Junior Year (Sequel to Start Off Fresh)

Chapter 53: Nationals

"Well, what songs do you guys have?" I ask and I look around at them.

"We have 'Shut up and Dance' by Walk The Moon, and Riley and Lucas were suppose to do 'Forgiveness and Love' by Miley Cyrus, but they're not here," Unique said and I sigh.

"Okay. So, maybe Haylee and I can do the duet, and when it comes to 'Shut up and Dance', Haylee and I can do our own dances. Jake and Ryder could join us," I said and I hear Marley sigh.

"Do you really have to be the centre of attention?" She asks and I sigh.

"I'm just trying to make it easier for everyone. I mean, we don't have time for you guys to teach Haylee and I your routine. It's easier for everyone that we do our own thing," I said and she sighs. She then nods and I take a deep breath. "Okay. We've been wasting too much time. Let's practise." Haylee and I walk over to a corner and we start to talk about song ideas, when Michaela talks.

"Wait, you guys are wearing a different costume to us. It will look weird," she said and I cover my face with my hands.

She's right. It's going to look odd.

"We could wear the spares," Haylee said and Rose sighs.

"We have no spares. We only have Riley's dress and Lucas' costume," Rose said and I smile.

"Haylee, I have a plan," I said with a smile and she smiles back.

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Haylee and I stand on each side of the stage while we wait for the curtain to rise, while New Directions are behind another curtain.

"Hey," I hear a whisper. I look to my side to see Lucas. I look over to him with my arms crossed. "My costume looks good on you," he whispers and I look down at my outfit.

It's a white shirt with rolled up sleeves and it's tucked into black jeans. I'm also wearing black shoes, red suspenders, and a red bow tie.

"You're a jerk," I whisper and he looks at the ground.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't want it to end this way," he said and he grabs my hand. "I care about you." I yank my hand away from his and I shake my hand.

"You know, it didn't need to end this way, but you just had to be a jerk," I said.

"Ladies and gentleman..." I hear the announcer say and I sigh.

"Look, I need to go," I said and he nods.

"I'm sorry," he said and I roll your eyes.

"No, you're not. Now, get out of here before I beat you with our winning trophy," I said and I return to my spot on stage.

"...The New Directions!" I hear the announcer say and everyone cheers. I look at Hayley and take a deep breath before I look forward again.

Here we go.

The curtain rises and I look out to the crowd. The music starts to play and I take a step forward.

Emily-Grace:
Easy come, easy go
That's just how you live, oh
Take, take, take it all
But you never give
Should've known you was trouble
From the first kiss
Had your eyes wide open
Why were they open?

Haylee walks forward and she stares out to the crowd as I stare at her.

Haylee:
Don't you ever say I just walked away
I will always want you
I can't live a lie, running for my life
I will always want you

I came in like a wrecking ball
I never hit so hard in love

She turns around and faces one side of the Auditorium. I then face the other and I wrap my arms around my body.