Chapter 4 Nationals
I can't believe it, thought Noelle as she rolled down the hallway a couple weeks later. We're going to Nationals and I'm an aunt. Puck and Quinn had been released from the hospital with Beth the day after she had been born and Figgins had given Puck and Quinn a reprieve so they could stay home and get adjusted with Beth. Today was their first day back at McKinley. Beth was the most beautiful baby ever. She had wisps of Quinn's blonde hair, and Puck's dopey smile. Carole said it was just gas, but Puck and Quinn didn't buy it for a minute. Figgins was also okay with Quinn bringing Beth to school and gave her a note to show her teachers in case she needed to excuse herself from class to feed Beth or change her. The Home Economics teacher, Mrs. Hogberg, thought that this was a good opportunity to teach parenting to the students and had asked Puck and Quinn if they would demonstrate how to change diapers and such to their home economics class. They agreed. The rest of the sophomore New Directions were all in the same class and knew that this was going to be fun to see everyone else's reactions to a dirty diaper. Noelle rolled into the Home Ec room to see Quinn and Puck sitting there with Beth.
"Hey guys," said Noelle. "Hi Bethie! Come see Aunty Noey." Noelle held her arms out and Quinn smiled, laying Beth in Noelle's arms. Beth looked up at Noelle and gave her a goofy smile with a laugh. For a two week old, she was a very popular and friendly baby.
"I was just about to give her a bottle, do you want to feed her?" asked Quinn.
"Sure," said Noelle. Quinn handed Noelle the bottle that was in her hand and Noelle placed the rubber nipple into Beth's mouth. Beth gladly more than took it to drink. The other sophomore New Directions also just walked into the room and awwed at Noelle feeding Beth.
"She loves her Aunty Noey," grinned Noelle. Mrs. Hogberg walked in as the bell rang and smiled at Noelle feeding Beth.
"Well I see someone has taken a liking to our new project," said Mrs. Hogberg as Noelle burped Beth gently, rubbing circles on Beth's back.
"She loves her Aunt Noelle," replied Puck. "She loves all of her Glee Club aunts and uncles." As Beth let out a loud belch, the entire class laughed as Puck grinned. "And she's defintely a Puckerman with that burp! That's my girl. Come see Big Daddy."
"Now class, we'll give Beth a few minutes to digest her lunch, and by then we can show you how to change a diaper on a newborn," said Mrs. Hogberg.
"Alright you guys, take a seat," said Will as he entered the choir room. Everyone was gathered around Beth, Finn and Rachel the lucky ones to hold their goddaughter. "First off, let's welcome back Puck and Quinn and our youngest member, Beth!" Everyone cheered and clapped, Finn grinning as he cradled Beth in his arms.
"Second of all, Nationals is in six weeks, and it's time to decide what we are going to do when we go to beautiful sunny Los Angeles for Nationals!"
"Oh my god yes!" cried Rachel. "I've always wanted to go to L.A.!"
"Now, thanks to the generosity of the Hudson-Hummel and Fabray households, our hotel and transportation costs have been taken care of," continued Will, earning applause and cheers from the group. "Also, Burt, Carole and Judy have agreed to be chaperones so we can all go tour the city. Now, we have to decide what we are going to do in terms of costumes."
"How about our school colors?" asked Noelle.
"Great idea," said Will, making a note. "As for songs, I've been informed that thirty-three percent, or one song, has to be vintage this year. So here's what I've decided. We will make our whole set vintage."
"Our first song will be our ballad, and Finn and Rachel will take the duet," continued Will.
"Mr. Schue, can Finn and I sing You Don't Bring Me Flowers?" asked Rachel. "It's a Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond classic."
"That's a great choice and a great duet," said Will as he wrote that down. "Now Noelle, I would like you to have the solo with everyone backing you up, and then we will end with a group number to Land of A Thousand Dances."
"Yes, perfect!" said Noelle. "I have just the solo too. It may not be old school, old school, but Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" is a Number One hit. And Mike and Brittney can do an exhibition dance to it like Mark Ballas and Sabrina Bryan did on Dancing With The Stars."
"Great idea," said Mr. Schue. "Let's get to work."
Six weeks later, the New Directions, Will, Miss Pillsbury, Burt, Carole, Judy and a two month old Beth were on a plane to Los Angeles. This was Beth's, along with a few others, very first plane rides.
Artie and Noelle's wheelchairs had to be put in storage for the plane ride unless they needed the restroom, but Josh and Finn offered to help carry them to the bathroom if they needed it.
The plane touched down around 1:00 P.M. California time and after renting two large vans with wheelchair accessibility, the group headed for the hotel. Puck and Quinn were given their own room with Beth as were Burt and Carole. Judy got her own hotel room as well while everyone split up. Noelle opted for sleeping in her parents' room in case she needed her mom's help with something. Once everyone was settled in, the group had a quick vocal rehearsal before dinner. Since they were going to be in L.A. for the week, the group decided that they would go to Disneyland the next day, and make Wednesday a rehearsal day. The first round was on Thursday night, and should they move on to the finals Saturday, the group would rehearse Friday afternoon after a morning of sightseeing.
"Disneyland! I can't believe we're at Disneyland!" exclaimed Noelle.
"And with you and Artie with us, we get special treatment," said Josh, pushing her as Finn pushed Artie.
"Something I can cross off my bucket list," grinned Noelle at Josh. Everyone was getting mouse ears and Noelle paid for Beth's first set as a gift from her favorite aunt.
"Do we all want to stay together or go off in little groups after this?" asked Mike.
"Well, everyone's going to want to do something different, so let's split up and meet back at the main gate at ten p.m.," said Will. "That's closing time."
The group split up into two different groups. Mike, Tina, Artie, Santana and Brittney went in one group, while Noelle, Josh, Kurt, Mercedes, Finn, and Rachel went into another. Puck, Quinn, Judy and Beth went off to Toontown while Burt and Carole went off by themselves as did Will and Emma. Noelle and Josh decided to split away from Finn, Rachel, Mercedes and Kurt after lunch and caught up with Puck, Quinn, Beth and Judy in Toontown, where Beth was getting her picture taken with Mickey and Minnie. After Noelle and Josh had their turn, the group headed down to Fantasyland, where they regrouped with Finn and Rachel, who had left Kurt and Mercedes to go make out in front of Cinderella's castle.
"Ugh, please, there are children around," groaned Puck as they walked up to Finn and Rachel, who were stealing kisses every few minutes. Puck put his hand over Beth's eyes.
"Uncle Finn and Aunt Rachel are doing something that you should not being seeing, young lady," teased Puck as Finn and Rachel blushed. Just then, Kurt and Mercedes came up with Burt and Carole, all four of them with excited looks on their faces.
"You guys look like you just won the lottery," said Judy as she sat in a chair.
"Go on, tell them," said Burt.
"Your father proposed!" said Carole to Noelle, holding her hand up.
"Finally!" exasparated Noelle as Rachel squealed and hugged Carole, while Finn stood in shock. Judy smiled and congratulated Burt and Carole as Puck and Quinn cheered.
"Finn, say something, they're finally making it official!" said Kurt with a gleeful tone.
"Wow, congrats Mom, Burt, I'm really happy for you, really, I am," said Finn.
"And we've decided that the wedding will be in the fall," said Burt. "I don't care about the booze or the food, but we want a good band so we can boogie!" Everyone laughed.
"I already have the perfect idea," said Kurt. "You're going to have a Glee Wedding! I'll hire the New Directions at no cost!"
"Great idea!" said Noelle as the others nodded. Since the group was closer to Main Street they headed off to grab dinner at one of the restaurants. Soon it was close to closing time and the group met back up with the rest of the New Directions and Will and Emma. Burt and Carole shared their news with the rest of the group to cheers and they piled back in the vans to their hotel.
Thursday had finally come and it was time for the first round of Nationals. If the New Directions were able to make it to the top ten, they would be moving on to Finals on Saturday. Noelle sat backstage with baited breath as they waited to be called on stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our final contestants, winners of the 2010 Midwest Regional Championship, from Lima, Ohio, McKinley High's New Directions!"
The crowd applauded as Finn and Rachel took their places on stage as the music for their duet began.
Rachel: You don't bring me flowers
You don't sing me love songs
Finn: You hardly talk to me anymore
When I come through the door at the end of the day...
Rachel:I remember when you couldn't wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after loving me late at night
Finn: When it's good for you, babe
And you're feeling all right
Rachel: When you just roll over and turn out the light...
And you don't bring me flowers anymore
Finn: It used to be so natural
Rachel: It used to be...
Finn:To talk about forever
Rachel: Mmm...
Finn: But used-to-bes don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor
Till we sweep them away
Rachel:And baby I remember all the things you taught me
Finn:I learned how to laugh and I learned how to cry
Rachel: Well, I learned how to love and I learned how to lie
Finn: So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
Rachel: So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
You don't bring me flowers any more...
Both: Well, you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye...
Finn: Cause you don?t say you need me;
Rachel: You don't sing me love songs;
Both: You don't bring me flowers anymore...
The crowd roared with cheers and applause as Finn and Rachel ended their duet, Finn pressing a kiss to the back of Rachel's hand and they positioned themselves for Noelle's solo. Noelle wheeled herself out onto the stage as the crowd cheered at the opening notes of "Complicated".
Brittney and Santana: Uh huh, life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh, that's the way it is
'Cause life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh that's the way it is
Noelle: Chill out, what you yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You will see
I like you the way you are
When we're drivin' in your car
And you're talking to me one on one
But you've become...
Noelle and New Directions: Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watching your back like you can't relax
You're tryin' to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
The crowd cheered as Brittney and Mike began their exhibition dance to the song.
Noelle and New Directions: Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No, no, no
Noelle: You come over unannounced
Dressed up like you're somethin' else
Where you are ain't where it's at
You see you're making me laugh out
When you strike your pose
Take off all your preppy clothes
You know you're not fooling anyone
When you've become...
Noelle and New Directions: Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watchin' your back like you can't relax
You're tryin' to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
Noelle and New Directions: Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No, no, no
Noelle: No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no
Noelle: Chill out, what you yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You will see...
Noelle and New Directions: Somebody else 'round everyone else
You're watching your back like you can't relax
You're trying to be cool,
You look like a fool to me
Tell me
Noelle and New Directions: Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No no
Noelle and New DirectionsWhy do you have to go and make things so complicated? (yeah, yeah)
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this
You, you fall and you crawl and you break
And you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
You promised me I'm never gonna find you fake it
No no no
As the song came to an end, Brittney and Mike ending their freestyle dance on the floor, the crowd roared and stood on their feet for not only them, but for Noelle who nodded her head in thanks and wheeled into position for the last song. As the group started to sing, Finn on the drums, and Puck on guitar, the audience cheered and clapped along.
Guys: One, two, three!
Girls: One, two, three
Josh (New Directions): Ow! Uh! Alright! Uh!
Got to know how to Pony (Ba baa)
Like Bony Moronie (Ba baa)
Finn (New Directions): Mash Potato (Ba baa)
Do The Alligator (Ba baa)
Mike (New Directions): Put your hand on your hips, yeah (Ba baa)
Let your backbone slip (Ba baa)
Puck (New Directions): Do the Watusi (Ba baa)
Like my little Lucy (Ba baa)
Ow! Uh!
Na, na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Na-na na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Need somebody help me say it one time!
New Directions: Na, na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Na-na na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Finn: Wow!
To everyone's amazement, Noelle pulled out a saxophone and started to play a solo, and the crowd roared with applause and cheers
Puck: Ow!
Uh!
You know I feel alright?
Hah!
Feel pretty good, y'all
Uh-hah!
Finn: Na, na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Na-na na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
C'mon y'all, let's say it one mo' time!
New Directions: Na, na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Na-na na-na na-na
Na-na na-na
Puck (New Directions): Ohh!
Dancin' in the alley (Ba baa ba ba!)
With Long Tall Sally (Ba baa ba ba!)
Twistin' with Lucy (Ba baa ba ba!)
Doin' the Watusi (Ba baa ba ba!)
Roll over on your back (Ba baa ba ba!)
I like it like that (Ba baa ba ba!)
Do that Jerk, oh (Ba baa ba ba!)
Watch me work, y'all (Ba baa ba ba!)
Ow! Do it! (Ba baa ba ba!)
Wow! Do it! (Ba baa ba ba!)
Watch me do it (Ba baa ba ba!)
Ohh, help me! (Ba baa ba ba!)
Ohh, help me! (Ba baa ba ba!)
Ohh, help me! (Ba baa ba ba!)
Ohh, help me! (Ba baa ba ba!)
The crowd, if they already weren't in their feet, jumped up and cheered as the song ended and the New Directions took a bow for their standing ovation.
"Oh my god if we don't move on, I'm going to call this rigged!" said Josh as everyone gathered back stage.
"Oh my god, you guys! That was amazing!" said Will excitedly as he and Burt and Carole came into the room. Judy had stayed in the dressing room with Beth because of all the noise.
"We're so proud of you guys," said Carole. "You're all winners in our books!"
"Yeah!" said Will. "No matter what happens you guys, no matter what we place in we're proud of you. We're among the top twelve best show choirs in the nation out of god knows how many show choirs."
"According to my research, that would be 1, 200 show choirs in the nation," said Kurt.
"You guys were wonderful," said one of the judges as the judges walked past their dressing room to enter the judges' room. "Especially you young lady," she continued to Noelle, as everyone grinned.
Now all they had to do was sit and wait.
Noelle and Josh stood in front of the trophy case in the choir room a few days later, staring in awe at the large trophy that now joined the sectionals and regionals trophies.
"I can't believe we got second place!" muttered Noelle. "Second frickin place!"
"You have to admit, the show choir from Florida was pretty damn good.. But on the bright side, you won MVP," grinned Josh as Noelle grinned back at him. "I think that's pretty damn good."
"Are you kidding? The other two judges were freaking high as a kite. Even Mark said we should have won first. He tweeted to me that he voted for first for us. I put the MVP award in the trophy case because it deserves to be shared with everyone in Glee Club," said Noelle.
When the New Directions were announced as a top finalist on Thursday, the group had screamed excitedly. Now they had to perform for another set of judges on Saturday. Turns out the judges on Thursday were just members of the show choir board. Saturday's judges had been two a-list celebrities (who were also high the entire competition) and Mark Ballas from Dancing With The Stars. Noelle had been shocked that Mark had been asked to judge the compeition because she knew that he would recognize the song and dance.
Sure enough, as the judges were off to make their decision, Mark had stopped by the New Directions' dressing room and praised Noelle, Brittney and Mike for their "Complicated" number and had taped it to show Sabrina Bryan, the celebrity he had performed the same dance with, to when he took her out to dinner that night after the contest. Mark awarded Noelle with the MVP award before the other judges awarded First, Second and Third places. Also, Mark and Noelle were now buddies and Mark told her if she ever wanted a break into the biz after high school to look him up.
The rest of the New Directions had entered the room by then, and everyone stopped in front of the trophy case to bask in their second-place finish at Nationals.
"We're finally on top here at McKinley," exclaimed Kurt. "I'm so happy I could cry!"
"I haven't been slushied once today!" added Tina.
"With the prize money from Nationals, Glee Club stays open!" said Will to cheers. "Coach Sylvester has been fired because of her actions at sectionals and regionals. Turns out she alerted Aural Intensity about who the other judges were."
"I knew something was off about that!" exclaimed Mercedes. "We were wondering who tipped them off about the judges."
"It was Coach Sylvester herself? Holy crap," added Finn.
"I think this is a great time to get started for next year's sectionals," said Rachel. "I already have a few ideas." Everyone groaned.
"It's summertime you guys," said Will. "Take a break, you all deserve it. Puck and I actually have something we wanted to perform for you before you guys left for summer break."
"Wait, Mr. Schue, before you guys sing," started Josh, "there's something I'd like to say. Well, rather ask Noelle."
"What's that, Josh?" asked Noelle. Josh stood up and, with nerves up and down his body, faced Noelle. He knelt to her level.
"I was wondering if you wanted to go steady with me?" Josh asked Noelle.
"Like boyfriend and girlfriend for real?" replied Noelle.
"Yeah, it's cool if you-" Josh was cut off by Noelle's lips pressing to Josh's. The glee club hooted and hollered as Noelle pulled away.
"Does that answer your question, Koontz?" replied Noelle snarkily. Josh grinned and hugged her.
"Congrats you two," said Will. He motioned to Puck as Josh sat next to Noelle and Puck started to play guitar as Will played the ukelele. As the opening chords to "Over The Rainbow" started, Rachel smiled and leaned into Finn, Finn wrapping his arm around her. Quinn smiled as she bounced Beth on her knee.
Will with Puck:
Ooooo hoooooo hoooooo...
Will:
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I dreamed of
Once in a lullaby... (Puck: lullaby...)
Will with Puck:
Somewhere over the rainbow
Will:
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true... (Puck: come true)
Oh, Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are
Far behind me...
Will with Puck:
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me...
Will:
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I...? (Puck: I...?)