Dear Mr. Ellis,

So I was scrolling through my iTunes recently, and stumbled upon the score of Up. Naturally, it elicited an emotional reaction I burst into tears. It just brought about so many memories. Things that have happened, missed opportunities, and expectations for the future. As a pianist, I imagine music touches you, and every piece reminds you of something different. I’m sure you’re familiar with Adele, and her music alone can cripple me for hours at a time. Does that make me overly emotional? I’ve been called that many a time, and I was concerned. I never really considered it an issue, relating that strongly to music. I just wanted to double check with another who’s as strongly affected by music as myself.

Sincerely, 
Rachel Berry

P.S. I left the sheet music from Up on your piano. In case you’d ever feel the need to play.  

Miss Berry-

You have a flair for the dramatic. I don’t think that makes you overly emotional. I just think it makes you very in tune with your acting abilities. Musical theatre is your dream, after all. I think it is safe to say that you are the type of person who can succeed in that field. Music is supposed to be triggering. That is why it exists. If it makes you feel, then it is doing its job. Adele is a fantastic example of an artist affected by her own work, by music. I suggest the classics for you, Miss Berry. The theatrical. It suits your vocal range.

-Brad

PS- I received your sheet music, thank you. It’s good music. 

Dear Brad,

I don’t want to be rude or anything, plus I like your name, so I decided to call you by your real name. I don’t really know how I feel about Mr. Schuester. Sometimes he can be pretty cool, but sometimes he treats me like I’m a little kid who doesn’t know anything. I really don’t like him on those days. I didn’t know it was called observing, but I do like to do that! Mostly because people don’t really listen to what I have to say, or they just make weird faces at me. Sometimes I think it’s easier to just be quiet. But I do think it’s the best way to learn more about people. Also, I don’t think you’re furniture! You’re better than furniture, but I understand. Rachel’s always getting picked on for getting so much attention. I wouldn’t want it either. 

My birthday was the first day of school. It was definitely the best birthday ever! I mean, school was pretty lame, but that’s no surprise. Santana made my day super special and amazing. Do you have a super awesome best friend too?

Love, Brittany

P.S. Do you like cookies?

Dear Brittany- 

I’ve watched this glee club since its inception and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you behave poorly, so don’t be concerned about that. Same with Schuester. He’s probably a busy guy and he’s not like you and me- he doesn’t know how to watch people and figure them out. I’d honestly be surprised if he knew half of the stuff we know, or if he knows anything about anyone beyond his “star” students. That’s not on you. That’s on him. I don’t like him much on those days, either. And yes, Brittany, sometimes being quiet does work better for how we want to be seen, but at the same time, don’t let what  they say or do stop you from speaking up. If you have something you want to say, then say it. Your opinion matters, and your friends will back you up. I know Santana has always had your back, and I am certain the other glee club members do as well. You’re a nice girl, Brittany, and I appreciate you don’t see me as furniture, but trust me- I prefer it that way. Otherwise I’d get a million whiny letters instead of a few meaningful ones. 

I am pleased to hear that your birthday went well. Santana spoke with me about your plans Monday morning and it sounded like a fun night was in store for you both. I hope your seafood was satisfactory. Santana assures me that the crab is “bangin’.” I would say my super best friend is my music. I prefer its company to most people. It doesn’t mind so much if I don’t want to talk.

-Brad

PS- I do. I have a weakness for a good, old-fashioned  chocolate chip. 

Brad- 

Have you ever been in love? Not… that I’m asking for like. A specific reason or anything. Because I’m not. I just realized recently that I don’t know anything about you even though we smoke together at least once a week, even though you know a lot about me, and even though you’ve played piano for glee club since I joined sophomore year. I guess that’s normal. I mean, I know you aren’t a teacher, but most adults don’t really share stuff about themselves with kids. Still, it seems a bit unfair that I don’t at least ask. Now normally, I wouldn’t give a fuck about fair. I don’t do fair. It’s not something that concerns me. But you listen to all my bullshit about my life, so I figure I’d ask this one thing about you. It’s kind of selfish because I want to know the answer for my own reasons, but whatever. Have you? I feel like love, being in love, is something that’s really… hard to do. It’s hard even to find that, you know? Let alone when you’re young and stupid and mess everything up. Fuck, Brad. I messed everything up. I just… want it to be normal again. What did you do? If you were ever in love, I mean. Not that you have to share. Maybe you haven’t been anyway. You’re a quiet guy, so maybe your only love affair is with your piano. Though hopefully not in the biblical sense.

-Santana

Santana- 

That’s a lot of deep thinking from a girl so young and a big question for a guy that doesn’t talk. Also, for the sanity of both our minds, I’ll reassure you that I’ve never had a love affair on or with my piano. Which is more than I can say for you, Santana Lopez. Hence that hour I made you spend Lysoling it after that one time I caught you and… Never mind. I’m still trying to white that out of my memory. Yes, Santana, I have been in love before. It was a long time ago and I was - like you - very young. But it’s easy to tell when it’s love and when it’s in love. There’s a big difference, and I can agree with you that being in love is very hard. We made it, and we made something of it. We might still be making something of it if she hadn’t passed away several years ago. Now that I have shared this with you, I’d ask that you didn’t mention it to anyone else. It’s a private story, which I only share with you now because I want to tell you that despite everything - the fear, the hurt, the confusion - the love that we shared was worth every moment. I know you’re confused. I know you’re scared and hurting. I don’t, however, think you’ve screwed up. I heard your song, remember? I knew when I watched you after that you were going to do what you did, because I remember how scary it is. And your situation… It’s even scarier than mine was. So, Santana, I ask that you think about everything once more and ask yourself what you want. If the answer is the name of the person you discussed, then stop hesitating. Go for it. You should never waste a moment of a love like that. 

-Brad

Mr. Ellis, 

I know that we’ve met many, many times, though I never think I’ve formerly introduced myself over the two years I’ve been in Glee Club. I apologize for that. You probably already know who I am, however. Seeing as it gets said a lot during class. 
I’m losing my focus. I see that people write in to you, and I realize that you probably see a lot of the things that go on in our lives from an objective perspective. And objectivity is something that I believe is essential in some circumstances. I’m rambling now. I apologize. I suppose I just wanted to ask you if you remembered the duet I did with Quinn Fabray last spring. The TLC/West Side Story mash-up. It had to do with my own demons regarding my physical appearance, and I thought I’d gotten over it. I’ve become quite fond of my nose, and I’ve fought to follow the path of Barbra Streisand, but recently I just feel… doubtful. Maybe there is more stock put on physical beauty than talent. And, to be quiet honest, that petrifies me. Does that mean that, if when I get in that spotlight, I’ll be recognized for my looks, as opposed to my voice? You probably have no clue where I was going with this letter. To be honest, I’m not quite sure either. At the very least, I’d like to thank you for being an outstanding accompanist. 

Sincerely,
Rachel Barbra Berry 

Miss Berry-

Allow me to say with absolute certainty that I do, in fact, know who you are. You have a thing for ruffling my hair for whatever reason. Even if you didn’t, I’m pretty good with names and you use me in enough practice rehearsals that I know your name well. Though there was a time, Miss Berry, I didn’t. That would have been the beginning of the club, back when I was first hired, when you were just that girl with the take-charge attitude who wanted to drag the glee club kicking and screaming into stardom. And I thought, well, mini Barbra’s going to be a pain in the ass. Now don’t get me wrong. This is a compliment. I didn’t think of you as a mini Barbra because of your nose if that’s what you’re thinking. Actually, I believe Barbra Streisand’s nose is far more prominent than your own, if memory serves me correctly. I don’t know. I’ve always tended to focus more on the music than the person. People are difficult to understand, complicated, too focused on the physical. Music? Now, that’s easy. Music speaks to people. A blind person could listen to Streisand’s work and appreciate her genius without thinking ‘wow, look at the nose on that woman’. And people who can see? They don’t have Barbra on their iPods for her schnoz. No, Miss Berry, I have no doubt that with the passion and the drive and the talent that you have, you will be a pain in the ass to much more famous accompanists one day. And they won’t care what you look like or how you act because you have the voice to back it up. Really, you could wear a paper bag over your head and sing and still get famous with the pipes on you. I wouldn’t worry so much about how you look. 

-Brad

Brad-

My papi actually came home today. I know, can you believe it? I haven’t really mentioned him a lot to you, have I? Well, let me give you an outline on Esteban Lopez. He’s a really fucking big deal doctor. We’ve got a fab health care plan because of it so pretty much any procedure I want to get done is covered, so that’s cool. But he’s never home. Like, ever. Which, you know, works for me. My mom took off when I was six, so with him gone, I have the whole place to myself… And when he’s here, he expects a lot of me. Basically, I’m supposed to be perfect. Which, hey, I’m pretty damned close. Anyway, so, he was home today and he brought up college again, something he’s been harping on me about. “College, mija, is the most important step for you to take to be a successful doctor like me.” That’s what he wants. He wants me to go to his alma mater and be fucking perfect and become a doctor like him. The problem is… his alma mater is in fucking California. Can you believe it? Fucking CALIFORNIA. He wants me to go to med school across the fucking country. And I’d be cool with it…. but for that thing we talked about. I can’t leave. What am I going to do with it all if I leave? I want… Well. I don’t know. But I don’t want California. And wow, I just realized how whiny this stupid letter is. Ignore all that. Let’s talk about Schuester’s vest addiction instead. Boy needs serious help.

-Santana

ps- Stop calling me ‘Miss Lopez’. It makes it sound like you’re placating a four-year-old. 

Santana-

Parents always have high expectations for their kids. My dad wanted me to be a professional baseball player. Imagine his disappointment when I ended up being a piano player… thing. Point is, Miss Lopez Santana, they end up accepting what we’ve decided to do because they love us. Maybe they’re still disappointed, but they love us. And if your dad can’t be that kind of dad, then screw him. If you don’t want to go to California, then don’t go to California. Go to community college. Go to Alaska. Go to New York. Work in a gas station. Pitch a cardboard box next door to Patches. Just do yourself a favor- whatever you pick, do it because that’s what you want to do. Don’t do it because of your father or your friends or even because of the person you’ve talked about. It has to be what you want and need, Santana, or else it isn’t worth it. Please, for the love of baby Jesus, don’t get any more procedures done. You’re fine the way you are and you’re a good kid, even if most people don’t believe it. Tell you what. After school Monday, before you go out to dinner with Miss Pierce for her birthday, we can walk to the corner and have a smoke - which, I remind you, I can do because I don’t work for the school. I’ve got a Cuban cigar with your name on it. Literally. You took it out of my coat pocket when I wasn’t looking and sharpied your name on the wrap. You can use me as a sounding board.

-Brad

ps- I got Schuester a regular shirt as a welcome back to school gift. Trying to see if he’ll get the hint. 

Dear Piano Guy,

Or, I guess your name is Brad since that’s what it says at the top. Sorry I don’t know your name or anything. You’re really quiet. Lord Tubbington talks more than you, and he’s a cat. Usually it kind of bugs me when people are so quiet, but I think you’re the only person who can pull it off. I mean, it would be nice to hear you talk sometime, but I understand. The people in Glee club are crazy, and sometimes I’m afraid to talk! I guess they’re kind of like another family though. They’re crazy and super dysfunctional, but we get through stuff together. I actually kind of like you. I’m sorry I never told you or anything. Sometimes you’re more of a member in Glee than the other kids, and it’s kind of awesome that you care so much. I’m sorry they don’t treat you like you’re our VIP or something, but they definitely should. Oh, and it was really amazing when you helped Santana sing to me. It meant the world to me. 

Love, Brittany

Dear Brittany- 

It’s good to hear from you. Yes, my name is Brad. You can still call me piano guy if you want- just don’t tell anyone I’m letting you. It makes me look like a pushover. I would talk in glee, but Schuester never bothers saying anything worth responding to, so I don’t bother. Mostly I like to observe. I don’t know if you’ve ever done that before - just sit back and observe- but you learn a lot more about people that way. I could tell you for example, Miss Pierce, that you are actually pretty observant for a teenager. You see almost as much as I do, even if people don’t give you credit for it. The glee club kids are crazy, but I’d say you are one of the best at keeping the others sane. You’re a good kid. Don’t worry, I don’t expect VIP treatment. I prefer the background anyway. And it was my pleasure, Miss Pierce. Your friend did most of the work. I’m just furniture.

Sincerely, Brad

Wow, I didn’t expect you to actually write back or anything. You’re not exactly the chatty type. But yeah, I get what you’re saying. I mean, it’s obvious that I’m way better than the losers at my school, but that’s not really the main issue. I mean, yeah, I’m ruling the school now… But if those Lima losers ever knew about me I’d be so, so screwed. See, my biggest rule for high school is to keep my nose clean while still getting dirt on other people. That way no one can blackmail me and I am totally in control of everything and everyone. Pretty boss, right? So this whole issue - the one I’ve told you about before - is a total threat to my image. I don’t know what to do. Obviously I want to make it so I get what I want… But in order to do that, I have to screw myself over. I like holding all the cards, and it’s stupid to show people your hand when you’re winning. I don’t know… Whatever, it doesn’t matter. High school’s almost over and then I can get the fuck out of this town.

-Santana

ps- I still feel weird swearing around you… what exactly is your real job?

Santana-

I didn’t really expect to write back, either. Normally I hate you kids - which I am allowed to do because no, I am not employed by the school - but eh. Win some, lose some. Anyway, I would just like to say that you are a clever young lady, Miss Lopez, as highlighted by your complete and utter control over the student body of William McKinley. Frankly, I admire your persuasive abilities- hint: call it that instead of blackmail. It sounds less illegal. I would also like to mention that the ‘issue’ you’ve discussed with me really isn’t an issue, per se. It’s more a…. a situation, if you will. Issue implies that it’s a bad thing and this whole situation really isn’t bad, it’s just hard. I have faith that you’ll deal with it like the smart, badass kid you are. I get your whole card metaphor, but try to remember that metaphors can only apply to real life to a point. They aren’t as important as that Rachel girl makes them out to be. What’s more important is that you do whatever the hell you want. You’re right, high school is almost over. So why do the opinions of these morons - sorry, students - matter? Hint- They don’t. 

Hope that helped.

-Brad

ps- I don’t really know what my job is, either. Doesn’t matter as long as someone’s handing me a check on a regular basis. 

Hey. This is kind of a weird thing you’ve got going here, but I guess it’s pretty cool of you or whatever. To, you know. Lend advice. You’re kind of the all-knowing guru thing of Glee club. I guess that’s what happens when people only see you as furniture. Anyways, I guess I wanted to thank you or whatever for sitting with me the other day, listening while I talked about… stuff. I mean, you didn’t say anything so it really is kind of like talking to an armchair or something… But it helped, so yeah. Thanks. I’m not a big talker normally but like, I had a lot to get off my chest and it really helped that you didn’t tell me to go to hell like Schuester does. Well, okay, he never actually said ‘go to hell’ but I swear he totally thinks it whenever someone who isn’t one of his chosen few tries to talk to him. I guess it helps, having ears and eyes that no one really thinks about overhearing or seeing things they shouldn’t. You’re actually pretty badass, you know that?

-Santana

ps- OH wait, maybe I shouldn’t say badass to you because you’re a teacher. Are you a teacher? I actually don’t know what your real job is…

Miss Lopez-

First of all, I’m not a teacher, so your description of me as ‘badass’ is apt. Second of all, yeah, don’t bother trying with Schuester. He’s got tunnel vision. And third of all… You’re pretty badass yourself, Miss Lopez. You don’t give yourself enough credit. The things you discussed with me were very adult problems for a very young girl and I think you’re doing your very best at handling them. When you get as old as I do and you learn to sit down, shut up, and pay attention, you get better at seeing things. I can tell you that it is my completely biased opinion - and as a non-teacher I am allowed biased opinions - that you are one of the best kids in this weird little group of outcasts. Just do what I did in high school- remind yourself that you’re smarter and cooler than all of them and one day they’ll be mopping your office while you sit back in your rolly desk chair and laugh. Of course, I sit on a piano bench all day and the janitors aren’t specifically cleaning up after me, but one of them was in my graduating class so I choose to interpret this as a success. 

Hope that helped.

-Brad