1x01 Pilot

'''Hey guys! I'm super sorry for being a bit late with this episode, but none the less here it is.'''

'''I'm so thankful to you guys for all the help you've given me with this wiki, and it's just so amazing to see you all so excited for this. It's inspiring, and I'm so happy to be sharing this with you.'''

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''‘I was supposed to have made my Broadway debut by the age of twenty-five, and by the age of twenty-eight I was supposed to have my face on the cover of People magazine. But, here I am at the ripe age of twenty-eight settling into a classroom of a local high school. This was definitely not a part of my ten year plan.’ ''

Blair, a former student of the New York academy of the dramatic arts, had decided to become a music teacher at Infant of Prague High School after a horrible accident left her short a leg.    ‘It’s the closest I’ll get to Broadway now; maybe I can help some kids realize their dreams.’

It was the night before school was due to start and she had decided to make the music classroom more suited to her style and needs. The classroom was a mess, instruments strewn everywhere, out dated posters cluttering the walls and there was a thick layer of dust coating every visible surface. ‘This is going to be a long day.’

“I should have brought more cleaning supplies; apparently the previous teacher was very fond of dust bunnies.” Blair mumbled digging through a pile of boxes on the floor, it had taken a few trips back and forth between her car and the classroom but she had gotten them all in.

Blair glanced around the room taking notice of a supply closet in the near back, most likely where the instruments were meant to be stored, and decided it was best to clear that out and place all the functioning instruments into it. Struggling she picked up the nearest instrument, a guitar, and begin to hobble towards the supply closet.

Unbeknownst to her, a stack of sheet music lay scattered in front of the door. Blair with two legs was what some would call tipsy, but now walking with one and a prosthetic leg she was downright clumsy and easily slipped to the floor smashing the guitar and possibly a few bones on the way.

<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Well, this is just peachy.” Blair sighed, trying to haul herself off of the floor, unsuccessfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Did you hear that?” Noah Walsh, the history teacher, asked as he walked past the usually vacant music classroom with two of his fellow teachers, Carter Rockwell and Sierra Crawford.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Hearing ghosts, are we?” Sierra smiles, turning to face her friend. Sierra Crawford was a pretty woman, standing 5’8 tall with curly, light brown hair. Not that she’d ever taken the time to notice, she was the type of person who placed brains over beauty. “Not that they exist, it’s been very much so proven by…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“We get your point, Sierra, but we don’t need the fun fact that comes with it. I have enough of those to last enough time.” Carter, sighed, placing a hand in front of the taller woman’s face. “Then again she does have a point, just because you look like a vampire hunter, it doesn’t mean you need to go into ghost buster mode.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I never said I heard a ghost or that I’m planning on jumping whatever I heard, all I said was I heard something in the music room.” The history teacher replied, as he began to enter the music classroom. “And those are two entirely different things from entirely different time periods.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’d really rather if you didn’t jump me because I can assure you I’m not a vampire nor a ghost, I just really need some help.” Blair said, waving her hand into the air to signal where the voice is coming from.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Apparently ghosts can’t pull themselves off the floor.” Carter stated, leaning in to whisper it to Sierra as Noah went to help the red head up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Sierra and Noah had taken notice to Blair’s position and why she couldn’t get the balance to haul herself up, she had a prosthetic leg. Carter, though had he known he still may have been insensitive to the subject, had not.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I know you’re not typically one to care, but if you’d take the time to notice, she has a prosthetic leg.” Sierra explained glaring at the brunette.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Taking no offence to that…” Blair gritted her teeth and offered her hand to the three teachers. “I’m Blair Wright, the new music teacher. And you are?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">It was no lie that Blair was an attractive young woman; all three teachers had noticed that. Even with her hair in a messy bun, dressed in nothing but a wrinkled band tee and a pair of jean shorts, she still managed to make an impression on Noah.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">He was the first to shake Blair’s hand, openly smiling at her as he introduced himself. “I’m Noah Walsh, the history teacher, nice to meet you, Blair.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   “I’m Sierra Crawford, English teacher. It seems as though you’re from the homeland of Shakespeare himself.” Sierra was next, eager to comment on the red head’s accent and her origin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Sierra’s a bit of a bore, but I’m certainly not.” Carter smiled, shaking the girl’s hand. “Carter Rockwell, drama teacher extraordinaire. I’ve got to say it is not a pleasure to meet you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“And why might that be?” Blair asked, raising an eyebrow. She had thought all three teachers to be nice, but now she was seriously reconsidering that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Don’t mind him, while I’m a bore Carter here is typically very unpleasant unless he knows you. If you stick around long enough, I’m sure he’ll warm up.” Sierra offered an apologetic smile, but without Blair taking notice stomped on Carter’s foot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“If you don’t mind my asking what do you mean by stick around long enough? Why wouldn’t I?” She asked, picking up the smashed guitar, while Noah bent to pick up the sheet music.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Infant of Prague doesn’t have a good reputation with music teachers, while most of us have been here for years a new music teacher joins the staff every school year.” Noah began to explain. “The art’s department is a required field to have at least one subject in, music is the one of the only remaining subjects meaning every student has to take it at least once and let’s just say the music teachers don’t get a lot of respect. It’s basically free period.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Well, I can promise you that I’ll make sure the students that attend music class this year will leave having actually learned something.” Blair stated, staring coldly around the classroom. “How about you guys help me clean this up and I’ll treat you all to dinner later? It’d be a great opportunity to get to know each other.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">GLEE: It Only Looks Easy 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">It had been a long day, indeed, and all four teachers were exhausted but glad they had brought the music room back to its prime. Blair, however, was fuming. ‘Barely any of these instruments are operational and this sheet music is all outdated.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Look, thank you all so much for doing this it was a really big help and it means a lot because you don’t even know me and I will definitely be treating you guys to dinner, but first I need to have a little chat with the principle. Do you know if he’s here?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, he’s definitely here. You’ll find him in his office reviewing the schools code of conduct and conspiring with that witch, Bridget Webb. She thinks she’s all that with her little group of cheerleader cronies, and she has Harold wrapped around her finger…” Carter replied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Thanks? Anyway I’ll be right back.” Blair said, grabbing an arm full of broken instruments and obsolete sheet music.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Harold Ellis was much past his prime and though graying and balding, he still managed to be a strict principal and was always quick to stand his ground. Old age had not mellowed him at all. His office reflected his personality, it was cold, sterile and adorned in military metals. ''‘Why am I so intimidated by an old man? Oh, yeah he’s a war veteran and just look at him, he doesn’t seem like the pleasantest of guys.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Mr. Ellis, sir, could I-I have a w-word.” Blair said. ‘''Why do I sound so nervous, I need to be confident and strong. After all I’m Blair Wright and I never get scared not even in high school when the head cheerleader confronted me for stealing her boyfriend, which I did but that’s beside the point. I didn’t even get scared when I woke up missing a leg. But, here I am standing in the office of a sixty year old man shaking in my boots.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Ms. Wright, am I correct? The new music teacher, what could you possibly need to discuss with me at this time I’m sure you haven’t settled into that dustbowl you call a classroom yet.” Harold replied, gesturing for her to take a seat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That dustbowl is exactly what I wanted to discuss.” She placed the broken instruments and sheet music on his desk. “None of the instruments are functional and some of this sheet music is from the fifties. Surely there’s some money in the budget for new supplies.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Harold began gesturing towards his expression, leaving Blair with a confused one herself. “Blair, this is me not caring. Now, I don’t expect you to memorize it because you’ll be seeing it plenty if you continue to bother me about this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“But, sir, the arts have to have some funding. Can’t I use that?” She slammed her hand down on her desk, quickly becoming annoyed with his rude arrogance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Blair, the arts do have funding but that funding is currently going towards more important things, such as cheerleading and football, things that have actually helped to put this school on the maps. The arts have done nothing to benefit this school and music class only exists because it has to.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’s not fair! Cheerleading and football do not need that much funding!” Blair yelled, hastily becoming enraged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Unless the arts start profiting this school, the money will continue to go to athletics.” Harold stated his voice calm and steady. ‘If this little girl thinks she can waltz in her and change the way I do things, then she has another thing coming because I never give in.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘I need to think and quick. I can’t let music just become a free period, it helped me so much both before and after the accident, the kids need it ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">.’ That’s when it came to her, something that had put her school back in London in the papers; something that helped a lot of students.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“How about a glee club? You give music class one third of the funding that has been given to athletics and in return I’ll start a glee club and if by the end of the school year we haven’t won a single trophy then all of the funding for music can remain as extra funding for athletics.” She smirked at him, hands on her hips. “Do we have a deal?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Interesting, seems like a worthy gamble. It’ll be fun watching you and your little group of singers lose. You have a deal.” Harold stood and shook her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Outside the office door, Bridget Webb had heard the whole conversation and was greatly displeased. She knew Blair was going to cause a stir in the school and community, and she wasn’t prepared to let that happen.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Trust me, Harold, she’ll lose and I’ll make sure of it.” The raven haired woman sneered, walking back into her office.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">The next morning, Blair arrived to school, much too early, with a smile on her face. ‘''Today was the day I am going to make a difference at Infant of Prague, glee club is going to benefit everyone, I just know it. Glee club was such a big part of my high school experience and I’ve seen how much it can help people.’ ''She thought to herself, grinning at how good an idea it was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Smiling to herself, she approached the first bulletin board she saw and stuck a poster to it. ''‘Want to try something new? Join glee club! That sounds good.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">She happily continued on her way to find some more bulletin boards to post her flyer on, sounds of one high heel echoing down the hallway.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘I stand out, to say the least. Maybe it’s because I’m new to the school, or maybe it’s because I’m dressed differently, either way everyone is looking at me, Scarlett Andrews. And I’m perfectly okay with it. However, I am not okay with bullying.’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">And that’s one of the first things she seen as she walked down the halls of Infant of Prague.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Surrounding a petite, dirty-blonde haired girls were three other girls, a blonde and two brunettes all adorned in cheerleading uniforms except for the girl in the middle. Two boys stood off to the side, one who she chose to describe as husky and another who was gangly, both with short brown hair and letterman jackets.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Raleigh, Finley and Rosie I say this with the greatest sincerity I really do love your slushie facials, but this outfit is not machine washable and I would much rather not be scrubbing red slushie out of it for days.” The girl who stood in the center pleaded, gesturing to her outfit and smiling a too sweet smile at them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Sorry, but I really don’t care what you would or wouldn’t rather do.” The tallest of the three said, shaking her head of blonde hair at the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yeah, this isn’t a game of would you rather. You’re getting slushied no matter what your choice is.” The second girl replied, she had curly brown hair and wide, green eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, so I do get a choice?” The petite girl quipped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Shut it, Cecily, for God’s sake. You never know when to just stop talking!” The third girl, with dark hair and tan skin, snapped, pouring the slushy over Cecily’s head. The other two girls following suit, while the gangly boy began to chuckle. The husky one seemed disappointed in his friends.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“C’mon, Finley, you three have had enough fun for now.” The husky one said, directing the comment at the girl who seemed to be the ring leader. The group of five then stalked off, all laughing. ‘The husky one and green eyed girl must be dating.’ Scarlett noted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Scarlett was appalled by what she had just witnessed. ‘''I’ve travelled all around the world and not once have I seen something so cruel. How on earth could they wreck that girl’s outfit, which I’m sure had taken weeks of careful consideration, on the first day of school?''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’ve got to help her…” Scarlett mumbled, but when she looked the girl had run off.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Sure, I’m an annoying, self-confident, know-it-all but I sure as heck do not deserve this on a weekly base.’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">She thought as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring down at the outfit she had spent months planning. Her salmon colored shirt was permanently stained red and her hair that she had spent hours curling was plastered to her head, also possibly died red.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m sorry about your outfit.” Scarlett apologized, though it wasn’t necessary, as she appeared behind the girl equipped with wet wipes and stain-removal sticks. “I’m Scarlett Andrews, the new girl, and if you like I’ve come to offer my assistance.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Cecily Caverly and right about now I’d accept help from the girls who did this to me if they had wet wipes and stain-removal sticks.” Cecily smiled, turning to face the girl. She couldn’t help but realize how odd it was for the girl to have these things. “Which now that I think about is odd for you to have.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I always come prepared.” Scarlett grinned. She then proceeded to start dabbing at the stains with a wet wipe.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘I’m trying not to be bitter, but I can’t help it. Jacob and Rosie were my best friends, they had been since kindergarten, and I really do want to be happy for them. But, I’m the star of my own little show (and the blonde, let’s face it the blonde always gets the guy) in my head henceforth I’m supposed to end up with Jacob, not Rosie. Television has not prepared me for this.’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh thought, as she followed behind her two friends who were happily holding hands and acting all cutesy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">The three were approaching their first class of the day, music, and Raleigh was forced to watch as Rosie buried her head in the crook of his neck and Jacob just smiled that heart wrenchingly gorgeous smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I am still here and we are still in school, let’s keep it PG, please.” She sighed, pushing her way through and successfully breaking the two up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Raleigh, we were barely even touching.” Rosie groaned. “And since when do you care about public displays of affection, if I recall correctly last year you held the record for highest number of hookups on school…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’s enough!” Raleigh blurted, slapping a hand over Rosie’s mouth. ‘''Sure, in my freshman year I may have been a bit of control, but that doesn’t mean Rosie needs to bring it up every chance she gets. Besides, its sophomore year now and I’ve matured; I’m totally ready for a serious relationship. If Rosie wasn’t such a cockblock. That’s definitely the wrong word…’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I hate to say it but I told you so. It may have been fun, but you were bound to regret it.” Jacob laughed. That was one of the many reasons why Raleigh, and Rosie, liked Jacob so much. He always kept them grounded, without him who knows where they’d be, but here he was and because of him they never got in too much trouble. He’s also the reason Raleigh isn’t a teen mother; he had stopped her insanity before it was too late.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, shut it, you.” Raleigh replied, flipping her hair and walking past the two into the music room. Crossing her arms she took a seat as far back as she could.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I usually revel in people’s unhappiness.” Rosie began, taking a seat in the back as well. “But, this is Raleigh I’m talking about and she seems really upset over something.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“It’s probably just her mom on her case again, you know.” Jacob explained, pulling up a seat next to Rosie.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Rosie agreed, smiling at her boyfriend. Raleigh just rolled her eyes. ‘She doesn’t even really care, and Jacob doesn’t either by the looks of it.’ Raleigh though, letting out a quiet sigh.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh my God! I’m going to be late for my first class.” Cecily said. She quickly grabbed her bags, a piano clutch and a messenger bag adorned in music notes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“But, you’re outfit!” Scarlett exclaimed, chasing the girl out of the bathroom. ‘No way am I letting her go without letting her know that I’m here for her and I want to be her friend.’ She thought, grabbing Cecily’s arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m sure if you explain to the teacher why you’re late, they’ll understand.” Scarlett suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I can’t explain to the teachers why I’m covered in red goo.” Cecily replied, turning to face the girl. “Don’t you realize that if I tell it’ll only get worse. They already think I’m odd enough, they don’t need to think I’m a tattle tale too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I think you’re pretty cool and it shouldn’t matter to you what other people think.” Scarlett smiled. ''‘No matter how nice this girl is I cannot be her friend. She’s going to be a target and I can’t risk that.’ ''Cecily thought, shying away from the brunette.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I can see that you don’t.” The blonde replied, starting off down the hall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, I’m don’t.” The brunette said. “And neither will you because we’re totally best friends forever now and I’m going to teach you the way of the Scarlett.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Uh, uh sure?” Cecily frowned, there was no way she was going to shake this girl. “What’s your first class?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Music, you?” Scarlett asked, grinning as skipped down the hall behind the blonde.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Music.” Cecily replied, huffing out a quiet sigh and continuing on her way.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Ms. Blair Wright, and I, uh, guess you can call me Blair if you want?” Blair explained, printing her name neatly on the white board. “And, before you ask, yes, I am an amputee and, no, I’m not going to explain it to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Ms., don’t you think it’s a bit informal for us to be addressing you in informal manner?” Robin Lassos, the school’s resident nerd and one of the cheerleader’s biggest targets.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I happen to think it’s very cool.” Raleigh piped up from the back of the class. Robin’s hand immediately shot downwards, Raleigh smirked. ‘''Is it bad to be happy that there’s someone so vulnerable here to pick on? Robin’s sensitive and always a fun objective, I need to cheer myself up somehow right?’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m kind of new to this, so we’ll just leave it as is. Besides first name bases are cool, right? ” Blair suggested. ‘I haven’t even been a teacher for five minutes and I’ve already messed up, I’m so not cut out for teaching.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">A chorus of “yes’s” sounded throughout the room. ''‘Maybe I don’t need to be so hard on myself. I’ve already got my whole first class liking me.’ ''She smiled at herself. ‘I always wanted to be the cool teacher and now I am, maybe if the students like me enough we’ll be able to have a really chill class.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Ms.! I’m sorry we were late, it won’t happen again.” Cecily exclaimed taking the nearest available seat, while Scarlett did the same.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Sure thing, it’s the first day I would never think of penalizing you for being late, I still remember how horrible it was.” Blair replied, empathetic for the girls. “But, may I ask why you’re covered in red goo. It still looks fresh.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Just a little run in with a slushie, nothing to worry about.” Cecily explained, smiling at her teacher. In the back Raleigh and Rosie could be heard giggling, while Jacob seemed a bit apologetic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Okay…” Blair began. “Before we start class I’d like to know if any of you would like to audition for glee club. Auditions take place today after school in the auditorium and there’s an endless amount of people who can get in. I’m just going to pass around a sheet and if you change your mind later on it will be posted outside my classroom.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">The sheet was passed around the classroom first reaching Cecily who anxiously began to write her full name as neatly as possible, Scarlett looming over her shoulder smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I think this is great, I’m going to audition too. If we’re going to be best friends we have to have something to do together, right?” Scarlett explained, grinning brightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘For the first time I agree with her, Scarlett seems nice enough and I have to be comfortable in my own skin to be a good performer. Scarlett can help me with that. Besides, if our friendship doesn’t work out, she’d make a great chapter in my memoir.’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily thought, as she passed the sheet on to Scarlett.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Scarlett signed her name next, her slanted girly print standing out in the bold, black pen she had used, smiling she passed the sheet on where it eventually made its way to Robin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘This seems fun enough, but my mother would never approve. Although having something like this on my college application would help.’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Robin thought. ‘It couldn’t hurt to try.’ She signed her name in her childish but neat handwriting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">The sign-up sheet continued to make its way around the classroom, emitting a few chuckles and crude remarks from the popular students and hesitant looks from the least-liked members of the class.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is so stupid, who would audition for a glee club.” Raleigh laughed passing the sheet on to Rosie. “She does realize this isn’t high school musical right?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Obviously not.” Rosie agreed. “Did you see who signed up? Cecily Caverly, I mean that was a given it’s another excuse for her to show off. But, Robin signing up confuses me, isn’t she too busy being a know-it-all? And who is Scarlett Andrews?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I don’t know, but I’m thinking she’s the brunette that was tagging along with Cecily. She seems strange; I mean did you see what she’s wearing?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Meanwhile, Jacob was staring at the sheet seeming torn. ''‘I’d like to sign up, but none of my friends would support me. It seems like something my mom would have liked me to do. I could ask them about it, she did say we could sign up later if we liked.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">When the sheet made its way back to Blair, she frowned. ''‘Only three people signed up. At this rate we’re never going to have enough members to compete.’ ''

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">By lunch time there will still only three names written on the sheet. ‘Maybe, people will have seen the posters on the bulletin boards and they’ll sign up over lunch.’ Blair thought, frowning. ''‘Either way, it’s all I can do. I better get to the staff room for lunch.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">It didn’t take long for her to reach the staff room; it was located only a few doors down from the main office which wasn’t too far from the music room itself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Blair! How’s your first day been?” Sierra asked from her seat at one of the small round tables in the room. Noah and Carter were seated with her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“It’s been good.” Blair began, taking the empty seat next to Noah. “All of my students seem to like me and there weren’t any major issues.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’s nice.” Sierra started. “But, what about that glee club you’re starting? Did anyone sign up?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’ve had three people sign up. But, I’m sure I’ll get more.” She smiled, opening up her bag and removing a few Rubbermaid containers stocked full of sandwiches and carrot sticks. ‘I may eat a lot but at least I eat healthy.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Blair, all offence intended, but no one is going to signup I had to scramble for the few drama club members I have.” Carter stated, munching on his donut.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Carter, every conversation I have with you makes me like a whole lot more.” Blair replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘Just wait and see, I’ll have the twelve members I need.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“He’s right you know, you’ll never get enough members. This school is all about the athleticism, so I suggest you shut down your little mockery of a club before it’s started.” Bridget sneered approaching the table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Bridget, Blair is my friend and I’m the only person who’s allowed to give her advice disguised as an insult.” Carter snapped. “Why don’t you leave us alone? Oh, that’s right you have nothing better to do because not a single teacher here actually wants to associate with you and you’re not allowed to eat dinner with your squad of minions.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘She must be the Bridget Carter was talking about last night, he’s right she is a witch. And if she thinks she can boss me around, then she better think again.’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Blair thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Carl, this is between me and Blair, so why don’t you and your gay sass take a hike?” Bridget scoffed. “Shut down your club before I make you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You don’t scare me.” Blair snorted. “And quite frankly I don’t care because all you have is your little group of cheerleaders to make me shut it down.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘I should sign up.’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis thought, staring at the sheet posted outside the music room. ''‘It may be my last chance to participate in something and know what a team is. It’s probably not a good idea to get close to anyone, though.’ ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dude, are you going to sign up or what?” Jacob asked. Unbeknownst to Dennis, Jacob had been standing here for the past five minutes. “Some of us would like to get to lunch.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, yeah, sorry.” Dennis replied, sighing as he signed his name. ‘I would have liked more time to think, but I don’t want to mess with a jock.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You don’t need to be sorry.” Jacob apologized. ‘It’s a tough decision, I know.’ Was what he didn’t add, he couldn’t have people thinking he wasn’t a bully; he’d have no friends left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">When Dennis had left, Jacob stared at the sheet. ''‘They don’t need to know. Who am I kidding? Raleigh, Rosie and Finley are the nervous system of this whole school; it would spread faster than a bad case of the flu. None of the guys on the football team would talk to me. Is glee club really worth it?’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Yes.’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">He thought and began to write his name. ‘I remember how much I liked to sing with my mom, maybe it’ll help me feel close to her again.’

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is where I sit.” Cecily began. “Just to let you know there is a very distinguished hierarchy in this school, never make the mistake of sitting at the table of a group other than your own. This is the table were most of the drama club members sit.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You do realize there are only two other people sitting here.” Scarlett pointed out. “No offence.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is most of the drama club. Everyone else isn’t as dedicated to it as me and Nikolai, well except for Aubrey but she’s also one of the more popular students so she doesn’t sit here.” Cecily explained gesturing to one of the two boys that were seated at the table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Even though I’m not much of an actress, I’ll join.” Scarlett said, smiling at Cecily and the two boys. “Now, do you mind introducing me to these two lovely looking boys?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Nikolai, and this is my brother Alec.” Nikolai began, signalling to the boy next to him. “He isn’t really a part of the drama club, but this is where he fits best.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Nice to meet you.” Scarlett replied. “I’m Scarlett Andrews.” She looked like she was finished speaking before adding on, “I’m not much of an actress, either, but I guess were both just looking for somewhere to fit in.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Aren’t you just a ball full of sunshine?” Alec remarked. “If you’re trying to make a good first impression, then you’ve already failed. You’re too cheerful and annoying.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Alec, please be nice. She’s new here.” Nikolai scolded. “You’ll have to excuse him; he’s not the nicest of guys.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I guess I’ll just have to try and make a better second impression.” Scarlett beamed. ''‘There has to be some reason why he’s so unkind. I’m going to get to the bottom of this. Only because it’s the nice thing to do. Not because he’s all cute and troubled, right?’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Nikolai, guess what?” Cecily exclaimed, snapping Scarlett out of it. “There’s going to be a glee club! Me and Scarlett are joining, you should too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“It sounds fun, if only Alec would join with me.” Nikolai replied, over exaggerating his words so he could capture Alec’s attention.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“No, I’m not joining glee club. I’m not a good participator, remember?” Alec answered, glaring at his brother. ''‘No way am I joining glee club, especially not if she’s there. I barely put up with my brother and Cecily, no way am I putting up with her too.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Please, Alec, you love singing.” Nikolai pleaded. “I’m not joining unless you do. You need something to do.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“C’mon Alec!” Scarlett cheered. “I’m sure you’ve dreamed of being a famous rock star at least once in your life, this is your chance to shine on stage!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dreaming is stupid; you don’t achieve anything by dreaming.” Alec stated. ''‘How did she automatically assume that I want to be a rock star? I haven’t even had a full conversation with her and she can already read me like a book…’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dreaming is not stupid; it’s something that helps you realize what you want in life. You shouldn’t be afraid to dare to dream.” Scarlett retorted. “Besides doesn’t glee club sound fun?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“If I join will you shut up about it already?” Alec questioned, scowling at Scarlett, who just brushed it off and nodded.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Meanwhile, Jacob was approaching the table were Rosie, Raleigh, Finley and Reid were seated along with other assorted jocks and cheerleaders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Jake! Where’ve you been?” Reid asked, noticing him approaching the table. “You aren’t usually late for lunch.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I was signing up for glee club.” He mumbled, taking the seat next to Reid and across from Rosie. ''‘Maybe they didn’t hear me. I can still cover it up.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’s funny; I thought you said you were signing up for glee club.” Rosie laughed, emitting further giggles from Raleigh and Finley.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Jacob wouldn’t be stupid enough to do that, its social suicide.” Finley replied, letting out a laugh. “I mean did you guys see who signed up? Cecily and Robin, two of the biggest freak shows at this school.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Let me guess the music teacher passed the sheet around in your class too?” Raleigh guessed. Finley nodded, still giggling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I was signing up for glee club.” Jacob said. “It’s something different and this town and school could use something different, we’re all stuck in these old ways were if something is strange we automatically judge it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">The three girls and Reid all shut up, they all just sat there gaping at him. ‘This is exactly the reaction I was afraid of.’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“And I would like it if you guys would sign up with me. It couldn’t hurt.” He explained, looking hopefully at his friends.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dude, are you serious?” Reid asked, Jacob nodded. “What kind of friend would I be if I let you go through this alone? I’ll sign up.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Me too.” Rosie replied, grabbing her boyfriend’s hand. ‘Even though glee club is the stupidest thing ever.’ She thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Jake, you’ve been there for me through everything and even though I resent glee club I can’t let you go through this shame alone.” Raleigh smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You guys are all such losers!” Finley exclaimed. “It’s glee club! Were you all dropped as babies or something? And acting all sweet and friendly, since when do any of you do that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“We are friends, and friends are supposed to support each other. It’s been like that forever.” Raleigh explained, producing nods from her friends.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Well, that’ stupid! You’re jocks and cheerleaders; you don’t associate with the losers in that club!” Finley snapped, standing up from the table. “Come speak to me when you’re all back into your proper state of mind.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I never liked her anyway, she doesn’t know how to be a friend, and we don’t need her.” Rosie stated. “Let’s go sign up before there’s no more room.” She stood, rolling her eyes. ‘As if…’

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Ten people signed up!’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Blair thought as she looked over the sheet. ''‘If they’re all good singers, then I’ll only need two more people. This is great.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Do you need help with the auditions?” Noah asked, knocking on the door. “We don’t have anything better to do, we could help you decided.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m here involuntarily!” Carter yelled from where he stood behind Noah. Sierra laughed, playfully slapping his arm. Blair smiled, too.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’d be great! I was just getting ready to go to the auditorium.” She said. “I have ten auditions, so I could use all the help I can get.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">When the four teachers arrived to the auditorium, all ten of the students were there. Dennis and Robin were both seated alone, while Cecily, Scarlett, Nikolai and Alec were all seated in the front. Jacob, Rosie, Raleigh and Reid were sat on the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I guess we’ll sit in the four judge’s seats.” Blair suggested, gesturing to four seats and a desk located roughly in the center of all the regular seats.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">When they had all taken their seats, Blair switched on the microphone that was stationed at the desk and cleared her throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Hi, everyone! I’m Blair Wright and I’ll be your glee club director.” She began. “Today I also have Ms. Crawford, Mr. Rockwell and Mr. Walsh to help out with the decision making. Now if you’d all be so kind enough to take seats in the front row, we can start auditions. You will called to the stage in alphabetical order.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I can put the list in alphabetical order.” Sierra offered, smiling at Blair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, Sierra, we all know you can put the list in alphabetical order, you are the English teacher.” Carter sighed, resulting in a few chuckles from Noah and Blair.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Anyway, here you go.” Sierra stated, ignoring Carter’s comment and handing Blair the re-written list.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Okay, first up is Alec Mason.” Blair called out, gesturing for him to go to the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Alec Mason and I’ll be singing Fallin’ by Alicia Keys.” Alec said when he had made his way to the stage. He gripped the microphone and after a few moments began to sing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“I keep on fallin' In and out of love,” <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Alec began to sing. “With you, Sometimes I love ya,  ''<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sometimes u make me blue, Sometimes I feel good, At times I feel used, Lovin you darlin', Makes me so confused,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“I keep on fallin' in and out of love with you, I never loved someone the way that I love you,” <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Alec sang, gripping the microphone and closing his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Oh, oh, I never felt this way, how do you give me so much pleasure, and cause me so much pain,” <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Alec continued. “Just when I think, I’ve taken more than would a fool, I start fallin’ back in love with you, I keep on fallin’ in and out of love with you, I’ve never loved someone the way that I love you,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“He’s really good.” Scarlett whispered to Cecily, seeming a bit dazed by Alec’s voice. ‘Maybe I do want to help him for more selfish reasons…it’s stupid I shouldn’t like someone this fast…’ She thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Oh baby, I, I, I, I’m fallin’, I, I, I, I’m fallin’, fall,” <span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Alec sang, looking out of the crowd. Scarlett swore he locked eyes with her. “I keep on fallin’, in and out of love with you; I never loved someone the way that I love you,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m fallin’ in and out of love with you, I never loved someone the way that I love you, I’m fallin’ in and out of love with you, I never loved someone the way that I love you,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Alec finished. “What?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“What did you guys think?” Blair asked, turning to her colleagues. “I’ve got to say he has a real stage presence, he’s great!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“He’s really good; he’s definitely a good fit.” Sierra agreed. “But, I’m sure Noah and Carter would agree that he’s not captain material, he’s worse than Carter personality wise.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I haven’t even decided on if I’ll have captains yet, but that’s exactly the kind of person that belongs in glee club, it could really help him warm up.” Blair explained. “Alec, you’re accepted, please be seated.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Do we have a Cecily Caverly?” Sierra called out. Immediately Cecily popped out of her seat and raised her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Here!” She replied, making her way to the stage. “I’m Cecily Katherine Caverly and I’ll be auditioning with State of Grace by Taylor Swift.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“She’ll be great, just watch.” Carter said. “Cecily’s one of my best drama students, she’s also a remarkable singer.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m walking fast through the traffic lights, busy streets and busy lives, and all we know is touch and go,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily began to sing, eyes closed. “We are alone with our changing minds, we fall in love ‘til it hurts or bleeds or fades in time, and I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You come around and the armor falls, pierce the room like a cannon ball, now all we know is don’t let go,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">She continued, gripping the microphone and opening her eyes. “We are alone, just you and me, up in your room and our slates are clean, just twin fire signs, four blue eyes,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“She is really good at this, no wonder she’s always trying to show it off.” Jacob whispered. “I mean if I was this talented at something I would too.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Shut up, even if we are joining glee club it doesn’t mean Cecily needs to be our new bff.” Rosie said, slapping his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“So you were never a saint and I’ve loved in shades of wrong, we learn to live with the pain, mosaic broken hearts, but this love is brave and wild,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily sang, giving it her all. This was her element. “And I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is a state of grace, this is the worthwhile fight, love is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily sang. “These are the hands of faith, you’re my Achilles heel, this is the golden age of something good and right and real,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘She’s really great, and she really gives her all into the music.’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis thought, smiling to himself. ''‘She looks really nice, too. Too bad I can’t get to know her, it’d be wrong of me. I don’t know how long I’ll be fighting cancer; I don’t want to hurt anyone, I know how bad it is to lose someone.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“And I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily finished, closing her eyes. “And I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same, this is a state of grace, this is the worthwhile, love is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right.” She opened her eyes, only to see everyone clapping for her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Carter, you weren’t kidding, she’s phenomenal!” Blair exclaimed, still seeming shocked at how talented this girl is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“She has a great stage presence!” Noah agreed, he too seeming shocked. Everyone in the room was gaping in awe at how brilliant Cecily was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Cecily, I’d be a fool if I didn’t accept you, you’re amazing. Please take a seat!” Blair called out. “Next would be… Dennis Connolly, please make your way to the stage.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’ll, uh, be singing Californication by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.” Dennis said once he had made his way to the microphone in the center of the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Psychic spies from China try to steal your mind’s elation, and little girls from Sweden dream of silver screen quotations, and if you want these kinds of dreams, it’s Californication,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis began. “It’s the edge of the world   and all of western civilization, the sun may rise in the east, at least it’s settled in a final location, it’s understood that Hollywood sells Californication,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Pay your surgeon very well to break the spell of aging, celebrity skin is this your chin or is that war your waging,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis sang. “First born unicorn, hard core, soft ****,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis continued.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘He’s a really good singer, although I can’t applaud him on his song choice.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily thought, staring at Dennis in careful consideration. ''‘Plus the contrast between his dark hair and my light would make us look perfect together on stage. I think I’ve found my co-captain.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Cecily, you’re staring.” Scarlett pointed out, nudging her in the arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“And you weren’t staring at Alec?” Cecily quipped. “And besides my staring is strictly business, he’s my perfect co-captain.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“How do you even know you’re going to be captain, anyway?” Scarlett asked, only to be silenced by Cecily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Trust me, I’m the best fit and he’s the best fit as my co-captain, you’ll see.” Cecily replied, going back to her staring.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Marry me girl be my fairy to the world, be my very own constellation, a teenage bride with a baby inside,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis sang. “Getting high on information and buy me a star on the boulevard, its Californication,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Space may be the final frontier but it’s made in a Hollywood basement, and Cobain can you hear the spheres,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis continued, standing completely still. “Singing songs off station of station and Alderaan’s not far away, it’s Californication,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Born and raised by those who praise, control of population, everybody’s been there and I don’t mean on vacation, first born unicorn, hard core, soft ****,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   Dennis sang, looking at out the crowd gaining confidence. “Dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Destruction leads to a very rough road, but it also breeds creation, an earthquakes are to a girls guitar,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis continued to sing. “They’re just another good vibration and tidal waves couldn’t save the world from Californication”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Ohh, ohh, pay your surgeon very well to break the spell of aging, sicker than the rest, there is no test but this is what you’re craving,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis continued, closing his eyes. “First born unicorn, hard core, soft ****,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication, dream of Californication.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Dennis finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Dennis, that was great!” Blair yelled. “You’re accepted, although next time please choose a song that has less crude language and terms, though I did like the meaning. Please take a seat.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Jacob Wate is next, if he would please make his way to the stage, that’d be great.” Noah sung out, gesturing for Jacob to get on stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’ll be singing Daylight by Maroon 5.” Jacob stated once he was stage, locking eyes with his friends he took a deep breath and began to sing. ''“Here I am waiting, I’ll have to leave soon, why am I holding on? We knew this day would come, we knew it all along, how did it come so fast?”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is our last night but it’s late and I’m trying not to sleep, cause I know, when I wake, I’ll have to slip away,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob sang looking at Rosie. “And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go, but tonight I’m gonna hold you so close, cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own but tonight I need to hold you so close,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘He is aware that this is basically a break-up song, right?’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh thought, rolling her eyes. ‘Why’s he singing it almost directly to Rosie?’

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Jacob’s so sweet, but he’s not what I want. We were only meant to be friends, but how do I dump a guy who’s so nice to me and is such a good friend?’ ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Rosie thought, trying to seem dazed by Jacob’s singing, but she couldn’t hide the look of confliction on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh-whoa,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob continued to sing. “Here I am staring at your perfection in my arms, so beautiful, the sky is getting bright, the stars are burning out, somebody slow it down,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“This is way too hard, cause I know when the sun comes up, I will leave, this is my last chance that will soon be memory,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob sang looking conflicted, himself. “And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go but tonight I’m gonna hold you so close, cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own but tonight I need to hold you so close,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob sang, locking eyes with Rosie. “I never wanted to stop because I don’t wanna start all over, start all over, I was afraid of the dark but now it’s all that I want, all that I want, all that I want,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go but tonight I’m gonna hold you so close, cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own but tonight I need to hold you so close,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob continued. “And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go but tonight I’m gonna hold you so close, cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own but tonight I need to hold you so close,”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah!” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Jacob finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“He’s really good and he seemed to be truly into the performance.” Blair thought aloud. “That’s a sign of good stage presence. He’s got to be accepted.” The three other teachers nodded in agreement and applauded Jacob.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Jacob, go ahead and take a seat, you’re accepted.” Carter called out. “Next is Nikolai Mason, if he’s ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   “Uh, I’ll be singing Falling Down by Selena Gomez.” Nikolai said. ''‘I’m ready for this, I’ve been performing for as long as I can remember. Acting is only one aspect of broadway.’ ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh-oh, oh, ooh-ooh-ooh, you walk and talk like you’re some new sensation, you move in circles you don’t need an invitation,” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Nikolai began. ''“You spent your money, you can’t get no satisfaction, you play it right so you can get the right reaction, it won’t be long my darling, pick up the phone, nobody’s on it. Where are your friends now, baby? All of the ones supposed to be there for…”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You, you’re falling down, the world starts spinning round. You, you’re falling down, now it’s not all about. You, you’re falling down, and you know I’ll be around. You’re falling down, falling down.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Nikolai continued. “Without a place when you look into the mirror, the truth is blurry but the lies are getting clearer, your eyes are fixed, your smile so elastic, you give me roses but they’re all just made of plastic.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“It won’t be long my darling, pick up the phone, nobody’s on it. Where are your friends now baby? All of the ones supposed to be there for…” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Nikolai sang. ''“You, you’re falling down, the world starts spinning round. You, you’re falling down, now it’s not all about. You, you’re falling down, and you know I’ll be around. You’re falling down, falling down.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Smile for the camera everybody’s looking at ya. Smile for the camera if they’re all about to trash you. Smile for the camera, camera, camera. Smile for the camera, who’s gonna catch you? You, you.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Nikolai continued to sing. “''You, you’re falling down, the world starts spinning round. You, you’re falling down, now it’s not all about. You, you’re falling down, and you know I’ll be around. You’re falling down, falling down.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Smile for the camera everybody’s looking at you, smile for the camera if they’re all about to trash you.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Nikolai finished, bowing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“He’s really good.” Carter stated, proudly smiling at the boy and his fellow teachers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, he’s definitely accepted.” Blair replied, standing up to introduce the next performer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You’ve said that about everyone.” Noah pointed out, smiling at the red-haired teacher.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I don’t have the heart to refuse anyone; I know how bad it is to have your dreams ripped away from you.” Blair explained. “Besides, they’re all really good. Thanks Nikolai, you’re accepted. Next up is Raleigh Lyons.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Hi, I’m Raleigh Lyons and I’ll be singing Blonde by Bridgit Mendler, for obvious reasons.” Raleigh explained, grabbing the microphone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Hey, I think you got my number when I was out with my brother. You said, ‘Hi’, and I think I liked you. Oh we talked about maybe getting together. A rain check on the weather.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh started to sing. ''“Cloudy skies and I had to get home, oh those eyes. I thought you were a really nice guy, I thought you were just my type, but I forgot your name.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m a blonde so excuse me, I’m a blonde, I get crazy and everybody knows we’re a little bit more fun. I like to play it up like I’m dumb. D-dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, ‘cause I’m a blonde.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   Raleigh continued. ''“Hey, I’m not a college grad yet, there are some books I haven’t read yet, but I could quote a little bit of Shakespeare in my sleep. But, there have been those times when I’ve clearly forgotten how to spell words like R-E-E-D-I-N-G.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Me…me, myself and I try really hard to get by with simple little things…I’m a blonde so excuse me, I’m a blonde, I get crazy and everybody knows we’re a little more fun. I like to play it up like I’m dumb. D-dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, ‘cause I-iiiii-m a blonde.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   Raleigh sang. “Oh, oh, oohh, I-I’m a blonde, oh, oh, oohh, I-I’m a blonde, oh, oh, oohh ‘cause I’m a blonde.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Maybe if I cared enough to dye my hair, then you’d take me serious, maybe I could try to change up their minds so they take me serious. Oohh so they know, everybody knows that I’m not dumb, d-dumb, dumb, dumb.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh continued a sad look on her face. ''“I’m a blonde so excuse me, I’m a blonde, I get crazy and everybody knows we’re a little more fun. I like to play it up like I’m dumb, d-dumb, dumb, dumb, d-dumb, dumb, dumb, d-dumb, dumb, dumb ‘cause I’m a blonde.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, oh, oohh, I-I’m a blonde, oh, oh, oohh, I-I’m a blonde, oh, oh, oohh, I-I’m a blonde.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh finished. ''‘I’m not dumb, but no one can see that, not Jacob, not my family. I’m just a dumb blonde to them, no one takes me seriously.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Raleigh, that was really good! You got all the emotion into the song.” Blair called out. “Please take a seat. Next up is Reid Huntley.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Uh, I’ll be singing You Found Me by The Fray.” Reid said. He grinned out at his friends and gripped the microphone, eliciting an eye roll from Robin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Why’s he even here, clearly he’s just another dumb jock who can’t take anything seriously.’ <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Robin thought, crossing her arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I found God on the corner of First and Amistad where the west was all but won.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Reid started to sing. “All alone smoking his last cigarette, I said, ‘Where you been?’, he said, ‘Ask anything’.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Where were you when everything was falling apart, all my days were spent by the telephone that never rang and all I needed was a call that never came, to the corner of First and Amistad.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Reid continued. “Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me lyin’ on the floor, surrounded, surrounded.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Why’d you have to wait, where were you, where were you, just a little late you found me, you found me.” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Reid sang. ''“In the end everyone ends up alone, losing here, the only one who’s ever known. Who am I, who I’m not, who I wanna be, no way not to know, how long she will be next to me.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me lyin’ on the floor, surrounded, surrounded. Why’d you have to wait, where were you, where were you, just a little late you found me, you found me.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Reid continued to sing. “Early morning the city breaks, I’ve been callin’ for years and years and years and years and you never left me no messages, ya never send me no letters, you got some kinda nerve taking all I want.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me lyin’ on the floor, where were you, where were you. Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me lyin’ on the floor. Surrounded, surrounded, why’d you have to wait, where were you, where were you. Just a little late you found me, you found me, why’d you have to wait to find me, to find me.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Reid finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That was very good; it was a good song choice for him.” Noah approved, looking at the list for the next name.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, it was. He’s accepted.” Blair nodded, looking at the list as well. Noah stood up and cleared his throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Robin Lassos is up next. Reid, you can take a seat, you’re accepted.” Noah yelled out, then re-took his seat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Robin and I’ll be singing Simple Math by Manchester Orchestra.” Robin introduced herself, taking her place on the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Makes sense!” Reid sung out, eliciting laughs from his friend. “It must be a…uh, dedication to her only true love.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“That’s enough Reid!” Blair scolded, gesturing for Robin to begin and glaring at the boy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Robin huffed, but gripped the microphone and began to sing. ''“Hunter eyes, I’m lost and hardly noticed, slight goodbye. I want to rip your lips off in my mouth and even in my greatest moment doubt, the line between deceit and right now.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Simple math, it’s how our bodies even got here, simple math, the ebb and flow to multiply. What if I was wrong and no one cared to mention, what if it was true and all we thought was right and wrong? Simple math, the truth cannot be fractioned either way…” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Robin sang. ''“I imply to mitigate the guilt, we could align a perfectly constructed alibi to hush the violent guilt that eats and never dies. In actual blame, they call me once the dark divides.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Simple math, it’s why our bodies even lay here. Sinful math, the truth cannot be fashioned. What if you were crazy, would we have to listen then?” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Robin continued to sing. ''“What if we’ve been trying to get to where we’ve always been? What if I was wrong, and started trying to fix it? What if you believed me? Everything is brilliant. Oh, oh, oh.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“What if I’ve been trying to get to where I’ve always been? What if we’ve been trying to get to where we’ve always been? Simple math, believe me, all is excellent. What if we’ve been trying to kill the noise and silence?” <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">She sang, smiling confidently out at the crowd. “What if I was wrong and you had never questioned it? What if it was true, that all we thought was right, was wrong? Simple math, the truth cannot be fractioned I imply I’ve got to get it back then. Oh, oh, oh.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I don’t say this often, but she was good, like really good.” Carter exclaimed, nodding approvingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I agree, she was one of the best we’ve seen all day.” Sierra agreed. “Robin’s captain material, she has this whole underdog vibe to her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Robin, I think it goes without saying that you’re accepted.” Carter sung out, standing up. “Would Rosie Frank please make her way to the stage?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Rosie Frank and I’m singing Payphone by Maroon 5 which is amazing because Jacob, my boyfriend, sang a Maroon 5 song, too. It’s a total coincidence, but it’s a definite sign that we’re meant to be together.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">‘Could she be more sickeningly sweet? I mean, c’mon!” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Raleigh thought shaking her head at her so-called best friend. ''‘She’s my best friend, I love her I do, but she knew I liked Jacob and she went ahead and dated him anyway. I’m allowed to be jealous.” ''She told herself.]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you. Where have the times gone, baby, it’s all wrong. Where are the plans we made for two? Yeah, I, I know it’s hard to remember the people we used to be. It’s even harder to picture that you’re not here next to me.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Rosie began singing. “You say it’s too late to make it, but is it too late to try and in our time that you wasted, all of our bridges burned down.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’ve wasted my nights; you turned out the lights, now I’m paralyzed. Still stuck in that time when we called it love but even the sun sets in paradise. I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you. Where have the times gone, baby, it’s all wrong. Where are the plans we made for two?” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Rosie continued to sing. ''“If ‘Happy Ever After’ did exist, I would still be holding you like this, all of those fairy tales are full of it. One more stupid love song, I’ll be sick.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Oh, you turned your back on tomorrow ‘cause you forgot yesterday. I gave you my love to borrow but you just gave it away. You can’t expect me to be fine; I don’t expect you to care. I know I’ve said it before but all of our bridges burned down. I’ve wasted my nights; you turned out the lights, now I’m paralyzed. Still stuck in that time when we called it love but even the sun sets in paradise.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Rosie sang. ''“I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you. Where have the times gone, baby, it’s all wrong. Where are the plans we made for two? If ‘Happy Ever After’ did exist, I would still be holding you like this, all of those fairy tales are full of it. One more stupid love song, I’ll be sick.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yeah, yeah, now baby don’t hang up, so I can tell you what you need to know, baby I’m begging you just please don’t go, so I can tell you what you need to know. I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you. Where have the times gone, baby, it’s all wrong. Where are the plans we made for two? If ‘Happy Ever After’ did exist, I would still be holding you like this, all of those fairy tales are full of it. One more stupid love song, I’ll be sick. Now I’m at a payphone.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Rosie finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Rosie, you’re accepted.” Blair called out, not a moment’s hesitation. “Our last performer is Scarlett Andrews.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I’m Scarlett Andrews and I’ll be singing Where We Came From by Phillip Phillips.” Scarlett exclaimed, taking her place on the stage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I must’ve used up all my wishes yesterday cause the words we said in anger still echo in my brain. Alone through the darkness in this stage I wanna hear you whisper, hang on every word I say. Climb the mountain, swim for shore, bring it back to how it was before.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Scarlett began. ''“Take it out, blow it up, ignite the memory in between us through the storm and all the dust, take it out of these walls with a cannonball. But don’t let it go, don’t give up the ghost while staring at the moon and the sun, just trying to remember where we came from.”''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I connect the stars to build a map to you, in the empty space we’re dreaming will we still know the truth. Climb the mountain, swim for shore, bring it back to how it was before. Take it out, blow it up, ignite the memory in between us through the storm and all the dust, take it out of these walls with a cannonball.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Scarlett continued. “But don’t let it go, don’t give up the ghost while staring at the moon and the sun, just trying to remember where we came from.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Ohhh ohhh ohhh ohhh, ohhh ohhh ohhh ohhh. So climb the mountain, swim for shore, bring it back to how it was before Take it out, blow it up, ignite the memory in between us through the storm and all the dust, take it out of these walls with a cannonball.” ''<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Scarlett sang.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">   “ ''<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">But don’t let it go, don’t give up the ghost while staring at the moon and the sun, just trying to remember where we came from, just trying to remember where we came from. Don’t let it go, don’t give up the ghost while staring at the moon and the sun just trying to remember where we came from.” ''<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Scarlett finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“She did a great job with that song, I like her voice and she seems like she has a really lovely personality.” Sierra commented.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“I agree, she’s accepted, they all are.” Blair replied. “Scarlett, you’re accepted, you all are. I’ll see all of you tomorrow during fifth period and after school.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">While the students began to pack up their things, Noah turned to Blair prepared to congratulate her, but he noticed the look of worry on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Blair, what’s wrong?” Noah asked, concerned. “You had a great turn out, ten people and they were all remarkable performers.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, I know, it’s great, it really is. But, we’re still short two members and I’m afraid we won’t get them. In this school, it’s lucky I got this many.” Blair explained, trying to look content.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Don’t fear, Blair, I’m sure between all of us we can recruit two more members. Don’t give up yet.” Sierra comforted, offering a small smile.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">---

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">Cecily stood waiting outside the auditorium, an uneasy look on her face. ''‘Why are you nervous? This only to better your chances of winning competitions, you’re the perfect female lead and he’s the perfect male lead. Strictly business.’''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Cecily, aren’t you going home?” Scarlett asked, walking up to the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, of course. I just need to have a word with that Dennis boy, like I said earlier he’s my perfect co-captain.” Cecily offered, smiling nervously at the brunette.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Sure, whatever you say.” Scarlett giggled, shaking her head at the girl knowingly. “See you tomorrow?” Cecily nodded and waved goodbye to the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">She continued to wait, even after the teachers and every other student had left. ‘Maybe I missed him, which I highly doubt I did.’ Cecily sighed impatiently and shifted her weight from foot to foot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You waiting for someone?” Dennis asked, exiting the auditorium and looking at the girl quizzically.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, actually, I was.” Cecily nodded. “I was waiting to talk to you, in fact. I have a proposition and I know you’re going to love it.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“You? Have a proposition for me?” He asked, shocked. Dennis raised in eyebrow in curiosity at the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Yes, I know, it’s rather odd.” The blonde agreed. “Anyway, seeing as I’m surely going to be the female lead I was looking into who would be my perfect male lead and you fit the bill perfectly. As I’m certain you’ve noticed, I’m not the most popular girl in school and you’re not the most popular boy in school, though I can see why.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Care to expand on that?” The brown haired boy asked, shaking his head at the girls out-rightness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“What I mean is, I have good fashion sense, and I’m intelligent and talented. Based on your clothing choices and that horrid song choice, it’s only logical for you to be unpopular, I on the other hand should be on the ranks of Raleigh or Rosie, Aubrey even.” Cecily explained in certainty.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";">“Based on how you just treated me, it’s only logical for me to turn you down on your offer.” Dennis mocked, grabbing his bag and walking off, leaving Cecily standing there gaping.