You Drive Me Crazy || Sam Evans

55. Props

"Nationals," Mr. Schue announced, writing the word on the whiteboard before turning to face the group. "Okay, song selection: We'll kick off our 'Vintage' theme with the legendary Jim Steinman's Paradise by the Dashboard Light. Rachel will take the solo on It's All Com—"

"Coming Back to Me Now," Rachel interjected with excitement, practically bouncing in her seat. "One of Celine Dion's most powerful ballads, inspired by Wuthering Heights."

Tina silently groaned, rolling her eyes.

"And we'll be featuring a new Troubletones number, highlighting the talents of our star performer, Porcelina Hummel," Coach Sylvester announced, pointing dramatically at Kurt.

"Not happening, Dragon Lady," Kurt denied, shaking his head.

"Oh, you'll do as you're told, he/she." Sue's replied before turning to the others. "We'll be performing What A Feeling from Flashdance. Naturally, I'm familiar with the choreography—I was Jennifer Beals' dance double."

She paused, her gaze falling on Sam and Melanie, who were sitting a bit too close for her liking. "What did I say about maintaining a two-foot distance?" She said, pointing at the pair. "Asian Number Three, move over there." She gestured to the far end of the room.

"We're not even doing anything!" Melanie protested.

"Yeah, we're just sitting," Sam added, but Coach Sylvester remained firm.

"Move, away from the Kentucky Fried Stripper," Sue repeated.

Melanie let out an annoyed huff, pushing back her chair. Begrudgingly moving to the other side of the room, where she slumped down next to Blaine.

"And on that note, check under your seats!" Sue instructed.

Everyone bent down, pulling out boxes of props from under their chairs. Melanie checked under her new seat but found nothing. Sam grabbed the box from under her original chair and passed it down until it reached her.

"Space helmets!" Brittany smiled, as she pulled out a welding helmet. While Sam excitedly slipped one on.

"Welding helmets and leg warmers?" Finn questioned, holding up the oddly paired props.

"Best way to use props... is to use props," Coach Sue explained with a shrug.

"I am your father," Sam said in a deep voice, doing a Darth Vader impression. Joe gave him a blank look.

"Uh, Darth Vader," Sam clarified, lifting the helmet.

"Is that a movie?" Joe asked.

Sue ignored the exchange, clapping her hands. "A healthy dose of props, a plucky transsexual Porcelina, and voilà—you're over the top!"

"Aren't props a little cheesy?" Blaine asked, lifting his welding helmet skeptically.

"I don't think I can dance in this," Melanie murmured, pushing her helmet up from her face.

Mr. Schue stepped forward, seriously. "Guys, I asked for Sue's help because she's a winner, and I'm not ashamed to admit it—I want to win. There's not one person in that audience who thinks we're anything but underdogs. We didn't even make the top ten last year. We've got one week to come together and prove them wrong. If anyone here isn't ready to give it their all, leave now."

Tina, who had been sitting with her arms crossed, fed up with being overlooked, shot to her feet as Mr. Schue's speech ended. Melanie watched, unsurprised—it had only been a matter of time before Tina snapped, as so many others had before her.

"Whoa, Tina, where are you going?" Finn asked, startled.

"You don't need me. Carry on," Tina snapped, turning to face him with frustration.