A/N: New Story! This was a request for gleekin0ut (I really hope you like it)
This is my first Puckleberry story (AU) So go easy on me!
This chapter is a little slow. Just intruducing the story but i promise it will get better! This fic is based on a story i read, i changed ALOT but the story line is based on the book.
Please review and tell me what you think! I would love to know! :D Thanks for reading!

No matter who they are from or why they are written, all emails begin the same way.

Hello Rachel!

What threw me off was the extra exclamation point. My mother would call it unnecessary, overblown and exuberant. But for me, I found it incredibly annoying, which is exactly how I felt about my new stepfather Leroy.

I hope your last few days as a senior at LaGuardia Arts are going great. We are all good over here! Just readying the house for when your soon to be sister arrives. Ally, the wonderful woman carrying our bundle of joy, says she has been kicking like crazy lately. I've been busy running the store (trying) and putting the final touches on the nursery. It's pink and brown; it's absolutely gorgeous.
Your father is busy as always, if it's not one case it's another. I figure I'll see more of him burning the midnight oil when I'm up with the baby!
I hope you will consider coming to visit us after you graduate in a few weeks! It would make this summer so much fun! Come on over whenever you'd like. We'd love to see you!

Love,

Leroy (and your dad, and the sister-to-be!)

After reading that paragraph I found myself exhausted. All those exclamation points, I felt like I could hear him yelling through the computer. The thing about Leroy was that his personality was.. Bright. He was very outgoing and knew just about everything about fashion, from hemlines to shoes and apparently likes to send extremely chatty e-mails to people who could care less. He actually owns his own clothing shop along the Boardwalk down the street of their new beach house. Supposedly it's very popular all year round which is rare for shore front stores.

I know what you are thinking and no, you did not read that wrong, my father left my mother for another man! My mother claimed not to be surprised by my fathers new lifestyle. She said that she had a feeling since they met, something about his eye for men's fashion trends. I'm not going to lie, finding out your father is gay your sophomore year of high school was… shocking to put it lightly.

I am not homophobic what's so ever. In fact my older brother Kurt is gay and he is my favorite person on earth. I just wish I could see him more. Since he graduated high school two years ago, he flew to Europe and has been traveling to world ever since. He always was the adventurous one. He had the friends, he went to the parties, he even had more boyfriends then I have. Well seeing as I haven't had a boyfriend that's obvious.

Growing up my brother was the trouble child. Since birth he was the cockily baby, screaming at all hours of the night. As a toddler he made a mess of anything and everything. Even high school he was grounded eighty percent of the time. Especially after the divorce. But me? I was the quiet baby that parent's loved. I kept my self entertained all the time. The called me their 'little grown up'. I switched schools a lot, but not because of bad behavior, but for lack in academic standards. School and music were my life and if I wasn't being challenged I wasn't happy. If I wasn't happy I switched schools. I never had friends, never went to parties, never dated. It was school all the time and if not I was at Lisa's Diner trying to avoid my parents arguing. As of late it's been to avoid my mother.

Ever since the divorce she has become even more unbearable than usual. See the thing with my mother is she is extremely successful. She graduated from Julliard, became a star on Broadway, wrote a novel, starred in a musical movie, and got married before she was twenty six. With success usually comes ego and let me tell you she has that, plenty of it. After having my brother she started taking some classes to become a teacher, well professor. By the time I was born she had her own class, theatre history, at NYADA.

She started holding these cocktail parties for her junior and senior students. So every Friday night I made sure to be out of the house before her 'company' arrives. And If not I was stuck in my room forced to listen to my mom laugh and flirt with all these younger men.

Monica Fanny Berry was born the day before my graduation, weighing in at 7 pounds and 4 ounces. My father Hiram, called me the next morning.

"I am so sorry Rachel. I really hate to miss your speech and not to mention to see my baby girl graduate."

I sighed looking over at my cap and gown laid neatly across my bed. "Dad you are seeing your little girl. You won't however be there to see you first daughter graduate at the top of her class, the valedictorian!"

"Rachel." I could hear it in his voice, he was sorry, but somehow it didn't matter. He has missed so many of my performances, science fairs, dance recitals, I'll be surprised if he makes it to my wedding. "I know you are upset but-"

"No dad I understand., priorities." I take a long breath trying to fight the tears that were threatening to fall. "I better go. I have to jump in the shower and go over my speech a few more times."

"Alright. I love you Rachel. But do me a favor?" I stay silent for a moment just wanting to hang up.

"What?" I hear him chuckle lightly.

"When you go to get your Diploma… don't fall!" Even though I was furious with him, he always finds away to make me smile.

"I'll try. Bye dad, tell Leroy I say congratulations." Not wanting to hear anything more I snapped my phone shut and tossed it on my desk.

I walked out into the kitchen to see my mom pouring herself a cup of coffee. "The baby was born last night." She looked up from her mug. "They named her Monica."

My mother snorted and took a sip of her coffee. "Oh good Lord! Your father and his obsession with Friends."

I smile weakly and nod. My mom really doesn't have room to talk, my middle name was after Barbra Streisand. My Father had a thing for friends, my Mother, Funny Girl. "I hope Leroy likes changing diapers because you Father never changed a single one for you or your brother."

"Well people can change…" She laughed again flipping open a Broadway magazine.

"People don't change! If anything they get worse as they get older." I walk past her grabbing a mug and pouring myself some coffee.

"Right." I muttered under my breath taking a seat at the island, flipping trough my note cards.

"So I take it Hiram will not be attending you graduation tonight?" She grabs the cards from me scanning them, I hate when she does this. She always finds ways to tear me down through my father.

I stand up grabbing my cup. "I'm gonna go get ready." She hands my cards back and smiles.

As I start to walk away I hear her call my name and I turn to face her again. "I would rethink the opening quote. It's a little much for and opener." I nod as I head back to my room, shutting the door behind me.

Reading the first quote out loud. "The past isn't dead. It isn't even the past." And she was right of coarse. She always was.

Another Friday night alone in a house full of people. Well technically I was outside sitting on the steps leading to our townhouse when I saw a nice dark blue Mercedes pull up in front. After a moment I saw a very attractive brunette male exit the car. Walking up to the steps, he was wearing nice fitted jeans, a blue button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and those hip nerdy black glasses. His hair was too perfect for him to be a straight man.

He approaches me with a huge smile gracing his features. "Hi! You must be Rachel!"

I raise my eyebrows in confusion. "Yes…"

"I'm Cameron!" He reaches his hand out and I grab it hesitantly and shake it. "I'm Kurt's boyfriend."

Thinking back to when I last spoke with Kurt I don't remember him saying anything about a Cameron, let alone a boyfriend. "Right! Of coarse."

He hands me a box with my name on it and I take it. "It's from Kurt. He sent it with me since I was coming back."

I opened the box to see a picture frame holding a picture of Kurt standing in front of the Taj Mahal. The frame black and sleek, very Kurt. It had a saying on the bottom, 'The Best Of Times'. Of coarse he would send me a picture of himself having the time of his life. I was lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Cameron pass me and head into my house. Well that was rude. I Got up and walked to my car, fishing my keys out of my pocket and jumping in starting the engine. I knew where I was going without even really paying attention to where I was going, I ended up at Lisa's Diner.

I ordered my usual coffee and apple pie. I starred at that picture frame for a good hour till I was reaching for my phone, dialing a familiar number and hitting send.

"Hello?" My dads voice was tired and I felt bad for calling so late… or early his time.

"Dad?" I heard some shuffling and a whispered ouch.

"Rachel? Why are you calling at four in the morning? Is something wrong?" I sighed looking at my brothers happy face.

"No, not really. Sorry for waking you, but I have a question.."

"What can I do for you?" I took a sip of my coffee.

"Would it be okay if I came and spent the summer with you, Leroy and Monica?" He didn't reply right away and I didn't know whether I should take that as a good thing or a bad thing.

"Are you serious?" His voice was flat, emotionless. Great, it was a bad thing.

"Yes. But if it's going to be a problem then-"

"No! No, of coarse not. I'm just surprised that you want to…" I nodded. Your not the only one.

"I know. I just miss you and this is my last chance to spend time with you and get to know Leroy and Monica before I leave for school so-"

"I miss you too Rachel. I am so so happy you want to be here." I hear him chuckle and sniffle. Was he crying?

"Does next Saturday sound like a good day for me to fly over.?" I hear him clear his throat and I smile a little. Not that he was crying but that he has feelings.

"That sounds perfect. I'll order your airline tickets and arrange for a car to pick you up at the airport."

I smile. My dad and his cars. Of coarse he was too busy to actually pick me up, but I was going to be staying with him for three months. I will have plenty of time to catch up and spend time with him.

"Sounds great." We say our goodbyes and I grab my things and race home to start packing. For the first time in eighteen years, Rachel Berry was going to be adventurous. I'm going to go make my own 'Best Of Times' moment.

"So your really leaving your Mother to go frolic on the beach? Maybe have a summer romance?" I turn away from the coffee pot to see my mom in her silk Black robe. Her brown hair falling softly on her shoulders.

I shrug and close the lid to my paper mug. "No."

"Then your leaving to go play family with Burt and Ernie?" I roll my eyes and grab my purse.

"No mom. I told you, I want a summer away. Why is it okay for Kurt, but if I want to visit my father whom I haven't seen in months, I'm running away?" She holds her hands up in surrender.

"Okay okay." She pours herself a cup and sits at the island. "So why the early start? That eager to have a summer away?"

I shake my head no. "My flight leaves at ten so I want to be there early."

"Do you need a ride? Those parking fees are ridiculous and if your staying the whole summer? Forget your college fund." She chuckled lightly but was muffled as she took a long sip.

"No I'll catch a cab." She nodded and stood up, walking over to me.

She opened her arms to me and I stepped to her and hugged her close. Looking over her shoulder I notice a pair of black hip-nerdy eye glasses. The first thing that came to my mind was Cameron. Maybe he just left them.

"I'll call you when I land." I pull back and smile.

After saying our quick good byes I was on my way to Dillon Beach, California.

My Dad and Leroy's home is beautiful. Right on the beach, windows all over, a place people only dreamed of living. I thanked the driver and rang to door bell still in awe of the place I would call home for the summer.

The door swung open and I saw Leroy smiling. "Rachel! I'm so glad you're here!" He opened the door for me. "Come on in!" He helped me bring my bags inside and my jaw dropped.

If it was possible the inside was even more beautiful. Vaulted ceilings, white leather couches, fireplaces, there was even a grand piano in the corner.

Leroy must have noticed how in awe I was because he chuckled and patted my on the back lightly. "It's nice right?"

"Nice? Try amazing!" He smiled and grabbed my bags again.

"Well how about I show you your room so you can get settled in? Your father should be here in a few hours." I smile and nodded as he led the way upstairs.

"I know it's not much but it's spacious and you can decorate it how you want." I shrugged as he opened the door for me and I walked in.

Not much? "This is my room?" He nodded and placed my bags on the king sized bed. The room was huge, it had a couch! A walk in closet, a master bathroom, and I had a balcony that looked right over the ocean.

"The views great right?" I nodded as I looked out into the endless water. "Well I'm going to go check on Monica. When she wakes up would you like to meet her?"

I smiled and agreed as he left my room closing the door behind him. I sat down on the edge of the bed taking in my surroundings. In that moment I remembered I forgot to call my mom when I landed.

I walked to my purse and fished out my phone. Finding her name I hit send and waited as it continued to ring.

*BEEP*

Hello,

You have reached Dr. Shelby Corcoran.

Please leave you name, number, and reason for calling.

When I have time I will return your call.

Thank you and have good day.

*BEEP*

I thought about just hanging up, but I forced myself to leave a message.

"Hey Mom,

It's Rachel. I just got to dads so…

I guess I'll talk to you later.

I love you. Bye."

I closed my phone as well as my eyes when I heard a light knock on the door. I hollered for them to come in. Leroy peeked his head in.

"Hi Rachel, sorry to bother you, but Monica just woke up and I was gonna take a walk on the beach. Would you like to join us?"

On a usual day I would have said no, but he has been so nice and welcoming, I should give him a chance. I smiled and agreed, grabbing my phone and walking out of my room into the hallway. Walking a little further I heard Leroy talking and turned to see him holding a beautiful, tiny baby. I looked around the room, it was beautiful like he said in his e-mail.

"You were right. Pink and brown? The room looks beautiful!" He looks up and smiles.

"Thank you Rachel." He looked down at the baby and back at me. "Do you want to hold her?"

I hesitated a little but agreed. She was so much smaller in your hands. She had a patch of brown hair resting on her small head. Her eyes were a really pretty green with a hazel rim. I looked up at Leroy.

"She is beautiful." he just nodded. And I kissed her forehead handing her back to her daddy.

I felt bad for judging Leroy before I really had a chance to talk to him. I think it was because my mom liked to 'tell me how it is' and how she saw it, Leroy was the bad guy. So I've always just thought of him as the guy who stole my dad away. I know now that he's not. He is a great man you really loves my father and that's enough for me.

We made our way back to the house and as Leroy readied a bottle for Monica I heard my dad holler from across the room.

"There she is!" I look over and smile at my dad.

"Hi Dad!" I get up and hug him tight. "I missed you!"

"Oh I missed you too princess!" He pulled back. "You look as beautiful as ever!"

I look down blushing. "Dad.."

He walks past me and grabs a wrapped package and returns to me. "Since we were not able to be at your graduation, here is your gift. I know it doesn't make up for our absence but you know I would have been there."

I smile and nod. "I know. Thank you." He nods for me to open it.

I sit on the couch and start ripping the paper off. He sits next to me rubbing my back. I finish ripping the paper off to see it was an I pad.

"Wow, thank you dad, and Leroy." They both smile at me.

"I know it's not much but these are supposedly ideal for the college student so-"

"No dad, it's great! I actually really wanted one of these." This was true. Ever since it came out I wanted one.

"Well good. I'm going to go shower and then we can go eat some dinner!" I smile as he kisses my cheek and jumps up. He kisses Monica and Leroy before disappearing up stairs.

They didn't live to far from the Boardwalk so we all decided to walk. The night was warm and the boardwalk was packed.

Leroy had to stop at his store for a minute to check in, which was a few stores down from the restaurant. We told Leroy we'd meet him at the restaurant and started to walk to the restaurant.

"There's a book store!" My dad looks down at me and smiles.

"Go. Twenty minutes and be at the restaurant!" I smile kissing his cheek and walking into the book store. I loved to read. I have more books then I probably will have friends in my entire life combined.

Browsing through the books it felt so comfortable. I love the smell, everything about books. I took a look at my phone to see it had been twenty-five minutes. I exit the store and turn towards the store. I see a group of guys talking out side of a skateboard shop. They all had a board in hand or at their feet. As I approached the store, there was a tall boy with dark brown dreads and amber eyes starring at me. "I just saw the hottest girl in Dillon walking by!" I roll my eyes as a brown haired boy with glasses muttered "oh Jesus." And the blonde one say "Your pathetic you know that?"

I just kept walking, trying to ignore this amber eyed boy while he starred at me. "Just stating the obvious." He called out after me. "You should say thank you! Where are your manners?"

I didn't I just kept walking towards restaurant.

A/N2: I know how boring! But the next shall be way more interesting! I hope you like it so far! REVIEW! :D