Back-Up Plan - Book 2 - S.E.

The purple piano project

Shalom blogosphere! Jacob Ben-Isreal here at McKinley High. Sudden death - big stakes senior year. Who will succeed and who will fail?"

Winnie groaned as she noticed JBI coming toward her as she stood by Mike's locker, talking to him, Tina and Artie as they exchanged stories about their summer vacations. Reaching the group, JBI was quick to shove his microphone straight at Mike's face, expecting an answer.

"My mom still hasn't decided if I'm going to Harvard or Stamford yet." He said, as Winnie rolled her eyes.

"I still think you got a shot at Julliard if you want to." She mumbled, as Mike just nudged her gently, not really in the mood to start another argument about where he was heading off to after school with his best friend.

They had had enough of those all through their summer break.

"And where are you applying?" JBI asked, turning to Tina then.

"I'm not. I'm only a Junior." She said, before pointing at Mike, herself, Winnie and Artie, in that order. "Senior, Junior, Junior, Junior."

JBI seemed shocked by that information and turned his camera to face Artie then, who smiled rather awkwardly.

"Hello." He smiled, with a small wave.

"Hum. I thought you were a senior." JBI said, as Artie just shook his head.

"Optical Illusion." He said. "The chair adds a year."

"And you, Winnie Archer?" The boy turned to face Winnie next, who just rolled her eyes. "Rumor has it you are heartbroken about the departure of Hobo McBieber."

"Sam?" She frowned. "Why would I be heartbroken? He was dating Mercedes, not me."

"Then you were his side-chick?"

"Excuse me?"

"You were seen visiting Sam Evans in his motel room several times during summer break." JBI pressed. "Comments?"

"I went to take my sisters to visit his siblings." Winnie clarified.

"So no canoodling while there?"

"None of your business."

"So why did you cry so much when he left?" JBI asked and Winnie gasped, noticing everyone's eyes on her. "We have pictures."

"Ugh, get lost Jacob!"

And without another word, Winnie pushed JBI aside as she walked away, leaving some very confused people behind. As soon as Jacob was off too, Tina turned to Mike with a frown.

"Did she really cry when he left?" She asked, as Mike shrugged.

"I didn't know either."

***

The glee kids were reunited in the choir room, but they were all a little confused. For some reason, all of their trophies were being displayed on the floor and they had all gathered around them, wondering what any of that meant. It wasn't until Mr. Schue finally arrived that they finally voiced their questions.

"Mr. Schue, why are all of our trophies in the middle of the room?" Tina asked.

"I was sure that our Nationals trophy would grow during the summer." Brittany said.

"I want this image burned into your mind." Mr. Schue said, picking up their Nationals trophy from last year as all the kids moved to take their seats. "This is what the difference between first and twelfth place looks like. It's also what it feels like."

"Are you planning on bumming us out all year long?" Puck asked, annoyed.

"No. I'm planning on pushing you harder than you've ever been pushed." Mr. Schue said, as Winnie frowned a bit. "We made it to nationals last year. This year I'm not gonna let anything or anyone stop us from winning at all. I let you down last year. I lost focus, let some Broadway pipe dream get in the way."