SPEECHLESS ~ S. Evans

17. Funeral

{Disclaimer: Just so you know this chapter is extra sad, and I know that if I wasn't writing it and a psychopath then I would be crying while reading it too. Also do you like the new cover? I made it on snapchat.}

"New Directions, I would like to introduce you to our new show choir consultant-- Jessie St. James." Mr. Shue announces to the class before gingerly gesturing to the boy in question, getting claps of excitement from Rachel only. 

"I don't trust this guy." Finn blurts out halting the clapping of Rachel as she turns to look at her ex. "How do we know he's not just going to trick us into doing something stupid so his alma matter wins?" Getting slight nods of agreement from all around the room. 

"I don't think I have to do much tricking to get you to do something stupid, Finn." Jessie shoots back wittily getting Naomi to look up at Finn in concern while some of the other members of the group awkwardly look away from the taller teen in hopes of sifting their own laughter.

"Guys, Jessie is just a consultant. I still make all the calls." Mr. Shue tells the group to try and reassure them all a bit. "Now, I have all the confidence of the world in you guys. I just think we could use all the help we can get. Because this is it. We've been working so hard for two years, for this moment, and that moment is finally here. Now, I was talking with Jessie and he agreed that we should continue with our successful trend of doing original songs for the competition." As Mr. Shue announces that to the club over half of them turn to look at Naomi who sinks down into her seat from embarrassment with a bright pink blush spread across her cheeks. 

"I was thinking of doing one group number, and one duet." He says continuing his previous statement to get the attention on him once again.

"Rachel and I should sing a duet." Finn immediately claims. "We killed it last year at regionals." he says trying to further prove his argument of both of them doing the duet.

"Yeah, it killed us-- we lost." Quinn chimes up from beside her boyfriend slightly annoyed. "I think the duet should be Naomi and Sam." Quinn tells the group getting a couple excited nods from the rest of the group.

"May I?" Jessie says turning towards Mr. Shue. 

"Uh, yeah sure." Mr. Shue says before gesturing that the floor is his.

"I agree that Rachel should sing lead..." Jessie starts saying earning shouts of protest from around the room before they eventually calm down a bit still fuming. "but Finn, I think its best if you sit this one out. Fact is, most of the other guys I'm here are better singers, and Mike Chang who can't even sing, can at least dance. You kind of sing and dance like a zombie that has to poop." He tells the taller teen who immediately gets up set as the rest of the class starts to laugh a bit at the last statement. 

"You-You see? You see what I'm talking about? This guys a jerk!" Finn shouts in a fury. 

"Jessie, Maybe you could uh, be a little gentler with your advice." Mr. Shue suggests trying to diffuse the tension. 

"Gentle?" Jessie questions in faux confusion. 

"Yes."

"Im sorry. I didn't realize that we were training for the "Good Try" ribbon at nationals. I thought we were in it to win the whole damn thing. And there's only one way we can do that." jessie tells them.

"Poison darts?" Brittany questions confused.

"The vocal adrenaline strategy is simple-- identify your best performer and build the entire performance around them." He divulges peaking the attention of others whilst Naomi sits bored and messing with Sams fingers.