Unlikely Star

Dance With Somebody

The passing of Whitney Houston was really affecting the Glee Club. Although I had never been the biggest, most loyal fan ever, it was still a great shock to the music community. I had listened to a few of her songs before, which were filled with tons of energy and passion. She was actually believing in what she was singing, which not many singers nowadays could say.

It was only Monday, and Rachel and Mercedes were already fighting. I'm not quite sure what the big deal was, but neither of them were backing down. "No Mercedes. You're wrong, okay? The Bodyguard was originally written for Barbra Streisand."

"Actually Rachel, it was supposed to be for Diana Ross and Steve McQueen back in the 70's."

"Thank you Mr. Schue," Mercedes proclaimed loudly.

"I've been doing some research to prepare for this week's lesson." He turned back towards the whiteboard and wrote 'WHITNEY' across it. "I think it's time we did a formal Whitney tribute."

"Are we sure that's appropriate?" Sam asked. I tried to cover his mouth and jab him in the side to shut him up, but it was too late. The piranhas had already snapped their necks around and glued their eyes on him. Dispelling Whitney's name in front of most of the people in this room was like saying that Bella belonged with Jacob (I will forever and always be Team Edward; fight me).

"You did not just ask that."

"I just mean didn't Whitney kind of have a lot of problems?"

"She had a hard life Sam, and?"

Trying to diffuse the tension and any other problems that could arise, I asked, "Why don't we just continue with the lesson?"

"Mallory's right. Look, this week isn't about passing judgements on Whitney. It's about celebrating her legacy, honoring her memory, her accomplishments."

"Which I will happily list for you," Kurt added.

"I want you to use her songs to get underneath your own feelings. To express and explore what's really going on with you."

"I don't get it Mr. Schue. What is going on with us?"

"Well for most of you, these next few weeks will be your last here at McKinley. Lots of changes coming up, lots of saying good-bye. To your friends, significant others, to the last four years of your life. For a young person, all that transition can be overwhelming. So it's easier to focus on other things. Like not being able to say goodbye to Whitney Houston."

"What are you talking about?"

"Santana, it's okay. I get it. You're hanging on to Whitney because it's difficult to understand the upheaval in your own lives."

"We're hanging onto Whitney because she was incredible and we love her, so don't throw your baggage on us." I actually agreed with Santana on this one. Sometimes, Mr. Schue digs way too deep to make something into a lesson. I think everyone was just sad that she passed away, not because they're sad about moving to New York.

"In an attempt to understand us, though misguided, doesn't matter. What matters is I start rehearsing Whitney's version of 'The Star Spangled Banner' immediately. It is the Mount Everest of anthems."

As Rachel rambled on about her upcoming Whitney plans, I turned back towards Sam. "So, what are your plans for the week?" I asked him.

"I don't know. I was never a really big fan of her music."

"Don't say that too loud or you'll be crucified."

"I'll take that risk if it means that I don't have to sing Whitney Houston songs all week."