Disclaimer: Glee was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. It airs on the Fox network. I write this purely for my own amusement and do not seek to profit by it at all. If anyone else likes it that's cool.

A/N: HI! I'm finally back with the sequel to Song Awakenings. I'm structuring this story to be 50% original and include the appropriate scenes from the back 9 spring episodes. It's my take on what happened, as applied to my existing plots. The main characters will be Rachel, Finn, Puck, and Quinn, with lots of Santana and Brittany. The others will show up as well, with an OC sibling for one of the characters previously listed. I will enhance actual dialogue scenes and create new scenes within existing episodes. I have printed song lyrics included in addition to the audio tracks. I want to thank everyone who left a review for my first story or added it to their favorites tab.

The first 3 chapters do not have any lyrics but starting in #4 I will debut the 3 featured songs per chapter structure that I will use unless it's an all text one. Artist info is provided when their songs appear at the end of the chapter. I have the entire story plotted out and I'll try to stay semi-regular with the updates if my recent crazy life will let me.

Go to www(dot)youtube(dot)com/ and paste the following line in directly after the last backslash :

view_play_list?p=799BDF18C84A5197

A Journey To Redemption

Lima, Ohio.

Saturday, January 2, 2010. 11:00 a.m. Rachel's house, Lima Estates.

Rachel sat at her desk in her bedroom while many things ran through her mind. She pondered reaching for her laptop's power button. Things had been happening so fast in her life recently that everything going on was a lot to process. It had been one mind-blowing revelation after another.

Finn loves me! Finn is in love with me! Me, social outcast Rachel Berry. Captain of the little glee club that could. The mouth that roared. But I got killer pipes. I'm so in love with you too, Finn. It was love at first sight for me. I never dreamed that you would return my feelings. Mister hot stud sports dude. Do I have to pinch myself to believe I'm actually awake? Believe it! It's true! He's my boy friend! Can I scream for joy now?

But now Jesse loves me too. In love with ME! Little ole me. I should have seen that one coming. You are my best friend, Jesse. Yeah, we were never shy about showing affection for each other. Sure, we liked to hug or kiss each other on the cheek as we sang cheesy duet songs to each other. But I realize now that it was always more than just friendship from your viewpoint. It's taken me a day to think about everything you said in your email. We have to meet soon and talk about this. Let him know how you feel already! I could easily have romantic feelings for you Jesse but Finn's the one for me. My one and only. I need to build Jesse up then let him down gently. You will still be a big part of my life. Okay girl, quit messing around and let the guy know something! Here goes.

Rachel pressed her power button and watched as the computer screen came to life and the boot up process run its routine. While she waited a moment for it to finish something else suddenly occurred to her and send another powerful emotional shock through Rachel's mind and body.

OMG, Quinn will be here within the hour. The newest tangled web in my life. My former nemesis who directed slushie attacks on me, called me horrible and derogatory nicknames, drew porno pictures of me in the girl's bathroom, and generally tried to sabotage my daily life. Now after all the lies she built up in her life last semester came crashing down around her, something really strange and crazy happened. The two of us had a talk in the school's choir room a few weeks ago. Quinn informed me that if I could forgive her she wanted to be friends with me. She promised me that she would try and be on her best behavior and play nice. She and Finn even made peace with each other. What a strange and wondrous world we all live in.

Rachel let a small laugh escape from her throat as she thought hard about one certain pregnant blonde teen named Quinn Fabray. As she accessed her internet connection and logged on to My Space a final thought kicked her blood pressure into overdrive.

Quinn seemed so sincere in wanting to be friends I invited her to come stay with me when Miss Pillsbury needed her spare bedroom back for family. So we hugged, and since it was New Year's Eve, I decided to play along with her since she wanted to thank me properly. It was just a little peck on the lips. But my curiosity turned to interest, I felt an electric spark which led to a shocking thought and realized that it was much more than two friends saying goodnight to each other.

I wanted and desired her. Our lips started pressing together with a sense of urgency and I know there was definitely some tongue action involved. We actually swapped saliva with each other! It's insane! We felt each other up! WTF! Stop it! Focus, Rachel. Note to self: please take cold shower after sending email. Try and act civilized when your guest arrives. I'll try. I really will.

Rachel reopened Jesse's message from the day before and clicked on the reply button. She had printed out another copy of the picture he had attached and she glanced again at it before starting to type. They had posed in front of the decommissioned M1 Abrams in front of the Lima Army Tank Plant. Rachel had to smile again as she relived the memory.

You're such a history buff. I must admit that certain things you talk about are kind of interesting. At least it is when you patiently explain the concepts to me. My regular history class seems very dull by comparison. That was one happy day for me, Jesse. You do make every time we are together special. Now I understand all the reasons why. We certainly do look like a couple in love the way we have our arms around each other. But what we have and share together is much more than any physical desires could ever hope to touch. I do love you very much, Jesse. It's a different love than what I feel towards Finn but no less powerful.

Mr. St. James, you are like a big brother and best friend that means the world to me. I look up to you very much, not just because you're a senior and nearly 3 years older than me. It's not my fault that I showed so much promise and smarts that I was advanced ahead a year in school. I'll be a junior before I turn 16 next December.

We probably have more shared interests and Finn and I do, but that's cool. Same polarity people mesh together and enjoy their time with each other, but I'll always believe that opposites attract. That's why I was so drawn to Finn from the beginning. He was willing but hesitant to enjoy and share the musical universe that I have been living in since birth. I wanted to be his guide and relish his discoveries during our song and dance adventures just the same as if I was experiencing them for the first time.

Rachel's brow tensed in concentration for a moment, and then she started typing out her response.

Hi Jesse,

Sorry it took this long to get back to you. You gave me a lot to think about besides dropping that bomb on me that you're not at McKinley anymore. You just had one semester left. Why couldn't your parents have left you here? Do you know how much I'm going to miss seeing you every day at school? We need to talk about everything and I guess it will be the last time we will see each other for awhile. You mean the world to me, Jesse! Never doubt that! I'm enclosing my cell number. Please call or text me back when you get this. Meet me tomorrow afternoon at the local mall. We'll get something at the food court and spend the day together. See you then.

Love you,

Rachel

The mouse pointer hovered near the send button as Rachel reread through the message looking for typos or mistakes. When she was satisfied that it was correct she clicked the mouse and the message was on it's way through the world of cyberspace. After powering down her lap top, Rachel headed towards the bathroom door to prepare for her shower. But before getting there she glanced at her elliptical machine.

What the heck, I got time for a 20 minute power session. Then that shower will feel even better. I really have lots of excess energy to burn off. Maybe that's the trick. If I wear myself out it will be easier to stay in control when Quinn gets here. I'll be too exhausted to think about or try anything. Smart gal that Berry girl is. Let's start that leg and arm burn! Time for an interval session.

12:00 p.m. Rachel's house.

Rachel had been pacing back and forth between the living room, kitchen and the guest room rechecking everything to make sure all was ready for her guest. She walked over to admire her reflection in the hallway entry mirror.

Took shower. Wearing clean, understated outfit. I never wear sweaters at home anyway. I hope Quinn likes my new red button down blouse and black slacks. I didn't feel like going through my collection of skirts and knee high socks. Just a pair of regular socks today. I only had time to do a quick blow dry on my hair. No curls today, just the plain ole boring straight look. What's up with you, Rachel? She's just moving in, not picking you up for a date. Get a hold of yourself and calm down. Where is she?

Rachel had only sat down on the coach for a few minutes and was reaching for the TV remote when she heard the door bell ring.

She's here! She's here! Why didn't I hear her car in the driveway? Okay, Rachel, act nice to the poor girl. She's very fragile. I think I'm her only friend in the world right now. Noah doesn't count and Finn is trying but give the guy some time to heal, all right?

Rachel took a deep breath, held it a beat, then released it slowly as she reached for the front door handle. As she looked through the peephole a big grin spread across her face and she displayed her dazzling pearly white smile. Rachel unlocked the dead bolt and pulled on the door handle, opening the door.

Quinn stood on the front door stop grasping a carryall with the strap slung over her right shoulder with a roller style suitcase with the handle being held with her left hand. A city taxi cab had just pulled away from in front of the Berry household. Rachel was stunned as she tried to take in all the visual information and process it. Quinn rolled her eyes at Rachel then displayed two rows of nice white teeth herself.

Hey, Funny Girl. Are you going to invite me in or is the evil pregnant lady and her baby going to catch cold? It looks like snow is in the forecast."

"Quinn! I can't believe you're finally here. Come in please! Let me take that suitcase for you. Where's your car?"

"About time, Stubbles. I'm going to talk to the manager about the shoddy service around here. Didn't you hear? My dad took it back to the dealer. Who needs a car when your family treats you as being non-existent?"

Rachel led Quinn through the living room and headed for the stairs leading up to the second story.

"I'm sorry about that, Quinn. Let's put your stuff in your room. It's the first door on the left."

Rachel opened the door and walked into the room, placing Quinn's suitcase on the bed so she would not have to bend down to unpack it later. Quinn placed her carryall in a chair sitting in one corner of the room next to an end table. Rachel easily noticed when Quinn let out a small sigh of relief as the weight of the bag disappeared from her shoulder blade.

"Quinn, I hope you didn't strain yourself too much. Please take good care of yourself. Don't worry, friend. I'm here now to help you with anything you need. This room has just the basics but you should be very comfortable here."

Quinn turned around to face Rachel. The blond girl with the baby bump nodded her head in the affirmative. She tried to keep her face blank but it was proving to be harder than expected.

"That's more like it. The service is getting better already. So, are you really happy to see me? Still cool to let me crash here for the foreseeable future? Oh Rachel, you're dressed way too nice to just be the cleaning maid. That's a cute outfit."

Rachel grew more nervous with every minute as she stared with renewed interest at Quinn's beauty. When she actually heard a compliment coming out of her former enemy's mouth, she did not know what to think. A major sense of relief washed through her body as Rachel attempted to form words while her heart pounded in her chest.

"It's so nice of you to notice, Quinn. Thank you for that. But if you think that makes up for that crack about my diminished height you are sadly misinformed. I'm 5' 3" okay? Deal with it. You're only a few inches taller."

Both girls suddenly burst out with laughter as they closed the distance and gave each other an enthusiastic hug. They stayed that way for a few seconds, clutching each other tightly. Then Quinn pulled back enough so that her hands were still lightly in contact with Rachel's shoulders. Rachel dropped her arms to her side. Both girls were breathing with some difficulty as they realized their close proximity to each other. Quinn's knees almost buckled when she noticed Rachel had slightly licked her lips to gather some moisture. Her eyes seemed fixated on them. Quinn managed to smile and gathered her nerve enough to speak again.

"So, Rachel? I'm checked in now and thanks again for the porter service. I suppose you are waiting for your tip now. Is that it? What do you want? You have to tell me."

Rachel's insides bunched together in a web of tense knots. Quinn seemed to be waiting with some eagerness for her reply. The blonde shifted her gaze higher up on Rachel's face. Quinn's smile emerged again.

"Rachel, I do believe you are sweating. What's the matter? Am I just a little too close for comfort?"

Rachel swallowed a lump in her throat and tried again to give Quinn her answer.

"No, I'm okay with this. It just means sometime different now. When our faces were this close before we were yelling and arguing with each other in the hallways. If you are not too freaked out and are still open to the idea, I would really like it if you would kiss me again. I need to know if the reality is as good as the memory I have of a few days ago."

"Gosh, Rachel. You talk too much. That's all I've thought about doing since the first time. I want you so badly."

"Me too, Quinn. Please be gentle. My self-control is not that good right now."

"Come here, Berry. You even smell delicious."

Quinn leaned down slightly as she used her grip on Rachel's shoulders to pull her close. The two girl's eyes closed just as their lips joined together in a brief smooch. Quinn pulled back slightly so she could look at Rachel's expression. The brunette diva opened her eyes in wonder and her body started a slight tremble as desire built up within her.

You okay, Rachel? That was good but I think I need another sample to make up my mind. Ready for more?"

Rachel nodded yes as she grabbed Quinn around the waist and pulled her close. Their lips crashed together again as an urgent passion burst to life inside both girls. After about 30 seconds of frantic making out with several feints and jabs of tongue exploration, they broke apart with a violent reaction. Both girls gasped for fresh lungfuls of air as Quinn retreated back to her bed and sat down on it. Rachel collapsed into the chair after putting the carryall on the floor. Gradually both girls labored breathing calmed down as they stared intently at each other the entire time. Quinn finally managed to speak again.

"Holy crap, Rachel. Kissing you is like touching an electrified fence with my hand and getting the shock of my life. We're going to have to learn how to be around each other safely. I want this to mean something special, not just be two horny animals doing it in the barn. We need to cool the fireworks and work on our friendship first while getting comfortable being in close proximity. I'm still paying the price for the last quick hookup I did without thinking through everything. Is that cool, Rach?"

Rachel had to think about her answer for a few seconds, but finally nodded yes.

"My body may say no right now but I agree with your decision. I'm lucky I can still think rationally at all. So, how about dinner and a movie downstairs? Are you craving any specific food or dish at the moment?"

"Besides you? Dinner and a movie sound great. Are you trying to seduce me, because it's working."

Rachel's face blushed a deep scarlet red as Quinn's implication registered. She stammered out an answer.

"It's exactly what I said. I'll fix us something to eat then we'll watch something from my excellent dvd collection. So what can I get you?"

"Any food is fine. Let's go see what's in your fridge. I kinda want a ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato. Got that?"

Rachel stood up and walked over to take one of Quinn's hands in hers.

"Yes, I can make you that. So, friend, this is going to be a first. Quinn, would you like to hang out with me? Officially that is?"

"I would like that very much, Rachel."

Both girls smiled shyly at each other as Quinn allowed Rachel to pull her to her feet then they walked out the guest room door and went downstairs to the kitchen. After Rachel had made Quinn her power sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk, she fixed a tuna salad and a glass of green herbal tea for herself. Quinn looked fondly at her new friend while sitting on the living room couch as Rachel looked through her DVD collection. There was a little shout of delight as Rachel's hand closed on the plastic cover case of the one she was searching for. In a moment she had the movie ready to go. Quinn's interest was piqued.

"What's the entertainment today? Let me guess. Is it a musical?"

Rachel allowed a slight grin to reach her face as she settled back on the couch a comfortable distance away from Quinn. She looked at her new blond friend and gestured at the screen as she selected the playbill option before starting the movie.

"Remember Kurt and I singing 'Defying Gravity' at the show a few weeks ago? Well, this is the Broadway version of the musical Wicked. Quinn, I think you'll really like it. The two main female characters are a lot like us. They hate and loathe each other at first, but it was all a matter of looking at the other person and appreciating them for who they were. They gradually become good then best friends. But I'm not telling you anymore. Just watch and enjoy it."

"You think of everything, Rachel. Just being here with you I have such a strong feeling of peace and caring. Did I ever mention that you are a very cool person after all? I see new levels of compassion within you every time I see you."

Rachel squeezed Quinn's hand briefly with one of hers then started the movie and picked up her salad.

"Quinn, there is still good in you. Sorry, Star Wars reference. That's what Finn likes to watch on our movie nights. Or some guy action movie. But back to you. Those nice things you just said to me? The feeling is mutual."

Rachel and Quinn shared a knowing glance between them and each girl felt that their own cautious but passionate feelings for the other person were only going to grow stronger with time. As the first song started, the glee gals became totally engrossed in the movie.