Author's note - This is my first Fanfic, but don't be too nice, I'm looking for criticism.
Disclaimer - As much as I wish I owned the rights to GLEE, I don't, so none of the characters represented are mine.
It felt good to be back at Mckinley High, Rachel decided. She had been away for six years, but not much had changed. The jocks still beat on the nerds, the cheerleaders still ruled the school, it was comforting. As she stepped out of Principal Figgins' office, Rachel heard a familiar voice.
"Rachel!"
She spun around to see one of the last people she expected, Finn was hurrying towards her, waving her closer. As he caught up, Rachel almost caught a glimmer of a distant memory in his eyes, they still shone the same as they had six years ago.
"Rachel, I thought you left for New York. You said something about Les Miz and that was the last any of us heard of you."
"Yes, well, Broadway isn't all it's cracked up to be," Rachel said in her best diva voice. "so I applied for a job here, I'm the new drama teacher and glee club director, Mrs. Berry."
Finn looked at Rachel quizzically as she held out her hand, "Mrs. Berry?" His voice trailed off as he finally understood, reaching out and gripping her hand. "Oh! I get it, so who's the lucky man?" Rachel glanced around, as if unsure of who was listening, but the halls were empty. "Well, I was hoping nobdy would find out, but..." She stuttered.
"Who? Who!"
Blushing, Rachel finally managed to work up her voice, whispering, "Jesse." she said sheepishly. "I married Jesse."
Dumbfounded, Finn stared into space before coming to his senses.
"So what happened to Mr. High-and-Mighty Jesse St. James anyways? I thought he'd be here with you for sure."
Weakly, Rachel looked into Finn's eyes, "I'd rather not talk about it here, can we go somewhere private?"
Finn nodded, understanding her reluctance. "Sure, but would you mind sharing it with the rest of the the old New Directions? We're having a get-together tonight and I'm sure they all want to see you."
Rachel returned the nod, "Okay." Suddenly, Rachel swept Finn up into a crushing hug and Finn, noticing the tears in her eyes, hugged back just as hard, barely hearing the whimpers of "Thank you." coming from Rachel. His mind flashed back to a single night, six years ago, when he had professed his love to Rachel, and he stepped back. "Rachel, I meant what I said at Regionals, and I still do mean it, I love you. Anytime you need me, just tell me, I'll do my best."
How that was supposed to make her feel better, Finn had no idea, but somehow, it did, and Rachel left the school feeling absolutely radiant, already making preperations for that night.
A sharp, curt knock sounded on Finn's door, and Finn called the usual response,
"Come in!"
The door swung open to reveal Santana and Brittany, both wearing matching blouses and skirts. Finn set the pizza boxes down on the table and led the pair into the living room.
"You girls are early, so get comfortable and I'll be back. Either of you want anything?"
Both shook their heads as they sat down, and Finn returned to the kitchen. Soon enough, the room was full of nearly everyone from the old glee club, (The Gleeks, they called it in private.) at least, everyone who was still in town. As Puck calmed down the group and Mercedes poured drinks, Finn stood up.
"Alright guys, we haven't all been together like this in a long time." He glanced around the room, noting everyone's position. He was just about to continue when Kurt interupted.
"Um, but we all met just last week."
Grinning to himself, Finn calmly collected himself. "Yeah, I know, but I met someone today that you should meet, and she's the only person who truly completes this team. I thought she was out of town, and it turns out she isn't so let me introduce you to Mrs. Ra-"
Rachel stepped in, tapping Finn on the shoulder, "They all know who I am, you don't need to give me an introduction."
Looking around, the entire group was dumbstruck. The majority had thought that Rachel had left town with no intentions of ever coming back, but apparently they were wrong.
Realizing how much attention she was drawing, Rachel stepped forward. "You're all wondering where I've been for six years, and I knew I'd have to tell somebody some day, so I guess you all deserve to know."
