I don't know if anyone ever reads these fics anymore, but I really wanted to write one! I miss Shelby/Rachel moments, so here you go.
"She's the star of Broadway's hit new revival Funny Girl, please welcome Rachel Berry!"
Rachel stepped out onto the stage of the Ellen DeGeneres show, praying to God she wouldn't trip as she made her way to the infamous red chairs in the center. It felt crazy to her that everything was happening so quickly. It's been a year since she moved to New York, and she was starting her sophomore year as a part-time student at NYADA, all while playing the lead role of her dreams in the biggest show currently on Broadway.
When she got the call asking if she could fly out to LA to make an appearance and sing on The Ellen Show, all she could get out on the phone was a stuttered "y-yes" and "th-thank you s-s-so much". She now laughs at how crazy she must have sounded, but at the time it was definitely embarrassing.
She greets Ellen with a brief hug and lowers herself into her chair, beaming her thousand-watt smile at the clapping crowd as she looks around taking the moment in. She felt so pretty in her short, black, lace dress that hugged her body so perfectly. Her side bangs swooped over her fake eyelashes, hair in long and loose waves.
There were three cameras and she didn't know which one to look at, so she turned to face Ellen while the crowd's applause died down. "We're so excited to have you," Ellen announced.
"I'm so excited to be here! This is a dream come true, I've been practicing for this moment at home with my dads since I could talk," Rachel laughed.
Ellen stared at the diva in a 'that's creepy, but I like you' kind of way, which made the audience erupt in laughter. "And is it everything you ever thought it would be?"
Rachel ran her hands up and down the arms of the chair. "Yes but I'm a little more nervous than I anticipated!"
"You can't be nervous," Ellen explained. "You're taking the world by storm right now, performing eight shows a week and the reviews are extraordinary. Is it true that you're also a student at NYADA?"
"Yes, it's true," Rachel replied. "But I'm no longer a full-time student, I'm just taking a few classes. I promised my parents I would get my degree, plus the classes are mostly in dance, which is sadly my weakest talent so I need all the help I can get."
"And you're only how old?" Ellen questioned.
"I'm 19, I'll be 20 in four months." People started clapping at this. Rachel looked out into the audience to see some shocked expressions. Tears welled up in her eyes at the fact that this moment was actually happening. She had adoring fans, and people who actually loved her. This was worth all of the torture she endured in high school.
As if reading her mind, Ellen began, "So you're originally from a small town in Ohio and moved to New York for college. What do people back home have to say about your success?"
Rachel cleared her throat and looked down before saying, "I actually haven't spoken to many people from home other than my dads, of course, and kids who were in glee club with me. Being from a small town, a lot of people didn't understand how someone could care more about singing than sports. They punished others for being 'different', but in the end it has only made me stronger and fight harder for what I wanted." She stopped speaking to let the audiences' clapping filter out. "My dads and glee club friends are ecstatic for me, though. I really couldn't be happier!"
"And you have two gay dads?"
"Yes, they scanned potential surrogates based on beauty and IQ, mixed their sperm together and here I am!" Rachel replied, with pride. "It's actually really cool because gay couples will approach me at the stage door after a show with their children and say that it makes them happy that I'm showing the world that a child of two gay parents can turn out okay contrary to what people might say. It's an honor."
Rachel's shoulders loosened up as she was beginning to become more comfortable on the show. Just as she crossed her legs and relaxed in her chair, Ellen asked something that hit her like a ton of bricks. "Are you in touch with the surrogate?"
A few seconds of silence almost seemed like an eternity. Rachel searched for the right answer to the question. She knew this would come up eventually, but nothing could have prepared her for this feeling. Her heart hurt every time she thought of Shelby. She was angry, sad, and hurt all at the same time. Her mother didn't want to have a relationship with her, but adopted Quinn's baby instead. It wasn't fair, and she just wanted to understand why.
"I've met her," she finally began. "I've seen her a few times since then. She's amazing, actually. I get most of my gift from her; neither of my dads can carry a tune. But here's an exclusive secret, you guys can't tell anyone."
Rachel doesn't know how she's forcing a smile and playing it so cool, but the audience looked intrigued to find out what she was going to say next so she continued. "She's actually better than me."
Ellen gasped dramatically, and everyone (including Rachel) laughed at the clear sarcasm. "Don't worry, none of us, or the millions of viewers watching this show right now, will tell anyone that someone is actually a better singer than you!"
A blush formed on Rachel's face. "I guess I'm lucky I got so much of her genes. She's the reason for my theatricality, voice, and drive. So in a way, even though she's not in my life as much as I wish she'd be, I owe this success to her."
"Good, because I hear you're going to sing for us today?!"
Rachel sighed in relief at the sudden change of subject. "Yes!"
"Stay tuned, and after the break Rachel's going to perform a song from her show!" People cheered and the show faded to commercial.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country in New York City, Shelby Corcoran was staring at the TV, mouth hung open.
Let me know if you guys like it! Or if you guys even read these anymore, I'm scared no one does! Review so I know anyone is reading!