You Drive Me Crazy || Sam Evans

78. Wonder-Ful

"All right, guys, I just got some wonderful news from Rachel," Mr. Schue announced, turning to the glee club after writing 'wonder-ful' on the board.

The room instantly filled with clapping and cheerful whoops.

"And that's not our only good news," he continued, grinning. "Brittany is at M.I.T. touring the campus because she's got an early acceptance."

"That can't be true," Kitty muttered under her breath.

Melanie rolled her eyes and lightly kicked the blonde's chair, earning a glare in return.

"And," Mr. Schue went on, clearly enjoying the moment, "I re-proposed to Emma. She reaccepted, and we're getting married after Regionals."

The club clapped and cheered again.

"I've got good news, too," Tina chimed in. "I'm wait-listed at the Columbus College of Veterinary Medicine. It's kind of a fallback if I don't pursue acting."

"Bless her heart," Unique murmured warmly.

"Tina, that's not just good news—it's wonderful," Mr. Schue told her with a proud smile. "And that's what this week is all about. We're taking a lesson from one of the greatest musical artists of all time. Despite facing a ton of obstacles, he's a living example of embracing—no, celebrating—joy and optimism. And he's collected twenty-five Grammys along the way."

He clapped his hands once, grinning at their curious faces. "So don't you worry 'bout a thing, because whether you're ebony or ivory, you are the sunshine of my life."

"Finally!" Melanie sang out, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Yes!" Tina laughed, nodding enthusiastically.

"And next week at Regionals," Mr. Schue announced with a little flourish, "we will be jammin' on Higher Ground!"

"Yeah, yeah—it's a Stevie Wonder week!" Ryder said with a grin.

After glee practice, Sam intertwined his hand with Melanie's as they walked down the hallway toward her locker.

"You're in a good mood," Sam noted, giving her hand a light squeeze.

"Obviously. It's Stevie Wonder week," Melanie replied, a smile tugging at her lips. "Though the fact that I've been in glee club practically my entire high school career and we're just now doing Stevie Wonder is a travesty."

Sam chuckled, the sound low and warm. When they reached her locker, he leaned casually against the one beside it, watching her pull out a few books.

"What?" she asked, catching his gaze.

"It's just nice—seeing you happy," he admitted softly. "You've had a really hard year and—"

Before he could finish, Melanie stepped closer and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to his lips.

"Your year hasn't exactly been a picnic either," she murmured. "I'm glad you're happier too. We're happier."

Sam smiled, his thumb brushing her cheek as he cupped her face and kissed her again, deeper this time but still tender.

When they finally pulled apart, Melanie sighed with a small, hopeful grin. "Now we just need the rest of the year to go as smoothly as the last week has."

"Right," Sam agreed with a knowing nod.

They looked at each other for a long moment before Melanie laughed quietly. "There's no way that's gonna happen, is it?"

"At McKinley? No way," Sam replied, grinning.

"Yeah." Melanie shut her locker with a soft clang. "Guess we should really enjoy it while it lasts."