Chapter 33: Don't stop believing
"Are you sure we can do this?" Beth asked Zach while they were backstage at the Shrine Auditorium in LA where that year's Nationals was being held.
"We're here," Zach said, "It will be fine."
Beth took a deep breath, "I wish Mr. Schue was here."
"Yeah, I think we all do."
Zach and Beth's eyes met. And suddenly, like this moment has been pent up for so long, they reached for each other's hand, and their lips met. They kissed. Soon after, they looked at each other and laughed.
"Oh God," Beth muttered, "That was—"
"Unexpected,"
"Yeah,"
"But expected,"
She smiled.
"We shouldn't...I mean," Zach said, "We should...I...With Mr. Schue being—"
"I know," Beth said.
"But I love you," Zach said.
"I—"
But before Beth could say anything else, they heard someone's voice from behind.
"Can I still make it?"
It was Emily, wearing her Pink dress. Wearing her costume. She was trying to join the competition. She actually came.
"Emily!" Beth exclaimed, "Oh my god, you're here!" She said happily and hugged Emily, "You came."
"I guess I couldn't miss Nationals for the world."
Beth smiled.
"How's Mr. Schue?" Zach asked.
"Still the same," Beth said, "But mom told me that dad would be so proud if I come here and be brave..."
Zach came up to her, "He'll be so proud. He already is."
And then they heard the signal. It was time for them to go onstage.
"Come on," Zach said, "It's showtime."
xxxx
What about now
What about today
What if you're making me
all that I was meant to be
baby before it's too late
what about now
Now that we're here
Now that we've come this far
Just hold on
There is nothing to fear
For I am right beside you
For all my life
I am yours
The crowd applauded as Zach and Beth finished singing their duet. They held hands as they joined the rest of the members of the New Directions in singing "Don't Stop Believing." They figured there was no better song to sing than that at that point. They had to believe everything will be alright.
Just a small town girl
livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smoky room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the nights
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Everyone's eyes lit up when they saw Will being wheeled into the room by Emma and a nurse. Will looked up at them, his eyes full of hope, and slowly gave them a thumbs up-sign. It was, in every way, a miracle.
Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues
And now the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Don't stop believin
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight, people
Don't stop!
They held hands altogether and bowed down. Emily ran down to where Will was and hugged him, and the rest of the group did the same thing, as well. They were happy. They were right. They didn't stop believing.
"I'm proud of you," Will said, "Of all of you."
They laughed and cried, happy, ecstatic. They didn't care anymore if they win or lose—they got a miracle, and that was more than enough.
xx
But they did win. And they celebrated that night. By the end of it, Zach and Beth found themselves alone at the balcony of the restaurant they went to.
"What a night, huh?" Zach said.
"I love you," Beth said.
"What?"
"I love you, Zachary," She smiled as she looked at him, "I was meaning to tell you that a while back...and I guess all those months ago. all those years ago. Things wouldn't have been complicated if only we learned to be honest easily."
"I know," Zach said, "But I guess, things had to happen."
"Yes," Beth said.
He held her hand, "This is just the beginning, Beth Corcoran. Of many, many great things."
"Is that a speech?"
He laughed, "I will not make any promises...because...I know you won't want that. But...well, I guess I still will," He smiled, "I promise to love you through and through, everyday, even when it doesn't seem like I could. Like I do. I will love you. I already do. I always have. And...and I'd be happy to just...be with you. Whatever comes."
Beth smiled, "I'll be happy to take this road with you, too."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
xx-The end-xx
a/n: After...5 months? I'm saying goodbye to this fic, THANK YOU so much to everyone who supported this. I owe you one. Til next story. much love, loves. xx