While everyone else claps and woops, Jason sits on the sofa, looking down at his hands.
Of all themes, Jason inwardly sighs, avoiding how everyone was looking at him.
"Anyway," Robert said, making everyone's attention return to him, including a relieved Jason, glad that people weren't giving him 'looks' anymore. "Your homework assignment is... Anything could happen by Ellie Goulding!" .
"I love Ellie Goulding!" Emily squeals, jumping up in the air. Robert chuckles slightly and begins handing out the lyric sheets, murmuring supportive comments to each contender.
"So I'll see you guys tomorrow with a very individual guest mentor, bye guys!" The contenders say farewell to Robert before forming a circle on the floor, chatting excitedly about the week.
"So, who wants line one?" Ollie asks everyone, then his gaze falls on Cindy and a grin spreads across his face. "Hey Cindy, maybe you should have it. Stripped to the waist we FALL into the river!" Pierce, Jack and Ollie laugh, high fiving and fist bumping each other.
"Very funny Mr Jessop," she responds flatly, playfully sticking out her tongue at him.
"I'll have it, you know, if Cindy doesn't want it," Chesney says, smiling slightly.
"Sure, you have it. Can I have line 3?" Cindy replies, smiling back at her, tucking some of her dirty blonde hair behind her ear. About half an hour later, they get up to begin blocking choreography. After some deliberation, they decide that Jaia and Jason should choreograph.
"Something simple please!" Cindy calls from the kitchen, poking her head through the doorway. Jae gives her the thumbs up before turning on the CD player and beginning to block choreography, unaware of Pierce's watchful gaze as she dances with someone else, Jason of all people. Pierce sighs and gets a bottle of Lucozade from the fridge and taking a swig. He returns to the room and slouches down the couch next to Jack.
"You okay man?" Jack asks, punching his shoulder. Pierce shrugs, crossing his legs.
"Fine man, I'll be okay in a bit." He replies flatly, his eyes wondering back to Jaia who's flirting with Jason. Jack watches him and follows his gaze before putting his arm around his shoulder.
"Dude, don't give up hope. Just like the song says, anything can happen."
The contestants enter the choir room, immediately hit by the buzzing atmosphere around the room. The bright walls, the word 'Individuality' written in bubble writing on the board, it makes them feel ecstatic.
"This can't be happening."
"Oh my gooddddd!"
"These chairs are really uncomfortable" Everyone falls silent and turns to look at Jack who shuffles about awkwardly in his seat. "What? They are!" The room is filled with laughter and only dies when Robert enters the room, smiling broadly. Everyone settles down, hearts racing, adrenaline pumping.
"Hey guys, so this weeks mentor has been in your position." Ollie and Jack exchange looks, eyebrows raised. "They are one of the most individual break-out stars on the show," Jaia peers round Max's head just in time to see a beautiful girl strut through the door, waving politely in her electric blue skinny jeans and six inch wedges. Jaia and Jenna squeal with excitement, chuffed that one of the fiersest, sexiest, beautiful girls on glee.
"So of course, this is Nami Cooper who plays the sexy cheerleader Amanda Smith on glee" Robert says, smiling. Nami clears her throat and begins to sing.
"This time last year I was in the spot that you are all in now and my opinions on the week could not be more different if I tried. In indiviuality you must stand out. Because if you don't you are just another nobody. This is the week you have to try hardest because there are so many other people trying to steal your spotlight. Even if you are the greatest singer in the world you need the story and confidence to show me why you are the best. There is no room for self conciousness this week because that just shows that you can't do it.
You just have to be you, no matter what that is." Nami finishes, smiling broadly and making Ollie's mouth drop and Pierce cock his head in her direction, making her wink back.
"So, show me what you've got!"
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee-ee, ee, ee-ee.
Chesney: Stripped to the waist,
We fall into the river.
Pierce: Cover your eyes,
So you don't know the secret.
I've been trying to hide,
Cindy: Yeah, since we found out,
Since we found out,
That anything could happen,
Penny:Anything could happen,
Anything could happen,
Anything could...
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee-ee, ee, (ee-ee).
Jack:After the war,
We said we'd fight together.
Max:I guess we thought,
That's just what humans do.
West:Letting darkness grow,
As if we need it's palette,
And we need it's colour.
Jaia: But now I've seen it through,
And now I know the truth.
That anything could happen,
Emily:Anything could happen,
Anything could happen,
Anything could...
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee.
Jason:Baby, I'll give you everything you need,
I'll give you everything you need, oh,
Jenna:I'll give you everything you need,
But I don't think I need you.
I know it's gonna be,
I know it's gonna be,
I know it's gonna be,
I know it's gonna be.
Oh yeah.
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee-ee, ee,
Ollie: But I don't think I need you.
Ee-ee, (ee-ee).
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee, ee, ee-ee,
Ee, ee-ee, ee,
Ollie: But I don't think I need you.
The group finished and Nami and Robert clap, impressed at their talent. The contestants grabbed their chairs and settle back down into their seats, waiting to hear what Nami had to say.
"That was great guys, so lets get on. Chesney, starting off a songs hard but you're vocal talent is impeccible. Just have some belief girl, there was no depth in what you sung, like you were shying away. Be brave and only then will you pull through. Pierce, you are kind of a hearthrob. You've got the looks, the style, and you delivered, so good job. Cindy, my main critism is that you played it safe. I needed a bit of risk, so just work on that. Penny, you have such a cool persona about you and a great image, and it all worked. Well done! Jack, you're such a cheeky,boy next door guy and I love it. Keep doing what you're doing. Max, like I said to Chesney: be brave. You didn't really jell with the group and I know how that feels, but you need to try at least. West, aww... you're cute! Just work on performance skills, k? Jaia, girl... you were so confident and sexy, I mean... wow. You're giving me a run for my money! So Jason, I feel like you were holding back. Just try and let loose, do something crazy, be original or otherwise you won't get anywhere. Jenna, you were really good. You're pretty, you're talented and you're a crowd pleaser, so just keep being fabulous! Lastly, Ollie. I really like you. Just make more of an effort to stand out and you'll be even better. But overall, great job you guys!" Everyone took a moment to take in their comments, smiling supportively at those who didn't impress and congratualting those who did. Already, it kind of felt like a family to many of them.
"So Nami, who's the homework winner?" Nami bites her lip, thinking it over.
"Well, I deliberated between Pierce, Jaia and Jack but in the end I've gone with my gut. And my gut was telling me..." Pierce, Jaia and Jack looked each other over, trying to convince themselves that it was their name that was going to be announced.
"Jack," Ollie and Pierce pounced on him, hugging him tightly and wooping consistently. Almost like a school teacher, Robert tried to calm them down but they couldn't be contained.
"I wo- what?" Jack stuttered, in a state of disbelief.
"So, Jack," Robert chuckled, smiling. "You'll be getting a one on one with Nami and a step up in this weeks group number which is..."
"Which is one of my personal favourite glee covers, this is the new year by a great big world!" Everyone cheered in unison- Even Chesney and Max perked up slightly- and began chatting excitedly before being shushed by Robert.
"The concept of the video is that it's a new year for you at school and you're getting ready to make a great impression. You'll be recording and learning your choreography tomorrow before shooting the music video on the next day. Great job you guys, you've done everyone proud." Nami nods, acknowledging Robert's wise words.
"Yeah, great job, all of you. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see you later Jack," Nami winks at him before following Robert outside. All is silent for a moment as they take in that this was it, and their time had come.
"Dude, I HATE you!" Pierce exclaimed, fake strangling him with frustration.
"I know," Jack replied, leaning back in his chair before falling straight on his arse. "I know."