Season 3, Episode 8:  Hold on to Sixteen

Ownership of Glee:  FOX, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

/ / /

Angie P.O.V.

Mr. Shue is having us looking for songs to perform for Sectionals. I have an idea to run by our teacher, but I don't think he'd agree to it.

"We need to do something upbeat." Mr. Shue says.

"Mr. Shue, maybe we need to concentrate on our performer problem before we set a set list. I mean, at least the Cheerios can dance. We need star power." Finn says.

"We need Sam Evans." I add. 

"Sam transferred. His whole family moved. We don't even know where he is." Mr. Shue says.

"He's in Kentucky. It's just across the border from Cincinnati. It's about a four hour drive from here." Finn states.

"Even homeless people have Facebook." I state.

"You and I might as well get used to a life of barista work and summer stock. There's no way we're getting into college now." Finn comments.

"If we don't win at Sectionals, I pretty much have nothing to live for." Kurt says.

I glare at him. "Except for Blaine and my family." He corrects himself.

"New Directions is a mess, and we're gonna lose, Kurt, and I can't do a thing about it." Blaine says sadly.

"Cheer up Blaine. I know you'll think of something." I tell him.

The bell rings and everyone leaves. I walk up to Mr. Shue. "Hey Mr. Shue, I wanted to run an idea for Sectionals by you if that's okay?" I ask.

He nods. "Tell me your idea." Mr. Shue says.

"I got two words for you:  Michael Jackson."

/ / /

Kurt P.O.V.

"Hi, Kurt." Comes the voice of the oh so lovely Sebastian. The same one that's crushing on Blaine.

"We've been really busy with Glee Club. Practicing for Sectionals... together." Sebastian says.

"Mmm, congrats on the Warbler win at your sectionals. We're up this week." Blaine tells him.

"Yeah. Well, hey, if there's one guy that can whip New Directions into a legitimate threat, it's Blaine Anderson, right?" Sebastian says.

"Right." I tell him.

"I need another coffee." Blaine says.

I look at Sebastian once Blaine leaves.

"I don't like you."

"Fun." Sebastian says. "I don't like you either."

"I don't like the way you talk to my boyfriend, I don't like your smirky little meerkat face, I don't like your obnoxious CW hair. I'm onto you." I tell the Warbler.

"Let's get a few things straight. Blaine's too good for you." Sebastian tells me.

Is Sebastian seriously doubting my relationship with Blaine?

"New Directions is a joke. And one of us has a hard luck case of the gay-face, and it ain't me. Odds are by the end of the school year, I'll have Blaine and a nationals trophy, and you'll have khakis and a Lima Bean apron and that gay face." Sebastian continues.

"You smell like Craig's List." I hiss.

"What are you guys talking about?" Blaine asks as he comes back from the coffee line.

"Duh, the next time we're all going out drinking, killer!" Sebastian says.

"Uh-oh. Well, I gotta run. But you take care of that Warbler, Kurt." Sebastian waves as he leaves the Lima Bean.

I really hate him.

/ / /

Angie P.O.V.

I came back from the bathroom to see a familiar face among the New Directions.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Finn and Rachel. I sort of lost my way, but... true friends help you find your way back." Sam Evans says.

"Let's hear it for Sam Evans!" Mr. Shue says.

Everyone cheers.

I walk up to him. "You just can't get enough of us, can you Sammy?" I ask.

He turns and smiles at me. "Angie." Sam says and hugs me. I hug back.

"Next time you go MIA and become a stripper at a Kentucky bar, I'll kill you myself. You understand Samuel Jessica Evans?" I growl in his ear.

"Yes ma'am." He whispers, obviously terrified.

"Good." I say and we let go of the hug.

Sam smiles. "All right, enough of the sentimental stuff. It's time y'all get a little country back in this joint! Oh!" Sam says.

Everyone exclaims.

"Cheers! Two, one, two, three." Sam says. He begins playing Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup."

[Red Solo Cup by Sam]

The performance is over just as Santana walks in.

"I just heard the news that Trouty Mouth is back in town. I've been keeping a notebook, just in case this day ever came. 'Welcome back, Lisa Rinna. I've missed you so much since your family packed their bags, loaded them in your mouth, and skipped town. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to enjoy a crisp pickle, but couldn't find anyone to suck the lid off the jar. I assume you've been working as a baby-polisher, where young mothers place their infants' heads in your mouth to get back that newborn shine. So glad you're back. I haven't seen a smile that big since a Claymation Abominable Snowman got his teeth pulled by that little gay elf dentist. Love, Santana.'" Santana reads from her notebook.

Sam smiles. "I missed you, too, Santana." He says and hugs his friend.

Once she leaves, Mr. Shue turns to all of us. "Okay guys, I know we've been on the hunt for songs to sing at Sectionals, but Angie's given me an idea that I think will take us to first place." He says.

"What's the idea, Angie?" Finn asks. I have nine faces looking at me. I smile as I give them an answer.

"I think we should do Michael Jackson for Sectionals."

/ / /

It's the night of Sectionals. I walk into the choir room to see the Trouble Tones are decked out for Sectionals.

"You girls look great." I say and hug my friends.

Santana smiles. "Thank you. You look great too. But just so you know, I fully believe the Trouble Tones are going to beat you guys."

I giggle gently. "I wish you girls good luck out there." I tell them.

Mercedes smiles. "We don't need luck. We're going to win."

/ / /

The announcer starts talking into the microphone when we take our seats. "Ladies and gentlemen, from McKinley High, competing for the first time ever, the Trouble Tones!"

I cheer and from my seat, I watch them perform a mash-up of 'Survivor/I Will Survive.'

[Survivor/I Will Survive by Trouble Tones]

Sam and I are up and out of our seats, dancing and clapping to the beat.

"Angie, sit down." Finn says.

"C'mon Finny. I'm supporting my girls. You should too. They're our friends." I tell him.

When they finish, Sam and I clap the loudest for them.

/ / /

I look at Finn as we get ready backstage. "Our last Sectionals. How does it feel?" I ask.

"Still nerve wracking as always." He says.

"Well don't be nervous. Everyone's going to do amazing." I tell him and give him a good luck kiss. He kisses back before we have to go and take our places.

"Also from McKinley High, let's give it up for the New Directions!" The announcer says.

There's cheering and applause.

We start off with Jackson 5's 'ABC' with notable solos from Tina, Mike, and Kurt.

[ABC by New Directions]

We transition into Michael Jackson's 'Control,' with solos by Artie, Blaine and Quinn.

[Control by New Directions]

We then transition into our last Michael Jackson song of the night, 'Man in the Mirror,' with solos by Finn, Puck, Artie, Sam, and Blaine.

[Man in the Mirror by New Directions]

As we end, we have the loudest applause we've ever gotten in the last 3 years.

I have a good feeling about who will win Sectionals.

/ / /

All three glee clubs are onstage for the results.

"As an award-winning clown, I'd like to say that it's nice, for once, to be working with kids that are just sick with talent. Third place – The Unitards!" Tickles announces.

I clap for their efforts.

"In second place... we have the Trouble Tones! In first place is New Directions!" Tickles says.

We all cheer and hug each other. I pull Finn in for a celebratory kiss. He looks shocked but kisses back.

I'm so proud of us. We're going to Regionals!

/ / /

Quinn and I walk to the girl's bathroom, hoping to get the girls to come back.

"All right, ladies, girl talk." Quinn says.

"No. Uh-uh. Don't you dare try and give us a pep talk." Santana says.

"Or ask us to come back to New
Directions – not interested." Mercedes adds.

"Wait, is it even possible? Do you think they would really take us back?" Brittany asks.

"Of course they would take us back." Santana claims.

"But I'm telling you, I'm not going." Mercedes says.

"Do you know what growing up is about? Losing things. In six months, we'll all be gone, scattered. We'll keep in touch, but it won't be the same. When we see each other, it'll be a special occasion. It'll be different. I don't want to grow up yet. I'm not ready to lose you girls." Quinn says.

"What are we supposed to do? Come back to Glee Club and sing background for Blaine and Berry until we graduate? I'm not doing that again. We know what it feels like to be out front now." Mercedes counters.

"What if Mr. Shue agreed to let the Trouble Tones sing at least one number per competition?" I ask.

"Well, even if Mr. Shue did agree to that, Rachel never would." Mercedes argues.

"What if I told you that they both already did?" Quinn shoots back.

"I'm listening." Mercedes tells us.

"Look, I know I went a little crazy. But I'm here now. I'm 17 – I have the rest of my life in front of me. I love Glee Club. I love you girls. And when we're 27, or 87, I want us to be able to look back on these next couple months and talk about how it was the best times of our lives. Can't do that if we're not all together." Quinn explains.

"We're doing a big number in the auditorium to celebrate our victory and to prepare for Regionals. We could use a couple more girl voices. Let me know if you hear about anybody who might want to join." I tell them.

We exit the bathroom and walk to the auditorium together.

"You know... you could give Mr. Shue a run for his money with pep talks." I tell Quinn.

Quinn laughs as we link arms. "Don't be ridiculous. He's the king of pep talks."

/ / /

Rachel's suspension has officially ended, and to help us celebrate our victory, she's starting us off with fun's 'We Are Young.'

[We Are Young by New Directions]

We're all singing together when we hear four distinct voices towards the door to the auditorium. I see Sugar, Mercedes, Santana and Brittany there with smiles on their faces.

Quinn brings Mercedes over, Brittany jumps into Rory's arms, and Sugar sits in Artie's lap.

Rachel and I smile as we walk to Santana, grabbing both of her hands. We walk her over to Finn, who gives her a big hug.

I stand next to Finn, holding his hand as we all sing.

When we finish, Mr. Shue has joined us on the risers. We all cheer and have a big group hug.

The New Directions are complete once again.

And we're all going to Regionals together.

/ / /

1985 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. Red Solo Cup - Sam
2. Survivor/I Will Survive - Trouble Tones
3. ABC/Control/Man in the Mirror - New Directions
4. We Are Young - New Directions

I hope you guys liked this episode.

Also, the Finntana hug makes me cry so much. God, I miss Cory and Naya.

Next update:  Extraordinary Merry Christmas

2 episodes to Yes/No
3 episodes to Michael