The Gleeful Return [Q. F.]

- 10 - The Extracurricular Showdown

Recap: The New Directions practiced for the upcoming Sectionals competition against the Hipsters and the Warblers. Quinn and Sam sang "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," Santana and Mercedes sand "River Deep, Mountain High," and the group number was the girls' song from mash up week "Start Me Up/Livin' on a Prayer." For the first time in Sectionals history, there was a first place tie. The New Directions and the Warblers are headed to Regionals!

[Mild language warning]

A/N: I originally planned for this chapter to also include Wicked, but it was already much longer than normal so Wicked will be next chapter. This is a long one. Enjoy the read!

"Hello Sectional champs! Who's ready for a musical?"

"Wait, are we doing Wicked this week?" I asked enthusiastically.

"We absolutely are!" Mr. Schue replied. "Extra, extra, read all about it! Western Ohio Sectional champs and Regionals bound New Directions perform Wicked!" He moved his hands across the air as to plaster a large banner.

"Not to be a buzz kill or anything," Finn started, "but our football championship is this Friday."

"I am aware of that, Finn. Coach Beiste and I were actually talking about that earlier today. I'd like to introduce our new team members." Coach Beiste and the football team walked into the choir room, and it was clear that they were just as confused as us.

"What the hell are they doing here?"

"No way we're letting Karofsky anywhere near Kurt!"

"Yeah, I didn't sign up for the Gay Club. I signed up for football for Christ's sake!"

"Simmer down!" Coach Beiste called out.

"Look," Mr. Schuester started. "I know we all have our differences--"

"Differences? That's one way to put it."

"Mr. Schue, if I may. Karofsky literally threatened my life. I wouldn't call that a difference. I don't feel comfortable being in the same room as him."

"We're hoping that this will lead to more understanding and tolerance."

"I don't understand all this stupid singing and dancing and gay-ing." 

I rolled my eyes. "That's not even a word," I mumbled.

"Well, if you want to stay on the football team, you better figure it out quick," Beiste countered.

Azimo looked like a deer in headlights. "What do you mean, Coach?"

"I mean that if you don't perform in the halftime show and the musical with the New Directions, you're off the team."

"You can't cut us? You'll have no team! And we're finally in the championships!"

She shrugged. "So be it." Mr. Schue nodded along.

"We're really doing this?" Tina asked.

"We are," Mr. Schue and Coach Beiste replied together. "Let's get practicing."

---

To say that rehearsal went poorly would be the understatement of the year. It was a hot mess. The football guys were pissed that they had to take part in show tunes and we were all pissed that they were making fun of us. No one, on either side, wanted this to happen. So when Kurt came to have lunch with me in the choir room, I wasn't surprised.

"Juliet, can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, of course, Kurt. What's up?"

"You used to live in Columbus, right?"