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Chapter 55: Nationals - and Laryngitis 2.0
Tomorrow was it. Tomorrow, the New Directions would be competing at Nationals, attempting to get their title back after finishing second next year. Rachel had to admit, she was nervous. Almost as nervous as she'd been for the performance senior year. Having lost the title, the New Directions now had more pressure to take it back.
Even though she'd graduated, Rachel still felt like a part of the glee club. Part of her always would, since that was where she met Finn and all her close friends. She couldn't help but wonder - at this time next year, would she be in the host city for Nationals with Finn and the glee club he was going to lead this fall?
Finn heard his phone vibrating and looked at the text from Mr. Schue. "Hey, when you get this could you come to Marley and Unique's room?" Finn read out loud. "It's Mr. Schue."
Rachel looked at Finn. "Okay, let's go." She turned off her laptop and took Finn's hand, heading upstairs and knocking on the door of Marley and Unique's room. She was surprised when Kylie was the one who answered the door.
"What's going on?" Rachel asked as Kylie opened the door
"Marley has laryngitis," Kylie said. "She can't talk. Unique was knocking on Kitty's and my door this morning..."
"What?" Rachel asked. She knew that Marley was going to be one of the glee club's lead singers at Nationals and it was very late in the game. She followed Kylie to Marley's bed, where Ryder and Unique sat on either side of Marley, holding her hands, Kitty was bringing over some tea, and Mr. and Mrs. Schuester were talking.
"How bad is it?" Finn asked.
"She can't talk," Ryder said. "She literally can't talk. I knew she had a cough and that she hadn't been feeling well... but I wasn't expecting this."
Marley opened her mouth, but only barely managed to croak. "Marley, you need to put your health first," Mrs. Schuester said. "Please don't try to force yourself to talk."
Marley typed something on her phone and handed it to Ryder. "But what about the competition?" Ryder read out loud.
Everyone exchanged worried looks. Mr. Schue looked puzzled. "We'll figure something out."
"Mr. Schue, Marley was one of the leads we had for Nationals," Unique said. "We can divide up her lines in the group number, but in the duet..."
Mr. Schue looked at Kitty. "Do you know the words to her part of the duet?"
"Well... yes," Kitty admitted.
"Think you can do it?" Mr. Schuester asked.
Kitty looked nervous. "I can try."
"Well, we need you to do it," Mr. Schue said. "Her part of the duet is suited for your voice."
"Yeah, you're a really good singer," Rachel pointed out.
"I could never do it," Kylie said.
Now Mr. Schue looked at Kylie. "Kylie, do you think you can take Marley's lines in the first group number?"
Kylie began fidgeting. "I... I know I was able to sing solo lines at Sectionals and Regionals... but there were less people in the audience there... at least my lines in the second group number are with Jack..."
"We need you," Kitty said to Kylie.
Kylie sighed. "Well... it is only a few lines."
"Yes," Mr. Schue said. "You can do it."
"Okay," Kylie said. "I'll do it."
"Yes," Mr. Schue said. "Finn, Rachel, I want you to stay up here with Marley while we go practice in the ballroom."
Marley typed something on her phone again and handed it to Ryder. "I really don't want to miss it," Ryder read.
Mr. Schue looked at Marley. "I know you don't but you're sick. It really wouldn't be good for you to do so much singing. If you're feeling up to it tomorrow, maybe you can lip sync and dance with the rest of the group, and next year, you'll have your big moment."
Marley shrugged and looked around the room.
"Ryder, Unique, Kitty, Kylie, the rest of the group is waiting for us, let's go," Mr. Schue said.
"We'll take care of her," Rachel said.
"Thank you," Mr. Schue said as he left with his wife and the other four members of New Directions.
"You know, I had laryngitis and couldn't perform once, too," Rachel told Marley, hoping to boost her spirits. "It was a few weeks before Regionals my sophomore year. I was better in time, but it was still kind of upsetting."
"She was pretty dramatic about it," Finn added. "The way she was acting - you'd think she was diagnosed with a terminal disease."
Rachel giggled. "Finn!"
"Well, you were!" Finn said. He started doing an imitation of Rachel. "I'm like Tinkerbell, Finn! I need applause to live!"
Marley giggled, and Rachel did feel happy to see her smiling. "Yeah, that's pretty much how it went."
Marley got out her phone and typed up a message, handing the phone to Rachel. "Can I have some more tea?"
"Yeah, I'll make you some," Rachel said. "Hopefully you'll be feeling better tomorrow. Even if you can't sing, just being up on that stage and dancing and singing backup vocals with the group would be so much fun."
Marley typed something on her phone. "It was the most fun I ever had," Finn read. He handed Marley's phone back to her. "Oh, I know. Rachel and I had so much fun."
Rachel felt her phone vibrating and looked at a text from Kurt. "How's she doing?"
"She's doing as well as she can," Rachel texted back. "How's rehearsal?"
"Well, Harmony thinks she should have gotten to sing both parts of the duet and said Kitty's not ready to sing a song from such an iconic movie..."
Rachel was again reminded of her early self. "Once someone else can be with Marley I'll talk to her."
x
The New Directions were taking a break from practicing, and Ryder wanted to be with Marley, leaving Finn and Rachel to go visit with their friends and former teammates. Rachel
"Oh, hi Rachel," Harmony said. "Are you excited for me to come to NYADA?"
"You know, I used to be just like you," Rachel said. "I thought that I was the best ever and that no one even came close."
"Then you met me, right?" Harmony asked.
Rachel figured she'd just get to the point. "You know, New Directions isn't about one person taking center stage. Winning Nationals is going to have to be a team effort."
"What do you mean?" Harmony asked.
"I heard about what you were saying about the duet," Rachel said.
"I don't know why we had to do a duet," Harmony complained. "When we decided we'd do a song from Frozen, I wanted to do Let It Go as a solo."
"It's like I said, I used to be just like you," Rachel said. "Once I grew up and stopped being that way, I was so much happier. You were the main singer at your old school and you guys didn't make Nationals. You have a chance to win a National title and that'll look really good to NYADA. But if you want that title, you're going to have to work with the rest of the group. Just think about that."
x
After a day of rehearsing with the glee club, Finn and Rachel went to dinner in downtown Boston. "Just think, at this time next year, we might be in the host city with the glee club I'm leading," Finn thought out loud.
"I know," Rachel said. "You're going to be amazing with those kids."
Finn smiled at Rachel. "Thank you. Just think, we'll be married at this time next year."
"I know," Rachel said. "I'm so excited. I remember two years ago when we were in Chicago with the glee club, we thought our wedding was going to be the next week."
"I am glad we're getting married now instead of then," Finn said. "We're more mature now, and this time, we can really go all out instead of just having a quickie. Plus, it's nice to have our family and friends actually be supportive."
"I agree," Rachel said. "Now's a much better time."
Finn looked around the restaurant. "Look, they have a karaoke bar here."
"Yeah, they do!" Rachel said.
"Want to go sing with me?" Finn asked.
"Do you have to ask?" Rachel said. She took Finn's hand and led him to the karaoke bar. "I have a song in mind, and it goes with New Directions' theme for Nationals."
"I look forward to it," Finn said.
Rachel whispered something to the DJ, and as the music began, Finn knew this song. He'd always hoped to sing it with Rachel if there had been a Disney week when he was in glee, and now he and Rachel could sing it together.
Finn: I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
Rachel: A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Finn: Now I'm in a whole new world with you
Rachel: Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feelings
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
A whole new world
Finn: Don't you dare close your eyes
Rachel: A hundred thousand things to see
Finn: Hold your breath, it gets better
Rachel: I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back
To where I used to be
Finn: A whole new world
Rachel: Every turn a surprise
Finn: With new horizons to pursue
Rachel: Every moment gets better
Both: I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
Finn: A whole new world
Rachel: A whole new world
Finn: That's where we'll be
Rachel: That's where we'll be
Finn: A thrilling place
Rachel: A wondrous place
Both: For you and me
"Too bad we can't sing that with the glee club tomorrow," Finn whispered to Rachel. "That would take Nationals."
Rachel giggled. "I know."
x
Today was it. This was competition day. The New Directions stood backstage, the girls in emerald green dresses and the boys in white polos, black pants and green ties to match the girls' dresses. Marley was still under the weather, and the first group was performing. As Finn watched the New Directions standing around talking to each other, he heard a knock on the door. He went to the door and saw Marley. "Hi," Marley whispered.
"Hi," Finn said.
"I know I'm a little late, but I'm feeling a little better," Marley whispered. "I don't quite have my voice back, but I'd really like to be on stage."
Mr. Schue looked over. "Marley!"
"Mind if I join you guys?" Marley asked.
"Of course," Mr. Schue said.
"Marley!" Unique exclaimed, giving her best friend a hug.
"She said she's feeling better and she'd like to perform, even though she still can't sing," Finn said.
"Of course," Ryder said as he kissed his girlfriend. Marley whispered something to Ryder, and then Ryder turned to Kitty. "She said she's sure you'll be amazing on the duet."
"I'll try," Kitty said.
"You'll be great," Rachel said.
"Well, now that everyone's here, let's circle up!" Mr. Schue said. The New Directions and alumni formed a circle. "One, two, three..." Everyone cheered "NEW DIRECTIONS!" before the alumni went to their seats to watch the competition.
When the New Directions were called, Rachel turned to Finn. "I'm so scared for them."
"Me too," Finn said. "But I know they can do it."
The music for the duet began as Kitty stepped on stage, joined by Harmony later in the song.
Kitty: The window is open, so's that door
I didn't know they did that anymore
Who knew we owned eight thousand salad plates?
For years I've roamed these empty halls
Why have a ballroom with no balls?
Finally they're opening up the gates
There'll be actual real live people
It'll be totally strange
But wow, am I so ready for this change!
'Cause for the first time in forever
There'll be music, there'll be light
For the first time in forever
I'll be dancing through the night
Don't know if I'm elated or gassy
But I'm somewhere in that zone
'Cause for the first time in forever
I won't be alone
(spoken: I can't wait to meet everyone!
What if I meet... the one?)
Tonight imagine me gowned and all
Fetchingly draped against the wall
The picture of sophisticated grace
Ooh! I suddenly see him standing there
A beautiful stranger, tall and fair
I wanna stuff some chocolate in my face
But then we laugh and talk all evening,
Which is totally bizarre
Nothing like the life I've led so far
For the first time in forever
There'll be magic, there'll be fun
For the first time in forever
I could be noticed by someone
And I know it is totally crazy
To dream I'd find romance
But for the first time in forever
At least I've got a chance
Harmony: Don't let them in, don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel, put on a show
Make one wrong move and everyone will know
But it's only for today
Kitty: It's only for today
Harmony: It's agony to wait
Kitty: It's agony to wait
Harmony: Tell the guards to open up the gate
Kitty: The gate
For the first time in forever
Harmony: Don't let them in, don't let them see
Kitty: I'm getting what I'm dreaming of
Harmony: Be the good girl you always have to be
Kitty: A chance to change my lonely world
Harmony: Conceal
Kitty: A chance to find true love
Harmony: Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know
Kitty: I know it all ends tomorrow,
So it has to be today
'Cause for the first time in forever
For the first time in forever
Nothing's in my way!
Someone who didn't know what had been going on behind the scenes wouldn't have been able to guess that Kitty had just taken over the duet yesterday. She'd done so well. The rest of the group was on stage now, and the music began for the first big group number.
Rory: When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.
Ryder: If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.
Jake: Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Kitty: Fate steps in and sees you through.
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
Unique: When a star is born
They possess a gift or two.
Harmony: One of them is this
They have the power to make a wish come true.
New Directions: When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you,
Kylie: If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
Jack: When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.
New Directions: Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing.
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through.
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true.
The alumni were all a bit nervous about Marley. Even though she said she was feeling up to performing, everyone was a bit worried about her. But she seemed fine up there. Finn also knew Rachel was worried about Kylie, since she was worried about having a solo line in one of the group numbers in front of so many people. But she, too, looked fine. Now all that was left was the last group number.
Ryder: From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
Jake: There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
Rory: But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
New Directions: It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
Jack and Kylie: In the Circle
The Circle of Life
New Directions: It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life
At the end of the group number, Finn knew that the New Directions had done what they could. Despite having one of their captains sick, they'd done the best that they could and sounded incredible.
"I think they might be able to do it," Rachel whispered to Finn.
"Yeah, me too," Finn whispered back.
After the other groups' performances, the New Directions were announced as one of the top three teams. When the chairperson of the competiton came on stage to announce the winner, the alumni cheered and hugged each other as the trophy was handed to Mr. Schue on stage. Even though they weren't in New Directions anymore, they had the same feelings they had when they won two years ago.
x
"We won! We won!" Sugar proclaimed as she poured sparkling cider into the alumni's cups in the celebration room.
"At this time at Nationals next year, the 2012 alumni will be old enough to have REAL alcohol," Santana declared.
"Hey!" Mr. Schue said. "I don't want to think that way."
"We will," Finn said. That was a bit of a crazy realization.
"Don't worry Rachel, we'll make sure we can have some at your bachelorette party," Santana said.
"I don't know if that's a good idea," Rachel admitted. She looked around the room. "I just wanted to say, all of you girls are invited to the bachelorette party. You'll be in New York anyway to perform at the wedding." She looked at Mrs. Schuester. "You too, Mrs. Schue."
"Thanks, Rachel," Marley said. "And thanks to you and Finn for taking care of me the other day."
"Glee club is a family," Finn said. "It's what families do."
"Yeah, and you all came back and saw us get another trophy!" Rory said.
"We'll be putting these side by side in the trophy case when we get home," Mr. Schue said.
"Right before graduation, and then the Finchel wedding, and then the Klaine wedding," Artie said with Kitty on his lap. He looked at his girlfriend. "I can't believe next year you, Marley, Jake and Ryder will be the seniors."
"Yup," Kitty said. "I hope all the New Yorkers are excited for me to grace New York with my presence after next year."
"We are," Rachel said. "You did a great job with the duet, Kitty."
"Thank you," Kitty said.
Then Rachel's eyes fell on Mike and Tina, who seemed to be getting pretty close. As if Tina knew that Rachel was looking at her, she smiled at Rachel. Mercedes came over to Rachel. "Maybe she's starting to feel better about what happened with Sam."
"Are you and Sam back together now?" Rachel asked Mercedes.
"Well - not quite yet," Mercedes said. "I think we're getting there though. I talked to Tina, and she's not as mad at me anymore."
"I hope she still spends the summer in New York," Rachel said.
"I bet she'll come around," Mercedes said. "Artie told me that Mike and Haley broke up, so maybe there still is something there with Mike and Tina."
"Well, Finn and I will have to rearrange the processional order at our wedding," Rachel sighed.
"Hey, you can put me with Sam," Mercedes said.
Kurt came over. "At least when Blaine talked to her, she said she's okay with standing next to Sam at our wedding."
"That's good," Rachel said. "So, Finn and I have been talking and I think we picked out a song that we want to do for your first dance."
Kurt looked intrigued. "Oh, do tell?"
"With Or Without You by U2," Rachel told Kurt.
"I approve," Kurt said. "Blaine and I want to do a first duet, too, like what you and Finn are doing."
"What song do you have in mind for that?" Rachel asked.
"Come What May," Kurt said. "You do remember last year that Santana said that I'd told her that we wanted to sing that to each other at our wedding."
"And now you'll get to!" Rachel said.
"Wedding talk, huh?" Rachel turned and saw Finn and Blaine coming over.
"Hey, we know you're just as excited as we are!" Kurt said to his brother and fiancee.
"We're more excited," Blaine declared.
"Yeah, Ryder was just telling me about all the songs New Directions have in mind for our weddings," Finn added.
"Oh, that's exciting!" Rachel said. "I'm going to need to go ask the New Directions girls about that!"
x
"Another trophy," Finn told Mr. Schue. He didn't want to bring up LA right now because this was such a happy time for New Directions, but at the same time, he couldn't help but wonder.
"Yeah, another trophy," Mr. Schue said. "You might be getting one of these next year."
"I hope so," Finn said. Next year. Where would Mr. Schue be next year?
Mr. Schue's phone vibrated. "It's my dad. I bet he's calling to give me an update on Daniel. I'll be right back, Finn."
Sam came over to Finn. "Did he say anything about LA?"
"No," Finn admitted. "So, how are things with Mercedes and Tina?"
"Tina's been spending lots of time with Mike this week," Sam said. "So I hope that means that she's okay. I do feel bad."
"Yeah, of course you do," Finn said.
"I do still want to be friends with her," Sam admitted.
"I'm sure she'll forgive you, eventually," Finn assured Sam.
Rachel came over to Finn and Sam. "Finn, the girls were just telling me about the songs the New Directions are going to sing at our wedding! I'm so excited!"
"Do you think Mercedes and I can sing a song?" Sam asked.
Finn looked at Sam. "I thought you two weren't officially back together."
"Not yet," Sam said. "But I still like singing with her."
"You never know what might happen," Finn said. "Rachel and I really began our journey back to each other at Mr. Schue's wedding attempt."
"Yup," Rachel said. "And now we really are getting married shortly after Nationals."
SONGS: A Whole New World from Aladdin (performed by Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry), For The First Time in Forever from Frozen (performed by Kitty Wilde and Harmony Taylor), When You Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio (performed by New Directions) and Circle of Life from Lion King (performed by New Directions)
Chapter 56 preview: The New Directions and alumni return to Lima for the Class of 2014 graduation and Mr. Schue tells them what he'll be doing next year. The Finchel wedding and the Klaine wedding will be VERY soon. I promise!
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