonable."

"No! You are!" Mr. Schue frowned at him, which only made him shake his head. "You know she's not going to do it again! Why are you being so stubborn?"

"I won't answer that. If you want to quit, fine. It's your choice, after all."

Cameron looked at him intently and forcefully nodded. He leaves him and both Ms. Pillsbury in that hallway alone. Mr. Schue turns around and sees her, approaching him. He sighed. "Please tell me that what I'm doing is right…"

"Well, it's not entirely wrong…but I can't also say if it's right…" She places her hand on his shoulder, reassuring him that things will turn out okay.

Author's Note:

Hmm, interesting things in this chapter…what do you guys think of the ending? I know Mr. Schuester might be slightly OOC but…if he didn't punish her, a lot of my future plotlines will be dissolved. Anyway, you could rant about it on the reviews section. Hahaha. On the brighter side of things, Damian and Lindsay have finally made up! Now I can write them doing cute couple stuff. Also, since Cameron and Marissa aren't in the Glee Club (just for a little while, I assure you guys), I was thinking of making them hang out together after school. Cute couple stuff again!

Featured songs are:

Dalton Academy Warblers – Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
Jane Addams Academy Glee Club – American Boy ft. Kanye West by Estelle
New Directions – Terrified ft. Zachary Levi by Katharine McPhee, Under Pressure / Ice Ice Baby by David Bowie and Queen / Vanilla Ice

Okay, I wanted to put Under Pressure / Ice Ice Baby because it is my favorite song in the whole Glee Project Series, and their vocals were just amazing in this. However, it's not my favorite video because I thought the slushie-ing was too much (especially the slushie jets!). My favorite parts were Damian and Lindsay, Hannah's rapping, Marissa's glory note and her part with Alex, and the end starting with 'And love's such an…'. Such an awesome song, and an awesome mash-up. But don't worry! I'll come up with an original mash-up of my own. :)

So…another double post has ended…whew, that was fun! Still it was tiring, so I'm going for single posts now. Chapter 18 is going to be titled And the Real Competition Begins. Speculate what it could be on the reviews section as well!

Review my lovely chappies separately, and have a great day! Oh and please take care for those still affected by Hurricane Irene! To those starting school this week, good luck and make the most out of school! Thank you for reading! ^^