Season 4, Episode 1:  The New Rachel

Ownership of Glee:  FOX, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

= = =

It's the first day of senior year for Violet Corcoran. She's been dreading the start of the new school year, but with some encouragement from her fiancé, Kurt Hummel, she's ready to take on the new challenges that she'll be faced with this year.

When Violet walks down the hallway, people immediately move out of the way. It reminded her of how people would part like the Red Sea for Quinn, Santana, Violet and Brittany when they were Cheerios. It made Violet feel a little uncomfortable. She was popular because she was a part of New Directions, the same glee club that just won a national championship not only two months ago. It was also the same glee club that endured slushees for three years.

Lo and behold, Jacob Ben Israel has a camera in her face. "Violet! Word on the street is that Kurt Hummel proposed to you because you have a bun in the oven." He says.

"That is false information. Kurt proposed because he was ready to take the next step in our lives together." Violet says as she continues to walk.

"Are you a contender to be the next Rachel Berry of the New Directions?" Jacob asks.

Violet whips her head around. "No. I'm perfectly fine with being myself, because that's who I should always be."

Violet is a bit peeved before she meets up with Charlie. "Hey. Did you hear that people are trying to be the new Rachel in glee club?" She asks.

Charlie raises an eyebrow. "No I didn't." He says. "I'm not going to do something that stupid."

Violet nods. "Me neither. Come on, let's go to glee."

= = =

Violet sits next to Charlie and Blaine when Will walks in seeing his seniors and juniors.

Seniors
* Violet
* Charlie
* Blaine
* Sam
* Artie
* Tina
* Brittany

Juniors
* Joe
* Sugar

"Glee!" Will says and everyone cheers.

"We are coming off of a National Championship, but it's time to look forward.  And thanks to Glee now being the coolest club in the school, that shouldn't be a problem." Will says.

Violet smiles sadly. Yes, they won their first national championship, but they lost most of their biggest voices of glee club:  Rachel, Finn, Santana, Puck, Mercedes, Quinn, Kurt, and they no longer have Mike and his dance moves.

Will chuckles. "All right. Yes, we've lost some big voices. But we still have some huge ones in here. And I promise to do everything I can to replace the ones that we lost. And on that note, I'd like to introduce you to our newest member: The MVP of last year's nationals, Wade "Unique" Adams." He says.

Violet cheers as Wade enters the choir room.

"That's a great haircut, Mercedes. I thought you graduated." Brittany says.

"I wanted to be somewhere where different was celebrated." Wade says.

"We are so excited to have you." Violet says, hugging their newest member.

Will sees that not everyone is as enthusiastic as Violet. "Guys... where's the love?"

Blaine speaks up. "I think Wade is great, but the competition to be the new Rachel is already so intense, the last thing that we need is one more contender."

Will looks confused. "The New Rachel?" He asks.

Tina nods. "Every glee club needs a star performer. Rachel was that, and now that she's gone, many of us want the job." She says referring to herself, Sam, Brittany and Blaine.

Violet chuckles awkwardly. "Okay, we don't win with stars. We win as a team. One that supports new members." She says from her spot next to Wade.

Will nods. "Violet's right. Now, I don't want to hear any more of this... this "New Rachel" stuff, okay? Have a seat, Wade." He says.

Violet brings Wade over to the open seat between herself and Blaine.

"Make no mistake:  Unique will be the new Rachel." Wade says. Violet rolls her eyes.

"Charlie, control your boyfriend please." Violet says.

Charlie sighs. "Blaine, please stop this whole 'New Rachel' nonsense. I mean, you were already a star with the Warblers." He reminds Blaine.

Blaine looks a bit down but he shakes it off and continues to make plans with Brittany, Sam, Tina and Wade.

Violet sighs and holds her head in her hands.

"This is the drama I definitely don't miss."

= = =

At lunch, Violet's in line. She's handed her lunch by Millie Rose, one of the sweetest lunch ladies on the planet. "Thank you Ms. Rose." Violet says sweetly.

Millie smiles genuinely. "You're welcome darling. How are your classes going?" She asks. Violet was one of the only students in school that was genuinely sweet to Millie and Millie's daughter, Marley.

Violet smiles. "So far, so good. I have Calculus, Spanish IV, English IV and Civics this semester."

Millie nods. "And what about that boyfriend of yours?" She asks.

Violet blushes. "He's good. He's starting classes at Allen County College this week. We um... we got engaged on his graduation day." She reveals.

Millie smiles more. "Well I'm happy for you both. Maybe you should go find Marley; the girl needs a good friend like you." The woman says.

Violet smiles sweetly. "Thank you, and I'll be sure to find Marley." She says before exiting the lunch line.

A pair of hands cloud Violet's vision, and she gasps in surprise. "Kurt!"

The hands come down from her eyes, and Violet turns around to be face-to-face with her fiancé.

"How did you know it was me?" Kurt asks, genuinely surprised she knew it was him.

Violet smiles. "You smell like the strawberry pound cake lotion I got you at Bath & Body Works last week." She says.

Kurt blushes with a nod. "Okay, you got me. But I really love the scent. It's so fresh and heavenly. Just like you." Kurt says and watches his fiancée blush.

"What're you doing here? I thought you were going to work with Burt today?" Violet asks. Whenever Kurt wouldn't have a class, he was going to work with Burt in the tire store.

Kurt smiles. "Well I just knew that I had to come and see you. Also... I found a job!" He says.

Violet smiles as they sit down at an empty table. "That's amazing. Where are you working?"

"The Lima Bean!" Kurt says. "I'm a waiter there."

Violet smiles brighter. "What a coincidence. I've been a waitress at the Lima Bean for a month." She says.

Kurt smiles as he kisses her head.

"Well aren't we just two happy peas in a pod?"

= = =

While Kurt and Violet are at work, they see Charlie, Blaine and Brittany.

"So, how's Santana?" Violet asks Brittany.

Brittany smiles. "She's good; she's just really busy with cheerleading practice and it's hard making out over Skype. You can't really scissor a Webcam."

It's really quiet until Kurt speaks up. "I can't wait till Friday."

"Why?" Charlie asks.

"Glee Club auditions." Kurt answers.

"That sounds like fun." Blaine states.

"Pretty nice." Brittany answers.

Kurt sighs. "Is it depressing that I'm more excited about it than any of you?"

"Yeah." Brittany comments.

"No, not at all." Violet tells him.

"Just a little bit." Blaine says honestly.

Violet's about to say something else when she's interrupted by McKinley's new bitch, Kitty Wilde. "Excuse me. Garcon? My ice latte's too cold." Kitty says.

Violet looks confused. "It's an iced latte."

Kitty nods. "It's an iced latte that's too cold. I'm gonna need you to make me a new one." She says.

Violet's so glad she has her fiancé there because if he wasn't, she'd go all vicious Violet on Kitty's ass.

"Hey, Kurt, you got to refill the biscotti Barrel every 15 minutes." The manager says.

"Coming." Kurt says and runs to refill the biscotti barrel. 

Violet shoots Kitty a fake smile. "I'll be right back with your latte."

= = =

The next day, Violet spots a familiar head of hair at the New Directions signup sheet.

Violet taps Marley on the shoulder, who turns around and smiles. "Violet!" She says and hugs the senior.

Violet hugs back and smiles. "Marley! God look at you. You're getting even more gorgeous by the second." She compliments.

Marley smiles. "Are you gonna try out for New Directions?" Violet asks.

Marley nods. "I'm really nervous to," she admits.

Violet smiles. "Don't be. Just be yourself and sing something that shows off your voice. I'll be in the audience, cheering you on."

Marley smiles wider. "Thanks Violet. You always know just what to say."

= = =

Will smiles as he, the New Directions and Kurt get settled in the auditorium to watch the auditions.

"Okay, let's get started." Will says. He looks to his students. "Remember, guys, we're looking for superstars." Will reminds them.

Stoner Brett walks up onstage. "I'm Stoner Brett. This is Buster's 'Gettin' Hot.'" Stoner Brett tries to sing 'Gettin' Hot.'

Violet looks at Kurt with a raised eyebrow.

After Brett, another teenage boy makes his way onstage.

"Hello, sir. What's your name?" Will asks.

"Jake." Jake answers.

Violet smiles. He looks so familiar, but she can't quite put her finger on it.

"Got a last name, Jake?" Will asks.

Jake smiles. "Uh, just Jake."

Will nods. "Okay, well, show us what you got 'Just Jake.'"

Jake starts singing 'Never Say Never.'

[Never Say Never by Jake]

Kurt looks at Violet. "Oh he's good." He whispers.

Violet nods. "I know. And he looks familiar." She tells him quietly.

Jake is stopped when he gets to the chorus, and he looks offended. Violet feels offended for Jake.

"I don't get to finish?" Jake asks.

Will sighs. "We got a lot of people to see."

"But I've been practicing." Jake insists.

"We've seen enough. Thank you." Will says.

Jake — in a fit of anger — throws a music stand down on the stage.

Kurt's jaw drops. "That's rude and unacceptable."

Will looks at his former student. "Kurt, I'll handle this. Jake, come on, man, why don't you pick up the music stand?"

Jake picks it up and then leaves angrily.

"Next!" Artie calls.

Marley walks onstage, feeling uneasy. But seeing Violet's smile makes her feel at home.

"Hi. I'm Marley and I'll be singing 'New York State of Mind' by Billy Joel." Marley says.

Marley sings 'New York State of Mind.'

[New York State of Mind by Marley and Rachel]

When she's finished, Kurt and Violet give her a standing ovation.

"Go Marley!"

= = =

Violet walks into the choir room in absolute anger. "What's wrong with you guys? This club is about diversity and acceptance. Or at least it used to be." She says.

Kurt's on the same page as Violet. "And another thing... since when did everyone become so obsessed with who's the biggest star?"

"Since day one... you and Rachel fought over solos for three years. No more stalling, Artie. Who's the new Rachel?" Tina asks.

"Tell us." Unique says.

"After meticulous deliberation and an online poll, the new Rachel is... Blaine." Artie states.

"How?" Tina asks.

"Brittany, you were a close second." Artie comments.

"I came in third?" Unique asks.

"Let's not worry about third or fourth place." Sam says.

"And we don't need to talk about this, either. Why do you hate strong black women for?" Unique challenges.

Will sighs. "Guys, this young lady gave, hands-down, one of the best auditions I have ever seen. Let's give it up for our newest member, Marley Rose." Will says.

Violet cheers as Marley walks in.

"Marley, on behalf of all of New Directions, welcome." Violet says and hugs the sophomore.

Marley smiles and hugs Violet back. "Thank you. I'm really excited to be here."

= = =

Violet and Kurt sit in the courtyard during lunch. "Can I give you some advice?" Violet asks her fiancé. Kurt nods and

Violet exhales deeply. "You can't be here anymore, Kurt."

Kurt nods. "I get it. I know. I'm pathetic."

Violet shakes her head. "No, no, you're... you're not pathetic. It's just that you're... you're stuck. You don't belong here anymore. You belong in New York."

"And I'm reapplying for NYADA. But I can't just go to New York." Kurt states.

Violet smiles. "You don't need NYADA. And believe me, I don't want to see you go, but I just can't stand to see you stay here. It's killing you. And that's killing me." She says as she grabs his hand.

"What about us? We're supposed to start making wedding plans once your winter break is over. I don't want you making the plans by yourself." Kurt pouts.

Violet smiles. In a year, I'll be graduated, but... right now is your time. You're ready." She says.

Violet sings 'It's Time' to Kurt, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and go to New York.

[It's Time by Violet]

Kurt watches with a sad smile. When she's finished, she walks back to him, who looks at her.

"I'll miss you so much." He says as he gets up and hugs her.

Violet hugs him back. "I'll miss you too. But I'll come and visit and we can FaceTime and Skype... we'll never be apart as far as I'm concerned," she says softly.

Kurt smiles and kisses her. Violet kisses her fiancé back and gives him a sweet smile. Kurt gives her another smile.

"I love you so much."

= = =

Violet was up early the next morning to see Kurt before he got on his plane for New York.

After having a tearful goodbye with Burt, Kurt looks to his equally tearful fiancée. He gives her a hug and lets a few tears fall.

"I'm gonna miss you so much." He admits softly.

Violet pulls away from the hug and she wipes his tears away. "Hey. Come on now. No tears. I'm gonna miss you too Kurt. I will miss you so much. I'm so proud of you and I love you so much baby." She says.

Kurt smiles and kisses her. Violet kisses back. There's a second kiss, which is still sweet and romantic, but it's a bit quicker than the first.

Kurt pulls away from Violet and gives her a smile. "I'll let you know when I land." He promises.

Violet nods. "If I don't text or call you back, we're probably rehearsing. But I'll call you as soon as we're done." She promises.

Kurt smiles. "I love you."

Violet smiles wider. "I love you too."

= = =

Violet decides to spend most of her school day with Charlie because she needs one of her best friends for emotional support. It's really starting to settle in that Kurt's gone.

As promised, Kurt lets her know when he lands in New York, which is right around the end of the day.

Charlie is off to find Mr. Shue to ask him a question about an upcoming Spanish assignment when Violet is approached by Blaine, Artie, Tina, Sugar and Brittany.

"Violet... we did something awful." Blaine says.

= = =

"You. Did. What?" Violet sneers through gritted teeth at Artie, Tina, Brittany, Sugar and Blaine.

"We-We um... accidentally made fun of Marley's mom." Artie squeaks out.

Violet's face is red. "Do you have any idea how much that woman works to give Marley what she needs and a little bit of what Marley wants? No! You don't! I'm ashamed of you five right now. I'm utterly ashamed. You've let our win at last year's Nationals get to your heads, and I'm not gonna stand for it." She says in anger.

The five hang their heads down. When Violet's mad, you best not say anything. "And what's worse is that you've made Marley want to quit! I mean my God, she's super talented, and she wanted to feel like she was a part of something special. Until you five remember what the New Directions stand for, don't talk to me. And if you want me to talk to you, find Marley and apologize."

Violet walks to Marley's locker and finds Sam already there.

"Hey, Marley, um, just wanted to apologize for all of us and beg you not to quit. Look, I get you. Like, for instance, I know that that sweater is from Walmart and your mom sewed the J. Crew label into it." Sam says.

Marley looks confused. "How do you know that?"

"Because his mom used to do the same thing for him." Violet answers, gaining the attention of both teens.

"The best thing about Glee Club is it's not about labels. If you can sing, if you can dance, you belong." Violet says.

Sam nods. "And, dude, you can sing."

Marley sighs. "I don't know. You say that, but the way you were making fun of my mom, something doesn't feel right." She says.

Violet wraps an arm around Marley's shoulders when the five glee club members that made her feel bad show up.

"We came to apologize." Blaine says.

Tina nods. "I think being popular felt a little too good, and we forgot ourselves."

"Well, I didn't. I was always popular, but I do forget to wear underwear sometimes, though." Brittany says.

"The best part about Glee Club is that everyone gets to be a star. Which is why we're all hoping that you could come to rehearsal with us this afternoon and maybe sing lead vocal on one of the songs we're working on." Blaine comments.

"And if words don't convince you, let the majesty and mystery of Unique's fabulousness. I mean it. Glee Club's a special place. I mean, where else could I dress like this and be welcomed with open arms?" Unique provides.

"Okay, one last thing. I don't think I'm comfortable sitting with that cheerleader and those guys at lunch." Marley says.

"What cheerleader?" Violet asks.

"That won't be a problem." Kitty says as she walks up.

"We could handle Gimpy and the Tarantula Head and Richie Poor, because you guys were national champs like us, but our invitation was not extended to pre-op Precious based on the novel Barf and Mike and Molly's daughter as part of our crew." Kitty says.

"Well, I guess we're not in your crew anymore." Blaine remarks.

"You know, I was kind of hoping you'd say that." Kitty spits.

Marley and Unique are covered in red slushee.

"And with that, order is restored." One of the football players say.

Violet walks up to Kitty and pins her arm behind her back. "You listen here, you little bitch. I don't know who the hell you think you are, but you are most certainly not Santana Lopez or Quinn Fabray. You have no right to talk to my family that way. Now walk away and tighten up your below-average pony before you get to class. Do I make myself clear?" She sneers.

Kitty nods and when Violet lets go, she walks back to Unique and Marley. Everyone looks shocked, except for Brittany, Artie, Tina, Sam and Sugar. "No one slushees my family."

Blaine clears his throat. "Well, looks like you guys have been officially welcomed to the Glee Club."

"Unique's eyes... they are on fire!" Unique says.

"Let's get you guys cleaned up and go to rehearsal." Violet says, taking her two new friends to the girl's bathroom.

"It's the blue raspberry slushees that are the worst ones."

= = =

The New Directions are onstage in the auditorium, practicing 'Chasing Pavements,' with Marley tackling lead vocals like a boss.

[Chasing Pavements by New Directions]

When they finish, everyone claps and cheers for their newest additions to the club:  Marley Rose and Wade 'Unique' Adams.

= = =

3253 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. Never Say Never - Jake
2. New York State of Mind - Marley and Rachel
3. It's Time - Violet
4. Chasing Pavements - New Directions

I hope I kicked off season 4 just right. We're in the final 3 seasons of Glee, guys.

Next update:  Britney 2.0

2 episodes to Makeover
3 episodes to The Break Up
4 episodes to The Role You Were Born to Play
5 episodes to Glease
6 episodes to Dynamic Duets
7 episodes to Thanksgiving
8 episodes to Swan Song
9 episodes to Glee Actually
10 episodes to Sadie Hawkins