A/N: Thanks to everyone who is reading this rewrite I hope you are enjoying it. Please leave a review so I know what you all think.


Chapter 2

Three weeks had passed since I broke up with Quinn Fabray, and for the first time in the past few months I felt really happy, 'specially when I was at glee club meetings.

Glee practices were great; Rach and I had lots time to talk after class, they were the best days. I sat at the glee club table at lunch now and couldn't remember when I laughed so much listening to a guy talk about a TV show. Like today Kurt was going on about how his favourite character in the latest re-run of his all-time favorite medical drama 'love amongst the scrubs', needed a serious make over if she wanted to catch the eye of her Doctor crush and take him away from his lying bitch of a girlfriend.

By now everyone in the whole school knew I had broken up with Quinn including Rachel, and was there for me if I needed to talk about it. My football buddies gave me the cold shoulder, but to be honest it didn't bother me much 'cept on the field when they didn't follow my directions.

I was so thankful for Rachel's friendship, she was such a caring helpful person. We spent hours at school staying behind in in the choir room on glee days, and doing our homework together. Rach would help me understand if I got stuck on anything which I truly appreciated my test results improved dramatically, and I retained more of the notes and stuff I had to read.

We'd spend ages texting each other at night and had become close friends, I haven't asked her out on a date yet, as I hadn't wanted to rush things, and I didn't want her to feel she was a rebound, combined with the fact we were so busy in glee making sure we had a competition winning set list ready to go, even though we still didn't have 12 members. Mr Schue was still hopeful more would join.

I had no luck convincing Puck and some of my other team mates to come to a glee practice, they just laughed at me and called me a geeky prancing fairy, among other things that hurt a lot. I mean, I was still the same guy, still the quarterback, but because I was doing something different from the rest I was made fun of. But I didn't care I was the happiest I'd been in ages, singing and playing the drums in glee club, plus the bonus of meeting Rach. I am so thankful I changed my way of thinking and got away from the popular mindset, where you were only cool and worth knowing if you were a jock or bitchy cheerleader.

A couple of freshman kids joined which was great, but we still needed four more to make the twelve-member minimum, things for glee were looking up.

That was until a couple of weeks later, when I was walking down the hallway with Rachel happily listening to her talk about her favourite movie, and promising to check it out. Our smiles and laughter stopped when we saw painted in black all over Rachel's bright red locker.

WATCH OUT HOBBIT, STAY AWAY FROM FINN HUDSON, OR ELSE!

I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but knew straight away who did this and would deal with her, but my first thought was the tiny girl beside me, I wrapped my arm around her waist and led her away, she was upset and was trying to ask what it was all about, and what had she done to deserve this. I told her I would take care ofthe person who did it but would not let anything happen to her she meant too much to me.

She just looked up at me with her beautiful big brown eyes still shiny with tears and I could tell she knew that we were something special and she could trust me to take care of her, at that very moment I knew she felt for me the same way I felt for her.

"I really, really like you Rachel, well, I think it is more than just like, and I have been feeling like this for a while now. But I didn't want to freak you out by telling you. But would you please be my girlfriend?"

"Oh Finn, I feel the same, and have done since your first glee club meeting, and of course I would be so happy to be your girlfriend."

Then we kissed it was only short, more like a peck, but it was like an electric current was running through my body, and setting my soul on fire. I was so happy I just had to kiss her again a bit longer this time until the bell went, I looked down at her with a soft look in my eyes my voice full of worry.

"Please be careful Rach and let me know straight away if anyone gives you a hard time, I'll keep my cell on me OK."

Another quick kiss and we parted, she for english and me for math, I was so worried what Quinn would do next to Rachel. I know this time it was only words but it would not surprise me if it came to physical violence, I would do anything to keep Rachel safe but I had to somehow deal with the blonde bitch first.

On my way to maths I stopped at Mr Schue's office to ask if he could help me clean the graffiti off Rachel's locker before lunch, he said he would deal with it as he had a free period now, I thanked him and ran to class.

I made it just as the door was closing, receiving a frown from my teacher. I found my seat and tried to look interested, I couldn't concentrate on what he was talking about, which produced another frown and "please pay attention Finn, there will be a test on this next week" from Mr. Davis at the front of the class, which in turn caused some of the other kids to snigger and make snide comments.

I had to wait to deal with Quinn, I just hoped Rachel would be ok, I can't understand why Quinn just won't accept that I don't want to be with her, and figure out we weren't really suited for each other. I am so glad to be out of it but more worried about Rach. The bell went and I ran out of class as fast as I could, to get to Rachel's english class. But just as I turned the corner into the hallway where she was waiting, I heard yelling. Quinn was standing over my tiny girlfriend who she had backed into the lockers, and screaming in Rachel's face.

"You are an ugly no talent bitch and you better keep your grubby man-hands, away from MY man or else!"

Before I could reach them through the crowd of idiot spectators, I saw Quinn storm off in the opposite direction, when I got to Rachel I just wrapped my arms around her, before leading her away to the closest room that was empty all the while whispering, "I'm so sorry I wasn't here, I'm so, so sorry babe."

It took Rachel a few minutes to calm down,her words got lost, mumbled against the folds of my shirt, when she finally lifted her head to look at me I was so angry because of the confusion I could see in her eyes.

"What is going on Finn why would that girl say such hurtful things I haven't done or ever said anything to her?"

"Rach please, it is not your fault OK! You have done nothing wrong. I broke up with Quinn weeks ago, because I finally realized we had nothing in common, and were just using each other for popularity and that it was expected by the social hierarchy at this school, I was never in love with her, but I think the main reason she is so pissed is more about her winning the prom queen crown, and how as she is no longer dating the quarterback, her fantasy will probably not happen. Plus, just between you and me I think she is jealous that I picked someone who is more beautiful and kinder than her, and whom I actually love."

Rachel just nodded, gave me a watery smile and sniffed away the last of her tears saying softly, "thank you for everything." in-between little kisses, till the kids rushing into the room interrupted us again.

"God!" I let out a frustrated groan, causing a cute giggle to leave Rach's lips, I wish we could just be alone without the world getting in the way. I walked her to her next class and said, "Please don't leave until I come to collect you." Leaving with another peck on her lips I said, "I'll see you in an hour OK!"

"Ok Finn."

I took off for biology worried the whole time about her, and about how I was going to deal with Quinn.

The end of the day finally came, I met Rach at her class and we got what was needed for homework, I was pleased to see Mr Schue had been able to get Rach's locker clean. We walked with our hands entwined together out of the school and to the parking lot, a little time was spent saying goodbye punctuated with many kisses until she pulled away.

"As much as I'd like to continue this Finn, I really must get home, I'll see you tomorrow."

I pouted at her and made the motion of calling her on the phone later. She giggled and blew me a kiss and drove off. As I turned around I was face to face with the last person in the world I wanted to see and have spoil my moment.

"What do you want? I have already told you we are done Quinn, now leave me the fuck alone and stay away from Rachel, if you pull another stunt like in the hallway or touch her you will have to answer to me and I will make you regret it do you understand? I don't want anything to do with you anymore!"

Before she could even get a word out, I stormed away to my car my good mood evaporating, the furious look on her face quite honestly was a little scary, I just hoped she would leave Rachel and I alone.

..

I figured that when you are happy time seems to fly by, and before we knew it, Prom was this weekend. I was so excited cause Rach and I were going together as a real couple. The glee kids were singing as part of the entertainment. We were taking turns to sing, some had solo's, some duet's, and a couple of group numbers. Thankfully more kids had joined, we now had a few more than the required 12 members to compete at competitions. Mr Schue was ecstatic and busy planning our set list for our approaching sectionals competition.

I had been receiving notes in my locker all week from who I knew had to be Quinn, reminding me to collect and pay for, from the florist in Columbus, the corsage she ordered of hot-house orchids with a pure Chinese silk ribbon. The exact time to have the limo waiting at her house so her mother can supervise the studio quality photos properly. Plus, to make sure I made the dinner reservation, at somewhere more upmarket and fitting for a prom queen. She was acting like we were still dating and this prom was the best thing to happen for us. I hoped she lost the race for queen 'cos she didn't deserve it with the way she treated people.

I just angrily scrunched each note up immediately and threw them in the trash. I couldn't believe it, there's no way I was going anywhere near Quinn at prom, or anytime and the only corsage I would be buying would be for a beautiful brunette, and it would be appreciated not expected. I found Rach to let her know what was going on and to please make sure she took extra care.

I was speechless when I arrived at Rachel's house on Saturday night to pick her up for prom, and caught sight of her as she descended the stairs; she looked like the vision in my dream from a few months ago. She was beautiful in a figure enhancing, pale pink one shouldered gown that fell in soft folds to the floor, fitting tight around her breasts and tiny waist, and gathered at her right hip by a sparkly star clip, her hair was twisted into a bun on top of her head with several curled bits falling down framing her beautiful face and down her neck, she wasn't wearing a lot of makeup just some smoky grey colour around her eyes, lashes thicker and darker than normal, her lips were a soft glossy pink with a hint of sparkle, and cheeks a soft pink.

When she walked closer to me for a kiss I didn't have to lean down as far as I normally did, I must have had a confused look on my face, because Rachel giggled and lifted the hem of her dress to revel the sky-high heels on her silver peep toe shoes, she looked stunning! I was speechless, my mouth hung open and my mind was foggy, I was brought back to earth when I felt a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Baby, you look so beautiful" I told her.

My large hands were fumbling trying to put the corsage on her tiny wrist, I was proud of my choice of flowers, a small bunch of pink carnations with a silver ribbon covered in stars. It was an ideal match with her dress.

"Oh, Finn its perfect thank you so much, you look very handsome and extra sexy, I am so looking forward to tonight." she whispered.

A soft blush, coloured her face as she pinned the single pink lily boutonniere she'd chosen, to my lapel, we shared a soft kiss and secret smile. Then after what seemed like 5000 photos, because her dads excitedly stated they needed to take just one more, even though they had taken one just about everywhere in the house, yard, on the patio, the stairs and in my car. They asked for our home email address so they could send copies to my Mom, then we were finally on our way.

With arms wrapped around each other's waists we walked into the gym, it was very pretty, the walls were draped in white curtains, streamers, coloured blinking fairy lights. Bunches of balloons hanging from each corner, and situated near the tables there were potted trees in groups of three, it really looked great. In one corner, the school band was set up next to the stage and a DJ.

We spotted our glee friends over in a corner with a couple of tables pushed together, after greeting everyone and commenting on how great they all looked. Rach and I sat down, she just had time to give me a quick peck on the cheek before she was snatched away from my side into the group of girls to talk. I started to chat with the guys about the upcoming baseball game and said how I was super excited about singing a romantic song with Rachel, I had picked 'Faithfully by Journey'.

Rach and I had been christened Finchel by our friends, apparently it was easier to say than Finn and Rachel, and as we were always together they shortened it. We thought it was cute so it stuck I couldn't wait till later in the night when it was the glee kids turn to take the stage. Us guys sat and watched the other kids dance for a while, the girls all got up and were dancing together for a couple of songs, my eyes never left Rach. She looked so sexy, a little later Rachel came bouncing up to me excitement and happiness shining in her dark eyes and grabbed my hand trying to drag me up to dance, we just held each other close and moved to the music, which thankfully wasn't too fast so we just swayed in the one spot.

Every now and then I would place a soft kiss on the top of her head and whisper how beautiful she looked. After a few more dances and some supper it was time for the glee kids to start our set before Principal Figgins, announced Prom King and Queen.

When Rachel and I got up to sing our song I was a bit nervous but very happy I got to sing with the most beautiful girl in the school. The music started and we walked towards each other from opposite ends of the stage, every word sung at that moment was true I was so into the song, my eyes locked on Rachel the entire time. I didn't notice the music had stopped until Rach grabbed my hand and was gently tugging me off the stage. I just needed to kiss her, so I did my lips crashed onto hers, in a deep kiss that conveyed all the feeling I had for her, and the way she reciprocated the kiss it was obvious she was feeling the same.

Principal Figgins, took hold of the microphone then to announce king and queen, I wasn't listening as I didn't nominate myself so it didn't matter to me who won king. I was much happier just being with Rachel and my friends, than worrying about all that silly nonsense, it wasn't going to do anything for a future career, anyway prom should just be fun. When Principal Figgins announced the Prom King as Marc Thompson, a big cheer went up from the crowd as he walked up to receive his crown he was a cool guy, I was happy for him. Next was Queen I could see Quinn making her way towards the stage, jeez! Anyone would think it was already hers; she had such a smug look on her face. As she moved past us she glared viciously at Rachel and purposely bumped into her, and in a loud nasty tone said.

"I'll be waiting for the queen's choice dance so be ready Finn."

As she finished speaking she leaned up to kiss me but I just turned my head in disgust and moved closer to Rach, I wrapped my arms around her a bit tighter and whispered loud enough for Quinn to hear.

"You should have nominated for queen baby, because you would've deserved to win, not just expected it because you wanted it."

The glare I received from Quinn would have had me shaking in my shoes if I cared about her at all.

So, when a name that was not Quinn Fabray was called all anyone could hear was hysterical yelling.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN? THAT CROWN IS MINE I DESERVE TO HAVE IT, I HAVE WANTED IT FOR 3 YEARS, THIS IS YOUR FAULT MAN HANDS YOU UGLY MIDGET TROLL, YOU STOLE FINN AWAY FROM ME AND MADE ME LOOSE MY CROWN WHY CAN'T YOU JUST FREAKING DIE AND GET OUT OF MY LIFE!"

Before anyone can recover from the angry outburst from the stage, everything happened at once. Quinn launched herself at Rachel and was trying to punch her in the face; with my arms still around Rach's waist, I spun out of the way so the crazy bitch's punch grazed her bare shoulder and not her face. A couple of teachers grabbed Quinn to get her away as she was hysterical and screaming that it was Rachel's fault she lost her crown, while I was just trying to get my upset girlfriend away from the noise to quieten her down, she was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe. I got her to calm down enough to listen to me when I said

"Rachel please listen to me, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and nothing that happened was your fault OK! Quinn is crazy and obviously having some sort of breakdown." I could feel Rach nodding her head against my chest as her breathing calmed down.

Even though she was nasty and treated people like crap, I couldn't help but feel a little sad for Quinn, that if winning a plastic crown from a high school prom in Lima Ohio, was the ultimate goal she had for herself in life, then she was the Lima loser going nowhere, not any of the kids she tormented and ridiculed all the time.

Rachel had finally calmed down, I'd like to think my hugs and kisses helped, she said it did and she felt so safe with me. She knew I would let nothing bad happen to her. After the hostility in the gym had died down Prom continued, with the DJ pumping out some rockin' tunes, all us glee kids joined together in a big group and danced as one keeping Rachel close, even though Q had been thrown out. I was still a bit nervous about being too far away from Rach. Everyone made eye contact with me and promised with a firm nod of their head and a glance at my tiny girl, to watch out for Rachel and help keep her safe when I couldn't be with her. Kurt, Tina, Mercedes and Blaine were in a lot of the same classes as both Rach & Quinn so at least I knew they would let me know what went on.

When prom was over and we had said goodnight to our friends, Rachel and I made our way to my car and just sat for a few minutes without talking just holding hands, trying to comprehend what happened inside. After about 10 minutes, I started the car and I looked over at Rach.

"Rach are you sure you are OK? Do you want me to take you home or do you want to go for a drive maybe to the lake just to sit and talk.?"

"That sounds like a perfect idea Finn thank you." She said softly, leaning over and giving me a kiss on the cheek.

By the time we got to the lake it had turned a bit chilly, Rachel asked if we could sit by the water, so I took off my Tux jacket and draped it around her shoulders. We walked down to the water's edge, and after spreading out the blanket from the car I sat and gently pulled Rach down mindful of her pretty dress, so she was sitting between my legs and enveloped her in the warm safe cocoon of my arms. All the while placing soft kisses, on her head and neck. She turned her head so her lips brushed mine ever so softly and murmured,

"Thank you for caring so much, I hope the popular kids won't give you too hard a time for being with me."

I was astounded at the way she was more concerned about me and what people thought, than what could happen to her.

"Don't worry about me babe, I am so happy to be with you, my only regret is I wish I'd paid more attention to you before, instead of wasting all that time being treated like dirt."

She just beamed at me, and brought her soft tiny hand up to cup my cheek and bring my face down to her level, her lips latched on to mine and kissing me with such passion I thought my heart would burst, when air became a necessity we pulled apart and just held each other as close as we could. I hoped she wouldn't be freaked out, as I'm sure she could feel my hardness pressing into her back, but she just made me so happy. I was looking forward with anticipation, to the time when our love for each other would became physical, but I am not the sort of guy who forces himself on a girl and then tries to make her feel guilty if she doesn't want to have sex with me. Anyway, when Rachel and I get to that stage it will be perfect and a mutual decision. It will be my first time and I'm positive it will be Rachel's too. After all, I hope to be with Rachel for a very long time so there is plenty of time for that, we are just happy being together now.

It was getting late and cold, "I probably should take you home Rach so your Dad's don't start to worry that maybe I have kidnapped you and post my picture all over America's most wanted or something."

She giggled "Oh, Finn my Dads adore you, but yes maybe it is time to go."

Her front porch was the scene of another mini make out before the porch light started flickering on and off as a signal to leave some kisses for next time. I groaned at that thought as we both knew, I had an away game for baseball the next day in Westerville and probably wouldn't be able to see her until Monday at school.

"I promise to call you when I get home Sunday night babe."

She sighed and pouted a little, "It would have been fun to watch you play, but I have a dance recital and can't miss it, but thank you for a wonderful night Finn, apart from the drama, I think I am falling in love with you."

"I feel the same way Rach and I can't wait to see you again."

So, with another couple of passionate kisses, she went inside. I floated back to my car and somehow drove home, said goodnight to Mom after giving her a brief rundown of the night and the subsequent drama, assuring Mom Rach was OK and that she was going to tell her parents what happened and that they would be calling Principal Figgins on Monday. After changing into my pyjamas, I fell onto my bed, my dreams that night filled with images of a tiny brunette with a loving heart, floaty pink dresses, big brown eyes, soft lips and tiny hands all the things I wanted and needed in my future.

….

We played hard and won our game by an innings and 2 runs, Coach was extremely happy and said Monday's training would be a real light one because it's not every day your team wins the league play-offs. As soon as we were on the bus I called Rachel to let her know the good news and to find out how she went at her recital, but the call went straight to her voice mail, I wasn't worried maybe she was in the shower or something. I tried a couple more times on the way home but got the service every time. By now I was starting to worry about just what was going on, she didn't usually take this long to answer.

The bus wasn't going fast enough in my opinion, but as soon as we got back to McKinley I jumped into my car and took off for Rachel's house. After knocking on the front door for what seemed like ages it was opened by a very sad looking Leroy Berry.

"Hi Mr Berry is Rachel home? I've been trying to call her for the last hour or so but she hasn't answered."

I very nearly didn't catch him as he collapsed in my arms; a fountain of tears began falling from his already bloodshot eyes.

"Mr Berry what happened? I asked with a voice full of panic, really starting to worry now as I had never seen such a strong man so distressed.

All he could manage to utter was "Rachel" and "hospital."

I stumbled for a minute, but as I was holding him up I knew I had to be strong for him. Somehow, we managed to walk over to the couch and as I tried to get him to explain what was going on my mind was racing, and I was panicking now.

"What happened to Rachel?" I whispered.

He raised his head to look at me and managed to get out "T-this morning on her way to her dance recital, she was walking along the sidewalk… w-when a car mounted the curb and hit her before driving away at speed." He starts to sob again

My heart just about stopped, tears were running like a river down my face. I leant over and just grabbed Leroy in a hug and we held on to each other for dear life until we had calmed down enough to get our butts into gear and go to the hospital. I rang my Mom to tell her what had happened to Rach and where I was going, and would tell her how Rach was when I found out more after talking to Hiram and the doctors. But I wasn't leaving the hospital until she was ok.

She said to give her love to Hiram and Leroy, and if there is anything she could do for them until Rachel came home to please let her know straight away. I told her I would pass on her message. I waited until Leroy packed a bag with a few things he thought Rachel would need, like PJs, hair stuff and lady's things and we left for the Hospital.

We were met by Hiram in the emergency department, and the instant he saw us he broke down crushing me to his chest sobbing into my shirt, while keeping a tight grip on Leroy's hand. Thirty angst filled minutes later a Doctor came out to talk to Mr. and Mr. Berry, they pulled me by the hand, keeping a tight grip on me so I could hear as well, Dr. Metcalf said that Rachel had a broken leg and arm, a couple of broken ribs and numerous cuts and bruises and some internal bleeding, but the most worrying issue at present, was the head trauma. So, she has been put in a medically induced coma until tests come back that should show the full extent of any damage.

We could see Rachel, but as she was still in a coma she was unresponsive to everything, but at least her dads and I could go into her room and just sit with her. I was not prepared for the tidal wave of emotion that hit me the minute I saw her tiny body on that bed. She had wires attached to just about every bit of skin that wasn't covered in bandages, her beautiful face was bruised and she had a big gauze pad covering most of her right cheek.

It took all my strength to not only hold myself back from rushing to the bed, but Hiram and Leroy as well. They both collapsed in tears, falling against me, I tried to manoeuvre them to chairs next to Rach's bed. The fact I was trying to see through my tears made it a little difficult to see the necessary machinery surrounding the bed. I sat on the very edge of the bed and took hold of her hand and very gently rubbed my thumb over the back of it.

I lent down and whispered in her ear "I'm here Rach and so, so sorry I wasn't able to keep you safe like I promised. I love you! So please wake up I need to you to show me your beautiful smile."

Even though I knew it was the medicine keeping her asleep now, I wanted her to wake up. I kissed her forehead and the hand I was holding again, tears falling silently down my cheeks. My stomach was churning and I felt ready to vomit, my mind was all over the place, I was trying to fathom how anyone could do this to such a sweet, beautiful girl. I was determined to find out and uphold my promise to Rachel, it made me feel so shitty at the thought that I'd failed her.

"Finn, please this was not your fault at all, and we sure as hell don't blame you, we want to thank you for making our Rachel so happy these past months."

I know Mr's Berry were right but I couldn't help but feel guilty. When I find out who did this they will be sorry they ever crossed my path. I had to get some air and try to calm myself down, "I'll be back in a bit" I said to Hiram.

He nodded and mouthed thank you, with a kiss to Rachel's forehead and an "I love you babe". I took one last look at my girl and left the room, thinking Mr Berrys' could probably use a coffee or something and I was on my way to the cafeteria to get some hot drinks for them, but as I was passing the nurses desk, I noticed a couple of policemen standing there talking to the doctor treating Rachel.

I stopped and listened for a minute before I asked "Hi, um excuse me, I'm Finn Hudson, Rachel Berry's boyfriend, and I'm hoping you have some information on the bastard that hurt Rach?"

'I'm sorry son, the only thing we have to go on is that the car was driven by a person with dark hair. The only witness who has come forward so far is a lady who was walking a few feet behind Rachel. She said the car was driving normally on the right side of the street and suddenly, as though a magnet pulled it towards Rachel, mounted the sidewalk and ploughed right into her. Rachel apparently had no time to get out of the way, and the person driving the car had dark hair and extra-large, sunglasses that covered most of their face. Then after the car drove off the witness looked behind to try and see the licence plate, and saw the driver whip something off their head, she thought she saw a glimpse of white but couldn't be sure as everything happened so quickly, and she was worried about helping Rachel and calling an ambulance. Please believe us son we are doing all we can and are hoping someone driving past saw something or security cameras caught the accident."

When I heard that I was shaking with rage, my mind automatically went to a certain blonde, who I knew hated Rach and blamed her failure at winning the damn crown at prom on her. I slumped against the wall, my mind exploding with thoughts of hate towards her and my tears streaming down my face. I was trying to speak but all that came out through my sobs and stuttered breaths was "F-Fabray and hate Rach". I could feel myself being lifted up and a hand rubbing my back, a soft worried voice was calling my name, after I calmed enough down to speak properly, even though my tears were still falling I managed in a small voice "Quinn Fabray, said she wanted Rachel to die and punched Rachel at prom last night, and I'm pretty sure she wrote the horrible message on Rachel's locker, and one day at school. I saw and heard her yelling at Rach and telling her to leave me alone as I was hers which was utter crap. I did date Quinn for about 4 months, but broke up with her a few months ago, because I fell in love with Rachel, and Quinn wouldn't accept it. She blamed Rachel for her not winning the prom queen crown, I'm not positive Quinn did hurt Rach but it wouldn't surprise me, she has a real mean streak when things don't go her way. Please talk to the bitch, her address is 966 Dudley Road, I can't remember the phone number but they'd be in the book. They are the only Fabray's in town."

"Alright Finn we'll check it out, but please don't try and take matters into your own hands leave it to us OK?"

I just nodded my head and shook their hands in thanks and watched as they left to follow up on what I told them. I composed myself enough to find the cafeteria, and while I was waiting for my food I rang my Mom.

"Hi Mom, yeah, I'm still at the hospital waiting for some news, the doctors said Rach is in an induced coma until they do some sort of test to see if her brain is damaged, but Mom she is hurt so bad with a broken arm and leg and her beautiful face has a great big bandage… But I'm not leaving her bedside until she wakes up. I need to be here for her and her Dads."

"I know honey I will call school and let them know that you won't be there, it is only a few days till summer break after all. I bring you some clothes and anything you need tomorrow. I understand you not wanting to leave the hospital but tell Hiram and Leroy if they need anything at all to please let me know, give my love to everyone. Don't worry baby she will be OK I know it, just keep thinking positive thoughts OK? I love you call me if you need anything else."

"I love you too Mom and thanks, talk to you soon." I hung up and collected my food order making my way back to Rach's room.

About four hours later the Doctor came to take Rachel for some tests to see if she could be brought out of the coma and to do some brain function tests or something. I was so nervous about the results what if she can't remember me or anything about us so far or her dads, what if she forgets how to sing? I just wanted my Rachel back and for her to wake up. Her Dads and I were hoping against hope she would wake up on her own very soon.

Not many words were exchanged between me and Mr Berrys' till I said "Rach makes me so happy and I love her, and even though we are young and haven't been together all that long, I knew she was the only one for me, and I wanted to be with her for as long as would let me. I felt after hearing her sing for the first time not even knowing it was her, that we had a special connection. It was like a rope or tether joining our hearts together from the first time our eyes connected."

Her Dads both just nodded and said, "Rachel is the happiest she'd ever been and has told us many times she feels the same about you Finn, and we have no doubt you two will be together in the future, which makes us as parents extremely happy and proud to know our daughter will be loved and cared for. But as for age it is only a number and you are so very lucky, but just because you have found your one at an exceptionally early age doesn't mean it's not real"

"Thank you, Mr Berrys', and I promise I will always do my best to make sure she knows how I feel. When I was out getting coffee, I told the police I suspected Quinn Fabray was somehow involved and they said they'd speak to her.

When the Nurses brought Rachel back to the room her Doctor informed us that all they could do for her now was keep monitoring her condition.

I could tell Rachel's parents were close to exhaustion, plus there was nothing they could do, so I said. "Mr Berry's, I'm not leaving but maybe you should go home and rest. I promise I'll call the minute there is any change."

They agreed after a while, "OK Finn but we will return first thing in the morning."

I tried to make myself as comfortable as possible in the chair next to Rach. I wasn't expecting to sleep so I just took hold of her tiny cold hand brought it to my lips and kissed it gently. While trying to speak without crying,

"Please open your beautiful brown eyes and smile at me, you must wake up, I miss hearing you sing, because when you do babe, it touches something inside and makes my heart beat faster. I'm so sorry this happened to you Rach, I've only just got you and I'm not ready to be without you, please Rachel, I love you so much."

Then I remembered something I'd seen in a movie about some guy's wife that had been in a coma and he played all her favourite music to her over and over. I didn't have any music but I could sing so I started with some of my favourites we had sung in glee club. All the time stroking her hand until my throat began to hurt and I was falling asleep.

Next thing I knew I was gently being shaken awake, "Rach?" I looked at her bed hoping I had been dreaming about her being hurt.

"No, it's Mom honey I brought you a change of clothes, some food and a few other things, how are you doing?"

"Alright I guess, is there any change" I asked jumping up from the chair to try and get the kink out of my back.

"I don't think so; Hiram and Leroy are outside talking to the Doctor."

I gave Rachel a kiss on the cheek and a whispered "I Love You", and went to find her Dads and the Doctor.

"Finn, good morning, how are you?" Leroy asked trying to sound positive but not looking much better than he did last night.

"I'm ok I suppose, I was hoping this was a bad dream and when I woke up she would be laughing and singing and giving me that special smile she has just for me. What about you guys did you get any rest?"

"Some." Both men just nodded, with sad smiles.

"She has been taken out of the induced coma now and all the other test results have come back ok so it was just a matter of time. The rest was up to Rachel to wake up on her own when her body was ready." Dr. Metcalf said "I'm sorry I can't give a definite timeframe of when that will be, but all we can do now was to wait and pray. But for right now she is comfortable and healing which is a good thing".

The three of us just nodded our thanks and he left us to ourselves.

"Have the Police got any new information on the person who did this? I asked"

"Not anything concrete" Hiram said. "They said they followed up on what you told them about that Quinn girl but as far as we know they haven't been able to get anything from her"

"I KNOW SHE DID THIS, SHE HATES RACH, BECAUSE SHE THINKS IT WAS RACHEL'S FAULT I BROKE UP WITH HER, AND SHE WON'T ACCEPT THAT I DON'T WANT HER ANYMORE, I NEVER LOVED HER. PLUS, THE FACT SHE LOST A STUPID PLASTIC PROM CROWN." I was screaming now I was just so angry that the girl I love was fighting for her life and the bitch that did this to her was playing little Miss perfect just like she always did.

Mom came rushing out of Rachel's room when she heard me yelling, and tried to calm me down but I wasn't having it. I stormed off to the room where my heart was laying and looked at her beautiful face covered in bandages and bruises before breaking down again and sobbing all over her sheets.

"I promise Rach I will find the person who did this to you and somehow make them pay. I am so in love with you, so please wake up. I'm not complete without you, you make me a better person babe and we have a wedding to plan for in a couple of years that's if you still want me by then. But believe me, you are the only girl I will ever want and can see a future with."

I kissed her very gently on the lips. "I'll be back in a little while, but your Dads and my Mom are here to keep you company."

My Mom had brought my I-Pod and mini speaker, so I set that up on repeat to play all our favourite songs and duets from glee. I kissed her lips again and left to get the answers I needed.

I hugged both Mr. Berrys' and my Mom "I am going to try and find the person responsible" I said

They didn't try to stop me. "Please just be careful honey and don't do anything stupid or dangerous OK?"

I left the hospital and sat in my car for a couple of minutes, before calling Mr Schue to tell him what happened and could he let the other Glee kids know.

"Of course, Finn our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Berry's, I'll have a word with the other kids and organise something to help Hiram and Leroy, everyone will want to help in any way possible."

"Thanks Mr. Schue"

I drove straight to the Police station to talk with the officers and to try and get some more details about what the witness said. I was out of luck with new information, besides hair colour the only definite thing was the car, apparently it was an older model white one. Quinn's car was a late model, red Volkswagen convertible beetle. I was so angry, I was still convinced she had something to do with the accident even if it wasn't her driving the car, I knew deep down she did it. But I also knew I had to leave the investigation to the police, I mean they have all the resources to follow up things like that. So dejectedly I left the station.

As I walked into Rachel's room I was met with laughing and music, nearly every surface was covered in flowers, balloons and soft toys. The entire Glee club was packed into the small room, "Rach" I said softly a big smile on my face but by the time I made it to her bedside my smile had fallen, crestfallen as she was still asleep. I gave her a kiss and a whispered "Hi Baby", my eyes becoming a little misty, but it was great to see everyone joining together, to try and make the sad situation a bit better. Her Dads and my Mom had gone to the cafeteria. One by one everyone gave me a hug or pat on the back, even Mr Schue was here, though he stepped out after a little while to go and talk to Mom and Mr Berrys'.

A Nurse came in about an hour later to give Rach a sponge bath, everyone said their goodbyes but to please keep them up to date. They said they would return later but in smaller groups. I thanked them all, my tears slowly falling; it was wonderful to know Rach was genuinely loved by so many. When her Dad's came back I asked if they'd mind if I learnt how to bathe Rachel. They were okay with that as they knew I wanted to be there and do whatever I could do for Rach.

Once the nurse brought in all the things needed I grabbed a t-shirt from my bag to put on her afterwards, smiling a little because I thought Rach might know somehow and get some comfort. Nurse Sally told me what to do then left the room silently, leaving us alone. As I so very gently wiped the warm sponge over her I winced, not wanting to use too much pressure in case I hurt her more, but I surprised myself with how comfortable I was with this. I told myself it was helping, every time I moved over a scrape or bruise I kissed it and murmured, "I love you." I finished the bath and redressed her in my t-Shirt, I had to chuckle as it totally swamped her. Any other time I would have been so turned on, her body was perfect but now was not the time to be thinking about her like I was some creepy pervert. I managed to brush her hair and put it into a sort of braid, it was a bit untidy but at least I figured it would keep it knot free.

The days passed slowly with small changes, the bruises on her face and body were fading; the bandage on her face had come off leaving a noticeable scar that would hopefully fade more over time, but Rachel still hadn't woken up. I still sat with her all day and night not caring much about my appearance, basically just showering when forced to, not even eating besides the odd bag of chips or candy bar. I slept for short periods at a time in the recliner chair next to the bed. The other kids came by most days and talked about everything and anything, I wondered if Rachel could hear what was going on around her. I had started to read stories to her I began with the autobiography of her idol Barbara Streisand, wow! She sure had an interesting life I can see how Rach is so inspired to overcome the negative comments about striving for a dream. I moved on to the Harry Potter series which I really enjoyed, then Twilight, I could understand where the main character was coming from wanting to become immortal so she could spend forever with her true love, that's pretty much how I felt about Rach, though I wasn't too keen on the turning into sparkly marble bit.

It was 2 weeks after the accident when I was coming back to Rachel's room from the bathroom, Hiram and Leroy were outside the door talking with the Policeman handling the case.

"Oh, Finn there you are, some wonderful news son, the police have laid charges against Quinn Fabray."

I don't remember what happened next my head started to spin, a cold sweat covered my body, I couldn't breathe, my eyes rolled backwards and I fainted. When I came to, the Mr Berrys' were looking at me with such concern and love I was overwhelmed, and burst into tears.

"Does that mean the bitch will rot in prison?" I sobbed out.

"No, unfortunately because she is still a minor she will most likely just spend time in a juvenile detention centre. But we will stay in touch" Det. Jackson said.

I rushed back to Rachel, gave her a big kiss on her soft sweet lips. "Baby you really, really need to wake up now please, because the malicious bitch that put you in the hospital has been charged and we can now enjoy the rest of summer together and make plans for senior year and our future."

All the while I had been sitting here I have been thinking about my future besides Rach, I was looking up info about the New York Fire Department. I have always thought it would an exciting career and a way of giving back to the community and helping others. I know New York is a long way from Lima but it is an inevitability that Rachel will end up there and as I want to be with her for ever I need to go too. I sent an expression of interest, to join the FDNY, obviously I have to finish senior year and college, but now I have a solid plan for my future.

I sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped myself as much as possible around my tiny love and very softly started to sing our favourite song. As soon as the I had sung the first line a soft raspy "Finny?" was heard, I was sure I was sleeping but when I looked down I saw the most wonderful sight in the world a pair of deep chocolate eyes, that were looking straight into mine "Hi" she whispered croakily,

"Hey, I've missed you" I said and placed a soft kiss on the lips I loved it was returned just as gently. I pressed the Nurses button and the room was, suddenly filled with people.

A/N: Please review.