Always and Forever - Book 2

Comeback

Hunter hadn't spoken to Sam that day, though it wasn't for a lack of trying. He'd just been a little distant for some reason.

When Sam walked into Glee that day, Hunter finally started to understand, kind of. Sam looked different—good, but still different. Hunter didn't even get a chance to say anything before Sam sat down next to him, as Mr. Schue walked in with Coach Sue hot on his trail.

Mr. Schue announced that for the time being, Coach Sylvester would be joining the Glee Club.

"This cannot be happening," Tina said, her expression deadpan.

"Yeah, this seems like a terrible idea," Artie agreed.

"Guys! It's not up for discussion, okay? Now, it's no secret that Coach Sylvester has taken her licks," Mr. Schue told everyone.

"I mean... just wanky," Santana said, shaking her head slightly.

"And I believe that she could use a little sympathy from us," Mr. Schue continued.

"Sympathy? From us? Nah uh," Mercedes said, appalled.

"Yeah, all she's ever done is make our lives miserable," Quinn added.

"She got exactly what she deserved," Santana said.

"You're lucky I left my blow-gun at home, Air-bags, 'cause I got a clear shot at your nonnies," Coach Sue said, glaring at Santana.

Santana looked from Coach Sue to Mr. Schue in disbelief.

"Guys... Coach Sylvester has had her recent setbacks, but she is a proven champion. We could do worse than have that kind of a winning record in our midst," Mr. Schue said.

"Let me break it down for you. I am no longer a threat to you people, alright? I'm just hoping that your singing and dancing around will pull me out of my doldrums and give me a reason to live... Is that too much to ask?" Coach Sue said, looking at everyone with genuine compassion.

"Guys, it's settled. Sue's going to be with us for the week," Mr. Schue clarified. "Now, I received an envelope in the mail today."

Mr. Schue picked up a letter from the piano behind him.

"Yes, you did," Brittany said, as several other students murmured in agreement.

"We know that we're facing Kurt and the Warblers at Regionals," Mr. Schue said.

"Sweet Porcelain..." Coach Sue commented.

"And it looks like this year, we face Oral Intensity again," Mr. Schue continued.

"They cleaned our clock last year," Mercedes said with a sigh.

"It seems that the governing board has assigned a theme to this year's Regionals, and part of our score will be based on how well we interpret it. This year's theme: anthem," Mr. Schue carried on.

"Now, who can tell us what an anthem is?" he asked, looking around.

Rachel raised her hand, but Brittany, not waiting to be called upon, answered, "It's the bottom of an ant's pants."

"So close, so close," Mr. Schue praised her.

Rachel's hand was still in the air, but Mr. Schue ignored it as he answered his own question. "No, an anthem is an epic song..."

Artie looked at Brittany sympathetically as Rachel put her hand down.

"Filled with a ground-swell of emotion, that somehow seems bigger than itself—even bigger than the person performing it," Mr. Schue continued.

"Mr. Schue?" Sam raised his hand to speak, getting up and standing next to Mr. Schue.

"Oh, hey Sam. I didn't even notice your new haircut..." Mr. Schue said to him.