"Quinnie, you're not actually going through with this, right?" Adalynn asked as Quinn added pink hair dye and every piece of dark clothing she could find into the shopping cart.
"Yup," Quinn confirmed as they headed to the self-checkout. "I'm finally finding who I am."
"A punk poser?" the younger girl snorted. "Lucy, that's not you."
"You can't convince me otherwise, Adalynn," the blonde said as she began scanning the items. "I've made up my mind."
"Okay, whatever," Adalynn shrugged as she tossed a pack of gummy bears into the cart, smiling innocently when Quinn gave her a look. "You owe me, remember?"
"You're lucky you're cute."
****
Walking into the school on the first day was like being escorted to a secret agent facility. Brittany, Santana, Adalynn, and Tina all formed a perimeter around Bailey to keep her and the twins safe from being exposed to Jacob Ben Israel's stupid blog.
"Miss Pierce!"
"Get lost, JBI," Santana spat, shoving the younger boy away.
"Miss Pierce, how has life changed since the birth of your bastard twins?" Jacob asked, shoving his microphone past Tina and Adalynn and into Bailey's face. "Is it true that you're dating the Lima Loser dad?"
"I said get lost, Jacob," Santana said through gritted teeth.
"If you dare lay one finger on her, I swear..." Tina threatened, pointing a finger at the gossip blogger.
"Guys, it's fine," Bailey said, handing Ava to Brittany so that she could comfort a whining Maya. "In all honesty, life couldn't be any better. And, no, Julian and I aren't dating. I mean, we did for a little while, but then we decided that we were trying to make it work for the sake of the twins, so now we're just friends."
"Adalynn, what do you have to say about the new additions to the family?" Jacob asked, holding the mic out to the younger Hummel.
"I love these little angels more than anything," Adalynn said as she took Maya's tiny hand in hers. "Tina and I spent the whole summer making them matching outfits, and each one has their first name initial sewn in so that we can tell them apart."
"That was my idea," Tina chimed in, pointing to the little 'm' on Maya's jumper. "Each outfit is themed for each season, so all the fall outfits are a mix of different shades of browns and reds and oranges."
"The winter one's are my favorite," Adalynn commented. "We made them red and white jumpers for Christmas, and they look pretty cute."
"Could you maybe send me some pictures for my blog?" Jacob asked.
"Fudge no," Santana scoffed. "You are not exploiting my god twins on the internet."
"Yeah, it's not gonna happen," Brittany agreed. "And, trust me, you don't want to face the wrath of an angry god mother."
"You really don't," Tina said, shaking her head.
"You saw it here first," Jacob said as he turned to the camera. "Hey, have you guys seen Kurt and Rachel?"
"They're in the choir room," Adalynn said as they started to walk away to get ready for the first day of school. "Bay, you good?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Bailey said as they approached her locker. "Okay, so, the twins are gonna hang out in Sue's office for the first half of the day," she said as she looked at the twins' schedule. "I'll take them for lunch and 5th period, Tina and Adalynn will take them 6th period, then Santana and Brittany will take them 7th, and then we'll all meet up for Glee Club."
"Sound's good," Brittany nodded as she took the laminated schedule from her sister.
"Wait, I'm confused," Santana said, furrowing her brows at the paper. "Nowhere on here does it say when I get to go Lima Heights on Jacob or Berry or anyone else who would be a toxic influence on the minis."
"Key word, 'toxic influence,'" said Tina. "You have to set a good example for them."
"It's fine," the Latina shrugged as she pulled out a pen. "I'll write it in myself."
****
Adalynn, Brittany, and Tina stood in a small circle as they stared confusedly down at their trophies. Maya looked up at Adalynn with innocent, confused eyes.
"I don't know, M," the brunette shrugged.
"Mr. Schue, why are all of our trophies in the middle of the room?" Tina asked as their teacher came into the room.
"I was sure that our nationals trophy would grow during the summer," Brittany said to Ava, who reached a hand out to grab at her ponytail.
"I want this image burned into your mind," Mr. Schue said as he picked up their nationals trophy. "This is what the difference between first and twelfth place looks like. It's also what it feels like."
"Are you planning on bumming us out all year long?" Puck asked as everyone sat down. "Hi, baby," he said to Maya, gently taking her small hand.
"Touch her again and you die," Adalynn said as she pushed the mohawk boy away.
Puck raised his hands in mock surrender as Adalynn handed Maya off to Bailey.
"I'm planning on pushing you harder than you've ever been pushed," said Mr. Schue. "We made it to nationals last year. This year I'm not gonna let anything or anyone stop us from winning at all. I let you down last year. I lost focus, let some Broadway pipe dream get in the way."
"And we're really sorry that the guy who replaced you in April Rhodes' musical won the Tony," said Rachel. "I mean, I can only imagine your regret."
"Yeah, you know what I regret?" Mercedes asked. "Being the laughingstock of the show choir world."
"And that's saying something," Artie agreed.
"Mercedes has a point," said Kurt. "Finn and Rachel's 'the kiss that missed' already has twenty thousand views on Youtube, and the comments section is just full of pithy banter like 'why is that T-Rex eating the Jew?'"
"That one's my favorite," Adalynn snickeredl.
"How many times do we have to apologize for that?" Finn asked.
"Yeah, no more apologizing," said Rachel.
"The school hates us even more now," Mike groaned.
"Which is why we have to work even harder this year to recruit new members," said Mr. Schue. "We're four men down since Julian graduated and Sam moved."
"Yeah, only because Puckerman couldn't convince Zizes to stay," said Santana.
"She's the one that got away," Puck sighed. "Really, really slowly."
"Where's Quinn?" Tina asked.
"She told me not to say," Adalynn mumbled.
"Why?" Artie asked. "It's sad. I miss her."
"No one's gonna join, Mr. Schue," Bailey said as she gently played with Maya's blonde hair.
"They will," the teacher said. "All they need is a little inspiration... and I happen to have some, courtesy of Al Motta's of Motta's Pianos. Bring them in, guys. You guys are gonna love this."
Band members came in pushing purple pianos, and the attention of the club was instantly grabbed.
"Woah, wow, okay," Kurt gasped. "If there are purple pianos involved in this, I am on board."
"These pianos were repossessed from foreclosed homes," Mr. Schue explained. "They're cast-offs, just like all of us. Used, in need of repairs–"
"But they're still capable of making beautiful music," Tina cut in.
"Right. So, Mr. Motta, as a lover of the arts, agreed to donate them to Glee. I fixed them up, painted them purple, and the Purple Piano Project was born. Now I'm going to be placing these grapey uprights randomly throughout the school and whenever you see one, no matter what you're doing, I want you to sing a song. Now use this assignment to attract kids who are just like you. Kids who can't keep the music inside. Those are the kinds of additions that we need to win it all this year." Mr. Schue paused for a moment and sighed. "Now for many of you, this is your last year. Let's make it special."
****
The New Directions were all sitting together at lunch. Tina and Bailey were feeding the twins some applesauce, which Maya kept spitting back out, whereas Ava ate it without any issues.
"Maya, come on," Tina said gently. "Growing babies need their nutrients."
"Why are you guys ignoring Mr. Schuester's assignment?" Rachel asked as she barged up to the table.
"Tina and I have our hands full," Bailey said, nodding to the twins.
"Wait, there's a purple piano in here?" Finn asked.
"Wow, how did any of us miss that?" Adalynn mumbled sarcastically as she took a bite of her pasta.
"We have to do the number," Rachel bossed.
"We have to survive lunch," said Artie. "It's not fair that Mr. Schue put the piano in here. It's too much pressure."
"I agree," said Kurt. "That is like wearing a red dress to a bull fight."
"The point of the assignment was to find people who couldn't help but join," said Rachel. "The more people that we sing in front of, the more chances we have of getting one, okay? It's simple mathematics.
"Which I stopped attending years ago," Puck mumbled.
"How did you make it to senior year?" Adalynn asked. "You're even dumber than Julian."
"No, hold on," Finn spoke up. "Rachel's right. How's anyone supposed to believe we can go to nationals if we don't even believe in ourselves?"
The number ended, and Becky tossed a cup of veggies at Rachel before walking away giggling. Someone else threw some spaghetti at Puck, and Bailey's eyes widened in horror as she exchanged a look with Tina.
"Oh god, No!" Puck gasped.
"Food fight!" Jacob cheered.
"No, not my god twins!" Santana yelled, quickly rushing over to where Bailey and Tina were. She picked up Ava and held her close, shielding her from the flying food as the two juniors did the same with Maya.
****
"Shh, shh, baby, it's okay," Bailey said as she comfortingly held a crying Maya. "Shh, it's okay."
"Jacob is fudging dead," Santana grumbled as she gently cleaned Ava with a damp cloth.
"I thought slushies were bad, but spaghetti sauce in the eye is so much worse," said Artie.
"I have pepperoni in my bra," Brittany said as she looked inside her Cheerios top.
"Those are your nipples," said Santana.
"Mr. Schue, if you are trying to break us down to rebuild us, it's working," said Mike.
"Not one single person was inspired by our hot lunch jam to audition, Mr. Schue," said Mercedes.
"It's true," a sophomore girl said as she came into the choir room. "You guys sucked ass."
"I'm sorry, and you are?" Rachel scoffed.
"I'm Sugar Motta, and I have self-diagnosed Aspergers, so I can pretty much say whatever I want. I'm like a diplomat's daughter."
"How can we help you, Sugar?" Mr. Schue asked.
"Here's the deal," Sugar began. "I'm awesome, and I want to be a big, big star. And when I saw you guys singing and dancing in the cafeteria, I thought, 'I am so much better than you.' Sorry, Aspergers."
"I don't think she actually has Aspergers," Adalynn whispered to Kurt, who nodded in agreement.
"Well, great," Mr. Schue smiled. "You see guys, you have inspired an audition. Good job. Sugar, why don't you show us what you can do. Take your time, whenever you're ready."
"Sugar Motta," Kurt whispered to his sister. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
"Her dad is the rich guy that donated the purple pianos," said Adalynn.
"Get ready to taste some sweet ear candy," Sugar said before turning to Brad. "Hit it, hottie."
Sugar began to sing Big Spender, loud and off-key. Santana cringed and covered Ava's ears as Bailey soothingly rubbed Maya's back, who was on the verge of tears again.
"Her ears should get to park in the handicapped spot," Artie whispered to Bailey and Tina as the song ended.
"Holy... shhhh– Sugar," said Mr. Schue.
"Text me," said Sugar. "RE: the rehearsal sched."
"Of course."
"Mr. Schue, stop speaking," said Rachel. "Okay, uh, Sugar. We'll be in touch."
"Thank you," Sugar said as she left the room.
"Okay, I think I speak for everyone when I say 'never gonna happen,'" the diva said.
"Guys, I know she was... a little rough, but we have always had the policy that everyone who auditions gets in," said Mr. Schue.
"You're not doing her any good sheltering Sugar from the truth, okay? High school is where you learn. It's survival of the fittest. She's gonna drag the New Directions down, and that's not fair for those of us who don't want to spend our lives rotting in this insignificant town," said Rachel. "You said the other day that you would do anything to get us to nationals, okay? And she is gonna keep us from winning that elusive crown. If anything, she is gonna kill all of our chances."
****
The end of the week arrived sooner than expected, but there was no denying that it had been an interesting one. Blaine transferred to McKinley, and when he auditioned, a purple piano got lit on fire. Adalynn made sure to record it and send it to Julian, who got a good laugh out of that.
"Ladies and gentleman, let's hear it for Glee Club's newest member, Blaine Anderson," Mr. Schue said as he came into the room with Blaine.
"Thanks so much, everyone," said Blaine. "I'm so thrilled to be here. It's gonna be a great year, I can feel it. We're all gonna go to nationals!"
Adalynn and Bailey clapped along with a few others, but other than that, no one was too thrilled about their newest member.
"Is there a problem, guys?" Mr. Schue asked.
"I just want Blaine to know that we're not the Warblers," said Finn. "You know, we're not into the bells and whistles or the ball hogging."
"Shut up, Finn," said Adalynn.
"I'm sorry, did I do something wrong?" Blaine asked as he sat down next to Kurt, sending a smile to the twins in the back row.
"Well, yeah, you set a bonfire in our courtyard," said Finn.
"Actually, doorknob, that was an act of political protest," said Santana.
"Which leads me to the next order of business," said Mr. Schue. "Santana, you need to leave. It was you and the Cheerios who set fire to our piano. How could you do that?"
"Mr. Schue, Sue made me."
"Brittany didn't do it."
"Well, yeah, I was gonna help, but I dunno, I'm a water sign, so..." Brittany shrugged.
"You're banned from Glee," said Mr. Schue. "Don't come back unless you can be as loyal to this club as the rest of the people in this room."
"Don't you think you're overreacting, Shoelaces?" Adalynn scoffed.
"Adalynn, watch it," the teacher warned.
"You know what? I could use a break," Santana said as she got up and left the room.
"You know, good for you, Mr. Schue," Mercedes praised. "It's about time we got some allegiance up in here."
"I said it before, and I will say it again," the curly haired man said. "If we want to win nationals this year, we need to be united. Rachel, you had an announcement?"
"Yeah," Rachel said as she got up and went to the front of the room. "Umm, after pushing the envelope last year, I strongly believe that we should secure the rights to a, shall we say, less controversial show for our school musical. Wait for it... Beetlejuice!"
"Yes!" Adalynn gasped.
"Is that the one with the cats?" Brittany asked.
"And it just so happens to have a lead role that showcases my talents and essence perfectly, Lydia," the diva said.
"For which there will be open auditions, right?" Adalynn asked. "Because some of us want the chance at a lead role too."
"Of course," Mr. Schue confirmed. "Kurt, you had something too, right?"
Rachel sat back down and Kurt went to the front of the room.
"Kurt Hummel is wading into McKinley High's shark-infested political waters and running for senior class president," the brunette boy said. "I thank you in advance for your votes."
"Okay," said Mr. Schue. "So much excitement. Now, let's rehearse."
"Look at what they did to us, Mr. Schue," Tina said as she bounced Ava on her leg. "Just like these purple pianos, they ripped out our guts, threw crap all over us and burned us up."
"Yeah, we got hit pretty hard," the teacher said, playing a few notes on the damaged pianos. "But, these pianos are still making music, and so are we."
"Mr. Schue, as always, you and I are on the exact same page," Rachel said as she got up and went to the front of the room.
****
Adalynn had just filled Quinn in on everything that's happened in Glee Club that week, and to say that the older girl was entertained would be an understatement. She found it hilarious that a tone-def, mini Rachel auditioned for the New Directions and that Finn was jealous of Blaine when he didn't even know him.
"Was Sugar really that bad?" Quinn asked as she tried to stop laughing.
"It was awful," Adalynn confirmed. "Maya definitely wasn't having it. She was very upset afterwards. And Ava looked absolutely horrified."
"Those poor children," the older girl mumbled, shaking her head.
"We miss you," Adalynn said as she sat down next to Quinn.
"I'm not coming back to Glee, Addie."
"Why not?" the younger girl pouted.
"I..." Quinn sighed and ran a hand through her pink hair. "It's... I don't know. I just can't. So, Beetlejuice, huh? Are you gonna audition for Lydia?"
"Who else would I audition for? Besides, I can't wait to see the look on Rachel's face when she doesn't get the lead."
"Make sure you get me a picture of that," Quinn chuckled.
"I'll have her autograph it for you," Adalynn joked.
"And she can put a gold star too!"
"Yes!"
"You know..." Adalynn said, biting her lip. "I have to admit... the pink hair is kind of a turn on."
Quinn's eyes darkened, and she pinned the younger girl down on the bed, connecting their lips in a heated kiss.