| What Could Have Been | |
|---|---|
| Season 3, Episode 20 | |
| |
| Air date | TBA 2012 |
| Written by | JamesonOTP |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous The Definitive Editions: Be Our Guest |
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What Could Have Been is the upcoming twentieth episode of season three of JamesonOTP's fan fiction, Glee: The Next Generation and the sixty-fourth episode overall. The episode will be a what-if episode, examining what things would currently be like if Will had gave up on Glee Club before For Your Entertainment.
Jaxon and Lana are upset at Miles over his recent behavior and Miles is still upset with Lana over her near suicide attempt. During a rehearsal for Regionals, tensions explode and the three go at it in song. But when Jaxon tries a high risk manuever and it goes awry, he is knocked unconscious. While out of it, Jaxon is forced to experience what would be different if Mr. Schue had given up on Glee Club prior to his joining. The results are both shocking and unexpected. But the worst thing of all for Jaxon is facing the fact that his fiance is now back in the arms of his greatest rival.
Information[]
Songs:[]
- If I Never See Your Face Again by Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna. Sung by Jaxon Pierce, Miles Larson, and Lana Addison
- Sideline Ho by Monica. Sung by Rose Mitchell
- Don't Cha by The Pussycat Dolls feat. Busta Rhymes. Sung by Ana Watson
- Before It Explodes by Charice feat. Bruno Mars. Sung by Evan Marx
- Decode by Paramore. Sung by James Holland and Vocal Adrenaline
- Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson. Sung by Jaxon Pierce
- Save Me From Myself by Christina Aguilera. Sung by John Weiner
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Sung by Jaxon Pierce and James Holland
- Whataya Want From Me by Adam Lambert. Sung by Jaxon Pierce, Miles Larson, and Lana Addison.
Glee: The Next Generation Season 3, Episode #20: "What Could Have Been"[]
So here’s what you missed on Glee: The Next Generation:
Lana and Miles still don’t get along anymore. Maybe it’s because Miles has been alienating himself from his friends by being a jerk. Claude has helping Chuck train the next generation of Warblers, which pissed off Miles. So Miles kissed Evan to hurt Claude and push him into transferring back because he just can’t stand Claude. Monique and Chuck’s relationship got exposed at Carmel, causing Vocal Adrenaline to be even more at odds with New Directions. Miles’ actions made Evan kick him out and now, he’s temporarily sleeping on Mr. Schue’s couch because no one else would take him in and he just can’t go back home.
And that’s what you missed on Glee!
____________________________________________________________
Will sighed as he sat in the chair in Emma’s office, facing her. They hadn’t said a word for fifteen minutes.
“It’s not that he’s an imposition,” Will said. “It’s just that not appropriate for Miles to stay there for any longer than necessary. People might say things. You do know that Sue already thinks I’m a pedophile.”
“Miles is of age, Will.” Emma said.
“Still, people are gonna talk and I don’t wanna lose my job over this,” Will replied. “We have to find a way to help Miles.”
“Miles can’t be helped until he wants help,” Emma said.
“He knows he messed up,” Will said. “He admitted that last night.”
“But is he ready to do what it takes to get his life back on track?” Emma said. “Personally, I think he needs to go back to his parent’s house and work out that mess.”
“Miles isn’t as strong as he likes people to think,” Will said. “During the Pride lesson two years ago, I saw just how insecure and vulnerable Miles is. He puts up a great front. But that’s all it is.”
“Miles has a lot of damage to undo,” Emma reminded Will. “Claude’s transfer back to Dalton is official as of today. You’ve already lost one member because of him.”
“I know,” Will said. “I try to think of what road he would have been on—all of my Glee Club students actually—had I actually not listened to you and Shannon that day and I had actually went through with disbanding Glee Club and it worries me. Glee Club has affected all of those kids in so many ways.”
“Just hold on to that knowledge that you have already done so much to help those kids,” Emma said. “Everything will work out for Miles in due time. It’s not an overnight thing, Will.”
“I know,” Will said. “But I’m not gonna stop trying.”
____________________________________________________________
Later that day, Will sat in the front row of the April Rhodes Civic Pavilion as Miles, Lana, and Jaxon had gathered on the stage to practice a tentative number for Regionals.
“Follow my lead,” Miles said.
“As if you’ll lead this performance,” Lana said. “Take a number, chump.”
“Maroon 5 is one of my specialties,” Miles said.
“Along with being a jerk,” Lana said.
Miles glared at Lana. “You would know one.”
“Enough,” Jaxon said. “Just let me do my thing and we’ll win Regionals.”
“Everyone, once again we’re gonna sit back and let Jaxon sing lead on every song and have every solo,” Miles said sarcastically. “I told you, Maroon 5 is my forte.”
“Put your money where your mouth is,” Jaxon said. “Because I thought pushing your friends, tossing slushies at people, and making Glee Club members transfer was your forte.”
“I’ll gladly show you how Maroon 5 is done,” Miles said.
“As if you know how,” Lana replied.
“Enough!” Will shouted. “Can we just do the song?”
Miles glared at Lana and then at Jaxon as the music began to play.
“Now as the summer fades, I let you slip away,” Miles sang as he walked to the front of the stage. “You say I'm not your type, but I can make you sway.”
“It makes you burn to learn you're not the only one,” Jaxon sang as he walked in front of Miles. “I'd let you be if you put down your blazing gun.”
“Now you've gone somewhere else far away,” Lana sang. “I don't know if I will find you.”
“Find you, find you,” Jaxon and Miles sang.
“But you feel my breath on your neck,” Lana sang. “Can't believe I'm right behind you
“Right behind you,” Jaxon and Miles sang. “’Cause you keep me coming back for more.”
“Coming back for more,” Lana sang.
“And I feel a little better than I did before,” all three sang. “And if I never see your face again, I don't mind. ‘Cause we gone much further than I thought we'd get tonight.”
“Sometimes you move so well, it's hard not to give in,” Lana sang.
“I'm lost, I can't tell where you end and I begin,” Miles sang as he pushed Jaxon aside.
“It makes you burn to learn I'm with another man,” Lana sang.
“I wonder if he's half the lover that I am,” Jaxon sang, glaring at Miles. “Now you've gone somewhere else far away,” Miles sang. “I don't know if I will find you.”
“Find you, find you,” Lana sang.
“But you feel my breath on your neck,” Jaxon sang. “Can't believe I'm right behind you
“Right behind you,” Lana sang.
“’Cause you keep me coming back for more,” Jaxon and Miles sang.
“Coming back for more,” Lana sang.
“And I feel a little better than I did before,” all three sang. “And if I never see your face again, I don't mind. ‘Cause we gone much further than I thought we'd get tonight.”
"Baby, baby, please believe me,” Jaxon and Miles sang. “Find it in your heart to reach me. Promise not to leave me behind.”
“Promise not to leave me behind,” Jaxon sang.
“Take me down, but take it easy,” Lana sang as she grabbed Jaxon seductively. “Make me think but don't deceive me. Torture me by taking your time.”
“Talk to me, talk to me,” Miles sang.
As they sang, Jaxon ran to the back of the stage to climb to the top of the scaffolding.
“’Cause you keep me coming back for more and I feel a little better than I did before,” all three sang. “And if I never see your face again, I don't mind. ‘Cause we gone much further than I thought we'd get tonight.”
As Jaxon went to jump off the scaffolding, a bolt popped out, causing the bar he was standing on to swing down. Jaxon fell at least six foot to the stage and the hard impact of his fall on his head was the last thing he remembered.
____________________________________________________________
When Jaxon came to, he was lying on his back on the football field. Miles dropped his helmet and ran to Jaxon’s side. He knelt down and looked Jaxon over carefully.
“What happened?” Jaxon asked, slowly sitting up. “The last thing I know, I was practicing a number for Glee Club and then I woke up here.”
“I think you hit your head a little harder than you thought,” Miles said. “Mr. Schue disbanded Glee Club before our sophomore year. What really happened is you collided head-on with Bruce the Butcher. He’s 6 foot seven inches and three hundred and twenty-five pounds of destruction.”
“I think he might have a concussion,” John Wiener said, joining Miles. “He’s talking crazy.”
“John?” Jaxon asked, in disbelief.
“What?” John asked. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”
Coach Beiste walked over and grabbed Jaxon under the arms, picking him up and throwing him gently over her shoulder.
“Let’s get you to the nurse’s office,” Coach Beiste said, toting Jaxon off the field.
____________________________________________________________
Jaxon didn’t look too happy as the nurse removed the tongue depressor from his mouth.
“I have a head injury,” Jaxon said. “What good does that do?”
“It’s procedure,” Nurse Ridge said.
“Oh, like the ear thing and the eye light,” Jaxon said.
The door burst open and Evan ran into the nurse’s office. Nurse Ridge looked up and threw up her hand in protest.
“You can’t just barge in,” Nurse Ridge said.
“You legally can’t stop me,” Evan said as he rushed to Jaxon’s side. “Are you okay? I rushed here as soon as I heard.”
“I’m fine, Evan,” Jaxon said. “Why are you here before James?”
“Who is James?” Evan asked. “And of course I’d be here, Jaxon. You’re my boyfriend and I had to make sure you were okay.”
“My boyfriend?” Jaxon stuttered. “I guess I must have hit my head harder than I thought.”
“It’s a concussion,” Nurse Ridge said. “You’ll be fine.”
“I’ll walk him out,” Evan said, nodding at Nurse Ridge as he held the door open for Jaxon.
“Um,” Jaxon said, as he looked at Evan. “I took a pretty bad hit back there on the field. Could you tell me the story of how we fell in love?”
“Of course,” Evan said with a smile. “You stopped Miles from throwing me in a dumpster and I was so grateful that I invited you to the New Year’s Party our sophomore year. Then the rest is history. We fell in love and shared a midnight kiss.”
“Did we have sex?” Jaxon asked.
“No, not that night,” Evan said.
“But we did the when Lucas got gay bashed, right?” Jaxon asked.
“Lucas was never gay bashed,” Evan said. “He hasn’t even come out. We had a small fling for a few weeks before I started to date you, but he got scared and broke it off.”
“I can’t freaking believe you, Miles Larson!” Rose Mitchell yelled from behind Jaxon and Evan. They both turned to face the scene that was unfolding behind them as Miles and Bella ran after Rose. Rose and Bella both wore Cheerios outfits.
“I’m sorry,” Miles said. “It just happened.”
“You just so happened to cheat on me with her!” Rose yelled angrily. “Bella, the prettiest and most popular girl in school! I know I can’t compete with her, but what a sorry way of pointing that out!”
Rose swung her hand and slapped Miles across the face. Miles reached up and grabbed his cheek as the sting set in.
“We’re over! And as for you,” Rose said, turning to face Bella.
“Yes?” Bella asked.
“Hoe, hoe, sideline hoe,” Rose sang to Bella. “You’s a hoe, you’s a hoe, sideline hoe. When you called his phone, did he pick it up? No? ‘Cause we was making love. Did you meet his moms, have you met his kids? No? Oh, did you know my kid was his? No, oh. Get your act together, you're making a fool of yourself. It don't matter if he spends the night, his home is somewhere else. Ain't you tired of being on the side line, tired of getting yours after I get mine, baby? Second place don't get a prize when you gone realize you're wasting your time, baby.”
Bella rolled her eyes as Rose circled her, singing.
“Ain't you tired of him getting, hitting real quick, then rolling. And ain't you tired of when you need a little change and he lies about what he holding? Ain't you tired of spending all the holidays alone, tired of being his little sideline ho? Do he take you out, do he foot your bills? No? Oh, ‘cause I know what his balance is. Have you been to his church? Do he ask you to pray? No? Oh, ‘cause Sunday's family day.”
Miles shook his head in disbelief as he watched Rose attack Bella in song.
“Get your act together, you're making a fool of yourself. It don't matter if he spends the night, his home is somewhere else. Ain't you tired of being on the side line, tired of getting yours after I get mine, baby? Second place don't get a prize when you gone realize you're wasting your time, baby. Do you got benefits? No. Credit cards? No. House keys? No. Then you’s a sideline hoe. Do you get pillow talk? No. Held at night? No. If you don't make his breakfast then you’s a sideline ho. Ain't you tired of being on the side line, tired of getting yours after I get mine, baby? Second place don't get a prize when you gone realize you're wasting your time, baby. Ain't you tired of being on the side line, tired of getting yours after I get mine, baby? Second place don't get a prize when you gone realize you're wasting your time, baby. Youse a hoe, youse a hoe, sideline hoe. You’s a hoe, you’s a hoe, sideline hoe.”
“You have no right to judge me,” Bella said.
“We have a two year old son together,” Rose said. “Or did you forget that Miles? What I am I gonna tell him when his daddy suddenly isn’t there anymore?”
“We were young and stupid,” Miles said. “Accidents happen.”
“Don’t you even for once suggest that our child is an accident!” Rose said.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Miles said.
“Save it!” Rose said. “Screw you, Miles. We’re over and I’m going to fight for custody of our child. I don’t want him raised in your harem.”
“Out of my way,” India Wilson said as she shoved Rose out of her way, flanked by Hallie Grace and Honey Berry. Both of them shot mean looks at Rose as they walked past.
“The Unholy Trinity,” Evan said. “Let’s get out of here while we still can.”
“Yeah, I understand how’d you want to avoid India,” Jaxon said. “After all, she’s your ex, right?”
“No!” Evan scoffed. “I would never date a witch like her. You’re the only person I’ve ever dated. You know that.”
“Oh, yeah,” Jaxon said, acting like he remembered.
“Move Guitar Queer-O,” India said as she shoved Jaxon out of her way. Hallie didn’t even look at Jaxon, she just turned her nose up as she walked past. Honey glared at Jaxon.
“What’s up with her?” Jaxon asked, pointing to Honey.
“Turn a girl down and she never lets you live it down,” Evan said. “You broke Honey’s heart and she turned to the dark side. Guess she couldn’t handle the fact that you’re gay.”
“And Lana is okay with Hallie being one of India’s lap dogs?” Jaxon asked.
“Lana? Why would she care?” Evan asked. “Hallie is dating Natasha, remember? Are you sure you didn’t get amnesia?”
“I might have,” Jaxon said, trying to figure everything out. “Who is Lana dating?”
“Erica Clifton,” Evan said.
“I’m confused about something,” Jaxon said as he turned to face Evan. “Miles and Rose were dating and they have a kid together?”
“Rose got knocked up during her senior year,” Evan explained. “Miles is the father, of course.”
“What about Kevin and Rose?” Jaxon asked.
“Kevin tried to get Rose to take him back,” Evan said. “But he couldn’t get over his body dysmorphia and Rose wouldn’t take him back. Kevin’s in rehab now for an eating disorder. He’s been gone for a while. He almost died because he developed bulimia.”
“Are you serious?” Jaxon asked.
“Yeah,” Evan said. “Now come on, we promised Lana and Erica we would meet them after you got out of football practice. Unless you don’t feel up to it.”
“No,” Jaxon said. “I do. Let’s go.”
____________________________________________________________
As Evan pulled his car into Thurston High’s parking lot, he saw Lana running toward Erica, her arms outstretched. Erica leapt into Lana’s arms and Lana twirled her around. Jaxon felt his heart sinking as he thought about Hallie and how much she and Lana loved each other.
“What is it?” Evan asked, gently stroking Jaxon’s hair.
“It’s nothing,” Jaxon said as he watched Lana and Erica’s kiss. “Does Lana still go to Thurston?”
“Oh no,” Evan said. “She got expelled. But she and Erica decided that they should try and make things work. After all, the distance isn’t that great. It’s not like Lana moved out of state.”
“Everything is so different,” Jaxon said.
“That’s just your concussion talking, baby,” Evan said. “Nothing’s changed. Everything is exactly as it’s meant to be.”
Meant to be? Jaxon thought. No, everything was all wrong. James and I were soul mates and now James is back at Carmel and Evan is the love of my life? Evan is one of my best friends, one that I knew intimately, but he isn’t the other half of my heart. Lana and Hallie were meant to be. I don’t even know who this Erica was. Ok, maybe I had heard Lana discuss her once or twice, but no, this wasn’t right at all.
Evan laced his fingers through Jaxon’s and Jaxon felt himself resist. Evan looked surprised.
“Sorry,” Jaxon said. “This all feels so new.”
“I’m really convinced you have amnesia,” Evan said. “I think we need to take you to the hospital.”
“No,” Jaxon protested. “I’ll be fine, I just need to refresh my memory. I’m sure I’ll remember everything in due time.”
“Okay,” Evan said, screwing up his mouth in an attempt to look deep in thought. “If that’s what you feel you need to do. I just care about you and I only want what’s best.”
“I know,” Jaxon said.
“Hi,” Lana said as she and Erica walked hand-in-hand over to join Jaxon and Evan. “Glad you guys made it. Now you can finally meet Erica.”
“Hello,” Erica said, sounding very chipper.
“Hi,” Jaxon said, not very enthused. If Lana noticed it, she didn’t let on.
“Nice to meet you,” Evan said, pulling his hand loose from Jaxon’s to shake Erica’s hand.
“I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to get to Glee Club,” Erica said. “Nice meeting you guys.”
“Glee Club,” Jaxon whispered to himself.
“You guys wanna hit up the Lima Bean?” Lana asked. “It’s my treat.”
“Actually, I have something that I need to do,” Jaxon said. “But you two go and have fun.”
____________________________________________________________
Lana smiled as she took her Peppermint Mocha from the barista.
“Thank you,” Lana said.
Evan took his Double Chocolate Carmel Espresso and smiled warmly.
“Thanks,” Evan said. As the barista walked off, he turned to Lana. “Hmm, let’s see. She’s got short hair, Birkenstocks, and a copy of The Sexual Empowerment of Woman hanging out of her apron. Now to mention the looks she’s been giving you—I’d say she likes you, Lana.”
Lana rolled her eyes. “Whatever. She just wants a good tip.”
“Maybe,” Evan said. “But here comes someone who does want you.”
Lana sighed, exasperated, as Ana started to walk over to their table, dressed like she walked straight out of a Madonna video from the Bedtime Stories era.
“Hi,” Ana said, smiling from ear to ear. “Lana, you really should try the hot chocolate.”
“I’ll stick to my regular,” Lana said coldly.
“I guess you would,” Lana said. “I don’t think you could handle things as hot as I can.”
Lana tried not to laugh. “Seriously, is that some kind of pick-up line?”
Ana winked at Lana as she pulled out her mp3 player and pressed the play button. “You tell me.”
“Oh dear lord,” Lana said.
“You see this stuff get hot every time I come through when I step up in the spot,” Ana rapped. “Make the place sizzle like a summertime cookout, prowl for the best chick. Yes, I'm on the lookout. Slow banging shorty like a belly dancer with it. Smell good, pretty skin, so gangsta with it. No tricks only diamonds under my sleeve. Gimme the number, but make sure you call before you leave.”
Evan snorted as he tried to stop himself from laughing as Ana strutted toward Lana.
“I know you like me,” Ana sang. “I know you do. That's why whenever I come around, she's all over you. I know you want it. It's easy to see. And in the back of your mind, I know you should be on with me. Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me? Don't cha? Don't cha?”
Ana seductively bent over and ran her hands up her legs as Evan’s face turned red from still trying not to laugh.
“Fight the feeling. Leave it alone. ‘Cause if it ain't love, it just ain't enough to leave my happy home. Let's keep it friendly. You have to play fair. See I don't care but I know she ain't gonna wanna share. Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me? Don't cha? Don't cha?”
Ana turned to face Lana as she shimmied toward her.
“OK, I see how it's going down,” Ana rapped. “Seems like shorty wanna little menage pop off or something. Well, let me get straight to it. Every broad wanna watch a sister when I come through it. It's the god almighty, looking all brand new. If shorty wanna jump in my ass then vanquish. Looking at me all like she really wanna do it. Tryna put it on me till my balls black and bluish. You wanna play with a playa girl then play on strip out the Chanel and leave the lingerie on. Watch me and I'mma watch you at the same time. Looking at you wanna break my back. You're the very reason why I keep a pack of the Magnum. And with the wagon hit you in the back of the magnum. For the record, don't think it was something you did. Shorty all on me cause it's hard to resist the kid. I got a idea that's dope for y'all as y'all could get so I could hit the both of y'all.”
Evan looked at Lana, busting out in loud laughter as Ana continued on, unfazed.
“I know she loves you, I understand,” Ana sang. “I'd probably be just as crazy about you if you were my own man. Maybe next lifetime, possibly. Until then old friend, your secret is safe with me. Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me? Don't cha? Don't cha?”
“Oh my god!” Evan said. “Really?”
Ana glared at Evan, who wiped tears from his eyes due to laughing so hard. Lana tried to hold herself together.
“Um, sorry,” Lana said. “I have to pass.”
Ana nodded to herself as she walked off to rejoin her friends.
“As if I’d ever date her,” Lana said to Evan with a chuckle.
____________________________________________________________
Jaxon slowly opened the door and stepped into Carmel’s auditorium, hiding in the shadows as he watched James walk center stage.
“How can I decide what's right?” James sang as Archie sat in the front row, watching. “When you're clouding up my mind, I can't win your losing fight all the time. How can I ever own what's mine? when you're always taking sides? But you won't take away my pride, no, not this time. Not this time.”
James felt himself making eye contact with Jaxon as he sang.
“How did we get here?” James and Vocal Adrenaline sang. “Well, I used to know you so well. How did we get here?? Well, I think I know.”
“The truth is hiding in your eyes? and its hanging on your tongue,” James sang as he looked away. “Just boiling in my blood, but you think that I can't see what kind of man that you are, if you're a man at all. Well, I will figure this one out? on my own.”
“I'm screaming I love you so,” Vocal Adrenaline sang.
“On my own,” James sang.
“My thoughts you can't decode,” Vocal Adrenaline sang.
“How did we get here?” James and Vocal Adrenaline sang. “Well, I used to know you so well, yeah. How did we get here?? Well, I think I know.”
“Do you see what we've done?” James sang, looking at Archie. “We've gone and made such fools of ourselves. Do you see what we've done?? We've gone and made such fools of ourselves.”
“How did we get here?” James and Vocal Adrenaline sang. “Well I used to know you so well, yeah yeah. How did we get here?? Well I used to know you so well.”
“I think I know,” Vocal Adrenaline sang. “I think I know.”
“Ooh, there is something? I see in you,” James sang. “It might kill me, I want it to be true.”
“That was okay,” Archie said. “You seem distracted, James. If you wanna beat the Warblers tonight at Regionals, it doesn’t matter whether or not we have home field advantage. If you don’t bring it, you might as well not even try.”
“Sorry,” James said, eyeing Jaxon.
Archie turned around and saw Jaxon. He stood up and started toward him.
“Can I help you?” Archie asked. “You’re not a Warbler are you? We don’t take to spies.”
“My school doesn’t have a Glee Club,” Jaxon said. “Well, at least not anymore, anyway. I was just here to see the legendary Vocal Adrenaline in action.”
“Well, book an appointment,” Archie said, coldly. “Or better yet, I can get you some tickets to Regionals tonight to see us in action when it counts.”
“You think you could do that?” Jaxon asked.
Archie smiled. “It’s our auditorium after all, and Vocal Adrenaline has quite the pull. I’ll have Monique bring you some tickets.”
Archie snapped his fingers and Monique took some tickets out of a box and handed them to Jaxon.
“Hope to see you there,” Archie said. “And maybe the great Vocal Adrenaline can inspire your little school to join the world of show choirs. I look forward to the day when we have the opportunity to take you on…and beat you.”
“We’ll see about that,” Jaxon said.
“Yes,” Archie nodded. “We shall. See you tonight.”
Jaxon looked one last time at James, who had a look of indifference on his face. Jaxon looked down at the ground as he turned around and walked out the auditorium door.
____________________________________________________________
Evan sighed as he and Lana walked through the mall, drinking their respective regulars from the Lima Bean. Lana noticed that Evan looked sad.
“What is it?” Lana asked.
“Ever since Jaxon’s head injury, he just doesn’t seem like himself anymore,” Evan said. “It’s like he’s growing distant and he’s not even interested anymore.”
“Give him a little time,” Lana said. “He’s suffering from a head injury.”
“It’s weird,” Evan said. “It’s like nothing is as he thinks it should be. It’s like he has this alternate universe in his head where everything is different. He seems so sure of the things he says, and there is so much he does think he remembers. It thought it was amnesia, but amnesia isn’t like that at all.”
“Just be patient,” Lana said.
“I know his heart isn’t with me anymore,” Evan replied. “When you love somebody that much, you just know.”
“Evan,” Lana said, before being cut off.
“It's not a question of love ‘cause our love has never changed,” Evan sang. “But all the little things keep piling up and life keeps getting in the way. Don't make this harder than it is. We both knew we'd come to this. Better now than in a year, with lots of tears. And we both hate each other, the fuse has already lit. So how about a final kiss? And just let it go.”
“What is it about everybody breaking out in song today?” Lana asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Stop the madness before it explodes,” Evan sang. “Before it's out of our control. Let's stop the madness before it explodes. We gotta let it go before it all explodes. Some things we won't understand and we're both so tired of being misunderstood. So let's just turn around and walk away and hold on to what was good.”
“I mean, seriously, this isn’t normal,” Lana said. “Evan, people are starting to look at you!”
“Don't make this harder than it is,” Evan sang. “We both knew we'd come to this. Better now than in a year with lots of tears. And we both hate each other, the fuse has already lit. So how about a final kiss? And just let it go. Stop the madness before it explodes, before it's out of our control. Let's stop the madness before it explodes. We gotta let it go before it all explodes.”
“I don’t know him,” Lana said to all the people who were watching them as Evan sang. She turned to Evan. “Evan, what are you doing?”
“There ain't nothing that can save us,” Evan sang, jumping up on the edge of a fountain. “We're too close to the end and what's the use of going on if we lie to each other, every word that is said? It's too late for us now ‘cause we can hear the countdown. It's getting close, it's gonna blow. Stop the madness before it explodes, before it's out of our control. Let's stop the madness before it explodes. We gotta let it go before it all explodes.”
As the song ended, Evan jumped down beside Lana, who was hiding her face from embarrassment.
“What is it?” Evan asked.
“I think I fell asleep and woke up in one of those stupid musicals on Disney Channel,” Lana replied. “Can we just go home now before I’m the next one to break out in song? I might have to drown myself in that fountain if I break out into ‘Oops…I Did It Again.’”
“I don’t know what came over me,” Evan explained.
____________________________________________________________
As Jaxon made his way to his truck, he stopped for a minute and looked back.
This all had to be a dream, he thought. But what if this was reality and everything I thought I knew was the dream? Looking at James and having him look at me, like he didn’t even know me, that was killing me. It was taking my breath from my very lungs. I wanted to die. I had never entertained thoughts of wishing I was dead, but being here faced with this, I didn’t wanna go on.
“Seems like just yesterday, you were a part of me,” Jaxon sang as he looked back at Carmel. “I used to stand so tall, I used to be so strong. Your arms around me tight, everything, it felt so right. Unbreakable, like nothing could go wrong. Now I can't breathe. No, I can't sleep. I'm barely hanging on.”
Jaxon turned away and walked toward his truck, pulling his jacket tightly around him.
“Here I am, once again. I'm torn into pieces. Can't deny it, can't pretend. Just thought you were the one. Broken up, deep inside. But you won't get to see the tears I cry behind these hazel eyes.”
Jaxon threw open the door to his truck and threw himself into the front seat as he began to cry.
“I told you everything, opened up and let you in. You made me feel alright for once in my life. Now all that's left of me is what I pretend to be. So together, but so broken up inside. ‘Cause I can't breathe. No, I can't sleep. I'm barely hanging on. Here I am, once again. I'm torn into pieces. Can't deny it, can't pretend. Just thought you were the one. Broken up, deep inside. But you won't get to see the tears I cry behind these hazel eyes.”
Jaxon thought back on his relationship with James, replaying the major events that they had been through together.
“Swallow me then spit me out. For hating you, I blame myself. Seeing you it kills me now. No, I don't cry on the outside anymore, anymore. Here I am, once again. I'm torn into pieces. Can't deny it, can't pretend. Just thought you were the one. Broken up, deep inside. But you won't get to see the tears I cry behind these hazel eyes. Here I am, once again. I'm torn into pieces. Can't deny it, can't pretend. Just thought you were the one. Broken up, deep inside. But you won't get to see the tears I cry behind these hazel eyes.”
As Jaxon wiped the tears from his face, he cranked his truck and pulled out of the parking space.
____________________________________________________________
Jaxon lead the group as Lana, Erica, Evan, John, Miles, Nicole, Bella, Breezy, Aldy, and Rose made their way to their seats.
“Remind me why we’re here,” Bella said.
“Because I scored ten free tickets, that’s why,” Jaxon said.
“Well, I refuse to sit next to her,” Bella said, pointing at Rose. Rose rolled her eyes.
“I’ll sit between you two,” Breezy said. “Someone needs to keep you two from ripping each other’s throats out Predator style.”
“Better you than me,” Lana said.
“I’m going to go get something to drink,” John said.
“I’ll come with,” Nicole said as she took John’s hand and they walked toward the exit.
“They’re so not going for drinks,” Evan said.
“A little smoochie-smoochie,” Bella said with a laugh.
“I threw this kid in a dumpster today, babe,” Miles said. “And I threw a slushie at some girl.”
“That was me,” Lana said.
“Oh was it?” Miles asked. “I’ve never noticed you before. Are you new?”
“I love when you’re violent,” Bella said as she kissed Miles on the cheek.
“Yeah, being the school bully is so attractive,” Lana said sarcastically.
____________________________________________________________
John smiled as he and Nicole ducked into an empty classroom. Nicole giggled.
“This feels so rebellious,” Nicole said. “Sneaking around in another school’s empty classrooms for a little make-out session—ooh, dangerous.”
John smiled. “Look at my arms.”
Nicole raised John’s arms and looked at his cutting scars. She ran her fingers over the pink ribbons that represented where he used to cut himself.
“They’re fading,” Nicole said, smiling.
“You saved me,” John said. “I know it’s not easy loving me—”
“It’s easier than you think,” Nicole said, taking John’s hand.
“It's not so easy loving me,” John sang. “It gets so complicated, all the things you've gotta be. Everything's changing, but you're the truth. I'm amazed by all your patience. Everything I put you through. When I'm about to fall, somehow you're always waiting with your open arms to catch me. You're gonna save me from myself, from myself, yes. You're gonna save me from myself.”
Nicole smiled as her hold on John’s hand tightened.
“My love is tainted by your touch ‘cause some girls have shown me aces, but you've got that royal flush. I know it's crazy every day. Well tomorrow may be shaky, but you never turn away. Don't ask me why I'm crying ‘cause when I start to crumble. You know how to keep me smiling. You always save me from myself from myself, myself. You're gonna save me from myself. I know it's hard, it's hard, but you've broken all my walls. You've been my strength, so strong.”
John raised Nicole’s hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand gently.
“And don't ask me why I love you. It's obvious your tenderness is what I need to make me a better man to myself, to myself, myself. You're gonna save me from myself.”
Nicole’s eyes got teary as she wrapped her arms around John and pressed her lips to his.
“I love you so much,” Nicole said.
____________________________________________________________
As Jaxon and the rest of his friends walked out of Carmel’s auditorium, Breezy found herself looking for Rose, who was nowhere to be found.
“Um, where’s Red?” Breezy asked.
“Catch you later,” Rose said as she walked into view, her arm around Chuck. “I met me a cute Warbler and I’m going with him to celebrate their win.”
“This is better than a trophy,” Chuck said, kissing Rose.
“Um, wow,” Bella said. “She moves on quick.”
“Maybe you guys should go on,” Lana said. “I need to talk to Jaxon alone.”
Evan looked saddened as he nodded and joined the others as they left, leaving Jaxon and Lana alone. Lana looked at Jaxon.
“What’s up?” Lana asked. “For real, Jaxon. I can tell you don’t seem like yourself.”
“You’re gonna think I’m crazy,” Jaxon said.
“No, I would never think that,” Lana said.
“This isn’t me, this isn’t real,” Jaxon said. He judged the look on Lana’s face and quickly protested. “No, please hear me out.”
“Jaxon—” Lana began.
“I was in Glee Club and you and I had a fight with Miles and we sung this song about how we wouldn’t mind if we ever saw each other again. Then, I fell and hit my head and I awoke here. Nothing is as it is supposed to be and it’s like we’re not even the friends we used to be.”
“And why did you drag us here?” Lana asked. “What is here at Carmel?”
“James,” Jaxon said. “He’s my fiancé and the love of my life. I’m not supposed to be with Evan, I’m supposed to be with James.”
“Jaxon, you expect me to believe that this is all some alternate universe that you travelled to when you hit your head?” Lana asked. “Honestly?”
“No, I’m just dreaming,” Jaxon said, pinching his arm. “Wake up, please wake up.”
Suddenly, everything went black and Jaxon could hear Miles and Lana’s pleading voices.
“Wake up, please wake up,” they both said, panicked.
Jaxon slowly opened his eyes and sat up, rubbing the back of his head. “I’m back.”
“We thought we might have lost you,” Lana said. “Thank God you’re okay.”
“Can you wait here, please?” Jaxon asked, standing up. “I need to take care of something first, then I need to take care of something here.”
“I guess I can survive fifteen minutes alone with her,” Miles said.
“Eh, speak for yourself,” Lana said.
“Just for a little bit, okay?” Jaxon asked as he ran toward the exit.
____________________________________________________________
Jaxon threw open the door and ran out into the courtyard, where James was waiting.
“I thought you’d never get done,” James said as he jumped up and threw his arms around Jaxon. “Your head, it’s bruised.”
“I just hit my head a little bit,” Jaxon said. “I’ll be okay now that I found you.”
“Jaxon, I was here the entire time,” James said confused.
“Just promise me something,” Jaxon said. “Promise me that no matter what, no matter what happens to us, that you will always remember that in this moment, we truly, completely, and unconditionally love each other.”
James nodded, confused. “Of course, baby. I promise.”
Jaxon took James into his arms, holding him tightly. “I almost lost you. I refuse to let that ever happen again.”
“What are you talking about?” James asked.
Jaxon walked over to the purple piano in the courtyard and sat down. He began to play as James looked on.
“Heart beats fast, colors and promises,” Jaxon sang. “How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall? But watching you stand alone? All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.”
“One step closer,” James sang.
“I have died everyday waiting for you,” Jaxon and James both sang. “Darling don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.
“Time stands still, beauty in all she is,” James sang. “I will be brave. I will not let anything take away what's standing in front of me. Every breath, every hour has come to this.”
“One step closer,” Jaxon sang.
“I have died everyday waiting for you,” Jaxon and James sang as James took a seat beside Jaxon. “Darling don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.
“And all along I believed I would find you,” Jaxon sang.
“Time has brought your heart to me,” James sang.
“I have loved you for a thousand years,” they both sang. “I'll love you for a thousand more.”
“One step closer,” Jaxon sang.
“One step closer,” James sang.
“I have died everyday waiting for you,” Jaxon and James sang. “Darling don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more. And all along I believed I would find you. Time has brought your heart to me. I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.”
James looked at Jaxon’s blue eyes, twinkling as they welled up with tears. James leaned in, kissing Jaxon as Jaxon wrapped his arms around his true love.
“I knew you would come back to me somehow,” Jaxon said.
James didn’t wonder, he didn’t question as he took Jaxon’s hand and held it tightly.
The scene faded back to the choir room as Jaxon stood there, facing the Glee Club.
“And so, I was finally back in James’ arms after my strange trip,” Jaxon said. “It really taught me that life is too short to take advantage of anything. When it’s gone, it may be a miracle to ever have it back.”
“Where’s Lana?” Hallie asked, looking at the empty seat beside her.
“Yeah, I haven’t seen her since before you guys went to the auditorium during study hall,” Honey said.
“That’s what happened next,” Jaxon said, flashing back to the auditorium.
Jaxon stepped into the auditorium to see Miles and Lana standing on the stage, far apart, and facing in opposite directions.
“We need to address what happened here,” Jaxon said. “That is, if we plan to still be friends and teammates after what happened today. I experience what life would be like if we weren’t where we are now, and it’s not something I want to revisit.”
“What’s there to say?” Lana asked. “We both know where Miles stands.”
“And I know where you both stand,” Miles said.
Jaxon stepped up onto the stage and looked at Miles, then at Lana.
“Hey, slow it down,” Jaxon sang, turning toward the empty seats. “Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?”
“Yeah, I'm afraid,” Lana sang as she stepped forward. “Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?”
“There might have been a time when I would give myself away,” Miles sang, looking at Lana and then Jaxon. “Once upon a time, I didn't give a damn. But now here we are. So whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?”
“Just don't give up, I'm workin' it out,” all three sang. “Please don't give in, I won't let you down. It messed me up, need a second to breathe. Just keep coming around. Hey, whataya want from me? Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?”
“Yeah, it's plain to see, that baby you're beautiful and there's nothing wrong with you,” Lana sang. “It's me, I'm a freak. But thanks for loving me, ‘cause you're doing it perfectly.”
“There might have been a time when I would let you slip away,” Jaxon sang. “I wouldn't even try but I think—”
“You could save my life,” Jaxon and Lana sang as they took each other’s hand.
“Just don't give up, I'm working it out,” all three sang. “Please don't give in, I won't let you down. It messed me up, need a second to breathe. Just keep coming around. Hey, whataya want from me? Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me?”
“Just don't give up on me,” Miles sang.
“I won't let you down,” Jaxon sang. “No, I won't let you down.”
“Just don't give up,” they all sang as they turned to face one another. “I'm working it out. Please don't give in. I won't let you down. It messed me up, need a second to breathe. Just keep coming around. Hey, whataya want from me? Just don't give up. I'm working it out. Please don't give in. I won't let you down. It messed me up, need a second to breathe. Just keep coming around. Hey, whataya want from me?”
“Whataya want from me?” Lana sang.
“Whataya want from me?” All three sang. “Whataya want from me?”
The scene faded back to the choir room as everyone looked at Jaxon, awaiting what was next.
“And that was when—” Jaxon said.
“That was when what?” Hallie asked.
Jaxon swallowed the lump in his throat and sighed deeply as he looked around the room at the rest of New Directions.
THE END