You Drive Me Crazy || Sam Evans

20. The Substitute

"I am shaking, and it's either from low blood sugar or rage," Kurt muttered as he stood next to Melanie and Mercedes in the lunch line. "I knew it was only a matter of time before Rachel tried to take over the Glee Club," he continued, rolling his eyes.

"She could at least pretend to be a team player," Melanie added, thinking back to their previous rehearsal, where Rachel had taken over for a sick Mr. Schue, eventually causing one Latina Cheerio to snap and, as she put it, 'go all Lima Heights on her ass.'

"We'll forget all about it tonight at bowling," Mercedes chimed in, earning a nod from Melanie.

"I can't. Blaine asked me to hang out," Kurt revealed, causing both girls to turn to him in surprise.

"I've been looking forward to it all week," Mercedes said, a bit disappointed.

"Can't you and Blaine hang out tomorrow when you don't already have plans?" Melanie suggested, tilting her head.

"Wait—are you two going out? Because if you are, I think you need to come clean," Mercedes teased.

"What? No! I don't want another Jesse-Rachel traitor scenario on my hands. Please, Mercedes—mum's the word," Kurt stated as they moved down the line.

"We'll be happy for you," Mercedes said with a knowing look. "We know how lonely you've been."

Melanie nodded in agreement. "Plus, I think you two would be cute together."

"Hey, we just hang out. Nothing about Glee Club even comes up. It's just... nice to have someone to talk to," Kurt sighed.

Both girls exchanged slightly offended glances.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Mercedes asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It means someone like me," Kurt clarified quickly. "But I promise, I'll make it up to you. We'll hang out Friday night."

Before Melanie could respond, Mercedes pushed past her, making a beeline for the tots.

"'Scuse you," she said, cutting through the line with determination. Kurt and Melanie followed behind awkwardly.

"Whoa, a couple more," Mercedes instructed the lunch lady, holding out her tray. "Thanks," she said once a few extra tots were added.

"So, what are we gonna do about Glee Club while Mr. Schue's out sick?" she asked, turning back to Kurt.

"I have an idea," Kurt smirked. "Have you met the new Spanish teacher?"

Melanie made her way to the choir room, curious about the amazing substitute Kurt had mentioned. She walked through the door, lost in thought, only to be suddenly lifted off the ground. Startled, she looked down to see Puck effortlessly moving her aside before setting her down. Melanie blinked at him in confusion.

"What just happened?" she asked.

"Butter floor," Puck replied nonchalantly, pointing to a slick spot on the ground.

She turned to Finn, who was standing next to him. "Why butter the floor?" she asked slowly.

Finn shrugged. "No idea.

Melanie just nodded, still processing, and moved to sit down.

"Hey, Gigantor! We're all gonna swap names, yo!" Artie called out to Finn excitedly. Melanie perked up at the idea.

"Ooh, I wanna be Santana," she said, turning to the brunette, who smirked.

"Of course you do, I'm amazing," Santana replied.

Rachel walked in abruptly. "Did I hear something about a substitute—" Rachel yelped as she slipped on the buttered floor. Melanie quickly covered her laugh with her hand.