Invitationals (Script)

To read the description for this episode, go to Invitationals.

Script
'''Pre-intro scene, cheer rehearsal. BETH’s in her element, at the top of the pyramid, with a million-watt grin on her face.'''

OPHELIA: [Muttered, to DAMIEN] I swear to God, if she doesn’t stop smiling like that, I’ll drop her, and feel no remorse.

DAMIEN: You don’t have to specify the last part, babe, I know you don’t feel remorse.

OPHELIA grins, in spite of herself.

OPHELA: Damn right.

DAMIEN: How can you tell she’s smiling, anyway?

OPHELIA: I can just sense it, and I hate it. Hey, you’ve got an admirer.

DAMIEN looks around, until he sees LIAM, standing far from the field, by a wall, watching.

DAMIEN: Huh…

OPHELIA: You’ve gotta stop flirting with the kid, D. He’s taken.

DAMIEN: I did. We’re just friends, so I’m sure he’s watching as a friend…

OPHELIA: A friend who avoids you like the plague. So, are you telling me nothing happened?

DAMIEN: Well… I can’t tell you.

OPHELIA: D, I know everything about everyone, I’ll find out, someday, either way. Come on, I’ll keep it a secret. God knows I’m already keeping some for you.

DAMIEN: Well, if God knows, you can’t be doing that good of a job at it! Alright… He came to my apartment, to give me my hoodie, and… We kissed, a little bit, but he regretted it, so I stopped. Please, don’t tell anyone. I’ve made things confusing for him, and I’ve gotta lay off, so leave him alone, alright? He’s probably straight, and I just shocked him too much for him to pull away for a while.

OPHELIA: You really believe that?

DAMIEN: It’s none of my business. Or yours. Aw, look.

OPHELIA follows his gaze.

DAMIEN: Hey, Beth, look who’s here!

'''BETH sees RICKY, tossing a ball around with JUDE, and a couple other jocks. Her eyes light up, and he, apparently just noticing the entire human pyramid next to him, looks up at her, dazed.'''

BETH: Hi, Ricky!

RICKY: Hey, Beth!

ISABEL: [Through her megaphone] No talking, girls!

DAMIEN: So, I’m still good to talk, coach?

ISABEL: Never.

'''RICKY, remaining distracted, is soon hit by a ball, as his friends laugh. Pan to QUENTIN, sitting on the bleachers, frantically scribbling ideas.'''

ISABEL: Passing out is for the weak, Vanessa! Fine, take a break, ladies. Damien, you too, don’t just stand there, unless you want me to make you run laps.

'''Everyone rushes to the bleachers. OPHELIA kisses TOBIAS, and receives a bottle of water and a shoulder massage.'''

BETH: Hey, Quen! Someone’s working hard!

QUENTIN: Hey, you. I’m just working out our setlist for Invitationals.

OPHELIA: It’s always Glee Club with you…

QUENTIN: As co-captain, it kinda has to be. Beth has enough on her plate. Hey, B, what do you think of this?

BETH: [Distractedly] Think of what?

QUENTIN: The setlist?

BETH: Uh… Looks good. Do you think Ricky’s been working out?

QUENTIN: I’m pretty sure that’s all he does. You think this is good?

BETH: Yeah, sure!

QUENTIN: You didn’t even look…

BETH: I trust you. Oh, Ricky has a new t-shirt!

OPHELIA: Riveting. Tobias, let’s go and be not here. Dami, are you coming?

DAMIEN: No, I think I’ll go say hi to—

OPHELIA: He left.

DAMIEN: Sure, I’ll come!

OPHELIA and DAMIEN move a few rows back in the bleachers, and TOBIAS follows, with all of OPHELIA’s stuff.

BETH: Doesn’t he look good today?

QUENTIN: Yep, like you said yesterday, and the day before, and the day before. I need more songs…

BETH: Just do Hairspray again, it’s a classic.

QUENTIN: But, the club are bored of that, they need a break. And, it’s so high-energy, they’d been too exhausted for anything else. Not everyone has your stamina.

BETH: Well, they should.

QUENTIN: …Alright.

BETH: Look at his arms… Have you ever seen arms like that?

QUENTIN: Yeah, on him, every day. So, I’ve been talking to Misty about the choreo, and she thinks—

BETH: Do you think I should go and talk to him?

Her continuous chatter fades into the background.

QUENTIN: ''Help! I need somebody''

''Help! Not just anybody''

''Help! You know I need someone''

Help!

He looks to DAMIEN, who shrugs, evidently amused.

QUENTIN: When I was younger, so much younger than today

I never needed anybody's help in any way

But now these days are gone and I'm not so self assured

Now I find I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors.

'''Flashback, BETH’s room. QUENTIN’s lying on the bed, still scribbling, and listening to her talk.'''

QUENTIN: Help me if you can, I'm feeling down

And I do appreciate you being 'round

Help me get my feet back on the ground

Won't you please, please help me?

Cut to the cafeteria, the same situation.

QUENTIN: And now my life has changed in oh so many ways

My independence seems to vanish in the haze

But ev'ry now and then I feel so insecure

I know that I just need you like I've never done before.

LYRA, watching from across the room, laughs, with sympathetic eyes.

QUENTIN: Help me if you can, I'm feeling down

And I do appreciate you being 'round

Help me get my feet back on the ground

Won't you please, please help me?

Cut to the library, again, the same situation.

QUENTIN: When I was younger, so much younger than today

I never needed anybody's help in any way

But now these days are gone (These days are gone) and I'm not so self assured

Now I find I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors.

'''OPHELIA, studying, glares at both of them. As does the librarian.'''

QUENTIN: Help me if you can, I'm feeling down

And I do appreciate you being 'round

Help me get my feet back on the ground.

Cut back to the bleachers.

QUENTIN: Won’t you please, please help me?

Beth!

BETH: [Obliviously] What? '''Scene 1, on the quad. AUBRI’s lying on the grass, alone, until LIAM rushes over.'''

LIAM: Hey! Sorry I’m late, I… Got distracted.

AUBRI: That’s okay, baby. Homework again?

LIAM: Yeah. Just homework. I hate Math, so much.

AUBRI: You’re really struggling, huh? If you wanna talk to Mr. Larson, I’ll come with you.

LIAM: No, it’s fine. I’ll be okay. So, uh… What’s going on with you?

AUBRI: Not much. Come sit with me.

LIAM does so.

AUBRI: I’ve barely seen you in weeks… Even when you’re there, you’re not really there.

LIAM: I know, I’m sorry. But, I’m done with that, now.

AUBRI: You sure?

LIAM: Yeah. I’m here, with you, and I love you. More than… Anything. Alright?

He kisses her nose, and runs a hand through her hair.

LIAM: I’m all yours.

AUBRI: Liam…

LIAM: Mm?

AUBRI: You’re cute.

LIAM: So I’ve been told. By you, I mean. No one else. Well, my mother, sometimes. A lot of times. I’m getting off-track again, aren’t I?

AUBRI: Little bit.

LIAM: Sorry.

AUBRI: No, it’s okay. Again, you’re cute. How’s things?

LIAM: Things? Things are fine. Great. Couldn’t be… Thing-ier.

AUBRI: That’s… Good? Things should always be thing-y, it’s in the name.

LIAM: Well, exactly. You get it.

He watches her, lovingly.

AUBRI: Baby… Staring.

LIAM: I know. You want me to stop?

AUBRI: Not in the least. Never stop.

LIAM: That might prove difficult, but sure. I could do this for a long time…

AUBRI: Forever?

LIAM: Forever’s unrealistic… I’d love to.

AUBRI: Then, pretend. You’re an actor.

LIAM: Point taken. But, I don’t kiss with my eyes open. You sure you’re willing to sacrifice kissing?

AUBRI: Hm… Yeah, that would be a problem. You’d better kiss me a lot, now, so we’re prepared for a very long staring contest.

LIAM: Ah, a staring contest, the height of romance. If anyone else suggested that, I’d laugh them out of the room.

AUBRI: Well, we’re not in a room. Scared you’ll lose?

LIAM: Absolutely. Eye contact is awful. Granted, most rules have exceptions…

AUBRI: Meaning me?

LIAM: Always and forever.

AUBRI: I thought forever was unrealistic…

LIAM: Well, maybe I’ve changed my mind.

He sees DAMIEN walking past, and can’t help but watch, unsure what to feel or think.

AUBRI: [Hastily] Hey.

'''LIAM’s gaze snaps back to her. She plasters on a grin.'''

AUBRI: Where’d you go, huh?

LIAM: I’m still here, promise.

AUBRI: But, for how long?

LIAM says nothing.

AUBRI: In this masquerade, she can't feel the pain

Cover up her heart, with a little paint

While he's pulling out a flask, to hide it all away

There's nothing left to say

He knows that they're drowning

She hopes that there's still something left

Let go now cause he's leaving

But she'd be fine pretending

Things were alright, even while its ending keep it inside

She can feel them bending

All their love is pending so what is she defending?

Even when she says she'll open her eyes

All her words are empty when she denies

But she can feel them bending

All their love is pending so what is she defending?

But she'd be fine prete-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh

She'd be fine

Step into the light, to look him in the eye

Feeling so exposed, she tries to stay composed

But every little fight, and every little lie is impossible to hide

He knows that there're drowning

She hopes that there's still something left

Let go now cause he's leaving

But she'd be fine pretending things were alright

Even while its ending keep it inside

She can feel them bending

All their love is pending so what is she defending?

Even when she says she'll open her eyes, all her words are empty when she denies

But she can feel them bending

All their love is pending so what is she defending?

But she'd be fine prete-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh

She'd be fine

I hate to watch her hurt, I know it isn't right

But she can find the courage to leave it all behind

I wish I had I the words to help her realize

That there is just no way to bring this back to life

He knows that, they're drowning

But she'd be fine pretending things were alright

Even while its ending keep it inside

She can feel them bending

All their love is pending, so what is she defending?

Even when she says she'll open her eyes

All the words are empty when she denies

But she can feel them bending all their love is pending so what is she defending?

But she'd be fine prete-eh-eh-eh-eh

She'd be fine…

Let’s get dinner.

LIAM: At lunchtime?

AUBRI: Tonight, silly.

LIAM: I wish I could.

AUBRI: Then, why not?

LIAM: Homework, my parents, the list goes on. I’m sorry. Look, I’ll tell them we have an extra long rehearsal tomorrow, to prepare for Invitationals, and we can go to Breadstix, and then… Back to yours.

AUBRI: Really?

LIAM: Well, do you want to?

AUBRI: So much.

LIAM: Then it’s a date. Oh, shit, time for rehearsal.

AUBRI: Shit, shit, shit, you’re right. Run for it?

'''She stands, and holds her hand out to LIAM. They run to rehearsals, hand-in-hand and laughing.''' '''Scene 2, in the choir room. QUENTIN’s on top of the piano, you guessed it, writing. Meanwhile, MAGS is kissing LOGAN, subtly smirking.'''

MAGS: Mm… All mine.

LOGAN: [Enraptured] Uh-huh…

OPHELIA: Gross.

TOBIAS: Completely.

OPHELIA: You never get like that over me. Am I not worth it?

TOBIAS: No, no, you’re worth everything!

OPHELIA: Prove it.

TOBIAS: Later.

OPHELIA smiles, satisfied.

OPHELIA: Promise?

TOBIAS: On my honour.

OPHELIA: [Teasing] What honour?

BLUE: Beth’s pretty late, huh?

SEPTEMBER: Yeah…

BLUE: Heard from her?

SEPTEMBER: Are you kidding? We’ve barely spoken in days, she doesn’t have time for me, lately.

BLUE: Oh…

SEPTEMBER: Do you think she’s still mad that we skipped rehearsals?

BLUE: No, I’m sure that’s not it, babe.

SEPTEMBER: I don’t know…

QUENTIN: Where the hell is she…?

ALFIE: I have no idea. Shall I go and look?

QUENTIN: No. No, it’s fine. God, I’m really stuck on this list.

ALFIE: Need a hand?

QUENTIN: Maybe.

ALFIE: Let me see what you’ve got.

'''QUENTIN reluctantly hands it over. ALFIE sits on the piano stool, and reads.'''

ALFIE: Right… Showtunes, all crossed out, quite a bit of swearing, and… Oh, nice dolphin. Wow, you really are struggling, eh?

QUENTIN: Told you.

ALFIE: Well, I’m sure we can—

BETH rushes in, with considerably more makeup than she was wearing that morning.

OPHELIA: There you are! I knew I could smell Victoria’s Secret body spray, and superiority.

BETH: Yeah, that’s yourself.

OPHELIA: That is not true.

TOBIAS: No. A Lush store, and superiority… And rage.

OPHELIA: Exactly. There’s a difference.

SHAWN: Okay… Beth, what’s the plan?

BETH: The— The plan? Right… Well, Quentin has the notes from yesterday’s rehearsal, so, we’ll go over those first, and then…

OPHELIA: And then what?

BETH: Rehearsal notes first! Q?

QUENTIN turns away, and continues writing.

BETH: Quentin, are you kidding me? Did you forget them?

QUENTIN: No. I didn’t forget them today, I didn’t forget them when I texted them to you last night, and I didn’t forget them when I asked if you wanted them, on the way here.

BETH: What?

QUENTIN: You don’t remember? Huh, how strange… Maybe because you didn’t care enough to listen. You wanted to start this club, so how have I become the one that does everything?

BETH: I’ve been busy…

QUENTIN: With what, exactly? You’ve been free all week. No, you’ve just been too busy thinking about… Other things, even though Invitationals is so soon, and we’re barely prepared, thanks to someone being missing yesterday.

BETH: I had cheer rehearsal!

QUENTIN: So did Damien, but he ditched.

BLUE: [Whispered] Hey, does anyone have any popcorn?

SEPTEMBER swats at him, but OPHELIA holds out a bag of popcorn, which she’s gleefully eating, and passing around.

MAGS: Sometimes I almost like you.

OPHELIA: Thank you. It’s not mutual.

QUENTIN: Beth, I’m sick of this. Are you in or out?

BETH: Of course I’m in.

QUENTIN: Then, why don’t you prove it?

BETH: Quen…

QUENTIN: Well, go on. If you really care.

BETH: I don’t control all of my schedule!

QUENTIN: No, I know. But, you’re 10 minutes late, when there was nothing on your schedule, and the least you can do is pay attention when you ARE here. I’ve spent my whole day trying to get you to even look at the setlist, and got nowhere, and I have witnesses.

BETH: Like I said, I trust you.

QUENTIN: Yeah. You trust me to handle everything. Your obedient little sophomore pet. “Good boy, Quentin! Write the notes, choreograph the dances, write the setlist. There’s a good boy! And, now you get a treat!”

SHAWN: Uh, guys—

BETH: Quentin, that’s not fair.

QUENTIN: Isn’t it? Everyone’s thinking it.

'''The club look around, shiftily. OPHELIA slowly puts the popcorn away.'''

QUENTIN: See?

BETH: You’re being ridiculous.

QUENTIN: Now you know how I feel.

BETH: Look, I am trying!

QUENTIN: Of course you are. The rest of us are just trying harder.

'''BETH slaps him, hard. QUENTIN, caught off-guard, falls from the piano.'''

ALFIE: Jesus! You alright?

QUENTIN: I’m fine.

BETH: Quentin…

QUENTIN: No.

ALFIE holds a hand out to help him up, as everyone watches BETH, horrified.

QUENTIN: Let’s just get this over with. Take your damn notes.

He tears a page from his second notebook, and puts it on the piano.

BETH: But—

QUENTIN: Just… Stop.

JAMES and IVAN signal for SHAWN to take over.

SHAWN: [Hissed] No, no, no, I can’t. Please, no.

IVAN groans, quietly, as JAMES shakes his head, with great exasperation.

ALFIE: Shall we continue?

IVAN: Yeah, we’d better. Alright, guys, notes from yesterday!

OPHELIA: [Softly] What the hell, Beth?

BETH: I… Don’t know. '''Scene 3, after rehearsals. The bell rings.'''

IVAN: — And that’s all the time we have for today.

MAGS: Great! [Softly] Lo-Lo, let’s go to the mall.

LOGAN: Leave campus?

MAGS: …Yeah?

LOGAN: No, I can’t.

MAGS: Oh, come on! For— Okay… After school?

LOGAN: Uh, sure… Why?

MAGS: It’s makeover time.

LOGAN follows her out, grinning.

IVAN: Quentin, you good?

QUENTIN: I’m fine. It’ll bruise, but… Yeah, I’ll live. About the setlist—

IVAN: Hey, don’t worry about that. We’ll think of something, it’s not the end of the world.

QUENTIN: I know, but still… I’ll have it finished by the end of tomorrow, I promise.

IVAN: Are you sure?

QUENTIN: Cross my heart.

IVAN: Alright, kiddo. You have a good day, alright? See you in study hall. And, if you wanna use the time for that, then…

QUENTIN: Thanks, Mr. P.

MISTY: Quentin! Let’s walk to class together, I’m already walking with Viola!

QUENTIN: Really? Thanks.

MISTY: No problem!

Soon, only RICKY and BETH are left.

BETH: Hey, Ricky… At least I’ve still got you, right?

RICKY: No. You don’t.

BETH: What?

RICKY: I’m s— Look, it was a dick move to treat him like you have. And you slapped him, Beth.

BETH: You heard what he said!

RICKY: Yeah, I did. And, even I know that he was right. I like you, Beth. A lot. But, this isn’t you. Well, I hope it isn’t. You wanna prove me right?

BETH: But, Ricky—

RICKY: Right. I’ve heard all I need to. If you change your mind, I’ll see you in rehearsals, tomorrow.

'''He exits. The lights go out, and there’s a spotlight on BETH. Suddenly, RICKY’s back, with SEPTEMBER and QUENTIN.'''

BETH: You’re… Back? Guys, I’m— Guys?

SEPTEMBER: So you found a place where the grass is greener

And you jumped the fence to the other side

Is it good?

Are they giving you a world I could never provide?

Well I hope you're proud of your big decision

Yeah, I hope it's all that you want and more

Now you're free from the agonizing life you were living before

And you say what you need to say

So that you get to walk away

It would kill you to have to stay trapped

When you've got something new

Well I'm sorry I had it rough

And I'm sorry I'm not enough

Thank God they rescued you

So you got what you always wanted

So you got your dream come true

Good for you

Good for you, you, you

Got a taste of a life so perfect

So you did what you had to do

Good for you

Good for you.

QUENTIN: Does it cross your mind to be slightly sorry?

Do you even care that you might be wrong?

Was it fun?

Well I hope you had a blast while you dragged me along!

RICKY: And you say what you need to say

And you play who you need to play

And if somebody's in your way

Crush them and leave them behind!

QUENTIN, SEPTEMBER, RICKY: Well I guess if I'm not of use

Go ahead, you can cut me loose

Go ahead now, I won't mind.

OPHELIA, DAMIEN and TOBIAS enter.

SEPTEMBER: I'll shut my mouth and I'll let you go

Is that good for you?

Would that be good for you, you, you?

[+QUENTIN] I'll just sit back while you run the show

Is that good for you?

Would that be good for you, you, you?

All join, and continue it as BETH sings.

BETH: All I need is some time to think

But the boat is about to sink

Can't erase what I wrote in ink

Tell me how could you change the story?

All the words that I can't take back

Like a train coming off the track

 'Cause the rails and my bones all crack

I've got to find a way to

''Stop it, stop it! Just let me out!''

ALL EXCEPT BETH: So you got what you always wanted

So you got your dream come true

Good for you

Good for you, you, you

Got a taste of a life so perfect

Now you say that you're someone new

Good for you

Good for you

Good for you

Good for you

So you got what you always wanted!

'''OPHELIA pushes BETH to the floor. When she looks up, the lights are on, and everyone’s gone.''' '''Scene 4, in the mall. MAGS is dragging LOGAN around, and he’s perfectly happy to follow.'''

MAGS: Now will you admit I’m right about Beth?

LOGAN: I don’t know… Maybe. But, did you see her face when Quentin fell?

MAGS: Fell? Come on, Lo-Lo, how gullible are you? He was basically pushed.

LOGAN: I guess. But, she’s usually so sweet.

MAGS: You don’t know her like I do.

LOGAN: No, I guess I don’t. She’s your… Whatever she is. Of course you know best.

MAGS: Uh-huh. And, everyone else sees it too, now. They see her for what she really is.

LOGAN says nothing.

MAGS: You should stay away from her… If you want my advice. Oh my God. Is that Danny Schuester? Ugh.

LOGAN: Huh… Wonder what he’s doing here.

MAGS: No, no, try again. Because, we don’t care.

LOGAN: We don’t?

MAGS: No. He’s a lowly freshman, with no social status. Do you wanna be like him?

LOGAN: Well…

MAGS: We only associate with him when we have to, or when it’s useful.

LOGAN: Because of his father?

MAGS: Exactly. Most people have their uses. Even the little Catholic. Mr. Pierce adores her.

LOGAN: Isn’t it kind of wrong to use people like that?

MAGS: You don’t climb the social ladder by having morals.

LOGAN: Oh…

MAGS: You’ll learn. Hopefully.

DANNY: Hey, Abrams.

LOGAN: Hi, Danny! How are you… Man?

DANNY: Not bad. She drag you here?

LOGAN: …No.

DANNY: [Smugly] Sure.

He glances into LOGAN’s bag of shopping, and snorts.

LOGAN: What, you don’t like the clothes?

DANNY: How many ties can one man need?

MAGS: More than a little boy like you could ever imagine. Come on, Lo-Lo.

DANNY: Bye-bye, Lo-Lo.

LOGAN laughs, embarrassed, and lets himself be dragged away.

LOGAN: No, we can’t go in here… I can’t afford anything from a place like this!

MAGS: And I’ve got a credit card I borrowed from one of my dads. So, we’re going in there.

LOGAN: Magnolia!

MAGS: Problem?

LOGAN: Absolutely not, let’s go. Is stealing required to climb the social ladder, too?

MAGS: Where do you think we get the ladder from?

'''LOGAN laughs, and looks at the racks of clothes. He reaches for a shirt.'''

LOGAN: Oh, this is—

MAGS: Horrible, put it back.

LOGAN drops the shirt, as if it was red hot.

LOGAN: Okay.

MAGS: This, on the other hand…

LOGAN: Dresses aren’t really my kind of thing.

MAGS: For me, dingus. What do you think? Would it look good on me.

LOGAN glances over, considering this.

MAGS: Wrong answer.

LOGAN: What? I didn’t even—

MAGS: The answer is always mindless reassurance. Except for when it isn’t.

LOGAN: Huh. How will I know—

MAGS: Figure it out.

LOGAN: But, how?

MAGS: You ask too many questions.

LOGAN: Yep, heard that before.

MAGS: From who?

LOGAN: My parents, mostly. Oh, and my kindergarten teacher. These things stay with you.

MAGS: Mm… You know, once we’re done with the clothes, we’ve gotta work on the personality.

LOGAN: What’s wrong with my personality?

MAGS: What personality?

LOGAN: Right… You know, these clothes, I like.

He gestures to the ones he’s wearing.

MAGS: Good. Tag’s still on, by the way.

LOGAN: Oh, right. Do you have scissors?

MAGS: I have teeth.

LOGAN: [Strangely aroused] Yeah you do.

MAGS bites the tag off, as LOGAN watches, eyes alight.

MAGS: You like that?

LOGAN: A lot…

MAGS: You wanna see what else this mouth can do?

LOGAN: [Quickly] Yes.

MAGS: Later. I believe you were complimenting my taste?

LOGAN: Oh, yeah! I’m so much more confident, wearing these.

MAGS: It’s not the clothes.

LOGAN: No, I know, confidence comes from inside, and—

MAGS: What? Ew, no. Not that either.

LOGAN: It isn’t.

MAGS: Nope.

LOGAN: Then, what?

MAGS: Think.

LOGAN: I do very little else. I’m not getting it.

MAGS raises an eyebrow.

MAGS: Think harder. Look at who you’re with.

LOGAN: Oh… Yeah, that adds up! It’s all you.

MAGS: You’re learning. Come on, I see more ties! Scene 5, the choir room, lunchtime.

QUENTIN: By the end of today… Invitationals is tomorrow. What have I got myself into? I wish she was here… Or anyone.

When I was young

I never needed anyone

And making love was just for fun

Those days are gone

Livin' alone

I think of all the friends I've known

When I dial the telephone

Nobody's home

All by myself

Don't wanna be

All by myself

Anymore…

'''Cut to the cafeteria. BETH’s eating alone.'''

BETH: Hard to be sure

Sometimes I feel so insecure

And loves so distant and obscure

Remains the cure

All by myself

Don't wanna be

All by myself

Anymore

All by myself

Don't wanna live

All by myself

Anymore…

When I was young

I never needed anyone

Making love was just for fun

[+QUENTIN] Those days are gone

All by myself

Don't wanna be

All by myself

Anymore.

Cut back to the choir room.

BETH & QUENTIN: All by myself

Don't wanna live

Oh

Don't wanna live

By myself, by myself

Anymore

By myself

Anymore

Oh

All by myself

Don't wanna live

I never, never, never

Needed anyone!

A timid knock on the door.

QUENTIN: Uh-huh?

A pause.

QUENTIN: Come in.

LIAM enters.

QUENTIN: Oh! Hey, Liam.

LIAM: Hey. I brought you a sandwich, I don’t know if you want a sandwich, but… Lunch is good.

QUENTIN: Always. Thanks.

LIAM: No problem. Still working on it?

QUENTIN: Take a guess.

LIAM: Is that a yes?

QUENTIN: Yeah.

LIAM: Well, hey, I offer my services, if that’ll help.

QUENTIN: Really? Thank you so, so much!

LIAM: Any time! Aubri would have come too, but she’s taking advantage of the lack of rehearsals to get some track time in.

QUENTIN: Right… We’ll rehearse after school, I promise. If I ever finish this.

LIAM: We will.

MISTY: [Offscreen] Hell yeah, we will!

MISTY bursts in, followed by SKY, LYRA and DAMIEN.

MISTY: I brought some friends. The second this setlist is finalised, we can start the choreo.

QUENTIN: Isn’t that pretty short notice?

MISTY: Then we’ll have to work fast. We’ve got rehearsals after school, and we’ve got lunch, and after school, tomorrow.

QUENTIN: Still, Invitationals is after school…

MISTY: There’s time. And, worst comes to worst, we can ditch class. Damien and I have Mr. Winstanley last period, I’ll say I’m on my period, and he will not question it. He gets weird about it.

DAMIEN: It’s hilarious. Do you think I could use that one too?

MISTY: You’d confuse him long enough to escape.

DAMIEN: That works.

LYRA: Quen, what have we got?

QUENTIN: Study hall, Mr. P. He said it’s fine to work on this. Choreo, probably not.

MISTY: We’ve got this! Seriously, it’ll be done in no time at all.

QUENTIN: You think so?

MISTY: I know so. Come on, guys, get some chairs over here.

'''The group go to do so. LIAM finds himself next to DAMIEN.'''

DAMIEN: Hey… Can we talk?

LIAM: There’s nothing to talk about. Friends, like we agreed.

DAMIEN: Then, why avoid me?

LIAM: It’s… Too hard.

DAMIEN: Heard that one before.

LIAM: Damien, this is serious.

DAMIEN: You’re right, I’m sorry. So, are we friends, or what?

LIAM: We will be.

DAMIEN: When?

LIAM: When I’m ready. When I know I can… Resist. Stay away from me and Aubri, okay? We’re happy.

DAMIEN: Okay… Okay. I’ll do whatever you want me to.

LIAM: Don’t. Don’t be charming.

'''He sits by the piano, turning away from DAMIEN. After a moment, TOBIAS enters.'''

QUENTIN: What…? Hey, Tobias! You are separable from Ophelia! I always thought you’d combust, or something.

TOBIAS: There’s still time. I just thought I’d come and… Help, and stuff. You know, of my own volition.

'''QUENTIN raises an eyebrow. The rest simply stare.'''

TOBIAS: Alright, Ophelia told me to come!

QUENTIN: Weird, but it still makes more sense.

DAMIEN: Yeah, that adds up.

TOBIAS: She made me promise not to tell.

DAMIEN: Well, that worked out great!

MISTY: Come in, sweetie. Sit.

TOBIAS: Alright…

MISTY: Actually, this is perfect, ‘cause we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, with choreo.

TOBIAS: Oh, did you finish the—

ALL: No.

TOBIAS: —Setlist…

QUENTIN: No, but we’re gonna. Everyone, take a notebook, three songs each, and then we vote. Alright, what else are we missing that can be done now? Well, costumes, but that’s impossible. I guess I’ll have to ask Ophelia to shop for them… Unless—

'''The door clicks open, and a large bag is thrown through it. SKY goes to get it.'''

SKY: It says ‘costumes’ on it.

LYRA: Huh… That’s convenient.

QUENTIN walks to the door.

QUENTIN: [Calling down the hall] Thanks, Viola!

A pause.

VIOLA: [Distantly] You’re welcome!

SKY: How did you know?

QUENTIN: Oh, a lucky guess.

He takes a selection of notebooks from his bag.

QUENTIN: Back to business. Take your pick.

SKY: That’s a lot of notebooks…

QUENTIN: This is nothing. Just ask B— Or… Logan.

MISTY: Sweetie…

QUENTIN: Come on, let’s get to work.

ALL: …Yeah! '''Scene 6, BETH’s room, that night. She flops onto her bed, and gives a long sigh. After a moment, she opens FaceTime.'''

BETH: Pick up, pick up, come on… Rachel!

RACHEL: Hey, Beth! It’s 10 at night, what’s going on? Is it about Invitationals?

BETH: Yeah, but no.

RACHEL: You’ve lost me.

BETH: That’s not all I’ve lost…

RACHEL: Your mind too?

BETH: Maybe… But, no.

RACHEL: Then, what?

BETH: My Quentin…

RACHEL: Oh, no… Did you guys have a fight?

BETH: Uh-huh. I… slapped him, but I think he was right, but he was such an asshole, and…

RACHEL: Slow down. It’s okay.

BETH: He’s my soulmate… God knows I don’t wanna date him, but we’re meant to spend our lives together, or die trying! We promised…

RACHEL: I know. And, you will! I’m sure this is fixable.

BETH: I’m not… I really fucked up, this time.

RACHEL: We all do, it’s okay. You should have seen the fights the old club had, seriously.

BETH: That bad?

RACHEL: Ridiculous. Like when Qui—

BETH: Huh?

RACHEL: Oh, nothing. Sorry, bad connection.

BETH: Sure… You really think it’ll be okay?

RACHEL: Well, I don’t know what happened, but yes. It’s like you said. You and Quentin are basically made for each other.

BETH: You think so?

RACHEL: I know so.

BETH: Thanks… So, what do I do?

RACHEL: That’s something you have to figure out for yourself.

BETH: Oh, I hate that… But, you’re right.

RACHEL: I know. I usually am.

BETH: Same old Rachel…

RACHEL: I’m sorry, but it’s true. Now, come on. Tell me the good stuff. The stuff you’d never tell Shelby. I know what Glee Club’s really like, remember?

BETH sits up, grinning.

BETH: Alright, here it is. So, September and Blue are dating, now, and it’s adorable. I’m trying to make him into an acceptable male lead, but he’s resisting… Ricky and I are gonna graduate someday, and…

RACHEL: How’s Ricky?

BETH: …Angry. I didn’t think that was possible.

RACHEL: He’ll get over it.

BETH: What if he doesn’t?

RACHEL: He will, I promise.

BETH: You didn’t see his face… Or Quen’s.

RACHEL: Stop worrying, it’ll be okay… You’re a much better person than I was in high school, and I’m sure they know how good you are, really. This was one tiny mistake, Beth.

BETH: Big mistake… Really big.

RACHEL: I’ve made worse.

BETH: You?

RACHEL: Uh-huh. You sound surprised! High schoolers do stupid things. I guess it’s the hormones, combined with stress, and you definitely have a lot of that. They’ll understand.

BETH: I hope you’re right…

RACHEL: Like I said, always right.

BETH: Right, of course.

RACHEL: Mm-hm. I have to go, soon, but is there anything else you want to talk to me about?

BETH: No, it’s fine. You can go.

RACHEL: Are you sure?

BETH: Yeah…

RACHEL: Alright, then. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?

BETH: Okay… Actually, Rachel?

RACHEL: Yeah, sweetie?

BETH: You’ve done this whole thing before… Been there, done that, got the t-shirt… So, do you have any advice? I could really use it, right now.

RACHEL: I’ve got plenty.

BETH: The more the better.

RACHEL: The best I can give you right now is work as a team. Help them, and let them help you. Let them be your friends, and value them. Protect that bond with your life, because one day, you might need it. And remember just how amazing you are… Okay?

BETH: Okay… Thank you.

RACHEL: Any time! Okay, I’ve gotta go now. I love you.

BETH: Love you too.

'''RACHEL hangs up. BETH takes a moment, scrolling through her contacts, mostly from Q to R. Eventually, she presses QUENTIN’s name. (Followed by many hearts, naturally.)'''

BETH: Please pick up, please, please, please, Quen… Maybe it’s just FaceTime. I’ll call him normally.

She does so, and waits.

BETH: Hey, Quen. I… Guess you’re asleep. Well, I hope so. Who am I kidding? I know you’re mad, and you should be, but… Call me back? Please? I’ll help with the setlist, if it isn’t too late! Quen, I… I don’t know. Just call me, okay? Love you. Scene 7, the choir room.

QUENTIN: Alright, we’ve got… An hour until Invitationals. [Softly] Shit… Where’s Beth when you need her?

MAGS: We don’t need her.

QUENTIN: Maybe you don’t.

JAMES: It’s okay, Quentin, really. Misty can lead, she knows everything.

MISTY: And, I have… Most of Beth’s soprano notes. As much as I need, anyway!

OPHELIA: She slapped you, and pulled a no-show twice today, and you still wrote the lead for her?

QUENTIN: You don’t get it, your heart’s made of stone. Or possibly metal.

OPHELIA: Diamonds.

DAMIEN: Ooh, classy. Guess I’ve gotta steal your heart.

OPHELIA: No, it’s already taken.

TOBIAS grins, subtly.

MAGS: Gross. [To LOGAN] Take notes.

SHAWN: We should probably get back to rehearsing…

QUENTIN: No!

SHAWN: [Hastily] Okay, that’s a definite no.

QUENTIN: Just… Not yet. Please?

IVAN: Kiddo…

OPHELIA: No, I’ve got this.

OPHELIA makes her way over to QUENTIN.

ALFIE: [Quietly] Ivan, are you sure that’s a good idea?

IVAN: Get ready to hold her back.

OPHELIA: Alright, Q, here’s the deal. Beth isn’t coming. She doesn’t care.

QUENTIN: But—

OPHELIA: I bet she hasn’t even called you.

QUENTIN: I… Don’t know, I’ve had my phone off since yesterday, because I was so busy.

OPHELIA: I can guarantee she won’t have called. She’s gone for good, and the sooner you accept it, the better.

QUENTIN: That doesn’t sound like Beth.

OPHELIA: Yeah, neither does slapping you, but she still did that.

JUDE: Much as I really hate to say it, and I mean really—

LOGAN: We, uh, get the picture, man.

DANNY: You don’t sound sure.

JUDE: All I’m saying is she’s got a point. And that’s the most sickening thing I’ve had to say… Since, like, last Wednesday.

LIAM: Only since…? What did you say last Wednesday?

JUDE: You don’t wanna know, kiddo.

OPHELIA: Do I?

JUDE: You already know. Liam, why are you shaking?

LIAM: Invitationals is suddenly a terrifying thought.

JUDE: Uh-huh, I thought so. C’mere.

LIAM: What?

'''JUDE holds his arms out, with the most deadpan expression possible. LIAM laughs, and goes to hug him.'''

LIAM: Thank you.

JUDE: No problem. Anyone else? Keep in mind I will say no to almost all of you. This one’s different, I adopted him. Mine, now.

AUBRI: I’ll fight you for him.

JUDE: It’s on.

LIAM: God, no, I’m not worth it.

JAMES: How we all doing, huh? Think you’re ready?

TOBIAS: As we’ll ever be…

DAMIEN: It’s… Weird without Beth.

SEPTEMBER: Yeah. I kinda don’t want to do it without her…

VIOLA: She’s the one I hide behind.

VALERIE: She’s the best of—

MAGS: I’m ready!

JAMES: …Great.

DANNY: Do you have a soul?

MAGS: Of course I do!

DANNY: Did you steal it?

LOGAN snorts with barely concealed laughter.

MAGS: Logan, defend me! You’re my boyfriend, you’re supposed to defend my honour.

SHAWN: Guys, we should…

IVAN: Alright, that’s enough! Listen to your supervisor.

All eyes turn to IVAN.

IVAN: Not me.

'''Half of the club look to JAMES, the rest to ALFIE. (Except for QUENTIN, who looks to SHAWN.)'''

ALFIE: Oh, for the love of God…

QUENTIN: Guys.

RICKY: Is it you?

SHAWN: Hi.

RICKY: Oh! That’s why you’re here…

SHAWN: Yep. Quentin, it’s up to you, but I really think we should stop waiting, now. Beth isn’t gonna come. I’m sorry, really.

QUENTIN: No, I’m sure she just got held up, doing something else… She’ll be here. Maybe someone should go and look— Who am I kidding? No, let’s just… Keep rehearsing.

BETH: [Offscreen] He’s right.

QUENTIN: Thanks, Beth. Beth!

'''He turns, to see BETH standing in the doorway. RICKY stares, trying to hide his delight.'''

BETH: Hey, you…

MAGS: What’s she doing here?

BETH: Well, last I checked, I’m still captain, even if I’m doing a really shitty job of it.

RICKY: Hey, you’re not—

MAGS: Yeah, really shitty.

BETH: Yep.

MAGS: Like, terrible.

QUENTIN: Lay off her, she’s trying.

BETH hugs him, tightly.

BETH: I’m sorry! I missed you!

QUENTIN: I missed you too…

BETH: I thought you’d hate me forever.

QUENTIN: Are you kidding? We’re platonic soulmates, like it or not. Destined-slash-doomed to spend the rest of our lives together.

QUENTIN/BETH: Or die trying.

BETH: I love you so much.

QUENTIN: I love you too… Don’t cry, you’re gonna ruin your makeup. How much time do we have? Alright… Get in costume, Misty can teach you the sop line, and the choreo. You’re a fast learner.

BETH: Okay, got it. Who’s leading?

MISTY: Well… We thought it would be you.

OPHELIA: Misty’s been doing it. We’re happy for her to keep doing it.

MAGS: I’m not.

BETH: Go, Misty! I am more than happy with that.

MISTY: Are you sure?

BETH: Yes! I don’t automatically have the right to every lead, especially not after all this.

MAGS: Ooh, I actually agree with that!

DANNY: Magnolia. Not one single person on this Earth cares. Hell, not one single living thing.

SHAWN: Is anyone gonna, uh… Stop him?

IVAN: [Under his breath] Kid’s just stating facts.

QUENTIN: Come on, B, let’s go, I’ll start teaching while you get changed.

ALFIE: Quentin, you know you’re not allowed in the girls’ bathroom.

QUENTIN: We’re the only ones here, anyone have a problem with it?

The girls (and LYRA) shake their heads.

QUENTIN: Nice! Thank you. Beth, Viola, with me. Costume fitting time. I’ll bring my phone, it has a piano.

RICKY: It does? But, it’s so small…

BETH: Uh, Quen? You’re gonna have a lot of voicemails. Ignore them, we’ll cry again.

QUENTIN: Noted. How many?

BETH: Uh… Double figures. Nearly triple.

QUENTIN: Damn, you really are sorry! Scene 8, in the wings.

QUENTIN: Oh, Mom’s here!

BETH: Yay!

'''OPHELIA scans the crowd, carefully, but soon stops, disappointed. DAMIEN wraps an arm around her.'''

DAMIEN: I know, baby. Me too.

SHAWN: It’s showtime… I think.

'''The club walk on. QUENTIN gives DELILAH a tiny wave.'''

NEW DIRECTIONS: Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

''How do you measure? Measure a year?''

In daylights,

In sunsets,

In midnights,

In cups of coffee,

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in a life?

How about love?

How about love?

How about love?

Measure in…

MISTY: 9 to 5

What a way to make a livin'

Barely gettin' by                  NEW DIRECTIONS: Seasons of

It's all takin'                    Lo-o-o-ove

And no givin'                     

They just use your mind

And they never give you credit

MISTY & OPHELIA: It's enough to drive you

Crazy if you let it!

OPHELIA: 9 to 5, for service and devotion

You would think that I             NEW DIRECTIONS: Seasons of

Would deserve a fat promotion      Lo-o-o-ove

Want to move ahead

But the boss won't seem to let me

I swear sometimes that man is out to get me!

NEW DIRECTIONS: Measure in love…

NEW DIRECTIONS GIRLS: Keep it positive!

SEPTEMBER: As you slap her to the floor.

ND GIRLS: Keep it positive!

OPHELIA: As you pull her hair and call her—

NEW DIRECTIONS: Sh!

In the wings, their teachers try to bite back laughter.

VALERIE: You can take her in a fight.

VIOLA: You and he will reunite!

ND GIRLS: You know we’re right,

We’re positive!

LYRA: Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty five thousand journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure a life of a woman or a man?

RICKY: In truths that she learned

Or in times that she cried

LIAM: In bridges he burned

Or the way that she died!

NEW DIRECTIONS: Its time now to sing out though

The story never ends

Let's celebrate remember a year in a life

Of friends!

Keep it positive/Working 9 to 5!

BETH: Oh you gotta, you gotta remember the love!

NEW DIRECTIONS: Keep it positive/Working 9 to 5!

OPHELIA: You know that love is a gift from up above.

NEW DIRECTIONS: Keep it positive/Working 9 to 5!

BETH & OPHELIA: Share love, give love, spread love.

BETH: Measure, measure your life in love!

NEW DIRECTIONS: Seasons of love

Seasons of love…

OPHELIA: Measure your life, measure your life in love…

Roll credits.