All That Glitters
Disclaimer: (See Chapter 1)
Chapter 2
"Sometimes on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one."
Finn opened his clinched eyes, looking around and listening for the faintest sound. It was eerily quiet, frightfully calm. Finn could only hear his own heavy breathing, rapidly pulling air in and out of his lungs. Suddenly, he became aware of movement beneath his chest.
"Letmeuppleaseican'tbreathe," mumbled a faint voice beneath him.
Suddenly Finn remembered that he had laid his entire body weight onto Rachel before the...well, he thinks it was a crash. Lifting his body up, he reached down and pulled a very frightened Rachel up into a sitting position. "Oh Rachel. I'm so..."
"Oh Finn," Rachel said, taking gasping breaths. "Wh...what happened?" She then looked around, noticing the cab driver, unconscious in the front seat and smoke curling upward from the front of the cab.
"Let me out! Get me out!" Rachel screamed, scrambling to find the door handle. While shaking it vigorously, she let out a frustrated cry. "Please Finn, help me!" now in a full blown panic.
Finn reached across her, attempting to open the jammed door as Rachel was freaking out beside him. Finally, Finn looked up to see several what appeared to be firefighters surrounding the vehicle. He watched as one of them that was close to their side of the car shout something to them. He could barely hear him above Rachel's whimpering. Turning to her, he grabbed her by her shoulders, trying to bring her out of her freak out. Shaking her gently he said, "Rachel, listen." Forcing her to look into his eyes, he tried to remain calm. "Listen, sweetheart. They are here to help us but you have to calm down. Okay? Can you do that for me?"
She then looked up at him with glistening big brown eyes. Nodding silently, she then closed her eyes. Finn turned away from her, cupping his ears to let the rescuers know he was listening.
The fireman then repeated, "We need you to move over to the left side as far as you can." He then pointed toward the opposite door. "The doors are jammed and we need to try to jimmy it open with this." He said, holding up this huge s-shaped metal object. "The glass may break and we don't want you to get hit with it. Okay?"
Finn then nodded, gathering a trembling Rachel into his arms and sliding her over against him. She just buried her head into his chest, suppressing her desire to have another full blown panic attack. All she could think about is they were trapped in the small vehicle, it could blow up any second and their driver could be dead.
After several attempts, the firemen freed the unconscious driver first, transferring him to the awaiting medics who loaded him up and sped off to the nearest hospital. Finn and Rachel were left huddled together near another ambulance as they waited and watched them pull of with the driver. Finn wrapped a heavy blanket that one of the attendants had given them around him and Rachel, pulling her in close to his body in an attempt to keep them both warm.
He laid his cheek against her hair as he spoke soft, soothing words to the tiny frighten woman in his arms. "It's going to be okay, Rach. Shhhhh. We are safe now." Rachel looked up into the tender amber eyes of this stranger that she had only met about an hour ago. But she felt so safe, so secure in his huge, warm arms. Suddenly, he didn't feel like a stranger any longer, more like she had known and trusted this man all her life. He felt like Finn. Finn Hudson, her new friend. A man that had just sacrificed his body, his life to protect her. Sighing, she lay her head against his strong, broad chest, letting his slow, strong heartbeat placate her, slowing her own heartbeat.
Finn broke the little safe bubble he had quickly formed with Rachel to look over at the rescuers. "Hey, Bud," he yelled at the nearest rescuer. "Our luggage is in that trunk. Could you make sure it goes with us?"
"Sure thing," answered the guy. "We'll load it in the First Responders' truck. We are taking you two to University Hospital. That gentleman behind you will load you up, check you out and take you to the hospital"
Finn and Rachel were then helped into the back of an ambulance where they each were given warm blankets and hot coffee after they were assessed. Then one of the paramedics spoke up. "So, looks like neither of you have any serious injuries. But by law, we have to transport you to the nearest ER unless you flat out refuse." They both shook their heads, stating that they preferred to make sure they were okay.
"Well Rachel, is it?" Rachel nodded. "Well Rachel, we need to load you in this ambulance and then Finn can go in the one that just pulled up across the street..."
Rachel grabbed Finn by the arm, pulling him into her, shaking her head. "No, no! Please, Finn stay with me, please," Rachel pleaded, starting to panic again. "I'm afraid. I don't know anyone and I can't get to my hotel and this is just so..." she began to ramble nervously, tightening her hold on Finn.
Finn wrapped his arm around her again. "Rachel, shhhhh. I'm not leaving you. I promise. I'm not leaving you until your family comes and get you. Okay?" He felt her nodding against his chest. He then looked up at the paramedic. "Thomas, is it?" he asked, looking at the name on his jacket. "Listen. She is not from here. She can't get to her family's house because of this shitty ass weather and I'm all she has. She is already traumatized and scared to death. I'm not leaving her side. So, you are just gonna have to find a way to take both of us in this ambulance." He put his other arm around her and instinctly placed a soft kiss to the top of her head. He felt very protective of Rachel. It wasn't her fault she had a shitty boyfriend who had practically left her out in this weather to fiend for herself.
Thomas looked over at the large man staring defensively at him, protecting the tiny woman buried into his chest. "Okay, okay. Look, we only have room for one stretcher so you two will have to double up because one of us have to ride back here with you. She's so small, I think it will work."
Finn nodded, pulling him and Rachel onto the lone stretcher, laying her practically on top of him and covering them both with a blanket and the paramedic strapped them in. After the other rescuer closed the door, the ambulance pulled off, heading slowly towards the hospital which Finn knew was only about 1/2 mile down the boulevard.
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"Okay, Finn," said Mrs. Channing, his ER nurse. "I cleaned your hand and dressed it. We've also given you and Ms. Berry ibuprofen for general aches and stiffness because you were jarred in that vehicle." Then she handed Finn two small prescription bottles. "The doctor prescribed these for you and her. They are sleeping pills in case you need them tonight and tomorrow."
Finn looked over at Rachel, who was sitting across in front of him on another stretcher. She smiled at him. "Don't worry, they are mild," said the nurse. Finn gathered the bottles and put them in the pocket of his jacket. "Your discharge instructions are as we went over before. Here is a written copy for you to sign," she said, giving each of them a clipboard to sign.
Handing the signed papers to Rachel, who placed them in her purse, the nurse then turned back to Finn. "So, we're done here and your Mom will be down in a minute." Finn smiled gratefully as the nurse pulled back the curtain and left. He turned to see Rachel smiling over at him on her stretcher. They shared an ER cubicle because Finn had refused to let anyone separate them, even when the doctor was examining them. He had promised her and he was determined to not let her down.
"So, your Mom works here?" Rachel asked, pulling out her cellphone.
Finn nodded. He knew that the paramedics would bring them here since it was the nearest hospital. His mother was lead nurse in the recovery room and the staff had notified her as soon as they had wheeled Finn and Rachel in. He had given them permission to update her on his status which included just a minor abrasion to his left knuckles that he must have scrapped when he grazed the door diving to cover Rachel.
"Yeah, she works upstairs. Everything okay with you?" Finn asked, reaching for her hand.
"Sure, I'm fine. Thanks to my hero." Rachel squeezed his hand. Sitting there, Rachel felt so safe and so comforted by this man. And the warmth of his hand that she was holding was so reassuring it carried a warmness throughout her entire body.
Then Finn brushed across her engagement ring and quickly drew his hand back, like he had been shocked. It was just a reminder that she wasn't his no matter how her smile caused a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. But he would take care of her until he had to turn her over safely to the lucky man that she did belong with.
"Well," said Finn, clearing his throat, "The nurse said my Mom would be..."
"Finn?" they heard someone yell coming toward their cubicle. Finn slid off his stretcher and stepped into hall.
"Mom? Down here."
Just then, his mother sped toward him and pulled him down into a hug that Finn felt like would push all of the air out of his lungs. "Mom, I need to breath..." Finn said into her shoulder. She laughed and stepped back, looking up at him.
"Finn, oh Baby. They scared me so bad when they said you had been in a bad accident. You sure you are alright? They said you just had an abrasion on your knuckles. You sure," she said, firing questions at him and feeling Finn's head at the same time.
"Oh, Mom, come on," Finn said, embarrassed that his mother was treating him like a toddler that had just fell of his bike. "I'm fine."
"Well, if you say so," she answered, trying to look around the curtain. "Where is the girl they said you were with? Is that your new girlfriend?" She asked, smiling.
"What? No!" Finn said looking down nervously. "She is just a woman I was sharing a cab with when we had the accident. I just met her, Mom."
"Oh," said Carole. "Well, why did Freda say you refused to leave her? And she said you two were making goo-goo eyes at each other, huh?" Finn's cheeks starting turning a deep pink. "And why do you have that stupid look on your face, Finn Hudson?"
"Mom," Finn said looking back up at her. "You and Mrs. Channing are always thinking the wrong thing. I hardly know her and I just didn't want her to be alone. Listen, it's a long story but for now, we'll both need a ride," he said, putting his arm around his mother. "Anyway, come on and meet her. She's real nice."
Carole noticed that Finn had that sparkle in his eyes again. He wasn't fooling her. He liked this woman. A lot. She knew her son.
Finn led his mother into the cubicle. Rachel was sitting on her stretcher with her phone in her hand. "Rachel, this is my Mom, Carole Hummel. Mom, this my new friend, Rachel Berry." Rachel looked at Carole with a smile, extending her hand.
"Oh my. Uh, uh, Pitch Perfect. Pitch Perfect and, and they say you're going to be in the remake of West Side Story. Oh," Carole said, grabbing Rachel's hand into both of hers and shaking it vigorously.
Finn looked at his mother's reaction to meeting Rachel and was beginning to realize that Rachel must be some big deal. He would have to Google her when he got home. Laughing, he put his arm around his mother. "Mom, please. Stop fangirling my friend."
"Oh, hush Finn. It is so nice to meet you, Rachel. But listen you two. I just wanted to see for myself that you didn't have any broken bones or missing limbs." Rachel laughed and Finn groaned. "But, I have about 2 more hours left on my shift. My relief is coming in with our emergency transport person. Burt is coming to pick me up and he can take Rachel...honey where is it that you need to go?"
Finn saw Rachel looking up at him nervously. "Well..."
"Mom, the family she is here to visit lives all the way in Davidson so that's why we were sharing a cab. She needed a ride to a hotel to stay until they could safely come and get her. There are several hotels back up the boulevard toward the interstate." He looked down at Rachel, waiting for her to add something.
"Yes, Mrs. Hummel, if I could just get a cab to take me..."
"It's Carole, please, and there are no cabs running in this weather. Burt could take you to a hotel but honey, it's snowing like crazy out there now. You would be stuck in that hotel for who knows how long."
"I'd be fine," Rachel said.
"No, I insist," returned Carole. "Now Burt has that big salt truck of his and you can come home with us and stay as long as you need."
"I don't want to incon..."
Carole patted her knee as Finn stood behind her, smiling. "No trouble at all." She then stood up. "Well, I've got to go back up and check on my patients. I used my break to check on you. I'll text you Finn when Burt gets here and you two can meet me here in the lobby. In the meantime, go to the cafeteria and get you something to eat and I'll see you then."
She then kissed Finn and Rachel on the cheek, turned and headed toward the elevator up to her floor. Carole smiled as she stepped on, realizing that both Finn and Rachel were quite smitten with each other. She saw the way that they looked at each other, the same as Freda had told her earlier and Finn had denied.
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After Finn and Rachel loaded up their trays (and Rachel insisted on paying) they found a cozy back corner booth to enjoy their food' Finn thought this would be a good time to get to know each other better since they would probably be sharing the same roof for a few days.
He looked up at the beautiful woman sitting across from him. Sure her hair was still messy even though she had gone into a bathroom on the way to the cafeteria and tried to brush it out some. She was still breathtaking to him. "So, did you get in touch with, uh, Mike?"
Rachel laughed (that laugh that went straight to his heart, causing it to flutter in his chest.) Get a grip Finn. Hands off.
"It's Mason, Finn," she said looking up at him as she took a sip from her juice. "And, yes I finally reached him. I tried him again in the bathroom and he answered. He said he had left his phone in his bedroom and apparently they were all downstairs in the the game room..."
Finn rolled his eyes. Rachel smiled, "What's with the eye roll, Finn?"
"Well Ms. Berry, if it was me and my girl was stranded in a strange city in a damn ice storm I would be constantly trying to.." He stopped himself from going further. "Well,"
"Well what, Finn?" Rachel asked, looking at him firmly.
Finn sat his fork down and looked into her eyes. "Well, I just think that he should show a little more concern, that's all. But, I don't know him and I don't have a right to...well, to judge his actions." Or lack thereof, he said under his breath.
"Well, he did ask what I was going to do. He showed concern," Rachel said, looking down. "He was glad that I was okay and had somewhere to stay until the weather clears."
"So why that look, Rach?" Finn asked.
"What look?" she answered, trying to sound innocent.
Finn caught on. "Oh, Mr. Fiance' doesn't know about me, does he? Where does he think you are staying?"
"I told him that one of the nurses at the hospital invited me to stay with her family since she lived close by and didn't want me to alone, in a strange city, by myself... What is so funny, Finn Hudson?"
"Nothing, nothing," he said, smirking and continuing his meal.
Rachel smiled and shook her head. She knows she purposely omitted the fact that she would be spending this time with a very handsome and kind man who just happened to be the son of this so-called nurse.
Rachel shrugged her shoulders and then took a bite of her tuna sandwich. "Mmmm, that's so good. I must say this tuna sandwich is so much better than I'm used to."
"Well, I'll let you in on a little secret we have around here," Finn said, smiling and leaning forward to whisper to Rachel. "It's the mayonnaise," Finn said with a wink. Rachel started giggling. "No, I'm serious. Ask anyone around here and they'll tell you."
"Really, Finn?" Rachel laughed, giving him a questioning look.
"Yep," said Finn, picking up his own triple decker club sandwich and taking a huge bite. Mumbling, he said something Rachel couldn't quite understand.
"Finn, don't talk with your mouth full. That's not only disgusting but I can't understand a word you're saying," Rachel said frowning.
Finn swallowed his food and took a sip out of his soda. "Yes, mother," which made Rachel giggle again. "As I said, it's the mayonnaise. Duke mayonnaise," he said proudly.
"Duke? As in Duke University?" Finn nodded. "As in the famous Duke dynasty? One of the riches families in the United States?"
"Yep." Finn replied as Rachel looked at him, doubtfully. "But I don't think they were in the mayonnaise business, or any condiments come to think of it," Finn said more to himself. This caused Rachel to laugh out loud. He was so adorable.
"But anyway," he said, refocusing, "that's enough talking about the goodness and superior qualities of Duke mayonnaise," Finn said looking up at her. "Tell me about Rachel Berry."
"What do you want to know?" Asked Rachel, innocently.
"Everything. I want to know everything about you. Especially since you are going to be staying under the same roof as me for the next day or so. You could be an impostor. A spy, trying to find out the deep dark secrets of my grading system and planning on leaking them to my students for a hefty fee," Finn said, smiling widely.
Too cute, thought Rachel. Heart breaker. Rachel then laughed. "Well, Finn Hudson, I promise you that I haven't been trudging through rain, sleet and now snow, almost getting myself maimed for life in a car accident to sleuth after you. And for what, a few hundred measly dollars from a bunch of poor college students?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "I don't think so."
Looking out the window as they finished their meal, she thought about the situation she was in. Mason didn't mention that the weather was bad here. He had been in North Carolina for 3 days before she got here. 3 days! She would have bought warmer clothes, weather boots, wool scarves, and a warmer coat. He could be so self-centered sometime.
Looking back over at the man sitting across in front of her, she wondered how such a very attractive man could remain so kind, caring, thoughtful and humble. He and his Mom had just opened their home to a complete stranger, not knowing really who she was.
She watched as Finn turned to look out the same window she had been staring out of.
"Wow, it's really coming down out there!" Finn exclaimed. Looking back at Rachel. "You know this is rare for North Carolina."
"Oh really?" asked Rachel.
"Oh, yeah. Usually we just get freezing rain, sometimes sleet and ice. And when we get snow, it doesn't amount to anything. Just a light dusting, barely covering the ground." He then turned back to look outside. "But, looks like it's really piling up out there. I think we're going to have a white Christmas." He then smiled back at Rachel, a full smile that exposed his deep dimples in his cheeks. It almost took Rachel's breath away. She quickly sipped on her juice to distract herself.
"Well," said Rachel, looking down at her nearly empty plate, "I guess it was just waiting for me to arrive so it could leave me stranded and depending on the kindness of strangers." She then looked up into those clear, amber eyes that were locked in on her.
"I'm sorry you can't be with your fiancé and his family, Rach," Finn said sadly. "But I hope we can make you comfortable until they can come and get you."
Rachel hadn't meant to sound ungrateful nor did she want Finn to fell that she was disappointed. She reached across the table, placing her hand on top of his. "Oh, Finn. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to sound like I'm not grateful. I am. You and your Mom have been so wonderful to me." She unconsciously rub her fingers across his hand. "I'm just...well, I'm just not used to being so dependent on others. And I just..."
"That's okay, Rachel. Believe me, I understand."
"Thanks Finn and I'm really looking forward to spending time with you and your family." She was really kinda excited to be with Finn. More than she wanted to reveal. Truth be told, Rachel had kinda dreaded spending a week under the same roof as Mason's parents. She had just mentally prepared herself to listening to their condescending dribble, fake hospitality and superior attitude for the sake of getting along with her future in-laws.
"Well," Finn said, looking around."Let's go get some coffee. They have a coffee lounge over to the side where we can sit and talk. We got about another hour before Mom get's off. Whatta you say?"
"Sounds good to me," replied Rachel, rising from her seat. After they filled their cups, they headed to the side room and found a comfortable couch along the back wall. Finn placed their cups on the table in front of the couch and they both got comfortable.
"So Rachel, you had started telling me about yourself."
"Well," she answered, sipping from her cup. "What do you want to know? You already know that I'm an actress. I'm engaged. Adding to that, I don't have a police record. Never committed any major crimes." She laughed.
Damn, there's that laugh again. Control Finn, c-o-n-t-r-o-l."Ha, ha. I want to know how you got to where you are now. Why you are an actress." He then reached across and lightly touched her on her nose. "I wanna know just what makes Rachel Berry tick." He then winked at her and it went straight to Rachel's stomach, causing it to flip.
"Okay. Guess this is part of my background check, eh?" This made Finn laugh. "So, I'll just start with the basics. I'm 25 years old. I am from a small town outside of Phoenix, Arizona called Goodyear..."
"Like the tire?"
"Yes, like the tire and stop interrupting, Finn."
"Yes, ma'am. Continue."
"Anyway," she said rolling her eyes playfully. "My parents are Eli and Margaret Berry. They run a small family restaurant in Phoenix. I have 3 siblings; Emily, who is 2 years older than me. She is married, is a housewife and lives in Phoenix with her husband and 2 kids. I think my parents expected me to follow in her footsteps but there is no way. I was going to college and..."
"Rachel. Rachel, focus."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Where was I? Anyway, then there's my sister, Candace, who is a year younger than I am. She just got married and lives in Kentucky. She works as a legal aide. She gave up on law school and chose love, marriage and so on.
Last is my baby brother, Jason. Jason is 18 and a senior in high school. He's a star soccer player and has no clue what he wants to do in life but I've invited him to come live with me in LA after he graduates in May but he has to go to school."
"That's so nice of you, Rach." Damn, there goes that nickname again that just melts her heart.
"Uh, thanks Finn. Anyway, Jase is my favorite. I think because he's the baby of the family and had to contend with 3 older sisters. I just feel protective of him and I want to help him, you know?"
"Yeah," Finn said, looking at Rachel adoringly. "I can see you feeling that way."
"Okay. So I went to Arizona State on a partial dramatic arts scholarship, meaning they paid my tuition but my parents had to foot the bill for my room and board, books, etc. And with 2 other kids in college, it was a strain. So my sophomore year, I won the lead in my department's production of Seven Brides For Seven Sisters. And believe me Finn, it was a big deal." She stopped to take a sip of her coffee.
Finn was in awe of how Rachel's face lit up when she talked about her family and her career. He could see that she really enjoyed it and boy, she could really talk. She continued, "A big LA director was there for our second night of a week-long run of the play and spotted me. He arranged a meeting with me and my parents and offered me a part in his next movie. I moved to LA at the end of my sophomore year and as they say, the rest was history.
The music overhead changed to a soft, soothing song:
"Everything my heart desires is here
Everytime I pray, I pray for you
Everything my heart requires is here, is here"
"Oh, wow. I love that song, Finn." Rachel then closed her eyes and let the words flow over her. Finn watched and listened as a warmth covered him.
'Cause everything my heart desires is here
Everytime I pray, I pray for you
Everything my heart requires is here, is here"
She then opened her eyes as Finn continued to stare at her. They were locked into an intense gaze, both breathing heavily and not blinking as the words to the song swirled around them.
"Finn?" came a voice in the distance, causing both Finn and Rachel to blink, turning toward the voice. Coming toward them was a beautiful, slim brown-headed woman. "Well, damn. It is you."
Finn stood up and pulled the beauty in for a hug. "Santana! Girl, you looking fantastic as ever." He then pulled her into another hug.
Rachel watched the two and fought the pangs of jealousy she felt in her heart. Who was this woman and what was her relationship to Finn? Old girlfriend ? Present love interest? She was breathtaking. Finn and this...this Santana girl looked awfully familiar with each other.
"So who do we have here?" asked Santana, pulling away from Finn and looking down at Rachel. "Kinda tiny for your giant ass, Hudson." Finn chuckles nervously.
"Santana, this my friend, Rachel Berry. Rach, this is an old friend of mine, Mrs. Santana Puckerman. She's married to my best friend from high school." Rachel breaths out a sigh of relief which causes Finn to look over at her strangely.
Rachel shakes the tanned Latino's hand, now noticing the set of wedding rings on her finger. "Rachel," Santana said forcing her way into the booth beside Finn. "Haven't heard your name tossed around by Hudson here or Puckerman. Where ya been hiding?"
Rachel looked over at Finn, her eyes pleading for help. "Santana! Look, Rachel and I haven't known each other very long..."
"Bullshit, Hudson. You already brought her home to Mama Hudson and the way she's looking at you all dreamy eyed? Fess up, Hudson. More than friends?" Santana has a smirk on her face and Rachel is blushing.
"No, Santana. It's nothing like that. Rachel is staying with us until the weather clears. Her family can't come and get her until the weather clears. So, pull your Mexican third ear, lip..."
"It's eye, Finn, eye..."
"Whatever, put it away. Nothing here but friendship."
"Well, I know what I saw between you two when I walked up," Santana said, taking a sip out of Finn's cup. "Anyway, get together still on at your place tonight?"
"Yep. You and Puck bringing anybody? I need a headcount for Mom and Burt."
"Well, with the weather so fucked I don't know of anybody coming that's not within walking distance so just me and Puckerman from our end. Speaking of which, Shannon's in town and she's been hounding the hell outta me about you and when you were getting here."
Rachel's ears perked up when she heard the name. Finn gave her a nervous smile. "Well, I just got here a few hours ago and..and so she's coming tonight?"
Santana laughed and then looked over at Rachel. "You bet your sweet ass she is. Can't wait to see her reaction to little Miss Berry, your 'friend'. Well," she said standing, "I gots to get back to work but I'll see you two tonight 'round 9. Bye." She then walked off.
Finn let out a breath and then looked over at Rachel. "Sorry bout that but Santana takes some getting use to."
"That's okay, Finn. She sounds like a very interesting person." Finn laughed.
"Oh, she is. And her husband is a male version of her. Are you ready to head toward the lobby?" Rachel nods. "Good, we can finished talking on the way." Finn stood up and guided Rachel down the hall and toward the main lobby. Rachel told Finn about her career moves, meeting Mason, moving in together and becoming engaged.
"...and that's kinda how I ended up on a plane flying here to North Carolina," she finished, readjusting herself in the huge overstuffed side chair, facing Finn who was nearby. The snow was falling heavily behind them seen from the huge windows. "What about you, Finn Hudson? Tell me about your life."
"Well, it's very simple. I was born here in Harrisburg, a suburb of Charlotte. My Dad was killed in a car accident when I was 3."
"Oh Finn. I'm sorry."
"Yeah, thanks but I barely remember him. But I always felt his absence, if that makes sense. But anyway, Mom met and married Burt when I was in the 6th grade. I was happy for her because he made her happy. And along with Burt came his son, Kurt."
"So, you have a brother, then."
"Yeah, I talked to him while you were in the bathroom. He's here already. He flew in a few days ago. Kurt and I are...different. Opposites in more ways than one. I like sports, fishing, rock music and shootem' up movies. Kurt hates sports, thinks fishing is disgusting. He listens to pop, R&B, and knows most of all of the movie soundtracks. And when I told him about you...just prepare yourself. He is very, how do I say it, very dramatic."
"Well, Finn Hudson, I've been called a drama queen a time or two."
Finn chuckled. "That describes my brother quite well. And, I hope it doesn't go against your values or whatever but Kurt is also quite gay." Finn looks over to watch her reaction.
She just smiles. "Well, I would like for you to know that my very best friend in LA is in fact 'quite' gay. And out. And proud. I am very supportive of him."
"Good because I don't tolerate any type of prejudice, especially against my brother. There aren't a lot of open-minded people outside of Charlotte around here. He and his partner live in Chicago where nobody really cares, thank goodness. But anyway, Kurt and my early differences had nothing to do with his sexuality, believe me. I was very into the ladies and Kurt let it be known that I was definitely not his type. He found a big, clumsy 6'4 'dork' like me very unattractive." Rachel giggled as she thought about Finn as a gangly and awkward teenager.
"Anyway, Burt built my Mom the house they live in now after they married and Kurt and I grew very close over time. Burt runs a landscaping business but contracts out to the state to do road maintenance in the winter. My Mom has always been a nurse and as you know now, she works upstairs in Recovery.
I attended Hickory Ridge High, home of the mighty Raging Bulls." He smiled, pumping his arms high in the air. "I played tight end on the football team, which earned me several scholarship offers. But, for some reason, during my recruitment trips, I stepped foot on the TCU campus and fell in love."
"Texas Christian?" Rachel asked and Finn nodded.
"Yes. And for 3 years I was their starting tight end. Got my BA and masters in computer science. Then I transferred to the University of Texas in Austin. Got my professorship and if things go as I plan, I'll get my PhD this summer."
"Very impressive but Austin, Texas is so very different culturally. I spent some time there a few years ago scouting scenes for a movie. Do you like it there?" Rachel questioned.
"I love it. I love my job and maybe later when I'm older, settled and married I'll probably move back here. North Carolina kinda embeds itself into your heart. I would love to raise my children here, you know, if I have any."
"Oh, Finn. Any woman would be so lucky to have you as a husband and father of her children," Rachel said, leaning forward and capturing his eyes. They stared at each other for a beat, Finn licking his dry lips.
"Who's Shannon?" Rachel asked, breaking the brief silence.
"Shannon?"
"Yes. Santana mentioned her. Is that your girlfriend?" Rachel asked, clearing any doubt.
Finn looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "Shannon and my relationship is kinda complicated."
Rachel looked at him firmly. "I'm listening." Finn could see the slight jealousy in her face.
"Rachel. You're engaged and, and I don't like where this is going," he answered nervously. Finn felt the attraction he and Rachel had for each other but he knew it couldn't go any further because she was marrying another man. He didn't stand a chance.
"Finn, I just asked you a simple question. You know about my relationship and as your friend, I...well I'm curious about the women in your life. I'll meet this Shannon tonight and I just want to know about her. Okay?"
"Okay but there's really not much to us. At least not anymore." Finn looked up and Rachel was still looking at him intensely. "Shannon and I dated on and off in high school. She wanted more of a commitment from me than I was willing to give. I liked her, a lot but I was 18 years old and wanted to see other parts of the country. Do more. Meet new people. Experience new things. So we went our separate ways. She went to college in Florida and now lives in Tampa. I moved on, quite happily, had a few girlfriends in college but nothing really serious. As Santana said, I never brought anyone home before. Shannon and I kept in touch over the years and whenever we both were home at the same time, we...well we..."
"You hooked up," Rachel said deliberately.
"Yes, we hooked up. But last Christmas when I came home, I was just sick and tired and whatever we were doing. I just saw her as a friend, without the so-called benefits. I only saw her at our yearly Christmas Eve Eve party and tried to make that clear to her. We didn't 'hookup' and I kinda avoided her. Then when I came home this past summer, I didn't see her at all. I stopped picking up when she called and the truth is, I'm too through with that."
"Finn, you don't owe me an explanation.. If that's your local girl, so be it. I just wanted to know because I didn't want her to get the wrong idea or for you to feel awkward. That's all."
"I won't and I don't want you to feel that way either. She is not my 'local girl'. She's nothing but an old acquaintance now. Okay? And if Shannon is there it will be as a neighbor, a high school friend only. I don't want you to feel awkward, you hear me. You are the guest in my home. Ok?"
"Ok. So, I'm kinda excited about this party tonight."
"Yea, we usually have so much fun. But remember, we are just down home folks. Nothing real fancy, not like you are used..." Finn was stopped mid sentence by his phone beeping. Looking at it, it was a text from his Mom. She was headed their way and Burt was outside. "Let's go, Rach. That's Mom. Let's get our luggage from the nurses station and meet her at the truck," he said, reaching for her hand, both ignored the tingles that their touching hands caused.
A/N: The song that was playing while Finn and Rachel were in the coffee cove was "Everything My Heart Desires" by Danielle Brisebois. I heard it while writing this chapter while my husband was watching "As Good As It Gets" with Jack Nickolson. Listen to it, it's beautiful. And thanks so much for the interest in this story.