Chapter 9: Love, lies, and videotape

The kids were back in school and Beth was trying so hard to avoid Zach, and Arnold. She kept sitting at the back of the room whenever they're in classes together, and she was dreading coming back to Glee club. She was walking down the hallway that afternoon, wanting to go home when someone called her from behind.

"Beth Athena Corcoran!"

Beth was stunned. Only Zach liked calling her by her full name. She turned around.

"Now that got your attention," Zach said.

Beth took a deep breath as Zach walked up to her.

"What do you want?" She muttered.

"What's with the attitude?" Zach asked, "Beth, come on, It's a new year and you're like that."

"If you're gonna lecture me—"

"I wans't," Zach said, "I'm sorry. I just…" He took a deep breath, "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

"This doesn't seem like nothing. You've been avoiding me," Zach said, "And you've also been avoiding Arnold."

"Did he tell you anything?"

"No," Zach said, "I mean, what would he be telling me?"

"Nothing," Beth took a deep breath.

"Beth, what's wrong? Really? And where are you supposed to be going? We still have Glee club practice."

"I'm…not feeling well."

"Beth, talk to me, okay? What happened?"

"I don't know," She said, "I guess I just need some time off."

"What?" Zach said, "Wait, if this has something to do with me spending New Year's with Sophie—"

"That's the thing," She said, "I shouldn't even feel anything. I shouldn't…I'm not supposed to feel…anything. I should be happy for you, you're my friend and…And I guess I'm just…I dunno, sad? Sad that…that I let my chance with you pass by."

"Beth,"

"No, just…forget what I said. I'm sorry," She said, "I'm happy for you." She then turned around and started walking towards the choir room.

Zach took a deep breath. How can I tell her that Sophie and I are not together? He thought, How can I tell her that during New Year's Eve, I realized that Sophie and I don't have much in common? Maybe I should just tell her. Maybe it's not too late. He then walked towards the choir room, hoping to talk to Beth afterwards.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So how was the holidays?" Mr. Schue asked. Some kids responded, while Arnold raised his hand.

"Yes Arnold?" Mr. Schue asked.

"I have something to show Beth," He said.

Beth was surprised. She looked at Arnold who just stood up and went on the platform, opening the DVD player and putting a CD inside. He then took a deep breath, "I know you're mad at me," He said as he looked at Beth, "But I just want you to take some time and…and listen to what I have to say. Or what this DVD will say…" He smiled and pushed the "PLAY" button.

It was a video of Arnold, in his bedroom, facing the camera. He started to speak.

Hi, Beth. I don't know why I'm doing this…Probably because of that…kiss…

"Oooh…" Martha Stanton said.

Zach glanced at Beth, and she glanced back but went back to watching the video.

"I know you don't wanna talk about it. And believe me, I understand. But I also hope you know that I love you. I do. I care. And…and if you give me a chance, give us a chance, I promise not to make you cry, Beth. I promise to take care of you. I know we've been friends forever and this feels crazy, but I want this New Year to be something we can look back on years from now, and say, hey, I took my chance. I did what I could do. And Beth, if you give us this chance, I'll make sure it won't go to waste. I love you. I do."

Arnold was smiling as the DVD ended playing. He took a deep breath, "Beth?" He said, "Say anything?"

Beth stood up from her seat, glanced at Zach, and then back at Arnold. She bit her lip, closed her eyes, and then looked at Arnold. "C'mere," She said silently, opening her arms to Arnold.

Arnold walked up to her, and hugged her. He then kissed her on the forehead. Beth smiled, glanced at Zach and proceeded to sit down next to Arnold.

"Wow, that's a good start of the year!" Mr. Schue exclaimed, "Now lets—"

Zach then stood up, "Excuse me", He said, got his bag, and walked out of the room.

"Whoa, what was that?" Mr. Schue asked.

"I'll talk to him," Beth said, "Excuse Me, Mr. Schue…" She squeezed Arnold's hand and stood up.

And then she walked out of the room, as well.