Chapter 19 A Windy City Reunion
"Chicago, Chicago that toddling town...Chicago, Chicago I will show you around..."sang Noelle as she packed her suitcase into the bus that would take them to Nationals. A banner was draped on either side of the bus that read "New Directions, Nationals or Bust!" with a map of their route from Lima to Chicago. Prom had passed. Noelle was still getting reused to her chair, but she had looked radiant in her dress. Rachel and Finn were named Prom King and Queen. But now it was time to focus on Nationals.
"Ugh, Noelle, please, no Sinatra!" Kurt moaned as he handed Puck his suitcase.
"But it's Sinatra, and we're going to Chicago, I gotta make some kind of reference," Noelle teased. After her suitcase was loaded, she rolled over to Burt and Carole, who were standing with Judy, Mrs. Puckerman and Beth.
"Alright, my stuff's all loaded," said Noelle. Burt smiled and pulled out several traveler's checks and handed them to Noelle.
"This is to be divided among the six of you," Burt said. "They're for a hundred a piece."
"Cool, thanks Dad," said Noelle, putting the checks into her purse. "I'll make sure everyone gets their share."
"Have a great time, sweetheart," said Carole, giving Noelle a hug as the others came over to them. "And bring back another championship you guys."
"Aye aye!" saluted Noelle. She turned to Judy, who was holding Beth, and held out her arms.
"Come here you," Noelle said to Beth. Judy handed Beth to Noelle and Beth hugged her.
"Bye Monkey Face," Noelle said. "We love you, sorry you can't come this time."
"Love yew," Beth replied as Noelle kissed her cheek and then Puck and Quinn took Beth in their arms.
"Don't worry about us, we'll be fine," Judy replied as Puck and Quinn kissed Beth goodbye. "You guys have a great time."
"We will," Quinn replied. "I love you Baby, be good for Grammie and Nana."
"Love you Squirt," Puck replied, kissing the top of Beth's curly blonde hair.
"Love yew too Daddy," Beth replied.
"Have a great time kids," Mrs. Puckerman replied as Puck handed Beth to her. "Don't worry, Judy, Sarah and I will keep her entertained. Go win a championship!"
"Will do," Quinn replied with a smile. With finals kisses to Beth from the other New Directions, and hugs and kisses to their parents, the New Directions, the girls from the Troubletones, Will, Emma, Coach Bieste and surprisingly, Coach Sylvester, who offered to chaperone and drive the bus, all piled into the bus. Artie and Noelle were loaded onto the bus using the wheelchair lift and strapped in.
"Alright guys, let's go to Nationals!" cried Will and everyone cheered.
"Ah, the Windy City!" said Rachel excitedly as the group arrived in Chicago four and a half hours later.
"Alright everyone, room assignments," said Will as he came up to the group in the lobby. "Finn, Rachel, here you go, room 306. Puck, Quinn, room 308."
"Try to keep the noise down you four," Noelle teased as everyone laughed.
"Mercedes, Santana, Brittney, Sugar, Room 307, Noelle, Harmony and Tina, room 305," Will continued as he handed out keys. "The Troubletones will be in 313 and 315. The rest of the boys will be divided among 304, 302 and 300. Coach Bieste and Coach Sylvester will be in 310 and Emma and I will be in 312. We have conference room one to rehearse in. Take a few hours to do some sight-seeing and get some lunch and then let's meet in the room around 4:30 to start rehearsing."
Everyone headed up to their rooms and went to unpack. Josh and Noelle were heading out with Tina and Mike to go to this Japanese BBQ down the street that Mike and Tina had pre-planned. It was an international chain they had gone to in New York.
"Should we get a taxi?' Tina asked.
"Nah, it's only a few blocks," said Noelle. "Chicago is a walking town anyways."
"Alright," said Tina. They walked down Ohio St. a few blocks and arrived in front of the Hibachi place.
"Wow," said Josh as they entered the restaurant.
"Welcome to Gyu-Kaku," said the hostess, bowing to Mike and Tina. "Four?"
"Haite kudasai," Mike replied with a bow. "Do you have a place she can use her chair?"
"Certainly," said the hostess. "Tsudzuku."
"What did you say and what did she say?" Noelle asked Mike.
"I said 'Yes Please' and she said 'Follow'," Mike replied.
"I thought you were Chinese," Josh asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I am, but I know some Japanese just because my grandmother lived in a part of China where a lot of Japanese immigrants moved to."
"Ah, that makes sense," said Noelle as Josh pushed her to their table. "Probably needed to know the dialect."
"Yep," said Mike as Josh placed Noelle at an empty spot at the table and the three sat in the chairs next to her.
"Hey, this looks interesting," said Tina after they ordered their drinks. "You want to do the Lunch for Four?"
"Okay," said Josh and Noelle. They ordered their meal and four Miso Soups and the chef came out a few minutes later and cooked their meal for them. After the four ate, Noelle paid the bill while the others used the restroom and told them she'd wait for them outside.
Noelle parked in front of the front window and took in the view around her while she waited for the others.
"Oh you poor thing," said an elderly woman as she and her husband walked up to the door. "Stuck in that chair. Oh, that must be dreadful. And you look like my granddaughter too. Oh I miss her. She was just a baby last I saw her. She's your age now. She lives in Ohio. Frank give her some money!"
Before Noelle could protest, the elderly man shoved a hundred-dollar bill in Noelle's hand and she sputtered out a "Thank you" in disbelief as the couple walked into the restaurant as Josh, Tina, and Mike exited it.
"What's wrong?" Josh asked, looking at the dumbfounded look on Noelle's face.
"I was sitting here waiting for you and that elderly couple that just walked in gave me a hundred-dollar bill just because I'm in a wheelchair. I tried to refuse it but they just shoved it in my hand and walked into the restaurant."
"Oh my god," cried Mike. "Are you serious?"
Noelle waved the large note in his face.
"Does this answer your question?" Noelle replied. "And you know what's weird? They said that I looked like their long-lost granddaughter who lives in Ohio."
"That IS weird," said Josh surprisingly. "Wait, you see your grandparents though, don't you?"
"Just Grandpa and Grandma Hummel," said Noelle. "Mom doesn't even mention her parents. It's weird."
"You don't think those people were your maternal grandparents, do you?" Tina asked. Noelle looked in the window at the elderly couple, who was now seated at the table near the window and Noelle gasped.
"You know, I didn't really get a good look at them before," Noelle said, "but I think they just might be. The resemblance..." Noelle pulled out her cell phone and dialed her mother.
"Hi sweetheart, are you guys in Chicago yet?" came Carole's greeting.
"Yeah Mom," replied Noelle. "Hey Mom, I know this might seem weird to you, but what's your dad's name?"
"My dad? It's Frank," replied Carole. "I thought I told you sweetheart."
"You never mention him or Grandma, and I've never met them, or remember them at least," Noelle replied. "Do they live in Chicago or something?" Carole sighed.
"They moved there after you were born, because of my dad's work, but they were upset about what happened with Burt and I. That's why we never spoke."
"Oh my god," Noelle replied, a hand flying to her mouth. "Well, I think I found them. Or rather, they found me. A couple just walked by and handed me a hundred bucks while I was sitting outside this restaurant that Josh, Mike and Tina and I went to and they said I looked like their long-lost granddaughter. The man's name was Frank. Mommy, I think this is them. They both look like me."
"Oh my," Carole replied.
"Mom, I gotta call Finn and tell him to get down here," Noelle replied. "I'll keep you posted."
"Do that sweetheart, I love you," Carole replied. Noelle ended the call and called Finn.
"Finn? It's me. Whatever you and Rachel are doing, stop and get your butts down here to the Japanese BBQ restaurant. It's hard to explain over the phone. And no buts, just do it!" Noelle ended the call and looked at the three.
"It's them, you guys," said Noelle. "My grandparents. I know it is. I'm gonna go in there and try and stall until Finn gets here."
"What are you going to say?" Tina asked as Mike and Josh stared in awe.
"I'm not sure," Noelle said, looking into the window. "What will they say when they realize their only granddaughter is in a wheelchair for the rest of her life?"
"Give you more money?" Mike replied snarkily and Josh and Tina laughed.
"That's not funny, Mike, I'm serious," Noelle replied. "I was only a baby the last time they saw me. Finn wasn't even two."
"Geez," replied Josh. Noelle took a deep breath.
"Okay, here I go," said Noelle. "Don't tell Finn when he gets here. Just send him in."
"Okay," Josh replied. He held the door open for her and Noelle rolled back into the restaurant. She wheeled up to the couple, who was enjoying their appetizers.
"Excuse me, sorry to bother your lunch, I, er, just wanted to say thanks again. You didn't have to," Noelle replied.
"That's alright dear, we don't mind," the woman said. "I'm Alice, by the way, and this is my husband, Frank."
"Nice to meet you. You said I looked like your granddaughter." Noelle continued. "Tell me, where in Ohio did she live?"
"Lima," Alice replied. "But Frank and I haven't spoken to our daughter in sixteen years. We've meant to contact her, but the number was disconnected and our letters were returned."
Noelle was shaking, trying to hold in the tears.
"Is everything alright, Dear?" Alice asked. "Did I say something to upset you?"
"Is your daughter Carole Hudson?" Noelle asked. Alice's jaw dropped, and Frank dropped his fork with a clank.
"Yes, yes it is," Alice replied. "How in the-oh my dear lord, Noelle," the woman breathed. "You're our little Noelle!"
Noelle burst into tears and nodded and Alice launched herself at Noelle, Frank following suit.
"Noelle, oh my sweet child, oh we have been looking for you, your mother and Finn forever!' sobbed Frank. He brushed the tears from Noelle's face, a few people in the restaurant clapping at the reunion. Just then, Finn walked into the restaurant and up to Noelle.
"Noelle, what's going on?" Finn asked. "Who are these people?"
"Finn, this is Mom's parents. Our grandparents," Noelle replied. Finn's jaw dropped as Josh, Tina, Mike, and Rachel stood there in shock.
"What?" Finn asked in disbelief. "Oh my god, Mom is gonna flip!"
"She knows," Noelle replied. "Well, sort of."
"Holy crap, what are the odds?" Finn replied as Alice and Frank bearhugged Finn, who towered over both of them. Noelle motioned to the others to come over.
"Grandma, Grandpa, these are our friends from school," Noelle replied. "Well, one of them is your granddaughter-in-law and the other is your future grandson-in-law."
"Married? You're married, Finn?" Alice replied in shock.
"Er, yeah, this is my wife, Rachel," Finn replied. Rachel was taken aback when Alice hugged her.
"Welcome to the family, sweetheart," Alice replied. "Oh my, are you and Finn-?"
"Yes, we are," Rachel replied, blushing. "He or she is due on Thanksgiving."
"Oh my word," Alice replied as Frank congratulated Finn.
"This is my boyfriend Josh Koontz," Noelle added. "And these are our friends Mike Chang Jr. and Tina Cohen-Chang."
"No relation," Mike and Tina replied.
"What are you all doing in Chicago?" Frank asked.
"We're here for the Show Choir Nationals," Tina replied.
"Come back to our hotel with us, Grandma and Grandpa," Noelle replied. "Come meet the rest of our show choir and come to the show!"
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Alice replied.
"Well this sucks," Finn said as they sat in the conference room later with Frank, Alice, and the other New Directions.
"Food poisoning? Poor Mercedes," said Noelle. "We're screwed. She's our diva."
"Well, Coach Sylvester has her on a vitamin regiment and some other stuff," said Quinn. "And Tina and I are stepping in for her for the Troubletones number."
"Well, we better get to work then," Noelle replied.
"Noelle, you never told us, how did you end up in a wheelchair?" Frank asked as the Troubletones went to work on the choreography.
"I have Multiple Sclerosis," Noelle replied. Frank and Alice gasped.
"There's no cure for that," Alice murmured.
"No, there isn't," Noelle said, shaking her head. "I was in remission for a little over a year until a month ago at my track meet finals. As soon as I crossed the finish line, my legs gave out. But boy could I run."
"Oh sweetie, oh, we're so sorry," said Alice, hugging her.
"It's okay," Noelle replied.
"It's genetic, isn't it?" Frank asked.
"Yes, but it's not from your side, it's from Dad's," Noelle replied. "Why did you and Mom stop talking?"
Frank sighed.
"Well, after Christopher died, your Mom asked us to help with Finn," said Frank. "We were more than happy to help. A month after his death, she introduced us to Burt. We thought it was unusual that she was moving on so fast. We didn't know that Burt was still married to his wife. And then she told us she was pregnant. When you came along, the truth came out. We were shocked and appalled that she had slept with a married man. We were the only ones who knew the truth. Then Frank got the job offer here in Chicago. We asked your mother to come with us, and bring you and Finn, but she refused. She wanted to stay in Ohio. She knew the truth about her and Burt would come out. We knew she loved Burt but we were angry that she was going to wait forever for a man who might never leave his wife. We regretted not talking to her about twelve years later and started trying to look for you guys, but you had moved and we didn't know where."
"We moved from the apartment to a house," Finn replied.
"I was diagnosed when I was twelve," Noelle said. "Mom moved us into a house for the wheelchair accessibility."
"Oh dear," Alice sighed.
"Finn? Noelle?" a voice called. The group turned to see Carole and Burt standing in the doorway to the conference room. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold.
"Mom! Dad!' cried Noelle. "What are you doing here?"
"About five minutes after you called me, I knew in my heart you'd found them," Carole said. "I had your dad pack our suitcases and we were on the first flight out of Dayton. Mom, Dad, is it really you?"
"Carole, oh sweetheart!" said Alice, rushing over to hug her daughter. Tears of joy were shared as everyone watched the reunion unfold. Noelle smiled and sighed as Finn grinned, his arms wrapped around Rachel, resting on her stomach.
"Our family is finally whole again," murmured Finn.
Rachel walked outside the theatre where the competition was being held. The first round had been a success, and the New Directions were moving on to the Finals, along with Vocal Adrenaline and the Portland Scale Blazers. Out of fifty show choirs, they were the top three.
"I hear congratulations are in order." Rachel turned around and saw Jessie St. James.
"What-"
"I heard you and Hudson got married and he knocked you up," said Jessie.
"Well, you heard right," Rachel replied.
"So no NYADA for you then, huh?" Jessie replied.
"Actually, I didn't apply there," Rachel replied.
"I know, you're going to NYU with Finn and Noelle," said Jessie.
"How did you know?" Rachel replied.
"You're the competition," Jessie replied. "It's my job to know what the competition is up to."
"Look, if you're just here to tell me that I ruined my future..." started Rachel.
"I didn't say that," Jessie replied.
"Well, it doesn't matter, because the New Directions are going to beat you, just like we did the last two years," replied Rachel.
"Hmm, cocky," Jessie replied. "I like it." Just then, Finn came up to them.
"Hey, everything okay?" came Finn's voice as he stepped up next to Rachel.
"Yeah, I'm gonna finish getting ready," said Rachel, pressing a kiss to Finn's lips. "It was good to see you Jessie. Good luck."
As Rachel walked away, Jessie spoke to Finn.
"Congratulations. I saw that you guys got married and are having a baby," said Jessie.
"Yeah, thanks," said Finn. "The baby was a surprise but we're excited."
"You're a good guy, Finn," said Jessie. "I wish you guys nothing but the best. Good luck out there today." He held out his hand to Finn and Finn shook it.
"You too."
Inside the auditorium, the New Directions were waiting with baited breath as they were going first.
As the New Directions had lined up for show circle, Mercedes had made a miraculous recovery to everyone's excitement. Now everyone stood ready as the announcer spoke over the P.A.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2012 National Show Choir Championships! Please give a warm welcome to our judges! America's sweetheart, Lindsay Lohan!"
As Lindsay stood up and waved the next judge was taking a picture for his blog.
"Celebrity gossip blogger, Perez Hilton!" continued the announcer as Perez stood up and waved.
"And finally, representing the New North Side and West Loop corridor, Democratic city councilman 51st Ward Alderman Martin Fong!"
As the announcer continued to talk, behind the curtain Santana came up to Brittney and Quinn, who were stretching.
"The unholy trinity," said Santana, taking their hands. "Starting together, and ending together."
"Just the way it should be," said Brittney, kissing Santana and the three hugged. Quinn blew a kiss to Puck offstage who blew one back and the Troubletones took their places.
"Please welcome our first contestants, your reigning champs from McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio," said the announcer as everyone applauded, "the New Directions!"
The music for Edge of Glory started as the curtain opened and Santana, Tina, and one of the Cheerios rose from a bottom platform and Santana started to sing.
The Troubletones:
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Santana (The Troubletones):
There ain't no reason you and me should be alone (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight, yeah, baby! (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight, yeah, baby!
I got a reason that you're who should take me home tonight (Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Mercedes (The Troubletones):
I need a man that thinks it's right but it's so wrong (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight, yeah, baby! (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight, yeah, baby!
Right on the limits where we know we both belong tonight (Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Quinn (with the Troubletones):
It's hard to (feel the rush)
Tina (with the Troubletones):
To brush the (dangerous)
Quinn (with the Troubletones):
I'm gonna (run right to)
Tina (with the Troubletones):
To the (edge with you)
Quinn and Tina (The Troubletones):
Where we can (far) both fall (in) far in (with The Troubletones: love)
Santana and Mercedes with The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment of truth
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge!
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge with you!
Santana and Mercedes:
Oh! Oh, oh, oh! Uh-oooo-oh!
On the e-edge with you
Santana (The Troubletones):
Another shot before we kiss the other side (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Mercedes (The Troubletones):
Tonight yeah baby, (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight yeah baby!
Santana (The Troubletones):
I'm on the edge of something (Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Final we call life tonight (Tina: Alright! Alright!)
Mercedes (The Troubletones):
Put on your shades 'cause I'll be dancing in the flames (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Santana (The Troubletones):
Tonight yeah baby, (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Tonight yeah baby!
Mercedes (The Troubletones):
It isn't hell if everybody (Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Knows my name tonight (Tina: Alright! Alright!)
Quinn (with the Troubletones):
It's hard to (feel the rush) (Mercedes: Feel the rush)
Tina (with the Troubletones):
To brush the (dangerous) (Mercedes: Dangerous)
Quinn (with the Troubletones):
I'm gonna (run right to)
Tina (with Quinn and the Troubletones):
To the (edge with you)
Quinn and Tina (The Troubletones):
Where we can (far) both fall (in) far in (with The Troubletones: love)
Santana with Mercedes and The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment of truth
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge,
The edge!
I'm on the edge
Of glory
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge with you!
Mercedes with the Troubletones harmonizing:
Uh, whoa, whoa, Yeah, yeah, yeah
Eh, Eh, uh-uh, uh-uh, woah, woah!
Santana with The Troubletones (Mercedes):
(With Mercedes: I'm on the edge!)
Of glory (Glory!)
And I'm hangin' on a moment of truth (I'm hangin' on a moment of truth!)
I'm on the edge
Of glory (Yeah!)
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you (Hangin' on a moment of truth!)
I'm on the edge
The edge,
The edge, (The edge)
The edge, (The edge)
The edge, (The edge)
The edge, (The edge)
The edge!
I'm on the edge (I'm on the edge)
Of glory (Of glory!)
And I'm hangin' on a moment with you (Yeah, yeah, hangin' on!)
I'm on the edge with you
The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge!
Tina and Quinn with The Troubletones:
With you, with you,
With you, with you, with you (Mercedes: Yeah! Yeah!)
Santana and The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge with you!
Quinn and Tina with The Troubletones:
With you, with you,
With you, with you, with you (Mercedes: You, you! Oh, yeah!)
Santana and The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge with you!
Mercedes with Quinn, Tina and The Troubletones:
With you, with you,
With you, with you, with you (Mercedes: Oh oh oh uh!)
Santana and The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge!
Tina and Quinn with The Troubletones:
With you, with you,
(With Mercedes: With you), with you, with you (Mercedes: Yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Santana and The Troubletones:
I'm on the edge with you! (Mercedes: I'm on the edge with you!)
As the song ended and the crowd applauded, Noelle took a deep breath.
"This is your moment to shine, Babe, go get 'em," Josh said. Noelle nodded and wheeled herself out into the middle of the stage. Alice and Frank were sitting with Will, Emma, the Hummels, Coach Sylvester and Coach Bieste. They were about to hear their grandchildren sing for the first time, starting with Noelle. As the music started, Noelle took a deep breath. Rory, Quinn, Puck, Tina, and Harmony were standing in the background, harmonizing.
Noelle (New Directions):
There were nights when the wind was so cold (Ahh)
That my body froze in bed if I just listened to it right outside the window (Ahh, ahh)
There were days when the sun was so cruel
That all the tears turned to dust and I just knew my eyes were drying up forever (Forever)
Noelle:
I finished crying in the instant that you left
And I can't remember where or when or how
And I banished every memory you and I had ever made
But when you touch me like this
And you hold me like that
I just have to admit
That it's all coming back to me
When I touch you like this
And you hold me like that
It's so hard to believe
But it's all coming back to me
Noelle with New Directions:
It's all coming back
It's all coming back to me now
There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things I'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
Noelle:
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than any laws allow
Baby, baby, baby, when you touch me like this
And when you hold me like that
It was gone with the wind
(with New Directions: But it's all coming back to me)
When you see me like this
And when I see you like that
Then we see what we want to see
(with New Directions: All coming back to me)
The flesh and the fantasies
(with New Directions: All coming back to me)
I can barely recall
(with New Directions: But it's all coming back to me)
Now!
The crowd roared and leapt to their feet at the end of the song. Noelle looked over to her parents and grandparents and saw tears flowing down their cheeks as they cheered. Noelle smiled and nodded to the crowd and wheeled away as the music started for "Paradise by The Dashboard Light".
New Directions: Ahhh...Shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop shop shop shop)
Finn(New Directions):
Well, I remember every little thing
As if it happened only yesterday
Parking by the lake
And there was not another car in sight
And I never had a girl ( shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop)
Looking any better than you did ( shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop)
And all the kids at school (oooh)
They were wishing they were me that night
Puck with New Directions:
And now our bodies are oh so close and tight ( shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop)
It never felt so good, it never felt so right ( shawoo shop shop, shawoo shop shop)
Kurt and Blaine with New Directions:
And we're glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
Blaine:
C'mon! (Mike: Hold tight!)
Oh c'mon! (Mike: Hold tight!)
Noelle with Brittany with New Directions:
Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night
Blaine and Kurt with New Directions:
I can see paradise by the dashboard light
Finn and Josh:
Though it's cold and lonely in the
Finn with New Directions:
Deep dark
Finn and Mercedes with New Directions:
Night!
Noelle with New Directions:
In the deep dark night
Finn:
Paradise by the
Finn and Mercedes with New Directions:
Dashboard light
Finn and Puck:
We're gonna go all the way tonight
We're gonna go all the way
And tonight's the night
Finn, Puck and Blaine:
We're gonna go all the way tonight
We're gonna go all the way
And tonight's the night
Finn, Puck, Blaine and Brittany:
We're gonna go all the way tonight
We're gonna go all the way
And tonight's the night
Finn, Puck, Blaine, Brittany, Josh, Noelle, and Mercedes with New Directions:
We're gonna go all the way tonight
We're gonna go all the way
And tonight's the night
Rachel:
Stop right there (Mercedes: Night!)
I gotta know right now
Before we go any further
Do you love me?
Will you love me forever?
Do you need me?
Will you never leave me?
Will you make me so happy
For the rest of my life?
Will you take me away
And will you make me your wife?
Finn:
Let me sleep on it (New Directions: Sleep on it)
Baby, baby let me sleep on it (New Directions: Sleep on it)
Let me sleep on it (New Directions: Ooh)
And I'll give you an answer in the morning
Rachel:
I gotta know right now
Do you love me? (New Directions: Do you, do you love me?)
Will you love me forever?
Do you need me? (New Directions: Do you, do you need me?)
Will you never leave me?
Will you make me so happy (New Directions: Will you never leave me)
For the rest of my life?
Will you take me away (New Directions: Do you, do you, do you)
And will you make me your wife?
Rachel with New Directions:
Do you love me?
Rachel:
Will you love me forever?
Finn with New Directions Boys:
Let me sleep on it
Rachel with New Directions Girls:
Will you love me forever?
Finn with New Directions Boys:
Let me sleep on it
Rachel with New Directions Girls:
Will you love me forever
Finn (with New Directions):
I couldn't take it any longer
Lord I was crazed
And when the feeling came upon me
Like a tidal wave
I started (swearing to my god)
And on my (mother's) grave
That I would (love you to the end of time)
I swore I would (love you to the end of time)
New Directions:
Ah, aah, aaah
Finn with New Directions:
So now I'm praying for the end of time
To hurry up and arrive
'Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you
I don't think that I can really survive
I'll never break my promise or forget my vow
Finn:
But God only knows what I can do right now!
Finn with New Directions:
I'm praying for the end of time
It's all that I can do (Noelle: All that I can do!)
Prayin' for the end of time
So I can end my time with you! (Noelle: You! Yeah!)
Finn with New Directions (Noelle):
It was long ago and it was far away (It never felt so good, It never felt so right)
And it was so much better than it is today. (Mercedes: Is today!) (And we were glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife)
It was long ago and it was far away (It never felt so good, It never felt so right)
And it was so much better than it is today. (Mercedes: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!) (And we were glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife)
It was long ago and it was far away (It never felt so good, It never felt so right)
And it was so much better than it is today. (Mercedes: Oooh!) (And we were glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife)
Finn and Rachel with New Directions:
Felt so right!
Felt so good!
Paradise! (Mercedes: Paradise, yeah!)
As the song ended, the crowd, who had been on their feet clapping and singing along, roared with cheers, applause and whistles.
"We did it, we actually did it!" said Tina as everyone took their bows and rushed off stage into a giant group hug. "We got this!"
"And now, it's time to announce the winner of this year's individual show choir MVP award," said the announcer later when it was time to crown the winner of the competition. The groups stood on stage as they waited silently. Unique Adams had done an outstanding job with his performance, but everyone thought Noelle was better.
"Your 2012 MVP, from McKinley High School, Noelle Hudson!" cried the announcer. The New Directions cheered and hollered as Noelle's jaw dropped.
"YEAH!" cried Burt as Emma, Carole, Frank, Alice, Coach Bieste and Coach Sylvester celebrated. Noelle wheeled over to Perez Hilton, who handed her the award with a hug and kiss.
"Congrats, you deserved it," said Perez. "And say hi to Mark for me."
"Will do," Noelle smiled. She wheeled back to the New Directions and they bear-hugged her.
"In third place, all the way from Oregon, the Portland Scale Blazers!" cried the announcer. The audience applauded as they accepted their trophy and headed off stage.
"And now quiet please," said the announcer. "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2012 National Show Choir Championship is..."
Rachel and Finn both took in a deep breath.
"FROM MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL IN LIMA, OHIO, THE NEW DIRECTIONS!" screamed the announcer to the cheers and applause. Confetti showered down on the New Directions and Rachel jumped into Finn's arm, kissing him passionately as Will held the trophy high.
"YEAH!" cried Josh as he kissed Noelle and celebrated with Rory and Sam.
"WHOOOHOO! They did it!" cried Burt as he hugged everyone around him.
"So we'll see you at graduation?" Noelle asked Frank and Alice the next day as the group piled their belongings onto the bus to go back to Lima. Burt and Carole, to save money, would ride back on the bus with them.
"We've missed out on so much, we wouldn't miss it for the world," said Alice, who turned to the other New Directions. "You were all just wonderful. We couldn't ask for a better group of friends for Finn and Noelle."
"We're so lucky to have them," said Quinn with a smile. "They're the best friends anyone could ask for."
"We love you sweetheart," Frank said to Carole, hugging her and kissing her cheek. "call us when you get home."
"I will, Dad," said Carole. "I'm sorry you couldn't be at the wedding."
"We have all the time in the world to make up," Frank said. "Besides, I have the birth of my first great-grandchild to look forward to." He turned to Rachel with a smile. "You take care of our Finn now, young lady. After all, you're family. And I expect that baby to come out ready to play football like his father." Rachel blushed.
"I hope it's not a boy, but I think it is too," Rachel replied. "He's going to be handsome just like his daddy." Finn blushed and kissed the top of Rachel's head. He hugged Frank and then Alice.
"Bye, I'm so glad I got to finally meet you," Finn said.
"We love you Son, we love you so much," said Frank. "See you in a few weeks."
The New Directions arrived back to McKinley around lunchtime. As they entered the doors, the trophy in Artie's lap, the trophy hit a congratulations sign and they noticed the entire student body was waiting for them. As they walked past the first few students, Rick the Stick and another hockey player came up with slushie cups in their hands. The group braced for impact with a cold, wet, slushie but instead were met with confetti. Everyone laughed as the student body showered them with cheers and confetti. The New Directions were finally on top at the school again!
"I can't believe we actually did it again!" cried Rachel as they entered the choir room with the trophy. The Lima News was there to take their pictures as were the local television stations. Sugar broke out the sparkling cider to celebrate their win as soon as the media left. However, Figgins had called Rachel and Finn into his office as soon as Sugar had opened the sparkling cider.
"I wonder what Figgins would want with us?" asked Finn.
"Maybe we're getting a key to the city," said Rachel as they entered the office.
"Prom royalty," said Figgins. "Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, have a seat as I only have a few moments before I must chastised our lunch ladies for selling our frozen vegetables on the Black Market. As co-captains of the Nationally Victorius New Directions singing group, please accept these McKinley High Bumper Stickers and miniature pom-poms." He pushed two sets forward towards them on the table.
"Cool," said Finn.
"And although I don't condone teenage marriages and I wish that everyone would wait until they were 29 years old, with a solid form of employment and a 401K, please accept this as a belated wedding present." Figgins handed Rachel an envelope from his pocket.
"Oh, thank you," said Rachel as she opened it to reveal ten dollars.
"My pleasure," said Figgins. "Now, McKinley is having a very special event tomorrow, and I'm requesting that the New Directions perform.
"Yeah, we'd love to," said Rachel.
"Yeah, absolutely," said Finn. "What kind of special event?"
"Can you keep a secret?" asked Figgins.
The special event turned out to be the awards ceremony. The New Directions decided to sing "We Are The Champions" by Queen because they were going to present Mr. Schuester with the Teacher of the Year award, unbeknown to him.
As Mrs. Hogberg accepted her retirement award, Principal Figgins took the mic.
"Thank you Mrs. Hogberg, go softly into that sweet night. And now, to present the Teacher of the Year award, please welcome to the stage, the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Finn Hudson, or so-called Finchel."
There was applause and a few whoos (mostly from Carole and Burt) as Finn and Rachel came out and waved to Mr. Schuester and Miss Pillsbury.
"Hi," said Finn to the crowd. "The 2012 William McKinley High School Teacher of the Year award goes to..."
"Mr. Will Schuester!" cried Rachel excitedly as she turned the plaque in her hands around.
"Yeah!" cried the jazz band drummer, banging on the drummers as everyone cheered and applauded. As Mr. Schuester got up, Finn stopped him.
"Wait, before you come up here, there's something we would like to say," said Finn as Mr. Schuester nodded and sat back down.
"Three years ago, I thought I had it all," said Finn. "I was the quarterback of the football team. But then I met you Mr. Shue. My little sister would still be living in my shadow if it wasn't for you. Our secret wouldn't have gotten out, our families wouldn't have reunited, and thanks to you I met and married my soulmate, and now I'm having a baby with Rachel. I'm heading to New York to NYU to become a music teacher. Just like you. There are a lot of great teachers in this school, who teach kids how to drive, and fractions, but you taught us to follow our dreams. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing more important than that."
The crowd applauded as Mr. Schuester nodded and mouthed, "Thank you" to Finn as Rachel took the podium next.
"Mr. Shue," started Rachel, "when I first met you, I was just an annoying Jewish girl with two gay dads and a very big dream. Today, I still have two dads, even though they've disowned me, and I'm still Jewish, and I'm probably still just as annoying."
There was a small chorus of laughter from the crowd. Tears were starting to stream down Rachel's face as her hormones started kicking in.
"But Finn and I stand here before you, married, having a baby, headed to New York City, come hell or high water, and I-I can honestly say I couldn't have done it without you," said Rachel choking up, "and we will carry you every step of the way. Congratulations, sorry for the tears it's the hormones..." A few people laughed including Finn as he handed her his handkerchief and kissed her head. Mr. Schuester was in tears himself now.
"No one deserves this more. We love you, and this-" started Rachel.
"This is for you, Mr. Shue," finished Finn into the microphone as the audience applauded and the curtain rose to reveal the New Directions. Rachel and Finn joined them and Finn started to sing.
Finn:
I've paid my dues
Time after time
Puck:
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
Santana:
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
Rachel:
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through
(New Directions: And we mean to go on and on and on and on)
Finn:
We are the champions my friends
Rachel:
And we'll keep on fightin' till the end
Puck and Santana with New Directions:
We are the champions
We are the champions
Noelle and Santana:
No time for losers
Noelle and Santana with New Directions:
'Cause we are the champions
Finn:
Of the world
As Kurt started to sing, Finn and Rachel headed for the crowd and everyone cheered as Finn got Mr. Schuester to come up on stage.
Kurt:
I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune
And everything that goes with it
I thank you all
Quinn:
But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
Rachel took Mr. Schuester's hand and led him over to Mercedes as the New Directions lined up to hug their teacher and congratulate him.
Noelle:
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose
(New Directions: And we mean to go on and on and on and on)
Mr. Schuester hugged Finn and Rachel, thanking them both for their great speeches and continued down the line.
Finn:
We are the champions my friends
Puck and Santana:
And we'll keep on fighting till the end
Puck and Santana with New Directions:
We are the champions
We are the champions
Noelle and Santana:
No time for losers
Noelle and Santana with New Directions:
'Cause we are the champions.
Rachel and Finn with New Directions:
Of the world!
New Directions:
We are the champions of the world
Tina and Quinn brought Mr. Schuester front and center and handed him his award and as the song ended he blew a kiss to Miss Pillsbury, motioned to the New Directions as the crowd stood on their feet and applauded as he held his award up in the air happily.