The Rocque From Lima

Chapter 10: Ballad

       "Ballad. From Middle English, balade." Mr. Schue said, writing our lesson on the board before coming over to us. "Who knows what this word means?"

       "It's a male duck." Brit said making everyone look at her confused.

       "So close." I said, putting my hand on her shoulder.

       "Kurt."

       "A ballad is a love song."

        "Sometimes, but they don't always express love. Ballads are stories set to music, which is why they're the perfect storm of self- expression. Stories and music are the way we express feelings that we can't get out any other way. Okay, now, Sectionals are in a few weeks and there's a new rule this year, we have to perform... a ballad."

        "Looks like my weekly letter to the Ohio Show Choir Committee finally paid off!: Rachel said as Puck looked at her emotionless.

        "Okay. So here's out assignment for the week: I'm going to pair you off, and I want you to pick a ballad to sing to your partner. Look them right in the eye, find the emotion you want to express, and make them feel it."

       "I pick Quinn." Finn told everyone.

        "No, no, no. Too easy. Your partners will be chosen by fate. I put all your names in this hat. Whoever you choose is your partner."

        "I bet the duck's in the hat." Brit whispered to me and Tana.

        "But Matt's out sick today. He had to go to the hospital, 'cause they found a spider in his ear." We all shivered in disgust.

        "Um... I guess I'll just have to put my name in the hat for now. Who's up first?" He asked as Puck stood up.

        "Mercedes." Then Artie.

        "Quinn." Finn.

       "Kurt." Some people laughed at him. "Mr. Schue, I don't know if I can do this with another guy."

       "The fates have spoken, Finn." Tina went up.

       "Other Asian." She said as Mike's smile dropped and I laughed. Santana went up.

        "Rocky." She said smiling. Then Liam walked up.

       "Brittany." Brit jumped up from her chair and started clapping.

       "Looks like I get you, Mr. Schue." Rachel said walking towards him.

       "Uh... you know what? Maybe we should just wait until Matt gets back."

       "The fates talked, Mr. Schue." Finn told him as we laughed. Mr. Schue looked really uncomfortable, and we wanted to have fun with it.

        "Would you mind clarifying what kinds of songs you want us to sing?" Artie asked.

       "Why don't you let Mr. Schuester and I demonstrate. Brad, 'Endless Love' in B-flat, please. It's my favorite duet."

        "I really don't think that's an appropriate song, Rachel."

       "Why? It's a great song, and it's a perfect ballad."

       "Yeah. I really like that song, Mr. Schue." Finn said, still sour about having to be partners with Kurt. I snickered at Finn, who was just smiling, enjoying every second of this.

        The whole song was just awkward. Mr. Schue was trying to escape Rachel, who was making eye contact. I was trying not to laugh with Tana and Brit.