Way too early the next morning, Artie was at the grocery store to finish covering his tracks. Not only had he gotten up early to replace the missing snacks, but also, he'd stayed up late waiting on the loads of towels to wash and dry. During the party, someone had even gone inside to use the restroom and had clogged the toilet towards the end of the night, then left without explanation. It was truly a miracle that no one flooded the small bathroom. And, being that the half-bath was not one of the more accessible places in their home, Artie had struggled to get that sorted out on his own. He was not cut out for this life of secrets and lies. And now he was scrambling to get everything done before his mother arrived home. To complicate that issue, he had no idea if his mom was planning to rush back home on Saturday or if she wanted to spend a little more time with Amy.
As he rolled through the automatic doors, the sight of the nearly vacant store greeted him. He peered around the small cart he was pushing, by alternating hands between the cart and wheels to accomplish this task. Grab with right, push with left, grab with left, push with right. An older woman in an electric scooter smiled over at him as she studied the bananas in the produce section. Older people always gave him this soft, sympathetic sort of smile when they saw him. He usually just smiled back or waved. Sometimes, they'd feel compelled to strike up a conversation with him about his chair. But this little old lady just went back to studying bananas, and he was glad, because he was in a hurry.
Of course when he got to one aisle, the specific chips he needed were out of reach. When were grocery stores ever going to accommodate him better than this? He imagined maybe, if this store really ever decided to truly care about disabled people, they could come up with some kind of highly efficient service where you could order your groceries ahead of time and then someone would bring them out to your car. Even non-disabled people would like that.
"Need any help, sir?" asked a voice from behind. This was precisely why Artie came in the morning. There were usually more employees available, stocking the aisles and ready to assist him with all the reaching. As he turned, he came face to face with Ryder, clad in a clerk's uniform, looking stunned.
Artie's lips curled up. "Did you just mistake me for an old man?"
When Ryder squirmed, because he'd just accidentally done something stupid, he reminded Artie even more of Finn. "Uh, s-sorry, that's just who usually comes in this early, old people," he explained clumsily. "But uh, do you? Uh, n-need help, I mean?"
"Yeah, and that's why I come in early, for the same reason as the elderly," Artie informed him, cheekily. "But yeah, I'd appreciate some help. I have to get these chips and several other things you all probably put out of my reach."
Ryder apologized again, like it was somehow his fault that grocery store shelves went to the ceiling, so that short people had to climb them and people in Artie's position were completely out of luck. Artie just shrugged and let the tall boy push the cart all around the store for him while they went through his list together.
"Aren't these the same snacks you put out for everyone last night?" Ryder asked, catching on as he retrieved the Oreos. "Wait. You said last night that your mom wasn't home. Does she... does she not know you had that party?"
At this, Artie just smirked, feeling like the biggest badass in the world. Noah Puckerman would have been impressed. "Nope," he said. "And if intend to keep it that way, I'd better hurry and replace all this food. I have no idea what time she'll be home."
"Right," said Ryder, nodding. "Well, it is a really slow morning, and seeing as you're a customer in a, uh..."
"You can say it," Artie helped him, patiently. "I'm aware. In a wheelchair."
"Oh... yeah." Man, he's the new Finn! Artie thought, as he watched this guy who should rightfully be their next sophomore quarterback fumble through a sentence like a kid in an enormous body. Artie then remembered that Ryder had been the one who'd acted interested in the musical. Maybe he'd do Glee club, too.
Once they'd checked out the groceries and were headed out to Artie's car together, Artie decided to probe a little more.
"So, you said you might try out for 'Grease,' right?" Artie confirmed, as he popped the trunk. Ryder nodded slowly. "Great. Hey, how about Glee club, too?"
"Maybe..." Ryder looked hesitant, as he loaded the the groceries into Artie's trunk. Artie hoped he hadn't somehow scared him away with his overt enthusiasm. "It's just... well, I want to do sports, too, like football and basketball and baseball. That's a lot of stuff, plus like, homework and friends."
"Well, just think about it," Artie said. "At any rate, I'd be thrilled to have you in my musical. Thanks for all your help in the store. Hey... you want to maybe put your number in my phone?"
As he thrust his phone towards Ryder, he caught a strange look and he immediately knew why. What with all the talk of musical theater, Ryder might have been getting the wrong idea. Plus, Artie was friends with the likes of Kurt and Blaine. Artie tried to think of something he could say to assert the fact that he was not gay. But before he could say anything, Ryder had already put his number in.
"Thanks again for hosting the party," Ryder said, handing back the phone. "I hope you'll do it again sometime. Text me about it if you do. Uh, by the way, you have a text there. From 'Mom.' Good luck with that."
"Yeah, thanks." Artie grabbed his phone back, frowning, as Ryder lumbered back inside the store. Sure enough, he'd just received a message that he hoped didn't mean Mom had beaten him home. But, as luck would have it...
Staying another night, she said. Amy's air mattress isn't too bad and we are having fun together. Going to go see a community theatre show in Columbus, maybe get our nails done afterwards. And your father won't be home until Sunday. Sorry to leave you alone so long but I know you're fine on your own. XOXO.
Except, Artie thought. I won't exactly be on my own. There was nothing in the trunk that was going to melt or spoil if he didn't get it out right away. And, if he wanted to make the most of this extra night home alone, he would be needing more snacks. But he was going to run out of money...
He started another text thread.
Calling all Gleeks, his text to Sam, Blaine, Tina, Brittany, Quinn, and Kurt read. Hey everyone, I need a favor. A huge favor. Can anyone meet me at Save A Lot ASAP? I want to have another party tonight but I need help buying enough food & soda to feed the same crowd we had last night. Help a guy out?!
He had no choice but to head back into the store. He waited next to the carts for his friends to text back, thinking idly that this would be so much easier if any of them were in the habit of actually calling. While he waited, he figured he'd transfer into one of those little electric scooters with the cart in the front. Not something he usually did, though Amy had dared him to do so once. She'd then taken over his chair and the two of them raced around the store. They'd laughed until their stomaches hurt, as Artie played around with the scooter and made it back up repeatedly, just to hear it make the little beep... beep... beep sounds. Artie was actually in the middle of transferring himself, snickering privately at his little memory, when Ryder reappeared.
"Uh... did you... forget something?" Ryder looked between Artie's now vacant chair to Artie, who was situating his feet on the floor of the scooter. "I just gave you my number, you know... you could have just texted me to get it."
"No, that's not it," Artie said, laughing now. "No, I came back in because I just found out I'm home alone again for the night so... how would you and Joe and Jake and... and anyone else you know... how would like to come to another pool party?"
"Whoa, like, tonight?" Ryder laughed, nervously. "Are you telling your mom this time? Because if I did what you're doing, mine would kill me."
"I... I might," Artie lied. He glanced down at his phone. One person had texted him back already, and he wasn't at all surprised that she was first.
Artie, you have lost your mind, she said. But I'm in. On my way to Save A Lot. I'll pitch in.
Tina was seriously the best friend a guy could ask for sometimes. Always ready to go along with whatever crazy scheme he had in mind. A grin spread across his face as he read her message. And then Quinn chimed in next.
I'm hoping this means you came clean with your mom, she wasn't mad about it, and she sanctioned you doing it all again tonight. Tell me that's what you did, Arthur. TELL ME that's what you did.
And if I tell you that's not what I did, will you still help me? He typed his response to Quinn, aware that Ryder was now reading over his shoulder when he was supposed to be stocking shelves or helping the elderly.
Dammit. She said. There was a long pause. Artie held his breath. Yes. You owe me. On my way.
In the span of twenty minutes, Tina and Quinn arrived to help. Tina was positively skipping towards him with Quinn trudging behind, giving him the biggest eye roll. But all she said was, "Nice scooter."
I'm at work with Finn right now... Kurt finally replied, as they headed down the aisles together, Artie moving much more quickly in his borrowed scooter. Just as Amy had done, Tina couldn't resist borrowing Artie's chair. (As for Quinn, she'd already had her fill of that last year.) Quinn followed beside them, pushing a large shopping cart. We both want to come though. We can pay you 20 dollars for the food. If you need more, let us know.
"Finn and Kurt are coming!" Artie announced. Ryder had returned to his job but not before promising that he'd come and would invite some friends. It was going to be amusing to see Finn next to his young doppelgänger. Tina attempted a celebratory wheelie, nearly losing her balance and coming close to tipping herself over. Quinn and Artie cackled loudly, and at the other end of the aisle, an older gentleman muttered "kids" and shook his head disapprovingly at them.
Eventually, Blaine texted him back and promised he'd pitch in some money, too. Sam then texted to say his mom would make a bunch of cookies. Brittany was the last to reply and promised to bring some Cheerios- the grils not the serial but i can get both if u want.
Here we go again, Artie thought, deciding that the punishment for two parties might be exponentially worse. But it would be worth it, he decided, if he was catapulted to a new level of popularity before the start his senior year, after hosting not one but two parties before they all headed back to school. He reassured himself, as they turned the corner to head down the next aisle and Tina nearly took out the display of cereal boxes with Artie's chair. Totally worth it.
After setting everything up for the even bigger and better party happening that evening, the four who had come over to help – Quinn, Tina, Sam, and Blaine – stayed over to hang out around the house and watch movies. But Artie was exhausted and couldn't imagine hosting another party in his current state. Quinn, sensing that he wouldn't make it another night if he didn't get some rest, suggested that he just go to bed. He wouldn't normally leave guests alone in the living room, but after-all, both Sam and Quinn had taken turns living with his family. Tina practically lived there, too. And Blaine didn't care. Artie agreed and put himself to bed.
He crashed hard. He didn't think he was going to sleep for a solid two hours. Had he known that was in the cards for him, he would have set an alarm or something. Sam ended up being the one to tip-toe in and wake him.
"Artie?" Sam gave his shoulder a little nudge. Artie murmured in reply, his eyes fluttering open.
"What?"
"Thought you'd like to know, people are starting to arrive," he said. This got Artie's attention. He pushed himself up in bed as quickly as he could. He panicked when he saw what time it was.
"Why didn't you guys wake me sooner?" Artie screeched, now wide awake. He had so much to do before he could get out there and join them now. Go to the bathroom... change into swim trunks and his black leggings... Sam didn't get it.
"You looked really tired," Sam said. "Artie, calm down. It'll be a fun night. We've got this under control. You just take your time, get ready, and arrive late to your own party like the true badass you are."
That got a smile out of Artie. "Okay," he said, as he leaned over and pulled his chair a little closer to the bed. "Okay... I will." What Sam didn't know was that Artie's version of hurrying equaled other people's version of taking their time.
Artie did make it outside eventually, and when he finally arrived, he saw that nearly everyone from the previous night's gathering had arrived. This included Marley, who was talking quietly to Tina at the edge of the pool. Kitty was there, too, still keeping her foot elevated and still sitting at the outdoor table. She'd brought along a pair of crutches this time, but she also wore a brightly colored bikini top with holey, cut-off shorts, so it looked like she planned on swimming at some point. Artie did not see Bree anywhere, but he did see the person she reminded him of...
"Santana!" he exclaimed, genuinely excited to see her crossing the yard, hand-in-hand with Brittany. She'd even brought along... oh, no, are those wine coolers? His excitement turned to horror.
"Listen..." he stopped at the edge of the pavement as she approached him, looking proud of herself. She was wearing an oversized Louisville cardinals shirt with the sleeves cut off over her bathing suit and no pants. She didn't seem to realize why he wasn't smiling back. "You can't bring that. Nearly all of these kids are underage. As a legal adult, you can't do that. Put it back in your car."
"These are just for the legal adults then." She smirked down at him, dangling the colorful six pack in his face. "Hi to you, too, Wheels. I see you haven't changed a bit."
"Put them back or leave." Artie said, through gritted teeth. "I mean it. This is my house."
Santana looked surprised. "Maybe you have changed," she commented. "Alright, fine, I'm putting them back. C'mon, Britt..."
As they left, Artie sensed that someone was hovering right behind him. He turned to find the last person he had expected to be standing there. Well, she was sort of standing. Kitty leaned on the crutches she'd brought.
"I came over to introduce myself to Santana," she quickly explained. "She's almost as famous as Quinn amongst us Cheerios. That's when I heard you telling her off." She paused. "I just wanted to say, um... good job. For not going there with this party, I mean. No one needs to drive home drunk tonight."
"Yeah, well..." Artie trailed off, stunned by her sudden sincerity. She'd mostly been so snarky up until now, and he still didn't quite know what to think of this other side. "...it wasn't actually a drunk driver that hit me, but I'm still not willing to risk any more of my friends being in car accidents."
He had shared so much more than he meant to. It wasn't surprising to him, therefore, when Kitty abruptly adjusted the crutches under her armpits and hobbled away without another word to him. Why, Artie? he mentally admonished himself. Why go there?
He couldn't dwell on it because two more alumni had just arrived. Several people got out of there pool and ran across the yard to greet Finn as he arrived with Kurt, who was carrying yet another one of Carole's trays. She's totally going to tell my mom first if I don't, Artie thought, internally panicking as he worried Finn's mom just might beat him to breaking the news about the two parties and his sudden rebellious behavior.
"Finally quit working long enough to come have a little fun, have you?" Sam teased, as he walked over to exchange a bear hug with the taller guy.
Blaine was right behind him to do the same thing. As was Tina. Across the yard, Ryder had taken notice of the former quarterback. As had Joe and Jake, who had also returned for the second party. In fact, every person there stopped to take note of Finn. That was just the kind of guy he was.
"I couldn't stay away," Finn said, grinning down at Artie. "Thanks for having everyone over. I guess it's kind of a back-to-school party, huh? Feels strange to know you guys all go back Monday and me and Kurt don't."
"Is it going to be weird if I show up for lunch with Blaine?" Kurt wondered aloud.
"No," said Blaine, just as Santana entered the yard again with Brittany, chiming in to answer the question with a "yes." They glared at one another, Santana smirking and Blaine scowling.
"Hello, Santana, how lovely to see you," Kurt drawled, rolling his eyes at her. He turned back to Artie. "Where can I put this tray?"
"Over there by the karaoke machine," Artie said.
"Karaoke?" Finn's happy outcry over this announcement told Artie that he did miss performing. And that was exactly why co-directing the musical was going to be so very good for him.
"Yup," Artie said, proudly. "Sam and I are going to get things started. Well, you'll see. Ready, Sam?"
Sam nodded enthusiastically. At Artie's request, he'd brought his guitar to the party. And earlier, Sam had set both his guitar and Artie's over by the karaoke machine, a safe distance from the pool. They were going to play their own instruments, so the karaoke machine was for everyone else. Artie just hoped it would catch on the way he'd envisioned...
Sam dragged a chair over and took a seat, adjusting his guitar and strumming a few chords. Everyone started to quiet down and look their way as Artie positioned his chair next to Sam, picked up his guitar, and gazed over the crowd in and around the pool.
"Okay, I'll get right to it," Artie said. "As many of you know or maybe you don't know yet, I'm a member of the Glee club. Just like many others here. I'm also directing 'Grease' as the fall musical this year. I'd be lying if I told you I didn't have this party to recruit people for both..." (He caught sight of the surly expression on Jake's face and had to avert his gaze.) "But even if you don't like either of those, I know you like music. And so we hope you enjoy this."
The opening chords were enough to get anyone's attention. This song lended itself perfectly to he and Sam's voices, too, with Artie singing lead and Sam doing back-up. And, of course, they were doing the version that John Mayer had performed live.
She's a good girl, loves her mama / Loves Jesus and America too / She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis / Loves horses and her boyfriend, too, yeah, yeah...
Free Fallin' had to be one of Artie's all-time favorite ballads. Because it was his mother's favorite song, it was one of the first songs he had learned to sing in the car with her. And he had been right to assume that Sam, with his country roots, would be able to play it as well.
As expected, they'd captivated every person there. Marley swayed with her hands over her heart and her eyes closed. Even tough-guy Jake didn't seem to totally hate it. But the most surprising reaction there was Kitty's. He was stunned to see, as they echoed the last chorus through the yard, that she had tears streaming down her face.
Artie wouldn't soon forget that image.