You Drive Me Crazy || Sam Evans

58. The New Rachel

Melanie gave her ponytail one last tug, making sure it was perfectly tight, before smoothing the pleats of her Cheerios uniform. She took a deep breath, rolling her shoulders back as if to shed any lingering doubt. The halls of McKinley stretched out before her, but for once, they didn't feel intimidating.

Sure, she didn't have a clear plan for what came next. College applications loomed closer every day, the thought still giving her anxiety, which she pushed to the back of her brain. But this year wasn't about the future—it was about the now. The Glee Club was finally respected, the slushie attacks were a thing of the past, and best of all, no more Mouse. That nickname had clung to her like a shadow, a constant reminder of her awkward, uncertain freshman self. But with Puck and Santana graduated, it was finally, officially retired, leaving her free to step into her senior year with her head held high.

Melanie walked with her head held high, her skirt swishing confidently as she moved through the familiar chaos of the hallways. It was strange how different things felt this year. People nodded or smiled as she passed. No sneers. No whispered insults. She could get used to this.

As she rounded the corner, her smile widened. There he was. Sam leaned casually against her locker, a notebook in hand, surrounded by a small group of moon-eyed girls. He was signing autographs, because of course he was. Being a Glee Club celebrity meant every girl in school now wanted a piece of him.

But when Sam looked up and saw her, everything shifted. His face lit up, and the world around him seemed to fade. He lazily handed the notebook back to one of the girls without even checking if it was the right one.

Melanie pushed her way through the group with ease, the girls parting reluctantly as she wrapped her arms around Sam's bicep. His arm slid naturally around her waist, pulling her close.

"Hi," she said, her voice soft and warm.

"Hi," Sam replied, his grin turning into something softer as he leaned down, their foreheads almost touching.

Just as their lips were about to meet, an all-too-familiar voice interrupted.

"Sam Evans! From hobo stripper to Glee Club celebrity—how does it feel?"

Jacob Ben Israel's nasal tone cut through the moment, and Melanie groaned, leaning her head briefly against Sam's shoulder in frustration. Jacob stood a step away, microphone in hand, his camera man ready to capture every second.

"Awesome. And about time," he said with a grin, though his attention stayed on Melanie.

"Do Taylor Lautner again!" one of the girls beside them practically begged, trying to get Sam's attention.

He raised his eyebrows at Melanie. She grinned, nodding excitedly.

Clearing his throat dramatically, Sam heightened his voice. "Bella, I love you. And I'm a werewolf."

The group of girls broke out into giggles, but Sam wasn't paying attention to them. His gaze stayed locked on Melanie, his smile widening as she laughed. Her laugh was his favorite sound, and the way her eyes crinkled with joy made his heart skip.

Jacob, thrust the microphone closer. "And my sources tell me you two are going strong,"

Sam glanced down at Melanie, his arm tightening around her waist. "Very strong," he said confidently.

"So strong," Melanie echoed with a grin, her cheeks flushing under his gaze.

"My sources also tell me you had multiple meltdowns last year. Got any planned for this year?" Jacob asked, shoving the mic in Melanie's face.

Melanie stiffened, her head snapping toward Jacob. "I did not have multiple meltdowns last year," she said sharply, narrowing her eyes. "And I'm not having any this year. This year, I'm living in the moment."