This year will be my year. The Glee club is on the path to win Nationals! I just know it. With my vocal abilities and overall performance talent I bring to the team, we will win this year. And once we win, we will be the most popular students in McKinley. Then, finally, these neanderthals will see that they were wrong to bully us all these ye–
"Watch it freak!" Was shouted in the hallway followed by a series of laughter. Rachel of course could not see who spoke those words due to the cold red dyed beverage dripping from her face. The small brunette wipes the icy slushy from her eyes and turns to her locker. Holding her chin high, she reaches for her bag of backup clothes. She slams her locker door shut and heads to the nearest bathroom ignoring the Monday morning laughter coming from her fellow classmates.
Maybe this year wouldn't be that different after all.
The cafeteria was fully loaded with the student body of McKinley including the glee club. At their usual table sat Kurt, Mercedes, Artie, Tina, and Mike. Over at the popular table was Quinn, Santana, Brittany, Noah, Finn and Sam. Over the summer, Quinn worked on getting her popularity back to where it was before her pregnancy. Dating the newest student, Sam Evans, was also helping her out. Finn and Noah had managed to regain their standing with the football team and confirm they were the top dogs once again. It seems order has been restored to McKinley. Which was a good thing, if you were part of the popular crowd of course.
"You know you don't have to sit here with us if you don't want to babe." Tina smiles up to Mike as she feeds him a french fry.
"I know but I like sitting with you. Trust me, soon the guys will be sitting here too. They are just trying to round the troops back on their side." Mike gives Tina a reassuring smile and eats another fry.
"If you say so, but we all know it's not going to stop any slushy from hitting our faces," Mercedes mentions with an eye roll.
"True that, I heard Rachel already got one this morning. She wasn't even on school grounds for an hour yet." Artie states.
"Where is Rachel anyway? I expected her to come and show us what solos we should let her do for sectionals." Kurt says as he looks around the cafeteria but doesn't spot the diva. The rest of the table shrugs and continues with their meals and talking about the summer gossip.
"San, can we go say hi?" Brittany asks as she tries to stack her french fries.
"No Brit, I already told you. We only talk to them when we are in the Glee club for at least a month. Once the fear of Snix is embedded into each Cheerio, then we can do whatever we want."
Brittany pouts and rests her head on Santana's shoulder. "No fun, I want to feed Mike french fries too. Don't you want to Q?"
Quinn looks away from Sam and smiles softly to Brittany, "No but I can see why that would seem like fun for you." Santana chuckles lightly. The three had been inseparable this past summer especially after Santana came out to Quinn about her and Brittany. Quinn felt a deep urge to protect the two from the horrors McKinley High can easily give anyone who is a part of the LGBTQ community. She saw what happened to Kurt and that wasn't going to happen to Brittany, not under hers and Santana's watch.
"I hope you guys make everyone scared of us really fast. I like sitting with them. They are funny, even Rachel, when she starts talking really fast and puffing her chest." Brittany laughs at the memory that floods her mind.
"Where is she anyway?" Santana asks.
Quinn looks around and doesn't spot her anywhere. "She got slushied this morning by one of the rugby boys. No one has seen her since," Brittany says.
Santana casts a glance over to Quinn and sees the blonde biting her bottom lip before shaking her head and going back to talk to Sam.
It was true, no one had spotted Rachel since the slushy earlier that morning. The tiny brunette had gone to the girls restroom to change into another set of clothes. As soon as she exited the bathroom, a flock of sophomore Cheerios who wanted to impress their captains threw another slushy at her. Rachel was not prepared for a double hitter. Rushing back into the bathroom, she had tried to clean up as much as she could. But her clothes were ruined, she couldn't attend class dirty and sticky. So the brunette was sitting in the nurse's office for the first 4 periods of class waiting for her clothes to be dropped off. Luckily the nurse got approval from Principal Figgins to allow Rachel to miss those classes.
Lunch time had arrived and Rachel decided to spend it in the auditorium by her favorite piano. She smiles as she looks down at the lunchbox before her.
"You didn't have to do all of this.." She says shyly playing with the hem of her skirt.
"I thought a nice little picnic would cheer you up, you've had a rough first day." Rachel smiles up at the brunette before her.
"You, Alexandra Ruiz, are the best girlfriend anyone can ever ask for."
Girlfriend. That's right. My girlfriend. I, Rachel Berry, have a partner who is beautiful, smart, musically talented, and interested in me! Take that McKinley.
Rachel met Alex over summer break. Rachel's fathers had surprised her with a two week trip to New York City and the diva could not have been happier. She had the whole trip planned out, sightseeing, Broadway shows, strolls in Central Park, maybe even a sporting event at Madison Square Garden for Leroy. What Rachel didn't plan was to accidentally bump into a lovely female at the Museum of Natural History right under the giant Whale.
Alex was a tan skinned latina with tight curly hair that she often will comb out into a pony tail. Alex was so forward and honest that Rachel was for the first time ever in her life, speechless. They went out on a date the next night and the rest of the vacation, Rachel and Alex spent some part of each day together. By the time the vacation came to an end, Alex and Rachel promised to keep in touch and they did. The two talked every day on the phone.
By the end of July, Alex had informed Rachel that she was actually moving to Ohio. Alexandra's father was in the military and she was used to moving from base to base over the years. Rachel was overjoyed by the news but also knew it must be hard to transfer to a new school your senior year. Alex was a year older than Rachel and the two bonded over their plans to go to college in NYC. Now that Alex was going to McKinley with Rachel, the tiny brunette could show off her girlfriend to everyone and have a new glee member.
Today was Alex's first day at McKinley but the entire morning was setting up her schedules, getting a tour of the school, and hearing Figgins talking about his time in New York City. So when she got a text from Rachel asking for some help, she immediately went into savior mode. Alex had heard from Rachel about the bullying and small mindedness of the student body over the summer, but it was still a culture shock. She thought a nice picnic would make Rachel feel a bit better and luckily it did.
"I'm glad you think so highly of me. It'd be awkward if you just saw me as a basic average girlfriend." She smiles wide as she offers Rachel a strawberry. "So what time is Glee club?"
"Right after school. We can meet at my locker after the last period and go together? I can introduce you to everyone."
Alex nods as she sips her apple cider, "Yeah sounds like a plan. I hope they like my audition song.."
"Nonsense. I've heard you sing, I know you will do amazing. Your vocal range is just what we need. Your range fits perfectly between Quinn and Santana. This year we will destroy Vocal Adrenaline." Alex chuckles at Rachel's enthusiasm. The bell rings and the two quickly clean up the picnic set up.
"I'll see you at the end of the day, text me if you need anything babe." Alex smiles and places a soft kiss on Rachel's cheek. "Next time someone messes with you, I want names!" She calls out as she lightly jogs over to the exit.
"I do not promote violence!" Rachel replies with a giggle. Grabbing her bookbag, she smiles as she walks to her next class. Today was turning around and she just knew Glee club would be even better.
Glee club was about to start in 10 minutes and Alex had still not arrived at Rachel's locker. The future Broadway star was practically bouncing in place as she waited. She was never late and whenever she was, it was for very good reason.
In the glee club, the majority of the students had piled in. The only three missing were Rachel, Finn and Mr. Schue.
"Anyone seen Berry?" Santana asks as she leans closer to Brittany so the blonde can play with her hair.
"Yeah, she was in Algebra today. I heard she missed her morning classes because she got slushied real bad. The second came from the Cheerios, know anything about that?" Kurt responds with a raised brow aimed at the Unholy Trinity.
Quinn sits back in her seat matching his raised brow. "No one over here called the hit on Berry if that's what you are asking Hummel."
"Yeah Porcelain, we have turned a new leaf. No one from the Glee club will get slushied by the Unholy Trinity, nor will we order any hits unless you truly deserve it." Santana adds casually.
The members' eyes go wide as they all look at the three girls who were trying to be nonchalant about the announcement.
"Snix say what now?" Artie asks as he turns his chair to face them.
Brittany smiles wide as she answers, "I told Quinn and Santana that I want all of us to be friends. And that we shouldn't be mean anymore so now we can all be friends in glee and in the hallways. We are like the little fishes that stick to the sharks. We are the sharks and you guys are the little fishes."
Everyone remains silent as they digest Brittany's analogy. Before anyone can comment, Finn and Mr. Schue walked in. "Alright guys! Welcome back, I hope you all had a great summer vacation. Did anyone do anything fun?" Brittany raises her hand and Mr. Schue points to her with a smile, "Yes Brittany."
"I learned to fly!"
Before anyone could comment, Santana quickly responded, "We went to an indoor skydiving place."
"Okay.. nice! Anyone else?"
"Yes, I have some news Mr. Schue. As you all know, this summer I met someone who is now officially my boyfriend. His name is Blaine. He goes to Dalton Academy which is actually one of our competitors this year. However, Blaine is transferring over to McKinley and would like to audition for our Glee Club. His first day is tomorrow."
"Hummel's got a boyfriend?! And I'm single… what's going on?" Puck says as he looks down, shaking his head. A few of them chuckle at Puck as they give Mr. Schue their attention again.
"Congratulations Kurt, I'm happy you found someone. And he is welcome to audition on Wednesday, we'd love more members."
"Thank you." Kurt smiles and receives a light nudge from Mercedes with a smile. All summer she heard from Kurt how happy Blaine was making him and that made Mercedes happy for her friend.
"Okay now – wait, where is Rachel?"
"Maybe the lollipop kids took her back to Munchkin Land.." Once again, eyes went to Brittany.
"Mr. Schue! I'm so sorry I am late!" Rachel charges into the classroom dragging Alex by the hand.
"She followed the yellow brick road!" Santana smiles and pats Brittany's lap.
"Rachel, it's okay," He smiles at her then looks at Alex, "And who might this be?"
"Mr. Schue, this is Alexandra. She is my –"
"She's hot.." Puck interrupts as he winks at Alex. He is met with a smack to the back of the head from Quinn, "Ow! The hell?"
"Stop looking at everyone like a piece of meat and you'll be hit less." Quinn's expression is neutral but her eyes were locked on the interlocked hands between the two girls.
"Aren't you the new girl? I heard a rumor that you played on the football team in your old school." Sam says, curious if it is true or not.
"Yeah, I heard the reason you transferred over was because you were a suspect for murder and your parents needed to get you away." Artie adds.
"Someone said you were a Taurus but you don't look like a turtle to me…" Alex just looks at Brittany with a soft smile, Rachel told her about Brittany.
"Okay, I am the new girl. Yes, I played for my old school's football team. I was the kicker. I played soccer for a few years and my coach thought it'd help the team. No, I was never a suspect in a murder. And I am not a turtle, but my Zodiac sign is a Taurus." Brittany nods, accepting that answer.
Mr. Schue clears his throat trying to regain control of the class, "Pleasure to meet you Alexandra, are you here to audition for our glee club?"
"You can all call me Alex, and yes. Rachel told me about your club and I'd love to join."
"Can you even sing?" Finn asks, his eyes were also looking at Rachel and Alex's conjoined hands.
"Finn –" Rachel was ready to defend Alex but her girlfriend gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll let you guys be the judge of that. Is it cool if I sing something?"
"Yes, of course. The floor is yours." Mr. Schue smiles and takes an empty seat between Mike and Mercedes. Rachel smiles at Alex wishing her good luck before taking her usual seat near Finn. Alex walks over to the piano and sets her bag down before lifting the lid to reveal the keys. Soon the soft notes of Donny Hathaway's 'A Song For You' fills the choir room.
I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs
I've made some bad rhymes
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now
And I'm singing this song to you
Rachel leans forward with her hands interlocked under her chin, smiling at the smooth voice of her girlfriend. She loved hearing Alex sing.
I know your image of me
Is what I hoped to be
I treated you unkindly
But darling, can't you see?
There's no one more important to me
Baby, can't you see through me?
'Cause we're alone now
And I'm singing this song to you
You taught me precious secrets
Of a true love withholding nothing
You came out in front when I was hiding
Now I'm so much better
Finn crosses his arms over his chest and sits back in his seat. Something was up, something wasn't sitting right with him. He didn't like Alex, he didn't know why yet, but he knew he didn't.
And if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody
'Cause my love is in there hiding
I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You're a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
Quinn kept casting glances over to Rachel gauging her reaction to the song. She knows Rachel loves hearing good singers sing, so maybe her enthusiasm was only towards that. Or she is hoping that's the reason.
I love you in a place
Where there's no space or time
I love you for my life
You're a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song, mm
Singing this song to you
When Alex hits her final note, the glee club fills the room with applause except for Finn and Quinn. The two just sit back and watch everyone's reaction.
"Wow, that was amazing! Great control, range, there's only one thing left to say. Alex, welcome to the New Directions!"
Everyone claps and congratulates Alex. Rachel squeals with excitement and skips over to Alex. Without a second thought, she wraps her arms around Alex's neck and kisses her lips.
"Woah!"
"Oh my god.."
"Oh snap."
"Sweet Lady Kisses!"
"Rachel, what the hell!" Finn stands from his chair furious by what he just saw.
"So hot.." Puck says, gaining a harder slap from Quinn who looked angry.
"What? I tried to tell you all before I was rudely interrupted by Noah's comment. This is Alex, my girlfriend."
Everyone in the glee club was frozen in place except for one. Santana Lopez was lightly chuckling looking at everyone's expression, especially one of HBIC, Quinn Fabray.
"Wanky."