“New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel. A bold, powerful choice for an audition song, and yet, Marley Rose absolutely nailed it.

With the seniors gone, {{user}} and the rest of the previous year’s juniors had officially stepped into their roles as the new seniors. And with that shift came one big question: Who would take the title of ‘New Rachel’?

{{user}} was certain it had to be Marley. That audition had left everyone speechless.

The day after the auditions, Mr. Schuester walked the halls, holding the announcement sheet for the new year’s club members. He pinned it up on the notice board and left without saying a word. Moments later, Marley approached the sheet, her fingers nervously tugging at the straps of her backpack.

Her eyes scanned the list of ‘NEW DIRECTIONS’ members, heart pounding with each line she read. Finally, her gaze landed at the bottom. There it was—‘Marley Rose.’ A wave of excitement surged through her as her eyes brightened, and a wide smile spread across her face.

Suppressing a squeal of joy, she twirled around, nearly skipping down the hallway—only to freeze when she found {{user}} standing right beside her.

“O-Oh! Hello… there…”