A/N: Sorry it's taken so long! I love this chapter. It's great, in my humble opinion. :) Connor and Damian really steal the show in this chapter, just saying.
Thanks to Dancingforever for plot ideas! I love ya, girly! *insert heart* You pretty much ARE the reason this chapter exsists.
"Ready? Okay!" Savannah yelled, her arms in a V-shape above her head. The Cheerios began a complicated dance routine to Mercedes Jones' popular single, "Hell To The No". Hannah smiled widely, then began to do backflips along with the rest of the cheerleaders. They finished in a pose, and Sue shook her head.
"Hmm...it's much too bland. Okay, Tracy and Penny, lift Hannah up into a full. Savannah, backspot, then basket toss her as high as possible. We'll go from there."
Hannah raised a hand, "Shouldn't we get a safety mat?"
Sue snorted. Hannah looked down as the two girls tossed her up as high as possible. Hannah soared through the air and closed her eyes, praying that she would survive this.
They caught her, and she felt a smile grace her lips.
"Weak, just weak. Repeat that until she either pukes or is rendered unconscious. I want her to go through the gym roof!"
Connor glared across the lunchroom as Hannah and Savannah sat with some Cheerios and some soccer players joined them. Savannah motioned for Dane to come join her, and he did gladly. But did Hannah ask Connor to sit with her? No.
He turned to Maureen and scowled. "Do you see her?"
Maureen raised an eyebrow. "See who?"
"Excactly!" Connor exclaimed. "Hannah is over there with the Cheerios and jock people!"
Maureen rolled her eyes. "Oh well. Tough for you," she muttered. "At least your girlfriend goes to this school and you see her everyday."
"Maurie, I'm being serious," Connor said sadly. "I'm really upset about this. What if Hannah leaves me for a jock?"
Maureen shook her head. "She wouldn't do that. I know her."
"Well, I'm not so sure..." Connor mused.
Sam walked to the front of the room and said, "Well, most of you don't know this, but my dad left me when I was a kid. And uh, this is dedicated to him. It's called Sour Suite and it is by The Guess Who."
He cleared his throat and sang softly,
"Don't wanna listen to my telephone ring
Or sing ding-a-ling or talk about a thing
Not this morning
Don't wanna think about the night before
Or maybe it's a bore behind an open door
Got no time for that this morning..."
Sam looked to Evan, who had a confused look on his face. He blocked it out and focused on trying not to cry.
"If I had the mind or I had the time
Maybe I could throw together a new kind of rhyme
And tell about my warning
But it's too late now
It's too late now
It's too late now..."
He belted out,
"I don't wanna think about a runaway dad
That took away the only thing that I never had
Don't even miss him this morning
I don't wanna think about a cold goodbye
Or a high school buddy got a little too high
I can't help him out this morning
Reviewers laugh at me so I go out to sea
And perhaps it's just as well cause I'd rather be in hell
Than be a wealthy man this morning
But it's too late now
It's too late now
It's too late now..."
Sam sang out,
"Whatever happened to images cause now they're gone
And worn-out phrases just keep a hangin' on
Whatever happened to homes as opposed to houses
The conversation sinks as the evening drowses
It's just like 46201
It's just like 46201..."
Sam closed his eyes,
"Whatever happened to early morning open skies
And broken faces, half with melting eyes
Enough of riddles that just play with time
Cause I'm still here and I can't beg a dime
I'm back here in 46201
I'm back here in 46201..."
He finished,
"Something better's waiting for me around the corner now
I got to find it and try and hang on for a little while
I'm back here in 46201
There's gotta be a few small changes made
Don't wanna listen to my telephone ring
Or sing ding-a-ling or talk about a thing
Leave me alone this morning..."
Sam smiled sadly and sat back down.
Evan glared at him. "You didn't tell me anything about your dad leaving."
"You didn't ask," Sam shrugged simply.
Evan sighed, "You never tell me anything about you!"
"Because it never seems like you care," Sam spat out, slamming his locker. "Have you ever once thought that you mean more to me than some high school fling?"
"That's what this is, Sam!" Evan said, exasperated. "It's not serious."
"Not to you. I see that. It's not important to you!" Sam said, tears filling his eyes. "You know what? Just...just...ugh!"
Evan stared sadly as Sam ran down the hallway, away from him. He screwed up big time.
He clenched his nose and sprayed the can, watching as he wrote random phrases on Lima Park's main fountain. Red, black, and blue decorated the marble exterior. Suddenly sirens and lights filled his ears and he cursed.
"Hey! Kid! Put your hands up where we can see them!"
Xriss groaned and dropped the spray can. The policeman patted him down and escorted him to the policecar. "Who can I call to pick you up?"
He gave him Daniella's number. Ten minutes passed.
"What is going on?" Daniella asked her sister drove up to pick up Xriss. "Why were we called at two o'clock in the morning by the police?"
Xriss sighed and slumped in the seat. "I, uh, vandalized a park fountain..."
"Why?" Daniella asked skeptically.
"I needed something to destroy," Xriss admitted. "I can't really take anything anymore." Seeing the look on Daniella's face, he looked down. "You can break up with my now, if you want."
Daniella laughed. "I'm not breaking up with you. I'm here, you can't get rid of me that easily," Daniella smiled. "I accept you, all of you, rebellious tendencies included." She kissed him softly.
Xriss grinned, "Thanks, Dani. I needed to hear that."
"I need another story
Something to get off my chest
My life gets kinda boring
Need something that I can confess
'Til all my sleeves are stained red..."
Xriss sang out, looking at Daniella the entire time. Secrets by OneRepublic was an amazing song.
"From all the truth that I've said
Come by it honestly I swear
Thought you saw me wink, no I've been on the brink, so
Tell me what you want to hear
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away!"
He smiled and belted out,
"This time, don't need another perfect lie
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
My God, amazing how we got this far
It's like we're chasing all those stars
Who's driving shiny big black cars
And everyday I see the news
All the problems that we could solve..."
Xriss's voice had really improved since last year.
"And when a situation rises
Just write it into an album
Singing straight, too cold I don't really like my flow, no, so
Tell me what you want to hear
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect lie
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away..."
Xriss pulled out a chair and sat on it backwards,
"Oh, got no reason, got no shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don't let me disappear
I'ma tell you everything!"
He sang out,
"So tell me what you want to hear
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect lie
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
So tell me what you want to hear
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away!"
Xriss finished up,
"This time, don't need another perfect lie
Don't care if critics never jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
All my secrets away, all my secrets away..."
Daniella stood and hugged him tightly.
"Your name is Daniella, right?" Audrey asked. Dani nodded.
"Yeah, and you are...Audrey?" Daniella questioned.
She nodded, tucking a strand of her thick black hair behind her ear. "Do you like Elvis?"
Daniella grinned. "He's not mainstream, so he's cool to me. Why?"
"Oh, just wondering..." Audrey asked. "Look, I don't have many friends around here. Wanna talk some more?"
Daniella shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
"Hey, Hannah!" Damian called out.
She turned from Connor and smiled. "Yeah?"
"I made the football team team!" Damian said excitedly. "Well, here in America, I suppose you call it soccer. But, the point is, I'm on the team!" He hugged Hannah tightly. "Thanks for the advice, I had no clue there was a team until you told me."
Connor raised an eyebrow. "Really? Hannah wanted you to join the soccer team?"
Damian slung an arm around her and nodded. "Yep, she sure did," his hazel eyes sparkled, "Are you on any sports teams?"
Connor shook his head tightly, his lips in a tight smile. "Actually, no. I'm not."
"Oh..." Damian said awkwardly. "Well, Hannah, wanna help me pick out a song for Glee?" he asked cheerily.
Hannah nodded. "One second, let me put away these books!" She put some books into her locker and adjusted her Cheerios uniform, which made her tiny frame look the smallest bit curvier. "Bye, Connor, I'll call you later!" She kissed him on the cheek, then left chattering excitedly to Damian.
Connor willed himself to not scream or punch something.
Audrey grinned and said, "I'll be singing Solitaire by Elvis Presley. He's the most amzing person in the world." The slow music started up and she sang,
"There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love through his indifference.
A heart that kept, that went unchecked
Until it died within his silence..."
Her voice was clear and it rang out through the auditorium.
"And Solitaire's the only game in town and every road that takes him down
And by himself, it's easy to pretend he'll never love again.
And keeping to himself he plays the game without her love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere, he's playing Solitaire..."
She smiled slightly and sang,
"A little hope goes up in smoke
Just how it goes, goes without saying
There was a man, a lonely man
Who would command the hand he's playing..."
Audrey belted out,
"And Solitaire's the only game in town and every road that takes him down
And by himself, it's easy to pretend he'll never love again.
And keeping to himself he plays the game without her love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere, he's playing Solitaire!"
She finished out,
"And Solitaire's the only game in town and every road that takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere he's playing Solitaire..."
Everyone applauded and Damian took the stage. "Uh, thanks to Hannah for helping with this song."
Maureen smiled as he began to sing My, My, My by Rob Thomas.
"The light from the window is fading
You turn on the night
The sound from the avenue's calling you
Open your eyes..."
He winked, and every girl swooned. His Irish accent was sexy, without a shadow of a doubt.
"And when you find
You're spending your time
Wanting for words
But never speak
You tell yourself
That the things you need come slow
But inside you just don't know..."
Damian sang out,
"My, my, my
Let your bright light shine
Let your words live on
Far beyond this life
Beyond this life..."
Connor glared angrily.
"Hold on to anything
Everything's over and done
Has the fear taken over you
Tell me
Is that what you want
To make up your life..."
Damian belted out, finally,
"Time after time
You're falling behind
Hold on to me Never leave
Forever be what you mean to me right now
Don't you feel better now?"
He grinned sheepishly as everyone went to their feet, clapping loudly and whooping. Connor stormed up to the stage.
"Well, I'm not sure how to top that..." Connor said bitterly. "But here's my song. It's dedicated to Hannah. The song is I'll Be and it is by Edwin McCain."
He began to strum his guitar and he sang,
"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
And emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth..."
He belted out, looking at Hannah,
"Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..."
Everyone added harmonies as he sang,
"I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older I'll be the greatest fan of your life..."
Connor smiled as tears fell from Hannah's eyes.
"And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive - not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..."
Connor belted out,
"I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life..."
His volume increased gradually as he sang,
"And I've dropped out
I've burned up
I've fought my way back from the dead
I've tuned in, turned on
Remembered the things that you said!"
Connor grinned and sang,
"I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when
I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life..."
He stopped strumming and sang a cappella,
"The greatest fan of your life
Greatest fan of your life..."
Everyone clapped madly and he bowed comically.
Maureen stared at her phone as she walked into the auditorium, wondering what the cryptic message from Tori meant.
Meet me in the auditorium. -T xx
She smiled as she opened the door and saw him, standing there, looking positively adorable in the Dalton Academy uniform.
"A little birdie told me about the assignment this week, and I wanted to help." Music started up and Toronto sang,
"Made a wrong turn, once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire..."
She grinned and sang back,
"Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life!"
"Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood..." Tori belted out.
"Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down!" Maureen sang.
"Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated..." Toronto trilled.
"Look, I'm still around..." they sang together, before belting out in harmony,
"Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You are perfect to me!"
Maureen walked to Toronto on the stage. He grabbed her hands and sang to her,
"You're so mean, when you talk about yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead..."
She smiled and sang,
"So complicated, look happy, you'll make it
Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game..."
He sang to her,
"It's enough, I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same..."
They belted out,
"Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You are perfect to me!"
Toronto sang,
"The whole world's scared so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line, and we try try try, but we try too hard and it's a waste of my time..."
Maureen shrugged and sang out,
"Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves, and we do it all the time..."
They sang together,
"Why do we do that?
Why do I do that?
Why do I do that?"
"Yeah, oh, oh pretty, pretty, pretty!" Maureen belted out. They joined together,
"Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You are perfect to me!
You're perfect, you're perfect to me!"
They sang out together,
"Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You are perfect to me!"
They finished and looked at each other happily. Toronto kissed her gently and she smiled.
"I really miss you," she admitted.
He nodded. "I know, me too. But, there's a table at Breadstix with our names on it Friday night. Okay?"
Maurie nodded. "Okay."
All of the Glee kids sat on stools in their favorite colors. Connor was wearing an odd green color, Hannah wore pale yellow, and Maureen wore hot pink. Xriss wore black and Daniella wore purple. Savannah wore neon green, and Dane wore neon orange. Alice wore pale blue, and S.J. wore dark blue. Audrey wore mint green, and Damian wore an earthy brown.
"Da da da da
Da da da da
Da da da da da..."
The guitars started up and Sam sang, "I don't know if I can yell any louder..."
Evan sang after him with, "How many times have I kicked you outta here?"
"Or said something insulting?" Savannah sang brokenly.
"I can be so mean when I wanna be..." Daniella sang honestly.
"I am capable of really anything..." Xriss sang out.
"I can cut you into pieces..." Alice sang soffly.
All of the Glee club joined together and sang,
"When my heart is broken
Please don't leave me
Please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
But its always gonna come right back to this
Please don't leave me..."
"How did I become so obnoxious?" Maureen sang out.
"What is it with you that makes me act like this?" Connor belted.
"I've never been this nasty..." Hannah sang.
"Can't you tell this is all just a contest?" Damian sang.
"The one that wins will be the one that hits the hardest!" Audrey sang.
"But baby I don't mean it..." Marie sang softly. The Glee club sang together,
"I mean it, I promise
Please don't leave me
Please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
But its always gonna come right back to this
Please don't leave me..."
"I forgot to say out loud how beautiful you really are..." Evan sang.
"I can't be without, you're my perfect little punching bag..." Xriss belted.
"And I need you, I'm sorry..." Sam sang. The Glee club sang in unison,
"Da da da da
Da da da da
Da da da da da
Please, please don't leave me
Baby please don't leave me
No, don't leave me
Please don't leave me..."
They increased volume and sang,
"I always say how I don't need you
But its always gonna come right back to this
Please don't leave me
Please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
But its always gonna come right back to this
Please don't leave me
Baby please, please, don't leave me..."
A/N: Next chapter is...
THE WORST SONGS EVER RECORDED! Yup, send in your bad song! Remember, everyone's tastes differ, so I don't mean to offend anyone by this next chapter.
Review? PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE? ;)