3 years later
Isaac stood center stage in the vibrant gymnasium of Columbus High School, bathed in the warm glow of overhead spotlights that cast a gentle sheen on his tousled dark hair. The hum of anticipation filled the air as he adjusted the strap on his guitar, the strings humming in response. The low murmur of conversations came to a hush as he leaned into the microphone, his voice carrying a confident yet friendly tone.
"Good afternoon, Columbus," he greeted, a wide smile spreading across his face. His eyes, filled with a contagious enthusiasm, scanned the sea of faces before him. "How are we this afternoon?"
The crowd erupted into cheers, an electric energy coursing through the gym. He took a moment to tune his guitar meticulously, his fingers dancing expertly across the strings until he was satisfied with the harmony resonating through the air.
A resounding chorus of 'yes' filled the space, accompanied by cheers and whistles that echoed throughout the gym. The boys on stage exchanged knowing glances, ready to set the room ablaze with their music.
"Since I'm seeing some new faces this year," he continued, his voice carrying over the anticipatory buzz, "I think it's only fair that I introduce myself and the wonderful individuals I have behind me. What do you think? Are you ready?"
Taking a confident step forward, Isaac approached a black-haired boy wielding an electric bass. He threw a casual arm around the bassist's shoulders, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Ladies and gentlemen, this handsome boy right here is Asher, our bassist. And ladies, listen up – he's single and ready to mingle!"
Taking a confident step forward, Isaac approached a dark-skinned boy wielding an electric bass. He threw a casual arm around the bassist's shoulders, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Ladies and gentlemen, this handsome boy right here is Asher, our bassist. And ladies, listen up – he's single and ready to mingle!"
With a grin, he approached a blonde boy sporting a military-style haircut, the rhythmic beat of anticipation pulsating through the air. "And here we have your favorite drummer, Jayden," Isaac announced, giving the drummer a playful pat on the back. "Now, many of you already know me, but just in case you forgot, my name is Isaac, and we are 'Sophie & The Boys.'"
The band, composed of Isaac, Jayden, and Asher, with occasional vocals from Gabrielle. The origin of their collective name was a tribute to Isaac's mother, who had departed from this world three years prior.
"Well, the first song we are going to play holds a special place in my heart because it was one of my mother's favorite songs," he shared, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and reverence. "It's called 'Our Song,' so if you know it, sing it with me."
The gymnasium buzzed with excitement. The lights dimmed, leaving only the glow from the stage as the boys struck the opening chords. A gentle hum of recognition swept through the crowd, and as Isaac began to sing, the audience joined in unison. The chorus of the song reverberated through the venue, the voices of the crowd blending seamlessly with the band's passionate performance.
As the music filled the air, a palpable energy enveloped the room. Spontaneous bursts of dancing erupted from various pockets of the audience, transforming the gym into a lively dance floor. When the last note resonated, there was a moment of collective applause and cheers where the boys paused to soak in the euphoria of the moment.
"Now, I want to share someone incredibly special with all of you," Isaac's voice reverberated through the venue as he gracefully removed one of his in-ear monitors.
"Now I'm going to introduce you to one of the most important women in my life," He declared, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "She's more than just special; she's the heartbeat of this group. Funny, brilliant, and radiating a boundless love and generosity that touches everyone around her. I thank God every day for placing her in my life, and truly, this group would be nothing without and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Gabrielle Taylor."
A girl with curly hair stepped onto the stage, a cascade of brunette curls framing her face. Dressed in a white crop top paired with green cargo pants and classic black Chucks, Gabrielle exuded an effortless confidence. The stage lights illuminated her presence, and a magnetic smile graced her lips as she approached Isaac, enveloping him in a tight embrace. The boy, still visibly moved by his own words, pressed a gentle kiss to the girl's temple.
The brunette, clearly at ease in the limelight, seized the microphone, her voice resonating with a magnetic charm. "Ladies and gentlemen, he's also on the market and happens to be the captain of the hockey team," she quipped. The boy, caught off guard, blushed as his friends playfully teased him, making exaggerated kissy faces.
"In case it slipped your notice," she continued with a playful grin, "Isaac happens to be a devoted Taylor fan. So get ready to hear her name not just in hockey games but also in our band's concerts. Anyway, here's 'Hot n' Cold.' You change your mind like a girl changes clothes..."
Her curly hair bounced with each energetic movement, and her expressive eyes communicated the passion she poured into every lyric. The stage lights danced around her as the crowd became a sea of swaying bodies, entranced by the magnetic energy radiating from her.
The afternoon unfolded seamlessly, each song blending into the next. As the concert reached its crescendo with the final song, Isaac, flanked by Asher, Jayden and Gabrielle, took center stage for the farewell. With humility and gratitude, he addressed the audience, "Well, guys, sadly this musical journey has come to an end, but we sincerely hope you enjoyed it as much, if not more, than we did."The stage lights shimmered on the quartet taking a final bow.
"We are 'Sophie & The Boys. Thank you for spending the evening with us and enjoy the rest of the night. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram."
"Words cannot express how proud I am of you guys. I mean, for your first performance in public, you were nothing short of incredible. You completely dominated the stage. God, just thinking about it gives me chills."
The ambient buzz of the restaurant surrounded the group as they gathered to celebrate their recent triumph on the stage. Seated around a large table, Shelby couldn't contain her emotions. Her gaze, filled with genuine admiration, swept over each member of the group,
"Seriously, congratulations everyone. Isaac, your mother… Sophia would have been very proud to see you up there. Your father too, but, well, you know what I mean."
"Thank you, Aunt Shelby. I was thrilled to hear that you came. I know you're incredibly busy, especially now that you've taken on the role of Vocal Adrenaline coach again with the start of the school year."
"I'll never be too busy for you, darling," Shelby's smile widened, and she affectionately placed a hand on the boy's arm.
"Aunt Shels, your group has our unwavering support at Regionals," Hayden exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm as he casually picked at a golden French fry from his girlfriend's plate, a playful twinkle in his eyes.
"I'm still mad about the fact that you're attending Columbus instead of Carmel, just so you know. I could use voices like yours.".
The connection between Shelby and the kids had formed organically. Following Isaac's parents' accident, the woman had contacted Sabrina. Due to her own parents' demanding jobs, Sophia had spent a significant amount of time alone, finding solace and joy in her love for music. It was the Vocal Adrenaline coach, who had serendipitously discovered Sophia's talent during a fateful afternoon.
According to Shelby, his mother had been one of the brightest voices the group had ever seen, and Isaac couldn't help but swell with pride at the positive impact his mother had made through her musical passion. The coach had found out, through the boy's godmother, that in addition to his natural talent for hockey, Isaac had inherited his mother's vocal prowess and fervor. Everytime the boy sang, it was like seeing Sophia again.
"You're mad about not having them in your little kumbaya hand-holding group? I'm seething. Sabrina Marshall was and remains one of the finest Cheerios I've ever had under my wing. I personally honed her skills, even her dark side. And yet, they won't be gracing the halls of McKinley. You should hang your head in shame, Taylor. Remember that contract you signed when you joined the squad? Your daughter belongs to me,"
"Oh, Sue, we've hashed this out countless times - from the day I gave birth to the twins, their baptism, to every birthday and family gathering since then."' Sabrina retorted, rolling her eyes at her former coach. "Gaby is content where she is. And by the way, there's rumors going about your new Head Cheerio, a freshman. Congratulations."
Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach at McKinley High School, was not just a stern authority figure for the cheerleading squad; she played a recurring role in their lives. Despite her intimidating demeanor, they harbored a deep affection for her, much like they did for Shelby.
The connection between Sue and Sabrina ran deep, as the tall blonde had been Sabrina's coach during her time as a cheerleader. When her daughter Gabrielle expressed interest in trying her hand at cheerleading, Sabrina turned to Sue for guidance. Despite Sue's sharp tongue and occasional abrasive comments, she willingly took on the task showcasing a softer side beneath her tough exterior.
Sabrina's arrival at McKinley had marked a turning point for the cheerleading squad, and Sue recognized the impact Sabrina had on elevating the status of the cheerleaders. Together, they had demonstrated that individuals from Lima, Ohio, previously considered nobodies, were capable of achieving greatness.
"She may not be on your level, Sabrina, but she's got ambition, handles pressure well. I'm still mulling it over, but she's definitely in the running," Sue admitted, her tone a mix of approval and scrutiny. "You could drop by one of our practices, maybe even give them a master class."
"So, that's your way of asking for my verdict on your newfound favorite Cheerio. Why rush to scare her off? Give her a chance to settle in, Sue. Homecoming is just around the corner. Let her find her footing before throwing her to the wolves,"
When Sue found herself grappling with uncertainty over a pivotal decision she had recently made, the natural inclination led her to dial Sabrina's number. Her past as Head Cheerleader and her status as a singer allowed her to keenly assess talent. She could discern who was fit for the coveted role of Head Cheerleader.
"I've got a better idea," the brown-eyed former cheerleader suggested, her smile widening as she leaned forward. Sue, having experienced Sabrina's penchant for risky and unauthorized actions, immediately grew wary. "I'll send my kids and Jay to McKinley right after Homecoming to assess your new captain. Depending on their report, I might indulge in a trip down memory lane to relive my cheerleading years. What do you think?"
"I might regret this, but fine. How much faith do you have in them to judge if my new captain is fit for the position?"
"Sue, please," the blonde retorted, her tone oozing arrogance through the restaurant. "I raised them. Plus, you trained Gaby. She's practically a mini-me but with dark hair. You've molded her into the perfect cheerleader captain. Trust me, they know what they're doing."
"Honestly, I'm intrigued to see your high school, Mom. You rarely talk about your days there." Asher chimed in, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
The parents exchanged a sad look, silently acknowledging that their kids were right. Talking about high school days was tough for them. Sophia and Jacob had been the glue that held their friend group like a family. Remembering them hurt, especially now that they were gone. Isaac, their son, looked so much like his dad, but he also had a bit of both his parents in him.
"Aunt Sue, I'm the new Columbus cheer captain. Your Cheerios are in for a rough ride. I'll make sure of that," proclaimed Gabrielle with a confident smile playing on her lips. Isaac, Asher, and Jayden burst into laughter.
"We trust you completely, love," her boyfriend reassured, echoed by nods of affirmation from the other two boys. Jatden then turned to Sue, ""From what I've heard, Aunt S, McKinley's cheer team is the only winning team in town."
Sue's face contorted into a pained expression as she gingerly brought the rim of her drink to her lips. "The football team is like a tragic comedy unfolding on the field. I'd rather poke my eyes out whilst setting myself on fire, than sit through their games, especially when Mr. Patheto-Hand is serving as the quarterback. It's a spectacle of ineptitude I can't wrap my head around. Ironically, my newly anointed captain is dating him," she added with disdain. "It's like a nauseatingly cliché script playing out before my eyes – the Head Cheerleader and Quarterback."
The McKinley Titans, clad in their vibrant red and white jerseys, huddled tightly on one side of the expansive field. Their eyes swept across the football stadium in Columbus High, taking in the sea of enthusiastic fans, all donned in the signature black and white Bulldogs gear. The air buzzed with anticipation as the stands reached maximum capacity, creating a pulsating energy that could be felt throughout the entire stadium. Signs proclaiming 'WELCOME TO THE DAWG POUND' waved vigorously among the crowd, adding to the visual spectacle.
The stadium lights illuminated the field, casting long shadows as the Bulldogs cheerleaders, their uniforms a striking black and white contrast, performed routines on the sidelines. As the crowd roared with excitement, the dark-haired captain of the Bulldogs' cheerleading squad stepped forward, a microphone in hand. The stadium speakers amplified her voice, turning it into a powerful force that resonated through the air. Quinn raised an eyebrow, curious about what was about to unfold.
"Good evening, Bulldogs, how are we feeling tonight?"she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the electrified atmosphere. The crowd responded with a thunderous roar, a symphony of cheers that enveloped the Titans like a relentless wave, making them feel like intruders in a hostile territory.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned into the microphone, "My, my, Columbus, that's a lot of excitement. What do you say if we spice things up a little, show the other team what we're all about? How does that sound?"
A collective roar erupted from the Bulldogs' faithful, their cheers echoing against the stadium walls. The cheerleader chuckled, her infectious energy spreading like wildfire. "Alright, Bulldogs, listen up! When I say, 'But she wears short skirts,' what do you say?"
"I WEAR T-SHIRTS!" The response was thunderous, a unified declaration that reverberated through the stands. The cheerleader's laughter intertwined with the crowd's exuberance. "Okay, okay, and if I say, 'She's Cheer Captain,' what do you say, Bulldogs? Let the other team hear you!"
"I'M ON THE BLEACHERS!" The crowd responded with fervor, each word resonating through the air like a battle cry. Suddenly, the familiar melody of "You Belong With Me" filled the stadium. The crowd's energy reached a new level as the Bulldogs' team, clad in their black and white jerseys, took the field, ready for the Homecoming game.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me," she sneered, her words laced with disdain, directed at the peculiar spectacle unfolding before them. She shot a sideways glance to her right, her skepticism evident. "Are you really seeing the same thing as me? The only thing they're missing is some freaking ballet skirts."
"I think they look cute," Brittany commented to her left, her eyes fixed on the group in question. "They're jocks and they enjoy Taylor Swift, I like it. In McKinley, this wouldn't happen."
Quinn found herself nodding in reluctant agreement with Brittany. At McKinley High, the football players and cheerleaders rarely crossed paths with the glee club members. If they did, they would just slushy them. However, she found herself in a unique situation since her boyfriend, Finn, the team's quarterback had become recently a member of the glee club. Just as she was about to voice her thoughts, a particular player on the field caught her attention.
The tall figure seemed to tower over his teammates, and something about him felt oddly familiar to her. She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but her gaze fixated on the number 7 written in black on the boy's white sweater. Memories flooded back – Him. He had also chosen the same number on his jersey, even though she had never seen him play with it. He had selected it just for her because it was her favorite number. "You have to forget about him," she scolded herself mentally, attempting to push aside the resurfacing emotions.
"Fabray, your boyfriend honestly sucks," Santana's voice broke through her thoughts, snapping her attention back to the game. The first quarter had already passed, and their team was trailing 4-0.
In an attempt to rally support for her boyfriend, she sought to make eye contact with him on the field. When her eyes finally locked onto him, she offered a supportive smile. With white pom poms in hand, she energetically waved them in an attempt to lift his spirits. Finn spotted her on the sidelines and reciprocated with a thumbs-up.
The final score echoed through the stadium: 17-0. The McKinley Titans had suffered a defeat, and they found themselves reluctantly high-fiving the victorious Columbus Bulldogs amid the cheers of the fans. As the celebration unfolded, Finn approached her, removing his helmet with a crestfallen look and slumped shoulders.
"Hello," he greeted, seeking solace. She prepared to cheer him up when something caught her eye over his shoulder. The crowd erupted into chants of 'ACE! ACE! ACE!' as the boy, wearing number 7, took off his helmet, letting his sweaty hair cascade under the stadium lights. She froze as she recognized the familiar face.
The exuberant cheers of the crowd faded into a distant hum as Quinn focused on a familiar figure amidst the celebration. As she approached him, a wave of disbelief and dizziness washed over her. Trembling, she stammered, "Isaac?"
Brown curls adorned his head, slightly damp with sweat, as he basked in the glory of the win. Her eyes scanned him, absorbing the changes time had etched upon him. He's grown, she noted, the realization sinking in. Indeed, he now matched the height of his father, a stark contrast from the boy she last remembered.
A radiant smile adorned the fifteen-year-old's face as the crowd roared, friends slapping him on the shoulder in congratulation. He turned, and his hazel eyes met hers, a smile lingering on his lips.
"Hey," he greeted him with an air of casualness, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. As he approached, he nonchalantly brushed his curls off his forehead, bending down slightly to bridge the gap between their heights.
"You should look for a better quarterback; the current one is… for lack of a better word, absolutely useless."
Did he not recognize her?
She didn't seek attention for Lucy and sure she was now blonde, but him, he should recognize her. Quinn's anger flared up at his casual remark of her, and she snapped, a mixture of frustration and hurt.
"Are you kidding me right now?"
Isaac's surprise registered in his hazel eyes, genuine concern replacing the playful twinkle. "I'm sorry, it was a joke. I didn't mean to upset you…?" Realization hit her as he awaited her response.
Doesn't he remember me? Panic set in. Doesn't he know who I am?
"Fabray," she forced out, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Quinn Fabray."
"Cute name." Isaac's boyish smile persisted, dimples accentuating his cheeks. Her heart skipped a beat. "Isaac Hargrave." A distant call interrupted their conversation, and he glanced back, laughter bubbling forth.
"Well, Quinn, I have to go, but it's been nice meeting you."
"Yeah, me too,"