Hello, to anyone who has stumbled across this story. This is my first fanfiction story. I, personally, think that Glee has made some pretty upsetting plot choices the past two seasons, or rather the writers have... I don't think anyone really knows what is going on. My first complaint is the whole Rachel/Shelby plotline, which has led me to write this story. I keep hoping that Shelby will make an appearance, especially for Rachel. Idina Menzel is such an inspiration and so incredibly talented and Glee, again, made many poor choices with her plotline, which did not showcase her talent enough.
This story does not follow Glee currently, but I have taken bits and pieces to help carry this story along. For starters, Rachel is young; I am going to say, around thirteen and Shelby does coach Vocal Adrenaline. Also, Quinn is sort of HBIC, in a way.
I have a lot planned for this story and I hope that you will follow this story. Please, please read and review. It will mean a lot. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I know I didn't address a lot, but I don't want to give away what I have planned. Or maybe it is predictable. If you would like to know more, please feel free to PM me. Also, I tried to make this long. I, personally, enjoy long chapters. Let me know. Sorry for any spelling errors.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee.
Thirteen year old Rachel bounced her leg up and down as she stared out the window. Today, she was going to the Big Apple with her two dads and Quinn, her best friend. Quinn was older by about a year and a half. Rachel usually hung out with people older than her. She felt that the kids her age were extremely immature and lacked the appropriate knowledge of the history of Broadway. Not to mention hygiene. Yes, Quinn was not as enthusiastic about Broadway as Rachel was, but she was one of the very few that could put up with Rachel. In fact, Quinn enjoyed a handful of Broadway shows herself.
Rachel bit her lip and leaned back in her seat as she watched as cars passed by. Why did it seem as though they were going at a snail pace?
"Dad? Daddy?" Rachel managed to squeak out.
"We're almost there." Her father's replied at the same time. They felt like broken records. That was at least the twentieth time Rachel had asked that question within the last half hour.
Quinn was in her own world by this point. For starters, it was too early for anyone human being or really any living creature to be up. Rachel had insisted that they leave super early to avoid traffic. They surely did avoid traffic. And secondly, Rachel was pushing her buttons. She was like the energizer bunny. Once you got her started on the topic of Broadway there was no way of stopping her from talking and throwing out random bits of facts. Quinn had to admit, she was excited to be going to New York City. It had been at least a few years since she last went.
"I cannot wait to see Wicked. It is one of my favorite shows ever! I love all the songs! Quinn, what's your favorite song? I can't pick mine. It is between Defying Gravity and For Good. OH! And also, What is this Feeling? Oh, but I also LOVE One Short Day. Quinn? Who is your favorite character? What about your least? No. Don't answer that. Every character should be your favorit-"
"Sweetie." Leroy cut in. He had his eyes squeezed shut. He took a deep breath. "Leave Quinn alone. Why don't you try shutting for eyes for a few minutes. You were-"
"Daddy, how do you expect me to shut my eyes? We are going to be in New York City today!" He was insane, Rachel thought. How in the world could she be quiet?
"I know that, sweetie. But dad and daddy had to get up very early today. If we want, and I am sure I can speak for Quinn, to be alert and freshened up for the day, we need to get as much rest as we can." Leroy concluded.
Rachel crossed her arms. He was kidding right? She turned her attention to Quinn, who also had her eyes shut. Rachel huffed. This was ridiculous.
Hiram looked through this rear view mirror and chuckled to himself. Silly girl.
Only a few minutes had passed when something caught Rachel's eye. It was a huge billboard advertising the Broadway show, Wicked.
Oh, no. Leroy thought to himself. He hoped that Rachel had not seen the sign.
"DAD! DADDY! QUINN! Did you see that sign? Did you?" Rachel was now bouncing in her seat. She could not contain herself. They were almost there. Rachel could practically smell the theater from here. "I can't wait! I am so excited! Can we go to the stage door after! Do you think they will sign our playbills? Can I get a shirt? Can Quinn get a shirt? What about-"
"Rachel!" Leroy slammed his fist on the dashboard.
Rachel immediately clamped her mouth shut. Quinn jumped in her seat. Hiram looked over at his husband and gave him a sideways glace.
"Sweetie, I'm sorry. Please, just be quiet until we get there. Can you handle that?"
"Yeah." Rachel whispered. He was mad. She had made him mad. "Daddy… daddy are you mad?" Rachel dared to open her mouth.
Quinn looked over at the brunette. She could see that Rachel was upset. Poor girl. Quinn did like the idea of having the car ride be silent, but that was until she saw how upset Rachel had gotten when her father snapped. Quinn bit her lip and focused her eyes outside.
Before Leroy could answer, Quinn cut in. "Rachel… Rach." Rachel turned to Quinn. "My favorite song would have to be Defying Gravity." Quinn thought for a beat. "And, As Long As You're Mine."
Rachel smiled. "That's another good one! All the songs are great."
Quinn returned the smile and watched Rachel lean back in her seat, content.
Shelby Corcoran squeezed her temples with her fingers. "This is not rocket science!" She said through her teeth. Vocal Adrenaline had been rehearsing since eight this morning. It was now five in the afternoon and no progress had been made. Nationals were in less than a month and Shelby was getting no where.
Shelby and Vocal Adrenaline were in New York City right now. Why? Well, for starters, Shelby wanted to scope out the performance space for Nationals. More importantly, the lighting. It wa horrible last year and Shelby wanted to make sure it wasn't defunked. Was this allowed? Probably not. But if anyone knew Shelby, she always pushed the boundaries and got what she wanted. And secondly, Shelby wanted to take her students on a sort of celebration trip. Yes, they had yet to win Nationals later that month, but everyone, for the most part, had worked extremely hard and deserved this.
Shelby had connections, so she was able to rent a private performance space for Vocal Adrenaline to rehearse. If anyone thought they were getting a break while in New York City, were crazy and might as well turn in their dance shoes and their voices.
Shelby walked to the stage from the directors table. The sound of her heels echoed in the theater. Shelby took center stage. "It's left, left, spin, and then fan kick." Shelby demonstrated with frustration. Hell, if she could do this in heels, her students should have no problem doing this simple chorography.
After Shelby finished her demonstration she turned to her students, hands on hips. "Now, are there any questions?" You could hear a pin drop.
The four finally made it New York City. Rachel managed to contain herself, that is, until they drove through Time Square. At this point, Rachel was practically on top of Quinn, trying to get a better view.
"Rachel, sweetie, please, sit down." Hiram said.
Hiram pulled the car in front of the hotel they were going to stay in. "You three jump out and get the suitcases. I'll find a parking spot and meet you in the lobby and Rachel-"
"Yes, dad, I know, don't run off." Rachel parroted.
Quinn swung her duffle bag over the shoulder and stepped foot outside. She stretched her back. That car ride was too long. Quinn walked around to the other side of the car and followed Rachel and Leroy inside.
Their hotel was right in the heart of Time Square. Inside, the marble floor was illuminated by the crystal chandeliers that hung from above. Quinn and Rachel trailed behind Leroy. They were in complete awe. Off to the side there was a grand piano near a sitting area. A young gentleman was playing a light tune on the piano. A few people were seated around him.
"Berry." Leroy said to a man at the desk.
Hiram turned around to face the two girls. "Now, while we are here, I expect you two to be on your best behavior." Leroy turned back to the man at the desk to get their room key.
Hiram made his way into the hotel. He spotted the three, a few yards away from the check in desk.
"I am serious. New York is a big city and I don't want to lose either of you. Or risk you two getting hurt." Leroy continued.
"Leroy." Hiram cut in. He put a comforting hand on each of the girl's back. "Let's just try and fun some fun, okay?"
Both Quinn and Rachel nodded in agreement. Rachel just wanted to get their things in their hotel room as fast possible so they could head back out and join the festivities. She didn't want to miss a single thing. If she could, Rachel would camp out in the middle of Time Square. Maybe she would see a celebrity or even find their lost pet. Rachel's mind raced with all the different possibilities.
The four made their way up to their hotel room. Their room consisted of two Queen sized beds, a small sitting area that also served as a kitchen, and a bathroom. It was small, but efficient.
"Look at the view!" Rachel exclaimed! "Look!" Rachel dragged Quinn to the window. It was a fine sight.
"Rachel." Leroy said. Quinn nudged Rachel to get her attention. "Rachel. Let's just rest for a bit and then we can go down okay?" Leroy laid back on one of the beds. Hiram joined him and closed his eyes.
Hiram looked at the clock. It was getting late. "Rachel, if you go to sleep now, I promise we can get up early tomorrow morning. The city is not going anywhere."
Quinn's eyes bulged out. How early? It was bad enough having to get up early for school.
Rachel turned her attention back outside. "Fine."
Quinn snapped her head towards Rachel. What? Did Rachel just give in?
"Great work, everyone." Shelby called out from her directors table. "Get some rest and I will see you all bright and early tomorrow." A wave of groans erupted from center stage. "What was that?" Shelby snapped. "I don't want to hear another complaint." It was too late for this. "Let's head back to the hotel."
Vocal Adrenaline entered the hotel. If Shelby weren't on their heels, most would be crawling through the doors. Shelby began to shout out instructions to everyone.
"Does this woman ever sleep?" Nicole asked until her breath to one of her classmates.
"I'm pretty sure she doesn't." Another student cut in.
"You." Nicole turned her head. "And you." The other student turned around as well. "Did you hear what I just said?" Shelby spat.
How the hell did she hear them? The two shook their heads.
"As I was saying. Remember, you are all on a strict diet. That means no dairy before each rehearsal. Drink lots of water and I want you all to record the number of calories you are eating each day..."
"Shelby does sleep, actually. You two are crazy. You all should be lucky you even made it on the team." said a boy named Jesse over Shelby's voice.
Shelby stood near the end of the hall and watched as the students dragged their feet into their hotel rooms. They'll thank her later, she thought to herself, when their names are called for first place at Nationals.
Shelby sighed lightly and went into her own room. She flopped into her bed and closed her eyes for a beat. She listened to the sounds of the city below. New York City was perfect in every way. It all seemed too easy. She had the perfect job and got to help aspiring students grow to be stars. Yes, it was all Shelby could ever want, but yet, it wasn't enough, at times. There was something else, something that would just be the icing on the cake.
"Wake up! WAKE UP!" Quinn groaned. Was it morning already? What was jumping on her? Quinn didn't see what time Rachel finally settled down.
A blast of light filled the room. "Ugh!" Quinn turned her back away from the window. "Five more minutes." She mumbled.
"No! Come on! Get up!" Quinn's sheets were thrown off. "Come on! The city certainly cannot wait any longer!"
Rachel had been up since five. Or was it four? She was simply too excited to sleep. She had already planned out their entire day. Correction. Rachel had their entire weekend planned out the minute she found out she was going to New York City.
"Dad! Daddy!" Rachel plopped on their bed. "Come on! Let's go! Wake up!" The men groaned in unison. "You said we could start the day early! It's past early! It's practically the afternoon!"
Weren't teens supposed to be the ones who liked to sleep in? Hiram thought. He looked over his shoulder as chuckled as Quinn covered her head with a pillow.
Rachel hopped off their bed and went over to see if she could get Quinn out of bed. Why was everyone sleeping? Didn't they know there were in the city that never sleeps?
"This is your fault." Leroy complained to Hiram.
"She is just excited. Let her have some fun." Hiram argued back. "Rach."
Rachel snapped her head towards her dad. Did that girl ever get whip last? Quinn wondered. "Yes, dad?"
"Give us like half an hour and I'll take you and Quinn to get some breakfast in Time Square."
Breakfast sounded really nice to Quinn. She was actually starving.
"You're not coming, daddy?" Rachel asked Leroy.
"Honey," Leroy began with a sigh. "I'll just sit this one out, okay?"
This was ridiculous, Rachel thought. Why would anyone want to "sit one out" while in New York City? The Great White Way? The Big Apple?
Rachel shook her head. "I don't suppose you plan to miss Wicked, do you?" Rachel challenged.
"Hey. Cut that out." Leroy countered. "Of course I'm going to see it. I'll just meet you guys at the theater. Okay?"
"Fine." Rachel huffed.
She was not going to let her father ruin this trip for her, especially today because today, they were seeing Wicked, her favorite musical, as previously stated, multiple times. Although Rachel preferred seeing the night performance, her fathers were only able to get tickets to see the matinee show, but Rachel was not going to complain.
"Ready sweetie? Quinn?" Hiram asked as he walked out of the bathroom.
"Yes!" You did not have to ask Rachel that twice. Seriously.
"I'm ready." Quinn was excited. She was beyond excited. She didn't want to show it though. Quinn hated it, but she had this fear that someone from school would see her, with Rachel. Her reputation would go down the drain. That was something she could not risk. Think Quinn, she said to herself. Think of an excuse you can use if you have a run in.
"Quinn?" Quinn turned to the voice that pulled her from her thoughts. "Yeah, Rach?"
"You okay?" The brunette looked genuinely concerned.
"I'm fine." Quinn offered a light smile.
"Again!" Shelby's voice boomed throughout the room. "I want those legs straighter than the pole you all will be dancing on if you don't nail these jumps, ladies!"
Vocal Adrenaline had been practicing since ten in the morning. Shelby's idea of "being generous" was letting them sleep in two extra hours.
"My bet is that, that girl over there messes up and gets sent home." Jesse whispered to Nicole, like it was some freaking reality T.V. show. It was the same student that Nicole was talking to the other day. What was her name?
"You're such a jerk." Nicole replied back as she slapped his arm. She did feel bad for that girl over there, but if one person's mistakes caused physical and mental pain for everyone else, Nicole would not mind if she took a hike.
"Hey! Everyone focus, please!" Shelby said. "If we can get at least a dozen smooth run throughs, you might get lucky and I'll cut practice short."
Some vacation to New York City, Nicole thought to herself.
It was time. It was time for the house to open and for people to take their seats. Rachel could not contain herself. She in was the Gershwin Theater. To see Wicked. Wicked!
The four took their seats.
"I am so excited!" Rachel exclaimed for at least the twentieth time. "I hope-" Rachel stopped mid sentence. Wait.
"Rachel?" Hiram asked. "Sweetie?" He was getting worried. His energetic daughter was now frozen, almost paralyzed.
Rachel composed herself and ripped open her playbill. Looking for something. "Oh, thank goodness!"
The other three gave Rachel questioning looks.
"I just- I was worried that there would be an understudy, but that's not the case!" Rachel said proudly.
Quinn leaned back in her seat. Geez, Rachel, she thought to herself. Way to give us all a heart attack.
The lights began to dim and the orchestra began the prelude.
Rachel let out a squeal. "It's time! It's time!"
Hiram and Leroy braced themselves. No one noticed the smile that sneaked across Quinn's face. And, everyone and their mother definitely did not miss Rachel's reaction. It was like a child on Christmas Day.
"Everyone take five!"
At that moment, everyone collapsed on the floor.
"Is this what dying feels like?" Nicole mumbled as she threw her arm to the side. Her feet were numb and her voice was parched.
Shelby's heels could be heard and she neared the pile of what were soon to be corpses.
"I think we are in a good place right now." Shelby said, relaxed. "I think that if we are able to run through this number, let's say, three more times, you are all free to go and enjoy yourselves." And with that, Shelby walked off.
"You heard her, guys!" Jesse said, taking charge as he jumped up.
A wave of groans filled the room. How did he have so much energy?
"Come on," Jesse egged as he nudged some people with his foot.
One by one, each person sat up. They all had their mind set on one thing and that was to get out of there alive. And by six, if they were lucky.
Wicked had ended. During the performance, Rachel had to be nudged multiple times to get her to shut up because she was singing along, not to herself, but loudly.
As everyone filed out of the theater, Rachel dragged Quinn to the stage door. Rachel had read that the cast usually did not stage door after the matinee performance, but Rachel was sure she could do some convincing.
"Sorry everyone, but the cast will not be coming out." A security guard called out to a group that was starting to form outside the stage door.
Rachel stopped dead in her tracks. What? Rachel charged at the guard rails. He was kidding right?
"Rachel. Rachel!" Leroy called out. Quinn stopped in her tracks and headed back to the Berrys. "Rachel!" His voice boomed.
Rachel stopped in front of the stage door. This was not fair. All she wanted was to meet the actors and get their autographs and maybe get a picture. That's all. Nothing else.
"Hey." Rachel turned around. "It's okay. Why don't we just walk around the city?" Quinn offered.
Rachel was hesitant. She wanted to go and bang down the door and demand to be let in. "Come on," Quinn said again.
"Rachel." It was Leroy's voice. "Now."
Rachel sulked towards her fathers.
"Quinn is right," Hiram began. "Let's just walk around the city after we get some dinner." Hiram was desperately trying to avoid the fit that Rachel was about to throw. That was the last thing Leroy wanted to hear and see.
"Hey here's an idea." Leroy said. "After we get a bite to eat, why don't you two girls shop around Time Square? Does that sound like a plan?"
"YES! Yes! That's sounds perfect! Quinn?"
"Leroy." Hiram said. "Do you really think it's safe for these girls to roam through Time Square without an adult? I'll stay with them. You can go back to the hotel."
"Nonsense." Leroy said. "They are old enough."
Rachel's and Quinn's heads looked back and forth as the father's bickered and weighed the pros and cons.
Rachel was getting impatient.
"We will keep our cell phones on and we will be back before… eight.." Quinn nudged her. "Nine. We will be back by nine." Rachel kneaded her lips together. Please, she thought to herself. Please.
"….Oh… alright…." Hiram said reluctantly.
New York was a big city. Hiram was very nervous about letting Rachel and Quinn off on their own, but he had to remind himself now and then that they were growing up and would eventually have to fend for themselves. Quinn was responsible and would be sure to keep Rachel in check, right?
"Thank you so much! Love you!" Rachel said as she gave each her fathers a hug and a peck on the cheek.
"Thank you." Quinn said politely.
The two headed out after dinner. Rachel had practically scarfed down her meal and sat impatiently as Quinn nibbled at her vegan friendly dish. How in the world did Rachel manage to eat like this?
Rachel then grabbed Quinn by the hand and dragged her down the street. They were surrounded by smells of smoke and sweet stuff. It was busy, but Rachel, being the small person she was, snaked in and out of the crowd.
"Come on! Keep on!" Rachel yelled over the chaos. She had one destination she wanted to reach and Quinn was taking her dandy old time. "Come on!" Rachel said again, this time louder.
"Hold on, Rach!" Quinn tried to say over the crowd. Quinn just wanted to stop and take it all in. She wanted to see all the different stands and the shops and what was that man called… OH, the naked cowboy.
"Rachel, where are we going?" Quinn finally asked, when they came to a stoplight. Before Quinn could utter another word, they were on the move. Did people actually follow the traffic lights?
"We're almost there!" Rachel said over the shoulder. She just needed to check something out for herself.
Rachel came to a stop. "We're here." She said in awe.
They were certainly a bit a ways from Time Square thought Quinn, nervously. She followed Rachel's gaze. Why were they at another restaurant? Quinn put her hand on her stomach. There was no way she could eat another bite.
"Let's go." Rachel said as she walked inside the restaurant.
"Uh, Rach." Quinn said. "What are we doing here?"
"You'll see. Now, come on!" Rachel, once again, dragged Quinn inside.
The inside of the restaurant was extremely nice. There was low lighting. Each table was covered with a white table cloth. On top were a candle and a single rose.
"How many?" Quinn looked at the greeter. Shit.
"Oh, I was wondering if we could use your bathroom." Rachel said politely.
"Oh, sure. It's in the very back and to your left." The woman replied.
"Thanks." Rachel said with a smile.
With that, she pulled Quinn towards the bathroom.
"Rachel, stop. Rachel!" Rachel turned around.
"What?"
"Rachel, what are we going here?"
Rachel ushered Quinn towards the bathroom. Ignoring the woman who had greeted them and her questioning glace.
"Rachel!" Quinn hissed.
Rachel pushed Quinn into the bathroom, taking a second glance outside to make sure no one else was coming.
"Quinn. This morning, when I was up, I checked Twitter and guess who is in New York City?" Rachel asked with excitement.
Quinn crossed her arms. "I'm don't know, Barbra Streisand?" She asked.
Rachel opened her mouth and closed it right away. "No." If Barbra Streisand was in New York and Rachel didn't know it, she would die. Right there. Call her dramatic, but Barbra was her idol and Rachel had this dream that one day, Barbra would come to see her on Broadway or present her with an Oscar.
"No, actually," Rachel started with a matter-of-face voice, "Vocal Adrenaline!" She paused dramatically with her mouth wide open.
Quinn did not react.
"Quinn! Vocal Adrenaline! The like number one show choir in like the entire world! They are here! Their lead singer, Jesse St. James, tweeted it! And guess what, Quinn!"
"I don't know, what?" Quinn asked blandly.
"They are in this restaurant, right now!"
"Great."
"Quinn, did you hear me?"
"Rachel, this is considered stalking. Also, what's so great about this so called show choir?"
Rachel paused. She was kidding, right? Yes, it was stalking, but she was dying to meet everyone, especially their coach, Shelby Corcoran. She was amazing and had so much power, not to mention a stunning voice. Rachel knew this because she had watched every YouTube video out there of this choir.
"I just… I want to take a quick look around and see if I can see them. Please, Quinn." Rachel stared her down.
"Fine." Quinn said. She was in no mood to fight Rachel on this one. Rachel already had her mind her.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Are you ladies okay?" Rats. It was that woman who greeted them at the door.
"Yeah!" Rachel called out as she walked into a stalk and flushed the toilet. Rachel then opened the door. Did this woman have her freaking ear pressed up against the door to see if she was actually going to the bathroom? They certainly did not need a babysitter.
"Thanks," Rachel said to the woman as walked past her.
Rachel looked desperately around the room, but she couldn't see them anywhere. Rachel felt a nudge on her back and turned to Quinn who pointed outside. There they were, just leaving.
Rachel grabbed Quinn's hand and pulled her outside.
"Today's practice was killer." Rachel heard someone say.
"Tell me about it. I think my feet are going to have to be amputated!" Another person said.
Rachel opened her mouth to say something, but something, rather someone stopped her.
"Can I have your attention?" Who was that? "Make sure you all get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, I've scheduled us for a quick rehearsal very early in the morning."
Quick rehearsal? That would be like snow in July, Nicole thought to herself.
"After that, you will all have the rest of the day off to enjoy a few hours in the city."
Rachel turned around. There she was. Shelby Corcoran. The Shelby Corcoran. The coach who was known for being extremely hard and demanding. The coach that won things and got what she wanted. Students went places and did amazing things after her coaching. Hell, you learned more than you did in a school year after a single private vocal lesson with her.
Quinn stopped dead in her tracks. That Shelby Corcoran? She looked familiar, rather she looked like someone Quinn knew, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Let's follow them," Rachel whispered to Quinn.
"I don't know, Rach," Quinn started. "I mean, we even don't know where they are staying. They could be staying in a hotel that is very far away from ours, for all we know."
"I don't think I can even make it to the hotel." Nicole whined as she leaned against Jesse.
Jesse stepped aside, causing Nicole to lose her balance.
"Jerk,"
"Come on. Stop being a baby, our hotel is only a few yards away," Jesse said as he strutted away.
Only a few yard away? Our hotel is only a few yards away! Was Vocal Adrenaline staying in the same hotel? Rachel's mind started racing. This was too good to be true.
"Quinn!" Rachel hissed as the pair trailed behind Vocal Adrenaline.
No response.
Quinn was too caught up trying to figure out who this woman reminded her of.
"Quinn!" Rachel tried again, this time a little louder, which caused a few members of the Vocal Adrenaline, including Shelby Corcoran to turn around. There it was.
Quinn's eyes drifted towards Rachel's. They had the same big, eyes. The same bone structure. The same hair.
"What's up?" Quinn asked, still, clearly distracted.
"Quinn, I think they are staying in the same hotel as us!"
"Small world." Quinn said.
Rachel smiled as she faced forward and followed the crowd as though she was one of them. This was probably one of the best trips of New York ever. She just had one more thing she wanted to do, something that would be make this the most memorable trip.
The pair finally hauled themselves into the hotel room.
"Did you two ladies have fun?" Hiram asked over his book.
"Yes!" Rachel exclaimed. "Dad, did you know that Vocal Adrenaline is in New York AND they are staying in his hotel?" Rachel was pacing the room. She could not sit still.
Quinn made her way into the bathroom to get ready for bed. She was exhausted. She could hear Rachel through the walls as she told her dads about seeing them walking the streets.
"Rach," Quinn heard Leroy say. "I don't want you following Vocal Adrenaline around, okay? You shouldn't bother them. They are probably here for business."
"Daddy, we weren't bothering them! I swear!" Rachel was getting worked up.
"Rachel!" Leroy said.
Why was his problem? Rachel thought to herself. This was not fair. Would he let her follow, say, Barbra around?
Quinn made her way out of the bathroom. This was awkward. She slid under the sheets, ah, finally. Her feet were thanking her. You're welcome. All that walking, and Rachel, wore her down. Quinn rolled to her side to face the window, trying desperately to get some sleep.
She heard Rachel huff as Rachel walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
"You don't think…" Hiram asked under his breath.
"No. I don't… no," Leroy whispered.
What were they taking about? Quinn was too tired to try to listen any more. She let sleep take over.
Quinn was not a very heavy sleeper. Someone was moving around. Rachel. Was it that time already?
Quinn slit her eyes open and glanced at the clock. It was five. Did Rachel ever sleep? Quinn looked over her shoulder just in time to see Rachel slip out of the hotel room. What was this girl up to? Quinn wanted to get up to investigate, but her body's protest told her to stay in bed. I'm sure I'm just dreaming, Quinn thought to herself. Rachel wouldn't go anywhere without bringing her along.
Rachel slipped out of their hotel room and tip toe down the hall. She was on a mission.
Rachel made her way down to the lobby. It was quiet and only a few people were up, working the morning shift. They were lingering around the room, with coffee cups in hand.
Rachel found what she was looking for. She had read a Tweet from Jesse saying, "Up early for another rehearsal. Coffee anyone?" There, grouped in a little sitting lounge in the lobby was Vocal Adrenaline. Or semiconscious Vocal Adrenaline.
"Guys. Guys!" It was Shelby. "Please, warm up your voices! I want to start the number as soon as we get there!"
Shelby glided towards the piano and started a scale. Her voice was beautiful. It was heavenly. It filled the room completely. Rachel was in complete awe as she stared at the brunette. This woman was phenomenal, even better in person.
Rachel watched as Vocal Adrenaline went through a series of warm ups before a van arrived. Where were they going?
Rachel's eyes followed as Vocal Adrenaline filed out of the hotel. As Shelby started to leave, she turned around and called out some order to the man at the desk, something about needing better pillows, but Rachel didn't hear what she said, she was too occupied with the gold charm that was hanging around the woman's neck. It was a single gold star. Simple, get elegant.
Rachel was known for her unhealthy obsession with everything Broadway and gold stars. She practically left a trail of gold stars everywhere she went.
This woman, who had the voice of a goddess, was wearing a gold star. Rachel put her hand to her chest and traced the outline of her own gold star necklace. Rachel stood up. Move. She said to herself. Just walk up and say hello to her. Go! Right now!
Rachel couldn't. She felt like she knew this woman, even though they had never met. Rachel watched as Shelby turned to leave.
"Where the hell were you?" A voice boomed as Rachel slipped back into the hotel room. She stopped dead in her tracks and stepped back a bit.
"Daddy," Rachel started.
"No, Rachel! I told you from the very beginning that you are not to run off, especially on your own!" Leroy yelled. "We were worried about you!"
Rachel bit her lip as tears escaped the corners of her eyes.
"Daddy," Rachel tried again.
"Leroy," Hiram put an arm on is husband.
Both men turned to Rachel as she stared at the floor.
"I just… I didn't leave the hotel. I just went down to the lobby…" She paused. "Vocal Adrenaline-"
"Rachel," Leroy began, trying to keep his composure. He took a deep breath. "What did we say about following them?"
Rachel cut in. "But daddy, Shelby Corcoran, their coach, was warming up with them. You have to listen to her sing. She has the most beautiful voice every! I learned a lot just by watching then warm up and,"
"Rachel," Hiram tried to cut in, but it was no use.
"She was wearing a necklace with a gold star! Just like me!" Rachel pointed to the necklace that was hanging around her neck. Rachel was on the brink of tears. "Do you think she likes gold stars just as much as me?"
At that moment, Quinn came out of the bathroom. She felt it was best to hide in there for a bit. She didn't know what to do or what to say or where to look in situations like this, but she couldn't hide in there forever.
"Rachel," Leroy said with an even tone. "I will say this one more time. I do not want to have to repeat myself. You are not to go following Vocal Adrenaline around. Do you understand?"
"But daddy, why?" Rachel asked. She needed answers and get wasn't getting any. She wasn't hurting anyone by following Vocal Adrenaline around, honest.
Leroy's exchange with Hiram did not go unnoticed by Quinn. Quinn fidgeted in her place. She felt out of place. Rachel had not stopped looking intently at her fathers.
Hiram opened his mouth.
"Rachel, what your father, what we are trying to say is that we just want you to be happy and focus on just being a kid and having fun. Surely following around this choir will get you nowhere." Rachel shook her head. What? This made no sense. Weren't parents supposed to help build a dream, not tear them down?
"Dad, I have having fun. When I get into high school, I plan to join Glee too. It's everything I want to be. It'll fit in. I want to be able to perform! Can't you see how happy I am when I talk about them?"
Rachel quick looked over at Quinn and then at her fathers.
"I don't understand," Rachel said to her hands.
Quinn could see her fathers were trying to find their words.
"Rachel," Leroy finally said.
"You're mad," Rachel cut in.
Leroy sat on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands. It was early. He woke up early, very early, only to find his girl missing and then she returned, saying she went off in search for Vocal Adrenaline, disobeying his rules.
"Rachel, I'm upset with you," Leroy said, still in the same position. "You ran off without leaving a note or waking us up."
"I thought I would be back before anyone woke up," Rachel said, trying to defend herself.
"That's not the point, sweetie," Hiram said as he looked over at Quinn.
What? I had nothing to do with this. Quinn thought to herself.
"Rachel," Rachel was starting to really hate hearing her name. "Sweetie, what you did was wrong, whether you understand that or not." Hiram paused. "You need to listen to your father, both of us." Hiram tried to keep Rachel's attention. "We just- we just don't want you to get hurt."
Rachel wanted to scream. She wanted to break something. This was not rocket science. She was not bothering or hurting anyone from Vocal Adrenaline. What weren't her father's telling her? Why were they keeping her from her dream? Or meeting people she looked up to?
"Hey," Quinn said lightly.
Rachel turned towards Quinn. Why was this girl being so nice to her on this trip?
"Want to go take one more walk around Time Square?" Quinn looked at the Berry's. Say yes, please, she said to herself.
"I don't know," Rachel said as she faced her fathers. "Are you okay with that, or is it too dangerous out there?"
"Stop it right now ," Leroy said.
"That's fine Rachel," Hiram said. "You two have some fun and then come back in about an hour so we can get on the road."
With that, Quinn ushered Rachel out of the room, quickly. She had to get out of there. She didn't know what was going on and it was getting uncomfortable.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Leroy groaned. "Is this really happening now?"
"It doesn't have to," Hiram said gently, putting his hand on Leroy's knee.
Leroy sat up. "Yes, I know, but Rachel is smart, she is going to find out sooner or later." He paused. "We need to find a way to distract her,"
Hiram hesitated.
"What?" Leroy spat.
"I don't know… maybe it is time to tell her. She is going to hold this over our heads for the rest of our lives if she finds out before we tell her,"
Leroy leaned back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. No, not yet. This was not going to happen now.
"Maybe this will pass,"
"I don't think so," Hiram said cautiously. "I can see so much of her in Rachel. She was stubborn and Rachel's extremely stubborn and fights to get whatever she wants. She is a fighter."
Leroy held his hand up. "This may be so, but we are going to have to lie or something because I will not allow this to happen, right now. Please, please, support me."
Hiram sighed. "Alright, but I am not going to be the one breaks the news to Rachel. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I am clearly the favorite and I would like that to stay. Rachel is getting older and you know how distant they get."
A/N: As I said in the beginning, this is my first fanfiction so I still trying to work things out. I have wanted to write this for a long time, I just haven't had the time. I'm not sure how I feel about this first chapter. I am sorry if I turned some of your favorite characters bad, but things will be explained, if I continue on the path I have planned out. Please let me know what you think. If I get a response, I'll write more. Thank you.
I have yet to watch the new episode, but I heard that Props was good; however, Nationals… not so much.
