Season 1, Episode 6: Vitamin D

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

= = =

Mr. Shue and the Glee Club are in the choir room. Mr. Shue is trying to get the kids through choreography. "Five, six, seven, eight. Step, turn, out, in, ball-change, step ball-change step. You, you, you, you. And ba-ba-ba. turn..." The group — minus Violet — falters their steps and he becomes frustrated. "Come on, guys, you're sleepwalking on me here. Give me some energy. We've got sectionals in two — "

"Please, sectionals is going to be a breeze." Mercedes interrupts.

"Maybe so. But if we coast through sectionals, we're gonna get killed at regionals. We have got to be on our games." Mr. Shue states.

Kurt laughs, catching the attention of his teacher, who's giving him a disappointed look. "Sorry. Funny Youtube. It's the grape stomping one."

= = =

The next day at rehearsals, Mr. Shue is pinning pictures to a board. "Competition. Every one of these people or elements was a champion in their own right. But they used competing with each other to make themselves even better." He says.

"I don't understand how lightning is in competition with an above-ground swimming pool." Kurt states bluntly.

Mr. Shue sighs. "Just go with it. You guys have become complacent. You were great at the Invitationals, but you got to up your game if you want to get through sectionals. Okay, split up. Guys on the left side, girls on the right side. Let's go, come on. All right." Mr. Shue instructs his students.

Kurt moves to group with the girls. Without even looking, Mr. Shue says "Kurt." Kurt's smile deflates and he moves back to the boy's side of the room.

"Here's the deal. Two teams. Boys versus girls. One week from today, you will each perform a mash-up of your choice." Mr. Shue informs.

"What's a mash-up?" Puck asks. Violet has to bite back a snarky comment.

"A mash-up is when you take two songs and mash them together to make an even richer explosion of musical expression. Boys will perform on Tuesday, girls the next day. I want you guys to go all out, okay. Costumes, choreography. Whoever wins the competition gets to choose the number that we do for Sectionals." Mr. Shue says.

"Wait, who's going to be the judge? Your gender makes you biased." Rachel points out. Violet hates to admit it, but Rachel has a point.

"Ah...There is going to be a celebrity judge." The director says with a smile.

"Wh-who?" Tina asks.

Mr. Shue smiles more. "Oh, you're going to have to show up to find out."

"We got this in the bag." Mercedes says confidently.

"Totally. I'm going to start storyboarding our choreography tonight." Rachel says as the girls, minus Violet, exit the choir room.

Mr. Shue looks at the guys. "Hey, I hope you guys are up for this competition. The girls look pretty pumped."

"We're planning on smacking them down like the hand of God." Artie states.

Finn yawns, directing the attention of his teacher and classmates.

"Hey, Finn, you all right? You seem a little out of it." Mr. Shue says in concern.

"Yeah, I'm just a little worn out." Finn answers.

"Come on, dude. We're late for football practice." Puck says, and the duo walk out of the choir room.

Violet walks over to Mr. Shue apprehensively. "Mr. Shue... would it be okay if I sat out of the boys vs. girls competition?" She asks.

Mr. Shue raises an eyebrow at his student. "Why do you want to sit out? You'd be great!" He says.

Violet sighs. "I don't feel comfortable working with Rachel. Yeah, she's my sister, but she's also bossy and a total control freak. We'd have to do everything her way: sing the songs she chooses, wear the costumes she decides on, and perform choreography she creates. Please don't make me work with her." She pleads.

Mr. Shue sighs. "I'm sorry Violet. I truly am sorry that you have to live with Rachel, but I can't let you sit out. It would be unfair to the others if I let you sit out because of personal reasons. Just... try and be as positive as you can and have fun. Remember, that's what Glee is supposed to be about."

Violet nods her head and leaves the choir room. So much for trying to get out of performing with Rachel.

= = =

The New Directions girls were using the dance studio to practice in. "Okay, girls, we need to get started." Rachel states.

"We're getting warmed up." Santana says, stopping in the middle of applying lip gloss to Brittany's lips. Violet is the only one actually stretching.

Rachel sees that there's one person missing. "Where's Quinn?" She asks.

Brittany looks over at Rachel. "Probably down at the mall looking for elastic-waist pants."

Violet looks at Rachel. "Don't give Quinn a hard time, Rachel. She's pregnant and the circumstances are less than ideal."

Rachel ignores Violet and looks at the others. "Mr. Schuester's right, you guys. We can't get complacent."

Mercedes chuckles. "Chill out. I already picked the songs. We're gonna do a mash-up of 'Halo' and 'Walking On Sunshine.'" She announces.

"Yeah. That was my idea." Rachel reminds her.

"Whatever. Come on, we can do this in our sleep. You think those six dudes are gonna give us any competition? I say we just wing it." Mercedes says.

Rachel and Violet both say "We can't just wing it."

Mercedes sighs and looks at the Glee girls. "All those in favour of winging it?" Santana, Brittany, Tina, and Mercedes's hands go up. "All those opposed?" Rachel and Violet both raise their hands pointedly. Mercedes smirks. "Looks like the ayes have it."

After getting nowhere in rehearsal, the girls leave. Rachel tugs on Violet's hand, prompting the two sisters to stay and talk.

"Why did you agree with me? You're usually the first one to disagree with something I say in regards to Glee Club." Rachel says confused.

Violet smiles slightly. "No matter how much of a diva you are, Rachel, you have these little moments where you're right."

= = =

Finn came bouncing into the choir room after having seen the school nurse and was given vitamins. "Hey, guys, how's it going? God, it's a beautiful day. Let's run through the number. I can't wait to do the number. I'm ready and excited. Are you guys? Stand up. Come on. Let's get this joint jumping." Finn says. He's acting all rushed and hyper.

Artie looks at Finn in concern. "Has your soul been taken over by caffeinated space aliens?" He asks.

"No, just visited the school nurse. Got this great vitamin. I feel fantastic. I can't wait to do the number. Let's do the number, and then afterwards, we can build a house for Habitat For Humanity." Finn rambles.

Puck raises an eyebrow. "What kind of vitamin?"

"Vitamin C? Vogue magazine says it boosts energy levels and brightens the complexion." Kurt offers.

Finn smiles. "Vitamin D. And I got you guys some." He says as he tosses the pack to Puck.

Kurt looks at the pills with distaste. "We shouldn't do this — it's cheating." He says.

"Dude they're just vitamins. It's not gonna kill you." Finn says as the boys swallow their pills.

"No but Violet will when she finds out we all cheated." Kurt says before downing his vitamins.

= = =

The New Direction Boys sing a mash-up of Bon Jovi's 'It's My Life' and Usher's 'Confessions Part II.' Violet is thoroughly enjoying the performance, especially the energy levels the boys have in performing.

[It's My Life/Confessions Part II by New Directions boys]

After the end of the performance, Mr. Shue smiles at the boys in shock. "Awesome, guys. Geez, I didn't know you had it in you. It's like somebody slipped something in your juice boxes." He says to the hyper group of guys.

The teacher's attention turns to the girls. "You ladies better bring it tomorrow. Otherwise, we've got our opening number for sectionals!" He cheers. The boys erupt into loud cheers, and Violet raises an eyebrow at their behavior.

She's taken aback when Kurt pulls her up from her seat and plants a sloppy wet kiss onto her cheek.

Something's up.

= = =

Rachel looks at the girls the day after the boys' performance. "I told you guys." Rachel says.

Santana glares at the Hobbit. "We know. You've been berating us for the better part of an hour."

Quinn looks at Rachel. "Were they really that good?" She asks.

Rachel nods. "They were, Quinn. Look, I was fine with arranging, choreographing and directing this number free of charge. But we underestimated the boys. Their number will go to Sectionals and once again, I will be humiliated."

"How were we supposed to know they'd rock the house? They've never been good." Mercedes states.

"I thought they've always been good..." Violet mutters.

"How did they d-d-do it?" Tina wonders.

Kurt arrives and Violet looks up to see him. "The real question is, 'What were they on?' Though I've been grouped with the boys, my allegiance still remains with you ladies. They declined my offer to do their hair in cornrows and all my artistic decisions have been derided as too costly because they involve several varieties of exotic bird feathers. We all took something." He explains.

Violet looks at Kurt with disappointment, but says nothing about it... mainly because Rachel interrupts with her question.

"What did you take?"

= = =

Rachel dragged all the girls in Glee to the nurse's office to receive the same vitamins that the boys took. The nurse was Terri Schuester, their teacher's wife. She was handing out medicine cups of pills to the girls. "Everyone gets a dose. Oh, except for Quinn. You get folic acid. Mama. It's good for the baby." She whispers the last part to Quinn.

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Rachel asks.

Terri smiles. "Oh, it's over-the-counter. It's safe. You can trust me. I'm a nurse. It's good for you." She encourages.

Violet is the only one that doesn't take her vitamins. She realizes what they are: pseudoephedrine tablets. Rachel notices Violet's cup is still full. "Violet, take your vitamins."

"No thanks. I'm good." Violet counters.

"Take the damn vitamins. That way, we'll win." Santana says.

Violet shakes her head. "I'm not taking these pills."

Rachel sighs and walks over, taking the cup from Violet's hand.

She holds Violet's head back and stuffs the pills and some water into her mouth by force. Violet reluctantly swallows, hoping and praying to God that something bad won't happen.

If anything happens, Violet's blaming Rachel.

= = =

The Glee girls are all dressed in their yellow dresses for their performance. Violet waves to Kurt, who waves back. Santana puts Violet's hand at her side to get her to stop.

"Thank you so much. It really is a pleasure. While the boys chose a selection of songs that cast an eye inward on the irresponsible life choices and sexual hunger of today's modern teens, we have chosen a selection of songs that speaks to the nation as a whole during these troubling times filled with economic uncertainty and unbridled social woe. Because if there's two things America needs right now, that is sunshine and optimism. Also angels." Rachel gets out in one breath. It's amazing if anyone could actually hear what she said.

The New Direction Girls sing their mash-up of 'Halo/Walking On Sunshine.' Though Violet looks happy to perform, she's actually dreading this performance.

[Halo/Walking On Sunshine by New Directions girls]

When the performance ends, Mr. Shue and Ms. Pillsbury — the surprise celebrity judge — are speechless with smiles on their faces. "Ladies, I-I don't even know what to say. You did such a good job. I don't know what you guys did, but whatever it was, keep doing it. Our celebrity judge has her work cut out for her."

The bell rings, and the girls walk out of the room together, everyone chatting happily about their beliefs that they'd win the competition.

Well... everyone except for Violet.

= = =

It was later that afternoon. Rachel and Finn had confessed to Mr. Shue about taking the vitamins.

"We're really sorry, Mr. Schue." Finn apologizes.

Rachel nods in agreement. "We didn't mean to get you into trouble." She says sadly.

Violet is standing next to Kurt, but she feels a bit warm. She shrugs it off as nothing and continues to listen to Mr. Shue.

"I'm really disappointed in you guys. Glee is supposed to be about what's inside your heart, not what's coursing through your veins." Mr. Shue states.

Rachel sighs. "We know. And I think I speak for everyone when I say that we'd be happy to move forward and put this episode behind us."

Violet feels extremely dizzy now. She raises her hand frantically. "Mr. Shue can I go to the nurse's office? I don't feel good." She says, coughing a bit due to her dry throat.

Mr. Shue nods. "Of course Violet." He allows. Violet takes three steps across the room, and suddenly the room is spinning. Mr. Shue is about to say something else when he sees Violet looks dazed.

"Violet? Are you okay?" He asks. Kurt snaps his head in Violet's direction. Her eyes lock with his just as she goes to say something, but instead goes into a violent coughing fit. The coughing stops in time for black to cloud Violet's vision as she slumps to the floor.

= = =

Kurt was listening to Mr. Shue when he sees Violet's hand going up in the air. Violet doesn't look good. "Mr. Shue can I go to the nurse's office? I don't feel good." She says, coughing a bit due to her dry throat. Kurt looks at her in concern.

Mr. Shue nods. "Of course Violet." He allows. Violet takes three steps across the room, and suddenly stops. Mr. Shue is about to say something else when he sees Violet looks dazed.

"Violet? Are you okay?" He asks. Kurt snaps his head in Violet's direction. Her eyes lock with his just as she goes to say something, but instead goes into a violent coughing fit. The coughing stops in time for her to fall to the floor in a heap.

Kurt jumps into action, kneeling next to her on the floor. "Violet? Violet?! Answer me!" He screams, tears freely flowing down his cheeks. He sees that she's unconscious... and she isn't breathing.

"Is she okay?" Finn asks worriedly. Kurt snaps his head in the direction of his peers, glasz eyes burning with rage for Rachel.

"She's not okay! She told me Rachel forced her to take those vitamins! And now she's not breathing!" Kurt explains, crying as he does so.

Mr. Shue's eyes widen. "Finn call an ambulance. Now!" He shouts. Finn fumbles for his phone, dialing 9-1-1.

"How could she not breathe after taking those pills? We all took them," Santana says, trying to hide her own tears. Brittany's crying softly, and Quinn is sobbing.

"Those were pseudoephedrine tablets! SHE'S ALLERGIC TO PSEUDOEPHEDRINE!" Kurt roars in anger. He checks Violet for a pulse, but finds one that's very slow and thready. He lays the freshman on her back, and begins to perform CPR chest compressions.

"Rachel how could you do that to Violet if you knew she was allergic?" Mr. Shue says, worried for Violet and also angry at Rachel.

"I-I didn't know!" Rachel argues.

"You never know anything about your own damn sister!" Kurt snaps as he continues chest compressions. "Her airways are closed up, and I have to try and get her pulse up." He explains.

"Ambulance is 7 minutes away." Finn states, kneeling at Violet's other side. "What else can I do to help?" He asks Kurt.

Kurt glances at Finn while performing the compressions. "Look in her bag. There should be an EpiPen in the front compartment." He instructs. Finn grabs Violet's backpack, looking through the front compartment until he finds the EpiPen.

"I got it. I've never used an EpiPen before, so I don't know where to inject her with it." Finn realizes.

Kurt looks at Finn briefly before turning his attention back to the still unconscious Violet. "It's supposed to be injected in her thigh." He informs. Kurt checks her pulse again, and finds it's still thready. "C'mon Violet. Breathe." He instructs.

Finn injects the EpiPen into Violet's thigh, putting it back in her bag. He looks up at Mr. Shue. "He has to keep doing CPR?" He asks.

The Spanish teacher nods. "Until the paramedics get here." He says.

Kurt — still getting nowhere with his chest compressions — looks at Finn. "Finn you gotta give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I'd do it but I'm busy." He says.

Finn nods at Kurt and gets a nod of approval from Quinn. While Kurt is providing compressions, Finn begins mouth-to-mouth.

They continue to perform CPR until Kurt hears wheels. "Kurt, the paramedics are here. You can stop now." Mr. Shue says. Kurt lets go of Violet the same time Finn does, watching as two paramedics lift her and place her on a stretcher. The two boys run after the paramedics, jumping into the back of the ambulance.

Kurt's tears are nonstop the entire ride to the hospital, and continue to fall down his cheeks as he and Finn are confined to the waiting area while Violet is rushed to the emergency room.

"God, please don't take her away from me."

= = =

Three hours.

Three painful hours is how long Kurt and Finn wait at the hospital to hear about Violet. Finn had been called by Quinn two and a half hours ago, explaining that because of the debacle with the pills, Coach Sylvester was now co-director of the Glee Club.

Right now, Kurt could care less. The love of his life was fighting for her life.

Kurt had called Burt after he calmed down some to tell him about what was going on. Burt was worried to death, but he knew in his heart that Violet would make it out alright.

Finn was about to say something when a doctor walked up to the both of them. "Violet Berry?" He asks.

Kurt looks over and Finn stands up. "We're her cousins." Finn lies. Kurt nods in agreement.

"How-How is she?" Kurt asks.

"Your cousin is going to be alright. If you hadn't started CPR, called that ambulance and injected her with her EpiPen, she wouldn't be here today. She's very lucky to have you both." The doctor says.

Kurt lets out a shaky breath of relief. "C-Can we see her?" He asks.

"Yes, but she's asleep right now. Room 125." The doctor informs.

"Thank you." Finn thanks as the doctor walks away. He looks at Kurt. "You go see her. I'm gonna call my mom, ask her to pick me up. You gonna be okay?" He asks.

Kurt nods gently. "I'm gonna be okay. And Finn? Thank you for staying with me." He says gratefully.

"No problem." Finn says before he walks down the corridor.

Kurt makes his way to Violet's room, and his heart breaks at the sight. Violet's figure is laying in the bed, hooked up to an I.V. She looks so pale and fragile.

Kurt takes a seat in the chair at her bedside, taking her hand. "Hey Violet. It's Kurt. I know you probably won't hear me say this, but I was so scared I was going to lose you today. I was so scared that I'd never get to... to tell you that I love you. You were there for me when I lost my mom. I'm gonna be here for you while you get better. I'm never letting anything like that happen to you ever again." He promises tearfully, placing a kiss on her hand.

Violet doesn't stir, and Kurt places a tender kiss on her cheek.

A nurse comes by an hour later to see that Kurt is asleep in the chair, holding Violet's hand.

He's never letting go ever again.

= = =

3550 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. It's My Life/Confessions Part II - New Directions boys
2. Halo/Walking On Sunshine - New Directions girls