Previously: Artie tried to re-unite with Tina, but Tina couldn't do it, as she didn't want to hurt him in finding out the truth. Part of the truth was revealed where Tina tried to find out what happened the night before 10 years ago, with the party that most of the boys were having, and while trying to help Puck through a traumatic time, also helping him to get drunk, she found out the story. She then ended up sleeping with Puck.
.
And now the continuation:
.
CHAPTER 21 - MORE CONFRONTATIONAL DIRECTIONS
.
Since the New Directions Alumni came together in their meeting in over 10 years, it had been a long day. They had discovered that they were competing together, but for some they couldn't handle being around other members, while others just wanted to be back with their significant others. They main confrontation had been with Mike Chang, whose ex-girlfriend Raven, had caused the most trouble, but he didn't believe the boys who the trouble had been with, until a few years when he finally learned the truth. Blaine, who had missed out on receiving any treatment from Raven, and Brittany, because she got on well with Mike because he was a fellow dancer, were the only two to back Mike up, and therefore they were on the receiving end of break ups with Kurt, and Santana respectively.
Mike had stayed back at the auditorium while the rest of the group were invited to Michael's house, to stay the night. He had already been the cause of a heated argument with Puck, and didn't want any more trouble.
.
Mike was dancing around the stage in the auditorium trying to take his mind off of not going to the house just yet. It had been 6 hours at least since they were all together on that stage, and being hit by Puck was the last thing he wanted again, besides he had already been hit several times in the past by not only Puck but other members who he regarded as 'friends'.
Mike came to a halt, and felt like he had hit the wall. He was tired.
"That's very good dancing," came a voice from the side of the stage "No wonder Michael wanted you in the group."
Mike spun around to see the stranger. He walked out onto the stage. He looked like Michael but only older.
"Sorry, who are you?" asked Mike
"My name is Jack Baxter," said Jack smiling "I am Michael's eldest brother."
"Eldest? Is there more you?"
"I have 4 other brothers. Michael is the youngest."
"How long have you been standing there watching?"
"Oh about 5 minutes."
"What do you want? Did Michael put you up to this?"
"No, no," said Jack shaking his head "I was on my way back to San Antonio, that's where I work, and live, and thought I'd stop in here, as I haven't seen you at the house yet."
Mike shook his head "I don't think I should be here."
"I saw what that Puckerman guy did to you. There's so much anger amongst that group towards you."
"Some of it's warranted."
"Oh I have no doubt."
"So why are you here?" asked Mike
"Look Mr Chang," started Jack "You are gifted. Michael has been one of the biggest fans of New Directions, if not THE biggest fan, for years. And he's seen you guys perform thousands of time on that DVD package he has of you. Each one of this team I believe, he believes, can help win the World Championship. That includes you."
"Most of the team hate me."
"Yes that's obvious."
"So how can I help them win if they hate me?"
"By doing what's right."
"And what's right?"
Jack walked further onto the stage, and looked out into the emptiness.
"By being amongst the team. By being there. By standing up and making it right. By just showing them that you want to make amends. Do you want to make amends?"
"Of course I do."
"So why the hell are you here for Mr Chang? Instead of being in the house."
"Oh I don't know," said Mike "Probably because I don't want another BLEEDING NOSE, or black eye."
"Whatever happened 10 years ago, involved you, right."
"Not necessarily," replied Mike
"Right," said Jack "Not necessarily. I don't know the full story. And unlike Michael, I don't care. But I do care about my brother Mr Chang. If he see's he can get this team back together, then come hell and high water when he wants something done, he'll get it done. Whatever it takes. So you were not necessarily involved in what happened 10 years ago, but that doesn't excuse you. You were somehow involved. And I'm pretty certain you found out the truth when it eventually came out. Am I right?"
Mike hung his head in shame "Yes."
Jack walked up to Mike, and placed his hand on his shoulder "Then Mr. Chang. It's up to you to do what's right, even if it takes a long time to make it right, or don't even try and just walk away. But I didn't raise my brother to be a quitter. Michael doesn't believe in quitters. The New Directions to him weren't quitters. Are you a quitter Mr Chang?"
Mike looked down.
"I'll ask you again. Are you a quitter Mr Chang."
"No,"
"Sorry I didn't hear you."
"NO."
Jack looked at Mike directly in the eyes. "Then get your ass up to that house, and start to make it right. Someone has to. And that someone has to be you. Do you hear me?"
"Yes."
"Sorry what was that?"
"YES."
"Again."
"YES SIR I HEAR YOU."
Jack smiled and patted Mike on the back "Don't need to yell, I heard you that time."
"Are you this strong to Michael?" asked Mike
"If not stronger and meaner at times."
"That must be where he gets it from."
Jack smiled "Believe me, he's done most of it himself, growing up the youngest of 5 brothers, he's had to prove himself. I may have pushed him along the way, but he's done what he's done, all by himself."
Jack turned and walked towards the back of the stage.
"By the way Mr Chang, they're about to be served dinner. I expect you are so hungry after dancing around for hours."
"I'm famished actually."
"Start there then."
Mike watched Jack walk away, and smiled. He looked around at the tube tunnel where he had entered from, and saw his body guard sitting down, waiting. He walked over to him.
"You weren't going to go any time soon were you?" asked Mike
"I have my orders," said the body guard "And my orders were to wait for you, and escort you to the house."
"I'm sorry it's taken this long."
"You had to do what you had to do, beside, it's not my place to say anything."
"Okay well then, escort me to the house."
"Yes sir. Follow me Mr Chang."
.
.
Back in the house, Finn was still keeping an eye on Rachel, who had been sleeping since she was given a sedative. He had, had visitors with him throughout the afternoon. First it was Kurt, then it was Mercedes, and then it was Sam. Now Finn was alone again.
Suddenly Rachel stirred, and Finn sat up right in his chair. Rachel opened her eyes, and saw Finn.
"Finn... Finn is that you?"
Finn smiled "Yes, Rachel it's me."
"I wasn't dreaming then, it really happened?"
"No Rach, you weren't dreaming, it really did happen."
Rachel slowly sat up.
"Where are we?"
"We're in Michael Baxter's house. We're his guests for the night. Before we head back to Lima tomorrow."
"How long have you been sitting there?"
"I haven't left your side all day. Kurt was in here, then Mercedes, and so was Sam."
"You haven't left me all day?"
Finn smiled and grabbed Rachel's hand "No baby, I did not. I was worried about you. I wanted to be here when you woke up."
"I feel better now."
"That's good."
Rachel and Finn stared at one another in silence for a few minutes.
"Finn."
"Yes Rach?"
"I am so sorry for not letting you tell me the whole story."
"Oh hush Rach, it's okay."
Tears came to Rachel's eyes "No, it's not okay, we wasted 10 years."
"So what if we wasted 10 years," said Finn "We've got the rest of our lives to be together again."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. I love you Rachel, I will always love you."
"I love you too Finn, and I'm sorry."
Finn finally stood up, and quickly got to the bed, and gave Rachel a huge cuddle.
"It's okay baby, I don't want you to think about it any more. We're back together again, if you want to be that is."
"Oh I want to be."
Finn kept on cuddling Rachel for a few more minutes. There was a knock at the door.
"Come on in," said Finn
The door opened and in came Mercedes.
"She's awake?" asked Mercedes looking at Finn cuddling Rachel
"Yes she's awake," smiled Finn
Finn stood up, and Mercedes looked at Rachel.
"You okay girl?"
"Of course I am," smiled Rachel with tears still in her eyes "I'm okay now, that Finn has forgiven me for the last ten years. Haven't you Finn."
Finn nodded back "Yes, I've always forgiven you."
Mercedes walked over and gave Rachel a hug.
"If you're up to it girl, Mr Baxter has put on a meal for us. It's ready now."
"I'm famished," said Finn
"You would be," smiled Mercedes "You've been stuck in here all afternoon."
"He wouldn't leave my side?" asked Rachel
"No he wouldn't," said Mercedes "Kurt and I tried to get him to go for a stretch, but he wanted to be here for when you woke up."
"He sure is a big softy," smiled Rachel
"So can you handle coming to dinner?" asked Mercedes
"Who's going to be there?" asked Rachel
"Almost everyone."
Finn put his hand on Rachel shoulder "I will be with you every step of the way. If you start to get upset, we'll leave."
Rachel looked at Mercedes and then at Finn.
"I am hungry."
"That a girl," smiled Mercedes
.
.
Rachel, Finn, and Mercedes walked into the large dining room area. Tina, Quinn, Santana, Brittany, Kitty, Blaine, and Kurt were all ready seated at the large table along with Michael who was at the head of it.
"Hey look who's awake," smiled Michael "Welcome Miss Berry, how do you feel?"
Mercedes, Finn and Rachel walked to the spare places, and sat down.
"Better now, thanks Mr Baxter," replied Rachel
"I heard you never left her side Mr Hudson?"
"No he didn't," laughed Kurt "I tried getting him to move, but he wouldn't budge."
Rachel looked across at Kurt.
"Hey Rach," smiled Kurt back
"Hey Kurt," Rachel semi smiled back "You still look like a cave man."
"That's what I've been trying to tell him," replied Blaine
"I'll have a shave after dinner," nodded Kurt to Rachel, which gave her a chance to smile.
"It's good to see you again Blaine," replied Finn
"You too Hudson."
"Dig in," said Michael "Plenty of food to go around."
"We're not waiting on the others?" asked Mercedes
"We've waited long enough," said Tina "I was here first."
"Geez Tina what's gotten in to you?" asked Quinn
"Nothing."
Next into the room came Artie. He spotted Tina near Michael, and wheeled himself over to her.
"We need to talk about this please," said Artie
Tina looked at Michael, and then back at Artie "I've got nothing more to say Artie, let it be."
"But there's so much more to it than you're letting on," replied Artie
Tina spun around "I SAID let it rest."
Puck walked into the room with Jake, and Sam.
"There you boys are," said Michael trying to break the tension "Come sit down and eat."
"I'm famished," said Puck
Tina looked back at Puck.
.
FLASHBACK
.
A month after sleeping with Puck, Tina had broken up with Artie a few days after it happened, and was experiencing signs on vomiting in the mornings for a few days. She decided to take a pregnancy test, and was waiting for the timer to go off. It finally did. She looked at the test. It was a positive sign.
"Crap," Tina said to herself.
.
END OF FLASHBACK
.
Artie saw the look Tina had while looking at Puck, and felt strange. He wheeled himself away from the table and managed to find a spot. Puck sat down next to Kitty and looked across at Finn.
"Hey Dude." said Puck
"Hey Dude," replied Finn back
Puck looked at Rachel "Hey Rach, you okay?"
"Hi Noah, yes."
Puck looked across at Artie who was looking at him strangely.
"What's up Artie?"
"Nothing, what's up with you?"
"Just finished a great sparring session with a punching bag."
"That's good for you."
Sam looked across the table at Mercedes.
"Hey Mercedes."
"Hey Sammy."
"Dig in plenty for everyone."
For the next 5 minutes everyone ate in silence.
.
5 minutes later while everyone was eating Mike Chang walked slowly into the dining room. Everyone turned to look, and saw Mike.
"Hey there you are Mr. Chang." started Michael "Welcome to my home. Are you hungry?"
Mike stopped at the foot of the table, and looked at everyone, and then at Michael.
"I'm famished."
"Have a seat, and then have something to eat," smiled Michael
Just then a fork and a knife was placed down very hard on the table. Puck looked down the table at Michael.
"Tell me he's not here?"
"Yes Mr Puckerman, Michael is part of the team, he's hungry, so he's here to eat. There's no reason why he shouldn't be."
"I've lost my appetite."
Puck got up.
"Mr Puckerman please, I want everyone to have a nice quiet meal."
"What you want and what I want is two complete things," said Puck "I'm not going to be in the same room as HIM."
"I'll go," said Mike
"No Mr Chung, you just got here," said Michael
"Then I'll go."
Puck started walking, he was heading towards the door, but he made a beeline for Mike.
"Please Mr Puckerman, we're eating, no violence."
"I'm going to," said Blaine "I don't want to be in the same room as a liar."
"Me neither," said Brittany
Both Blaine, and Brittany stood up, and went to walk away.
"If Blaine's going, I will too," said Kurt
"Same here, I support Brit," said Santana
Both Kurt and Santana got up.
"Come on guys," said Michael "Let's be reasonable here."
"NO!" shouted Puck looking back at Michael while standing beside Mike "You be reasonable. You got us together under false pretenses, fine. You brought us together and told us we have no choice but to work together, fine. You're basically blackmailing us, which is sorta fine. But just for one minute, ONE MINUTE, I don't need to be in the same room as the guy who was part of the reason for what happened to us 10 years ago. Especially me. Now I'm going to go to my room, or even better back to the gym. Because I'm one second a way from decking Mike again."
"Go on do it," said Mike
Puck looked at Mike "What did you just say?"
"If it makes you feel better do it, and keep on doing it until you get it out of your system, because like it or lump it, we're stuck together. Now I'm going to make right for the wrongs that I've done here. I need to be part of a team."
"Your wish is my command," smiled Puck
Puck was about to take a punch when:
"Please don't fight," came Rachel's voice
Puck turned to Rachel, Rachel was starting to move backwards and forwards in her chair.
"Please stop arguing," said Rachel again
"WHY ARE YOU HERE RACHEL BERRY." yelled Puck
"Noah," said Mercedes shocked trying to comfort Rachel
"I mean can you SING? Why are you here? Look at the condition she's in. It's obvious she's lost it. She can't even sing. When was the last time you sung Rachel?"
"10 years ago," started Rachel sobbing
"Then you're useless to us."
"That's enough," said Finn standing up
"No," started Puck "It's not. If the Worlds was 10 years ago, we all know a fit and firing Rachel Berry, with her on our team, we could win the world's easily. Now look at her. She said she hasn't sung for 10 years. As most of us haven't. We're screwed with or without Rachel Berry."
Finn walked up to Puck "Take that back dude or stand down."
Puck shook his head "You know this to be the truth Finn, you know it very well. When was the last time you sung?"
"10 years ago."
"Me too," said Puck "We would have had a chance with some of us not at full strength if Rachel was there. She'd got us wins. She'd keep us going, but look at her, she's basically a useless piece of rubbish."
Whack.
Finn punched Puck so hard, that Puck went flying into Mike, who gave a good knee to the back of Puck as well. Blaine threw a punch at Mike, and it was all on.
Suddenly from nowhere security guards came running into the room, and pulled Finn off of Puck, and Blaine off of Mike. Everyone else bar Rachel and Mercedes, were standing shocked.
"NOW THAT'S ENOUGH, ALL OF YOU," shouted Michael "I'VE HEARD ENOUGH. YOU WILL ALL BE ESCORTED BACK TO YOUR ROOMS AT ONCE. YOU WILL ALL HAVE DINNER IN YOUR ROOMS UNTIL YOU CAN CALM DOWN. THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL I TALK TO YOU."
"Good luck getting us to perform like a team, after that," smiled Santana at Michael "I'd say it'll be better just to tear up our contracts and let us be on our way."
"I MIGHT JUST DO THAT," yelled Michael shocking everyone in the room "BECAUSE I'VE HAD ENOUGH. YOU GUYS ARE BEHAVING LIKE KIDS."
The room was quiet, as security guards lead everyone out of the room.
.
.
So has Michael had enough? Has he finally figured out that this might be all one big mistake? Is it too much for the whole of the team to trust one another? Is he going to tear up the contracts?
Only time will tell.
Stay tuned.