Something - Quinn Fabray

Chapter 13

Regionals Competition

"A mash-up of Josh Groban and Olivia Newton-John? Somebody tipped them off about the judges!"

It was the Friday, the day of Regionals, and the first team, Oral Intensity, was onstage performing. The New Directions quickly confirmed that the competition had been rigged somehow, as the panel of judges contained, coincidentally, Josh Groban and Olivia Newton-John, along with Sue Sylvester and news anchor Rod Remington.

"Guys, we can't get distracted," Ryan tried to keep the team's morale up. "We need to focus."

"Even though we know we can't win?" asked Santana.

Will walked into the backstage lounge where they were all congregated in time to catch the question. "Yes," he said firmly. "If winning is what this is all about, then I have to apologize to all of you. I've failed you. We should just all go home." He quickly thought of something to take away the nerves. "Besides, we've got something that the other teams don't." He looked around at them expectantly.

"What?"

He waited a beat. "Finn's dancing!" That got everyone to laugh. "Come on, Oral Intensity's gonna be done in two minutes, bring it in!"

Just a small town girl

Livin' in a lonely world

She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Just a city boy

Born and raised in south Detroit

He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

A singer in a smoky room

A smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night

It goes on and on, and on, and on

The kids' nerves had all vanished during the first song they'd performed, and they were giving this their best shot. Each of them had decided that they were going to leave it all on the stage tonight, leaving no room for regrets.

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to the feelin'

Streetlights, people

Don't stop believin'

Hold on

Streetlights, people

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to the feelin'

Streetlights, people

The New Directions finished their set to a standing ovation from the audience. Beaming widely, they bowed and rushed off the stage.

"That was awesome!"

"We've got this thing in the bag!"

Quinn and Ryan were the last two off the stage, laughing happily. Then Quinn stopped abruptly as she caught sight of someone waiting for them as they exited the stage. "Mom?"

"Quinnie!" the woman said with a nervous smile.

"I should go," Ryan said awkwardly.

"No," Quinn said quickly. "Stay."

Ryan looked uncomfortable but acquiesced, coming to stand beside her. Mrs. Fabray glanced at him, but quickly returned her focus to her daughter.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Quinn asked softly. "Is dad okay?"

Mrs. Fabray looked at her daughter. "I came to see you sing," she said, smiling tentatively. "You were wonderful." She laughed slightly, trailing off when Quinn looked away. "I'm sorry that I missed the other times you performed, were there a lot?" Quinn stayed silent, a strange look on her face. Mrs. Fabray persevered. "I left your father. Kicked him out actually. He was having an affair with some tattooed freak."