𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 | s. lopez

Special Education

"Mr. Schuester, I have an announcement," said Rachel as she entered the choir room. "I have selected the perfect ballad for Finn and I to sing to launch our performance at sectionals."

"Me first. Two things," replied Mr. Schue. "First, our competition at sectionals are your classic stool choirs. Great voices, but they don't move. If we're gonna beat them, we need to do what they can't. Dance. Which is why I've decided to feature Brittany and Mike Chang's sweet moves."

Juniper turned to the blonde next to her – who seemed a little surprised – and gave her a smile.

"Wait, they're gonna dance in front of me while I sing my solo?" asked Rachel.

"You're not getting a solo for this competition, Rachel," replied Mr. Schue.

"Finally," said Mercedes. "So what song do I get to sing?"

"I was thinking that the winners of our duets competition would take the leads."

"Ken and Barbie?" asked Rachel, sounding offended. "Wait, are you trying to throw this?"

"You used to be just sort of unlikeable but now I feel like punching you every time you open your mouth," said Quinn, making Juniper chuckle a little.

"Okay, listen. I have talked the talk about everyone in here feeling special for over a year now, but I haven't walked the walk. We've got a lot of talent in here, and I'm gonna highlight it."

"Look, I'm all for pumping up the team, making everyone feel special, but that's for practice," said Finn. "You don't take the star quarterback out before the big game."

"Easy to say when you're the star quarterback," scoffed Tina.

"This isn't just about me. This is about the team."

"You are such a hypocrite," snapped Santana.

"Like you even know what that means," said Rachel.

"It means that your boyfriend is full of crap, hobbit."

"You know what," Rachel said, standing up and turning to face Santana. "Ever since the wedding, you've been up my butt, and I'm sick of it."

"Rachel, she's not worth it," said Finn.

"Oh, really? Cause that's not what you thought last year in that motel room," said Santana. "That's right, Yentl. Your sweetheart, he's been lying to you. Cause he and I totally got it on last year."

"Okay, enough already!" shouted Mr. Schue, making Juniper flinch as his voice echoed through the room. "No more conversations about this, or anything. This is our plan for sectionals, and that is that. Mike, Brittany. Let's start choreographing."

****

Juniper was switching out her books for her next class. When she closed her locker, she saw Sam walking up to her.

"Hey, Juniper," he greeted with a small smile.

"Uh... hi?" she replied, furrowing her brows in confusion. "Why are you talking to me? Or rather, why would you want to talk to me after I made fun of your fishy lips the first day of school?"

"I just noticed that you've been a little out of it lately. You haven't been insulting people as much and you've been pretty quiet," said Sam. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine," said Juniper. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, for one, I notice you always tense up whenever someone raises their voice or if a loud sound is made. You haven't been abused at your past foster homes, have you?"