Chapter 30: Goodbye's the saddest word

"Come on, guys, this song means a lot to Mr. Schue," Zach said as he led the group in practicing "Don't Stop Believing" for Nationals. They knew how much that song meant to Mr. Schue and to the former members of the Glee club. Mr. Schue was still in the hospital.

"Tanya, you can do it," Beth said, "That was Santana Lopez's old part and you sound just like her—"

Tanya sighed, "Okay, okay, but you know, she has this really great voice and that's big shoes to fill—"

"Just try," Beth said, "Come on,"

A singer in a smoky room, Tanya started to sing, and then, "Ugh, Beth, I can't. I think this suits you more. You and Zach, you know, he can do your dad's part—"

"I—" Beth said.

"Come on," Zach said, "Let's try."

Beth took a deep breath and took the lyric sheet from Tanya. She looked at Zach and Zach started to sing, "A singer in a smoky room,"

Beth sang next, "The smell of wine and cheap perfume,"

They looked at each other and, "For a smile they can share the night it goes on and on and on and on—"

The others joined in, "Strangers waitin', up and down the boulevard—shadows reachin; in the night, streetlight, people—"

"Oh my God," Tanya said.

"What?" Robin asked and they all turned toward the door. It was Arnie.

"Hi," Arnie muttered shyly.

"I'll talk to him," Beth said.

"You gonna be okay?" Zach asked.

"Yeah," Beth muttered.

Zach nodded his head and Beth turned towards the door. She and Arnie went out. Beth stood by the wall.

"How are you?" She asked.

"Could be better," Arnie answered silently, "How are you?"

Beth just shrugged, "So..." She said, "You're...here."

"I'm so sorry," Arnie said, "About everything. I...I don't even know how to face anyone. I just felt like I had to come here and see you."

"Why?"

"Because I'm ashamed."

Beth took a deep breath, "Sorry," She said.

"No, you don't have to—"

Beth shook her head, "Have you seen Emily yet?"

"No," Arnie said, "That's...that's one of the reasons why I came."

"She's hasn't been around since the accident..." Beth said sadly, "Mrs. Schuester said she's at home, trying to rest...I dunno, I just...I don't know what to say, too."

"I'm thinking of...of checking myself in a facility soon."

"A facility?"

"Rehab," Arnie said. "I figured it's...it's the right thing to do."

"Arnie—"

"I have to be responsible," He said, "I should...I should stop running away."

Beth nodded her head, "And...us..."

"Beth," He said, "I need to let you go. I know that now."

She looked at him, "I'm sorry," She said, her voice breaking.

"No," Arnie said, "I am."

"Will you be okay?"

Arnie smiled a bit, "I think so."

Beth nodded her head.

"I think we should go to Emily's," Arnie said.

"You want to?"

"I have to," Arnie said, "I owe her this."

Beth nodded her head, "I'll uhm...tell...Zach,"

"No, uhm, I'll do that," Arnie said, "I wanna talk to him, too."

"O...kay—"

"Don't worry," He said, "I won't do a thing."

"I didn't mean—"

Arnie held Beth's hand, "Trust me," He said, "Just this once."

Beth took a deep breath, "Okay," She said, "Come in."

xx