So, I decided I'm going to focus mainly on this story. I have a block on all my others, haha.
Enjoy!
Hold On to Sixteen
Chapter Eight
Week two of recovery. I've been doing well, if I do say so myself, but there was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me to do it. Luckily, preparations for Sectionals have been blocking out that voice for a bit, as well as my friends.
Finn has been keeping me occupied, taking me out to dinner and the mall, or just going back to his place to chill with the Hummel-Hudson's. Nick and my family have been supportive, taking me to my sessions and such. Well, almost all of them.
As I expected, Joe kept his distance. Whenever I got home from school, he would be gone and when he returned I was already in bed. It was almost like he was...afraid of me. Nick told me not to worry about it, saying everyone has their way of coping of Joe's is to take time to himself. I just wanted to know what exactly he was doing.
But, I couldn't let myself get distracted. As I said, it was Sectionals week and we were all feeling a bit more confident due to the fact Rachel has been prohibited to perform with the 'Tones. We felt bad that our friend couldn't do what she loved the most, but from a competor standpoint, we were thrilled. It made our chances of winning grow much greater.
I couldn't help but smile as I walked into the choir room to see Mr. Schue and Finn looking over music. Mr. Schue said that Finn and I could help him out, since we are the Club Captains (Finn was always Captain, and since Rachel left, I was promoted to Co-Captain). I knew Mr. Schue just wanted to help me distract myself, and I was just fine with that.
I walked in just in time to hear Finn's little rant.
"Sectionals is in our auditorium for the first time since 1993." Finn said, getting up from his chair in the choir room.
Mr. Schue countinued to flip through the music books. "Too much talking, not enough looking for songs for Sectionals."
I took this as my cue to go in. "Hey, I'll take one of those books." I smiled.
"How are you, Lizzie?" Mr. Schue asked, Finn smiled, already knowing my improving condition.
I nodded, taking the song book. "Better. But we're not here to talk about me, what ideas do you guys have?" I opened the book as I went to stand next to Finn.
"Maybe we need something upbeat..." Mr. Schue mumbled to himself.
Finn paced. "I think we should concentrate on our 'peformer' problem before setting a set list."
"Yeah, I mean, at least the Cheerios can dance." I nodded, thinking of the large number of the Cheerios in the 'Tones. "We need star power."
It was as if a lightbulb lit up in Finn's head. "We need Sam Evans."
My jaw dropped. Sam, of course! The poor boy has been through a lot recently, his father losing his job making his whole family have to reside in a hotel room. But, he was the whole package in our club. He could sing, dance, anything!
"Sam? He transferred. His whole family moved, we don't even know where he is." Mr. Schue pointed out, looking up from his sheet music.
"He's in Kentucky. About four hours from here." They both looked at me as I shrugged, "Even homeless people have Facebook."
Mr. Schue nodded. "Alright, so, you and Finn will go recruit Sam. I'm sure he'll love to be back here with us."
Finn and I nodded, smiling as we left the choir room. He looked down at me. "Ready partner?"
"Oh, I'm so ready."
XXX
Finn and I decided to collect Sam tomorrow afternoon, so for now, Blaine and Kurt invited me to join them at the Lima Bean. Both of them wanted to check up on my recovery and Sectionals planning, plus, I wanted to be there for Kurt. Losing the election really has taken a toll on him.
"If we don't win Sectionals, there is absolutely no way I'll get into NYADA. Might as well fill out my Lima Bean application now." Kurt sighed, as he stared at his open Trig. Book.
"Trust me, we are going to win." I smiled, taking a bite of Kurt's brownie. "Finn and I have the perfect game plan."
Honestly, we were way behind. The only thing we planned that was realted to the competition was getting Sam. We didn't even have our songs picked out yet, but I didn't want to discourage Kurt even more. He needed a little bit of hope. Blaine rolled his eyes.
"Well, at least Finn listens to you. Every time I open my mouth, he looks at me like 'What does he think he's doing?' I know what I'm doing!" Blaine took an angry sip out of his coffee cup.
Before I could assure Blaine that I would talk to Finn about his behavior. A voice as smooth as butter greeted us. I turned to see a boy, no older than a Junior, in a Dalton uniform strut over to us. His hair looked like something out of Twlight, and his eyes were a clear shade of brown, matching his chestnut hair.
The cocky smirk on his face made it clear that this was Sebastian Smythe, the new Warbler Captain and apparently interested in Blaine. Kurt told me all about Sebastian's flirting towards Blaine, but I assured him Blaine doesn't have eyes for anyone but Kurt.
"This is so crazy!" Sebastian took a seat across from me as Kurt rolled his eyes. "I'm sitting over there, checking out this guy, and suddenly I'm like 'I know that hair..'." He smiled at Blaine as he chuckled. He then looked over at Kurt and I, the smile faltering. "Hey, Kurt and....who are you?"
"Lizzie Jonas, close friend of Kurt and Blaine's." I smiled, trying my best to be friendly.
He smiled, "Nice to meet you, beautiful."
God, he is a smooth-talker. I know he's 100% gay...but damn. I shook my head, content on staying focused as Sebastian turned to Blaine.
"What's up? You haven't been online."
"We've been busy preparing for Sectionals," Kurt held Blaine's hand across the table. "Together."
The Warbler boy tried to disguise his distaste as the two continued to show affection. Blaine proceeded to congratulate him on the Warbler's win, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Was Blaine totally oblvious or what?
"Well, if there's one guy that can whip New Directions into shape, it's Blaine Anderson." Sebastian smirked.
Blaine excused himself to get another coffee, trying to get out of the awkward position he was somehow thrushed into. This left me, Kurt, and Mr. Warbler alone. Kurt immedently looked at the boy.
"I don't like you."
Sebastian smiled, "Fine. I don't like you either."
"I don't like the way you talk to my boyfriend, I don't like your CW hair, and I hate your smirky little meerkat face. I'm on to you."
I couldn't help but smile. "I would stay back, when Kurt's angry, he will slap you down like the hand of God," Kurt nodded along, "Like the way New Directions will when we win agantist you at Regionals."
"You have to win Sectionals first, hon." Sebastian turned to me. "And I know who you are; Elizabeth Jonas, newly Co-Captain of the New Directions and star of her own television ad." I felt my blood run cold. "How's the wrists doing?"
"Back off." Kurt demanded. "You can insult me how ever you want, but don't you dare talk to Lizzie like that."
"Fine, words aren't my only tool." Sebastian smiled.
He was about to continue when Blaine sat back down. He smiled, "So, what were you three chatting about?"
"The next time we'll all go drinking, Killer!" Sebastian put on that fake smile as Blaine declined. "Lizzie even volunteered to be the designated driver." I faked a smile at Blaine, then looked down. "Well, I gotta run. But, you take care of that Warbler, Kurt. Lizzie." He nodded to me then left.
We bid Sebastian a farewell, all of us looking a bit drained. God, I hate that kid. I knew we would have to keep an eye on him.
XXX
"Wait, this can't be the right place. Sam works at a Bar?" Finn asked.
We walked through the curtains to enter a smokey-like bar setting. But, it wasn't totally like a bar, there was actually a stage up front. I bit my lip as we walked more into the area, maybe this was a bad idea. No, I was not going to be discouraged. So, I shrugged.
"Well...there aren't a lot of places to perform in Northern Kentucky, so Sam just has to be able to belt it out in any space he can." I smiled, passing the woman.
That was it. The Bar was filled with woman...not a man in sight. Hm.
"There's a lot of...older ladies here." Finn whispered as a woman smiled at him.
"Well, it is aimed at their age and gender." I held Finn's hand. "Relax, you're being a bit paranoid."
Before Finn could defend himself, an announcer came on over the speakers. Oh, good! We were just in time to see Sam's performance! Since all the seats were taken, Finn and I just took shelter in the back, but not too far so we couldn't see the stage.
Good Afternoon, Ladies! Are you ready for it to Rain Men?
Cheers of agreement sounded throughout the Bar. Well, they are quite enthustatic about a dinner and a show, huh?
Then please welcome to the stage....WHITE CHOCOLATE.
White...Chocolate? Suddenly, Sam busted through the beads, wearing short gold shorts with suspenders and...no shirt. A construction helmet complete his look as he moved sensually in his suspenders, woman ran to the stage, holding out singles.
Sam's a stripper.
A real stripper.
I looked over at Finn, a look of shock crossing his features as Sam danced to 'Party Rock'. I could feel the blush coming of behind my ears, but then, I hatched an idea.
"Give me a dollar."
Finn turned to me, "What?!"
"Just...Just give me a dollar."
Finn didn't protest as he pulled out his wallet and held out a single dollar bill for me. I grabbed and it forced my way to the front of the crowd, keeping my head down as I held the money out for the ex-McKinley student.
"Lizzie...LIZZIE?!" Sam yelled, stopping his dance.
Got 'em.
XXX
I walked back into Sam's dressing room, a simple sandwich rested on a red plate as I put it down for my friend. I still couldn't beleive he was a stripper. It seemed so unlike the usual quite, country boy. I placed the plate in front of him, then sat on the chair next to his own, Finn behind me.
"I tried getting a normal job, Dairy Queen was great..but it didn't pay well enough for my family." He then thought to himself. "Do you know how much I made this afternoon? Sixty bucks!" He then pulled out the dollar bill I gave to him. "....Sixty-One."
I rolled my eyes, annoyed that Sam actually encourgaed this. I understood that his family was and is going through a hard time, but there are better, and more sanitary, jobs out there. Plus, there had to be some law about minors in this buisness, Sam is only a junior afterall.
"Am I ashamed that I work here? Yeah, I'm ashamed." Sam picked up on my facial expressions. "My Dad got a job as a construction worker to pay the rent..well, my little brother needs a new pair of shoes and my sister a new jacket....and these abs pay for it."
Finn moved forward, now leaning on the counter. "Wait..your parents don't know that you work here?"
Sam shrugged, "They just think DQ pays really well, I'm good at this."
I uncrossed my arms, "You're good at this for all the reasons you shouldn't be doing it!" I kneeled down in front f him. "Come back to McKinley, Sam. We need you for Sectionals."
"Tell us that you don't miss being a kid. You're young, you have so much potential...it's like you're throwing your life away." Finn finished for me.
"I want it, okay?! But, my Dad would never let me." Sam sighed, leaning back on his chair.
I shrugged, "Don't know until you ask."
XXX
After much persuading on our part, Sam was able to come back to Ohio with us for Sectionals. He was currently staying at Finn's house, a nice fit for the two friends. I sat in the choir room the next day, listening as my fellow members, minus Finn, rambled about how they felt about Sectionals.
"God, we're screwed." Tina sighed, "Let's face it, even without Rachel. the Troubletones still have more..umph."
Just then Finn and Mr. Schue walked in, carrying a bottle of sparkling cider and a few red solo cups. I smiled, knowing that the New Direction's attitude would change in a matter of minutes.
"Great news, guys! Sectionals will be a challenge but we have a secret weap-." Mr. Schue was interrupted by Kurt.
"Mr. Schue, we appericate your support but we can't deny that the Titanic has hit an iceberg, and we are now on a sinking ship."
"Not if I can help it!"
We all turned to the doorway to see Sam walking in, a guitar in hand. I smiled as everyone got up from their spots to greet the boy.
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Finn and Lizzie," I smiled as Finn pulled me close, "I sort of...lost my way, but, true friends help you find your way back." He smiled at all of us.
"Let's hear it for Sam Evans!" I yelled as Finn popped open the bottle.
We all began pouring cups of cider as Sam launched into a redition of "Red Solo Cup", all us joining in. I smiled, this was the happiest I have seen Sam, or any of members, since the big TroubleTones debacle.
It also took the stress off of Sectionals in general, knowing that now...we had a chance.
XXX
"I'M HOME!"
My heart stopped as Joe's voice sounded through the house. I looked at the clock then my window, it wasn't even dark yet and he was here. I quicky put down my pen and pushed aside my math homework, heading towards the stairs just in time to see him putting his coat on our new coat rack.
"Hey, Joe!"
I watched as he flinched, but yet turned to face me. "Lizzie....hey," He smiled weakly. "Nick said you guys have Glee rehearsal today.."
"Oh, uh, we did. But everyone went out after, I stayed home. Big test tomorrow." I nodded to myself.
Joe nodded along, "So, how have you been?"
I decided to test him by talking about my treatment. Maybe that would get something out of him. I followed him as he walked to the kitchen, I sat on a bar stool.
"Good, really good, actually. I have my next session with Dr. Patrice soon, but I've been very in control of this addiction, y'know?"
I could tell he was uncomfortable by this. His entire facial expression changed, before I could question him any futher, he butted in.
"I gotta go, I'm meeting up with some of the guys." He quickly made his way out of the kitchen.
"Joe.." I called after him.
He openede the door, "Don't wait up." I heard the door shut.
I put my head in my hands, a sigh escaping my lips. This may be harder than I thought.
XXX
"1, 2, 3...Step and Kick!" Mr. Schue did the moves as we copied, "C'mon guys!"
I sighed. It was only three days before Sectionals, and none of us could get the moves down. How could we expect to win if we can't even get simple moves down? This is where Brittany would come in and take control, showing us step-by-step exact moves. We needed her.
"What does it matter, anyway?" Puck stopped, making all of us look. "We're going to lose either way."
I shrugged, "We need the girls. We need Brittany's sweet moves." I followed Kurt to a seat, sitting next to him.
"She's right. When girls dance, you can't help but look at them." Rory's thick accent cut through the air.
"Well, let's find a move that most appealing and highlight it as much as possible." Mr. Schue nodded.
Blaine smiled, "Yeah, how about something like this?"
He then ran to the middle of the floor and did a boy band-like spin move. We are gaped and smiled, even Kurt yelled out a 'Cute!' for his boyfriend. Soon, all the boys began to copy the move, we all agreed it was a money-maker...except Sam.
"Stop!" Everyone froze, "Blaine, that is totally Beiber-Like. What we need to sell here is...sex." He did a thrust.
I grabbed onto Kurt, who just chuckled. All the boys began to copy Sam's body roll, I couldn't help but laugh as Finn did his towards me, I did a mocking turn around motion. Blaine put his head in his hands, annoyed by this...great.
"The man's not wrong," I noted, trying to stop the brewing fight. "I got all tingly." Okay, that was a bit of a lie.
"Yeah..yeah! Sam's that awesome, that's exactly what we need." Finn smiled, copying the move again.
Blaine shook his head. "No, no it's not. We don't have to resort to...that. It's cheap."
Kurt and I nodded, Blaine did have a point. The Judges did tend to mark down things like that, saying it was a 'last minute' move choice.
"I came here to win. When you're desperate, sometimes you have to do whatever you can to take that advantage, this," Sam said, doing the move again. "Is a winner."
"That's what you think in order to sleep at night." Blaine said, his voice turning into a growl.
Jeez, I never heard him so...angry. I couldn't help but agree, Blaine already had his hands full with Finn and now Sam? I would be angry too, but not right before a competition. Sam glared at him.
"What the hell does that mean?"
Blaine walked forward, "It means, that I'm not for sale!"
Sam pushed Blaine, the two of them already going at it. Mr. Schue and Finn intervened, pushing the both of them back. Blaine put his hands up as he walked out of the choir room.
"Blaine..." Kurt said, wanting his boyfriend to come back.
"Forget it."
The choir room went into silence as Mr. Schue told us all to get back in our dancing formation. I brught Finn aside.
"Go talk to Blaine."
He looked surprised, "Me? But, Sam was the one who almost got into a brawl with him."
"Look, Blaine feels like you've been cutting him out from the club planning....and I think so too." Finn looked down, "He has some good ideas, Finn, but you refuse to listen. Just go talk to him, please."
Finn ran a hand through his hair, "Fine. I'll talk to him."
I smiled, kissing his cheek as I went back to join the dancers. I could at least fix one relationship in my life, and it that is Blaine and Finn's, then so be it.
XXX
"If I tell you something, you have to promise to not be mad."
Nick pleaded with me as I put on my show choir heel. It was finally Sectionals day, and we were just about to go on, well, after the 'Tones. Luckily, our 'dressing rooms' were in the choir room, so we were all huddled in there in front of vanity mirrors and Mr. Schue's office.
"Um...okay?" I said, well, more questioned.
He rubbed the back of his neck, "I invited Joe here today...and he came."
My eyes widened. Joe actually came to a competition?! That was shocking...but I was more surprised than upset. The boys hasn't talked to me in a week, and now he shows up here? I shrugged, trying to calm down Nick, as I straigtened my bow-tie.
"I'm not mad, Nick." I laughed as he calmed down, "I'm just surprised."
He nodded, "Yeah, I invited him, but I didn't expect him to say yes. But, there he is, front row with mom and dad."
"Well," I straigtened out my white tuxedo outfit, and black skirt. "Let's make this a show he won't forget." I smiled.
Nick and I highfived as I looked around the choir room. Finn and Blaine were actually talking and laughing about something with Sam, the three finally getting along. I then noticed Charlie sitting in a corner, I smiled, walking over to him and taking the seat next to him.
"Nervous, Bolton?"
His sweaty forehead gave me the clue, but he smiled. "Me? Nervous about a singing competion? I think you're talking to the wrong guy, Jonas."
"It's okay, I was nervous my first time too," He wiggled his eyebrows as I rolled my eyes, but laughed. "My first time at a competion, ass. Just remember the words, and the moves come naturally." I patted his arm, "You'll be fine."
"Aw, you do care." He smiled, touching my hand.
I quickly pulled it away, "Don't flatter yourself, sweetheart."
I then noticed Finn staring at Charlie, oops, maybe I should head over there. I said a quick farewell to Charlie then made my way the three boys, putting my hand around Finn's waist as he pulled me into him. His eyes stay glued on Charlie, who stared back. Luckily, Mr. Schue called us in for our preparations.
We then began warmups, doing the classic vocal excerises as we wandered around the room, getting the pre-show jitters out. Mine were now magnified knowing that Joe was here. There had to be a reason...
"Hello, New Directions!"
We all turned to see Shelby and the TroubleTones walking into the choir room, smug looks on their faces. Santana did send me a genuine smile back as I did the same, we haven't talked much since the lesson, but I felt as if we had an unspoken friendship.
"We just came to say that may the best glee club win." Mercedes smiled, then went to hug me.
Santana nodded, "And just in case that Glee Club is us, I considered Ms. Corocan to do a bit of a backup plan for you guys."
"Yes," Shelby nodded. "In the event of a New Directions loss, the TroubleTones have voted to allow any of you to join us at Regionals."
We all stiffled a gasp. They couldn't be serious. First of all, we were going to win, we were doing a Michael Jackson tribute after all, and second of all, that was just plain rude. Finn voiced my thoughts, as I added in.
"Thanks for the offer, but right now we're going to concentrate on holding that trophy." I smiled, crossing my arms.
After the little confrontation, the 'Tones left to perform as we made our way to our seats in the audience. I smiled as Mom and Dad gave me a wave, Joe staring intently at his program. I stopped in the middle of the aisle when I noticed Rachel standing solemnly. I almost forgot the poor girl was banned, due to her stuffing Kurt's ballot box. I got out of the line and made my way over to her.
"Sad?" I asked, a comforting smile on my face.
She looked over at me and sighed, "Devasted."
"C'mon." I held her hand in a friendly manner, "You're sitting with us."
She smiled as I brought her over to our section, taking a seat between Kurt and I as I took the spot next to Finn. He smiled, putting an arm around me.
"Nice move, babe."
I leaned into him as we watched the TroubleTones peform a weak mashup. Well, it was weak compared to their Adele one a week ago, I let the stress sink off me, we totally got this now. After the group finished, we all made our way to the backstage area, going over a few last minute details.
As we got in formation I smiled at Kurt, we both had solos for the first song (The Jackson 5's ABC), and it felt like Sophomore year all over again, just the two of us. Once the curtain went up, I started off first, Kurt following me as the New Directions danced. Mike then popped in with his first solo, but then I carried the chorus.
I could feel Joe's eyes on me as I skipped around the stage, scanning my every move and note leaving my mouth. It was almost nauseting, but luckily Sam's body roll distracted him. I couldn't help but smile, it was the only time I was grateful for it.
As ABC ended, and after the standing ovation we got, we all went into our next formation. Then, Quinn started off the next selection 'Control'. It was between Nick, Artie, and Quinn. I couldn't help but smile as Nick took the lead. Jeez, he was older than me by a couple of months, but I felt as if he was my younger brother, watching him grow up.
Once Control ended, it was time for 'Man in the Mirror', my personal favorite. Finn, Blaine, Puck, Sam, and Artie each had their own spotlight as they did a bit of a quadret. Once they hit the chorus, it became a big group number. This one was more relaxed, as we just swayed, Mr. Schue said the lyrics were powerful enough for that as the main boys danced around the stage. As the song neared its end, all of us got in a line at the front of the stage, our arms around one another.
We got a standing ovation, cheers and hollers filled the auditorium as we all hugged each other. Finn planted a kiss on the cheek, a promise of a bigger kiss coming. My family clapped enthusatically, my mom even crying a bit.
I smiled at Joe, who had his own smile, but smaller. He continued to clap as we walked off the stage.
XXX
We all stood on the stage, awaiting the results. I held onto Finn's hand tightly as one of the judges walked on stage. He held the sacred envelope, we all looked at it as if we were lions staring at a hunk of meat.
"In third place..." I closed my eyes, "The Blake High School Unitards!"
A collective sigh went through the two clubs as the Unitards colleced their trophy, a smile on their faces. We then moved closer so we were next to the TroubleTones. The judge cleared his throat.
"In second place..." He looked down. "The TroubleTones!"
That's when we all started screaming, we couldn't even hear him announce our name as we jumped up and down. Kurt and I bounced in each other's arms, then Blaine picked me up, a smile on his face. Finn kissed me.
"That's for the win." He laughed.
i jumped into his arms as he spun me around. Once Mr. Schue collected the trophy, we all gathered around it, jumping up and down. This was it, we were going to Regionals...our last Regionals.
XXX
I couldn't help but smile as I strolled down the hall that next Monday. Everything was...perfect. We were going to Regionals. Rachel asked to rejoin our group and of course we welcomed her with open arms.
But, you're not going to beleive this one, Joe left right after the results were annonced, saying he was going to Northern Ohio for the weekend. He was set on avoiding me, but I knew we had to confront one another sometime, and now it seemed as if I had to do it by force.
As I walked passed the bathroom, I could hear the muffled voices of Mercedes, Santana, and Brittany commenting about the competition..and New Directions. I stopped in front of the door and listened in.
"We were better." Mercedes commented.
"I think it could've gone either way." Brittany's confusion was evident in her voice.
I sighed, I knew what I had to do. I just hoped they went with it. I opened the door just as Santana said our win was all because of Sam, but they all froze. I smiled.
"Alright, ladies." I walked into the bathroom, 'I think it's time for some girl talk."
Santana shook her head. "Don't you dare give us a pep talk."
"Or ask us to rejoin New Directions." Mercedes said, leaning on the sink. "I'm not going."
I decided to reveer from the New Directions talk, "I'm not ready to let you guys go. Even though some of us has had rough time with one another, we're friends." They all nodded, "Look, in six months we're all going to be gone, we may keep in touch, but it will never be the same. I'm not ready to lose that just yet."
"I love you, girl. But I can't go back and sing background for you and Blaine or you and Finn." Mercedes said, "We now know what it feels like to be in the spotlight...and we're not letting that go."
I nodded, I totally understood where they were coming from. "What if I convinced Mr. Schue to give the TroubleTones one number per competition?"
"Even if he agreed to that, do you think Rachel would?" Santana couldn't help but chuckle.
"What if I told you they both already did?" It was true, I talked to them both after the competion.They waited for more, I knew I got them. "Look, I know I need some help...but I'm seventeen, I have the rest of my life in front of me. But, I love Glee Club...and you girls, and when we're 87 I want us to be able to look back and see all of us having the time of our lives."
I watched as Santana and Brittany held hands, Mercedes giving me a small smile. I put my hands up.
"We're doing a small number in the auditorium to celebrate our victory. Let me know if anyone would like to join."
I nodded at them, then walked out of the bathroom.
XXX
As I predicted, the girls did end up joining us for our little celebartory performance. It was great to see them all again, with us, and I knew they enjoyed it too.
I sighed, sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Patrice's office, as I scribbled down song lyrics. I finally had the need to write again, after all these months. It felt good putting a pen to paper and writing my feelings.
Just as I wrote the last word, I was called into see the Doctor, I put my notebook away and made my way into her office.
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I aplogize, the ending is kind of eh
but did you like it??