This story takes place one year after the events that ended the first saga.

Quinn and Rachel continue their relationship away from the media's eyes. Rachel spent a busy year recording HBO's Slings and Arrows, which was a critical success with good ratings, and at Broadway. The play by David Bowie was a fiasco, but Rachel is already involved in another off-Broadway play and she's happy with the new team. Quinn is still working at Bad Things and studying cinema at NYU. Their busy life made the relationship grow cold and distant, but the girls remain together.

Santana had a complicated year with pressures coming from Weiz, Rock'n'Pano and college. So she decided to briefly quit college in Columbia and made a deal with Mr. Weiz to take a sabbatical year. She spent her time just taking care of her own business and traveling around. In the coming year, Santana is back to college and decided to do something about her love life. Maybe Johnny will finally have his chance.

THE OPEN NIGHT

(Quinn)

Here we go again for another Rachel's open night on Broadway. This time my girl was at the charming and beautiful Public Theater. After the last fiasco with Bowie's play, my girl found out another job apart the TV show, and now she's playing "Starter For 10", based on David Nicholls' novel. It's not a musical, but Rachel sings one song. It was a great time for my girl.

Her family was also here.

Juan Lopez and Shelby Corcoran-Lopez arrived early in the morning to honor their daughter. They were hosted (as always) in a small hotel in Soho. Unfortunately my daughter didn't come: Beth Corcoran-Lopez stayed in Lima with "uncle" Maria, Juan's sister. Shelby, like a good mother (sometimes I hated to admit it), left Beth in a good place with someone really responsible. But I was dying to see my daughter: I only saw her once last year in the summer. Unfortunately I can barely pay the rent with my salary as intern. It's a miracle that Santiago and I manage to do grocery shop every month. Even so, I tried to always say hello and send small gifts for my daughter by Rachel or her complicated twin: Santana Berry-Lopez.

Santana had a weird year. She had a breakdown and decided to take a sabbatical year, or something like that because she's still working on Rock'n'Pano. But she took some money from her grand's and traveled to places like Brazil, South Africa and spent a month in Europe, visiting five countries. I wish I could take a sabbatical year like that. Anyway, now she's back and ready to start college and everything again. Good for her.

Besides Rachel's parents and sister, she invited Mike, who wasn't getting an easy life in Los Angeles, always working on small roles and commercials. When Rachel called him for the open night, Mike didn't think twice and took a plane straight to New York. Johnny, Rom Tyler and Luis Segal. I love Johnny, Luis Segal isn't that bad, but I hate hate hate Rom Tyler. And I hate that Rachel and him were BFFs now.

Like Mike, Rom came to New York especially for prestige Rachel at her open night, and yes, that was a beautiful way to feed the rumors. Rachel sworn with her hands in the Bible and the Torah, that they are just friends, and I believe in her. I just don't trust on him. But I have to thank the gossip press: the rumors about their relationship kind of protect ours, and Rachel's career is safe for now. Not that be in the closet nowadays matter that much, but it's fact that open lesbians actress have a more barriers in Hollywood than open gay actors.

Unlike other experiences in Rachel's plays, I didn't know anything that involves "Starter For 10". The only thing I knew about was what Rachel told me. I didn't watch any rehearsal, I didn't know personally the crew, most of the cast, nor the theater staff, so it was a new experience for me. Before, in the earlier years, I was part of the team and simply circulated in the theater as I pleased, and I could have sex with Rachel in the backstage and in her dressing room. This time was different. Everything was different. There I was, Quinn Fabray, sitting in the third row seat in between my best friend and Rachel's mother, eagerly awaiting the play begins: one that I had no idea what to expect.

"I'm nervous." I said to Mike.

Shelby looked at me with some suspicion. She was never the most friendly person to me, perhaps because of Beth. Shelby was, yes, very polite and honest. So honest that she let me know how much she doesn't trust on me after the mistake I made cheating on Rachel with Monica more than a year ago and other small reasons. Funny thing: Monica and I are good co-workers. Not that I would call and invite her to go to my place, but we worked together in two small projects last year and we did fine.

"I thought you had watched some rehearsals." Shelby said in arrogant tone. "At least that's what you used to do."

"Things have changed a bit, Shelby. Plus, your daughter didn't want to see my face in the rehearsals to keep the surprise."

"Of course my daughter also wanted to preserve her individuality."

"Is there a problem here?" Juan craned his neck and it was the same time when Santana came running to sit down at the last call, asking permission for people to shrink the legs so she came to her place between Juan and Rom Tyler.

"It's sucks to park out there." She said without the slightest subtlety while collided on our knees. "They wanted $20 to park near here. Check it out: $20! Then I parkek two blocks away and came walking."

"Looks like you ran a marathon, San." Johnny, who was next to Mike, just shout as she straightened in the chair because the amount of people between them. Despite the estrangement, I could still feel some tension between these two.

"Didn't I tell you? It's snowing!" She replied and then Rom said something to her.

The whole situation has served, at least, to avoid confront with Juan. I could argue with Shelby for ten rounds if it need be. But not with Juan. I didn't know if it was his physical size or the fact he is an austere man who always treated me with a certain detachment. I just know Juan would be able to make me head down only to look. The lights flickered and people rushed to accommodate. I held and shook Mike's hands. He looked at me and smiled.

The show was starting.

The play was really good. The pace was good for a romantic comedy. There were appropriate moments for dialogue, dramatic interpretations and great jokes. I found it interesting how they managed to put the point of view of the other characters that accompanied the main guy. Thus, Rachel was terrific. It was amazing how much she improved since "Songbook". And it's not because I'm her girlfriend, but I would rather see her doing this play than watch certain Slings and Arrows episodes. No, I don't like to see my girl naked on screen with somebody else.

The play ended under intense applause from the audience. It was a good open night for a dynamic, not very long, and good entertainment play. The main actors, including Rachel, received the flowers and we applaud even more.

There would be a reception for journalists, sponsors and special guests. Before all of it, I already knew what I should do: go straight to the backstage to greet my lady.

"Excuse me." A girl with a radio and a paper in hands reached our row after the play. "You are Rachel Berry's family and guests?" We all nodded. "She would like to see you all in the dressing room before the reception. Could you please accompany me?"

"All her guests?" I asked a little disappointed.

"I hope so."

We followed the girl from the staff and there was a confusion among actors and crew having a party and greeting each other. The girl indicated Rachel's dressing room and we all waited there. Rachel arrived after a few minutes with a huge smile. First she hugged and kissed her parents and sister, them Mike, Johnny and her friends. I was the last one, but I didn't care since she gave me a great and passionate kiss in front of everybody.

"You were amazing." I said when we break the kiss.

"Thank you." She hugged me.

Then she went to talk with others. I know there were many people pay attention to my girl, but I couldn't help of feeling a bit left aside. But I didn't want to make this a big deal. It was better to not take it so personally and I tried to understand that it was her family there, her parents. Soon Rachel was called to attended the cocktail. It was part of her job and we had to understand that, even though the will of her family was taking her to a celebratory dinner. Or to my bed, in my case.

I watched from afar my girl's behavior during the cocktail. She was always smiling, pretending to have fun with people she didn't care about. She tried to keep friends like Luis and Rom around, especially with journalists watching, photographing and everything. I wondered if this would be our life from thence forth, with Rachel in the spotlight and I'm in the shadow because I could never stand beside her as her girlfriend while Rachel is in the closet because of career in Hollywood. Thinking about it made me a depressed girl with a glass of wine in my hand and a stake with cheese in the other.

"We should be eating lamb in the Isle, so yeah." Santana complained to me, Juan and Mike. "Incidentally, we should go ahead and left Rachel behind. The only thing you can do here is get drunk and it these horrible croquettes and cheese."

"Not a bad idea." I said eating my small piece of cheese.

"Whatever, Fabray, but I'm hungry and I would love to get drunk with a delicious lamb in my stomach."

"Sabes qué, hija? Estoy contigo."

"Bueno! Voy a por el coche y te atrapó aqui frente."

"No señora. Yo voy contigo. Quinn, could you tell Shelby and your friends, if they want to go of course, we're going to dinner? Rachel is still here talking with all these people, so she can find us later."

I nodded. In fact, Juan and Santana were right. It would be hard to wait Rachel when it was clear that the only ones having fun were the guys from the play and the crew. I approached Rachel, who by that time was talking to a journalist with champagne in hand.

"Your parents, Santana, Mike and Johnny will dine in Isle."

"Are you going with them?"

"I thought I'd wait for you."

"Do not bother. You should go with them. I'm still taking some time here, but I will meet you there. Don't worry."

"Are you going alone?"

"No, Rom and Luis are with me." My blood boiled and I breathed deeply. "Do not start, Quinn Fabray. Not here. Rom came from Los Angeles to honor me and I will not scold my friend for his sake."

"You know better, Rachel."

My desire was to make a scene. But no. I swallow everything again. I swallow the anger and the urge to cry. I just turned my back to her and looked for some friend. Shelby saw the scene from distance and waved to me, asking me to join with them. That's what I did. We wait a little bit till Santana with Johnny stopped the car in front of the theater. It was snowing outside, so we quickly got in the car. Santana was driving, and Johnny gave his place in the front seat to Juan. In the backseat were Shelby, Johnny, Mike and I. The restaurant was not far. The Isle was spacious and charming place. The food was great and I learned in my life without money that we never can waste the chance to get a free meal like that. But I wasn't happy with it despite the company of people who I also considered to be my family.

"Good night. May I help you?" The receptionist said.

"Night. I booked a table. My name is Santana Berry-Lopez." Santana announced to the receptionist. "But I think there are more people than I anticipated."

"Miss Berry-Lopez… here… yes, you booked a table for six. How many people are there altogether?"

"We'll be eight."

"It won't be an issue. Just a minute, please?"

We wait just a few minutes in the restaurant hall when the receptionist call us and lead us to an appropriate number of people to the table. I believe that when Santana booked a table, she didn't count on Johnny to come. Even so, judging by the interaction of the two that night, they seemed very comfortable with each other. I hope this time they actually can be together this time.

We made our orders and Shelby began to review specific things of the play.

"Rachel has matured a lot as an actress." She concluded. "But she still need to work on her body expression. She makes some of the same tics that you clearly recognize when she plays Kate."

"Oh, don't remind me that HBO thing." Juan muttered. "Why every HBO show need to have nudity?"

"Not all of them, honey." Shelby commented. "And you don't complain about nudity when you watch Game of Thrones. Just to say one."

"Yes, but those tits weren't my daughter's." We all laughed and I must say: Juan was right in some way. He doesn't like to watch his daughter's tits (well, it would be disturbing if he does), but I love it. What I hate is that millions are also watching the same thing and the fact she's hugging and kissing some guy in the set.

"That's why Rachel was so concerned to workout her boobs… and her ass." Santana shot at the time I took a sip of my wine. It almost went through the nose. "They need to look great on screen."

"Santana!" Juan warned.

"Come on, papi. I've seen my sister naked a bazillion times and I really don't care. But it's nice to know she looks hot, or, at least, some parts of her."

Suddenly, Johnny gave a loud, belly laugh: a contagious one. Then the conversation at the restaurant table started flowing among those present. Johnny told some stories at his work. I told some stories of mine and Mike told details of a lot of gossips he heard in Hollywood. We had our orders and Santana ate lamb as she was wishing. When we were almost finishing, Rachel arrived with Rom. Ironically the presence of them broke rather tasty climate that was among of us. Maybe because Rachel arrived tipsy, leaving Juan clearly uncomfortable, more than the rest of us.

"The reception was amazing!" Rachel was dazzled. "Critics said they loved it. One said he was surprised by my performance. He thought my part needed more experienced actress, but he changed his mind when he saw my performance."

Yes, she was full of herself and I always think that is the worst side of Rachel Berry-Lopez: the huge diva side. The one who thought she was better than everyone like when she used to sing like a professional in the Glee Club for a group of teens that was just there to have a good time, including me and her sister. The same Rachel Berry-Lopez that used to fight for every single solo and called me Barbie when Mr. Schue gave me one in the Sectionals. I hated this side of her. She didn't order any food. Instead she ordered the best champagne of the house and then put her hand on my leg, caressing as it was a pet. Another sign. Of course I loved when Rachel touch me, but it was a turn off knowing she was almost drunk, full of herself, and Rom at the table with us was an anti-climax.

"I think you better take your sister home, Santana." It reached a point that Juan couldn't stand her own daughter any more. "I think we can call it a day."

"Oh no, papi. Let's stay a little longer." Of course, Rachel didn't understand the placement. "You and mom need to know all the good places to at night in New York. It is magnificent."

"I bet you know great places, Rach." Shelby finished her glass. "But your father is right. Tomorrow you need to work and we can spend some time in your apartment tomorrow. I can fix the lunch and everything before we catch the flight back to Columbus. What do you think?"

"You're right, Shelby, for once you're right." Santana said. "And I would love to try something at home that Rachel doesn't put her hands on. She makes me eat cucumber and all those bird food! Gosh!"

"You need to eat better, Santy, and take care of your gastritis."

"Yeah, my stomach burns in anger every time you try to control me."

"Girls!" Juan warned.

Juan asked for the bill and he accepted without any modesty that Rom, Mike and Johnny share the costs. It was a sort of gentleman's agreement. The boys took a taxi back home, as well as Juan and Shelby. I was at an impasse: I could sleep one night at my girlfriend's place, remain frustrated, but at her side. Or go to my place and stay frustrated, but in my room and in my bed. I chose the second option.

"I'll drive you home, Quinn. It is very dangerous you go back alone at this time." Santana made me get in the car, although the subway station was right there.

The bypass was considerable, but Santana didn't complain about driving to Washington Heights in the snow. And Rachel? Well, she closed her eyes and sleep almost as soon as she got in the car. I turned on the radio and listened some jazz.

"Don't worry." Santana pointed to the backseat where Rachel was snoring. She never snored, but her drunken state and the position not favored her. "You know she'll make a packet of apology cookies as soon as she realized how awful she behaved today, not only with you."

"You can't condemn. She lived a special day."

"Maybe." She stopped her car in front of my building. "Good night, Quinn."

"Call me when you arrived home, ok?" She nodded.

I opened the door of my apartment and the first thing I heard was the loud moan of a woman. I sighed. I had forgotten that Santiago found a girlfriend and it seemed there was a lot of fun going on in his bedroom. I took a glass of water before going to mine. I just put my earphone and listened music a little louder than usual: that's the only way I could sleep: blocking the noises. I was frustrated and hurt. I was happy for Rachel's great open night, of course. I just wished her success. But I understand that dating an actress with a rising career who could not be out of the closet is really hard. Today, more than ever, I had one more little bitter try out. I don't know if my sanity can survive all of it, but, for her and for the sake of our relationship, I will stay strong.