Hi everyone! I know that my upload schedule hasn't been much of... well, a schedule. Life is kicking it into high gear with school and work starting up again. However, before it gets to hectic, I wanted to go ahead and get this chapter out for you! This one is shorter and more light-hearted than previous chapters, so I hope you enjoy. Next chapter is NATIONALS! Stay tuned...
Episode 5x10: PROM!
Synopsis: After spending some time at MIT, Brittany S. Pierce (Heather Morris) decides enough is enough and returns to McKinley... just in time for PROM! Tina pushes hard for prom queen, while Unique's confidence is derailed as two returning bullies encourage her to not go to prom as her true self. Also, Sugar (Vanessa Lengies) finally gets a solo!
Absent: Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson, Lea Michele as Rachel Berry, Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez
"Miss Pierce, what is 5,752,293,288 divided by 958,715,548?"
Brittany S. Pierce had packed her bags and left little Lima, Ohio, to take an early acceptance at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A year ago (or even a few months ago) she would've thought they were crazy for pursuing her. However, after scoring a near-perfect SAT score with a record-breaking low GPA, they were intrigued. They were especially intrigued when they found a sequence of numbers on the back of her test, which when viewed in various sequences, appear to have great scientific significance. She participated in Regionals with the New Directions and then moved onto MIT.
She liked it fine; she wore red socks every day to support the Boston Red Sox and ate nothing but clam chowder and baked beans. But, she missed being at McKinley. She missed being a Cheerio and a member of the glee club, she missed her cats... she missed Santana. She sat, staring into space as she attempted to complete the math problem presented by her MIT colleagues, but all her mind could do was wander and find itself in high school. She wanted her old life back.
"I don't know.. six?" She responded, glancing up at the monitor before her.
Ding ding! Somehow, she was correct. The professors glanced at each other with satisfied smiles as they began to clap for Brittany, who simply sat there, unamused.
Brittany turned and looked directly into the 'camera' and began speaking to herself. "Ever since I came to this place full of gingers and alcoholics, my life has became a circus."
The scientist who delivered the equation spoke into the intercom. "Miss Pierce, who are you talking to?"
"I thought I was doing a voiceover..." She looked at the scientist and yelled, "Hit it!"
"What am I hitting?"
Brittany groaned. "I guess this will all have to be a Brittany S. Pierce musical, in-my-head, at the dentist with John Stamos fantasy."
{The scene shows Brittany sitting in the lab as scientists work around her}
There's only two types of people in the world
The ones that entertain and the ones that observe
{The scientists are shown observing an annoyed Brittany}
Well, baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kinda girl
Don't like the backseat, gotta be first
{Brittany climbs out of her chair}
I'm like the ringleader, I call the shots
I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot
{Brittany begins to dance}
When I put on a show
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins
Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
{The scene cuts to Brittany and various scientists dancing through the halls of MIT}
All eyes on me in the center of the ring
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor
Just like a circus
{The scene cuts to Brittany in a circus fantasy, looking very similar to the real Circus music video, dancing with various circus acts}
When I put on a show
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins
Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
{The scene cuts to Brittany walking down the halls of McKinley
Let's go
Let me see what you can do
I'm runnin' this (like-like-like-like a circus)
Yeah, like a what? (Like-like-like-like a circus)
{Cheerios begin to backup dance for Brittany}
All eyes on me in the center of the ring
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor
Just like a circus
{Brittany walks into Mr. Schue's office, where he sits at his desk, surprised to see her}
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor
Just like a circus
As the number ended, Mr. Schue stood up and looked at her. "Brittany? What are you doing here?"
Brittany looked at Mr. Schue and smiled. "I'm back. It's Brittany, bitch."
"Alright guys, listen up!" Mr. Schue announced at the front of the choir room as the glee club entered the room. "Two items on the agenda. One, Finn will not be with us this week. He has finals coming up over at the University of Lima, so he needs to study and ace them so he can continue to pursue his degree."
"Is he gonna miss Nationals like he did for Regionals?" Kitty snorted. "What dedication he has..."
"Finn will 100% be in Los Angeles with us this time next week," Mr. Schue reassured. "Let's give him our thoughts as he finishes out his semester."
"He's probably kicking something over in his dorm room as we speak," Artie whispered to Tina.
"Now, it's time for our next order of business," Mr. Schue continued as he motioned to the door. "We have a former member of the New Directions returning for the remainder of the year. She left us not too long ago, but she's found her way home... Brittany S. Pierce!"
Brittany entered the choir room to lots of excitement and cheers. Sugar leaped out of her seat and lunged to hug her friend, the two of them squealing as they embraced. Everyone was happy to see their former friend; everyone except Sam, at least, who frowned as he finally saw his ex once again.
Bree was another student who wasn't exactly jumping for joy to see Brittany. "Wasn't this the girl who tried enforcing a rollerblade shoe policy a few years ago?"
Brittany, still hugging Sugar, looked to her and responded, "I wanted to make walking to classes a bit more fun, and give a new meaning to the phrase 'let's roll.'" She briefly studied Bree before adding, "I'm not sure who this new girl is, but she looks an awful lot like Santana, and I think I'm now in love with her."
"Okay..." Mr. Schue cleared his throat. "Alright, everyone, sit down. We've got to discuss our Nationals setlist. Here's what I'm thinking-"
Once again, Mr. Schue was interrupted, this time by Sue Sylvester on the intercom. "Good afternoon, McKinley High. This year, all of the proms are being fused into one giant Brundleprom!"
Everyone in the choir room was confused. "What's a Brundleprom?" Marley asked aloud.
"I don't get that reference..." Jake mumbled.
Ryder snapped his fingers and pointed up, as if a lightbulb went off over his head. "That's from The Fly."
Sue continued. "And now, for the moment that will crush 99% of your misguided views about your own popularity, here are your nominees for prom king and queen. First, here are your nominees for prom king... Blaine Anderson. Mohamed Omar. Artie Abrams. "Stoner" Brett Bukowski."
The choir room bursted into applause and excitement at the prospect of Blaine and Artie being nominated for prom king. However, Sam remained confused. "Wait, I really didn't get nominated for king?"
"And now onto the queen..." Sue began.
Please let it be me, God, Tina thought to herself, closing her eyes and crossing her fingers. Please let it be me, Yahweh. Please let it be me.
"Kitty Wilde."
Kitty clapped, although confused. "But I'm a sophomore..."
"Aimee Ryan. Jordan Stern." Sue looked at her notecards and rolled her eyes. "And, inexplicably, Tina Cohen-Chang."
Tina's eyes lit up as she began to jump and cheer around the choir room. "YES!"
"Congratulations! Six of you will be disappointed." Sue concluded her announcements, signing off.
Tina high-fived Mr. Schue as the rest of her glee club classmates clapped for her, nothing but smiles on their faces. Sam stood up, particularly happy. "Wow, Tina! Even though I'm not nominated, it's such an honor to be going to prom with a potential queen?"
"Wait, you guys are going to prom together?" Blaine asked with a raised eyebrow and a hint of frustration. "But last week you told me you guys just got... whatever 'you guys' are out of your system?"
"Whatever your problem is with Sam and I as an item, it's so last episode, so zip it," Tina snapped as she whipped her head toward Sam. "And you, take a seat." Reluctantly, Sam took a seat. "I need to maximize my odds of taking the crown, so I think I'm gonna go with a group of single gals to corner the dejected wallflower vote, and then reunite with Sam at the end of prom, like Lindsay Lohan ala the end of Mean Girls. This is my time and I am going for it." She finished through gritted teeth before smiling like nothing ever happened. "Can I count on all of your votes?"
A hush fell over the crowd. "Awkward..." Unique whispered gently as her eyes drifted to Kitty. It seemed a majority of the glee club may be voting for Kitty; her and Tina both tended to be a bit unlikable, but with the amount of new blood in the New Directions, a lot of them felt closer to Kitty.
However, Kitty couldn't seem more disinterested if she tried, looking at Tina and shrugging. "You've got mine. I've got more shots at prom queen. It's Tina's time!"
"I agree." The bell rang, and everyone quickly began to disperse, and as they did, Tina began to remind them to vote for her to win prom queen.
Later on during the day, in the hallway, Brittany walked up to her locker... or, what she thought was her locker. Dottie Kazatori stood where Brittany once stood, going through her things inside the locker. As Dottie found what she was looking for, which happened to be a folder of flyers advertising Tina's prom queen campaign, she couldn't help but feel the gaze of Brittany S. Pierce staring at her. She turned to her and waved with a smile. "Hi, Brittany. Welcome back! Are you going to vote for Tina for prom queen? I know you have a connection to Kitty and all, with you being a Cheerio, but it turns out that if you don't vote for Tina, then you are discriminating against Asian women everywhere, including myself."
"Well, discrimination is bullying, and I won't tolerate that, so I guess I will vote for Tina!" Brittany nodded proudly.
"Great!" Dottie cheered happily, handing Brittany a flyer. "Well, I'm not sure if it's discriminating against all Asian women. That's just what Tina told me to say..."
Brittany glanced at the flyer and then at the locker. "Dottie, I've always had a soft spot for you because you reminded me of what Velma from Scooby-Doo's favorite Dunkin Donuts Munchkin flavor would be," she admitted, "but that's my locker."
Dottie looked at the locker, and then at Brittany, before gulping. "But since you technically left McKinley, Principal Figgins gave it to me..."
"Well, as former senior class president, I am requesting my locker back."
"The seniors graduate in less than a month," Dottie argued. "I don't want to give up my locker when I still have a few years left at this school."
"It's my locker!" Brittany whined.
"You know what? Tina was right; blondes are discriminatory against Asian women!" Dottie screamed, catching the attention of everyone in the hallway, including Sam. "That's why you can't vote for Kitty Wilde. And you know what? That's what Brittany S. Pierce hates Asian women. This Asian women right here took a locker that was rightfully hers, and the Asian woman on her flyer took her man, Sam!" Dottie pointed in Brittany's face. "Stop Asian hate, and vote Tina before it's too late!" She began to march down the halls, chanting the rhyme as she passed out flyers.
Brittany stood, dumbfounded, by her former (and Dottie's current) locker as Sam approached her. He glanced back at Dottie before looking back to Brittany. "Tina's kind of brainwashed her..."
Brittany blinked. "My life is like a circus, I say in reference to the Britney Spears number I did earlier."
"Are you narrating again?" Sam asked.
"Crap, did I say that out loud?"
Sam nodded.
"Sorry, that was meant for my voiceover," Brittany shook her head before looking at the locker again. "You always understood my ability to talk over events. But, speaking of understanding, I don't." She motioned to the locker. "It's a stupid locker. Why can't I have it?"
Sam took a deep breath before grabbing Brittany's hand and dragging her to an empty classroom, shutting the door behind him. "Brittany, listen-"
"No, Sam, I didn't come back to confess my love to you," she objected, pacing the room. "I came back to help Lady Tubbington have an intervention for Lord Tubbington. He's back on a gambling kick, and he's going to be banned from his cat basketball league like Michael Jordan was during the mid-90s."
"First of all, that Michael Jordan thing is a rumor," Sam objected, taking a seat next to her. "And second, I know why you came back here."
Brittany blinked. "To earn my high pony back?"
"Sort of," Sam admitted with a chuckle. "You don't like change, Brittany. You don't like MIT so you came back here to finish your senior year the way you should have. With the glee club, on the Cheerios... on top. You just wanted everything to be the way you left it, but things change. Like, for example, Dottie has your old locker, a-and I'm sort of an item with Tina. Finn is becoming a teacher like Mr. Schue, and Santana's moved on too."
Brittany paused. "Santana what?"
"She has a new girlfriend," Sam said, continuing on with his point. "The point is, change is good. We're all growing up, and we're moving onto bigger and better things. But, sometimes, change can be bad. Like, you leaving glee club. Okay, it hasn't been the same without you, and now that you're back, we have a chance to finish high school the way we should have. Me, you, Tina, Artie, Blaine, Sugar, Joe, those band kids we don't really know, Becky Jackson... we've been apart of each others lives for almost four years, so we should finish out the year on a high note. Together." He put an arm around her as Brittany slowly relaxed. "Don't let the little things tear you down, like Dottie taking your locker, o-or Santana having a new girlfriend in New York. This is your time to shine, just as much as it is Tina's. We've got prom, we've got Nationals, and we've got graduation. Let's keep moving forward and finish out high school with our heads held high."
Brittany couldn't help but grin. "My heart is broken into a million itty bitty pieces with the news that Santana is dating someone else, but that speech of yours reminded me of Captain America. Very inspiring."
Cue Sam's best Chris Evans impression; "I understood that reference."
"Sam, to be honest, I wasn't ready for college. I jumped the gun and left too early, and you're right, I wanted things to be right where we left them, but nothing lasts forever, and I should make these last few weeks count."
Sam nodded. "We'll do it together, okay? We may not be together anymore but I still care about you, and I always will. You're one of my best friends."
Brittany nodded. "That means a lot, Sam. I'm glad I have you."
Bram hugged, as they stood up and made their way out of the classroom, discussing their plans for prom.
Meanwhile, on the other side of school, Unique browsed through magazines in her locker, trying to find the perfect dress to wear, as Marley stood next to her.
"I'm glad Jake took me to Breadstix to ask me to prom, but I've gotta be honest, I was expecting another Marvin Gaye duet in Mr. Schue's history class," she spoke, leaning against the locker next to Unique's.
"Honey, You're All I Need To Get By was all Ryder's idea." The mention of his name made Unique frown. They had made up from the whole catfishing scandal, but still, she knew their friendship would never be the same. She still had feelings for him, feelings that would never be reciprocated, and that destroyed her inside.
Marley nodded, clearly not wanting to discuss her and Ryder's former flame, nor Unique's feelings for him. "So, are you gonna ask anyone to prom?"
Unique shook her head. "I am a strong, independent black woman. I don't need anyone to take me to prom." She shut her locker and turned to Marley. "What dress are you going to wear?"
Marley's eye's lit up. "Oh, I had the perfect one. I have a picture on my phone, but it's in my locker, I'll be right back."
As Marley ran away, Unique found herself standing alone. Well, that was until Bobby Surette and Phil Lipoff walked up to her. The two member of McKinley's wrestling team usually picked on Jake for be mixed, or Marley's mom for being overweight, but other than a brief slushie, never really spoke to Unique. That was, until now. Bobby looked her up and down and sneered, "Well, if it isn't the Q in LGBTQ-XYZ... who gives a crap?" Suddenly, the fierce and fearless attitude Unique typically equipped vanished.
Phil laughed before adding, "It must be hell hiking up that lovely dress at a urinal. So, you going to prom as a dude or a dudette?"
"That is, if it goes at all, which it shouldn't. Keep prom to the real guys and girls, right?"
They laughed before high-fiving again. Unique flinched at the sound.
"Hey, don't be scared, we're all guys here!" Bobby laughed as Phil snatched the wig off Unique's head and threw it to the floor before the two walked off.
Unique stared at the wig on the floor before looking up and realizing that everybody who walked by didn't even notice. Maybe they did, but didn't care. She always felt comfortable and at home at McKinley, but maybe it was just because she spent most of her time in the choir room with the New Directions. Maybe she had forgotten how unaccepting the world was outside of that choir room. Glee club built her confidence up and made her realize her worth; but it was funny how one quick interaction could tear all of that back down to nothing.
{Unique stands in the hallway, alone, tears welling up in her eyes as she begins to sing to herself}
If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I'd roll out of bed in the morning
Throw on what I wanted and go
{Unique begins to walk down the hallway as she wipes her tears away}
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls
I'd kick it with who I wanted
And I'd never get confronted for it
'Cause they stick up for me
{The scene cuts to Unique in the choir room as the glee club and Mr. Schue watch her perform, looks of support on their faces}
If I were a boy
I think I could understand
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I'd be a better man
{Ryder and Unique quickly make eye contact, but they both look away out of awkwardness. Marley is then shown, tearing up herself, as Jake consoles her}
I'd listen to her
'Cause I know how it hurts
{Artie and Kitty are shown holding hands}
When you lose the one you wanted
'Cause he's taking you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
{Tina is shown, a look of sorrow and guilt on her face. Unique continues to sing her heart out, albeit with tears streaming down her face}
It's a little too late for you to come back
Say it's just a mistake
Think I'd forgive you like that
If you thought I would wait for you
You thought wrong
{Ryder is shown with a sad, conflicted face on}
But you're just a boy
You don't understand
How it feels to love a girl
Someday you wish you were a better man
{Sugar is shown wiping tears away as Mr. Schue shakes his head in frustration. Unique, with the spotlight on her, continues to belt out the number}
Oh! You don't listen to her
And you don't care how it hurts, oh oh!
Until you lose the one you wanted
'Cause you've taken her for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
But you're just a boy
Just barely keeping it together, Unique finished her performance, looking down at her feet as her lip quivered. The New Directions remained silent, in awe of what had transpired to Unique in those halls. Jake, breaking the silence, stood up. "We need some names."
Ryder hesitated before standing up to join Jake. Again, they had made up, but he wasn't sure where he and Unique officially stood after the whole Katie situation. "Yeah. You know, some people at this school need to get their asses kicked to learn not to mess with you anymore." Sam stood up with them.
Bree chimed in. "I have a lot of pent up aggression, I'd love to get all Fight Club on some degenerates."
Mr. Schue, being the adult and the voice of reason, stood up and shook his head. "Come on, guys, you know that's not a solution." He walked to Unique and put a hand on her shoulder.
"No!" Sam exclaimed. "Enough is enough!"
"Mr. Schue is right," Unique said with a disappointed tone. "I love you guys, and your support means everything, but it won't fix anything. In fact, it will make everything worse." She sighed and looked to her friends, with a soft, fake smile. "You guys enjoy prom. Unique will not be attending."
Marley stood up in protest. "Unique, we want you there with us! We will be there for you the entire time. We will defend you!"
Unique shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't." She picked up her purse, and with one final sniffle, exited the choir room, leaving everyone with nothing but looks of failure and disappointment on their faces. What could they do to protect their friend?
"So Tina and Sam, huh? That boy has made his way through damn near every girl in the glee club."
Kurt and Blaine were having their weekly Skype date, as Blaine filled Kurt in on everything happening at McKinley. "I know! Totally out of left field. Who would've thought?"
Kurt shrugged through the computer screen. "At least they're happy."
Blaine nodded. "Yeah. They could be seeing much worse people." He looked down before taking a deep breath and asking, "Kurt Hummel, will you go to prom with me?"
He frowned. "If I could afford a plane ticket," he answered sadly. "I've been dying to show off these new suits from , but I used all of my last paycheck to muster up enough money to fly back for graduation." Quickly, Kurt gave his boyfriend some sass. "Don't use this as an excuse to message lighthouses on Facebook."
"Shut up," Blaine rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "I knew it was a long shot, but I just figured I'd ask. Where are Santana and Rachel?"
"Rachel's at a Funny Girl rehearsal and Santana's getting dinner with Dani and Elliot. Why, what's up?"
"Brittany is back."
"Slap my ass and call me Judy." Kurt's jaw dropped.
Blaine nodded. "It's true. She came back from MIT and wanted to finish up senior year properly... and Sam spilled the beans about her and Dani, so Britt is all down in the dumps."
"Damn you, Sam," Kurt cursed his name. "Those damn trouty lips need to stay closed." He shrugged. "I would've preferred Santana being honest, but at least she knows. Hey, why don't you and Brittany go together? As friends, of course. Nobody should go to prom without someone to dance with!"
"Good idea," Blaine nodded. "I just hope this prom is as memorable and fun as our last two proms."
Kurt snorted. "I don't think anything will top the last two proms. Dinosaur themes, wheelchair-bound students standing up, Rebecca Black covers, Finn getting kicked out... pretty high bar."
"Plus, you won't be there."
"I know, babe," Kurt sighed. "Just a few more weeks and I'll be down to see you graduate, I promise. But don't let this ruin your senior prom!"
"I'll try," Blaine said, taking a handful of popcorn and eating it. "It'll be fun, I know it."
"Do me a favor and be there for Unique if she does end up showing up."
"I will."
"Alright, I've gotta go now. Need to claim the stove before Rachel comes back and makes some weird concoction to soothe her vocal cords." Kurt chuckled at his own joke. "I love you, Blaine."
"I love you, Kurt. Talk soon."
"Remember, enjoy prom!" Kurt demanded. "Bye!"
Blaine shut his computer and walked up to his mirror, revealing his suit for prom. He adjusted his bowtie, flashed himself a smile, and headed downstairs. It was time for the night of their lives.
{The scene cuts to prom in the McKinley High gym, with all of the students dancing in the middle of the floor. Sugar is standing on stage with the band as she performs her first solo to the crowd at prom, dancing as she sings to her fellow classmates}
You make me dance
Bring me up
Bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat
{Jake and Marley are shown dancing together amongst the crowd before a picture of them in their prom outfits is shown}
Makes me dance
Brings me up
Brings me down
Plays it sweet
Makes me move like a freak
{Artie and Kitty are shown dancing together amongst the crowd before a picture of them in their prom outfits is shown}
Mr. Saxo-
You make me dance
Bring me up
Bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat
{Tina and Sam are shown dancing together amongst the crowd before a picture of them in their prom outfits is shown. The scene cuts to Sugar, dancing seductively as she continues to sing}
Hey, sexy boy
Set me free
Don't be so shy
{Sugar points to Artie in the crowd, who is quickly wheeled away by Sugar}
Play with me
My dirty boy
Can't you see
That you belong
Next to me?
{Sugar messes with the drummer's hair as she continues to sing. Blaine and Brittany are shown dancing together amongst the crowd before a picture of them in their prom outfits is shown}
You make me dance
Bring me up
Bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat
{A picture of Phil and Bobby with Jordan (aka Neckbrace Cheerio) is shown on the screen, followed by a picture of Dottie with Stoner Brett}
Makes me dance
Brings me up
Brings me down
Plays it sweet
Makes me move like a freak
Mr. Saxo-
{A photo of the entire glee club (minus Bree) is shown, followed by one of Sue and Becky, and then Mr. Schue and Sue, who looks less than thrilled to be in a photo with Will Schuester}
You make me dance
Bring me up
Bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat
As the song came to an end and the crowd roared with applause, Sugar Motta yelled one last thing into the microphone.
"What up McKinley! My first solo! You're welcome! Prom, bitches!"
Jake finally decided to take a break from dancing his heart out with Marley as he made his way to the punch bowl, eager to quench his thirst. However, as he approached the bowl, he was met with a rather intense death stare from Sue Sylvester.
"Don't you even think about it, penny pincher."
Jake looked at her, confused. "Ignoring the prejudice in that Jewish stereotype to ask... think about what?"
"It has come to my attention that I've never had a direct conversation with you, and I'll be honest, I'm not keen on starting now, but I know your kind. I've dealt with Jewish students named Jacob and Jewish students with the last name Puckerman, hated both interactions." She looked down to the bowl of punch and then back up to Jake. "Your brother made it his life's mission to spike this punch with gin, and he almost got away with it. Almost." She pointed in his face, and through gritted teeth finished by saying, "No Puckerman will touch this punch. Not on my watch."
"I was just coming to get something to drink for Marley and I..."
"Well, the beautiful Marley Rose should come and get her own beverage if she chooses to become so parched."
Almost on cue, Marley came rushing over. "Babe, what's taking so long with the drinks?"
"Why don't you ask Adolf Sylvester here?" He rolled his eyes, motioning over to Sue.
"I beg your pardon? I have love and admiration for my Jewish students, specifically your brother."
"That's not what you just said to m-"
Jake was quickly interrupted as Sue poured two cups of punch and handed one to Marley, before lazily shoving the other into his hand. Before anything else could be said, Marley took his hand and pulled him away to a table where Bree, Kitty, Artie, and Ryder sat. "Hey guys!" Marley said happily as she approached. "Bree, you look gorgeous!" A few weeks ago, Bree likely would've made a comment about Marley's mom wishing she could look as good as her, but this time she just smiled and thanked her.
Ryder looked around before looking back to Marley and Jake. "Hey, where's Unique? We were expecting her to be with you guys."
Marley shook her head. "Haven't seen her all night. She didn't answer any of my texts when I was getting ready, either." She sighed. "I hope she's doing okay."
"Uh, guys..?" Artie's eyes had traveled to the gym's entrance.
In walked Unique. Well, in actuality, it was Wade who had arrived; no wig, no makeup, no dress. It was just Wade, wearing a stuffy suit and tie, looking miserable. As Unique made eye contact with her friends, her already lifeless expression somehow lost more life. Marley quickly rushed over, followed by Ryder. "Unique?" Marley asked in almost horror, looking up and down.
"It's Wade, actually." The tone of Unique's voice was heartbreaking.
"Why aren't you wearing the dress you showed me?" Marley asked, taking her hand. "What happened?"
"God doing right by the world, that's what happened," Phil said as he passed by with Bobby, laughing and pointing at Unique. "At least Wade didn't come dressed up as a catfish. Right, Ryder?"
Ryder quickly tried to make his way towards Phil and Bobby with aggression, but was stopped by Jake, who had walked over with Kitty, Bree, and Artie at just the right time. Phil and Bobby walked away as Ryder whipped his head back towards Unique. "Was it them? They're the ones who tormented you in the hallway, weren't they. Phil and Bobby?"
The group's conversation was cut short, however, as cheers were heard towards the stage. They looked over to see Brittany S. Pierce, on stage with a microphone in hand, standing next to Joe.
"Salutations fellow teenagers," she spoke loudly. "As your former senior class president, and the date of current senior class president Blaine Warbler, I still have authority over this school." She motioned to Joe and said, "My friend here with the hella good hair is going to sing a song for you all, and remember, bullying is not tolerated. It's just the Brittany S. Pierce way." She handed the mic to Joe as he signaled to the band to begin to play.
{Brittany rushes off stage as Joe begins to dance to the music}
Gimmie your, gimmie your, gimmie your attention, baby
I gotta tell you a little something about yourself
You're a wonderful, flawless, ooh you're a sexy lady
But you walk around here like you wanna be someone else
{Marley is shown looking at Unique}
Oh, woah-oh-oh
I know that you don't know it
But you're fine, so fine
Fine, so fine
Oh, woah-oh-oh
Oh, girl, I'm gonna show you when you're mine, oh mine
Mine, oh, mine
{The girls in the front of the crowd are shown screaming and cheering for Joe. Brittany and Sugar are amongst them}
Treasure
That is what you are
Honey, you're my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
{Joe reaches his hand out into the crowd as all the girls try to reach for it}
If you let me treasure you
Oh, oh
{Joe begins to dance slowly as Sam and Blaine come on stage to dance backup}
You are my treasure
You are my treasure
You are my treasure
Yeah you, you, you, you are
You are my treasure
You are my treasure
You are my treasure
Yeah you, you, you, you are
{The crowd is shown dancing}
Treasure
That is what you are
Honey, you're my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
{Joe reaches his hand out into the crowd as all the girls try to reach for it}
If you let me treasure you
Oh, oh
The song concluded as Sugar climbed up on stage and snatched the microphone from Joe, yelling, "Teen Jesus! Holla!"
Tina rushed around the gym, giving out last minute buttons to promote her prom campaign. The buttons read, Don't be a diva, vote for Tina!, which she promptly stuck to every vest and dress she saw. Dottie Kazatori scurried closely behind, but she could hardly keep up; Tina Cohen-Chang was in full rage mode. She was like Bridezilla's younger little sister, Promzilla. Almost like Quinn Fabray a year prior! She approached the entirety of the glee club, who was sitting at a table trying to comfort Unique, and barked, "Guys, voting is about to end! I need your support! Why is everyone sitting around like a cute little puppy just got ran over?"
Suddenly, she realized something different about Unique, which was Unique was not herself. This was further pointed out by Brittany, who motioned to her and said, "Mercedes got a really bad haircut."
Out of embarrassment, Tina instantly fled the glee club table, instead trying to pass out the remaining buttons she had. She couldn't bare to face her friends in this current moment; she was usually pretty bad at timing things, but forcing her prom campaign down their throats while Unique was struggling with her self-confidence and the judgmental nature of her classmates? That was bad, even for Tina Cohen-Chang. However, Tina was too stubborn to admit any wrongdoings in the heat of the moment. She was a woman on a mission.
While Tina and Dottie continued to scrape at the bottom of the barrel, the rest of the glee club remained by Unique's side. "I've been looking for an excuse to kick those guys asses for months," Jake mumbled. "They pick on everyone. Marley's mom, me, Unique... it's time they learn their lesson."
"I am fully capable of running their toes over with my chair," Artie spoke up, a hand raised high. "Just putting that out into the atmosphere."
"Guys, please, let's just enjoy prom while we can," Unique pleaded.
"How can we?" Sam questioned with anger in his voice. "You're not even the real you right now!"
"Sam, I appreciate it, but you should be having fun, not spending your time so concerned with me. All of you, please, enjoy yourselves," Unique insisted.
Usually, Ryder was ready to jump into a fight. He was hot-headed, and had a lot of pent-up aggression after years of struggling with dyslexia, and more recently, the whole catfish situation. However, this year in glee club, being mentored by Finn and Mr. Schue, he realized that violence and aggression was not always the solution. In fact, it was hardly ever a solution; in fact, it usually made things even worse. Instead of walking up to Phil and Bobby and knocking their two front teeth out, he decided to take a different approach. He walked up on stage, where the band was playing, and asked them to stop the music, before taking the microphone.
"Hey, everybody," he waved out into the crowd. "I hope everyone's having a good time... thanks to Sugar and Joe for those great performances, but if it's okay with you all, I'd like to deliver one of my own." He looked out into the crowd and made direct eye contact with Unique. "This one goes out to one of my great friends, who should always remember that it doesn't matter what other people think of her. She should continue to be herself, and continue to shine no matter what."
{The band begins to play the song as Jake, Joe, Blaine, Sam, and Artie join Ryder on stage to dance backup for him}
Lady, hear me tonight
'Cause my feeling, is just so right
As we dance, by the moonlight
Can't you see, you're my delight
{Ryder continues to sing and dance while looking directly at Unique, who smiles gently}
Lady, I just feel like
I won't get you, out of my mind
I feel love, for the first time
And I know that it's true, I can tell by the look in your eyes
{Phil and Bobby, in the crowd, notice that Ryder is singing to Unique. They quickly leave the gym, which Blaine and Sam take notice of}
Lady, hear me tonight
'Cause my feeling, is just so right
As we dance, by the moonlight
Can't you see, you're my delight
{Marley, Kitty, Bree, Brittany, and Sugar are shown tapping their feet and nodding their heads as Unique continues to watch Ryder perform}
Lady, I just feel like
I won't get you, out of my mind
I feel love, for the first time
And I know that it's true, I can tell by the look in your eyes
{Unique stands up and begins to walk toward the center of the crowd, slowly}
Lady
Hear me tonight
{Phil and Bobby rush back into the gym, slushies in hand}
'Cause my feeling
Is just so right
As Ryder's solo concluded and the crowd broke into applause, Unique stood in the center of it all, beaming happily and standing tall. She and Ryder had been through a lot this past year, and she was really touched that he sang to her in front of the whole school to try and help her get her confidence back. It was the move of a true friend, someone that was able to put the past behind them and help better someone else.
All of Ryder's efforts went out the window when two tall, ice cold, red slushies smacked her in the face. Phil and Bobby, who threw the slushies, began to cackle in her face, as the rest of the wrestling team and most of the Cheerios joined in on the laughter. Even some of the other students began to chuckle. Unique, however, was unamused, as was the rest of the New Directions. Unique instantly rushed out of the gym, and was quickly followed by everyone in the glee club, including Tina, who pushed all of her prom campaign materials to the side to go help her friend. Phil and Bobby were instantly grabbed by Mr. Schue and Sue, to be taken to Principal Figgins' office, but it didn't matter; the damage had been done.
The glee club rushed into the choir room to find Unique, soaked in slushie, sobbing in one of the equally red chairs. "We need to get you out of those wet clothes and into something dry," Marley panted as they entered the room.
"Just leave me like this, I swear," Unique cried, putting a hand up to stop anyone else from coming closer. "I thought after that performance I could be the girl I've always dreamed of being... but never again. Unique has left the building and will not return." She stood up and pushed past her classmates, making her way to the door.
"What? Where are you going?" Sam asked.
"I'm going home, Sam!" Unique snapped back, still sniffling from the tears, and turned back around to leave.
"Unique, stop!" Blaine shouted, causing her to stop dead in her tracks and turn around. "You have two choices, and whichever one you pick, we will be supportive. We can either drive you home, or we can clean you up, and you can go back out there, and own that prom."
"I can't go back in there... I don't even have anything to wear!"
"The dress you wanted to wear before those guys got in your head?" Bree spoke up, smiling gently. "Marley told me it's in your locker."
"Come on, Unique. We're all with you." Blaine walked closer and gave her a smile. "Go be the Unique we all know and love."
However, Unique's eyes drifted to Ryder for further support. Again, they had their ups and downs, but after that performance, she knew he had good intentions. The smile and nod he gave back to her confirmed those intentions. So, when Artie wheeled towards her with a towel in hand, Unique took a deep breath and took it from him, beginning to clean herself up as Blaine took a seat at the piano.
[Blaine]
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
{The girls take Unique to the side and begin to clean her up as the guys stand by the piano}
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
{The girls are shown smiling as they help Unique, with Kitty joining in on the song}
[Blaine and Kitty]
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better
{The scene cuts to Unique in her full wig, makeup and dress, as the New Directions cheer for her}
[Sam and Tina]
So let it out and let it in,
Hey Jude, begin
You're waiting for someone to perform with
{Mr. Schue is shown walking in the hallway after sending Phil and Bobby to Figgins' office. He stops in the doorway and sees the New Directions helping Unique, before smiling and walking away}
[Sam and Tina]
And don't you know that it's just you,
Hey Jude, you'll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder
[New Directions]
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Yeah
{The scene cuts to the New Directions walking down the hallway}
[New Directions]
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you'll begin to make it better
Better, better, better
Better, better, better
{The New Directions re-enter the gym, and they, along with Unique, are met with roars of applause}
[New Directions]
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah, hey Jude
{Unique walks with her arm interlocked with Ryder's, smiling proud and happily}
[New Directions] (Blaine)
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah, hey Jude
(Jude, Jude, hey Jude, hey Jude, hey Jude, hey Jude, hey Jude Aw aw!)
{Unique curtseys for the crowd, who continue to cheer loudly}
[New Directions] (Blaine)
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah (Wooh! Nah, nah, nah)
Nah nah nah nah, hey Jude (Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude)
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Nah nah nah nah, hey Jude!
Principal Figgins, who stood on stage, spoke into the microphone. "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome back Unique Adams."
The glee club began to take turns embracing Unique, proud of their friend for coming to find who they really are, despite all the terrible things said about her. As Unique went down the line hugging everyone in the New Directions, she made it to Ryder. "Thank you," she smiled happily as she squeezed him tightly.
"Of course. Thank you for everything you did for me, too," Ryder whispered gently as the two hugged.
Unique let go of Ryder as she made her way down to Tina, who hugged her tight with tears in her eyes. "Unique, I am so sorry. I was being super selfish earlier and I should've been there more for you. Tonight isn't all about me."
Unique smacked her teeth and said, "Girl, yes it is! Unique may be the star of the show, but Tina Cohen-Chang is just as big of a comet in the sky!"
"Quiet please, children. Settle down," Figgins spoke into the microphone once again, tapping it lightly. "It's time to announce your prom king and queen. This year's prom king... Brett Bukowski."
Stoner Brett made his way to the stage, wreaking of marijuana, but taking his crown with honor and pride.
"And now, your 2013 McKinley High prom queen... Tina Cohen-Chang!"
The crowd burst into cheers once again as Tina made her way to the stage, accepting her crown and approaching the microphone. "Ladies and gentleman, I couldn't have done this without Unique and the rest of my friends in glee club. This one's for you!"
The New Directions quickly made their way to join Tina on stage as the crowd cheered and confetti began to fall; no matter what adversity they faced, the glee club would always face it together. And, more often than not? They'd end up on top.
The next day, the New Directions sat in the choir room as they watched Mr. Schue write one word on the board.
Finn.
"Is he not coming back or something?" Sugar wondered aloud.
Mr. Schue shook his head, chuckling. "No, no." He pointed to his students and said, "Guys, I'm really proud of all of you. Phil and Bobby have been suspended, and with their suspension being so close to the end of the year, they'll have to enroll in summer school, but that's not why I'm so proud of you all. You guys handed the situation perfectly. Normally, you guys would've wanted to kick the crap out of those guys, no?"
"Well, you know, we wanted to. We just didn't. We wanted to be the bigger man," Jake explained. "Finn taught us that."
"Precisely," Mr. Schue nodded, motioning back to the board. "I want you guys to tell me something Finn has done for you, or something he did that really moved you. Artie, why don't you start us off?"
"He stopped Puck from locking me in a port-a-potty and tipping it over... and he got me onto the football team. He was one of the first cool kids to ever be nice to me."
Next was Ryder. "He helped me work through my dyslexia."
Unique. "Finn fought for me to get the role of Rizzo in Grease, even though he knew Sue would hate it."
Sam. "He got me off the streets."
Brittany. "Finn taught me how to ride a bike." She blinked. "Or was that Sam?"
Bree. "He got me out of an abusive situation... that was cool, I guess."
Marley. "Finn took us to Sectionals, and even though we initially lost... he helped me fight my eating disorder, regain my self-confidence, and kept the team together."
Mr. Schue pointed to Marley. "That's right, and that's something he did for me too. When I was in Washington, and I was unable to be here for you guys, Finn Hudson stepped up. He saved glee club, and if you look at some of the stories your teammates just shared, he helped save you guys, too. So, that is why I'm making a last minute change to our setlist... I want to find a way to honor Finn in the best way possible, by dedicating our Nationals setlist to him."
The New Directions began to clap and cheer at not only the idea, but Finn itself; he was a huge part of their lives, and what better way to thank him than in song? Before Mr. Schue could spew out ideas for their setlist, there was a knock at the door. It was Miss Pillsbury.
"Mr. Schue, can I speak to you out in the hallway?"
Mr. Schue left the kids to converse amongst themselves and come up with setlist ideas as he shut the door behind them. "What's up, honey?"
"I don't think I can go to L.A. with you."
He looked at her, confused, before chuckling. "You better go! You're our good luck charm... plus, we can't miss a prime week of baby making time."
Miss Pillsbury rocked back and forth as she said, "We can if one's already been made... I'm pregnant."
Mr. Schue's eyes lit up. "Oh my god! This is amazing" He picked her up and spun her as she laughed, his eyes tearing up. As he put her down, he cautiously asked, "Wait, are you really pregnant, or are you just pretending to be? Last time somebody told me they were pregnant, it was really bad, and-"
"No, no, no," Miss Pillsbury shook her head quickly. "Listen, listen. The doctor confirmed it. I'm really, really pregnant with your baby, Will! I'm gonna have your baby!"
The two kissed happily as Mr. Schue stared into her eyes. "We're gonna be a family... just the three of us. I love you so much." The two embraced tightly again, crying tears of joy as the bell rang.
Marley walked into her kitchen after school got out, closing the door behind her. "Mom, I'm home!"
"Hi, honey!" Millie waved to her daughter, motioning to the mail on the table. "You got a letter in the mail."
Marley's heart instantly dropped as she saw where it was from. Los Angeles. It had to be one of the song contests she entered. She frantically reached over the table and grabbed the letter before ripping it open, taking its content out and skimming it. Her excitement, unfortunately, began to waver as she continued to read on.
"What does it say, honey?"
Marley put the letter down on the table and pointed to the sentence that began with, We regret to inform you..., before running up to her room, heartbroken.
glee
Season Five, Starring Cory Monteith
STARRING
Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry
Matthew Morrison as William Schuester
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel
Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez
Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams
Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans
Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose
Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman
Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde
Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams
Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn
GUEST STARRING
Keith Pillow as MIT Scientist
Heather Morris as Brittany S. Pierce
Samuel Larsen as Joe Hart
Vanessa Lengies as Sugar Motta
Erinn Westbrook as Bree
Pamela Chan as Dottie Kazatori
Jesse Luken as Bobby Surette
Daniel Lee Curtis as Phil Lipoff
Chelsea(?) as Jordan "Neckbrace Cheerio" Stern
Ryan Heinke as "Stoner" Brett Bukowski
Lauren Potter as Becky Jackson
Iqbal Theba as Principal Figgins
Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury
Trisha Rae Stahl as Millie Rose
SONG(S) PERFORMED:
Britney Spears - Circus: Performed by Brittany S. Pierce
Beyonce - If I Were A Boy: Performed by Wade "Unique" Adams
Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat: Performed by Sugar Motta
Bruno Mars - Treasure: Performed by Joe Hart
Modjo - Lady (Hear Me Tonight): Performed by Ryder Lynn
The Beatles - Hey Jude: Performed by Blaine Anderson, Kitty Wilde, Sam Evans and Tina Cohen-Chang with New Directions