SpanGLEEish

Chapter 7:

“What are you doing for Christmas, Reina?” Kurt asked. Their French class had just ended and Blaine and I were hanging by Kurt’s locker before we were to seperate ways and continue our day.

I leaned against a locker, my hands gripping my books and my lips pulling down to frown. “Well, my grandfather would usually have me fly down to Mexico so I could spend the holidays with him and my mother. But since he’s passed, I’m not sure what the Lopez’s have planned.”

The couple shared pitying looks and Blaine was about to open his mouth to say something when he was interrupted.

“Hey!” A feminine voice shouted in their direction. With wide eyes, us three stared at the source. Becky Jackson, someone who I wasn’t all that familiar with but had seen around school, was pushing Artie Abrams, fellow glee club member. His eyes were just as wide as ours. Becky pointed at us. “Coach Sylvester wants you all in her office, now!” She didn’t wait for a response and continued to push Artie onward.

“Does that include me?” I felt the need to ask.

“Just c’mon.” Kurt said, shutting his locker and leading the way to follow Becky and Artie.

The infamous Sue Sylvester sat behind her desk messing with a water bottle. Kurt and Blaine took a seat, and Artie rolled himself beside Blaine. Not having anymore seats available, I stood behind them, holding my books to my chest.

Coach Sylvester spoke, finally bringing her eyes to the people who entered her office. “Wheels, Porcelain, Other Gay...” Her eyes fell in my direction and squinted at me. “Who are you?”

So I probably wasn’t included. “Selena Reina Lopez.” I answered without missing a beat.

“She’s the newest member of New Directions.” Kurt added. “I’m surprised Reina didn’t get the luxury of making your acquaintance earlier.

“Well, not everyone can be so lucky.” Sue said with a smirk. Sue returned her gaze in my direction, the wheels seemingly turning in her head. She pointed a finger at me, “You’re Santana’s well-educated younger sister.” I smiled for a moment. “Hard to believe when you would choose to be a part of glee club.”

The smile that began to form on my face quickly dissipated. Everyone else in the room also frowned. “Excuse me?”

“As I was saying, the Yuletide is upon us, and everyone knows that Christmas is a time for forgiveness. So I have decided to forgive you for having no talent and ruining the American songbook one mashup at a time.” My eyebrows furrowed as she continued, “I’ve also forgiven you for forcing me to run in and promptly lose a humiliating statewide election.”

Artie was the first to speak up, “We… accept your forgiveness?”

“Realmente.” I mumbled softly to myself.

Sue continued without pause. “Now Christmas isn’t just a time when Jewish kids get slightly uncomfortable and dwarves get jobs as Santa’s helpers in demeaning nonunion commercials that make them quietly die inside.” I grimaced. “No, Christmas is also a time to give back. Which is why, this Friday, I am volunteering at the Lima Homeless Shelter. And I thought maybe you and your fellow glee club members might want to pitch in by giving the gift of song.”

Kurt was next to speak up, “Coach Sylvester, I’ve heard you say on several occasions that you don’t believe in homelessness.”

“You said you considered homeless people urban campers.” Artie added.

Sue stood up and strode towards one of the office windows. “Can I be honest with you Stumbles, Gelfling, young Burt Reynolds,” she paused to glance in my direction, “Frida.”

I frowned and put a hand to my eyebrows, feeling the hairless space between them.

“I lost my sister this past year,” Sue continued, she set a poinsettia down by some cheerleading trophies. “And this will be my first Christmas without her.” She glanced out the window with a solemn expression, but she quickly shook it off. “And honestly I’m just trying to keep myself occupied. I made plans to shoot reindeer from a helicopter with Sarah Palin, but she cancelled.” She returned to her seat, “Apparently, Todd gets fussy when she misses his ballet recitals.”

Kurt turned to Blaine, they shared a gaze as if communicating telepathically. Kurt said aloud, “We’d be happy to help.”

“Oh, that’s fantastic.” Sylvester replied with a grin. “And now, in the spirit of Christmas, get the hell out of my office.”

Wide-eyed, I led the way out of her office, Becky stuck her tongue out at us as we walked out the door. “Well, I’ll see you all in glee club.” I muttered once in the halls, and we went our separate ways.

The day went on as normal. Yet, every time I caught site of the Christmas decor that surrounded me I felt a twinge of sadness embedded in me slowly inch to the surface.

“Reina.” A familiar friendly voice called out. I didn’t get a chance to turn around, Finn was already by my side.

“Hey.” I muttered to him. His friendly grin faltered slightly.

“You okay?” I nodded. He looked a little hesitant, but went on to ask, “Have you seen Rory?”

I felt my interest spark at the mention of Rory, but I shook my head. “No, actually I haven’t.”

Finn sighed, “Dang. I saw him this morning, he said he had something to tell me…”

“I still do!” Rory strode forward from down the hall, stopping Finn and I in our tracks. “I would like to speak to everyone in glee club, if that’s alright.” He said, smiling at both of us.

Finn patted him on the shoulder, “Of course it is.” He motioned to me, “Let’s get to the choir room.”

I walked alongside Finn and Rory. Everyone was already filling into the choir room and as everything in the school was, the room was filled with decorations. I had actually helped with the decorating earlier, not wanting to seem like a Scrooge. I stared at the massive pine tree as I went to take a seat.

“Hey, everybody, listen up. My man, Rory Flanagan here, wants to say a few.”

Everyone took a seat and watched Rory.

“Thanks Finn Hudson.” Rory stared back at the watching eyes. “So, guys, my mummy was going to come visit for the holidays, but plane tickets are expensive.” I immediately frowned at his words, my thoughts going back to my grandfather and mother as they had all day. “So it’s my first Christmas without any family. I’d like to cheer myself up by dedicating this song to them-- and to the King.”

“Jesus?” Kurt asked right as the music began to play Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley… the King.

“I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you… I’ll be so blue just thinking about you.”

I wanted to smile as I listened to Rory, his voice was beautiful and tender… and making me completely ‘blue’.

“You’ll be doing alright with your Christmas of white… But, I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas.”

“Gosh, that song was so depressing.” None other than Santana remarked. “I may actually be dead right now.”

Santana was only a seat away from me, and while a part of me couldn’t agree more with her, I still felt the need to hiss, “Santana” in her direction. She gave me a shrug.

“I-I think what Santana means is, although that was mournfully beautiful, now that the whole glee club is back together, I think we should focus on the more joyous and the pageant aspect of this holiday season.” Rachel finished cheerfully.

Tina added, “Rachel’s right. Last Christmas was super sad. Kurt was at another school, Coach Sylvester trashed everything, and Artie got a pair of magic legs that broke the next day.” I widened my eyes at her words, and took note that Rory was clearly feeling the same way as me. The two newbies not really knowing at all what happened last year, that was us. “We were the island of misfit toys. This year is going to be...”

Mr. Schuester walked in at that moment, “This year, it’s a whole new sprig of mistletoe! Guess who’s not getting coal in their stockings for once-- us.” He walked to where Rory stood and asked him to take a seat as he continued. “I just got off the phone with Don Borowski, the local station manager at Lima’s PBS affiliate. Turns out that their annual broadcast of the Yule log burning has been cancelled.”

“The hell.” Noah Puckerman barked out.

“Yeah, they can’t afford the licensing fees anymore.” Mr. Schue continued, “But thank you, Scrooges who own that copyright, because Don came to Sectionals, he loved what we did and he is offering us -”

Rachel cut him off, “A Christmas special featuring all of us? Okay, please say you said yes!”

“Not only did I say yes, but when Don said that they were looking for a director for the special, I nominated you Artie.”

I glanced at Artie, he grinned up at Schuester, “Me?”

“Yeah. He saw West Side Story, loved your work and he wants to take a meeting.”

“But I…” My eyebrows furrowed at the hesitating Artie, “I swore I would never sell out and do television. I’m really going to have to think about this, Mr. Schue.”

Confused, yet excited, everyone was then dismissed. Before Rory could walk out, I stopped him with a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and I instantly hugged him. I could feel the eyes of the few people left in the choir room as they passed by us.

When I pulled away Rory was grinning widely and a little pink in the face. “What was that for?”

I grinned back and shrugged, “If I’m being totally honest, that was for me. I needed a hug after your performance.” I finished with a teasing pout.

Rory’s grin faltered. Why was I having that effect on people today? “Did I make you depressed too?”

I realized he was thinking of Santana’s rude vocalization. “No! Well, I was thinking of how my own Christmas isn’t going to be as joyous because I can’t afford a plane ticket of my own.”

Rory furrowed his eyebrows, “Where were you planning on going?”

“I have family in Mexico, my mom…” I was about to mention my grandfather, but stopped myself before I could get the words out.

Rory’s lips formed into a small smile, “I guess we’re in the same boat then.”

I nodded, “Lucky us.”

------

“Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.”

Rachel stood up from the stool on the stage and gave a curtsy. We clapped in response and the music subsided. The glee club was currently seated in the audience section of the auditorium. Artie apparently decided to direct the Christmas special after all and Rachel had given a performance to promote ideas for songs that could be on said Christmas special.

“Rachel,” Artie called out, “could you come see me?”

“Yes, Artie, of course.” Rachel replied as she quickly made her way off stage and towards Artie. “And if this is about my ears, I know that they’re a little naked right now, but that’s just because I’m waiting for something special.” She grinned as she walked past Finn. “Something that’s really gonna sparkle and, you know, catch the light.”

I grinned at Finn’s facial expression and leaned from my seat closer to him, “Is that what you got her for Christmas?”

Finn’s facial expression remained, “No.” He practically whispered back in reply. I laughed softly.

“It doesn’t fit my vision for the Christmas spectacular.” Artie was saying to Rachel.

Rachel put her hand on her hip, “And what is that exactly?!”

Addressing all of us, Artie rolled his wheelchair away from Rachel, “We begin in the Swiss Alps, in the village of Gstaad, in the perfectly-appointed living room of Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson’s chic swank chalet.” I watched Blaine and Kurt share a happy grin with one another. “The tree towering and opulent. The fireplace draped in garlands. The stockings bejewled. Kurt and Blaine, the perfect hosts have invited their friends to drop in for an evening of Noel Coward-esque banter and fun, happy, cheer-filled songs.” Everyone was nodding in agreement with the picture Artie was so carefully painting in our heads.

Rachel was still frowning where she stood, “Are you telling me I’m not invited to Kurt and Blaine’s for Christmas?”

“Not unless you pick a happier song.” Artie replied before continuing his spiel. “The evenings festivities conclude with Rory dressed as the Christmas elf Itchy, reciting Frosty the Snowman.” I shared a grin with Rory. “Start with fun, end with fun. That’s how you do it, kids.”

“The Frosty story isn’t fun.” Sam remarked. “At the end, he melts and dies.”

“I’m rebooting Frosty.” Artie said with a grin. “In my version, he doesn’t melt. He…” Artie paused, “Well, new pages forthcoming.”

Sam stood up from his seat, surprising us all. “What’s wrong with a story that’s a little sad or a song that’s a little depressing? I mean, that’s part of Christmas too, right? It’s the sad things that make you remember what’s really important.” I frowned a little. Sam had a point.

“Sorry Sam, but the phrase is Merry Christmas, not morose Christmas.” said Artie. “That’s the vision. That’s what you have to buy into.”

“Well, sorry, Artie, I’m not buying into it.” Sam strode away from his seat, making his way towards the exit. “I’m gonna go downtown, see if I can ring one of those Salvation Army bells. Come on, Rory.” He turned toward the blue-eyed guy sitting in front of me. “I’ll give you a ride.”

Rory frowned, glancing at Finn and me before replying to Sam. “I should memorize my part, Sam.”

I frowned as I looked up at Sam’s face. He looked alone and disappointed as he turned around to walk out. I’m sure anyone would have joined him and his charitable Christmas act, but we were talking TV.

Even I, Selena Reina Lopez, wouldn’t miss out on being on TV. As selfish as that may sound…

But I do feel guilt about that selfishness. And I felt it more prominently when Sue Sylvester walked in on another of our Christmas special meetings, this one being in the choir room.

“Look at you do-gooders, hard at work!” Coach Sylvester commented as she made her appearance. My eyes widened and I hit Kurt’s arm to get his attention.

“Ow.” Kurt grumbled.

“Oh, lo siento.” I mumbled, watching Sylvester with cautious eyes. Kurt was looking at me like I was crazy, but I was listening intently to what Coach Sylvester was saying.

“I think it’s great you’re working so hard on your performance, and I tell you what, everyone at the homeless shelter is really looking forward to the show.”

Kurt’s eyes widened and he glanced at me, “Oh.”

“I just wanted to confirm with you, Artie, that we’re on for Friday night.” Sylvester said with a tap on Artie’s shoulder.

Artie turned to fully face her, “Oh, Friday. It’s a no-can-do on Friday. We’re taping our Christmas special for the Lima PBS.”

Coach Sylvester was completely caught off-guard, “You told me you were in.”

“This is a huge opportunity for us.” Artie explained, “Can we just do it another night?”

“Homeless will be homeless for awhile.” Santana chimed in. “That’s sort of the problem.”

“I promised them.” Sue Sylvester insisted. “You don’t want to disappoint these kids.”

Artie moved away from Coach Sylvester, “Hmm, like your behavior has disappointed us for years? Last Christmas you cut down our tree, you stole our presents and you made Becky dress up like a reindeer.”

Hearing this again, a small part of me was glad to have not joined the glee club a year earlier.

“So you’re gonna walk away from people who have nothing?”

Rachel broke in, “No, not at all. We’re just gonna distract them from their plight and the smell of urine and make them happy with our glamorous Christmas cheer.”

“The homeless don’t have TVs.” Sylvester countered.

We all remained quiet. I frowned and looked down at my hands.

“So you’re all agreed on this?” Sue tried again. I bit my lip, my eyes glancing up at the woman. “Fine. Merry Christmas.” She turned on her heel to walk out of the room.

Artie returned his attention to us, and acting like that didn’t just happen, he went on, “Let’s take it from the top, guys! And remember, smile.”

My smile would not return.

---------

The Christmas special had begun, and I was dressed for my part. What part, you may ask? Well, I was basically dressed as Princess Leia, because apparently Artie’s vision included Star Wars in his Christmas special. I wasn’t all that familiar with Star Wars, and frankly I’d rather be dressed in a cute holiday dress.

“Why can’t I just join Rachel and Mercedes?” I had argued earlier with our director, Artie.

Artie explained, “Well, that’s already enough powerhouse that duet needs. The guys here,” He motioned to Finn Hudson and Noah Puckerman, “need some lady voice in their song.”

I stopped my arguing after that, because I was honestly being pathetic. Especially when my mind was elsewhere. I don’t know why. We were about to be on TV for all of Lima, Ohio to see! Yet, here I sat backstage, texting Mari and Colleen to do me a big favor.

Yes, at the soup kitchen downtown Lima. Look for Quinn Fabray from New Directions.

Mari and Colleen were only dropping off some canned goods and food they had leftover from St. Cecilia’s annual Christmas party/charity event. And Quinn was not participating in the Christmas special. She went with Sam Evans to go help out Sue Sylvester. Unfortunately and selfishly, my guilt was not vast enough to bail out of this Christmas special.

“Oh, princess.” Puck appeared by my side as I set my cellphone down. “We’re on after commercial.”

“Okay.” I sighed and stood up from my seat. Then it clicked what Puckerman had just called me and tilted my head up at him. “And I don’t know if Santana gave you that idea to call me princess, but it’s really rather insulting to me, so if you could not, that’d be great.”

Puck cocked a brow. “You’re Princess Leia.”

I glanced down at my outfit, “Oh, right.” I said, smoothing down my dress. “Well, let’s do this.”

We were then cued to go on the actual set. Puck opened the door, and I followed him in with Finn behind me.

“Sorry guys, just us.”

Finn pulled out his lightsaber with a goofy grin on his face. Rachel then strode towards us and hugged each of us.

“Oh! How rude of me.” Rachel said as she addressed our television audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, Finn Hudson, Reina Lopez, and Noah Puckerman!”

I flinched a little inside as I waved to the audience. I’ve always addressed myself with my full name… but then again, I always tell people to call me Reina. Now to the Lima world, I will always just be Reina Lopez.

Okay Reina, pay attention!

“Say,” Blaine commented, “Are you dressed like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo?”

I grin widely, “Of course not. That’s copyright infringement.”

“Right, any resemblance to Star Wars characters is purely coincidental.” Finn added.

“Hey, guys, why the long faces?” Puck remarked, making his way further into the ‘room’, Finn and I on his heels. “It’s Christmas Eve, or something.”

“We thought we heard Santa Claus,” Rachel replied, “but with the climate change and end times, we just don’t think Santa Claus is coming to town.”

“Well, that’s not what we heard.” said Finn. Blaine, Kurt, Mercedes and Rachel took a seat, they’re eyes resting on us.

Finn passed me a wreath of bells and I began to shake it, beginning our musical number. Puck grabbed a guitar and Finn sat behind the drum set as he began to sing, “Oh, you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why”

I chimed in with Finn, “Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming… to town!”

Puck strummed his guitar as he sang his solo part, “He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice!”

I harmonized with him next, “Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is co-ming to-o to-own!”

The tempo increased and I finally sang my solo part, dancing around with the bells in hand, “Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry! You better not pout I’m telling you why!”

We all sang! “Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus is coming to town!”

“Ho ho ho ho!”

Puck and I slid on over towards Blaine, who took out a harmonica and played a rhythmic tune on it. Mercedes and Rachel pretended to pull a sleigh, a site I could’ve laughed at, but I had to continue to smile pleasantly and shake the bells.

“You better watch out, you better not cry!” Puck and I sang.

“You better not pout I’m telling you why!” Finn and I sang.

We all sang. “Santa Claus is coming to town! Yeah! Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa Claus is coming to-- Santa Claus is coming to to-own!”

The song ended and a mix of fake and real applause filled our ears. Then the ‘doorbell’ rang.

“Oh, my stars.” Kurt remarked, “More guests? I hope it’s carolers!”

In danced through the door a few Cheerios, my sister, Mike, Tina and Brittany. All dressed like Santa Claus. They commenced their dance segment, with Brittany singing. I had to admit as I sat myself between Puck and Finn, I did not care too much for her voice.

They finished their routine and Santana set a long present at Rachel’s feet before sitting down with Brittany.

“All my Christmas wishes came true!” Kurt beamed.

Blaine added, “All except for one.”

A ringing bell was heard from afar.

“Oh, my goodness, could it be?” Rachel shrilled.

Rory appeared from behind the tree and we all chorused, “Itchy the Holiday Elf.”

“We asked our friend Itchy to stop by and read us a lighthearted, heartwarming, upbeat, happy Christmas tale, Frosty the Snowman.” Kurt mentioned to our audience.

“Actually, I was going to read that, but I searched my heart and I’m going to read one from a different book.” Rory revealed. We all shared anxious looks with one another. “I think it’s something that’s going to remind people what the true spirit of Christmas really is.” I couldn’t help but smile.

“Are you sure you don’t want to read Frosty?” Rachel interjected. “We all really want to hear Frosty.”

Rory called out “Lights please.” And all the lights were dimmed. He began to read from his small book that I realized was a small bible, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.” He took a seat by the fire as he continued, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not. For behold. I bring ye good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people: for unto you born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”

“CUT!”

I frowned, not expecting someone to so rudely interrupt our moment. Mr. Schuester then walked in with Artie at his side.

“We’re no longer on air.” Artie said.

We all stood up, frowning.

Mr. Schuester explained, “Don was able to come to an agreement with the Yule log people. We’ve lost our last minutes of the show.”

I grinned, “Then we can make it to the soup kitchen!”

And we did!

“Miss Lopez.” I heard a voice call out. I noticed both Santana and I turned to the source. We craned our necks upward to look past the people that crowded the soup kitchen. “Reina.” The voice called out again. Santana rolled her eyes and I strode towards Sue Sylvester.

“Yes?”

Coach Sylvester smiled, “I wanted to thank you. We were running scarce on food and your friends came in the nick of time.”

I nodded before adding, “I’m sorry they couldn’t stay to help.” Sue nodded and went back to serving food, seemingly to end our conversation. “And I’m sorry” I continued, “that we bailed on you.”

Coach Sylvester met my eyes again, “I’m pretty sure you kids owe a song.”

I smiled, “Of course.”

------

It was the last day of school before winter break and I was sitting on the couch, cuddled with a warm cup of chai tea. Santana had joined me once she got home and changed the channel so that we were watching A Christmas Story.

“This has got to be my least favorite Christmas movie, Santana.” I commented when she had changed the channel.

“Why? Because it’s crude and you’re a prude.” She had replied.

I laughed, “Well, you’re in the holiday spirit. Rhyming like every who down in whoville.”

She had cocked a brow at me, “Please stop.”

At that moment, Dr. Lopez walked into the living room. He smiled at the site of us. “Look at you two, getting along!”

Santana threw a pillow at me, rather hard I might add. I had to block it with my elbow. “Santana! Casi se me cayo mi te!” I whined.

Our father grumbled at Santana and then motioned towards me. “You have a phone call.”

I furrowed my eyebrows. “From who?”

Dr. Lopez looked hesitant before answering, “Your mother.” Santana’s eyes widened.

I set my mug on the coffee table beside the couch and jumped from my seat to pluck the phone from my father’s hand. I ran upstairs to my bedroom before answering.

I took a deep breath and exhaled as I talked into the phone, “Mom?”

“Hija? Is that really you?” A femininely aged voice replied.

I felt tears well in my eyes, “Yes.” I choked out.

“Selena.” She crooned, “How are you are, mi hija?”

I turned the phone away from me so I could catch the sob in my throat. After a moment, I replied, “I’m fine. How are you calling? It’s expensive to call internationally.”

“The Lord willing, I was able to scrape up enough money to make this call. Since you’re not visiting, because of father, I so desperately wanted to hear your voice again.”

I couldn’t help it, a sob escaped my throat. “I miss him… I miss you.”

“I miss him too, hija. And I miss you oh so much.”

And I stayed there through the evening until it was dark outside, talking to my mom in my pitch black room. Listening to her voice and even singing her a song, something I would do every Christmas. We talked until she was unable to be on the other line any longer.

The last thing she said, “Feliz Navidad, mi amor.”

“Merry Christmas, mom.” I replied. And then she hung up.

I stayed in my room a moment longer, before making up my mind that I needed to go out and get some fresh air. Nobody bothered me as I left the household and started up my car.

I decided to get another cup of tea from a cafe downtown, but as I was making my way there, I noticed two familiar people ringing bells by a Salvation Army bucket. I walked up to Sam and Rory, a grin on my face.

They each grinned when they caught sight of me. “Reina!” Rory called out.

“Hey guys. What are you two still doing out here so late?”

“It’s only ten. My last job had me out of my house all hours of the night.” Sam replied.

Rory chuckled, “We were just about to finish up. What are you doing out so late?

I turned my head to look down the road at the cafe. “There’s a cafe I’ve been to that I know stays open until this time.” I returned my attention to the boys, “You guys want to join me?”

Sam set his bell down and shook his head, “Can’t. I’ve gotta get this bad boy to the Salvation Army before it closes.” He said, referring to the red bucket. He waved his hand in Rory’s direction, “You should go, Rory. You can’t leave Reina alone at this time of night.”

Rory grinned at me and I grinned back and shrugged. Rory also set his bell down, “You sure you don’t need my help, Sam?”

Sam whispered something to Rory. Rory’s cheeks turned pinker than they already were from the cold. Sam turned away from Rory and pointed a finger at me. “Next time, Reina!”

I nodded and Rory walked to my side. I smiled at Rory, “I’ll lead the way.”

We walked along the sidewalk, no one else was out at this time, so it was especially quiet. I watched the trail of snow by my feet. “Does it get this cold back home?” I asked Rory.

He grinned and nodded, “Yes, just the same. But the snow really gathers, and it looks like white hills all around instead of the usual green terrain.”

I smiled and met his eyes shyly, “That sounds lovely.”

We remained silent as we made our way into the cafe and I ordered a peppermint herb tea. We took a seat by the mini fireplace that was in the cafe. My thoughts were still on my mother; I felt happy and sad from our vocal reunion, but having Rory by my side was the perfect distraction.

“So, what are you doing for Christmas?” I asked.

Rory was warming his hands by the fire, “Well Brittany and her family are traveling away and Sam offered to let me spend Christmas with him and his family.”

My eyes widened, “Wow, how nice of him.”

Rory grinned and nodded, “Yeah, he’s been a great Christmas sponsor.”

I leaned back in my seat, “Christmas sponsor? I could’ve used one of those.” I teased.

“Reina!” The barista called out. I moved to stand from my seat, but Rory was already on his feet and insisting for me to sit back down.

“I’ve got it.” He said with a cheeky grin. I nodded and craned my neck slyly to watch him get my drink.

The night of sectionals was the point where I realized that I had formed fanciful feelings for Rory Flanagan. For someone like myself, who can be extremely observant, I was really ignorant when it came to my own feelings and/or others advances on me. So as I sat on this seat, I wondered if Rory had any feelings for me and was racking my brain to think of all our times together, searching for clues of such feelings.

As he was walking my way, to-go cup of tea in hand, a familiar instrumental tune began to play that filled the cafe. I grinned to myself, though my eyes were still on Rory. He blinked his eyes in confusion but grinned back at me as he handed me my drink. “What?” He finally asked, taking a seat.

I shrugged, taking a sip of tea, my ears still listening to the soft music. “Oh, I was just wondering… what are you doing for New Years Eve?”

That seemed to have taken him off guard. Rory shrugged, “I don’t really know.” He took note of my smiling face and tilted his head in curiousity, “Why?”

My ears were still listening closely to the music. “Well, I just kind of wanted to ask…” I sat up in my seat and cleared my throat, “Maybe it’s much too early in the game.” I sang along with the music. “Oh, but I thought I’d ask you just the same.” I watched Rory’s eyes widen in surprise. “What are you doing New Year’s, New Years Eve”

Rory chuckled and looked to see if the barista was watching. I didn’t pay attention to her as I continued, “Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight when it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night. Welcoming the New Year” I stood up, motioning him to follow me out the door of the cafe. “New Year’s eve”

We were again met with the cold weather as we walked outdoors. Rory pulled me closer, and I welcomed his warmth with a shy smile. “Maybe I’m crazy to suppose” Rory sang back, I grinned up at his face. “I’d ever be the one you chose, out of a thousand invitations that you’d receive.”

I joined him in singing the next part as we continued to walk down the sidewalk. “Ooh, but in case I stand one little chance. Here comes the jackpot question in advance. What are you doing New Years, New Year’s eve?”

“What are you doing New Years, New Year’s eve…”