Rachel settled back into the plush seat and accepted the Perrier that Jackie offered her. Reclining in her own seat, Jackie settled down with her glass of white chardonnay.
"Now, girls, we do have a few things to discuss. This trip is not only pleasure; it is also work for me. That means I have meetings and such to attend. You're more than welcome to sit in on the meetings, but let it be understood that no goofing off or rude behavior will be tolerated, am I understood?" Rachel and Sayla both nodded.
"Yes Mom. We know how important your job is to you, we wouldn't embarrass you like that," Sayla said.
"Absolutely, Auntie. But I have to admit, I would rather not sit in on your meetings. I'd like to use that time to stay up to date with my schoolwork. Perhaps there's somewhere quiet I could study while you're in your meetings?" Rachel asked.
"You're welcome to stay at the apartment if you wish. Sayla, what do you think?" Sayla chewed her lip thoughtfully.
"I should probably stay at the apartment and get some studying done too. I'll keep Rachel company and then we can meet up with you later. If I want to get into Rhode Island Art and Design I need to keep my grades up," said Sayla as she took a sip of her Perrier.
"Darling I am so pleased to hear that is still your plan. What about you Rachel? Are you still planning on going to Broadway?" Jackie asked.
"I am, but I'd like to do something else on the side too, just haven't figured out what that is yet," Rachel admitted.
"I see. Well, I'm going to do some work on my computer. I would advise you both to get a nap in while we're on the plane, we won't get into Paris until very late," said Jackie as she opened her laptop. Sayla opened the cupboard beside her and pulled out a couple of pillows and blankets and two pairs of noise canceling headphones. She offered a set to Rachel before settling back with her own blanket and pillow and headphones. Rachel smiled at her cousin as she leaned back in her chair and slipped her headphones over her ears. At 30,000 feet, she'd never felt more at peace than she did at that moment. Closing her eyes, she snuggled beneath the blanket.
While Rachel was relaxing on the plane, her classmates were mind-boggled over the surprise appearance of her cousin that afternoon.
"I wonder why we've never heard of her cousin until now," said Tina. Kurt shook his head and checked his phone for the fifth time. There was still no response from Rachel.
"Do you think she'll actually transfer to New York?" asked Santana.
"I hope not, we need her to win our competitions," said Mercedes.
"What is wrong with you guys? If Rachel does choose to leave for New York, and I have a feeling she will, then I say good for her. She wants to move there after graduation anyways and she has a better chance of getting into one of the big schools for the arts," said Mike.
"Don't tell me you like her," said Quinn, giving him her best HBIC glare.
"Yeah, I do actually. Sure she can be annoying and talk too much, but at least she's not an ice queen like you. She actually does care about us and about the glee club, but we haven't shown her the same courtesy. Kurt it serves you right if she doesn't bring you back a designer tote like you asked her to because you haven't done anything to deserve it," Mike finished. Just then, Azimio and Karofsky came up to the group.
"What was the deal with Berry? We saw her get into a black limo with some rich girl and they drove off," said Karofsky.
"Yeah she said they were cousins and going to Paris," said Azimio.
"Not just Paris, they're going to Fashion Week. Rachel's cousin just waltzed into our practice and announced she was taking Rachel to Paris with her and didn't even bother to invite any of us," said Quinn.
"For the last time, Quinn, none of us have acted like her friends, or teammates for that matter, so we don't deserve to go," said Mike, running a hand over his face. Secretly he hoped that Rachel would transfer to New York, not because he didn't like her but because if she was to stay in Lima it would suck the life out of her and her dream of being on Broadway.
Author's Note: Boom! Chapter 3! Thanks for your patience while I try to juggle work, school, and fanfiction. Hope to post again soon. Till next time, xoxo