Chapter 11 Prom Queen
Sunday was a big day for Puck, Quinn, Beth, Finn, and Rachel. It was Beth's christening at Quinn's church. Everyone was invited and a big reception was to follow at the Hudson-Hummel house. Noah and Quinn had agreed that any daughters including Beth would be baptized Christian where are the boys would be Jewish (just to make Mrs. Puckerman happy). Everyone was gathered at the church, waiting for the baptism portion of the church service to begin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now christen a new life into this church," said the minister. He motioned to the four teenagers sitting with the Hudson-Hummels, Mrs. Puckerman, Puck's sister and Judy Fabray to come up to the altar. The entire group of New Directions also joined the Hudson-Hummels and Judy at the altar as Quinn held Beth, who was babbling, in her white christening gown, as they stood at the altar as the minister spoke.
"Dearly beloved, baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through this grace that we become partakers of his righteousness and heirs of life eternal. Those receiving the Sacrament of Baptism through it come into the fellowship of Christ's holy Church. Our Lord has expressly given to little children a place among the people of God, a holy privilege that must not be denied them. Remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, how he said, 'Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.'
"Noah and Quinn are today presenting their child for Christian baptism. Since baptism is a sacrament, this is a sacred time in the life of these parents, this child, and this community of faith. We do not believe that baptism imparts the regenerating grace of God to this child. We do believe that Christ gave this holy sacrament as a sign and seal of the new covenant. Christian baptism signifies for this young child God's gracious acceptance on the basis of prevenient grace. It is an acknowledgment of God's grace at work in the life of this child within the care of her mother and father and extended family, and under the nurture of this community of Faith. It points forward to her personal response to that grace when she exercises conscious saving faith in Jesus Christ.
"Noah and Quinn, do you desire for your child to be baptized?" asked the minister.
"We do," chorused Puck and Quinn.
"In presenting this child for baptism, you are hereby witnessing to your own personal faith. Noah and Quinn, do you announce your faith in God, and show that you want to study him, know him, love him, and serve him and that you want your child to do the same?"
"We do," repeated Puck and Quinn.
"To this end it is your duty to teach her, as soon as she is able to learn, the nature of this holy sacrament; to watch over her education, that she may not be led astray; to direct her feet to the sanctuary; to restrain her from evil associates and habits, and as much as in you lies, to bring her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
"Noah and Quinn, will you nurture this child in Christ's holy church, that by your teaching and example she may be guided to accept God's grace for herself, to profess her Faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? If so, answer 'With God's help, I will'."
"With God's help, I will," said Puck and Quinn.
The minister turned to Judy, Mrs. Puckerman, Sarah, the Hudson-Hummels, and the other New Directions sans Finn and Rachel.
"Nurturing a child is not only the duty of the parents, but is also the responsibility of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the larger extended family. Do all of you as members of this child's family agree to offer Noah and Quinn and this precious child your unqualified love and care, and to share responsibility for the physical and spiritual nurture of this child? If so, answer "I will."
"I will," stated everyone and the minister turned to Finn and Rachel.
"Who are the godparents?" asked the minister.
"We are," said Finn and Rachel.
"Godparents fill a special role in the life of a child. In accepting the role of Godparents, you promise to participate in the life of this child, doing everything in your power in the strength of God to assist the parents in the spiritual nurture of this child. Do you as the Godparents of this child, promise to share responsibility with Noah and Quinn for this precious child, to pray for her, and walk with her in the way of Christ to help her take her place within the life and worship of Christ's Church. If so, answer, "With God's help, I will."
"With God's help, I will," said Finn and Rachel. The minister turned back to Quinn and Puck.
"What name have you given this child?" the minister asked.
"Elizabeth Caroline Puckerman," stated Puck and Quinn as the minister had instructed Quinn and Puck to hold Beth over the bowl of holy water.
"Elizabeth Caroline Puckerman, I baptize you in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit." The minister gently poured a small bowl of holy water over Beth's head. Beth let out a squeal and everyone laughed when she put her hands over her eyes, thinking she was getting a bath.
"Smart child," said the minister with a laugh.
"She takes after me," said Puck with a puff of his chest, earning a chuckle from the entire congregation. The minister handed a towel to Quinn, who dried off Beth's head. Beth held her arms out to Noelle and Josh, who both laughed. Noelle took Beth and the members of the New Directions all took turns kissing and hugging Beth before Noelle handed Beth to Finn and Rachel.
"Let us pray," said the minister. "Heavenly Father, we pray that you will take Beth into your loving care. Abundantly enrich her with your grace; bring her safely through the perils of childhood; deliver her from the temptations of youth; lead her to a personal knowledge of Christ as Savior; help her to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people; and to persevere in her Faith. Uphold the parents with loving care, that with wise counsel and holy example they may be faithful to fulfill their responsibilities both to Beth and to You. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
"Amen," chorused the entire congregation.
"I present to you Elizabeth Caroline Puckerman and ask you to welcome her into this community of Faith," said the minister.
The next day, the halls of McKinley were abuzz with chatter. The nominations for Prom King and Queen were to be announced that morning and everyone was wondering who would be nominated. Only Juniors and Seniors were allowed to be nominated.
"Good morning McKinley Titans," came Figgins' voice over the P.A. "The time has come for Prom King and Queen nominations. Your nominees for Prom King are as follows. Finn Hudson."
Finn grinned in his homeroom as Rachel clapped excitedly.
"Noah Puckerman."
Puck high-fived Finn.
"Joshua Koontz."
Josh's jaw dropped as Sam clapped him on the back in their math class.
"And finally, Rick "the Stick" Nelson," concluded Figgins as several people groaned as Rick the Stick grunted excitedly. No seniors were nominated for King. It looked to be an all junior court.
"And now for the Prom Queen nominations," said Figgins. "Quinn Fabray."
"Expected," said Santana with a roll of her eyes.
"Santana Lopez," continued Figgins.
"I take that back," remarked Santana.
"Noelle Hudson," said Figgins, causing Noelle to drop her jaw as people around her congratulated her.
"And finally," started Figgins with a brief pause, "Rachel Berry."
Rachel and Finn both dropped their jaws.
"I'm really nominated?" asked Rachel in disbelief.
"You're dating me, why wouldn't you be?" Finn asked with a smile, kissing Rachel's cheek.
Meanwhile, in Figgins' office, Will knocked on the door.
"You wanted to see me, Principal Figgins?" Will asked.
"Yes, William, come in," said Figgins. "We have an epidemic on our hands, William."
"The Flu?" asked Will.
"Worse," said Figgins. "I hired Air Supply to play at the prom and they've canceled! I need the New Directions to perform at Prom."
"Sure, we'd be happy to," said Will.
"And the New Directions will get the money I was to pay Air Supply to put towards anything you need," said Figgins, handing a check to Will. Will's eyes bugged at the five figure amount on the check.
"Wow, um, okay great," said Will.
"Hey guys," said Noelle as she joined Rachel, Quinn, Santana and Brittney at the lunch table later that day.
"Hey, congrats on your nomination," said Rachel.
"You too guys," said Noelle. "In fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about."
"Sure, what's up?" asked Quinn.
"I'm not expecting to win or anything," said Noelle. "I'm not really going to campaign for people to vote for Josh and I. He and I talked it over and we don't care if we win or not. It's just a silly popularity contest."
"So what are you two going to do then?" asked Santana. "Are you still going to Prom?"
"Oh yeah, we wouldn't miss it for the world," said Noelle. "Besides, the New Directions have been hired to perform at Prom. Air Supply canceled."
"Where did you hear that?" asked Rachel.
"Mr. Schue told me this morning in Spanish," said Noelle. "He got called into Figgins office after the morning announcements and when he came back I asked him what Figgins wanted and he told me that we're being paid to perform. Add about ten grand more to our Nationals fund."
"Holy crap," said Santana. "So the New Directions have over twenty-five grand for Nationals?"
"Just about," said Noelle.
"This means we can stay at the most expensive hotel in New York!" said Rachel excitedly. "We can stay at The Plaza!"
Just then Finn, Puck, and Josh came up to join the girls.
"Hey," said Finn, kissing Rachel's cheek. "So we're all nominated pretty much."
"Yeah, and I was just going to ask the girls that we promise to play nice," said Noelle. "Josh and I don't care whether we win or not, and I don't want to lose my friends of a silly crown."
"Yeah, it's nice to be nominated," said Josh, wrapping his arm around Noelle.
"I can agree with that," said Rachel.
"Me too," said Quinn. "How about you Santana?" The six of them looked over at Santana and Brittney. Santana sighed.
"Yeah, I suppose," said Santana. "I mean, I really don't want Prom Queen since Brittney's not nominated."
"Wait, you were nominated?" asked Brittney, who looked up from making faces with her chicken tenders.
"Where have you been all morning?" replied Santana with a raised eyebrow.
"In Neverland swimming with the mermaids," replied Brittney, earning a confused look from everyone except Santana, who rolled her eyes.
"Anyways," started Noelle, "I was telling the girls that Figgins hired the New Directions to perform at Prom cause Air Supply canceled."
"And we're getting a fairly large five-figure sum to put towards Nationals," added Rachel.
"Only a little over ten grand," continued Noelle. "I thought that the eight of us could do a group number or something."
"That sounds like fun, what did you have in mind?" asked Finn.
"Well, here's what I was thinking."
"So what color is your dress going to be?" Finn asked Rachel as they walked down the hallway towards Glee Club later that day.
"Pink," said Rachel. "Not like a light pink, but like watermelon pink."
"Okay cool," said Finn. "Mom said to get your color so she could order your corsage."
"I'll make sure your boutonniere matches," smiled Rachel, kissing his cheek as they entered the choir room.
"Alright guys, as you've probably heard from Noelle," stated Will, "the New Directions have been hired to perform at the Prom this year." Applause filled the room. "And, we are being paid a nice sum of money which will be added to our Nationals fund!" The group cheered and applauded. "So I want you all to come up with songs to perform at Prom, okay?"
Noelle raised her hand.
"Mr. Schue?" asked Noelle. "Josh and I'd like to perform something for the group, to give everyone inspiration for Prom."
"Sure guys," said Mr. Schue. "The floor is yours."
Josh and Noelle stood up and walked out onto the floor. Josh nodded to the guitar player and he and the band began to play Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat's "Lucky".
Josh:
Do you hear me?
I'm talking to you
Across the water
Across the deep
Blue ocean
Under the open sky,
Oh my
Baby I'm trying
Noelle:
Boy I hear you
In my dreams
I feel you whisper
Across the sea
I keep you with me
In my heart
You make it easier
When life gets hard
Noelle and Josh:
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooh ooh ooh
Noelle (Josh):
They don't know how long it takes (They don't know how long it takes)
Noelle and Josh:
Waiting for a love like this
Noelle (Josh):
Every time we say goodbye (Every time we say goodbye)
Noelle and Josh:
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you
I promise you,
I will
Josh:
I, I, I!
Noelle and Josh:
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Josh (with Noelle):
And so I'm sailing
Through the sea
(To an island where we'll meet)
You'll hear the music
Fill the air'
I'll put a (flower)
In your hair
Noelle:
Though the breezes
Through the trees
Move so pretty
You're all I see
As the world keeps
Spinning 'round
You hold me
Right here, right now
Noelle and Josh:
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh, ooh
Prom Night had finally arrived. Rachel's dads drove her over to the Hudson-Hummel house around 3 o'clock so that she could get ready with the girls. All of the New Directions were taking a Hummer Limo together to Prom. The girls were getting ready in Noelle's room, while the guys were getting ready up in Kurt and Finn's room. The two were sharing a room for now. Puck and Quinn had decided that they would wait until the end of the school year to move back to Quinn's house. All of the Glee parents were sitting in the living room, waiting for their kids to come out in their Prom garb for pictures. The guys were dressed much faster than the girls, so they had single shots taken (and Blaine and Kurt obviously posed together) and a few minutes later, Tina and Harmony emerged from Noelle's suite.
"Oh Tina, darling, you look so lovely!" said Mrs. Cohen-Chang, coming up and hugging her.
"Harmony, you look breath-taking!" said Mrs. Riker, giving her daughter a hug as well.
"Thanks Mom," said Harmony. "Are you guys sure it will be okay that I'm going?" She looked up at Finn, who nodded.
"Yeah, I mean, you are a member of Glee Club and we were hired to perform," said Finn. "Who cares if you're just a ninth-grader. We don't."
"Agreed," said Kurt.
"Thanks for asking me to go with you Artie," Harmony said to Artie.
"Of course," said Artie as he placed a corsage on her wrist. "We'll have a great time."
Santana and Brittney were the next ones to emerge from the bedroom, followed by Mercedes and Noelle. Josh's breath hitched in his throat at the sight of his girlfriend in her deep purple dress, her hair pinned up in a bun.
"Oh babe, you look gorgeous," whispered Josh as he walked up to Noelle. Sam was putting a corsage on Mercedes as he had asked Mercedes to escort him to the prom.
"Thanks," blushed Noelle as Josh placed a corsage with white roses on her wrist. Quinn emerged from the bedroom in a beautiful teal dress and Puck's face lit up.
"Wow," said Puck as he placed Quinn's corsage on her wrist. "You look, wow."
"Well thank you," said Quinn, straightening his tie and placing his boutonniere on his lapel. "You look handsome. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, our future Broadway star, Miss Rachel Barbra Berry, soon-to-be in the future Mrs. Rachel Barbra Hudson."
As Rachel emerged from Noelle's room, the group oohed and ahhed at Rachel. She looked like a pink princess, her hair flowing down her back in a loose ponytail with her hair in gentle curls. Finn's breath hitched as he took a glimpse of his future wife in her prom dress. He tried to say something, but words couldn't seem to come out of his mouth.
"You look amazing, Rachel," said Kurt.
"I did her hair," said Noelle with a puff of her chest and a smile. "Uh, Big Brother, you okay?" She noticed Finn was speechless, his mouth half-way open.
"I think he's speechless," quipped Santana. "Wipe that drool off your face, Frankenteen."
"Wow Rach, you look," started Finn as he came up to Rachel. Rachel smiled.
"You too," said Rachel with a nod of her head as Finn placed the corsage on her wrist and kissed her with all of his might. The New Directions whooped and hollered at the public display of affection, while Santana rolled her eyes.
"Ugh, get a room you two," muttered Santana, earning laughs from everyone, including Finn and Rachel as they broke apart. The couples all took pictures with their respective dates, and Puck and Quinn took a couple pictures with Beth before they took several group shots. The parents kissed their kids goodbye as they piled in the limo. Quinn and Puck kissed Beth's head as she sat in Carole's arms.
"Be good for Nana and Papa Burt," said Quinn to Beth. "See you in the morning sweetie, I love you."
"Lo' ooh," replied Beth, earning a giggle from Quinn. Puck kissed Beth's head.
"Love you, Monkey Face," said Puck. "Sweet dreams Princess."
Quinn and Puck piled into the limo after their friends and soon they were headed to the high school.
"Oh wow," said Noelle as the group entered the gym. The entire room had been transformed into an eighties-themed castle in the clouds décor.
"This place looks amazing!" gushed Harmony as she pushed Artie in his wheelchair.
"Let's all go get our pictures taken," said Mercedes. A DJ was camped out in the corner playing music until the New Directions were to perform and would play music in between sets. All of the couples took their prom pictures and then took a big group picture and then it was time for the first number of the night. Quinn, Puck, Rachel, Finn, Josh, Noelle, Brittney and Santana were going to perform their group number first. They had decided to perform a number by the British pop group S Club.
Santana: Ooh yeah, oh
Ooh yeah, oh
Noelle: As the night draws in, let the game begin
All: It's a groove thing
Noelle: Let your feet decide, gonna catch a ride
All: Keep on movin'
Noelle: So let's float away
All: The mood can't be that hard to reach
Noelle: The night will just take us there
All: And all you gotta do is
All you gotta do is
Girls (Guys): Bring the house down
Raise the roof and get on the floor
(House down, raise the roof and get on the floor)
Let's bring the house down
Really wanna hear you shouting more, more, more
(Really wanna hear some more)
Quinn: So you stay in bed, with a sleepy head
All: Doing nothing
Rachel: You can always try, just to walk on but
All: It will pull you in
Santana with the Others: We're flying away
We fall into this fantasy
Where the groove will carry us on
All: And all we gotta do is
All we gotta do is
Girls (Guys): Bring the house down
Raise the roof and get on the floor
(House down, raise the roof and get on the floor)
Let's bring the house down
Really wanna hear you shouting more, more, more
(Really wanna hear some more)
All: Everybody do your thing
Let's bring the house down
Everybody spread your wings
Let's bring the house down
Brittney with the others: So let's float away
The mood can't be that hard to reach
The night will just take us there
Noelle with the others: And all you gotta do is
All you gotta do is
Girls (Guys): Bring the house down
Raise the roof and get on the floor
(House down, raise the roof and get on the floor)
Let's bring the house down
Really wanna hear you shouting more, more, more
Really wanna hear some more
The crowd roared with cheers and applause as the group took a bow. The DJ played a few songs while Mercedes and Sam got ready to sing a duet. Everyone was voting for Queen and King during the songs. After Mercedes and Sam's duet was over, the guys got up to perform an *NSYNC number. They had argued over which song they were going to do and in the end they had decided to sing "It's Gonna Be Me". Then it was time for Finn and Rachel to sing their duet. They were singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John and Kiki Dee. After the duet was over, Principal Figgins took the stage.
"Thank you so-called Finchel," said Figgins. " Stay here. Quiet please children, quiet. May I please have the rest of the candidates for King and Queen up on the stage." Noelle, Josh, Quinn, Puck, Santana, and Rick the Stick joined Finn and Rachel on the stage.
"It is time to announce this year's King and Queen of the McKinley Prom," said Santana. "Your 2011 king is..." The jazz band drummer gave a drumroll.
"Finn Hudson!" said Figgins. The room cheered in a roar as Rachel excitedly clapped and the other five New Directions on stage congratulated Finn. Rick the Stick scowled and stormed off stage.
"And your 2011 McKinley High Prom Queen is..." continued Figgins, "Noelle Hudson!"
"Well this is awkward," muttered Santana as Noelle's jaw dropped as she looked at Rachel. Rachel hugged Noelle tight.
"It should be you," Noelle said to Rachel. "Not me. I don't deserve this."
"No, you do deserve it," said Rachel. "You've been through so much this past year."
"But it's your boyfriend who's king," said Noelle as Figgins placed the tiara on Noelle's head and handed her a Queen's scepter.
"Can I solve this dilemma?" Finn asked, butting in. He took the crown off his head and turned to Josh.
"Josh, I think you deserve this more than I do," said Finn. "Principal Figgins, I'm making Josh Prom King." Figgins nodded in approval and Finn placed the crown on Josh's head.
"Go dance with her dude," said Finn, handing Josh the scepter and clapping Josh on the back.
"Thanks Bro," said Josh. He turned to Noelle and held out his hand to her as Quinn and Puck got ready to sing a duet.
"May I have this dance, Mi'lady?" Josh asked Noelle.
"You may," replied Noelle as the music started and Josh led her down the stage steps. Quinn and Puck started to sing.
Quinn: Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world, few hearts survive
Puck: All I know is the way I feel
When it's real, I keep it alive
The road is long, there are mountains in our way
But we climb a step every day
Quinn and Puck: Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry on a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we know, up where the clear winds blow
Puck: Some hang on to "used to be"
Live their lives, looking behind
Quinn: All we have is here and now
All our life, out there to find
Puck: The road is long, there are mountains in our way,
But we climb them a step every day
Quinn and Puck: Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry on a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we know, up where the clear winds blow
Puck: Time goes by
No time to cry
Life's you and I
Alive, today
Quinn and Puck: Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry on a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world we know, up where the clear winds blow
As the song ended, confetti fell from the ceiling and Josh and Noelle kissed.
"Best night of my life," whispered Noelle as she pulled away and looked up at Josh.
"Mine too," grinned Josh, kissing her again.