𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗘 | 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻

𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠

CHAPTER XXVIII : SWAN SONG

"Give her some room! She needs space! Breathe, girl, breathe!" Unique exclaimed as we all filed into the choir room with an unconscious Marley "Does anyone have anything she can eat?" Kitty asked worriedly "I have some leftover Halloween candy in my locker" "I don't think that will help Tina, it'll probably make her feel worse. Especially if it's almost a month old" I said, pulling a chair closer to Ryder and Jake, so they could put Marley down "I may have a juice box, will that help?" Blaine asked "I don't know, go and get it anyway," I said, he nodded his head and ran to his locker "I'll go get Marley's mom," Joe said, running out of the room "This is bad. Never in the history of show choir competitions has anyone ever fainted" Artie stated as Jake and Ryder put Marley in a seat. Blaine chucked Sam the juice box and he hurried over to Marley "We got the juice, we got the juice" Sam said quickly, handing Marley the juice box but she refused "No, I'm okay" She said, slurring her words "Drink the damn juice!" Kitty shouted suddenly. I went over to her side and put my arm around her shoulders comfortingly. Marley reluctantly took the juice box as Finn came running in "Marley? Marley, are you okay? What happened?" He asked worriedly "She hasn't been eating. She's been skipping lunch" Jake explained "Is that because you've been telling her to? You trying to turn her into a damn rexy?" Santana asked Kitty snidely "What? No. Why would I want that?" Kitty asked confusedly, but the way she spoke made me think that she knew something. I took my arms off of her and went to stand beside Sam and Blaine, leaning my head on Sam's shoulder "Cause you're a crazy, evil bitch" Santana said frustratedly "Hey, Marley, you alright?" Mr. Schue asked concernedly as he ran into the room "The nurse is on the way, Mr. Schue" Finn stated "Santana, Puck, you stay here with Marley. The rest of you guys, get back up there. Leaving the stage mid-competition, for any reason, is risking immediate disqualification" Mr. Schue revealed "What? That's a rule?" Finn asked in shock "That's ridiculous, there's no way we're leaving Marley!" I exclaimed, lifting my head off of Sam's shoulder "It's one of the bylaws, actually" Sue said, strolling into the room cockily "As all of you were spiraling into a self-created K-hole of crazy, the judges, by unanimous vote, have declared the Warblers victorious. Hey, congratulations, Finn Hudson. For the first time in its charmed, yet pitiful existence, the New Directions! Has lost Sectionals. But here's the good news.
Christmas came early for one Sue Sylvester"
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"So, that's it? No more Glee?" Sam asked in confusion "Until next September" Mr. Schue clarified "Sugar already bailed" Artie said sadly "Can I just say what everyone is thinking? This is Marley's fault. New Rachel, my butt. I knew Rachel Berry. I was friends with Rachel Berry, and you, Marley, are no Rachel Berry" Tina said rudely "Tina, shut the hell up! She can't control when she's going to faint. It's not her fault, we should've noticed that something was up or we shouldn't have sent her on when Santana said she looked like she was about to hurl. Stop blaming Marley. If we're blaming anyone we should blame the competition directors, they're the ones who made that stupid rule" I shouted, shutting Tina up "Also, I thought Blaine was the 'New Rachel' that's what Artie and I decided on, so don't use that as an excuse to just be mean and bitter" "Okay, everybody calm down. It's not like it's over. The holiday concert is later this week, and we are going to be preparing for it all week long. If this is our swan song, let's make it the best one it can be" Finn said, trying to be encouraging "You really expect us to go up in front of the whole school and parade our loserdom for all to see?" Kitty asked snidely "Yeah, Kitty does have a point. We agreed to do the show when we thought it would be on the heels of another Sectionals victory. Now it just feels like a pity party" Artie said disappointedly "I love to sing and dance as much as anybody, but without a competition to prep for, it's hard to get motivated" Tina said "I understand that we need a little shift in perspective, but let's just enjoy this week, and look forward to our big comeback next year" Finn said, "What about those of us who won't have a next year?"
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"What the hell?" I said loudly as I rounded the corner to see Blaine and Tina in Cheerios' uniforms and Artie in a band uniform. I walked straight up to them and raised my eyebrows in shock "What the hell are you three wearing?" "I joined the marching band, I'm the drum leader," Artie said, gesturing to his outfit "Okay, what happened to the two of you?" I asked, turning to face Blaine and Tina "We joined the Cheerios. We had to do something. It's our senior year. we wanted to compete. We want to be part of a team" Blaine explained "Yeah, so did I. So why didn't you join the debate club as I did, why the Cheerios with Sue?" "The debate club, seriously Naya?" Tina said, giving me a look "Yeah, I know. I'm kind of regretting it. They're a bit scary" I said, thinking back to when a fight broke out because someone didn't speak quickly enough when practicing "You should join the Cheerios, with us" Blaine suggested "No thanks, I like to dance but I will not dance for Sue Sylvester. I'm thinking about joining the photography club" "I can't believe Sue even let you onto the Cheerios" Artie said incredulously "It was way easier than I thought, actually" Tina said "I suppose I get what you're saying. It's weird to suddenly feel like you're not a part of anything" Artie said as Jake and Ryder joined us "That's why we joined the basketball team" Ryder said, chucking around a basketball "Oh, no, that's why you joined the basketball team. I joined the basketball team because I'm good at basketball" Jake corrected. There was a crash behind Jake, Ryder, and Artie, we all turned to see Unique looking a bit like a rag doll, bent over as she crashed into a bin. She had roller skates on and it looked like she was still trying to learn how to use them. Jake and Ryder helped her over to us "That's right. I joined the McKinley Floor Hockey Team. And when I slip a wig underneath the face mask, nobody will be the wiser. Hallelu" "Who knew this school had so many clubs?" Tina said surprisedly "I joined the Interfaith Paintball League, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims can shoot at each other safely," Joe said, joining us "Well, it looks like we've all sort of moved on, which just leaves one question: When are we going to tell Finn?"
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"I can't believe it's been, like, what, two days, that you've all gone in completely separate, and totally insane, directions," Finn said, annoyed "We lost Sectionals, Our season is over. You can't be upset that we've moved on. It's the healthy thing to do" Tina said frustratedly "Is it really? Is it the healthy thing to do to take orders from Sue Sylvester for the rest of the school year? And Artie, man, you basically dragged me out of the tire shop, telling me that this club was part of my destiny somehow. What did you even join? Your costume is ridiculous. It looks like a peacock died on your head" "It's a plume" Artie explained "Whatever! I just can't believe this, even you Naya?" "I'm sorry, Finn, I just—I didn't know what to do. Without this club, I just felt lost, so I figured, I should just join another one" I justified, sheepishly "Okay, look, I—I'm not going to waste all six minutes I was able to book the auditorium for yelling at you guys" Finn said, sighing "Six minutes?" Joe axed incredulously "Yeah. Emperor Sytrester swooped in and carved the reservation hours into tenths. So the only other time I was able to get was 9.54, Friday night, and I'll be here ready to rehearse, and I hope you will, too. Cause if you don't, I think you're going to regret missing that opportunity for the rest of your lives" "I'll definitely be here" Marley said, smiling softly "Yeah, well, we'd all be here if you hadn't face-planted at Sectionals" Tina said snidely "Tina, enough" Finn said sternly. She cocked her head to the side and grabbed her bag, storming off. Everyone slowly started to disperse, and I walked straight up to Finn "You're right Finn, I'm sorry. I'll be here too, I promise" I said with a soft smile before Sam pulled me away and towards our math class.
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"Finn? Are you in here?" I asked into the dark choir room as I heard something fall over. I was at McKinley after hours, I had stayed late in the library to do some extra studying "Naya?" Finn's voice said. I ran my hands over the wall, looking for the light switch. When I found it, I switched the lights on and went and sat by Finn "Finn, why are you sitting here in the dark?" I asked, "I failed you all." He said bluntly "It's my fault. Not Marley's, not anyone else's, mine. I should've noticed something was wrong, I should've fought for the choir room or the auditorium, I should've done something. But I didn't. And now—now we've lost everything. You, me, and Marley, we're the last ones left. Everyone's giving up and moving on.
We're done competing for the year, there's nothing more for us to do" "Not everything's about competing. Sure, it makes things more fun, and it gets us more motivated but that's not why we like Glee so much. It's about the love and the acceptance we feel here. It's about the family we've created here. It's about dreams coming true. And do you know why these dreams are coming true?
Because of you. Look, if you hadn't taken over the Glee Club, we wouldn't even have been able to compete at Sectionals.
Yeah, we lost and that sucks, it sucks so bad but not everyone succeeds the first time-" "It wasn't our first time though" "It was your first time leading, and it was Kitty, Jake, Marley, and Ryder's first time. Dude, I've failed so many times in my life. I mean, do you really think that when I first started photography I got the amazing shots I do now? No, my first picture was a blurry picture of my sister jumping onto the couch, and my second one was just like an apple core, it was terrible. But I got better, and you'll get better at this. Sure, it was the last time for us seniors—but not everything's about us. You need to keep this Glee Club going for the rest of the students in this school that need a home, a family, or a place they can express themselves. And, hey at least we got to compete once right?" "You don't hate me, right?" "What would I hate you for?" "For ruining your last chance at a championship" "You didn't ruin it, no one ruined it. And besides, one is enough for me. Look, Finn, I could never hate you, and neither could Sam, Tina, Blaine, Joe, Ryder—none of them could ever hate you because your Finn Hudson—the best damn person on this planet. You are so kind encouraging and inspirational—there wouldn't have even been a Glee Club in the first place or so I've heard from Kurt. We all love you, I swear. And besides, I don't know why you're talking about everything like it's over" "That's because it is" "No, it's not over. This is just a short intermission between Act One and Act Two. Do you know what actors do after the intermission? They get back on the damn stage. Do you know why?" "Why?" "Because the show must go on, even Act One ended badly, Act Two is just around the corner, waiting and better than ever before. So we are going to back on that stage and sing our heart's out because this show is not over yet. Not until it's forced over by Figgins. Now, get up" "Why?" "Because you're going to sing with me. Every Act has a great opening number"
The Show Must Go On — Queen (Sung By Naya & Finn)
[Naya]
Empty spaces, what are we living for?
Abandoned places, I guess we know the score, on and on
Does anybody know what we are looking for?
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line
Does anybody want to take it anymore?
[Finn & Naya]
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside my heart is breaking
My makeup may be flaking
But my smile, still, stays on
[Finn]
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance, on and on
Does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess I'm learning
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning, round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
[Finn & Naya]
The show must go on
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My makeup may be flaking
But my smile, still, stays on
[Naya]
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday, grow but never die
I can fly, my friends
[Finn & Naya]
The show must go on
The show must go on
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On with the show
I'll top the bill
I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the show
Show must go on
Show must go on.
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Marley and I arrived at the auditorium at 9:54 pm on Friday night. Finn was up in his director seat and apart from him, we were the only ones there "No one else is coming, are they?" Finn asked disappointedly "I don't think so," Marley said sadly "I had some good news for us, but maybe it doesn't matter anymore. I found a place where Glee Club can practice. It's not great, but I know for a fact that no one can kick us out"
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The next day everyone received an email from Finn that read;
Dear Glee Club, I realize most of you think it's stupid to still call us that. I mean, our season's over, so what are we now, really? We lost Sectionals, so what do we have left? Nothing. We've got nothing. I got a phone call from Rachel last night. She just won the Winter Showcase at NYADA, which is, like, this huge deal. Like, not once in history has it ever gone to a Freshman. And I had a long talk with Naya and she reminded me why I joined Glee Club in the first place. It's about music. Every one of us loves music. And no one can take that away from us. I'm not giving up on you. Marley found a place where we can rehearse, and I want us to meet there today after school at 5:00. I hope I see you all there.
So at 5:00 pm, Marley, Finn, and I stood at the place Marley had found, waiting for them to show up. It was snowing, and we were sat on a bench, huddled together to keep warm "It gets dark so early now" Marley stated, leaning her head on my shoulder. Finn checked his watch, but remained silent—1 knew it was gone 5 "I'm really sorry guys" "Marley, don't" Finn and I said simultaneously "No, I mean it. You've been so nice about this, but it's my fault, I was naive and insecure and self-centered, and now Glee Club's over" She said sadly "Well, we're still here, right?"
Don't Dream It's Over — Crowded House (Sung By Finn, Marley, Naya, Blaine, Tina, Sam, Brittany & The New Directions)
During the song, the rest of the Glee Club joined Finn, Marley, and me. I hugged every one of them, so glad that they came. I hugged Blaine last, holding onto him the tightest and longest because that's what I was used to, but then I remembered he wasn't my boyfriend anymore and pulled away.