My Heart is an open book

by cab4five

4o years after the end of the Vietnam War. While helping his parents pack up during a house move, a 16-year-old boy finds his Grandfather's journal amongst other papers and things in an old cardboard suitcase. He had never met the man but through the words on the old pages young Nick Hudson, meets his relative and learns about the man… not just the decorated solider… Finn Hudson

2. Chapter 2

Chapter II

September 1955

Finn Hudson was talking out loud to him self as he traipsed up stairs to his bedroom, well to himself and the legions of paper cowboys riding across his walls chasing their cows around the spiky cactus bushes.

"Man! I can't believe I'm gonna write in this little book, I know my Nana gave it to me as a going to high school gift, but I mean what dude about to be a high school freshman writes in a freaking book, I mean it's just not cool… but it did make Nana Elizabeth and my Mom extra happy so I guess as long as none of my buddies from school, especially Puck see it then I should be cool, because if Puck knows about it he will never let up razzin' me so here goes."

Finn sits at his desk that is in a good well lit spot under the window, takes the last bite of his banana bread and swallow of milk wipes his mouth on the back of his hand, picks up his pen, takes a deep breath and begins.

Xxxxx

First day of freshman year at McKinley High School:

I heard my alarm go off , but made no move to get out of bed I just reached my hand out from under my toasty warm covers and hit the off button, then rolled over and obviously fell asleep again, 'cause the next thing I knew was mom shaking me and calling my name saying if I don't soon get up I'll be late for my first day of high school. I groaned and slowly opened my eyes stretching my long body thinking it really was time mom and dad brought me a new bed 'cause over the summer I had a massive growth spurt and now I'm hanging off the ends of my bed when I lay flat.

So after a visit to the bathroom and a shower enjoying the hot water and managing to fit in a song or two as well as a bit of 'personal time', I dressed in my usual jeans and t-shirt under my regular button up shirt and my jacket. Not that I was really bothered with threads, but I thought I looked pretty hip. I tried to Brylcreem my hair into a sort of DA in the back, but it didn't really work, so I just combed it down and into a side part. Mom had made my all time favorite breakfast of pancakes, scrambled egg and bacon. I was so hungry (as always) I scoffed it down pretty quick, Mom just looked at me and shook her head laughing. Another quick trip upstairs to brush my teeth and I was ready to go. I kissed mom on the cheek as she handed me my lunch bag which she said she'd packed in three of my favorite PB and J sandwiches' and a couple of slices of banana bread with butter, as well as a couple of nice red apples.

I caught the number 5 bus that stopped on the corner of my street and the park on Starbird Crescent, before it went along Fieldview Way. I nodded at a couple of my friends, Mike, Ben and Tom and sat next to Puck, half listening to him moan about how his Mom wouldn't let him leave the house with his hair slicked back, and looking like a bad boy rocker or biker or whatever, so he had to comb it down into his 'good boy Noah hair', but he must have fixed it as soon as he was out of her sight and on the bus 'cause it was now all slick and styled.

xxxxx

My classes were pretty cool, first period I had English with Mrs Whatley, then math with Mr Beetson, I'm pretty sure Puck was 'sposed to be in my math class , that's what he said at the end of english anyway when he was right behind me , but then he disappeared. Finally recess but I couldn't wait till lunch to eat my food, I was starving, thank you Mom for knowing me so well and packing extra so I had one sandwich and an apple and since recess was only about 10 minutes, I just stood by my locker, which is number 515.

Then I saw Puck wondering why he didn't go to math, smoozin' up to a blonde dressed in a super tight skirt and tight shirt with a gold jacket tied around her middle it had words on it but I couldn't read them not that I was really looking but it looked like it said Angels', a couple of lockers down from me trying to chat her up, and had to laugh when she just gave him a hard look and a head shake. I wasn't really worried about him missing out on wearing her down 'cause with the badass DA in his slicked back hair, blue jeans, white sleeveless t-shirt and leather jacket, the chick's always eventually folded and made out with him. I reckon he was tryin' to be a James Dean clone; he'd probably even have a motor-cycle if he was old enough to get a licence . She then linked arms with her couple of her friends, girls' I sort of knew from elementary school named Santana Lopez and Brittany Pierce, I laughed again as they all walked , well it was more like sway /walked off. Jackets tied around their middles, and their clothes looking like they must have painted them on they were so tight, their hair all curled and fancy like.

The other kids moved out of their way, though I reckon it probably had something to do with the "I want to go this way freak and act like an egg and beat it nerd." Being hissed at them,but when theypassed me the blonde leader winked at meI stopped laughing and blushed as red as a tomato, and tried to look like I was busy in my locker, tripping over my feet as I spun around quickly and face planted the hard metal. Oh man how embarrassing , I heard them giggling at my clumsyness but I kept my head down and finished what I was doing. Just then the end of recess bell went I grabbed my books for science and history, and was trying to walk quickly down the crowded hallway and read my timetable to see what room number I needed at the same time, when I bumped into someone, and of course my clumsy giant body fell down right on top of who I realized was another person, oh man… a girl person… a beautiful tiny girl person, and she squeaked at me to "please get off her".

I scrambled to my knees, trying to pick up her bundle of books that fell, I couldn't even say sorry for knocking her down, but in my defense I was unable to actually speak 'cause she was the prettiest girl I'd seen in like ever. Way better even than those movie stars like Marilyn Monroe or Lana Turner, and much, much more than those wannabe bikers' chicks' from before, who honestly scared me a little.

I can remember the few words I did finally speak once my stupid tongue got untwisted in my mouth all I said was "Whoa you are the most" my face felt like it was burning with embarrassment again but for some funny reason it didn't matter. But I did help her off the floor by sticking out my hand, which she grabbed in her tiny hand, and sent tingles up and down my spine and made my pants feel tight. She looked at me with the biggest pair of chocolate brown eyes and gave me a little smile. I think the world stopped because I couldn't think straight. When I pulled her up, as usual my clumsy self had to show up again. And I tugged too hard making her slam against my chest. She made a little moaning noise on impact and bounced back a bit.

"I'm so sorry for knockin' you down; man I hope I didn't hurt you um…"

"No, no I assure you I'm completely unharmed, thank you for assisting me but I have to go I don't like to be late for class, because you see it looks bad on ones permanent record, but thank you again. "

She pushed a little bit of her long dark hair out of her face and bit her lip. "I um… thank you again, maybe I'll see you around?" then she held out her hands for her books I still had hold of and turned around walking quickly towards the hallway. I groaned at how good her little body looked in her pink skirt that finished just under her knees and her tight shirt held together at her tiny waist by a white belt. What I could see of her legs were tanned and shapely and her little white ankle socks and white tennis shoes finished off her look perfectly. Her shiny brown hair was in a pony tail that hung to the middle of her back and I reckoned if it was out she could just about sit on it.

Oh man she was so pret… wait you drip Hudson you didn't even get her name, well boyo you will just have to keep a look out she can't be anything but a freshman unless she is a very small senior but she has to be your age…, just as I was thinking about her some more, the bell went and I had to leg it out of the hall to get to science. I didn't want to get detention for being tardy my first day…

I made it just as the teacher Mr. Rumbold was shutting the door; he gave me a dirty look as I puffed out a wheezy "sorry sir". Most of the other kids were sniggering into their hands as he gave me another stern look and pointed me to a seat, so I quickly walked with my head down hiding my red face and sat at the only spare desk in the end row at the back near the window.

I unpacked my notebook and pencils and looked up just as Mr Rumbold started to call attendance and as he said each name the kid made a motion with their hand or said "here" or "yes" out loud. He was in the B's and just got past Bastian- Robert, Ben-Israel Jacob, Bennett -Susanna, Berry…, when I sneezed and of course my clumsiness caused me to knock my pens off my desk, as I was reaching into my pocket for my handkerchief… when I heard the same beautiful voice from the hall , I whipped my head up so fast I made myself dizzy enough to nearly fall off my stool, when in answer to the name Berry - Rachel, a soft "here sir" was heard and a tiny arm shot straight up in the air.

The other kids burst into laughter and I heard the same blonde girl Puck was talking to at recess, from the seat next to me, snigger and say just loud enough "teachers pet, jeepers creepers what a freaky goody two shoes."

I don't know why I reacted the way I did, but I told her "to clam up and leave Rachel alone" Mr. Rumbold then told the class to settle down as he wanted to finish taking attendance and get on with his lesson. The blonde who's name was Quinn Fabray, spent the rest of the lesson sending Rachel dirty looks, and making nasty comments anytime she said anything, and trying to sit closer to me, sending, me little notes.

Me, on the other hand spent the rest of the lesson staring at the back of Rachel's head, ignoring the girl next to me completely, and willing Rachel to turn around and look at me, she was in the seat directly infront of me and I was hoping we'd have to do some partner work because I was gonna pick her. Just as I was being watched by Quinn, I noticed that creepy Jacob kid with the two surnames, watching Rachel like she was a tasty meal or something and wanted to get up and tell him off for looking at her like that, but I couldn't, I didn't know if he was her boyfriend or not, but by the way she kept trying to move her stool away from him, gosh if she moved any farther she'd be sitting on the window sill, and the creeped out look on her face, it was pretty obvious that she wasn't interested.

The bell rang and the class emptied lickity split, that Quinn girl wrapped her arms around my neck and said loudly "That she'd see me at lunch in the cafeteria and how she'd save me a seat in coolsville where I belonged, not in dullsville with a ugly wet rag like her." Then she pointed to Rachel with a mean look on her face.

When I pushed her away and said just as loudly ( I was hoping Rachel would hear and know that I was a nice guy), "I'm not interested in your sort so leave me alone" she stormed off in a huff, I didn't care. I decided then that she was one of those girls who pretended butter wouldn't melt in her silver spoon sort, and acted all sweet and innocent, but was really a nasty meanie.

Only me and Rachel were left then, she looked to be having trouble with her shoe or something so I stopped on my way past her desk.

"Um… hi Rachel?... Um do you need help..., oh man I didn't break your shoe when I knocked you down did I, just my luck I meet a pretty girl and if knocking her over isn't enough I have to go and break her nice shoes' as well…."

My goofy ramblings were cut off when I felt her tiny hand press over my mouth as she locks her beautiful dark eyes on mine, a soft smile on her plump pink lips.

"Finn please calm down, (1)- you didn't injure me in any way, (2)- I was just doing up my shoelace, so I didn't trip over it, and (3)- thank you for before … you know when you told that girl to be quiet, I appreciate your chivalry. But um… without sounding too forward I was wondering if you'd like to maybe eat lunch with me? Maybe we could talk some more and perhaps get better acquainted… That is I mean if you wanted to and … didn't feel obligated to eat in the cafeteria with the other hip cats?"

Then her face gets a sort of sad look.

"Yeah for sure, Rachel that would be swell. But er… just so you know I don't care about being in the cool popular crowd."

Rachel smiles at me and this time a real big happy beaming one I nod my head sending her a smile in return. I just lose myself in her eyes

"I look forward to it then why don't we meet by the lockers then hmm? Mine is 116, what number is yours Finn? Finn, hello? " I feel a tap on my chest and drag myself back to the real world

"Sorry what? I was distracted.

Rachel giggles and then clears her throat, running her thumb along the edge of her fringe moving it to the side of her face away from her eyes, smiling again she says

"I asked you what number your locker is, mine is 516."

"OH yeah, yeah I remember mine is um 515…, hey we're neighbors, pretty cool huh? Oh man there goes the bell again, I've got history next what about you?" I ask as I walk towards the door thankful the history room isn't that far from where we are.

Rachel softly says she has history as well and walks very close to my side and every few steps our hands brush aginst each others, I smile widely as we walk into the hallway and turn right .

We didn't get much time in history to talk because Mr. Schuester wanted to get straight into the lesson once he'd taken attendance. But I didn't mind as we had lunch next so I knew I'd have time to talk to Rachel then, I tried to concentrate on the Greek or the Caesar dime-on-a-string thing he was talking about wondering why Mr. Schuester was going on about dressing a salad and budgeting their money (did they even have the same sort as us?) when it was supposed to be history class but it was hard with Rachel sitting right next me. Her perfume or shampoo was making my mind dull but for some crazy reason I didn't mind.

I pulled a page from my notebook and scribbled my question on it sliding it along the desk and bumping Rachel's arm with the paper. She looked at me when she noticed the page and blushed the prettiest shade of pink before pressing one hand over her mouth to stop her giggles escaping, before looking up to check Mr. S wasn't watching us and wrote on the paper, before sliding it back. I read her words written in a neat loopy way, that made me think it was just like Rachel, cute and perfect, Grinning like a goofball, hoping Mr Schuester won't catch me.

He isn't talking about cookery or money Finn, he is explaining about the Ancient Greek and Roman dynasties' and how their inventions and designs have become everyday common place things for, and improved the modern world, now please pay attention. It is very important that we start off our high school careers as we intend to finish them, which is as perfect students with an excellent GPA, needless to say I will not accept a score of anything below a 3.0 but that would be a very rare occurrence indeed. My ideal score is of course 4.0 you should always endeavor Finn to aim high. Now please stop distracting me, we can talk at lunch.

I blushed a little at the two cute smiley faces Rachel drew underneath. She also put a little star thingy at the end of her name that looked like this (Rachel*). I just nodded my head, carefully folding up the page and carefully tucking it inside my text book I was definitely keeping that page. Hoping the rest of the hour goes real quick so I can talk to Rach without being interrupted.

Once we had got our lunches from our lockers… that was another thing that had me floating, knowing that I'd see Rachel here first thing every morning. I couldn't understand how I was attracted to her so fast, I mean don't get me wrong she was perfect, real small (she didn't reach any higher than my bicep) but she was just so dang cute, and for some reason I felt different inside, even with my clumsy giant body, she didn't seem to think I was an idiot or mind that I asked a stupid question in history and the way she kept saying 'we' it was almost like she wanted to go steady… but why would a pretty girl who was obviously real smart want anything to do with me huh? But I wasn't going to argue if she wanted to spend time talking, she could talk all she wanted, as long as I was the one she was talking to.

Rachel and I found a bench in one corner of the quadrangle which was out of the wind and started to eat. I was starving again so I ate quickly, sipping on my milk and sneaking little peeks at Rachel who was sort of just nibbling on her sandwich.

"Thanks for helping me out in history Rachel, I was just a little confused I mean I'm not bad at the stuff but … "

"It was my pleasure Finn, but I think we should introduce ourselves formally before we embark on the inevitable road to a long and lasting friendship, do you confer?"

"Oh um… yeah well if that means do I agree that we should be friends then yes I do."

"Excellent, I'll begin shall I? Hello, I'm Rachel Barbra Berry, it is my very great pleasure to make your acquaintance." Rachel then sticks out her right hand for me to shake.

"Er, I'm Finnegan, er, Finn Christopher Hudson, hi and the pleasure is all mine." I joined my hand with Rachel's tiny one and we shook them firmly.

"Wonderful, now Finn, please tell me about your self we still have a few minutes of lunch time left, then I will tell you about my own self on the way home, that is providing you reside in close proximity to Star Bird Crescent"

"Yeah that sounds real cool, and man that is perfect I live on Bluebird Ave, a couple of houses up from the park. Will you catch the number 5 school bus too?"

"Why yes I will, though I do like to walk when the weather is nice as I find the early morning exercise lifts my energy levels plus I like to use the 15 minutes or so to practice my singing, you know walking at a brisk pace while singing helps improves ones lung capacity. Now enough about me tell me about your cute self please."

Rachel blushed the prettiest shade of pink when she said I was cute, and for a minute I couldn't think straight, but in the end I managed to get my brain and my voice working together again and began to tell her about me.

"Oh um well there's not really that much of interest to say, I'm really pretty boring, I live with my Mom and Dad. Like I said in Bluebird Ave number 525, my Dad is the assistant manager at the Lima steel foundry and my Mom is a nurse at the Lima County Hospital. I went to Lima elementary school, My Mom is from Toledo and my Dad was born in Columbus… um there's not much else, I'm an only child I enjoy playing football and basket ball, my Dad reckons I could be McKinley's quarterback if I keep playing good like I have been, I played little league for years, but …I mean I enjoy it but it does come with a lot of pressure, and I quite honestly don't think I'm good enough, I er don't have a steady… um I also like playing the drums, I got an unreal bright red kit with a big star on the bass for Christmas last year and the dude at the music shop said was my kit was top notch."

Rachel turns around a bit more on the bench so she is nearly face to face with me and takes my hand in both her tiny ones, a bright beaming smile plastered over her whole face before saying in an excited tone.

"You like music? Oh how super, I can't believe I've met someone who enjoys music as much as I, wait please tell me you can sing too?"

"Um well sorta, I-I mean not in public or anything but I used to sing in Church when I was younger, and now just when I'm by myself or the shower…," I nervously rub my free hand over the back of my neck and send Rachel a shy side smile that shows up the deep dimple on my right cheek, even through the heat I can feel climbing up my face from under my shirt collar.

Rachel lets go of my hands and bounces a little in her seat making little clapping actions with her hands.

"Oh how fortuitous you bumped into me this morning Finn, that is indeed wonderful news, we will have to organize a rehearsal schedule, I have a studio of sorts in my basement… now as the bell is about to ring indicating the commencement of our afternoon lessons I suggest we head to our lockers to obtain our learning materials and peruse your timetable to see if we have more any of the same classes, though I do know for a fact I have home making and food and nutrition this afternoon which is girls only."

I was just sitting there stunned at the speed Rachel was talking and at the many big words she was using, and made a mental note to ask mom if we had a dictionary at home, if not I would use some of my birthday money to buy one that I could keep with me at all times .

I was shaken from my thoughts, by the soft giggling, coming from the beaming brown haired girl, with the shining chocolate eyes nudging me in the side with her elbow.

"Finn that is the third time you've zoned out on me when I've been talking, I know I probably talk too much but I find I always have a lot to say and don't see why my opinion should be swept under the carpet so to speak, normally people just tell me to be quiet but yo… Mmmph"

Rachel is suddenly rendered mute as I slammed my eyes closed and pressed my lips firmly against her mouth, then a few seconds later pulled away and took a deep breath, before jumping up and running away thankful I had a double period of gym. I felt like an idiot for running away and not even looking behind.

I was cursing at myself, because if I'd chanced a look behind me, I'd have seen my brand new friend Rachel Berry sitting there, with tears streaming down her beautiful face.

In gym class Puck met me at the lockers asking me "where were you at lunch man? 'Cause I was checking out the girls trying out for cheerleading and thought you might've wanted to 'get to know a couple of them. They were chasin' the goss on the tall cat, man…"

Puck started going all moony about some girl called Quinn, I remembered she was the one who was nasty to Rachel so I didn't really care "and did I think he'd have a chance getting her to neck with him under the bleachers."

But I wasn't listening to my friend. I was more worried about my own girl, well technically Rachel wasn't mine, (yet) because we'd only just met but, we were friends and I felt pretty damn low for just up and kissing her then leaving her sitting there.

I tried to focus on what coach was talking about but was finding it real hard to concentrate, for (1) our coach was a lady, and (2) she kept saying weird things that had more to do with a farm than sports

So I pretended to be unwell and told coach Beiste "that I needed to go see the nurse and could I please have an absent slip."

Coach just patted me on the shoulder and said "Yeah course ya can punkin, don' want ya pukin' all over my gym like a lazy three legged donkey's chaff bag on a holiday weekend now do we?"

I gave coach a funny look and nodded my head in thanks, trying to figure out what she said, picked up my school bag and walked slowly out of the gym.

Once outside I picked up my pace and ran over to the home -making and cookery wing, I remembered Rachel said she had her last two classes of the day here. I found a quiet semi hidden spot and while I was waiting for the bell to ring I spent time thinking about the kiss me and Rachel shared, (more like attacked her you moron, you'd be lucky if she ever speaks to you again, never mind wanting to go out with you or let you kiss her again, at any time in the future) I shook my head trying to get the voice in my head to be quiet, so I can think of what to say when Rachel gets out of class.

Hopefully she will let me walk home with her and still want to be my friend. I decide to do the little bit of homework, while I waited, not really impressed the teachers gave homework out on the first day. My inner voice starts up again running my thoughts together so I have it down pat for when I see Rachel, or Rach, yeah I like that it's cute and different just like her, ok so here goes…

"Um Hi Rachel, I um want to apologize for attacking you before…, NO,NO that sounds like I was beating her up or something and I'd never do that to her or any girl."

"I hope you didn't mind me kissing you Rachel, but I wanted … "

"Rach, that kiss was fantasic and I could do it…"

"About that kiss…"

"Ahem" I look up and see the very girl I was thinking about standing there, with her hands on her hips and a look on her face that was a cross between angry and sad, but the way the sun was shinning behind her and making her sort of glow, I lost my voice for a minute and the words I had sorted out in my head seemed to just vanish, so I quickly stand up and shake my head trying to get my tongue around what I needed to say.

"R-Rachel er… hi… um… d-did you hear all that

"Yes Finn, so what about that kiss? I hope that wasn't just a ploy to get me to be quiet because if it was Mister Hudson you had better think again, and furtherm… "

I sort of pounced forward and pulled Rachel against my body making all her breath come out in a loud "whoosh" I wrapped my arms tightly around her tiny body and rested my cheek on the top of her coconut scented hair (Mmm I do love coconut and chocolate, just like her eyes, focus Finn, focus)

A couple of minutes later I loosen my hold on her because she is hitting my chest and squirming trying to get away. Her breath is coming out in fast pants trying to get back all the air I most probably squeezed out of her. I mentaly slapped myself for again acting like an idiot.

"Finn please explain what is going on, and that kiss… well I'm just confused, d-do you like me?"

I stepped back slightly but not too far that I couldn't reach for Rachel's hand, I took it and lead us in the direction of the school gate, idly wondering when the bell went, but was too lost in my thoughts about the girl next to me.

"Rachel… I um want to say I'm sorry for kissing you before… "I hear a sad sigh and feel a pressure on my hand as Rachel tries to pull away. "I-I mean I'm not sorry I kissed you … 'cause I mean I liked it and I hope you did too, but I mean I'm sorry you thought I did it to make you be quiet. Because, I know we only just met this morning, but I want to know all about you and listen to you talk and sing and just be your friend, but… can we please be friends and I promise not to kiss you again unless you want me to and I will stick to it…" I gave her a hopeful look and formed my mouth into what I hoped was a smile that showed up my dimple, ( Mom always said I could get anything when I was little by just flashing my dimple at her, I was just hoping it still worked, cause I really wanted Rach to say yes).

"Finn Hudson I do declare you are the cutest most charming and chivalrous boy I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and it would be very rude of me to turn down your offer of friendship, so yes I will be your friend, and in regards to the kissing, I'd certainly not be adverse to doing it again but not until we are going steady and like you say we have only just met and are getting to know one another, but if things go as planned, as I fully expect they will then by my birthday in December next year you will be my first sweet 16 kiss. I know it sounds presumptuous of me to assume you will want to be going steady with me but even after the short amount of time we have spent together today Finn, I think… no I know we can be part of something special.

Now as I said before I will tell you all about myself on our walk home… but wait a minute why were you waiting for me instead of in your gym class which is on the other side of the school? You must not skip lessons Finn it looks bad on your record, promise me you won't do it again."

I chuckle at the serious face Rachel has on and the way her hands are clamped on her hips, I stop laughing when she sends me a sharp look and huffs in annoyance poking a tiny finger into my chest pretty hard. I wince at the pain and put my hands up in a motion of defeat and say, "Ok, ok I promise Rach, I will not skip class again."

Pleased with herself Rachel gives me a determined nod and begins to walk off leaving me standing there.

"Rach wait up what's wrong I said I promised…"

"Nothing is wrong Finn I just desire to arrive home before the imminent deluge and I drown in a puddle, you can't afford to get sick either so hurry up I'm sure we have some banana bread or sugar cookies at home still , that I can serve you, if not I will bake some… I like it"

I catch up to Rachel in two long strides. "You like what Rach the rain? But I thought you said… "

Rachel goes all quiet and bites her bottom lip, then after a few seconds, says shyly looking up at me from under her lashes (which I notice are really dark and long) "Rach, I like it when you call me Rach, nobody has ever called me that before."

The biggest grin breaks out over my face as I lean down closer to look Rachel in the eyes and whisper, even though we are alone.

"Well get used to it then because I think I'm gonna be saying it for a long time."

The smile that covers Rach's little face is big and bright enough to outshine the sun. Making my heart start doing callisthenics and banging against my ribcage real hard.

XXXXX

It was late November, me and Rach had spent the last few months getting to know each other properly and even meeting each others family. As a result had become very close and each others best friends, we were not going steady yet, even though I wanted so bad to ask her, I didn't want to scare her off or ruin our friendship.

Every time Rachel was at my house, Mom would just smile at us and sigh holding her hand over her heart. One Friday afternoon when we were working on our history assignment at my house Nana Elisabeth was visiting from Ada, as it was Dad's birthday and Mom was doing a special dinner that evening.

"My, my Finnegan, who is your pretty friend, and are you going to introduce us dear?"

"Hi Nana, yeah of course."

Finn stands up from the table and pulls out a chair for the older lady, after bending down to her level and pressing a kiss on her wrinkled cheek he straightens up and says proudly "Nana this" indicating Rachel with his right hand "is my very best friend Rachel Berry, and Rach, this is my Nana Hudson."

Rachel gets up from her chair and offers her hand for a shake saying politely, "good afternoon Mrs. Hudson it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance on this day of special celebration."

As Rachel is gently shaking her hand, Nana Elisabeth takes a look at her grandson from the corner of her soft brown eye and can't help but notice the tender way Finn is watching his 'friend'. She knows then that the tiny brunette with the deepest brown eyes and beaming smile is the one for her Finnegan, and thinks she must have a word with Carole and get her thoughts.

"It is lovely to meet you too dear I hope you will be able to stay for dinner? I would love to chat with you later, unless my grandson decides to whisk you away to do some canoodling or necking, or what ever you young people call it these days …" Elisabeth chuckles at the red faces on both teenagers before Finn splutters out.

"N-nana… we aren't g-going s-steady we a-are just f-friends and Mom did invite Rach,"

Rachel clears her throat and mumbles "I think I'll go and see if your Mom needs any assistance in her preparations, it was lovely to meet you. Mrs. Hudson and I look forward to continuing our conversation later in the evening."

She then quickly packs up their books and puts them on the sideboard before sending Finn a soft smile that doesn't go unseen by Elisabeth nor does the lopsided smile and soft look in his amber eyes Finn returns, as he is watching her retreating back disappear through the doorway, her long shiny pony tail swinging from side to side across her slender back with her movements,.

"Finnegan? Come sit and talk to me dear, tell me all about high school, have you been using the journal I gave you? "Finn is shaken from his Rachel induced mind fog at the sound of his Nana's voice.

"Hm?"

Nana Elisabeth smiles knowingly at him and pats the chair Rachel had just seconds ago vacated. "How is school going Finn, are you coping well with your lessons, and have you joined any clubs, I seem to remember your Dad telling me you were thinking about trying out for the football team, how did that go?"

"Um yeah, school is going ok, and um Rach helps me a bit if I get stuck on anything, she even made me a study planner timetable thingy so I can write in when I have assignments or tests due and stuff like that, Mom is real pleased because my grades are going up and I'm mostly working on a solid B in most subjects. Oh and I joined the glee club with Rach, oh man, you should hear her sing Nana she sounds like an angel, I sing a bit but mostly I play the drums, I did dance the other week when we were practicing for a competition, but I tripped over my big feet and nearly flattened Rach,…"

"Oh dear was she alright?"

Finn chuckles a little "Yeah she was cool she got up off the floor, dusted her clothes off, and just said it was alright and that we can keep practicing until I was comfortable with the steps. She is so cool Nana it doesn't matter if I muck it up 50 times, she never yells or gets frustrated with me, or calls me a gangly unco-ordinated idiot, she just encourages me to try again, she has even more patience with me than Mr. Schuester our glee club teacher. I think of her as more than just my best friend but I know we are too young to get real serious but I can't see anyone else in my future except her and well me… is it stupid to think like that?"

He lets out a deep sigh and looks towards the kitchen doorway, for a minute then adds without giving his Nanna a chance to offer an opinion "I'm, really enjoying auto shop too. I did try out for football, and our coach said I was a natural quarterback, it is ok, we haven't played any games yet, only among us we are still working on our team skills, some of the guys just don't want to listen to coach 'cause she is a girl… but I don't know if I want to commit to football, because there is so much pressure, what with all the training and things like parties and the girls chasing you all the time, plus it takes time away from my studies, glee club and my Rach time, but it does look good on college applications, that's what Rach said it's an extra 'cir ric le um' course or something so I'll give it a go this year at least. Also I want to get a job after school or Saturdays to help save for a car and help towards college, and yeah I've written some in the journal, quite a lot actually, I started on the very first day of school and I 'spose I use it every other day or so. It is good to get all the stuff outta my head cause some days there is so much stuff in there I forget who I am."

Elisabeth nods her head causing her graying curls to bounce, as she listens to her grandson who is growing up to be the image of his father Christopher, she smiles at the way he mentions his 'friend 'Rachel every second sentence, and will be very much surprised if the two of them don't get married very soon after high school, or at least engaged, she can see the same look of love in his amber eyes as she remembers seeing in Christopher's when he met Carole at about the same age as Finn is now. She just hopes that the world won't descend into madness again with wars and trouble that takes another Hudson man away from his home and family to fight on the other side of the world.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Carole Hudson is happily listening to Rachel hum along with a song on the radio as she finishes preparing the vegetables to be baked along with the couple of beef joints already cooking and filling the kitchen with a wonderful smell, Carole is putting the finishing touches on a double layer chocolate sponge for dessert.

"I want to thank you Rachel for helping my Finny with his studies and such, I know how much he cares for you and is really trying so hard to do well and now that he has joined your glee club, he is so much happier and I have to admit I'm a little ashamed to say I never realized how talented he actually is singing and playing his drums."

"Oh Mrs. Hudson please don't apologize for anything, and as for helping Finn, I haven't really done anything, he is very smart, but perhaps he just never had the right incentive to do better and aim high … do you know not long after we became friends, I was talking about how I'd like to oneday be a star on Broadway or even a recording artist and how I had always thought I could you know? Even though all through elementary school, and even now in high school, there have been people who have told me I'm not pretty enough or I'm too short or they don't like the way I dress, ect, ect. But I never listened to them. And do you know what Finn said?"

Carole shakes her head, her light brown eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Well he said that he likes the way I dress and how I dream so big, and that it doesn't matter what anyone said I was a star and I had to shine, but Mrs. Hudson I know Finn is extremely talented as well but moreover he is a beautiful person, inside and out. All he needs is the confidence, and to believe in himself the way I do and I'm sure you and Mr. Hudson do. He is so special to me and I'm positive my feelings for him have gone far beyond the bounds of friendship, but …"

The ladies' conversation ceases as both Finn and Mr. Hudson come into the kitchen followed by Nana Elisabeth, Carole discretely wipes her eyes as Chris speaks.

"Carole I'm just taking Finn down to the garage before they close, to get some gas for the lawn mower so we can do the yard work tomorrow ok love? Oh and Mother was talking about a cup of tea."

"Alright dear just don't get sidetracked talking to any old buddies and be late for dinner, being your birthday and all."

While she is talking to her husband she glances at her son and notices the way he and Rachel have moved closer and Finn is trying to be discrete in squeezing Rachel's tiny hand she also doesn't miss his soft look and pout as Chris slaps his son on the shoulder nodding at Rachel on the way out. Or the way Finn looks over his shoulder and sends a tiny wave to Rachel who returns it a wide smile now on her face.

Her own smile grows as she busies her self with the kettle for a pot of tea. Noticing her mother in law didn't miss the exchange between the two young people and by the look on her face is thinking the same thing which is 'just best friends my foot'

XXXXX

18 - December 1955

Today is Rach's 15th birthday and I wanted to get her something special, so I asked my Mom to help me find a necklace or something delicate and pretty like Rach. She said she would and even gave me $3:00 to put towards what I had saved from my paper route job, and my houple of hours a week at Hummel's tire and Lube store. We found the perfect one at the jewelry store, it is a little gold star on a fine link chain. The lady in the store offered to gift wrap it for me but I said I'd do it myself. I am going to give it to her tonight as I have been invited around to her house for dinner. Dad said he would drop me off there as it was too dark and snowing for me to ride my bike, Mrs. Berry said they would bring me home after so my folks didn't have to come out again but it wouldn't be real late.

I was so excited to be going to dinner at the Berry's I got along pretty well with Mr. and Mrs. Berry, though sometimes I think Mr. Hiram was worried I was going to run off with Rach and elope or something, Mrs. Barbra, was just like my mom with the hand over her heart, and deep sighs every time she saw me and Rach together thing. But it was more than just dinner that had me all in a tizzy. I also want to ask Rach to finally be my steady, we have been best friends since school started in September and I can't wait any longer. I'm pretty sure Rach will say yes as she is always saying things like…

"You know nearly everything about me Finny, just like my Teen magazine says a good steady should" and "Can you believe that Molly Johnson has already had three steadies? Finn three and she is only a freshman like us."

Then just yesterday she said "Did you know, that Matilda Becket was asked by two different boys to go to the Christmas sock hop at the YMCA next week Finny, (a big sigh) I do love to dance and I think taking ones shoes off is a bit rebellious don't you think,(a little giggle at the thought of taking her shoes off was breaking a law or something) I wonder if I will be asked by a cute boy…?"

Then she would look at me from under her long dark eyelashes and sigh and pout all dramatic like, just like the lady actors do in all the movies'.

So yeah I reckon Rach will say yes, I was going to ask her to the dance anyway even though I am likely to do her and anyone else in a 5 foot space an injury with my crazy uncoordinated dance moves. I know Rach keeps telling me not to worry and that I am getting better, but I want to get real good at it so I can take Rach to the fancy dances she likes, and to make sure we keep winning our glee club competitions .

"You ready to go son, you don't want to keep your girl waiting now do you?" I hear my Dad yell through my bedroom door, I check myself once more in my mirror and make sure I look spiffy, then pick up the little box and card I got 'specially and walked down stairs grabbing the small bunch of flowers from the kitchen sink as I went. I kissed mom on the cheek when she wished me a good night and said how nice I looked, asking me to wish Rachel a happy birthday and say hi to Mr. and Mrs. Berry for her and thank them for driving me home, and to remember my manners. Before she went back to watching 'People are Funny' on NBC

As soon as I rang the door bell Rachel swung it open, I was so happy to see her, even though I'd seen her all day at school, but at home she just looked so much more natural, her soft hair was out and flowing over her shoulders like a cape, and her big brown eyes glistened with happiness, nearly overtaking the big beaming smile lighting up her beautiful face.

"Hi Rach, happy birthday, Mom said to say it too, so I will before I forget… oh and I got you these and this." I give her the bunch of lilies and the little box I wrapped pretty well I think in some pink paper with little gold stars all over it.

Rach squealed with happiness at the parcel and pressed her face into the flowers and took a deep inhale of their perfume, before moving them away from her face and resting one hand on my shoulder leant up on her tippy toes to press a kiss of thanks on my cheek. But I pulled away smiling at her little pout.

"Finn? Why did you pull away? Do you not want me to kiss you? I mean I know it is not yet my 16th birthday but…"

"Aw Rach you know I do but you have some flower stuff on your nose here let me…"

I swiped my forefinger over the tip of her nose, collecting the little dusting of pollen and before she could say anything I pressed my lips against hers. Smiling as we both let out a little moan when our lips touched, I hadn't kissed her on the mouth since the very first day of school and I had been wanting to do it again so bad, it was like magic.

"O-oh my Finny…" Rachel says breathlessly, her breathing heavy and her cheeks blushing an adorable shade of pink.

"That had better mean you will agree to be my steady Rach 'cause I don't want anyone else kissing you like that and I certainly won't be wanting any other girls to kiss me, so will you please Rachel Berry be my girlfriend please?"

"Hmm I don't know, can you promise to always kiss me like that, and let me kiss you and hold your hand in school and when we go out on dates, even though your popular friends think I am a sad geeky square?"

"Rachel Berry how can you think I'd ditch you huh? You and I are going to be part of something special which means Missy… epic FINCHEL."

I take the flowers and present from her little hands and put them on the hall table, before taking both of her hands in mine and leaning down so our eyes were level.

Speaking softly I said "from the first time I saw you Rach, something inside my chest started to feel like it was tugging on something and I hadn't been able to get you out of my head, I've never felt like this about any girl before and yes I know we are only very young still, but I can promise you I want to be your boyfriend for as long as you will let me. Please say you will because I'd really like to kiss you again before your Dad comes in and kicks my butt for molesting his little girl."

Rach is trying to keep a straight face by biting her bottom lip, but before I know what is happening she has pressed her tiny body up against me and her soft pink lips on mine in another toe curling kiss, using her tongue to try and push between my lips, but just I get the hint, she pulls away, and just in time because I hear Mr. Berry say.

"Ah Finn, I thought I heard your voice, good evening, I just came to see what was taking you two so long Barbra is just about to dish up, so do you think you should invite Finn into the house and to the living room where it is warm baby girl, before the poor boy freezes to death Hmm?"

"Umm… yes of course Daddy, sorry we will there momentarily, please tell Mom to continue with the serving of dinner." Mr. Hiram laughs out loud at mine and Rach's red faces but he nods and says with a laugh.

"Of course darling" he slaps me on the back and takes off for the kitchen chuckling to himself.

"Oh man that was embarrassing getting caught kissing by your Dad Rach, maybe we should just go inside and you can show your Mom and Dad the present I got for you, plus I think flowers like water and yours need some." I reached out to pick up the flowers from the stand while Rach picks up her present, smiling shyly at me from under her fringe, before she says.

"Just as long as we can continue with that kissing thing later, because you know Finn that the good girlfriend guide, in chapter 3 said a good girlfriend answers all requests for sweet kisses' from her extremely cute, boyfriend, as well as volunteering some of her own and I very much want to be the best girlfriend I can be, because just like you said how you were wanting to be mine … well the same goes for me now please give me one more kiss so I remember what to do later.

Xxxxx

I won't bore you little book with telling you all about dinner except to say it was delicious,

We had 'Beef Wellington' I think it was called but what ever it was the meat cooked inside the pastry, was real yummy, Mrs Berry served it with mashed potatoes, green beans and honeyed carrotts, then for dessert we had dumplings with caramel sauce and ice cream.

I even offered to help with the dishes but Mrs Berry said that I didn't need to this time, as it was Rachel's birthday and therefore a special occasion, and as it was a school night, us young ones could just spend some private time in the den, till it was time to go.

So Rach took my hand and led me to the den clutching her gift in her hand then once we were there she put on a Doris Day record, "for mood music Finny" she said as I was making myself comfy on the sofa. She sat next to me nearly on my lap and opened her present smiling at me the whole time , she struggled in places with the amount of sticky tape I used, and I could see she was trying to not tear the paper. Then once she finally got it unwrapped and opened the little velvet box, she squeeled with happiness and all of a sudden clambered onto my lap and pressed her soft pink lips against mine .

Whispering soft thankyou's inbetween more kisses, she asked me to put it on her neck.

When I could finally catch my breath I said "you are welcome Rach, the minute I saw it in the jewelry store I knew it was perfect for you small and delicate and I know that one day you will be a star it's what do you call it ?... a meloford?"

"Metaphor, it's called a metaphor Finny, and you Mr, are just the best boyfriend I've ever had, and I like you so very much now can we please try that kissing thing again before my Daddy comes to take you home?"

"Oh sure, yeah of course we need to practice lots…, wait just how many boyfriends' have you had Miss Berry hmm?"

"Well let me see, there's Jacob Ben- Israel, he is such a beef cake it really is hard to stay away, there is one other you may have seen him around, he is…"

"W-wait what is he bigger than me?" I know she is only playing, so I play along as well,

Trying to hold back her giggles Rach pulls away and taps her pointer finger on her chin and closing her eyes like she is thinking deeply, and before she can say anything I press my lips on to hers and wrap my arms around her body pulling her closer to me , a growl comes from my throat as I feel her smiling into our kiss. As we separate for air, I speak trying to keep a serious tone to my voice.

"Now about the amount of boyfriends you are allowed to have the number is one and one only, AND that one only is me , do you understand me Miss Berry? Well for as long as you will have me anyway, which for my sake I hope is a very long time, Though I think you better kiss me again just so I understand what I was meaning." I close my eyes and pucker my lips waiting for a kiss. After a couple of seconds I open one eye wondering why she hasn't kissed me yet when I see her just sitting on my lap with tears running slowly down her cheeks. Of course I feel like a real heel for upsetting her, but not knowing what I did I open my mouth and start to apologize .

"Oh man baby I'm sorry did I say somethin'…"

Rach lifts her head and after wiping her eyes says " I've changed my mind Finn I don't like you…"

A loud sad sigh leaves my mouth and I feel my eyes start to get wet, "Oh b-but why Rach you were so happy a minute ago, was I too bossy? I'm sorry I didn't mean to tell you what …"

"Finny, what I meant to say is… I think my feelings of like have turned to love, because, Finn you make me feel like the most special, beautiful girl in the entire world, and I know you always say you don't say the right thing , but baby you always seem to know the exact words to make me fall for you more and more everyday, and everytime I look into my future the only person I can see there with me is you, and I promise to always be here for you and help you in any way I can to make your dreams, whatever they may be come true. But Finn please believe me that I know you can achieve whatever it is you desire, because you are a smart, kind, big hearted, beautiful person and, and … if I don't kiss you again I think Imight just die."

I'm flat out crying now, not even caring if I look like a girl, but my girl, my tiny beautiful girl gently wipes my tears away with her little hands as she gently places a kiss on my mouth for every tear that falls. My voice cracks as I try to tell her that my feelings for her are the same and I have had them for a while, but didn't want to scare her away by telling her. Then all of a sudden I take hold of her shoulders and pull her closer to me so our mouths and bodies are pressed so close together there was no room for anything to get between us, my heart was racing in my chest at the tight feeling as though there was a rope or something attached joining Rach to me and I hoped with everything I had that that special feeling of being tethered to Rach would be there for the rest of my life.

Rach said she felt the same after I explained how I felt and had from pretty much the first time we met. Then for a little while before Mr Berry took me home we just sat snuggled together on the sofa watching the fire light dancing on the ceiling , listening to the record playing and just absorbing the new level of feelings.

*XXXXX* *XXXXX*

A/N: Did it flow well? I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave me your thoughts.

All recognizable characters belong to the glee creators.