Always Someone Better (Script)

To read the description for this episode, go to Always Someone Better.
== Script ==
Pre-intro scene, in the halls. The Glee Club are crowded around a staircase outside ISABEL’s office. The three Cheerios are absent. BLUE’s playing his guitar, with SEPTEMBER watching, lovingly. MISTY and SKY are dancing.
FRANKY: I had a dream we went away
Left this city for a day
You took me southwards on a plane
And showed me Spain or somewhere.
BLUE: But in reality you're
Not so keen to show me anything
And I thought you liked me.
BOTH: Hey show some love
You ain't so tough
Come fill my little world
Right up
Right up
Someday you're going to realise
(GIRLS: I want you)
To fill my little world
Right up
Right up!
FRANKY: Right up!
The three Cheerios appear. The club stare, expectantly.
SEPTEMBER: So?
BETH: Well…
CHEERIOS: We’re staying!
DAMIEN: Apparently Coach does have a conscience. Her war on the Glee Club is over!
OPHELIA: For now. So, we can do both, and Sleeping Beauty over here won’t have to pass out again.
The club jumps up and cheers.
LIAM: So what you gonna to do with all this stuff
[+AUBRI] Piling up, filling up, taking up? (BETH, MISTY, VIOLA: My little, ah!)
TOBIAS: You misunderstand me
[+LOGAN] All I wanted was some evidence
That you really like me. (GIRLS: You really like me)
ALL: Hey show some love
You ain't so tough
Come fill my little world
Right up
Right up
Someday you're going to realise
(GIRLS: I want you) To fill my little world
Right up
Right up!
JUDE: Right up…
LIAM: Maybe it's all too much
How come we're so messed up
Maybe I'm not enough
Maybe I'm just too much.
DAMIEN: Hey show some love
You ain't so tough
Come fill my little world
Right up...
ALL: Hey show some love
You ain't so tough
Come fill my little world
Right up
Right up
Someday you're going to realise (GIRLS: I want you)
To fill my little world
Right up
Right up!
REUBEN walks down the stairs, staring in disbelief.
REUBEN: What is going on out here?!
FRANKY: Dad!
AUBRI and VIOLA immediately stop smiling. VIOLA hides behind RICKY, while REUBEN looks straight at FRANKY.
REUBEN: What is the meaning of this?
OPHELIA: What, enjoyment?
BETH: Well, it’s lunchtime, so I thought that it might be—
RICKY: No, it was all me, I—
ALFIE: [Offscreen] I gave them permission.
The club turns, staring.
REUBEN: Of course you did…
ALFIE: Yes, I did, as their Music teacher. It’s an assignment, isn’t it? For Glee Club and extra credit.
REUBEN: It’s a public disturbance—
ALFIE: I seem to remember a rule about not undermining another teacher’s authority in front of their students.
REUBEN storms back upstairs. ALFIE moves past the club to follow and gestures for them to do the same.
NEW DIRECTIONS & ALFIE: Hey show some love
You ain't so tough
Come fill my little world
Right up
Right up
Someday you're going to realise
That I'm passing you by, so fill your little world
Right up
Right up
Right up!
REUBEN turns back. The club quickly stop, looking around. ALFIE grins and walks away.
NEW DIRECTIONS: Come on and show
Come on and show
Come on and show…
----Scene 1, the teacher’s lounge. 
ALFIE: —I feel terrible for Franky, of course, and I know, I know, I probably shouldn’t have done it, but it was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. The look on his face was priceless.
JAMES, SHAWN and IVAN laugh.
IVAN: Oh my God, I wish I’d seen it. Next time, text me or something!
ALFIE: Duly noted, but I probably won’t. It was nice to see them all having fun, I must admit. Evidently, our dear Mr. Campbell has something against that concept.
JAMES: Yeah, well, that’s nothing new. Franky must have a great time…
ALFIE: I know. Poor bugger. He was the first to follow me upstairs, they can’t be getting on too well.
JAMES: Any regrets?
ALFIE: Not exactly. I certainly don’t regret encouraging him, I just wish Campbell could be convinced that they are, in fact, children, and not the work of Satan. Still not entirely sure what the difference is, myself, but the point stands. Anyway, it was all worth it.
IVAN: I bet.
REUBEN enters.
SHAWN: Both of you, stop smiling, he’ll know.
IVAN: Oh, impossible.
ALFIE: [Softly, mockingly] Hey, show some love, you ain’t so tough…
IVAN: Okay, maybe now.
REUBEN glares as the four smile, feigning innocence. REUBEN moves to sit with ISABEL.
IVAN: Oh God, there’s two of them.
ALFIE: Well, I’m going to be assassinated, then.
JAMES: Good luck.
ALFIE: What, aren’t you going to protect me?
JAMES: I’m a busy man!
ALFIE: Busy doing what, preening in your car’s wing mirror? Yeah, I saw you!
JAMES: And what were you doing?
ALFIE: …Smoking.
JAMES: Yeah, buddy, I don’t think you have the high ground here.
SHAWN: And you do?
ALFIE: He speaks! Since when were you such a laugh?
SHAWN: Let’s just say I had a little help finding my confidence.
He briefly smiles over at JAMES. 
ALFIE: Well… Good on you, then.
IVAN: Yeah, nice job. Have a cookie.
SHAWN: I’m not 5—
IVAN holds out a cookie, which SHAWN immediately takes.
SHAWN: Thank you…
ALFIE: He’s not a puppy either.
IVAN: A, positive reinforcement works. B, can I keep him anyway?
SHAWN: Do you cook?
IVAN: Yep.
SHAWN: Then, yes please.
JAMES: Seriously, Shawn?
SHAWN: I live in a tiny apartment, my microwave is in my closet. Let me have this.
JAMES: Alright, fair enough. We’re gonna talk about that later, though.
ALFIE: Ever the guidance counsellor.
JAMES: Yeah, I do my job. You should try it sometime. Especially with parent-teacher conference day coming up.
ALFIE groans.
ALFIE: Don't remind me. Have mercy. In fact, I think I’ll go home and not come back until it’s over.
He starts to leave, but SHAWN gets up to stop him… Before realising that ALFIE towers over him.
ALFIE: Are you supposed to stop me? My little friend, you’re 4 feet tall, at a stretch.
SHAWN: I’m 5’3 and a half!
ALFIE breaks into laughter.
ALFIE: Oh God, are you actually? I’m sorry, but… 5’3…
SHAWN: And a half…
ALFIE: And a half. You're basically the same height as Beth.
SHAWN: How do you know?
ALFIE: I've seen her performing resumé. She insisted... Of course, she was a tiny little freshman back then, she might have outgrown you.
SHAWN: Oh... Well, hey, I stopped you!
ALFIE: Yes… Well done.
He pats SHAWN’s head and continues walking.
SHAWN: Where are you going?
ALFIE: I’m getting a coffee, is that a problem?
SHAWN: No… But I’m watching you.
ALFIE: Yes, and I’m so scared.
JAMES: Shawn, how you feeling about the conference? Your first one at McKinley.
SHAWN: Uh… Uh… Bye!
He tries to run, but ALFIE easily stops him.
ALFIE: Now, this way makes more sense, doesn’t it? You have to do it, you know.
SHAWN: Well, then, so do you!
ALFIE: Will it help?
SHAWN: Uh-huh…
ALFIE: Alright, then. Since you begged me.
SHAWN: I mean, I didn’t beg—
FRANKY enters, catching everyone’s attention.
REUBEN: Franky.
FRANKY: Dad. You left a couple of papers at home, they’d slipped under the couch.
He puts them on the table. In the background, ALFIE watches FRANKY, closely, clearly thinking hard.
REUBEN: Oh… Thank you.
FRANKY: [Instinctively] You’re welcome.
He sighs, frustratedly.
REUBEN: Can I expect you home on time?
FRANKY: No, we’re rehearsing for the parent-teacher conference.
REUBEN: What?
FRANKY: The Glee Club’s performing at the conference. So… I am too.
REUBEN: In front of everyone?
FRANKY: Yeah. Don’t wait up.
He starts to leave, but he stops in the doorway, expecting an argument.
REUBEN: What? I’m not going to stop you, you’ve made your choice.
FRANKY: Right…
He exits, thoroughly caught off-guard. REUBEN looks around.
REUBEN: Take a picture, it’ll last longer.
----Scene 2, the choir room. SHAWN enters, grinning.
SHAWN: Alright, guys, how are we? Excited?
The club agree, loudly, but OPHELIA couldn’t look less excited if she tried.
SHAWN: I… Won’t pretend I’m not terrified, but I’m thrilled for you.
SKY: You’re terrified? We’re the ones performing!
SHAWN: Yeah, and I have to talk to all of your terrifying parents! Including but not limited to our very own principal.
DANNY: Uh, if it helps, I’m very willing to stop him from getting there.
IVAN: Is it beyond possibility that you’ve got an ulterior motive?
DANNY: Of course I do, you’ve seen my grades. You control my grades.
IVAN: Well, if you show up to my class today, I’ll give you a report as glowing as a car on fire.
JAMES: Don’t give him ideas. Please.
DANNY: Been there, done that, Mr. B. But it would stop Dad getting to the conference—
JAMES: Danny!
DANNY: I won’t!
JAMES: Good! You— You won’t?
DANNY: [Mumbled] No… I’d be late for the performance…
JAMES: Oh…
BETH: You do care!
DANNY hastily moves his chair back, away from her.
DANNY: You heard nothing.
SHAWN: …Alright! Blue, you said you had something for us?
BLUE: That I do. Boys?
The boys get into position.
BLUE: This is a song for a very special girl, she knows who she is.
OPHELIA: We all know who she is. It’s hard not to, with all the PDA.
The club stares at her, eyebrows raised. TOBIAS grins, sheepishly.
OPHELIA: He started it!
DAMIEN: Which time? When you had your hand in his shirt a couple minutes ago?
The teachers all clear their throats, pretending not to hear.
BLUE: Point taken anyway. Ember, this one’s for you.
Recently I've been
Hopelessly reaching
Out for this girl
She's out of this world
Believe me
She's got a boyfriend
He drives me round the bend
He's in the marines
He'd kill me
It's been so many nights now
I find myself thinking about her now.
BLUE winks at SEPTEMBER, who laughs, nervously.
BOYS: 'Cause obviously
She's out of my league
I'm hopin' and wishin'
She's draggin' me in and now
I know I never will be good enough for her
No, no
Never will be good enough for her
BLUE: Gotta escape now
Get on a plane now, yeah
Afterwards lady, that's where I'll stay (BOYS: Yeah)
For cheating
I'll put it behind me (BOYS: I'll put it behind me)
Go to a place where she can't find me, yeah.
AUBRI watches as LIAM happily dances with DAMIEN.
BOYS: 'Cause obviously
She's out of my league
I'm wastin' my time
'Cause she'll never be mine
I know I never will be good enough for her
No, no
Never will be good enough for her
She's outta my head
I never will know her again
I know I'm not good enough for her
He's good enough for her. (BOYS: For her, for her.)
SEPTEMBER applauds enthusiastically, though she still seems nervous. LIAM immediately crosses the room back to AUBRI and kisses her.
IVAN: Alright, that was— Uh, Liam?
Remembering himself, LIAM pulls away and returns to his seat.
IVAN: Thank you. Great work, guys!
MAGS: [Hissed] Are you kidding me?
LOGAN: What’s up?
MAGS: Like you don’t know!
LOGAN: I… I’m sorry, I really don’t.
MAGS: Oh, please!
LOGAN: Seriously! Will you please tell me, so I can fix it?
MAGS: Did you see all the others, being all romantic with their girlfriends and… Crushes we all pretend not to notice?
LOGAN: I guess?
MAGS: And you didn’t look at me once!
LOGAN: Oh… Well, I’m sorry, I was focused, and—
MAGS: Yeah, I bet you were. You know what I think? I think you were looking at Beth!
LOGAN: What?
MAGS: Yeah, don’t think I didn’t notice!
LOGAN: Wh— Maggie, I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous. I wasn’t looking at anyone!
MAGS: Exactly!
LOGAN: Wait, do you think I wasn’t looking at anyone or that I was looking at your… Whatever Beth is?
MAGS: Yes!
LOGAN: …Both?
MAGS: Yeah!
LOGAN: Well, I’m sorry! But I swear I wasn’t looking at Beth. I only have eyes for you, I promise…
MAGS: Sure you do. Let’s see how you like it.
She huffs and folds her arms, refusing to look at him. LOGAN turns to find the entire club watching them.
SHAWN: Uh, you alright there?
LOGAN: Sorry…
ALFIE: [Whispered, to IVAN] This is what becomes of putting teenagers in a room together.
IVAN: Yeah… You got some popcorn?
ALFIE: Unfortunately, no, I left mine at home.
----Scene 3, still in the choir room.
RICKY: Beth? I’m exhausted, can we break?
LIAM: Come on, aren’t you supposed to be Mr. Sportsball?
RICKY: Well, football’s different, I’m used to that! Wait, is sportsball a real thing?
BETH: …Sure, we can break!
IVAN: And Liam, that means you too. I know you say you could go on for hours, but you’re not doing it without water.
LIAM: Oh, come on!
IVAN: When did you last have some?
LIAM thinks, long and hard.
IVAN: Uh-huh, I thought so. Come on.
SHAWN: Back here in 20?
BETH: That works!
VIOLA: I think I’ll stay and work on some designs, if that’s okay.
SHAWN: You sure?
VIOLA: Yeah, I’m sure.
AUBRI: I’ll stay too. Liam, will you get me some water from the vending machine?
LIAM: Of course, baby. You don’t wanna come with?
AUBRI: No, I’m okay. Love you.
LIAM: Love you too.
The rest of the club exits, but OPHELIA turns back. AUBRI and VIOLA take a step back, then another two when OPHELIA closes the door.
AUBRI: Uh, hi.
OPHELIA: Well, hey. You don’t mind me staying, do you?
VIOLA: No… No. But I can’t say I’m not surprised, don’t you hate us?
OPHELIA: Why would I? You’ve never given me a reason.
VIOLA: You hate everyone...
OPHELIA: You don’t know that. You know nothing about me.
VIOLA: Sorry.
OPHELIA: Why? You really do just apologise for everything, don’t you? When you’re not trying to disappear into the floor completely, that is. You make the costumes, and you let yourself be pushed into the background. And you, you’re not much better. Hiding at the back of every number, letting your life revolve around your boyfriend, and you wouldn’t even be here if he wasn’t. Do you actually want to be?
AUBRI: Yeah…
OPHELIA: You do? So, why hide?
Both remain silent.
OPHELIA: You don’t have an ounce of self-esteem between you, do you? Not even self-respect. You’re this club’s doormats and they know it.
More silence.
OPHELIA: Well, aren’t you gonna fight back? That was a horrible thing to say.
AUBRI: But you were right.
OPHELIA: I know that, and you know that, hell, the whole school knows that, but that doesn’t mean you should let people say it. Get pissed off, like you should!
AUBRI: I don’t understand.
OPHELIA: Come on, you’re better than this. You’re worth something. Both of you.
VIOLA: …Am I?
OPHELIA stares, almost sympathetically, just for a moment. Then she groans in ‘exasperation’ and searches through a pile of sheet music on the piano.
OPHELIA: It’s gotta be here somewhere… Beth and Quentin have enough to open a music store.
VIOLA: What are you looking for?
OPHELIA: Shut up, you’ll find out soon. Sit.
AUBRI and VIOLA immediately do so. OPHELIA glances back, unimpressed, then continues searching.
OPHELIA: No, no, no… Got it! Yes! I mean… Alright, I found it. Take a good look, girls, hope you learn fast.
VIOLA: We’re performing this?
AUBRI: Like, in front of people?
OPHELIA: Uh-huh. We are gonna prove that we— That you are just as good as anyone else in this club.
Suddenly, they’re in the auditorium, under spotlights. 
AUBRI & VIOLA: I like!
OPHELIA: Looking hot
Buying stuff they cannot.
AUBRI & VIOLA: I like!
OPHELIA: Drinking hard
Maxing Dad’s credit card.
AUBRI & VIOLA: I like!
OPHELIA: Skipping gym
Scaring her
Screwing him.
AUBRI & VIOLA: I like!
OPHELIA: Killer clothes
[+AUBRI & VIOLA] Kicking nerds in the nose!
OPHELIA turns her gaze to the girls behind her.
OPHELIA: If you lack the balls
You can go play dolls
Let your mommy fix you a snack (A & V: Woah!)
Or you could come smoke
Pound some rum and coke
In my Porsche with the quarterback!
She turns back, radiating confidence as always. The two slowly begin to mirror her.
ALL: Woah, woah, woah
Honey, whatchu waitin’ for?
Welcome to my candy store
It’s time for you to prove
You’re not a loser anymore
Then step into my candy store.
OPHELIA & VIOLA: Guys fall
AUBRI: At your feet
Pay the check,
VIOLA: Help you cheat.
ALL: All you
AUBRI: Have to do,
OPHELIA: Say goodbye to Shamu.
ALL: That freak’s
VIOLA: Not your friend
I can tell in the end.
ALL: If she
VIOLA: Had your shot
ALL: She would leave you to rot!
VIOLA: Course, if you don’t care
Fine! Go braid her hair
Maybe Sesame Street is on (OPHELIA & AUBRI: Woah!)
Or forget that creep,
AUBRI: And get in my Jeep!
OPHELIA: Let’s go tear up someone’s lawn!
ALL: Woah! Woah! Woah!
Honey, whatchu waitin’ for?
Welcome to my candy store
You just gotta prove
You’re not a pussy anymore
Then step into my candy store…
OPHELIA: You can join the team,
A & V: Or you can bitch and moan!
OPHELIA: You can live the dream,
A & V: Or you can die alone!
OPHELIA: You can fly with eagles,
ALL: Or if you prefer,
OPHELIA: Keep on testing me,
A & V: And end up like her!
AUBRI: Honey, whatchu waiting for—
Chickening out, she runs away, but OPHELIA pushes her back.
OPHELIA: Step into my candy store
Oh-woah-oh-oh-oh! (A & V: Time for you to prove you’re not a lame-ass anymore!)
ALL: Then step into my candy store
It’s my candy store
It’s my candy
It’s my candy store
It’s my candy
It’s my candy store
It’s my candy store!
End in the choir room. The three hold position for a moment, before relaxing, breathless, to be met by a standing ovation.
TOBIAS: Yeah! That’s my girl!
LIAM: And mine! How the hell did that happen?
SHAWN: I’ve gotta say I’m wondering that myself! You sounded amazing, all of you.
OPHELIA turns to the girls as if to say, ‘I told you so’.
SHAWN: I think we’ve been underestimating you.
OPHELIA: You think?
SHAWN: Uh-huh. And it’s time to put that to rights. 
He briefly glances to BETH, who nods.
SHAWN, cont: So… How would you like to lead at the parent-teacher conference?
AUBRI and VIOLA immediately back off. OPHELIA stands frozen in place, shocked.
OPHELIA: What?
SHAWN: Well, you don’t have to—
OPHELIA: No, I’d love to! We’d love to.
JUDE: You sure? Your backup’s heading for the door.
SHAWN: I know the feeling.
OPHELIA: Get back here! We would be honoured, right, girls?
AUBRI: I mean, yeah, but—
OPHELIA gives her the tiniest of reassuring smiles.
OPHELIA: So, you’re with me?
VIOLA: Uh-huh…
SHAWN: Then I guess that’s settled! Beth, over to you.
BETH: Thank you, Mr. L. And thank you, girls! That was so, so great!
OPHELIA gives her a brief, fake smile, then rolls her eyes, returning to her seat.
BETH: So, we’re gonna run through our stuff for the conference a little more, then we can work on our setlist for Sectionals that we talked about a couple days ago. Good to be prepared early, right, Quen?
QUENTIN: You betcha. I’ve got all the music you need, and I’ve started the choreo.
BETH: Perfect!
OPHELIA zones out, practically sulking.
OPHELIA: [Muttered] And we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming, welcome to The Beth Show…
TOBIAS wraps an arm around her shoulders.
TOBIAS: Hey… You did good.
OPHELIA kisses him, blatantly ignoring that BETH’s still talking.
----Scene 4, in the halls. BETH’s walking, perky but deep in thought.
BETH: [V.O.] They say that even the greatest, most successful Broadway stars keep doing voice lessons. Well, I already do that, but I need something more. The last couple weeks have got me thinking. I had a lot of time to think while I was stuck at home. And a lot of time to read, after Mom found my notebook and took it away until I recovered… Anyway, I thought a lot, and now I know what I need! I need a mentor. And I think I know who it should be…
Finding the room she’s looking for, she rushes in.
ALFIE: [Unfazed] Can I help you?
BETH: Yes!
ALFIE: Ah, shame. I am on lunch, you know.
BETH: Oh, yeah… Well, sorry! I just have to ask a tiny, tiny favour.
ALFIE watches her, apprehensively.
BETH: You’re not gonna ask what?
ALFIE: No… I get this sinking feeling that I’m going to find out anyway.
BETH: You are. Sorry!
ALFIE: Go on. Do you want a seat?
BETH: No, this won’t take too long!
ALFIE: Well, er, I think you should sit anyway.
BETH shoots him a knowing look.
BETH: I’m okay. I’m not gonna pass out on you, I promise.
Still, she pulls up a chair. 
ALFIE: Good… You’d tell me, if…?
BETH: It’s not spontaneous. Last time, it had been building for weeks. Look at me, I’m better. But yeah, I’d tell you.
ALFIE: Glad to hear it. You had lunch?
BETH: Uh-huh. It was… Edible.
ALFIE: But only just. Now, go on. What did you want to ask me?
BETH: Oh, now you want to know?
ALFIE: Well, I want to eat my lunch.
BETH: So, I’ve been thinking.
ALFIE: Oh, God. Yes…?
BETH: See, I’m missing something. Something all the greatest stars have.
ALFIE: If you’re expecting me to guess, you’ll be waiting a long time.
BETH: What I don’t have is… A mentor.
ALFIE: In what sense?
BETH: Musically, vocally, and just… Someone to help me. Especially with achieving my dreams, because I’ve got a lot of those, but what I don’t have is the ability to stay grounded. You’re good at that.
ALFIE: Well, I’m a cynical old man. Beth, you’re not suggesting what I think you are, are you?
BETH: Well… What do you think I’m suggesting?
ALFIE: No. No. Absolutely not. I’m sorry, Beth, but it wouldn’t be a good idea.
He gets up and crosses the room.
BETH: Please, Winstanley, I need a mentor!
ALFIE: That’s Mr. Winstanley to you, I think you’ll find. And my answer remains the same. A definite, emphatic no.
BETH: Well, why not?
ALFIE: As a rule, I try to keep as much distance from my students as I possibly can. I try to stay out of their personal lives.
BETH: But, why?
ALFIE: Because the less I know about them, the better. I can just focus on doing my job, and they can focus on their work. Boundaries are a very important thing, and it’s best not to cross them. I’ve seen many teachers make that mistake. Soon, they end up dedicating every minute of their lives to the children and their problems, and completely neglecting their own. I know it sounds selfish, but I have to think of myself as well. It’s for the best that we don’t do this, alright?
BETH: But, that’s ridiculous. You help in Glee Club!
ALFIE: As a favour to Mr. Larson, that’s quite different.
BETH: Did he have a panic attack and beg?
ALFIE stops in his tracks.
BETH: Because I can do that too!
ALFIE: Please, don’t.
BETH makes her way over to him.
BETH: I will beg on my knees.
ALFIE: Beth, no. Why are you suddenly so desperate for a mentor, anyway?
BETH: I need one to be successful.
ALFIE: How do you make that out?
BETH: It… Was in an autobiography I read while I was sick, okay?
ALFIE: Ah, I see.
BETH: I need mentoring, desperately. I am deeply, deeply flawed.
ALFIE: I’m sure that’s not true.
BETH: No, no, I am! I’m impulsive, I’m stubborn, I’m too intense, I jump to conclusions, I put two and two together and end up with 25—
ALFIE: That sounds more like a problem for Mr. Larson.
BETH: —I barely have a grip on reality once I have an idea in my head.
ALFIE: So I can see. Beth—
BETH: —And I get in over my head. I don’t know when to stop, and every time something bad happens, I work harder just for the sake of escaping it.
ALFIE stares, caught off-guard.
BETH: I get so far in over my head that I can’t see in front of me, and then… Well, you know. You saw me pass out.
ALFIE: [Sighing] Alright, alright, I take your point. And having a mentor would help with that?
BETH: Yeah! I just need someone to give me extra training.
ALFIE: Beth, are you sure that would be a good idea, considering recent events? Won’t you just burn yourself to the ground all over again?
BETH: That’s the point. I need the extra training, but from someone who’ll tell me when to stop, and someone who won’t give up when I try to fight them because I don’t wanna stop.
ALFIE: And you want me of all people? You know I’m barely adequate at my job, don’t you?
BETH: But that’s not true. Sure, you’re all snarky, and you make it look like you’re not trying, but you’re a good teacher, a great musician, and I know you care about us, no matter how much you pretend.
ALFIE falls silent, knowing she’s right. He returns to his desk.
ALFIE: Come, sit.
BETH does as she’s told.
ALFIE: I do care, you’re right about that. Not about petty little teenage problems - God, no - but for the welfare of my students. And I truly want you safe and healthy. If I help you, will you promise me that?
BETH: I’ll try.
ALFIE: Then we have a deal. At least for a few weeks.
BETH jumps up, giving a tiny squeal of delight. 
BETH: Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ALFIE chuckles, in spite of himself.
ALFIE: You’re welcome. Don’t make me regret it.
BETH: I won’t!  
She rushes off, leaving ALFIE watching, shaking his head.
ALFIE: I do not get paid enough…
----Scene 5, in the halls again. SEPTEMBER’s at her locker, putting books away, including a shiny new folder labelled ‘Rep Folder!’ When she turns to leave, she finds BLUE leaning against the locker next to her.
BLUE: You avoiding me or something?
SEPTEMBER: I wouldn’t dream of it. Hey, you.
BLUE: Hey, baby…
SEPTEMBER wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him, attracting some whistles.
BLUE: Damn, no privacy here.
SEPTEMBER: There’s plenty in the janitor’s closet…
BLUE: I like how you think.
SEPTEMBER: Mm, I thought so.
BLUE: Brought you a slushy.
SEPTEMBER: A blue one. Fitting.
BLUE: Well, aren’t they your favourite?
SEPTEMBER: They are… Thank you, baby, that’s really sweet of you.
BLUE: Anything for my girl. You like the song?
SEPTMBER: Yeah, it was great, baby.
BLUE: Y’alright?
SEPTEMBER: I’m great! Just… Nervous.
BLUE: I know. But don’t be, it’s just me. Just… Us.
SEPTEMBER: I mean, I’d hope so.
BLUE: Don’t worry, I’m not gonna invite some friends to watch, or anything. And we’ll keep it low-key. The only question is when?
SEPTEMBER: Can’t we just let it happen when it happens?
BLUE: Believe me, I’d love to, but we’ve gotta be prepared. I want it to be just right for you. And I want it to be soon.
SEPTEMBER: How soon?
BLUE: Whenever.
SEPTEMBER: Helpful as always.
BLUE: I’m thinking some time before the conference?
SEPTEMBER: Wow, that’s… Really soon.
BLUE: You don’t mind, right?
SEPTEMBER: No! No, not at all. I want this too.
BLUE: You sure?
SEPTEMBER: Uh-huh.
BLUE: Good. Hey, you got one of those tiny mirrors?
SEPTEMBER: Like a makeup one? Yeah, catch.
BLUE does. Barely.
BLUE: I see you laughing. Sorry I’m not a jock!
SEPTEMBER: You have to be a jock to catch things? Huh, interesting.
BLUE: Is it really?
SEPTEMBER: Yeah… Especially since I saw Liam catch three water bottles in a row. They were the right way up and everything.
BLUE: Well, he got lucky—
SEPTEMBER: Then he started juggling them.
BLUE: Any good?
SEPTEMBER: Better than expected. You jealous?
BLUE: No. I could totally do that.
SEPTEMBER: Then why not try?
She takes a water bottle from her locker and takes aim.
BLUE: Come on, that’s not fair! Anyway, we’re losing focus.
SEPTEMBER: I thought that conversation was over.
BLUE: Well, there’s a lot to consider.
SEPTEMBER: [Mumbled] Like how young we are?
BLUE: Huh?
SEPTEMBER: Nothing. You’re right, and we’ll consider the… Things to consider. But not here. Not now.
BLUE: Ember—
SEPTEMBER: Hey, did I tell you how weird my parents are being?
BLUE: Weird?
SEPTEMBER: Yeah! Every time I mention the conference, they just… Clam up. And Beth told me that her mom’s been exactly the same.
BLUE: Huh. Yeah, that’s pretty weird, but—
SEPTEMBER: They’ve been like that a lot lately. There’s probably a pattern, but I can’t work it out.
BLUE: Could be a coincidence.
SEPTEMBER: It could be… But it’s not.
BLUE: Whatever you say, baby, you know them better than I do.
SEPTEMBER: I just can’t work it out.
BLUE: You will, you’re smart. You wanna go get lunch?
SEPTEMBER: Sure.
BLUE takes her hand, puts the mirror back in her locker and leads her away.
----Scene 6, the cafeteria. At the Cheerio table, OPHELIA’s secretly watching rehearsal footage on her phone, which is hidden behind her bag. Though the sound is off, it’s clear that all eyes are on BETH, as she’s showered with praise and a standing ovation. Exasperated, she shoves her phone back into her bag and looks up… To find a group of Cheerios fawning over BETH.
CHEERIO #1: Your hair’s so nice!
CHEERIO #2: And you’re so talented, I don’t know anyone in this school as good as you!
BETH: Well, I don’t know about that…
OPHELIA and TOBIAS exchange a glance. He smiles, sympathetically and hands her a magazine. OPHELIA tries to read, though she still looks at BETH over the top of it. BETH is now watching something on her own phone, only half-focused on the conversation.
OPHELIA: Well, her face is a map of the world
Is a map of the world
You can see she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl
And everything around her is a silver pool of light
The people who surround her feel the benefit of it
It makes you calm
She holds you captivated in her palm
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me
(CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me.
BETH subtly looks over at her.
BETH: Well I feel like walking the world
Like walking the world
And you can hear she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl
She fills up every corner like she's born in black and white
Makes you feel warmer when you're trying to remember
What you heard
She likes to leave you hanging on a word
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me
(CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (CHEERIOS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me.
TOBIAS looks to the table where MISTY, SKY and QUENTIN are.
TOBIAS: Ophelia, can I…?
OPHELIA: Just go.
She kisses him, with the tiniest of smiles. He goes to the dancers’ table, where they’re watching a video of professional ballet.
MISTY: And she's taller than most
And she's looking at me
I can see her eyes looking from the page of a magazine
She makes me feel like I could be a tower
A big strong tower, yeah
The power to be, the power to give
The power to see, yeah, yeah.
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
She got the power to be, the power to give
The power to see, yeah, yeah
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
[+OPHELIA] She got the power to be, the power to give
The power to see, yeah, yeah, yeah
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
She got the power to be, the power to give
The power to see, yeah, yeah
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
[+BETH] She got the power to be, the power to give
The power to see, yeah, yeah.
Meanwhile, in the locker room, RICKY looks around at the jocks, then a sports magazine, then back at the mirror, with a critical eye.
OPHELIA, MISTY, BETH: Suddenly I see (ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me.
Cut back to the cafeteria.
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
OPHELIA, MISTY, BETH: This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me, oh-oh
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see) hey, yeah
Suddenly I see (ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me
(ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see) yeah
Suddenly I see (ND GIRLS: Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me.
CHEERIO #1: Ophelia, are you sure you want to eat that?
OPHELIA takes a considerable-sized bite of her burger, glaring straight at her.
OPHELIA: I’m leaving now.
She exits, food in hand, but throws it in the trash when she’s out of their sight.
OPHELIA: Destroy the evidence, and Mom doesn’t need to know…
As she starts to walk away, some guy takes her burger back out of the trash and starts eating.
----Scene 7, SEPTEMBER’s bedroom. She’s in front of a small mirror, doing her hair and softly warming up her voice, while BLUE sits on the bed, playing guitar.
QUINN: [Offscreen] You kids okay up there?
SEPTEMBER: We’re fine, Mom! We’ll be ready to go in a couple minutes! [To BLUE] If you’d actually start getting ready.
BLUE: Well, someone’s been in front of the mirror for the last half hour. Your hair’s fine, will you stop? Come sit.
SEPTEMBER: So you can stand here and make us late? I’m not done yet. It’s easy for you, all you actually have to do is comb yours.
BLUE: You dare insult my meticulous combing routine? You don’t get hair like this without hard work.
SEPTEMBER: [Teasing] So that’s why you’ve got one really buff arm. Anyway, you’re right, it takes work. That’s why I’m working at it.
BLUE: But you look beautiful.
SEPTEMBER: Well, thank you. Still… Just a couple more minutes.
BLUE: But that’s when we’re leaving.
SEPTEMBER: And?
BLUE: Well, I… There’s something I wanna show you.
SEPTEMBER: Blue—
BLUE: No, please? Just… Come sit. Just for a little while.
SEPTEMBER: Alright…
She hesitantly perches on the bed.
BLUE: Thank you. I’ve got another song for you.
SEPTEMBER: Oh, right, a song…
BLUE: Uh-huh. Just listen, okay? I’ll make it quick.
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you…
Finally, BLUE puts his guitar down, and SEPTEMBER stops worrying about how she looks. They slowly move closer, into a kiss, until they’re practically on top of each other, until…
SEPTEMBER: No… Blue, stop.
BLUE sits up.
BLUE: What is it?
SEPTEMBER: We can’t do this.
BLUE: What?
SEPTEMBER: Come on, surely you know it too.
BLUE: Baby, I know you’re nervous, I am too, but—
SEPTEMBER: Yeah, I am. But I know that when the time is right, I won’t be. 
BLUE: Yeah, and when will the time be right? You gonna wait until senior year?
SEPTEMBER: Well, no, but would that be so bad? 
BLUE: A little! I wanna be with you, Ember, really, but I don’t wanna wait that long. You can understand that, right?
SEPTEMBER: I mean, sure, but if you wanna be with me that badly, you’re gonna have to. It might not be that long, I don’t know, I’ll be ready when I’m ready.
BLUE: Great. At least we’re being specific.
SEPTEMBER: Blue, stop it. You’re being an asshole, this isn’t you.
BLUE: Isn’t it?
SEPTEMBER: All this because I don’t wanna sleep with you at this exact second?
BLUE: You don’t wanna sleep with me at all. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve been acting around me.
SEPTEMBER: Blue, it’s not like that, I’m just not ready!
BLUE: Fine, you’re not ready. I’ll stop.
SEPTEMBER: Thank you.
BLUE: Just call me when you are.
He storms out, leaving SEPTEMBER staring after him, hurt.
----Scene 8, the choir room. TOBIAS is sitting on the piano, alone for once, when SKY rushes in.
SKY: Hey! Sorry, traffic.
TOBIAS: Oh, no worries. We don’t have an awful lot of time, we should get straight to it. Uh, if you want.
SKY: That’s fine! Just let me get my jacket off and put my stuff down.
TOBIAS: Sure, sorry.
SKY: Don’t be, you’re excited.
TOBIAS: Yeah, a little.
SKY: We love to see it.
TOBIAS starts warming up, and even that’s impressive and balletic. SKY watches, expression indiscernible.
SKY: Where’s Misty, anyway?
TOBIAS: In costuming.
SKY: Ah, girls’ bathroom with Viola?
TOBIAS: Exactly. She didn’t have time to get changed before, she came straight from ballet class, and the girls have a lot more costume to get into than we do.
SKY: Right.
He continues watching, until TOBIAS notices.
TOBIAS: You alright there?
SKY: Yeah, I’m good. Alright, let’s get started! You got the music?
TOBIAS: Right here. Oh, it’s gone, one sec.
After a moment of searching, TOBIAS puts the music on. SKY rushes to position. After a while of hesitant dancing, he gives up.
TOBIAS: What’s up?
SKY: Sorry, it’s— It’s really nothing.
TOBIAS: Sure… Except for the fact it’s clearly something. Would you tell me?
SKY: I can’t really, uh… Hear it.
TOBIAS: Oh! Shit, Sky, I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Well, I was keeping it quiet so we wouldn’t disturb anyone, so I was clearly thinking of the wrong thing. We can definitely have it louder than that.
SKY: You sure?
TOBIAS: Of course. It’s quieter than it needs to be. And… They can live with it. Testing, testing.
TOBIAS continues the music for a couple of seconds.
TOBIAS: Was that okay?
SKY: Yeah, it was perfect…
TOBIAS: Promise?
SKY: Uh-huh.
TOBIAS: Then, what’s going on? Why the face?
SKY: Sorry, it’s the one I was born with.
TOBIAS: Sky, I know you. Kinda. If I’m wrong, tell me, but I’m sure there’s something else.
SKY: It’s just… I shouldn’t need this.
TOBIAS: …Sky, I hate to break it to you, but you’re Deaf.
SKY laughs.
SKY: Hey, who knew you were funny? Yeah, I’m Deaf, and that’s a part of me I’m okay with, but it’s… So frustrating.
TOBIAS: I can only imagine.
SKY: It’s… Hard to see the upside to it, sometimes.
TOBIAS nods in understanding, moving to sit on the piano again.
SKY, cont: The hearing aids help, but they’re still not the same as… Fully functional hearing. And as a performer, it makes things so much harder. I envy you so much. And… The Glee Club understands, most of them, anyway, I’m so grateful for that.
TOBIAS: We try, I hope we’re doing enough for you.
SKY: You are. I wish I could say other groups did…
TOBIAS: Oh God, what happened?
SKY: Nothing major. Nothing… New. It’s just this dance company I sometimes work with. They accommodate me, sure. But it always has to be treated like such an inconvenience. And they think I don’t hear them whispering about how there’s ‘no hope for me’.
TOBIAS: Jesus Christ…
SKY: Uh-huh. So, I stopped asking for the accommodations. Would you look at that, I’m cured(!)
TOBIAS: So, what do you do?
SKY: I just push through it. As long as I count in my head and stay near the back, I don’t need to hear much.
TOBIAS: Still…
SKY: It’s… Fine. I can deal.
TOBIAS: But you shouldn’t have to, Sky. You shouldn’t have to just ‘push through it’. It’s awful.
SKY: It’s life.
TOBIAS: Can I tell you something?
SKY: Anything.
TOBIAS: I think it was… 6th grade, maybe 7th, I was in a dance class. A pretty intense one, as far as children’s dance classes go. And I must have done something weird, because I tore something in my leg.
SKY: Oh, God.
TOBIAS: Yeah.
SKY: What did you do?
TOBIAS: I kept going for the rest of the class. And the next one, and the next one, just ignoring it, never giving myself time to recover.
SKY: And then what?
TOBIAS: Well, take a guess. I got worse, Sky. A lot worse. Nearly had to give up dance altogether.
SKY: Shit… But you didn’t, so… What happened?
TOBIAS: Well, I had to get physical therapy, that’s the benefit of having rich parents. But I had a good teacher and good friends in my class, who respected me and helped me. It was invaluable, I don’t know if I could have got through it without them. They never once tore me down, or complained about anything, they only lifted me up. I know a torn muscle’s pretty different to a disability, but… You get what I’m saying, right?
SKY: Yeah… I think so. Thanks.
TOBIAS: No problem. You wanna keep going?
SKY: Sure!
TOBIAS: You promise?
SKY: Uh-huh. I’m ready.
TOBIAS: Nice.
SKY starts up again with regained confidence.
----Scene 9, the parent-teacher conference.
LIAM: I don’t wanna be here… Can I go?
NORA: Don’t you want to hear what your teachers have to say about you?
LIAM: I guess.
He looks over to IVAN, who gives him a quick smile, in conversation with QUINN. Suitably reassured, LIAM hesitantly follows his parents over to SHAWN.
SHAWN: You must be Liam’s parents.
LIAM: [Muttered] Must they?
PETER elbows him, lightly, biting back a smile.
SHAWN: Hi, I’m Mr. Larson, I’m the new Math teacher.
NORA: It’s a pleasure to meet you. So, I’m guessing Liam’s performance has improved quite a bit, under new management, so to speak!
SHAWN: Well… In fairness, I haven’t been here long enough for any great improvement, but he’s… He’s doing…
LIAM: What he’s too scared to tell you is ‘no, nothing’s improved’. Mom, face it, I can’t do math.
SHAWN: Don’t say that… What about the—
LIAM: No, I really can’t.
PETER: Let the man speak, Liam.
LIAM: Sorry.
SHAWN: What about the tutoring, Liam?
NORA: What tutoring?
SHAWN: Well, we have a student who does Math tutoring, and I’ve been telling Liam about it—
NORA: We’ve heard nothing about it…
LIAM: ‘Cause I’m not doing it. Look, I’ll just study harder, I don’t need…
NORA: Maybe you just need to meet the tutor. Are they here, Mr. Larson?
SHAWN: Uh, yeah! Actually, Liam, you’ve already met.
He beckons someone over… DAMIEN.
LIAM: …You?
DAMIEN: Yes, I am! I’m guessing this is about tutoring?
SHAWN: You guess correctly.
DAMIEN: So, you’re Liam’s parents? I’ve heard so much about you.
LIAM gives him a warning look. 
DAMIEN: Damien Russo, pleasure to meet you.
PETER shakes his hand.
PETER: And the same to you. So, you’re a tutor?
DAMIEN: Unofficially, yes. I was in the same position as the kids I tutor, once, and I wanted to give something back.
NORA: You do it out of the goodness of your heart?
DAMIEN: I guess so. That, and an excuse to miss class.
Even LIAM has to laugh.
DAMIEN: I’d love to have you there, Liam. I can help… If you’ll let me.
NORA: Oh, he will.
LIAM: Mom!
NORA: Liam, I insist that you go to tutoring. How could you not want to, when he’s the one doing it?
LIAM: You have no idea…
Across the room, SHELBY spies QUINN.
SHELBY: We can’t stay too long. We’ll have to go right after your performance.
BETH: Alright… What’s with you, tonight?
SHELBY: Nothing, sweetie. Hey, is that Quentin over there?
BETH: Yeah! Hey, Quen!
QUENTIN rushes over, dragging DELILAH behind him.
DELILAH: Shelby! It’s wonderful to see you again.
SHELBY: [Distractedly] You too.
DELILAH: You looking forward to the show?
SHELBY snaps back to reality.
SHELBY: Oh, absolutely.
BETH squeaks with excitement.
QUENTIN: [Whispered] What’s going on with your mom?
BETH: No idea. You noticed too?
QUENTIN: Uh-huh.
BETH: Oh! Mom, you’ve gotta meet Mr. Winstanley!
SHELBY: Alright, honey. I’ll see you later, Delilah?
DELILAH: Of course! We have to go and get coffee again, sometime.
SHELBY: Definitely. We’ll arrange something soon— Alright, Beth, I’m coming, don’t explode.
She lets BETH drag her to ALFIE.
BETH: Mr. Winstanley!
ALFIE: [Chuckling] I’m scared already.
BETH: Don’t be. This is my mom!
ALFIE glances up, finding himself rather startled.
ALFIE: Oh… How lovely to meet you.
SHELBY: You too… Mr. Winstanley, right?
ALFIE: That’s the one.
BETH: My mentor! Begrudgingly.
ALFIE: Oh, I wouldn’t say that…
BETH: You said it this afternoon.
ALFIE: Well, I’ve changed my mind.
BETH: [Suspiciously] Uh-huh… Anyway, this is the part where you shower me with praise.
ALFIE: Ah, of course. How could I forget? Well, Beth is an exceptional student, I have to say.
SHELBY: Why, is she forcing you?
ALFIE laughs.
ALFIE: No, no… She wouldn’t dare. She truly is talented, and very dedicated.
SHELBY: Don’t I know it? I’m glad she has you to keep an eye on her.
ALFIE: I’m not sure I have enough eyes to keep this one under control.
SHELBY: I’ve been saying that since she was little.
BETH looks between the two, confused and amused. Pan across the room to OPHELIA and her parents.
JOHNATHAN: Kitten, this is very disappointing. A C in History and in Math? Bs in almost everything else?
OPHELIA: But I got an A+ in English!
ANGELINA: [Ignoring her] And slacking off with cheerleading. That explains a lot.
She looks OPHELIA up and down, critically.
OPHELIA: What?! I’m not slacking! And I dance for two hours a day in Glee!
ANGELINA: It’s not enough. Do you want to be skinny?
JOHNATHAN: Do you want to go to college?
ANGELINA: Do you want to stay popular?
JOHNATHAN: Do you want a career?
BOTH: Do you want to succeed?
OPHELIA shrinks back. Their words fade into background noise.
OPHELIA: Mama said, ‘you're a pretty girl’
What's in your head, it doesn't matter
Brush your hair, fix your teeth
What you wear is all that matters
Just another stage
Pageant the pain away
This time I'm gonna take the crown
Without falling down, down, down
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
Perfection is a disease of a nation
Pretty hurts, pretty hurts
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
You're tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs a surgery
Blonder hair, flat chest
TV says, ‘bigger is better’
South beach, sugar free
Vogue says, ‘thinner is better’
Just another stage
Pageant the pain away
This time I'm gonna take the crown
Without falling down, down, down
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
Perfection is a disease of a nation
Pretty hurts, pretty hurts
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
You're tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs a surgery
Ain't got no doctor, or pill that can take the pain away
The pain's inside, and nobody frees you from your body
It's the soul, it's the soul that needs surgery
It's my soul that needs surgery
Plastic smiles and denial can only take you so far
Then you break when the fake facade leaves you in the dark
You left with shattered mirrors
And the shards of a beautiful past
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
Perfection is a disease of a nation
Pretty hurts, pretty hurts
Pretty hurts
We shine the light on whatever's worst
You're tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs a surgery
When you're alone all by yourself
When you're lying in your bed
Reflection stares right into you
Are you happy with yourself?
Stripped away the masquerade
The illusion has been shed
JOHNATHAN & ANGELINA: Are you happy with yourself?
OPHELIA: Are you happy with yourself?
I have to go get ready, I’m performing…
She rushes off.
JOHNATHAN: We’ll discuss this at home!
----Scene 10, same location. ALFIE’s still deep in conversation with SHELBY. Growing bored, BETH walks away to find her friends.
SHELBY: You have a great accent.
ALFIE: Do I, really? Well, thank you, Ms. Corcoran.
SHELBY: Call me Shelby, everyone does.
ALFIE: In that case, call me Alfie. No one does.
SHELBY: No one calls you your first name?
ALFIE: There isn’t really anyone around to use it.
SHELBY: No wife? Girlfriend? Sorry, that’s… Way too invasive.
ALFIE: No, no, I don’t mind. No wife. No girlfriend. I don’t know many people around here. I’ve been in America for years, but I’m not exactly known for being sociable.
SHELBY: No?
ALFIE: Not in the least. Perhaps I just don’t know how to talk to Americans.
SHELBY: Well, you’re doing alright with me. Maybe I could teach you.
ALFIE: I bet you could.
SHELBY raises an eyebrow, surprised but clearly pleased. Looking over her shoulder, ALFIE sees REUBEN exit.
ALFIE: I’m sorry, could you excuse me for a moment?
SHELBY: Of course.
As he leaves, we see her write her number down and put it on his table. Outside, ALFIE leans against the wall, arms folded.
ALFIE: Leaving so soon, my beloved?
REUBEN: Oh, for God’s sake.
ALFIE: You never came to chat to me about Franky.
REUBEN: I know all I need to. The less I hear from you, the better.
ALFIE: Surely you don’t intend to leave him here.
REUBEN: Of course not. I’m just going to catch up on some grading.
ALFIE: Funny, because the performance is just about to start! What a strange coincidence that you just happened to be leaving, but hadn’t you’d better come back and watch?
REUBEN turns on him.
REUBEN: Why? Why should I bother?
ALFIE: [Low and dangerously] Because he’s your son. Don’t you owe him that?
REUBEN: I don’t owe anything to anyone.
ALFIE: Most parents would be proud.
REUBEN: To see their children waste their time and potential?
ALFIE: Or to see them happy, doing what they love, and doing it damn well.
REUBEN: You don’t know him like I do…
ALFIE: No… Perhaps not. But I’ve seen him perform. I know how good he is, and if you leave now, you’ll never see it.
REUBEN: So?
ALFIE: [Furiously] So get the hell back in there and show even the tiniest bit of support for your 15-year-old, because that’s what he wants! That’s all he wants, and I only pray you give it to him, because he has too much talent to waste! He’s wonderful and kind, but he’s vulnerable and he’s hurt, all because you won’t bloody listen to the poor kid! All you have to do is listen, just once. Just hear him sing, THEN you will have heard all you need to.
REUBEN: I’m not taking parenting advice from a lonely old man who doesn’t care enough to remember his students’ names!
ALFIE: No? Will you take it from a man who had his life saved by music?
REUBEN’s caught off-guard.
ALFIE: I’ve been down some dark paths in my time, I’d hate to watch any student of mine go through the same. Look, I may not have known their names until more recently than I care to admit, but at least I want what’s best for the poor buggers.
REUBEN: What you think is best for them. They’re not going to get anywhere on a wing and a prayer, just because they can sing a couple notes!
ALFIE: No, perhaps not. Not on the first try, anyway, but at least they can say they did try! At least they won’t be sitting at a desk, middle-aged and wondering what could have been. Did you never have dreams?
REUBEN: You’re a grown man, who cares about dreams?
ALFIE: The kids do, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to be the bastard who crushes them. The one they remember decades later, for all the wrong reasons. Have you seen Franky, lately?
REUBEN: He’s my son, of course I’ve—
ALFIE: But have you really looked? When I first met him, he looked like a corpse. Not a single light in his eyes, barely daring to talk to anyone in case you disapproved. Now look at him. He’s truly happy, he has real friends, all from Glee Club. But I bet you don’t know a single thing that goes on in our rehearsals.
REUBEN: Juniors having breakdowns.
ALFIE: Yes, in one rehearsal of many. But she had support. There was someone there to catch her, everyone cared so much… The connections they’re making now are probably going to last them well into adulthood.
REUBEN: When they’re living on the streets.
ALFIE: No, I don’t think so. Have you ever heard about Ivan’s sister?
REUBEN: No.
ALFIE: I don’t suppose you would have, no. Valerie’s mother. One of them, anyway. She did terribly in school, she had to repeat a year, but she was supported by the Glee Club. You know what happened to her? She went to MIT.
REUBEN: So, one student was successful!
ALFIE: And quite a few of them went into the arts. Broadway, in one case. Beth Corcoran told me that. It was her sister that did it. But you wouldn’t know that either.
REUBEN: Neither would you, a couple months ago!
ALFIE: But I do, now. And I’m glad of it. Ever since I started trying to connect with them even a bit, their performance in my class has only gone up. That’s why Ivan’s students do so well, and I wish I’d realised it sooner. God knows I’m never going to go the extra mile like he does, but I wish I’d started sooner.
REUBEN: Why are you even telling me this?
ALFIE: For your own good.
REUBEN: You don’t know what’s good for me.
ALFIE: Then, for Franky’s.
REUBEN: You don’t know what’s good for him either, just stop pretending! I’m just trying to keep him on the right path, so he can’t get expelled again!
ALFIE: There’s more than one right path! But I can tell you this isn’t it. Alienating him like this won’t get either of you anywhere, except for getting him further and further away from you, until you never see him anymore! You won’t stop him living his dreams, just from telling you about them. He’ll be married with kids, one day, and you’ll only see them at Christmas, and that’s if you’re lucky.
REUBEN: What do you know?!
FRANKY opens the door.
REUBEN: Franky…
FRANKY: Hello. Mr. Winstanley, we’re nearly ready.
ALFIE: I’ll be right there. Be off with you, shoo.
FRANKY laughs and exits again.
ALFIE: If you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do.
He leaves. REUBEN glares at his back, before walking in the other direction.
----Scene 11, backstage. The club are frantically preparing. Getting into costume, warming up, doing makeup.
SKY: Shit, this is missing a button.
VIOLA: Oh, no… Well, here, we can pin it. Breathe in, I’m scared I’ll stab you.
Hesitantly, she safety pins SKY’s shirt.
SKY: Thanks, Viola.
VIOLA: You’re welcome…
SKY: You nervous?
VIOLA: Horribly. Like always.
SKY: Well, there’s no need to be. You’re so talented!
VIOLA: You think so?
SKY: Yeah, I do…
BETH: September, you haven’t done your makeup yet?
SEPTEMBER: I did, but I, uh… I had to redo it.
BETH: Here, let me help. He made you cry, didn’t he?
SEPTEMBER: Maybe a little…
BETH: Asshole.
BLUE: Aren’t I just?
SEPTEMBER barely glances over, too busy having her mascara redone.
SEPTEMBER: What do you want?
BLUE: I wanna talk to you. Alone.
SEPTEMBER: You can’t, I’m busy. Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Beth.
BLUE: Alright, fine.
He perches on the table in front of SEPTEMBER.
BLUE: I’m sorry. I was a dick to you, it wasn’t fair. I understand that you don’t wanna…
He glances to BETH, clearly uncomfortable.
BLUE: You, uh… You really wanna do this here?
SEPTEMBER: Yep.
BETH: Go on. I’m not here.
BLUE: —That you don’t wanna have sex yet. I get it, we’re young. It’s not the right time. I can wait. I’d wait forever and a day for you.
BETH: Aw!
Both look to her.
BETH: Sorry, ignore me! Uh, makeup’s all done, so I’ll just…
She slinks off, giving SEPTEMBER a double thumbs-up. BLUE shakes his head.
BLUE: Uh, anyway… Can you forgive me?
SEPTEMBER: I don’t know…
BLUE: That’s fine, I—
SEPTEMBER laughs and kisses him.
SEPTEMBER: Yes, I forgive you.
The kiss becomes more passionate by the second. 
BETH: Makeup!
SEPTEMBER: Sorry!
Pan to FRANKY, vaguely fluffing his hair up.
FRANKY: Winstanley?
ALFIE: Hm?
FRANKY: Er… What were you talking to Dad about?
ALFIE: Oh, nothing for you to concern yourself with. Teaching business.
FRANKY: Right… Do you think he’ll stay to watch?
ALFIE: He might…
FRANKY gives him a look.
ALFIE: No, Franky, I don’t think so. I think he already left.
FRANKY: Probably waiting in the car… Well, that’s alright. Maybe the next one, right? Or… The one after.
ALFIE: He’ll come around, Franky. Eventually, anyway.
FRANKY: I hope so. Thanks, though. I know you tried to convince him.
ALFIE: Oh, don’t mention it.
Pan further across to OPHELIA, fully ready and pacing the floor.
OPHELIA: I can’t do this.
TOBIAS: What?
OPHELIA: I can’t. Not with my parents watching. They’ll know I’ve been wasting my time on this when I should have been studying and cheering and—
TOBIAS: Ophelia, you are not wasting your time. You have talent, and that’s what everyone’ll see. Even them, I’m sure. If Johnathan and Angelina can’t see how amazing you are… That’s on them.
OPHELIA: You sound… Sure of yourself.
TOBIAS: Yeah, well… Turns out I’m not so bad at the whole advice thing.
OPHELIA: T, I’m scared.
TOBIAS: I know, baby, I know… But you’re Ophelia Yates, remember? You part crowds like the Red Sea, you get what you want, no matter the cost. You’re the greatest, and fuck everyone who says otherwise, right?
OPHELIA: Right… You’re right. Fuck it. Fuck them. I don’t need them, or anyone else.
TOBIAS: Exactly.
OPHELIA kisses him, back to her usual self. Pan to DANNY glaring through the curtain, LIAM and AUBRI close behind, holding hands.
OPHELIA: Schuester’s speech over yet?
LIAM: Almost.
DANNY: Yeah, thank God...
AUBRI: Is it really so bad?
DANNY: You didn’t have to listen to him rehearse it.
BETH: Well… Enough time for a show circle!
QUENTIN: Alright, guys, huddle up.
The group get into a messy show circle.
JUDE: Ow. Jesus Christ, Magnolia, elbows.
MAGS: You say that like it was an accident.
QUENTIN: Guys, please.
BETH: Alright, I just wanna say I love you all, I’m glad everything’s been worked out, and… Kill it out there.
OPHELIA: You don’t need to tell me twice.
QUENTIN: Good luck, guys. We appreciate all your hard work so far, and—
SCHUESTER: —The new New Directions!
ALFIE: I believe that’s your cue.
QUENTIN: —And the rest can wait, I guess!
OPHELIA: Jeez, when do we start just being ‘the New Directions’?
DANNY: When Dad stops living in the past.
BETH: Come on, come on, come on!
QUENTIN: Let’s do this!
They walk out onto the dark stage, heads down. Lights up, heads up.
OPHELIA: Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Yeah, we'll be counting stars.
AUBRI: I see this life, like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And in my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told.
VIOLA: I feel something so right (GIRLS: I… So right)
Doing the wrong thing
And I feel something so wrong (GIRLS: I… So wrong)
Doing the right thing
ALL 3: I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie—
VIOLA: Everything that kills me makes me feel alive.
AUBRI: Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
[+OPHELIA & VIOLA] Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars.
AUBRI: I feel your love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is our four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn.
VIOLA: Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told.
OPHELIA: And I feel something so wrong (ALL: I… So wrong, o-o-oh)
Doing the right thing
ALL 3: I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
OPHELIA: Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly.
ALL: Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars.
OPHELIA: Oh, take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
[+AUBRI] Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
[+VIOLA] Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
[+ALL] Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
OPHELIA: Everything that kills me…
She looks out to her parents, slowly breaking into a smirk.
OPHELIA: Makes me feel alive.
ALL: Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned.
Lights down to rapturous applause. 
Roll credits.
Category:Episodes
Category:Scripts
Category:Season 1 Episodes