Warbler Infections

Chapter 25: "Winner Takes it All"

Saturday October 9th, 2010
Kurt's POV:

  "Everyone's watching you."
 
  "Better not fall off the stage."

   "It's not too late to pull the fire alarm."

  "Twenty minutes to showtime. All performers must report backstage at least ten minutes prior to their scheduled slot." The overhead speaker boomed, adding to the buzzing voices in my head.

   Should I go to the bathroom again? Straighten my tie? Comb my hair? Pray? Pass out? Hey, that ideas not half bad-

  "Kurt? Earth to Hummel! You're on in fifteen minutes."

  Rachel had materialized from nowhere, shaking my shoulders and waving her hands in front of my vacant stare. It wasn't until she released one of her impressive yet shrill streaks into my ear that I was shocked out of my coma.

  "Rach? How long have I been standing here? Never mind, I don't wanna know. I've just got to get backstage before I miss.....wait! Oh my gosh, Rachel, it's you! We haven't seen each other in so long."

  I smothered her in a tight embrace, appreciating the warmth and temporary feeling of comfort. I'm aware it sounds ridiculous but having her around makes me feel like I'm home. Or at least what used to be home.

  "I know and I've missed you too. But you're not going on that stage until you get a grip on yourself. Take a few deep breaths, focus on the task at hand, and make us proud."

  By this point, my vision cleared and something snapped. What's wrong with me? This is sectionals and we're here because we earned it. Last night isn't going to get in my way of wiping the floor with the other teams, even the New Directions. I can't let the Warblers down.

  "You're right, you always are." I took a steadying suck of air, shutting my eyes. "We'll both do our best and no matter the results, graciously accept triumph or defeat. Though I can't promise to go easy on you."

  She chuckled before quickly expressing her hatred of Santana for sleeping with Finn last year. It didn't seem like a suitable situation to tell her that everyone had known for months. Rachel had put enough weight on herself already.

  "Attention. All Warblers will be on in five. Please make your way backstage and be ready to perform at this time", the intercom announced over the chatter.

  "Guess that's my cue. Wish me luck! I know you'll kill it out there, Rach." I shouted while Blaine dragged me from the green room by my hand.

  "You ready?" He discretely whispered before the curtains rose.

  "Bring it on."

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  The starting notes of Don't Dream it's Over echoed throughout the enormous theater, bringing the audience to complete silence. We sang in perfect unison, harmonies blending and melding into a sound so beautiful you wouldn't dare make a peep. Our competition stared with stunned looks of envy and regret. My gaze fell to the third row where Rachel gave me a wink and mouthed, "you're doing great." And she couldn't be more accurate.

  Despite the majority of the guys being hopelessly hungover, they pulled through for this. We returned to our original formation, hands behind backs and heads bowed as the melody faded and lights dimmed. The auditorium erupted in cheers and whistles instantly. We were the first team to receive a standing ovation, and a thumbs up from all three judges. Not bad for our first number.

  Jeff and I launched into Daydream Believer, bursting at the seams with passion and enthusiasm. I still can't fathom that I'm up here, center stage, singing a duet at sectionals. My audition a couple of weeks ago went without a hitch. The council thought I had "the exact energy and talent levels" required for the part.

  Jeff had auditioned for the second part after hearing that I was trying out. We had recently discovered that we sounded phenomenal together following an accidental karaoke mishap. Not only was he an insane vocalist, but that boy had excitement coming out of his ears.

  It was a blast skipping about on the stage, the rest of the guys backing us up with hums and soft harmonizing. The audience was soon on their feet again ready to clap and lip-sync along.

  Our choreography was fresh and unpredictable, a routine that Jeff and I had spent restless nights all week to get down. But all the blood, sweat, and tears....lots of tears were worth it. And if I'm being honest, winning doesn't mean that much to me anymore. Not that I'll even contemplate the concept of losing. Na ah, hell to the no.

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  Alright, maybe I spoke too soon. Wouldn't be the first time.

  The New Directions were magnificent.

  They opened with a sweet and loving duet of I've Had (The time of my life) with Quinn and Sam on the lead of all people. Then the catchy tune of Valerie began and Santana knocked it out of the park with Brittany and Mike dancing their hearts out. Rachel's plentiful midnight phone call rants told me that things weren't all sunshine and smiles on their side either. Yet they managed to unite and work just as hard as we did.

  There was no clear winner. Yes, the New Directions were better dancers and featured different voices, but we played to the theme of imagination and bounced back better than ever. I don't think those old people, the Hipsters, are going to be much of an issue. Yeah, they're kind elderly folks but I'm pretty sure they would break a hip bone under the weight of a trophy.

  There we were, clasping hands and repeating chants of encouragement to ourselves. This is it. We either have the chance to move on and prove we're worth it or end up performing at nursing homes for the rest of the year.

  The head judge stood under the spotlight, grasping a shining envelope sealing our fate, third place embossed on the back. "And third place goes to...."

  "You can do it bud. There ain't nobody stronger than you."

  "I'd stop singing if I were you. Be a miracle to us all."

  "You really are the greatest star. Time to show everybody else."

  "Congratulations to the Hipsters for third place! Drive carefully. And now the moment you've all been waiting for. First place goes to...."

  "Shut up and go back to the closet you came from, fairy."

  "The choir room doesn't feel the same without you, Kurt."

  "I feel like I could die today and nobody would really care."

   "I know you're lonely, but you don't have to be alone."

  "Why can't you just try harder at fitting in?"

   "I swear to you I will never change. I'm proud to be different, it's the best thing about me."

  ".....it's a tie!"

  Hey guys! So I didn't plan on taking another two-week break but school has me so tired and drained that I couldn't find the time or energy to write every week. But I have all my difficult assignments out of the way and there's just one week of finals before break. I'll update much more over the break since I'll have time on weekdays. This chapter has been on my mind for a while and I wanted it to be perfect which is why so many other updates have been leading up to this. I hope you liked it! Continue commenting, voting, and adding to reading lists because at this point it's the only motivation I have to get me through midterms. Have a great morning, afternoon, or night! You are cherished.

Love your fellow gleek,
  - Lindsay 💕