Remember how we used to talk
About busting out,
we'd break their hearts
Together, forever
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
You and me and my old friends
Hoping it would never end
~Bon Jovi, Never Say Goodbye
"Violet, slow down," Sam tried to calm his girlfriend who was running around her kitchen like a chicken with its head cut off.
She frantically replied, "Sam, I can't slow down. Your family's coming here any second and dinner needs to be perfect. Shit, where's my timer?"
Sam took her hand and brought it to her eye line, and she saw that the timer was already in her grasp. Sam looked at her concerned, "Vi, it's gonna be great no matter what. You know they'll get along."
"But how do we really know. I mean, maybe something catastrophic will happen and they won't get along. O-Or you know how your mom really doesn't like my mother? What if she questions why my dad didn't defend me for a while. Or what if my dad somehow is holding a secret grudge against you because of our breakup?"
Sam grasped her shoulders, "Okay, Vi. I need you to breathe with me."
As he helped guide her in breathing exercises, he reassured her, "Yes, my mom doesn't like yours, but she doesn't blame your dad especially since you two have a good relationship now. Your dad doesn't have a grudge against me, and I know this because he calls me to help check up on you. He trusts me."
Violet sighed, "It's just that... My dad just got in today and this is probably the last opportunity our parents will be able to meet in a long time and I just want it to go well. First impressions mean a lot, like, that girl Demi, the one that Seb's been interested in, told him how first impressions basically shape your entire idea of a person, and it'd take so much time and effort in order to reverse that first impression. Our parents can't do that if something goes wrong."
"And nothing will go wrong," Sam reassured her.
"You better not jinx it."
Sam playfully rolled his eyes, and knocked on the closest wooden surface, "See?"
Violet giggled and brought him into an embrace, "You really think things will go smoothly?"
"As long as Stevie and Stacy don't try to cause trouble, things will go smoothly. And if it doesn't, then... I'll try boxing with you and Blaine."
"Really?" Violet's eyes lit up. "I thought you didn't like the idea of fighting someone."
"I mean I don't, but I'm not gonna be wrong," Sam smirked.
Violet chuckled and just gave him a kiss. The couple then heard Violet's dad descend from the stairs. "What smells so good?" Robert Suzuki yelled from the staircase.
The couple quickly broke apart, and Violet cleared her throat and replied, "Korean Fried Chicken. Aunt June sent me a recipe that she stole from one of her ex-girlfriends when she stayed in Korea? She was the chef, I think."
"Honestly, I stopped keeping up with your aunt's relationships a long time ago. I told her that I'd start paying attention when a relationship lasts more than 3 months," her dad replied.
Sam added, "She also made a Japanese cheesecake, and it's in the oven right now."
"I would've made a New York cheesecake, but Stevie likes the Japanese cheesecake better. I think it's because he's mesmerized by the texture."
Her dad walked up to her and kissed her on the forehead, "Well, it looks great, Violet."
"Thanks, Dad," Violet smiled softly, her panic defusing. Violet got an alert on her phone and she sighed, "Okay, so they're here."
"And everything will go great," Sam reassured her. "I'll go greet them. I already finished setting the table."
Her dad added, "I'll help bring the food out."
"And you just need to take the cheesecake out," Sam calmed her down.
Violet breathed out, "It's gonna be fine. Everything's gonna be fine."
And generally, the dinner did go fine. They actually all got along very well. Robert's charismatic personality charmed Mrs. Evans automatically, and Mr. Evans was fascinated by his life in the city. It also helped that they talked about whatever sport was currently relevant. This also helped gain Stevie's trust because Robert actually talked soccer with him.
The only person he didn't totally win over yet was Stacy because, despite being young, Stacy remembers all of the stories Sam told about Violet's family. But, Sam quickly caught that and told her to be nice.
Robert enjoyed the presence of the Evans family. He had never really encountered a healthy and normal nuclear family like this, but he was pleasantly surprised with their Southern charm and their warmness towards him.
They were conversing and eating, and having a good time. The current conversation topic was about the kids and the little quirks they had when they were younger.
Mrs. Evans was trying not to laugh too hard, "And for a month straight, Sam would just do impressions of Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You. Learned all of the lyrics to that Frank Sinatra song 'I Love You Baby' and would sing it around the house all the time."
Mr. Evans added, "He learned the choreography too!"
"Awh that's so cute," Violet cooed at Sam who looked embarrassed. "I'm surprised that you haven't recreated that scene. I was on the field all the time because of the Cheerios earlier in the year."
"To be fair, I think Sue would've killed me if I hijacked Cheerios practice," Sam chuckled. "Besides, I don't even think I remember it. I was, like, 6. I thought it was cool then, but it's just kind of embarrassing now."
Violet pointed out, "I bet it was cute. Besides, you were literally yelling from the rooftops that you loved me before. Was that not embarrassing?"
"No, it was cute," Sam smiled at her challenge. "But I bet you did something at 6 that you think is embarrassing now."
Violet tried to think, "I don't think I remember anything embarrassing."
"Maybe your dad remembers something," Mr. Evans suggested, not realizing that he would definitely be on the other end of his wife's scolding for it.
Robert cleared his throat awkwardly, "Actually, I don't. I didn't actually spend much time with Violet during her childhood."
The table fell to an awkward silence, and he just explained, "I was at work most of the time, and I really only got to see her when either me or, uh, Anastasia were taking her to her rehearsals or shows."
Violet took her dad's hand and broke the awkwardness, "It doesn't matter what happened. Sure, my childhood wasn't exactly filled with a lot of fond memories, but my best memories are from now anyways. It's okay."
"I'm sorry, Violet," her dad looked at her sadly.
She shook her head, "Dad, I forgave you a long time ago. It's okay. I'm okay now. I'm happy. I mean, I personally never thought we'd ever have a moment like this where a parent of mine would be meeting my significant other's family."
"And something's telling me that we'll have a lot more moments like these in the future," Mrs. Evans smiled contently at the full table in front of her.
Violet and Sam decided to tell the adults and the kids to enjoy themselves after dinner while they did the dishes. The sound of the piano filled the house as well as laughter and what Violet could only assume was Stacy's singing.
Sam came up from behind Violet as she started to dry the last dish. His arms wrapped around her waist and he nuzzled his chin in her neck. Violet chuckled, "I feel like this is a position that most couples wouldn't want their parents to see them in."
"They're busy having fun out there. Plus, our position is totally innocent."
Violet clarified, "Yeah, but I feel like it can look wrong."
"You worry too much," Sam replied, kissing her cheek. He removed his hands and got up to lean on the kitchen counter.
Violet giggled as she countered, "Says you. You worry about me all the time."
"And you worry about everything else."
"Oh, God. We're such a mess," Violet chuckled.
He gave her another peck, "At least we're messes together."
Violet smiled and looked contently into his eyes, "I can't wait to go to New York with you."
§ § §
Violet was in the library that next morning, filling out the rest of her NYADA forms and looking over the material that they would be testing her on soon. She tapped her pen on the table as she stared at her name on the form.
Violet Suzuki-Anthony.
She wasn't sure why that name seemed so unfamiliar now. Maybe it's because the last name "Anthony" held so much pain. After all, her stage name was Violet Anthony. It was one of her last reminders of her mother.
Ryder's voice interrupted her thoughts, "I talked to my parents about that packet you gave me."
Violet's eyes focused on the boy in front of her, and he quickly took a seat across from her, "We looked through all of the programs and stuff, and they're gonna transfer me to that one public school with a really good music program. Turns out my parents are starting a private practice with one of their friends, so we were probably gonna move again anyways."
"Everything always has a way of working out, doesn't it?" Violet asked rhetorically.
Ryder explained, "After you left with Mercedes, we all talked about transferring, and I guess... we realized that you wouldn't be doing this unless you really thought that Glee was over forever."
Violet sighed sadly, "I wouldn't just split you guys up if I didn't need to. Hell, I probably wouldn't have done all of this if there was even a sliver of hope that the arts would come back to the school by the time your senior year comes around, but... Sue's principal now. We, as students, can't compete with that kind of power. I just want the best for you guys."
"You always have," Ryder smiled nostalgically. "And you have no idea how grateful I am for everything that you've done. You really had my back when I thought I had no one. You defended me, you convinced me to stay in Glee..."
She rolled her eyes, "Oh, you would've come back. I know you would've come back."
"Still, you helped me find my way, way faster" Ryder pointed out. "I honestly don't know what any of us would've done without you."
"You would've been fine. Albeit, a tad messier especially if Schue was 100% in charge, but still fine. And all of you guys with still be fine without me," Violet reassured him.
"I know, I know. And look, I'm good at being the new kid. I mean, before McKinley, I flunked out of my other school and I landed on my feet alright. I'll be okay over there too... hopefully."
"Well, you always have my number if you need help. Even if we're disbanding as a Glee Club, we're all still your family."
Ryder looked at her questioningly, "Even Jake?"
Violet rolled her eyes, "Even Jake."
The first bell rang, and it was time to report to homeroom for most of the kids besides the seniors who could come if they choose to now. But Mr. Schue asked the seniors if they could help pack up the room while everyone else was still in class.
So with the help of the early-rising alumni, the seniors started to pack up the room. Well, it was only Violet, Sam, Artie, and Rachel, so far.
"How do you just not pop the bubble wrap?" Sam questioned, staring at the entire roll of green bubble wrap.
Violet giggled, "It's hard, but I have self-restraint. And if it's too hard to stop yourself, then just let me handle the roll and wrapping the trophies while you put them in the boxes."
Sam nodded, "Yeah. Good idea."
The group of four managed to finish packing half of the trophies. When it looked like Sam was alright around the bubble wrap, Violet went over to help Rachel put the trophy in the boxes because the shorter girl was struggling.
"Thanks," Rachel said sheepishly.
"It's no problem," Violet waved her off. "Gotta use this height some way."
Rachel nodded, "Right. Quick question: You're going to NYADA for musical theatre, right?"
Violet was slightly skeptical of the question since it seemingly came out of nowhere. While the two girls called a truce between them, it didn't automatically eliminate any jealously or resentment. So even though the question was harmless, it wasn't completely innocent or devoid of jealousy.
"Yeah, but only as a minor. My major's actually Dance," Violet corrected her.
Rachel breathed out in relief. She knew that she already made it big on Broadway, and Violet hadn't even graduated yet, but she also knew that if she had to compete head-to-head with Violet in New York, their truce would inevitably crumble, and she would be so hellbent on trying to be better than Violet that it would distract her from what she actually wanted.
"So why minor in musical theatre?" Rachel asked.
Violet explained, "Aside from Carmen Tibideaux really pushing for it, I realized that it might be helpful to have formal knowledge of musical theatre if I want to choreograph for stage productions."
She decided to refrain from telling Rachel that part of the reason why she was doing this was to keep an eye on her as well just to make sure she doesn't struggle too much while juggling a college education and being on Broadway.
Tina then walked in confusedly, "What are you guys doing?"
Violet explained, "Schue wanted us to pack all of this stuff up before Sue came in with the Cheerios and trashed everything. Didn't Artie pass along the message?"
Violet looked over to the boy, and he whisper-yelled at her, "I didn't tell her because you know what would've happened."
"No, don't get upset, oh," Rachel said sympathetically while giving a sniffling Tina a hug.
"See," Artie deadpanned.
Violet rolled her eyes, "You have a point."
Tina returned the hug, her lip still quivering, but no tears to be found. Kurt and Blaine then ran into the room excitedly.
Violet scolded the couple, "You guys were supposed to come here almost an hour ago. Where have you been?"
Blaine tried to suppress a grin, "Well, we just found out some great news. It's huge. You guys might want to sit down for this–"
"You guys got married and adopted Russian twin babies! Yes!" Sam exclaimed while slightly waving their second-place Nationals trophy around.
Everyone looked at him confused until the couple revealed the news at the same time.
"Blaine got into NYADA!"
"I got into NYADA!"
The room erupted in cheers and congratulations for Blaine. Violet hugged him and whispered, "I guess we're gonna be classmates again."
Blaine broke the embrace and chuckled, "Yeah, unless you get out of all of them Miss Broadway."
"You'll catch up. You're, like, a prodigy and you're a teacher's pet," Violet replied.
Tina grinned, "Wow! Oh, my God! You guys, do you know what this means? All of us– we're all going to New York together!"
Sam cheered, and he accidentally flung the trophy right into Tina's face which instantly knocked her out.
Kurt immediately instructed everyone to get her head off of the ground and to make sure that she was okay. He then breathed out, "God, this happened last year too!"
Violet took the trophy out of Sam's hands, "Damn. This second-place trophy is still causing us pain."
Tina started to regain consciousness again, and Sam asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm great," Tina replied, seemingly completely fine. "You guys, New York, it's gonna be amazing."
"Okay, but we should still take you to the nurse's office," Violet pointed out.
§ § §
During Glee that morning, Kurt and Mercedes told the club to meet in the auditorium instead of the choir room, which no one minded because of how messy the choir room was at the moment.
Violet walked to the auditorium with Quinn and Puck who were particularly cuddly since the day before.
"So the devil's spawn gone?"
Puck smirked, "Yup, I sawed him."
Quinn scoffed, "I was the one to beat the shit out of him. And yes, Biff left for Yale this morning."
Violet whistled, "And you guys are already like this? Do I have to worry about being Aunt Violet soon?"
"You and Santana hang out too much," Quinn tsked. "And no, we're just savoring our time together. With how busy I get at Yale–"
Puck continued, "And wherever I go for the Air Force–"
"It'll be hard finding time together."
Violet nodded approvingly at the couple, "Well, I'm glad. Look, I don't know how long you guys will last, but I hope it's for a while. You guys actually bring out the good in each other."
As they were about to enter the auditorium doors, Violet stepped in front of Puck, glaring at him, "But if you ever mistreat Quinn, then I don't care how much Air Force training you've had, I will find you, and I will be wearing my steel-toed boots to break your nuts."
Puck tried to act tough, but it was really all for show, "I'm not scared of you."
"Really?" Violet laughed. Sam interrupted her before she could say anything else that might intimidate Puck.
"Hey, what's going on? Why aren't you guys heading in?"
Quinn sighed, "They're fighting. Again."
"What's new?" Sam chuckled. "But we should probably go in before the good seats are taken. I mean, it's Mercedes and Kurt performing."
Reluctantly, Violet agreed, and the four of them sat in their seats just as Kurt and Mercedes took center stage, and made their whole spiel about reignited tensions from their friendship in hopes of trying to squash the Rachel and Santana feud. And their entire speech was wrapped up nicely with a duet that somehow made everyone sentimental whether they liked it or not.
§ § §
Violet and Unique were walking to lunch together, a tradition that was upheld whenever Violet did join everyone else for lunch.
"Yeah, I'm leaving in 2 weeks which is mind boggling to me," Violet explained to Unique.
Unique was slightly surprised, "Wow. Are you guys selling your house?"
Violet shook her head, "No, because my dad thinks that we might need it in the future. Something about if we ever need to get away from the big city."
"I mean, at least you'll have a place to stay when you visit Lima, and when you visit me if you have time," Unique replied.
"Honestly, with how much work you've put into your junior year, your senior year should be a breeze and I probably could visit and hang out with you, but you should be busy doing other things even if you're staying at McKinley."
"Actually..." Unique's voice trailed. "I'm going back to Carmel."
Unique explained it further, "When I showed my parents the school options, they just wanted to send me back to Carmel, you know? I mean, now that Jesse's gone, everything should be better. And yeah, my old teammates weren't like you guys, but they were at least nice and I talked to some of them, and they're actually excited to have me back."
Violet breathed out, "Good. I'm glad. You should be able to compete in your last year. Just be sure to visit me when you tour colleges."
"Actually..."
Violet chuckled, "Don't break my heart now."
"I actually want to go to school in L.A.," Unique replied.
"No Broadway? No musical theatre? I'm actually surprised. That's what brought us together in the first place," Violet widened her eyes.
Unique sighed, "I know, but after getting closer with Mercedes, and then actually going to L.A., I realized that even if I wanted to do Broadway, I probably wouldn't make it because of who I am."
Violet pursed her lips, "No, yeah, you're right. It's shitty, but you're right. But what would you want to do?"
"Sing, act, be the person I wasn't ready to be," Unique replied.
Violet was confused, "What do you mean?"
"I didn't want to be the poster child of difference last year. I just wanted to sing and be who I am freely. Now, I get that if I ever want to be famous, I'll be the poster child no matter what, so why not own it while doing something I love."
Unique looked at her feet, "I know now that no matter what, me just being myself is a political statement, and I want to change that. I want a world where trans kids can just grow up and be themselves without all of this unnecessary arguing, and that starts with them seeing themselves in me and seeing that they can be whoever they want to be."
Violet stared at her proudly, tears pricking her eyes slightly, "You've really grown up here, haven't you?"
"I wouldn't be half the woman I am without you. Without all of you. Thank you, Violet," Unique teared up, hugging Violet.
§ § §
"I can't believe they're really doing this," Violet complained.
"I can't believe you're not used to this by now," Scott chuckled, bass strapped to his back while he pushed his amp to a classroom.
In a last-ditch attempt to save the Glee Club, Holly came up with the idea of integrating music into other clubs and gradually getting those clubs used to singing until it eventually turns into the Glee Club.
Violet thought that the concept of it was ridiculous. So she decided to go back to her roots and join the jazz band.
"Yeah, Vi. You guys do weird shit like this all the time," John backed up Scott.
"Do you guys actually think this'll work though?" Violet looked at them incredulously.
Scott shrugged, "Weirder things have happened."
John chuckled, "Like you going to the Boston Conservatory. How did that happen?"
Scott shoved him lightly, "Because I'm a good musician, unlike you."
"I don't think I'd be going to Rice if I wasn't good," John bantered back.
"Both of you are great musicians that are going to some of the best music schools out there," Violet wrapped her arms around both boys. "But I'm the best."
Both boys rolled their eyes and got away from her. John mentioned, "You know, maybe I won't miss you when I go to Houston."
"Such babies," Violet chuckled. "You both will always have a place in New York while I'm there, so if you guys wanna get away from cowboy country or Red Sox territory, you'll be safe in the city with me."
Scott chuckled, "I'm gonna miss your antics, Vi."
"Wha– C'mon!" John exclaimed.
Violet rolled her eyes, "Stop lying to yourself. You're gonna miss me too."
"Yeah..." his voice trailed before bringing the other two into an embrace.
After setting up in the classroom and surrounding confused teenagers with the rest of the Glee members, Holly, who was wearing something vaguely Southern, and Mr. Schue walked into the classroom.
"Hey there, Animal Husbandry Club!" Holly greeted with a bad Southern accent.
"Oh no," Violet mumbled, making Scott pat her on the shoulder.
"Just enjoy the trainwreck."
"I'm animal rights activist Temple Grandin! Overcoming autism gave me insight into how to slaughter livestock in a more humane way. I think in pictures, not words, and I'm hypersensitive to loud noise!"
Violet cringed, "Sometimes trainwrecks are too messy to enjoy."
"But that don't mean I don't know how to party. Hit it!"
With Violet on her guitar, she and the rest of the band started to play Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time" while Holly took the lead.
To say the least, the Animal Husbandry Club was horrified at this attempt to integrate music into their club despite everyone else being blissfully unaware of it, but Mr. Schue and Holly would find out soon enough.
§ § §
The next morning, Santana and Violet went out to the Lima Bean to get coffee before they had to return to the school.
"You do realize that Glee doesn't start for a while right? We could've just had our drinks there," Santana explained to the girl.
"Yeah, I know, but we still have to finish clearing out the choir room," Violet replied with part of a reason. The main reason being that Brittany asked her to take Santana out and bring her back for her big lily surprise.
When Brittany originally asked Violet to help her with the romantic gesture, Violet was hesitant because Santana's in a relationship with Dani, but after drunkenly catching up with everyone after the disastrous dinner with Biff, Violet learned that their relationship fizzled out. While they were still together, Santana just felt like she was going through the motions.
Santana sighed, "I still can't believe it's really over. After everything, Sue really won, didn't she?"
"I mean, yeah, but I think that... maybe she didn't win."
"What do you mean?" Santana asked confusedly.
Violet proceeded to explain, "Well, Glee Club might be over, but we still have each other, don't we? Isn't that what matters? Like, no matter how annoying everyone is, we're all still there for each other, so no matter how much Sue tries to destroy the club, the essence of the club will always live."
Santana looked at her skeptically, "What? Did Rachel tell you about what I told her after Aretha and Lady Hummel's performance?"
Violet glanced over at the girl next to her, "Yeah, but that's not the point–"
"Are you taking her side?" Santana asked incredulously.
"No, I'm not. I'm on your side. I've always been on your side which is why I'm confused as to why this resume booster suddenly became this unknown Broadway dream– or actually, this revenge plot," Violet retorted.
"Because it's about the principle of the thing. I'm not gonna let her walk all over me and call me worthless and let her get away with it. I don't want 10 shows, I want them all, and I won't stop until I do."
"But why?" Violet questioned. "Does torturing Rachel give you that much pleasure that it just overrides how you feel about Broadway songs? Because you hate a lot of Broadway, Santana. You tolerate it at best just because you've been around it so much, but you know and I know that if it weren't for Rachel, you wouldn't want to do 8 shows a week for who knows how long for Funny Girl of all shows."
"Is this really what you want to do?" Violet asked.
Santana pursed her lips, "We'll see, won't we?"
Violet pulled into the McKinley parking lot and put her car in park, "Yeah... Well, uh, you might want to go to the choir room now. Someone's in there waiting for you."
"Who? Rachel?" Santana asked.
"The girl who's still in love with you." Violet then chuckled, "I helped Britt with a surprise for you, and now that my job's done, I have to talk to a certain sophomore about what lies in their future."
That sophomore being Marley who was already waiting by the piano on the stage. Marley was playing a new composition, one that Violet hadn't heard before. Marley stopped playing and started to scribble something on the piece of paper, but Violet's claps echoed in the large auditorium, making her turn her head to look at her.
"You're here," Marley smiled.
"Of course I am. You told me to come here, didn't you?"
Marley stammered, "I– I know, I just... I thought you'd be busy with other stuff. Ya know, since graduation is soon and–"
"I always have time for you. Besides, I did promise you some songwriting sessions before I leave for New York in a couple of weeks," Violet mentioned as she walked onto the stage. "So what did you want to talk to me about. Is it about this new song you were playing?"
"Yes– well, no. Um, kinda?" Marley took a deep breath. "I showed my mom what you did for me, and we actually called that school to check it out, and... I think I'm going."
Violet grinned, "Marley, that's great!"
Marley started to smile at her, "I know, I know, and I'm really excited. I wasn't going to do it at first because it was so far away, and I don't know if I'd be comfortable with room and board there or anything, but I guess someone told them that my mom works at the cafeteria here because they gave her a job that pays way better than McKinley. They also showed us a house that we could afford rent-wise. I didn't actually know these schools did that."
Violet sighed, realizing that they figured out what she did, "I only hid this from you because I know you and your mom wouldn't have accepted my help. I just wanted to give you the best chance."
"And we're grateful for it. I think that after the year we've had, me and my mom are excited to get a change in pace– I mean, don't get me wrong. I'll miss you and I'll miss Glee and I'll miss everyone, it's just that... this new school and this scholarship is just a fresh start that I need right now."
Violet walked up and brought her into an embrace, "I'm gonna miss you kid. You deserve to be happy."
Violet could feel Marley's tears drop to her shoulder, "Thank you, Vi."
She broke the hug so she was face-to-face with Marley, "Now, when you go to this school, don't be afraid to be yourself. Write the songs you wanna write, sing, and just grow into the person you want to be, okay? I'll just be a call away."
The tears flowed faster down her cheeks which prompted Violet to try to dry her eyes, "You're going to do amazing things Marley Rose, and I expect to see whatever you work on, okay?"
"Always."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
hi I'm alive
my cousin was in town for longer than I expected so I'm SUPER behind. I also started school today and it was meh. I honestly don't know how I feel about being in person again since the covid's on the rise again. I'm vaccinated and I'm wearing masks, but people in my state aren't so it's kinda frustrating.