Hey guys! I told you I'd update quickly ;) 2 kinda important notes first though: 1) I've refined my detailed plan, and I think there's about 9 or 10 chapters left of the story…*whispers* possibly leading on to a sequel if you provide the demand! 2) I feel like I'm otherwise in danger of slipping into a load of filler chapters if I don't do this; so we're having a time jump again; it's now late February in the Ryder's Chance universe. So, now that that's over with, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Starting from this chapter we're really getting to the drama part…
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee.
"Marley," Millie's soft voice called through her bedroom door. "Honey the big day's here, it's time to get up."
"I know, I'm awake," Marley groaned, staring at the ceiling and feeling nauseous. And she had been awake all night, not having slept a wink. How could she when she knew that the most important day of her life was here? How could she get any rest, knowing that in just a few small hours, she would be auditioning for Carmen Tibideaux herself, for a place in one of the most prestigious performance schools in the country? Her Mother opened the door and handed her an envelope.
"This was in the mail sweetie, it's for you."
Marley took the envelope and groaned at the handwriting. Katie. This was not what she needed right now. Katie's messages had been getting more frequent and more threatening with every passing week. She tossed it in the bin at the end of her bed without bothering to read it, or even open it. It wasn't worth the extra stress today.
It didn't help that her relationship with Ryder was putting a strain on her friendship with Unique, who seemed to be convinced that Marley could 'do better than him', or that her incessant practice for today, and his constant training, extra school work and orientation sessions for Lima University scholarship hopefuls meant that, aside from their tutoring sessions, they could only hang out together outside school once a week, at best. Marley didn't want to wish away the precious time they had still both living in Lima, but she longed for summer, when at least school work, college application and extra curriculars would be out of the way, even if the Katie issue wasn't sorted.
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Ryder found Marley in the school kitchens just before homeroom, like usual, but today looking ghostly pale and almost trembling.
"You'll be fine," he reassured her by way of greeting, knowing exactly what she was stressed about- in fact, he was planning on ditching Chemistry to sneak into the auditorium and watch her audition later on in the day.
"I can't afford to be fine, Ryder. I have to be perfect." She explained. Fine wasn't good enough for NYADA, that was clear as day.
"And you are perfect," he reminded her, pecking her on the cheek and taking her hand. "Let's go."
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Marley paced the hall outside the auditorium, glancing at her watch. It was 3pm on the dot. Usually at this time, on this day of the week, she would be going through hell in gym class. Not today. Her audition was now. In fact, it was Carmen Tibideaux who was holding things up…her status as a Broadway legend afforded her something of a diva mentality, and she had refused to hear 'anyone' sing until she had been given a pint glass of orange juice with precisely six ice cubes, and for the auditorium to be heated to exactly 72 degrees.
"Marley?" A voice called out, and Marley spun on her heel. Unique stood before her, clutching a pile of papers.
"Oh hey," she said cautiously, but with a kind smile. At the moment their friendship was tense, to say the least, and since Marley had been sitting with Ryder, Kitty, and some of their friends (bar Jake) for lunch, they didn't really speak much apart from in Glee club. Nonetheless, it was nice of Unique to drop by to wish her luck before her big audition…at least, that's what Marley thought it was.
"Marley…I know we're not so close right now but I'm your best friend, and…well, if it was the other way round, I know I'd want you to tell me…" she began, and Marley's face dropped.
"Tell me what?" she whispered, confused. Unique handed her the pile of paper.
"I've got a free period right now. I went to the library and found this open on one of the computers. I took a look and knew I had to print them out and show them to you…I mean, you're my best friend," she explained, as Marley's eyes scanned over the first page. Romantic chat-room messages. Between Ryder and his stalker. She sighed in confusion- the online relationship had ended months ago.
"What's the point in showing me this?" She asked, her voice failing to cover up her annoyance. "Ryder already told me about this."
"He did?" Unique asked in shock, before changing her expression and tone. "And you're okay with that?"
"Unique, this," she started, gesturing at the messages, "ended months ago. The only relationship they have now is that she's trying to sabotage our relationship, and sending me creepy mail," she added.
"Marley I'm really sorry, but look again," Unique sighed. Marley looked down, and her eyes widened as she read the words on page.
ryder_lynn: u know she doesn't mean anything. not relly. u are the only girl for me 00:232/25/14
Marley swallowed hard as she read the date on the message. Last night. It had to be a mistake, surely. She had learnt from experience not to jump to conclusions when it came to Ryder and Katie. But screenshots from a chat-room didn't lie, did they? And Unique was her best friend. She clearly had her best interests at heart. 'She doesn't mean anything'. Was he talking about her?
"Oh my God…" she whimpered. "…You couldn't have picked a better time, Unique?" She asked bitterly, gesturing at the door. "It's a mistake." She stated. "It has to be a mistake. Who was using the computer before you were?" She asked with a hint of a shout.
"Marley I don't know. I just…look I'm not gonna say I told you so but,"
"Really?" Marley snapped. "Cos it kinda sounds like you are! Look. I'm going to talk to him about this…I have to talk to him first."
"How many chances are you going to give him, Marls?" Unique asked in exasperation, before they were interrupted by Mr Schuester.
"Marley? Ms Tibideaux is ready for you." He announced. Marley gasped. Why was this happening now, she wondered, as she made her way down the auditorium and to the side of the stage,trying not to feel too intimidated by the ominous figure she could see out the corner of her eye, and trying not to fall apart from the content of the paper she now realised she was still clutching tightly with her shaking hands. Ryder couldn't have. There had to be an explanation. This had to be Katie messing with her head. But Marley still had so much doubt.
Concentrate on the audition, she thought. Ryder can wait.
She stepped onto the stage, terrified and distraught.
"Good afternoon Miss Tibideaux, my name is Marley Rose-" she started, her voice trembling, before she was interrupted.
"-yes Miss Rose. Apparently you'll be singing Not For The Life Of Me. I'm intrigued to see what you do with it. Begin when you are ready." Carmen Tibideaux drawled. Marley swallowed hard.
"Actually Miss Tibideaux, I'd like to make a late song change if that's alright with you." She announced. She couldn't tap her feet to a happy song like nothing had happened, not right now. Even if Ryder did turn out to be innocent, she didn't know that yet, and her mind was fully concerned with the date of the messages she had just read.
"Do you have the music prepared?" Miss Tibideaux asked.
"No Ma'am…" she stuttered. "I'll do it acapella, if that's okay with you."
"If you wish. What is the song?"
"Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus," Marley announced. She knew it probably sounded ridiculous, but it was the only song she could think of that would seem real right now. Carmen Tibideaux raised an eyebrow.
"Marley, are you sure? This is the chance of a lifetime," Mr Schuester whispered from the side of the stage, the disapproval at the song choice evident in his voice and on his face. Marley nodded quickly and turned to face the legend before her, who looked somewhat intrigued, or even amused. Miss Tibideaux nodded at her to begin. Marley took a deep breath, and started to sing.
"we kissed I fell under your spell a love no one could deny…"
Marley felt the tears begin to fall as she sang, but carried on, putting all her Ryder-based emotion into the song.
"All you ever did was wreck me…yeah you wreck me…"
She finished the song and hastily wiped her face with her sleeve, before waiting for any form of a response. She didn't know how well she had sung it. She had put her heart and soul into it though, that was clear.
"Well Miss Rose. I confess I was surprised by the song choice, but your range fits it well. You need to work on your control, but you gave off the impression of someone who is truly heartbroken." Marley gulped. "You can expect a letter with my decision within three to four weeks," she announced, before standing up to leave. Marley sighed, and left the stage, making sure to pick up the seemingly incriminating evidence on her way out of the auditorium.
As she stepped out into the corridor, she immediately bumped into Ryder himself.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I snuck in to watch my favourite girl sing…Marley that was awesome! If she doesn't let you into NYADA she's insane," he gushed. "And she was right, you really did look heartbroken…I didn't know you could act, too!"
"I don't know if I was acting," Marley whispered with a gulp.
"What do you mean?" he asked, his smile fading. "Marls what's wrong?"
"We need to talk," she announced. "I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt for now, I've learnt my lesson after last time but we need to talk. Right now. Can we go to yours? School's almost finished anyway," she asked him hurriedly. He nodded in confusion, but eagerly led her to his car. Clearly she had some problem that he needed to explain. He wondered if Katie had been causing trouble again…especially since he knew she'd been sending his girlfriend some creepy notes. He gave a small smile of relief that Marley had this time come to him with her issue rather than jumping to conclusions. Whatever it was, they would talk it over and work through it.
There's a quick update for you lovelies! What do you think about that? Please let me know! (Especially as my reviewer number has gone down a little :( wah)
Also, I am now back home in England for the Christmas holidays, (hooray), so I will be very busy with my family, and I have also been asked to write a Jennoist oneshot, so I don't know when I'll be able to update this again- it might be a couple of weeks. So in that case, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all if I don't update before then- I'll try my best though!
To my reviewers:
RocioMelinatic-Ryley15: Sorry about the length! I had to rush it cos I really wanted to get it out for the 18th, and also it wouldn't have worked if I'd added anything on. Thanks!
Gleeatic713: I have confidence that Capaldi will be good, although I love Matt! Thank you so much dear! Thanks! They will be terrible but oh well, they're over now :p
Gleek555: Oh my gosh I feel for you, A Levels were a stressful time in my life! I'm sure you'll be fine though :)
TeaAndGlee: I know right, I really just want to see Jake get his arse kicked :p Here is your more :)
Ember411: She didn't choke! Haha, he wouldn't be that annoying- I still think it's illy that Racgel got let in after all that :p Here's your update lovely :)
Savannaramirez35: Thanks! I managed to update quickly- may be a few days before the next one but I'll try my best :)
LittleMusicalOwl: Jake deserves a punch really but Ryder has to control himself! Haha
Guest: Aww, you're too cute, I'm glad you enjoy my writing. Merry Christmas to you too!
Until next time,
Lauren xxx