It's lonely at the top, you know that. It's not because there's something wrong with you, of course there is not! You are Rachel Berry, after all! Let's face it, no man could keep up with your talent and passion for the arts. Sulking will get you no closer to Broadway.

Chin resting against her palm, Rachel stares blankly across the Spanish classroom, elbow pressing against the wooden desk at which she sits while she tunes out all of Schue's commentary on participles. Normally, she would pose as teacher's pet and frown upon anyone not taking detailed notes but today? In her peripheral view is one of two men with whom she once saw herself having a future, and he's doting heavily upon a certain blonde-haired Glee member who is shooting daggers from the glare she directs toward Rachel.

Quinn Fabray, portrait of perfection, and Finn Hudson, her ever-faithful true love – how disgustingly cute they look, cuddled together while sharing one Spanish book (Finn has, in his own best fashion, forgotten his, again); she takes notes, his lips move slowly as he attempts to follow along with little success.

He was always the least bright bulb in the box, but boy, can he ever sing…and kiss…

Shaking her head, bangs fluttering across her forehead, Rachel frowns and exhales sharply, catching the attention of Mr. Schuester. His brows lift slightly as he pauses in his lecture, glancing at Rachel. "A problem, Senorita?" he inquires, having noted Rachel's seemingly distant mood though choosing not to address it until later.

The brunette shakes her head. "No, Mr. Schue, but may I please be excused to the rest room?" Before he offers a response, her knee-sock-clad legs carry her from the classroom swiftly, abandoning her textbook and backpack without second thought.

Fresh air pulses into her lungs as she bursts out into the brilliant sunlight – an oddly warm day for an Ohio April – and she takes her cue to swing silently around the football field, so as not to be noticed by the sophomore PE class. Crystalline tears well within her large eyes before spilling over onto her cheeks – tears she has guarded for so long, yet simply cannot prevent.

They do nothing to ease the aching in her soul.

Cautiously she climbs the bleachers that overlook the football field, perching quietly at the top in a corner, hoping to go unnoticed. No longer able to silence the sobs that threaten, her chest shudders as she pulls her legs to her chest and buries her face against her knees, crying freely.

Only the young woman's cries do not go unnoticed.

Tediously, every step up the bleachers is taken, and quietly so as not to startle the petite singer who obliviously sobs against her plaid skirt. Only when Shannon Beiste opens her mouth does Rachel unbury her face and bite down upon her lip in a vain attempt to stifle her sobs. Beiste lifts her right hand and shakes her head. "Don't worry 'bout tears, kiddo. I just heard ya up here and wanted to see if I could do anything for ya. I know the boys might not treat you Glee kids great but I think Will does a great job with you."

Rachel eyes the coach warily for a moment, but in the vulnerability of her emotions, she releases all that has built up for so long. "You know, it's not easy being so talented. Everyone thinks it's great to be the star, but it's lonely at the top. You know about being lonely, right?"

Though some may grimace at the tone and nature of Rachel's words, the coach smiles slightly, a sadness flickering across her features. "I do. It's not always fun, but I've learned that you don't need anyone to be happy. Once you learn to love yourself and be happy yourself, that's the best time to let someone in, ya know?"

For a moment, the teenager ponders this. "Yes but sometimes it's so difficult, taking all the pressure to be the best and trying to do it without any support. Sure my dads give me everything I need, but it's tough not having anyone. Not that I need anyone," she adds with a defiant tilt of her chin, "it's just nice sometimes."

Again the coach nods and smiles slightly. "I know what you mean kiddo. Human nature just tells us we want someone, even if we don't need 'em. And you'll find someone. You're a special girl, and talented, and pretty – some boy won't be dumb enough to let you get away."

"So you're saying Finn's dumb?" Rachel finally prompts, hopefulness overpowering her voice.

A chuckle is the first response. "Honey, all men are dumb at least once in their lives. But trust me, someone better is out there and he'll be able to keep up with all your talent, energy and potential," reassures the coach again, even if, inside, she's wondering how true these words might be. But for the sake of a student, she dares not reveal her hesitations. "I know it's not easy but keep your chin up and remember, it's lonely being at the top, until you find someone to share the top with, kay?" Rachel nods and for the first time, offers a tiny smile of thanks.

"Okay, I guess that's a hint that I need to go back to class. Thanks Coach, I appreciate it," the petite brunette states before slowly gathering herself – wiping away final tears and straightening her knee socks as she stands – before bounding down the bleachers to head back inside the school. Though still feeling slightly defeated, somehow the words ringing in her mind make her feel more bold, and though the class is two minutes from ending, she returns to Spanish, collapses in her seat and makes a mental note to ask Mercedes to borrow her notes during Glee Club.