Pulling down the long sleeves of one of the hoodies she stole from Quinn before she left for Yale, Adalynn walked into William McKinley High School with her head hung low. She kept her gaze on her feet as she navigated through the crowded hallway.
It felt like she was losing everything in her life.
Quinn was too busy for her.
Kurt was in New York.
Finn had been MIA for months.
She took a deep breath to calm her thoughts as she approached her locker. The last thing she needed right now was for her overactive brain to overwhelm her and ruin her senior year.
"Hey," Marjorie said with a smile as she approached the shorter brunette.
"What do you want?" Adalynn asked coldly as she put her things away.
She knew what she wanted.
She blew her off.
"You blew me off."
"No shit, Sherlock," the actress scoffed, closing her locker and walking away from the taller girl.
"Adalynn, wait," Jori said as she rushed to catch up to her. "I'm not upset or anything. I just–"
"Look, agreeing to meet up with you was a mistake, that's why I didn't show up yesterday," Adalynn said as she headed up the stairs. "Besides, I thought I made it very clear. There's someone else, and you know who that is."
"Your girlfriend who hasn't called you?" Jori scoffed, smirking when Adalynn turned around to glare at her.
"Yes."
"I'm not afraid of your ivy league girlfriend," Jori said with a roll of her eyes. "She's not here, and neither are Brandy and Amber. We can be friends, you know."
Hearing the names of her gym class ghosts sent a chill down Adalynn's spine. She had done everything to try and forget about them, and every time she thought she did, someone always brought them up.
"A friend would never do what you're doing," Adalynn said before turning on her heel and heading to her first period.
I really wish I had Finn's letterman jacket to help me feel safe right now.
****
"As you all know, as national champions we get to host the annual Show Choir Rules Committee meeting," Mr. Schue said as he began the Glee Club meeting.
"Please tell me you're gonna ask what one-third vintage meant last year," Tina said as Bailey nodded.
"Or like why some teams get six songs and others only do one," Sam added with furrowed brows.
"Speaking of competitions, shouldn't we start preparing for ours?" Jake asked.
"I have some ideas, which I'm working on very hard," Mr. Schue said as Julian shook his head and mouthed 'He's not.'
Bailey and Tina exchanged a look as their teacher went on about the 'ideas' he had for sectionals. They both knew he didn't have any.
Ava looked over at Adalynn from her spot in Julian's lap and pouted. She stuck her arm out and made a grabbing motion, soft whines escaping her lips.
Maya sat in Sugar's lap, happily eating the Cheerios that she was feeding her. She did a little happy dance in her seat, making happy babbling noises as Sugar smiled at her.
"Excuse me," Brittany raised her hand.
"Yes, go ahead," Julian quickly said.
"I'm not sure if what Mr. Schue was saying was actually important, because I wasn't listening, but I'd like to make an announcement."
Brittany went up to the front of the classroom and took a whining Ava out of Julian's arms. The young father scoffed as the blonde handed the baby to Adalynn, whose mood changed instantly.
"Hi, cutie!" Adalynn smiled, hugging Ava close to her.
"My Ada," Ava cooed, cuddling close to her as she curled up in her lap.
"First, I'd like to ask if anyone can prove that Blaine was actually born in this country," Brittany began as Artie gave her a thumbs up. "Second, I'm wrapping up the election by selecting Bailey as my running mate. We're both super awesome, and everyone loves a sibling duo, so anyone with a brother or sister is sure to vote for us."
"Unfair," Blaine scoffed. "This isn't a popularity contest. It's about who's got the best ideas. It's about believing you can make a change."
"What is that taste in my mouth?" Bailey asked. "Is that... sour grape?"
Blaine rolled his eyes as the bell rang. Adalynn stood up and quickly left the choir room, hugging Ava close to her chest as she did so, and Sugar gave Maya back to Bailey.
"Bye, Susar!" Maya waved, smiling. "Tants for Rios!"
"Anytime, sweetie," Sugar smiled, tapping the older twin's nose before leaving the choir room.
"Something's up with Adalynn," Tina said as she and Bailey headed down the hall. "She seems so sad."
"You noticed it too, huh?" Bailey asked as Maya frowned.
"Ada sad?" the baby asked, pouting. "Ada sad besus Lulu bye?"
"Yeah, it's been hard for her," Bailey sighed.
"Me no wan Ada be sad," Maya pouted, leaning her head onto her mom's shoulder.
"I don't want her to be sad, either," Tina frowned. "I just wish there was something we could do to help."
"We'll figure something out," said Bailey. "Right now, we just need to be here for her."
"And keep Marjorie away from her."
"No Jori," Maya whined. "Jori go bye."
"Baby says no," Bailey chuckled. "She doesn't like her either."
"I don't trust her," Tina said as they walked into the Home Ec classroom.
"Me either."
"Me treeter."
****
Adalynn walked into the empty choir room and closed the door behind her. She kept the lights off. She sat down at the piano, and began playing.
Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the words Quinn had said to her, and she couldn't help but feel like she didn't mean it.
Once upon a time
I believe it was a Tuesday when I caught your eye
And we caught onto something
I hold on to the night
You looked me in the eye and told me you loved me
Were you just kidding?
'Cause it seems to me
This thing is breaking down, we almost never speak
I don't feel welcome anymore
What happened? Please, tell me
'Cause one second it was perfect
Now you're halfway out the door
And I stare at the phone, she still hasn't called
And then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all
And you flashback to when she said, "Forever and always"
And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
I was there when you said, "Forever and always"
Was I out of line?
Did I say something way too honest, made you run and hide
Like a scared little girl?
I looked into your eyes
Thought I knew you for a minute, now I'm not so sure
So here's to everything coming down to nothing
Here's to silence that cuts me to the core
Where is this going?
Thought I knew for a minute, but I don't anymore
And I stare at the phone, she still hasn't called
And then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all
You flashback to when she said, "Forever and always"
Oh, and it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
I was there when you said, "Forever and always"
You didn't mean it baby, I don't think so
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
A tear slowly fell down Adalynn's cheek, and she pressed down hard on the piano keys.
Back up, baby, back up
Did you forget everything?
Back up, baby, back up
Did you forget everything?
Back up, baby, back up
Please, back up, oh, back up
Back up, baby, back up
'Cause it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong
It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone
I was there when you said, "Forever and always"
And I stare at the phone, she still hasn't called
And then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all
You flashback to when we said, "Forever and always"
A lump formed in her throat, and she choked out a small sob as she continued singing.
And it rains in your bedroom, everything is wrong
It rains when you're here, it rains when you're gone
I was there when you said, "Forever and always"
You didn't mean it, baby
You said, "Forever and always," yeah
The door to the choir room opened. Adalynn sniffled and wiped her tears away as her cousin came in.
"Adalynn, are you okay?" Julian asked, concern in his voice as he observed the younger girl's body language.
"I'm fine," Adalynn mumbled as she stood up and left the choir room with her gaze lowered.
She quickly made her way to the bathroom and locked herself in the handicapped stall, sliding down the wall and hugging her knees to her chest.
****
Tina and Bailey slowly opened the door to Adalynn's bedroom, and said girl hid herself further under the blankets on her bed.
"Go away, no one's home," she mumbled.
"Adalynn, we're worried about you," Tina said as she and Bailey sat down on the bed.
"We know how hard the long distance with Quinn has been, and we don't want you turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms," Bailey said as she rubbed Adalynn's leg. "Have you been eating? You haven't come to lunch all week."
"I'm not hungry," Adalynn mumbled as she sat up and ran a hand through her hair.
"Yes, you are," Tina said, handing her a package of pretzels. "Julian said you didn't eat dinner last night or breakfast this morning."
Adalynn's shaky hands opened the pack of pretzels. She broke one in half and ate it, chewing slowly.
"You miss her, don't you?" Bailey asked as Oreo curled up in between the three friends.
"Yeah," Adalynn nodded, her voice breaking. "It's just... we haven't been apart in three years, and this is so much harder than I thought it would be. And it's just the little things, you know? Like the way she always smells like vanilla and brown sugar and how her smile lights up the room and her laugh. I... I really wish she was here right now."
"Ada, don't cry," Bailey cooed, moving to sit beside her best friend and wrapping her arms around her.
"You'll see her soon," Tina said as she moved to Adalynn's other side and brushed her hair out of her face.
Oreo whimpered softly and gently licked Adalynn's hand as her two best friends comforted her. She knew that all pain was temporary, but she couldn't help but feel like things would only get worse from here.
"I think I know how to make you feel better," Bailey said softly.
"How?" Adalynn sniffled, looking over at the blonde with a tear stained face.
"One word: Makeover."
****
Adalynn sat with Ava in her lap. Sugar sat to her right with Maya, and Tina sat to her left. Instead of wearing her usual ripped black jeans, black t-shirt, and red Doc Martens, she wore light gray jeans, a dark purple shirt with the outline of a rose on it, and black combat boots. Her long brunette locks flowed over her shoulders in loose waves, and she had applied a light layer of make-up.
She definitely felt out of her element, especially since she hardly ever wore anything that wasn't black, but she had to admit that it was a good distraction.
"Hi, Sue!" Maya waved to the cheer coach as she came out on stage.
"Attention, minuscule segment of the student body," said Sue. "Principal Figgins is out this week with what he describes as religious fever, and I am forced to moderate this insulting charade. There are two new disheartening wrinkles to this year's absolutely pointless contest. First, the horrifying fact that this year's slate of candidates consists entirely of Glee Club members. And secondly, the inexplicable introduction of a vice-presidential field for no discernible reason."
"Separation of powers!" Brett cheered, standing up. "Whoo!"
"Sit down!" Adalynn yelled.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" the younger boy asked as he turned to face the senior.
"No. 16 years ago your mother gave birth to something wrong," Adalynn snarked as Ava giggled.
"So, let's meet these second-tiered losers," Sue said as Brett sat down. "You know them as the teen mom Taylor Swift look alike and the blonde Bieber, Bailey Pierce and Sam Evans."
"Yay Mommy!" Maya cheered, clapping her hands together.
"Mommy ter! Mommy ter!" Ava smiled, bouncing in Adalynn's lap and pointing to the stage as Bailey came out with Sam.
Bailey's blonde locks were pulled up into a high ponytail. Her make-up consisted of red lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner. She wore blue jeans, black converse shoes, and a white button-up long-sleeve shirt with a black and white sweater vest on over it.
"Bailey, my first question is for you," Sue said as she held up a note card. "Who in God's name gives a hot, wet, steamy dumb about student government?"
"No one," Bailey honestly said. "Most people only want to be a part of student government for the popularity or to spice up their resumes. They don't really care about making a difference, but I do. It's a way for us to take an active role in our own education, and studies show that an active student body is a successful student body."
"Sam Evans, your response?" Sue asked the blonde boy.
"I wasn't really listening," said Sam. "Whatever Bailey said... I agree with that."
"Our next question is from the Twitter," the cheerleading coach said as she flipped to another note card. "@HungrySouthMouth asks Sam Evans, 'Rumor has it you were a stripper. Aren't you ashamed?'"
"No, I'm not," Sam sighed. "In fact..."
Adalynn's eyes widened as Sam ripped off his shirt, and she quickly covered Ava's eyes as Sugar did the same with Maya. Tina looked over to the stage, exchanging an uncomfortable look with Bailey as their eyes met.
A little while later, Adalynn was willing to pray for the debate to end. They had been in the auditorium for what felt like an eternity, and she couldn't wait to go home and get a snack.
"Students at this school have every right to be angry," Blaine said as Adalynn groaned and leaned her head back against the chair. "Last year's student council led by my opponent was the most ineffectual in a generation. Brittany S. Pierce, in her last term, accomplished absolutely nothing except a dinosaur themed prom and ban the use of hair gel. Ladies and gentlemen, telling anyone what they can and cannot put into their hair is disgusting. It's the first step to tyranny, my friends. Next, they'll start burning books. Then they'll probably start burning people too."
"That's a lie," said Brittany.
"This tyranny all ends today, McKinley," Blaine continued. "I wanna offer you a change, and I am that change. Let's make history, Titans. And vote Anderson-Evans. Thank you."
Adalynn clapped, rolling her eyes before hugging a sleepy Ava close to her chest.
"Sweet, simple Brittany," said Sue. "What say you?"
"I love you," said Brittany. "I love you so much, McKinley High School. Simple as that. In fact... I think that everyone should love this school as much as I do. If you elect me as president, I promise to outlaw summer vacation so we'll have school all year round. That means we'll spend every day of every summer indoors with all our friends in McKinley High School's award-winning air conditioning. Also, I promise to end McKinley High School's policy of having weekends. If you make me your president, Saturday and Sunday will be illegal so that Monday will come after Friday, which is the funnest day anyways. Vote Brittany and Bailey. Thank you so much."
Bailey forced a smile and clapped for her sister, frowning as soon as she had walked off stage.
We just lost the election.
****
Everyone was at Breadstix to celebrate Blaine and Sam's victory in the student election. Adalynn sat at a booth by herself as she sipped her iced tea. She watched Bailey and Tina across the room, and a small smile spread across her lips as they talked.
They both looked so happy.
If they only knew what I know...
She looked down at her arms, faint scars showing as memories from her cruel summer and rough start of senior year. She took a bite of her breadstick before taking another sip of her iced tea, nothing but guilt for her actions on her mind.
You can't keep cutting, Adalynn.
We need to stop doing that.
I miss Quinn.
"Is this seat taken?"
Adalynn gasped as she turned in the direction of the voice. Happy tears filled her eyes and a smile spread across her face as she jumped up from her seat and into the arms of her girlfriend.
Quinn held the younger girl close to her, her own tears filling her eyes. She placed a kiss to the top of Adalynn's head, and she looked up at her with innocent blue eyes.
"You came back," the brunette said.
"I had to see you," Quinn said, gently wiping a tear off of Adalynn's cheek before pressing their lips together.
Adalynn relaxed as Quinn's arms wrapped around her shoulders and pulled her closer, both girls sighing into the kiss.
Just like magic, Adalynn forgot about all her problems. It didn't matter that she hadn't heard from Finn in months. She didn't care that Kurt hadn't called her since he moved to New York.
In that moment, all she cared about was being in Quinn's arms.
And for the first time in months, she felt completely at peace.