Chapter 30: Greatest Story Ever Told
Finn took a deep breath and exhaled. He rubbed his hands together and tried to keep his mind focused. This is it, the first public performance where I can officially embarrass myself.
Will Schuester walked to Finn and gave him a pat on the back. "You alright there? You look like you're about to kill yourself."
"Is there a difference?"
Will chuckled at his student's response. "Relax Finn, you'll be fine. If it helps, think of what the song means to you. I'm pretty sure that there's a certain someone that you're singing to. Sing to her then. Let her know what it means. If you can transcend that message, you'll be amazing."
Finn smiled at his advice. "Thanks Mr. S"
"You ready?"
Finn nodded.
Finn spotted Rachel's face in the crowd and she was looking right at him. Then, she gave him an encouraging smile and a thumbs up for good luck. He smiled and took a deep breath.
Thank you for this moment
I've gotta say how beautiful you are
Of all the hopes and dreams I could've prayed for
Here you are
If I could have one dance forever
I would take you by the hand
Tonight it's you and I together
I'm so glad, I'm your man
Finn looked straight into Rachel's eyes and saw that she had fixed her gaze on him.
And if I lived a thousand years
You know, I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you
That day.
But if destiny decided
I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you tonight
I don't hear the music
When I'm looking in your eyes
But I feel the rhythm of your body,
Close to mine
It's the way we touch that sends me
It's a way we'll always be
Your kiss, your pretty smile, you know I'd die for
Oh baby, you're all I need
And if I lived a thousand years
You know, I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you
That day.
But if destiny decided
I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you,
Just how much I really need you
Did I tell you that I love you, tonight.
Rachel's eyes were filled with admiration after the song. Finn certainly had been working hard during his one-on-one sessions with Mr. Schue. She knew how good he had been. But tonight, his voice brought her to a whole new level. She had never heard a performance, so honest, so true, so raw. When she saw that Finn had disappeared backstage, she rushed towards him.
"Finn, that was amazing." She exclaimed as she gave him a huge hug.
He smiled against her neck. "Thanks Rach, you've no idea what this means to me." He said as she released him.
"No Finn, amazing can't even begin to explain how good that performance was. You were just simply..."
Finn smiled at her and said, "Hey hey hey. You've heard it, that's all that matters. Thank you for being out there for me. You gave me the courage to do that, you always have. Thanks for believing so much in me Rach." He lifted up her wrist and brought it to his lips. "I owe this to you."
An hour later, Will rounded his two big performers for the night. "So this is it, your first duet in front of a live audience. You guys ready?"
Rachel nodded excitedly while Finn stuffed his hands into his pockets. He was still nervous and didn't know what to answer.
"Good, you will be up next after Santana and Mercedes are done with this number. Just relax and have fun." Will said encouragingly before stepping away.
Rachel saw the look in Finn's eyes and said, "You'll be amazing. After your solo, there's no way you would screw this up."
He forced a smile, and walked to the other side of the stage. Just as they heard the applause for the "Dancing Queen" number, Finn took one last look at Rachel and started to walk towards her.
She moved closer and said, "Break a leg?"
He took a deep breath. You don't have anything to lose now, Hudson. Just go ahead and say it.
"I love you."
Rachel's heart soared while Mr. Schuester announced them.
Highway run into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
You're on my mind
Restless hearts, sleep alone tonight
Sending all my love, along the wire
They say that the road
Ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line, it's between you and me
And loving a music man
Ain't what it's suppose to be
Boy you stand by me,
I'm forever yours, faithfully
Circus life, under the big top world
We all need the clowns to make us laugh
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am lost without you
And being a part ain't easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get this joy of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you by me
I'm forever yours, faithfully
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Faithfully
Finn took Rachel's hands in his and smiled as they belted out the last lines together. We should be together. He had no idea what was stopping him before. At that very moment, he was clear that he would do anything to make Rachel Berry his. And he was going to tell her that very night.
I'm still yours, I'm forever yours
Ever yours, Faithfully.
As they finished off the last few lines of the song, Quinn stood alongside with the fellow candidates for Prom queen and watched it from the sidelines. This cannot be happening. He's at prom with me, how can he do this to me? Screw her promise. Rachel Berry, you are in for a wild ride. I'll make sure this night will be a night to remember.