Choir Room
The entire Glee Club rehearses Don't Stop Believin' a possible song choice for their upcoming Invitational. Mr. Schue thought it would be a good idea to give the Glee Club some stage experience, which they'll definitely need in order to win Sectionals, especially since some of the newbies don't have much time performing publicly. They're having trouble with their main song though. Kitty's good, but she hasn't been feeling well, and everyone has noticed it. The only people who know what's really going on are Jake, Ryder and Kitty herself. Regardless, Kitty is still the one singing.
Ryder:
A singer in a smoky room
Kitty:
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
Ryder and Kitty:
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Suddenly, Kitty gets nauseous and starts running.
Mr. Schue is the first to address her condition. "Kitty, you OK?" Kitty ignored him and ran out.
"She's been overeating a bit. These dance moves are probably getting to her." Ryder covered for her, without technically lying. She has been eating more, but only because she needs to eat for two. Than again, after some research she had taken earlier that day, it turns out that she doesn't need to eat any differently in her first trimester.
"I'll go check on her." Joe said as he walks out to see if Kitty was okay.
"Since we're on the subject, can we please talk about the giant elephant in the room?" Blaine asks, and when no one seemed to understand, he followed up. "Harmony. We can't do it without her. At least not this song. Don't get me wrong, I love Kitty, but if she can't stay on stage without puking, we're doomed"
"That's not true. We may have to layer Bree and Wade over Kitty's solo, but...we'll be fine. Besides, I reassigned the solos long before Harmony started rehearsing for that play."
"Maybe for the Invitationals, but not for the Sectionals and certainly not the Regionals. Besides, without a work around for Harmony, she might miss Sectionals and our Show Choir journey ends before it even begins."
"She's right. We either get Harmony back, or we'll have to replace her."
"Guys, Harmony may be in Cabaret, but she's not gone. I checked with her and her agenda allows for her to arrive at Sectionals. If we want to make this thing work, we can't look back. Alright, take five minutes." Mr. Schue goes to the piano while the Glee Club gathers. Ryder, he goes to Mr. Schue.
"Mr. Schue? I think we might want to lighten Kitty's load. At this rate, I'm kind of worried about the baby." Ryder tells him.
"Yeah. Yeah, I get it. Um... how about I give Marley a few of her verses, okay?"
"Thanks."
"You think you might want to tell your mom about what's going on?" Mr. Schue asks.
"I think I'd rather handle it myself right now. My mom's got enough to worry about." Ryder says before taking that five.
Kitty had just finished getting all her barf out to the toilet before wiping her mouth and walking out of the bathroom. She's barely out of the door when she sees Joe holding out a plastic water bottle.
"It'll help with the nausea." Joe claims.
"Why do you care?" Kitty scoffs.
"You might not be able to admit it, but you're in Glee Club, and in Glee Club, we help each other out. Like Ryder helped Wade the other day." Joe said. Kitty's eyes shifted between him and the bottle before she just snatched it and starting gulping it down. "Whoa, slow down. You don't want to throw up more do you?" Joe jokes around.
"Who are you again? I feel like I've seen you before." Kitty snaps her fingers trying to figure it out.
"Probably because we go to the same church." Joe mentioned.
"Right! You're the guy with the guitar who wears sandals everywhere. Jim right?" Kitty guesses.
"Uh, it's Joe actually. Are you feeling okay?" Joe asks.
"Look, I'm thankful or whatever, but I'd appreciate it if you just minded your own business It's just a bug alright?" Kitty lies and walks away bottle in hand to the choir room. Joe stares for a bit, wondering what to say. He's still concerned, and he needs to figure out what. Thankfully, he had the perfect idea.
"Hey, umm, I was hoping you could help me with something!" Joe said, drawing her attention and stopping her long enough for him to catch up. "I've been thinking of a song to sing for the church. Maybe we could meet up after school and practice something?" Joe asks.
Kitty seems skeptical. "Hmm a lot of me wants to say no, but I've gots to represent my Jesus. Let's do it. I'll text you my address."
"Great idea, except I don't have a phone." Joe tells her, and is given a shocked look from her.
"Seriously?" Joe just shrugs as Kitty groans.
"Fine, I'll drive you. Just tell me your address after classes and I'll pick you up at 5:30. Bring your guitar."
Next Day
Ryder sat facing Emma in her office, tense.
"So... what exactly is going on? Am I in trouble or something?" Ryder asks, confused.
"Oh, no. No, no. Absolutely not. No, um, actually, I've just, um, taken a special interest in you." Emma said.
"Why?" Ryder asks.
"Look, I know sometimes that life can come at you pretty fast, and, uh, you reach a point where you might just need a little, um, special guidance."
"Has someone told you something about my personal life?" Ryder asks.
"No. Mm-mm." Emma denied, but it wasn't exactly convincing. "But, you know, there are very few students that ever get athletic scholarships. Okay? But there are a lot of schools that give full rides to students who excel in music. Students like yourself. And I don't know, maybe if you were able to go to college, you wouldn't, say, end up stuck in this town in a dead-end job living hand- to-mouth with a wife and a kid you never intended to have, you know? For example. That's just something off the top of my head."
"That was... oddly specific, but you're saying that if I stuck with Glee that I could get a scholarship?"
"It's definitely a possibility. You know? And if you did well at regionals, maybe you could, um, generate some interest."
"But we lost Harmony. Do you think we can do it without her?"
"Sure." Emma's smiling face made Ryder worried. "... Definitely. But if you're concerned about your future and, um, those who may be a part of your future soon, um, maybe you could just give Harmony a talk. You know, see if you can get her to quit the play and come back."
Ryder nodded while the school bell rang.
Classroom
Harmony interview by Jacob for the Gazette's high school at the microphone.
"How does it feel to be just a sophomore and get the lead in the school musical?"
Harmony "It's an honor. I mean, honestly it's a challenge since I can't be in Glee rehearsals, but if there's anything I've learned in my 16 years on the stage, it's that stars are rare, and when they're found, you have to let them shine."
Jacob stops recording. "Show me your bra."
"Excuse me?" Harmony asked, highly offended.
"Quid pro quo, Harmony. If you want a good review, show me your over the shoulder boulder holder."
"No way! I'm not gonna let a creep like you anywhere near my bra. Besides, no one reads the school paper, anyway, so you're threats are as useless as a screen door on a submarine."
"Oh, but I'll post my scathing review online. You'll be finished on the high school stage. Now, get those sweater puppies out of their cashmere cage." Harmony rising annoyed.
"Still no! Now go away, or I'll report you to the principal." Harmony threatened, but then got another idea. "Actually, I have a better idea. Maybe I should go to your bed... so I can castrate you in your sleep with a rusty knife!"
At this time, Sandy enters the room running.
"Sorry I'm late. My Vespa had a flat." Jacob got up and arranging his affairs in fear that Harmony will live up to her threat. "Give me a minute and I will be ready for my interview."
"We're actually not gonna need any quotes from you for the article, Mr Ryerson. Goodbye!" Jacob said before running away.
Sandy shrugged. "He's not worth my time anyway. Also, Harmony, there's been a change of plans. You won't be able to make it to Sectionals. The other kids are basically hopeless. They need all the rehearsals they can get."
"What?! But I promised Mr. Schue I could make it. The Club needs me to get to twelve."
"Unfortunately, to quote the principle, my hands are tied. Now if you excuse me, I have a date with the salon." He said, confusing her as he left.
Ryder enters the room and sees Harmony. "Hey Harm."
"Hey." Harmony waved nervously at Ryder.
"I heard the news. So.. you can't make Sectionals."
"I'm sorry. If I had a choice I would totally go on that stage with you- with all of you." She said, slightly slipping up. "It's just... I made a commitment."
"Not gonna get an argument from me." Ryder said.
"Really?" Harmony said, surprised.
"No. You're, like, the most talented person I know. You deserve to be on stage. I just wanted to let you know that if you need someone to run lines with, I'm here."
"Th ...There is a lot of dialogue."
"Awesome. If you ever want to hang out, just the two of us... let me know." Ryder said, before walking away. Technically this counted as using her, but he needed to help Kitty no matter what. Just because they aren't dating anymore doesn't mean he's not gonna help out. Plus, he does genuinely want to hang out with her... maybe even something more now that he's available.
Ryder goes off leaving Harmony with a smile.
Choir Room
Ryder told Mr. Schue about Harmony possibly missing Sectionals, but he was told he had it covered, whatever that meant. Next thing Ryder knew, Mr. Schue was facing the Glee Club with his friend, April. "Guys, I'd like to introduce you to someone very special. This is April Rhodes. She's our newest member." April is very enthusiastic.
Ryder winces. "Oh, I've made a terrible mistake." He whispers.
"Is this even legal. She's like 40." Jake argued.
"Jokes on you, I'm 38. And you guys look like the world's worst Benetton ad." April retaliated.
"Yeah, I'm not sure about this either." Betty uncomfortably.
"April is a great singer. And she never graduated. Besides, according to Ryder, Harmony can't make Sectionals anymore" Mr. Schue revealed receiving gasps from the older members.
"That's worse. That just means she's dumb." Sugar said, granting her a gasp from April.
"We appreciate what you're trying to do, but she's no Harmony." Unique said.
"Who's Harmony?" April asks.
"Technically, she's our leader, but she seems to be passing the baton to Ryder these days." Joe explained.
"Well, where is this top dog of yours?"
"She left. to be the lead in Cabaret. She's technically still in the club, but rehearsals are kind of swamping her." Marley said.
Flashback
Marley walks down the halls and sees Harmony speed walking. "Hey, Harmony, I had some ideas for Sectionals I wanted to run by you." Before Marley could get a response, Harmony ran past her.
"Sorry, can't talk! Super busy! We'll chat soon!" Harmony said as she ran as fast as she could.
Marley looked at her oddly.
Flashback End
"Yeah, she's definitely not gonna make it." Marley admitted.
April sighed as she took off her jacket. "Hey, Tinkles, give me "Maybe This Time" in B flat. And don't let me catch you snoozing."
April began singing to the group.
April:
Maybe this time, I'll be lucky
Maybe this time he'll stay
Maybe this time, for the first time
Love won't hurry away
He will hold me fast I'll be home at last
Not a loser anymore like the last time, and the time before!
{Meanwhile, Harmony, repeated this musical number.}
Harmony:
Everybody loves a winner!
April:
So nobody loved me
Lady peaceful, Lady happy
That's what I long to be
All the odds are, they're in my favor!
Harmony:
Something's bound to begin
April:
It's gonna happen, Ha Ha
Harmony:
Happen sometime
April:
Maybe this time I'll win
Harmony:
'Cause everybody they love a winner
April:
So nobody loved me
Harmony:
Lady peaceful, Lady happy
April:
That's what I long to be
All the odds are, they're in my favor
Harmony:
Something's bound to give in
April:
It's gonna happen
Harmony:
Happen sometime
April:
Maybe this time
Harmony (April):
Maybe this time I'll... Win...! (I'll, win!)
April:
Win!
At the end of the song, while the Glee Club was very impressed that they were frozen.
"Stick that in your pipe and smoke it." April confidently said.
Blaine then started clapping and was soon followed by the whole club.
Sugar leans to Rory. "She's almost as good as I am." Rory shifts his eyes between April and Sugar nervously. He just stays silent.
Later
April is sat with Blaine in the Choir Room with a box in hand. "I like you kid. And I know your type so I'm gonna give you the perfect gift."
Blaine rolls his eyes as April prepares to open the box. "Okay, if this is skin mags, you can throw them away. Those are very stereotypical, and I will not be giving you my favor with thaaaaaaaaaaat?" Blaine widens his eyes when he sees the box is filled with containers of hair gel. Probably enough to last him months.
"I've dated plenty of people with hair like yours. I know how embarrassing it can be. So, what do you say, you want?" April offers the gobsmacked Blaine. She had actually given him the perfect gift.
Later, Blaine talks to Mr. Schue with this same box in hand. "I've changed my mind. April can stay. She gets me." Blaine walks away to his locker, possibly to put on his hair gel.
Soon, April shows Sugar and Marley how to put objects hidden between their legs. But the learning process is long. Things keep falling off.
"Oh, no, you got to be more natural." April coaches them.
"I'm not sure if this is a good idea." Marley says nervously.
"Yeah, my daddy would be really mad if I got caught. Plus I'm rich." Sugar said.
"The rich don't stay rich by spending money. Now, your lack of imagination astounds me. This is only the beginning. If you can master this, you can sneak anything out of a store between your knees." April slips a cabbage between those thighs and walk.
"Shoes, prom dresses. I once got a cake out of a kid's birthday party. With the candles still lit."
Marley and Sugar smile at April, impressed.
Later at Mr. Schue Office's Marley and Marley face him restyled.
"Are you sure?" Mr. Schue asks, slightly anxious.
"She can stay. She's a genius." Sugar said while checking out her priceless rings.
"Totally." Marley agreed.
Later, she is talking to Rory in the hallways. "Okay, so if you really like this girl then you'll have to follow the most important piece of advice the Spice Girls ever gave, "If you wanna be her lover, you gotta get with her friends." If you do that, you've got an army of wingwomen in your corner."
"You sure?" Rory asked.
"Of course. If you knew how many relationships I've been in, you'd know I know my stuff. Now go get your girl." April encouragingly pushes Rory to the passing Betty and Marley to talk to them.
Rehearsal Room
Harmony is singing Cabaret to Sandy, who is dissatisfied.
"This is terrible... This is a disaster... I'm gonna barf. ...Boring!... No, no, no, no, no!"
Harmony stops singing, annoyed. "You're not helping. What do you want from me?"
"Well, I know what I don't want. And it is all of this. When I gave you this part, I thought you could handle it, but clearly you can't. What this show needs is a star with a little bit more maturity."
"I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to get me to quit, so you can be the star, which by the way, is very weird and would lead to a lot of lawsuits. Well, I've worked too hard to quit now, so it won't work. I'm not going anywhere." Harmony goes away to take a breather, and to practice with Ryder.
Choir Room
"I'm sleeping with him." Harmony recited.
"So am I..." Ryder furrowed his eyes as he drops the text. "This play's weird."
"That's Mr. Ryerson's favorite line... for obvious reasons. Thanks for helping me with this. It's kind of stressful in there."
Ryder chuckles as he approaches her. "No problem. I know how hard it was for you." Ryder sits next to the red-cheeked Harmony. "You know, I think we should hang out outside of school. I know a great place where we could go bowling, relax... grab a bite to eat." Ryder told her, suggestively.
"Ryder, are you... asking me on a date?" Harmony asks, trying not to sound too hopeful.
"Yeah, I guess I am." Ryder admitted.
"Wow." Harmony smiles, absolutely excited about going out with Ryder, but still has one question: "What about Kitty?"
"Kitty and I sort of broke up."
"Really? That's great!" Harmony said, but then corrected herself. "I-i mean, I'm sorry that it had to end, but it's great for us. But, why did you break up."
"It's sort of personal. Don't tell anyone please. We're trying to save face by pretending to be dating for a bit longer." Ryder said, but noticed a bit of disappointment in Harmony's face. "N-not that it means we can't date. We'll just have to wait a bit before going public. Which we will if that's what you want. Unless, you don't want to go out. I just realized you haven't actually said yes yet and-." Ryder finally shuts up when Harmony puts her hand on Ryder's.
"Ryder. I'd love to go bowling with you." She said before kissing his cheek and bringing a smile to his face.
Suddenly, April and Mr. Schue enter.
"Hey, Harmony. April Rhodes, Harmony Pearce. Hey, can you give us the room, Harmony? We need to teach April the cues for "Don't Stop Believing.""
"Wait, she's singing the female lead?" Ryder asks.
"Wait, she's in the glee club? She's... ancient." Harmony said, not worried about being rude.
"Talent doesn't age, sweetheart."
"That's Harmony's part, Mr Schue."
"And I would happily give it to her, but Harmony's too busy to sing for the glee club right now. April will be filling in for now."
"It's okay. I understand. Thanks, Ryder." Harmony went away, but was stopped by the voice of her teacher.
"Harmony... We're all really excited to see the play. Make sure you save us a seat in the front row."
April to the piano while Harmony goes away, annoyed. She starts doing warmups with Ryder. Harmony looking through the glass unhappy.
Kitty's Room – Evening
Kitty sat cross-legged on her bed, arms folded as she watched Joe tune his guitar. She had been skeptical about inviting him over—she barely even knew him—but something about his easygoing nature made it hard to push him away completely.
"So, no phone, huh?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Joe chuckled. "Yeah, it's kind of a personal choice. Keeps me from getting too distracted."
Kitty scoffed. "That is the weirdest thing I've ever heard."
Joe just shrugged, strumming a few chords before settling into a melody. "Alright, ready?"
She rolled her eyes but nodded, adjusting her posture as she prepared to sing. As soon as Joe started playing, though, something in her softened. The warm, familiar tune filled the room, and she found herself getting lost in it.
Kitty:
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
(with Joe:Oh, I won't be afraid)
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
Joe and Kitty:
So darlin', darlin', stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me, stand by me
Joe:
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
Joe and Kitty:
And darlin', darlin', stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
Darlin', darlin', stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble, won't you stand by me?
Oh, stand by me
Woah, just stand now
Oh, stand, stand by me
At first, she hesitated—her voice was a little shaky—but as she got into the rhythm, she relaxed. Joe's voice was steady and calm, and together, their harmonies blended better than she expected. The simplicity of the song made it easy to connect with, and for the first time in a while, she felt at peace.
When they finished, Joe grinned. "That was awesome. You've got a great voice."
Kitty rolled her eyes again, but it lacked her usual bite. "Yeah, well… don't go spreading that around."
Joe chuckled. "Right. Wouldn't want anyone thinking you actually enjoy singing."
Kitty smirked but didn't respond. Instead, she reached for the water bottle on her nightstand and took a sip, sighing as she leaned back against her pillows.
"You okay?" Joe asked, watching her carefully.
She hesitated, then shrugged. "Just tired."
Joe didn't push, but she could tell he wasn't convinced. After a beat, he set his guitar down. "You know, if you ever need to talk about… whatever's going on, I'm around."
Kitty frowned, eyes flickering to him before looking away. "There's nothing going on."
Joe simply nodded, letting it go—for now. "Alright," he said, standing up and stretching. "I should probably get going."
Kitty glanced at the clock and sighed. "Yeah, I guess."
As Joe grabbed his guitar case, he hesitated by the door. "Hey… thanks for letting me come over. This was fun."
Kitty scoffed. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it."
Joe just smiled. "See you tomorrow, Kitty."
She didn't respond right away, but as he walked out, she muttered just loud enough for him to hear, "See you tomorrow, Joe."
Bathroom
Harmony weeping face in the mirror. Sandy kept berating her about her, saying that she had no talent and that she sucked. It was happening so often, Harmony was wondering if it was true, if the one thing she's good at is actually meaningless. She starts to wonder what she's even doing in that play? She's constantly getting bullied by a creepy director, and doesn't get the growth she does in Glee. Should she have thought it through before joining the play? ...No. This is her dream, and she is going to power through it, no matter how much it hurts.
Her thoughts came to an end when April entered. "Oh... Rough day at the office, cookie?"
"I've just got a lot on my plate. It's not easy being in the spotlight. The play is starting to get to me. It's really hard for me, but I can't seem to give it up." Harmony speaks her feelings.
"Yeah. I know that song, sister. Um, do you have any NyQuil? I could use a little pick-me-up." April asks. Harmony, eyes furrowed, shakes his head. "No. These high school boys are a lot hotter than they used to be. That Ryder Lynn is one cutie pie I gots my eye on."
"Ryder's taken, April." Harmony said. Technically it was a lie, but it's Ryder's secret, so she's keeping it up.
April shrugs. "Yeah, well, some guys like a little somethin' somethin' on the side."
"Okay, first off, he's sixteen, so "a little somethin' something'" would end with you in jail and him in therapy. What you choose to do with your life is your own business, but don't go around screwing up everyone else's. Second, just because you're back here doesn't mean you're in the same high horse you were before."
"I'm not afraid of you, sweetie. There was a time when I was the biggest star around here. And now that I've got that back... I'm never letting it go." April goes away humming, leaving Harmony alone.
Bowling Alley
Harmony face the balls and then grabs the red one. "Red's my lucky color. That's why I always have a little red." Harmony said.
"Show me what you got Ms. Pearce." Ryder quipped.
"Watch and learn, Lynn." Harmony smirked as she rolled the ball landing a strike in her first try. "Score!" She cheered with her hands up.
"Damn Harm. I thought you've never been here before." Ryder said, clearly impressed.
"I haven't. I just play a lot of Wii sports. Bowling's one of my favorites. Of course, if you ever challenge me to tennis, you'll have to pray." Harmony said, confidentally.
"I'll keep that in mind." Ryder said before grabbing a green ball and rolling. He got a seven out of ten.
They played for a few more rounds until it was Harmony who was up by one point. "Okay, last round. Ready to lose?" Harmony asked with a flirty smirk.
"Let's take a break first. Just to savor the moment before I crush you."
"I think you mean when I crush you, but other than that I agree." Harmony said as they took a seat on their table and ordered some pizza to share.
"Mm. I can't remember the last time I had pizza." Harmony said, savoring the taste.
"Mm... Yeah. I think they import the pepperoni from, like, Michigan or something." Ryder informed.
"How's Glee? Rory and Sugar getting along with the group."
"Yeah, I hear Rory's even hanging out with Marley these days. It's uh, it's fun. But, it would be better if you were there. Everybody misses you."
"Aww, I miss them too. Look, I love Glee, and I wish I had the time, but I needed to spread my wings. I wanted to grow and feel needed."
"We do need you. I need you." Ryder admitted. Harmony was surprised to hear him admit that. Ryder then rose sharply and handEd her a ball. "It's your last ball."
Harmony rose in turn to join him. "I'll make it count." Harmony, ready, kiss the ball and throws it. She managed a strike. "Bam! What!" Harmony was ecstatic, having won the game, jumping in the arms of which Ryder. Suddenly, she kisses him. He quickly returns the kiss and they stayed like that, passionately for a brief moment before pulling back with their foreheads together, not wanting to be apart.
"Come back to Glee."
"What about the play?"
"Be honest, you hate the play. You're treated like nothing there, but I promise you I'll never treat you like that. I want to spend more time with you."
"I'll... I'll do it!" Ryder, surprised, kisses her forehead and takes her back in his arms, excited, not just for the possibility of the music scholarship, but with the chance of being able to be with Harmony.
Choir Room
Joe told the Glee Club about how Kitty was during their practice.
"So she cried on your pillow and threw up in your toilet but still wanted to come to class?" Marley summed up.
"That, and she could barely stay away half the time. And recoiled when I made grilled cheese. Who doesn't like grilled cheese?" Joe recalled.
"Maybe Kitty's lactose intolerant." Unique offers.
"Nah, she loves grilled cheese. Almost as much as waffles." Blaine said.
"Okay, then what else could it be?" Rory asks.
"Yeah, what could be going on then? I mean, mood swings, fatigue, nausea, what is the link?" Sugar thinks out loud. Though those words caused Blaine's eyes to widen.
"C'mon guys. It's none of our business. We should just-"
"Oh my god Kitty's pregnant!" Blaine suddenly bursts out. Everyone's jaw drops from the surprise.
"Wait… what?" Sugar was the first to break the silence, her voice laced with disbelief.
"You heard me," Blaine said, his hands still in the air from his dramatic realization. "Mood swings, nausea, exhaustion—those are all signs of pregnancy!"
"But—Kitty?" Marley asked, her brows furrowed. "I mean, are we sure? We can't just assume something like that."
"Yeah," Unique nodded. "I mean, maybe she just has the flu. Or, like, a really bad grilled cheese allergy."
Blaine shook his head. "No, think about it. The sudden changes, the weird cravings, the way she's been acting lately—it all adds up."
Jake tries to stop the accusation. "Guys, come on. It's Kitty. Captain of the Celibacy club. She has strict Christian parents. I've known her for years. Don't you think if she was pregnant she would've told me or Ryder by now?"
"Maybe Ryder does know. He was quick to defend her when she ran out the other day." Blaine reasoned.
Joe frowned. "Should we… ask her?"
Betty immediately waved her hands. "Oh no, no way! You don't just ask someone if they're pregnant. That's, like, the fastest way to get your head bitten off."
"Or slapped," Sugar added with a nod. "Probably slapped."
"So what do we do?" Marley asked, looking around.
Blaine hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know. But if she is pregnant, she shouldn't have to go through it alone."
"What I want to know is, who's the baby's daddy?" Unique asks. Jake stays silent, not knowing what to say.
"Isn't it obvious? Ryder. They're dating aren't they?"
Harmony, happy at that moment, arrives in the room. "Hey guys. Good news. I decided to quit the play and come back to the club full time." She was met with whispers, noticing that no one responded to her. "Uh, I'm sorry; I thought I'd be welcomed back with a tad more enthusiasm. Come on guys, where's the fire in your eyes?"
"Sorry, Glee Club has just been rocked with its first scandal."
"Kitty's knocked up." Marley said.
"And the baby daddy? Ryder. Flipping. Lynn." Betty said doing a motion explosion.
Harmony, completely stunned, feels horrified. Her possible boyfriend's ex-girlfriend was pregnant with his baby, and he didn't tell her. How was she supposed to feel about that.
Emma's Office
Ryder, happy, hands over files to Emma. "I just wanted to drop off the application for that scholarship you were telling me about. I got Harmony to come back to Glee, so, I figure we have a real shot at it."
"I'm so proud of you. See what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it?" Emma said.
Ryder walks down the halls happy for his accomplishment, when Harmony crosses him, pissed.
Harmony slaps him. "You lied to me. Kitty's pregnant?" Ryder's eyes widen at Harmony's words.
"Who told you?" Ryder asks.
"Everyone knew but me. I'm the only fool who went out with you and let you kiss me, thinking you actually had feelings for me." Harmony said.
"But I...I do. Look, everything I said at dinner was true. Kitty and I did break up. But now she's pregnant and I need to get a music scholarship, so I can go to college, so I can get a good job, so I can take care of my kid. Look, I admit it, I talked to you so I could get you back to Glee, but I meant it when I said I wanted to hang out with you."
"Ryder you idiot." Harmony groans in anger. "If you had just told me from the start I would've helped. But instead you had to manipulate me and make feel like crap."
"... Look, I know what I did was wrong. I get that, but... that kiss was real."
"Whatever it was, it ruined any chance of me ever coming back to Glee. I'll try to see if I can free up some time for competitions but I'm not just gonna watch you and Kitty raise a baby together and treat me like a fool."
"But Harmony-" Ryder tries to persuade her.
"Goodbye Ryder." Harmony walks away. She then finds Sue removing Glee flyers from the walls. "Miss Sylvester. We need to talk... what are you doing?" Sue proceeds to put the flyer back pretend not to touch it.
"Nothing. What did you want to say?" Sue asks, changing the subject.
"If you'd like me to return to the musical, changes need to be made. For starters, no more bullying, and-" Harmony was then interrupted by Sue.
"Well, Harmony, I couldn't agree with you more. You know, when I heard Sandy wanted to write himself into a scene as Queen Cleopatra, I was aroused, then furious."
Harmony looks disgusted. She didn't know what was worse, the arousal that Sue had for Sandy, or the fact that Sandy wanted to wear drag in a school play for who knows what.
"I hereby grant you complete artistic control. Congratulations, kiddo." Harmony smiled at Sue's words. "You now have everything you could possibly want. Isn't it a great feeling?" Sue goes off leaving Harmony perplexed. It was at that moment that she realized that Sue was wrong. She didn't want this. Not if it meant she couldn't perform with her real friends. And though Ryder did lie to her, it's not fair to them.
Kitty walked through the hall with her usual confidence, her arms crossed as she scanned the students around her. Everything felt normal—at least, as normal as it could be. The stares from the Glee Club had been weird during rehearsal, but she figured it was just about her running off stage again. She was used to that by now.
Then she saw Joe waiting near her locker, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.
She sighed. "What do you want, Sandals?"
Joe exhaled slowly. "Can we talk?"
Kitty scoffed, twisting her combination lock. "Pretty sure that's what we're doing."
"Kitty."
Something in his tone made her stop. She turned her head slightly, eyeing him with suspicion. "What?"
Joe hesitated, then lowered his voice. "We know."
Kitty's blood turned to ice. Her fingers slipped off the lock. "…Know what?"
Joe didn't blink. "About the baby."
Kitty's stomach dropped. The hallway noise around her blurred into nothing. Her pulse pounded in her ears.
She clenched her jaw. "Who told you?"
"No one told me, we figured it out."
Of course. She should've known. She turned away, gripping the edges of her locker door so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Joe stepped closer, but not too close. "Look, no one's judging you. We just… we don't want you to go through this alone."
Kitty laughed bitterly, shaking her head. "Wow. That's rich. What, did you guys have a group meeting about poor little Kitty behind my back?"
"No," Joe said quickly. "We were worried. We thought you could use the support."
Kitty slammed her locker shut, spinning to face him. "I don't need support. I don't need anything from you or anyone." Her voice was sharp, but there was an edge of something else. Something raw.
Joe didn't back down. "That's not true."
Kitty clenched her fists. "I can handle this."
"I know you can," Joe said gently. "But you don't have to do it alone."
Kitty's breath caught in her throat. No judgment. No pity. Just… understanding.
For a second, she wanted to believe him.
But belief was dangerous.
She swallowed hard and scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever. Thanks for the PSA." She turned on her heel and started walking away.
"Kitty—"
She didn't stop. She couldn't.
Because if she did, she wasn't sure she could hold it together.
Choir Room
Before anyone knew it, it was time for the Invitationals. Every member was wearing country-inspired buttoned shirts with jeans, black boots and a black hat. Kitty stood as far away from Joe as she could, avoiding his stares as they each ran warmups.
Mr. Schue interrupts with grand news. "The house is packed... you guys are going to kick butt tonight. Your first performance in front of a real audience. I can't wait. You guys are going to love it." The club smiled at Mr. Schue. "Where...Where's April?"
April arrives wearing a pink country dress with matching colored boots and hat, clearly drunk. She stumbled across the room. "Yee-haw!" She laughed. "Right on cue, as usual. Hey, roller-girl. Handsome. Oh, I like that color. Have you been working on the, uh, moves we talked... You've got something right there, on your..." April gave Rory a kiss, which left him uncomfortable. Sugar pulled her off of him slightly angered, but tried not to show it. "There's my boy." She said to Mr. Schue.
"Are you drunk? You promised me you'd sober up for this."
"When? Last night?" April's brows furrowed as she tried to remember the event they were talking about. "Well, I was drunk. You can't hold me to that." She grinned, pulling on his tie as she spun around to face the piano just as Emma arrived at the door. "Hit it, Knuckles." April instructed as their spanish professor made his way into the hallway with their guidance counselor.
They all peered at April warily as she warmed up, acting as if nothing had happened. They were all still reeling from her behaviour, but decided to let it slide for the sake of the performance.
Auditorium
Principal Figgins stands in front of the room talking on the microphone to make the opening announcement. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome McKinley High School's New Directions." The audience as the curtains rise, and the band and Joe begin playing the country music. They were singing Last Name by Carrie Underwood.
April:
Last night, I got served
A little bit too much of that poison baby
Last night I did things I'm not proud of
And I got a little crazy
Last night I met a guy on the dance floor
And I let him call me baby
April and New Directions:
And I don't even know his last name
Oh, my mama would be so ashamed
It started off "Hey cutie, where ya from?"
And then it turned in, "Oh no, what have I done?"
And I don't even know his last name
April:
Whoo
We left the club right around three o'clock in the morning
His Pinto sitting there in the parking lot
Well it should have been a warning
I had no clue what I was getting into
So I blame it on the Cuervo
April and New Directions:
And I don't even know my last name
Oh my mama would be so ashamed
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, wooow
Don't even know my last name
Oh yeah
The song ended with a grand applause, with Marley and Sugar sitting on the shoulders of Blaine and Rory, each of them high-fiving each other in congratulations. Despite the fact that April is drunk on stage, the New Directions still manage to perform a fine performance in front of a captivated audience. Through the crowd though, Ryder saw the saddened face of Harmony, which immediately put a frown of regret on his face which was unnoticed by the club as they through their hats in the air.
Choir Room
Kitty sat on the edge of the risers, staring at the floor. The energy from the performance had drained out of her, leaving only exhaustion in its place.
She heard footsteps but didn't bother looking up. "If you're here to give me another speech, save it."
Joe hesitated before sitting a few feet away. "I'm not."
Silence stretched between them. Kitty tapped her fingers against her knee, waiting for him to get to the point.
Joe finally spoke. "I meant what I said earlier."
Kitty swallowed, staring ahead. "Yeah? Which part?"
"All of it." His voice was steady. "We don't want you to go through this alone."
Kitty scoffed, shaking her head. "Right. Because suddenly everyone's a saint."
Joe didn't flinch. "No. Because we care."
Kitty turned to him, eyes sharp. "You care now. Where was that when I needed it?"
Joe's jaw tightened. "I messed up, Kitty. I should've asked you instead of listening to everyone else. I should've been there." He exhaled. "I wasn't. And I hate that."
Kitty looked away, biting the inside of her cheek. "Well, too late now."
"No, it's not."
She blinked.
Joe's voice was quiet but firm. "I know you can handle this. But you don't have to do it alone."
Kitty clenched her jaw. Those were the words that had nearly broken her earlier. Because part of her—some stupid, desperate part—wanted to believe them.
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "You don't get to swoop in and fix this, Joe."
"I know." He hesitated. "But that doesn't mean I'm going anywhere."
Kitty glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He wasn't pushing. He wasn't asking for anything.
Just there.
And somehow, that mattered more than she wanted it to.
She let out a slow breath. "Fine."
Joe smiled slightly. "Fine."
Kitty rolled her eyes, standing. "If you get weird about this, I'm done."
Joe held up his hands. "No weirdness. Scout's honor."
She snorted. "You were never a scout."
He grinned. "Still counts."
Kitty shook her head, but for the first time in a long time, the weight on her chest didn't feel so heavy.
Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought. "I'll see you at church." Kitty said.
Joe's eyes widened. "For the song?"
"Yes. The song. Don't make it weird Avatar."
"I won't," Joe promised, but the warmth in his voice made it clear that it was a big deal—to him, at least.
Kitty rolled her eyes but didn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.
Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought.
Everyone got dressed for the second half when Mr. Schue enters.
"They loved us! We're a hit." Betty said, thrilled.
"You were right, Mr Schue. I had my doubts but April is amazing."
Mr. Schue nodded. "April is amazing. But she's not in the glee club anymore." Everyone is surprised by those words. "It... I, uh... I screwed up bringing her here. It was about me and Glee Club is supposed to be about you guys. You don't need her to be great."
"But we need her for the second act. What are we supposed to do?" Unique asks.
"I'll just have to go out there and tell them we had to cut the show short." Mr. Schue told them sadly with a shrug and everyone shared disappointed glances."Hey, guys. You were great. Don't worry. There Mr. Schue be other performances."
The group turned as one, surprised to see Harmony standing in the doorway. "I couldn't help but overhear," she continued, her voice full of resolve. "If you want, I could understudy for April. If you'd let me."
Marley blinked, confused. "How did you even have the time to come here?"
Harmony gave a small smile. "Because I quit the play."
Everyone stared at her.
"Really?" Blaine asked.
"Yeah. Because I know what I want, and to be honest, being there, on that stage, it sounded amazing but it wasn't worth not being able to sing with you guys. And if I'd let you down when you needed me the most, I'd never forgive myself. You're doing Queen right? I know all the words to the song."
"You don't know the choreography." Kitty said.
"Then we're going to have to give her a lot of help out there." Ryder said, smiling to Harmony.
Blaine raises his hand. "I could teach her."
"Great. Go get in your costume Harmony."
Harmony nodded. She got her costume and got a quick run-through with Blaine. It was simple enough to follow and she learned it quickly. Before they went to the stage Ryder stopped her. "Thanks for coming back." was all he said.
Harmony smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "I couldn't leave you guys hanging, especially when you need someone to step up." She gave him a playful nudge. "I've seen how you all work together. I don't want to let you down." She then started walking again before stopping and taking a breath. She turned to her crush. "You ever feel like getting coffee?" This sentence surprised Ryder. "There's a great place called the Lima Bean. We could go and... talk." Harmony said, implying that she still wanted to explore what's going on just a little bit.
Ryder gives a large smile. "I'd like that. We'll talk about it later." They stare in silence for a genuine moment before Harmony cleared her throat
"We'd better get out there and give them a show they won't forget, right?"
"Yeah totally." And with that, they both went to that stage.
Auditorium
They each went to the stage for Act II in simple dark blue buttoned-up shirts with black ties and jeans. They began singing Somebody to Love by Queen.
Ryder:
Can
New Directions:
Anybody
Find me
Somebody to love?
Harmony:
Ooooooh
Each morning I get up, I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
Ryder (New Directions):
(Take a look at yourself) Take a look
(In the mirror) In the mirror and cry (and cry!)
Lord, what you're doing to me (Yeah, yeah)
Harmony (New Directions):
I (Ooooh, ooooh) spent all my years
Harmony with New Directions:
Believing you
But I just can't get no relief
Lord
Ryder (New Directions):
Somebody (Somebody)
Oooh, somebody (somebody)
Harmony and Ryder (with New Directions):
Can (anybody find me)
Ryder:
Somebody to love?
Joe (New Directions):
I work hard (He works hard)
Every day of my life
Joe and Marley:
I work till I ache in my bones
Joe (New Directions):
At the end (at the end of the day!)
I take home
(Goes home!)
My hard earned pay all on my own
(Goes home on his own!)
Marley (New Directions):
I get down (down) on my knees (knees)
And I start to pray (praise the lord!)
Harmony with New Directions harmonizing:
'Till the tears run down from my eyes, (with New Directions: Lord)
Ryder (New Directions):
Somebody (Somebody)
Harmony and Ryder (New Directions):
Oooh, somebody (Please!)
Harmony and Ryder (with New Directions):
Can (anybody find me)
Harmony:
Somebody to love?
Joe (New Directions):
(He works hard) Oh every day (every day)
I (with New Directions: try and I try and I try)
Marley with New Directions harmonizing:
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm goin' crazy
Joe with New Directions harmonizing:
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
Joe (New Directions):
I got no common sense
I got (He's got) (with New Directions: nobody left to believe)
No, ooooooh (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
New Directions:
Ooooh
Ryder with New Directions:
Oh
Ryder (New Directions):
Somebody (somebody)
Harmony and Ryder (New Directions):
Oooh, somebody (please!)
Harmony and Ryder (with New Directions:)
Can (anybody find me)
Harmony:
Somebody to love
New Directions:
Can
Anybody
Find me
Someone to love?
Ryder (New Directions):
Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (You just keep losing and losing)
Harmony (New Directions):
I'm okay, I'm alright (He's alright, he's alright)
(Yeah, yeah) I ain't gonna face no defeat
Harmony and Ryder (New Directions):
(Oooohhh) I just gotta get out of (with New Directions: this prison cell)
Harmony and Ryder with New Directions:
Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord!
New Directions (New Directions Girls):
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love (Ryder: Ohhhhh)
Find me (me) somebody to love
Find me (me) somebody to love (Love) (Unique: Heee, Oooh)
Find me (me) somebody to love (Love) (Joe: Somebody)
Find me (me) somebody to love, love, love (Ryder: Oooooooh)
Find me (me) somebody to love (Love)
Find me (me) somebody to love (Love)(Harmony: Ohhhh)
Somebody, Somebody!
Somebody, Somebody! (Joe: Ooh, find me, find me, find me)
Somebody, Somebody!
Somebody, find me somebody to love
Harmony and Unique with New Directions:
Can anybody find me
Unique:
Somebody to
Love?!
New Directions:
Find me (Unique: Ooooh) somebody to love (Harmony: Somebody find me)
Find me (Ryder: Find me) somebody to love (Harmony: Somebody find me)
Find me (Harmony: Somebody to love) somebody to love (Joe: Somebody, somebody, somebody)
Find me somebody to love (Harmony: somebody to love) (Ryder: Looove)
Find me (Unique: Oooooh) somebody to love (Harmony: Somebody to love)
Find me (Ryder: Somebody to love) somebody to love
Harmony:
Find me (New Directions: Find me)
Somebody (New Directions: Somebody)
To (New Directions: To)
Harmony and Ryder with New Directions:
To love!
The entire New Directions hit on stage in front of an appreciative audience. Harmony stood proud to be with her friends. She has truly found what she really wanted.
STARRING:
Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn
Lindsay Pearce as Harmony Pearce
Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams
Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
Ali Stroker as Betty Pillsbury
Samuel Larsen as Joe Hart
Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman
Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde
Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester
GUEST STARRING:
Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes
Stephen Tobolowsky as Sandy Ryerson
Vannessa Lengies as Sugar Motta
Damian McGinty as Rory Flanagan
Erinn Westbrook as Bree Westbrook
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
Iqbal Theba as Principal Figgins
Josh Sussman as Jacob Ben Israel
SONG(S):
Maybe This Time (Originally by Cast of Caberet): Performed by April Rhodes and Harmony Pearce
Stand By Me (Originally by Ben E. King): Performed by Joe Hart and Kitty Wilde
Last Name (Originally by Carrie Underwood): Performed by April Rhodes with New Directions
Somebody to Love (Originally by Queen): Performed by New Directions
Thank you so much for reading this. We hope you enjoyed what we wrote. We were originally planning on giving Joe a spotlight a little later, but we decided to take an opportunity. I hope you enjoyed what he have going for Harmony and Ryder. One thing that Emma Dilemma didn't ship Finn and Rachel for is that they only liked one another when the other didn't, and I agree. So we're making their relationship far more consistent. Now we hope you stick around for the next chapter.
Next Chapter - Believing the glee club members are becoming complacent ahead of Sectionals, Mr. Schue pits the girls against the boys for a mash-up competition, which gives Kitty the opportunity to manipulate Marley from the inside. Mr. Schue's wife Terri takes a job as the school nurse which allows both teams to come into possession of something to help them win, though at the cost of cheating.
We hope you have fun when this comes out
Drift and Emma Out!