One hour before.
"Rachel."
"Yes, Tony."
"I honestly don't know how do you stand her, Philippe. She doesn't even respect your baptism's name."
"He is Buddhist. There is no baptism in Buddhism, St James." Rachel shot. "Also, Tony sounds much better than Philips." She wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes in a grimace. "I couldn't bear the idea of sharing my name with a TV manufacturer. Tony it's a nickname extremely affectionate, as well such a lovely name and just love the tone of my voice every time I speak it. Tony..." She said indicating the young dark-faced Indian. "...know all of this and he doesn't care. Mostly because he knows that when you're not around, I usually refer to you as "The-One-Who-Has-No-Soul", which makes really visible how much respect I have for you.
Jesse frowned at her friend, mumbling in a bad mood. A waiter offered a glass of champagne to Rachel, and she took the cup to her lips with a smile of satisfaction. Making Jesse annoyed was one of her favorite activities. Seemed like the fact that she had loosen up her rules and come to GLAAD that year, would at least entertain her a little.
"I can't understand how, one day I thought you were the sweetest girl in the world ... Arrr ... I even thought about falling in love with you ..."
"Love and passion are misunderstood concepts for people without heart, Jesse." And she took another sip of champagne, the smug smile still on her face.
Jesse rolled his eyes. She was having fun, this would be her pastime overnight, for sure. The price he would have to pay after dragging her to the event. Tony (Philipe) cleared his throat to get attention.
- Sorry, Tony. - Said the brunette, giving enough emphasis to Tony. - What ails you my faithful escort?
He held out a golden envelope to her boss, who took it in hand immediately.
Rachel was the best thing that had happened in the boy's life. Before being hired to work as her personal assistant, Phil - I mean, Tony - worked ... or rather, he was explored by a sub taxi's company at NYC. Illegal immigrant, living in hovel in Queens, and earning so little that eating was a luxury.
Rachel was his angel even though he was a Buddhist.
One morning he had entered a convenience store, fainting from hunger and begging for help. He had no more money and no more cookies, which had served as food for weeks. He couldn't stand anymore. He felt a strong dizziness, and fell on the top of a products shelf.
Tony woke up on the floor of the shop with his head resting on the lap of a small brunette with big brown eyes. Ever since that day, he became her faithful assistant, her escort, as she fondly used to say. He was her Tony. And nothing gave him more pride than that title.
"The members of the organization GLAAD would like to pay a tribute and thank you for all the years of support and more than generous donations. I think that would involve a stage, thank you cards, and speeches as a consequence..."
Rachel wrinkled her nose.
"Thank them and refuse any extra attention…gently. I know I'm not exactly anonymous, but would like to keep a low profile."
Tony nodded and walked away to find the organizers, leaving the VIP room and up the stairs that gave access to makeshift offices.
Jesse nudged the brunette and whispered.
"Yours new found craze for anonymity is starting to become inconvenient, and somewhat irreconcilable with you social status and yours "new Audrey Hepburn life style", you know?"
Oh, she knew. She really knew it.
Rachel Barbra Berry was the daughter of one of cinema mega millionaires, Hiram Berry, CEO of the BlueBerry Pictures. And heir to a multinational hotel chain, the Raven Hills Hotel, founded and headed with an iron fist of her other father, Leroy Berry. Yes, Rachel was adopted, and her parents were both two of the biggest names in their fields.
The petite brunette was, briefly, a celebrity for social status, and enjoyed this 'perk' for the better part of her adolescence. From her 15s to her 20s, her name appeared constantly in the gossip columns and magazines, always associated with parties, parties and more parties. Rachel existed for night clubs, after parties, exclusive parties and extravagant events. But everything changed when she turned 20.
In one of hers follies, Rachel and her best friend, Richard Manilo, flew to California for a long night of partying, as the Richard set.
The accident happened three o'clock in the morning. The car flipped seven times, after swerving to pick-up on the freeway. Richard died instantly, and she only left the ICU two weeks later. A miracle, everyone said. But Rachel was not pardoned; she was behind the wheel.
Life changed completely.
She said assimilating life was hard, especially because now she saw people and cared about them.
If before, she traveled the world celebrating the futility, today she sought peace of mind and a reason. Her purpose.
"Not everything is perfect." Stated the small brunette with her gaze wandering among the other guests who shared VIP area with them.
"It's been four years already, Rach and all these people you have helped, all you have done... You don't need to seek redemption in every part of the world."
"I don't look for redemption, Jess." And her gaze softened. "I just want a reason. I-I just found out that everything I thought was important didn't really matter… I want - I am looking for - My purpose. My reason to have survived. I just need to know why I stayed.
Tony returned with one of the members of the GLAAD's organization. After a few minutes Rachel, Jesse and Tony, accompanied by other committee members and VIP guests headed to the amphitheater, settling at a table in the middle of the hall.
Rachel asked to switch places with one of those present and sat between Tony and Jesse. The brunette wanted to talk with her assistant about some businesses that remained open, because of a delay in her return from her last trip abroad. She had not planned to spend six months out, but she was completely enveloped by Cambodia.
"Miss Berry, I saw a note on your latest work in Cambodia. You really made a difference..."
The brunette gave a friendly half smile to the young blonde, who seemed to being trying to get her attention. She should have the same age as her, and Rachel had noticed that the blonde gave her some compromising looks and smiles since they were presented in the VIP room. The petite brunette did not remember her name, but knew she was one of the organizers.
"Rachel. Only Rachel, please. And thank you, but the merit is not just mine. I just do what I can." She answered cordially and turned her attention back to her conversation with Tony.
Meanwhile, on stage, George, the enthusiastic host, was announcing the auction. Jesse set himself up in his place. Although it was not quite in front of their table, they have a great view of the stage.
"I always liked these auctions for kisses. The desperation in people's eyes while they fight to kiss a celebrity...it's hilarious."
Rachel laughed and George announced the guest star.
"... The beautiful Quinn Fabray!"
Quinn left the aisle to the sound of the applause of the audience and walked to the side of the presenter.
And then the world stopped.
Rachel had never seen her before, but she was sure that from now on she couldn't stop looking at those hazel eyes.
"Tony, where in the world I was to never have met this angel before…"
"Hmmm. In Cambodia?"
Tony raised his eyebrows. The brunette's sexual orientation was not a secret, but the fact that she declare hers interest in a girl so openly, that was not common. Actually, it had never happened.
"She... Who is she?"
Jesse also kept his gaze on Rachel, curiously.
"Quinn Fabray. The newest american's sweetheart made in Hollywood. If you had a healthy social life, you would know it." Jesse answered her, trying to disguise his surprise. "Well, it seems that the auction will be held."
"What?" Asked Rachel, pulling herself out of a trance and taking her eyes away from Quinn.
"In less than two minutes the bids are already in $ 10,000" Jesse said, pointing to the stage.
The brunette jumped up from her chair. Tony and Jesse grabbed her arms almost immediately, forcing the girl to sit down again.
"This is absurd!" She accused.
And bids climbed...
"Well, I agree ..." Tony began, while bids were 12 000. "I always thought it was for charity..."
The bids hit 15 grand.
Rachel seemed frothing with rage.
"...this type of activity ends up being conflicted over the image..."
The bids stop at 15,500,00 dollars.
"…defended by the modern woman..."
" It's 15.500,00 dollars, once."
"...It seems like we're back to the era where dowries and abuse..."
"It's 15.500,00 dollars, twice..."
"... And women were exchanged as promised..."
"It's…"
"ONE MILLION DOLLARS!"
And this time the brunette was so fast that neither man could predict what she would do. Rachel stared at the actress. A kind of fire on her gaze, something had returned. Jesse had already seen that look once.
Life seemed to have returned to the eyes of Rachel Berry, but not the futile life that girl who only cared about a jump to the next new party that was something else. Something he knew long ago. Something he did not expect to see again and then he had no doubts.
"You found yourself a beautiful reason, Rach..." Jesse muttered, taking a sip of champagne.
…
Now
The first thing she felt were those soft lips shaping up to hers. The poke in her the stomach and the shiver that ran through her whole body came immediately after that.
She lost track of time and space around her. As if the world had only existed for that moment, just for her, Rachel and their lips moving together slowly.
The brunette felt a tremor go through the blonde's body. Her hand caressed the nape of Quinn's neck and the actress's body sought for more closeness. Rachel held out her other arm and pulled the blonde's waist, making their hips meet. Quinn let out a small moan against the brunette's lips, and it was done. The brunette asked for permission with the tip of her tongue and within seconds Quinn's arms involved Rachel, deepening the kiss as her fingers curled up between Rachel's brown tresses.
Quinn?
...
Quinn... Dear, not wanting to bother you…
So don't bother me... Oh God...What's happening?
...it's perfect, isn't it?
Wonderful...
You're right...
Glorious...
Yeah, you'll look wonderful, on the edge of glory, on the cover of allllllllll the magazines...
OH MY GOD!
Quinn broke the kiss, and only after that she noticed the flashes and screams. The hazel eyes met chocolate's one and her face went hot; she knew she was looking like a red chili.
George went crazy on the microphone, "That is a kiss of a million dollars!"
"Oh my God..." And with a sly gesture, she hid her face on Rachel's shoulder. "Who are you and what have you done to me?" She whispered.
The brunette's arms wrapped Quinn in a protective embrace, hiding her from the cameras, and the blonde felt strangely safe.
"My name is Rachel… and I found you..."
First of all I would like to thanks my Beta justsotv for help me to translate this for you so quickly. ( :D I'm so happy to have her now!)
Also I would like to tks DegrassiGleek54. Thank you for give me the idea to search for a beta!
Well, R3dN0te I hope I have not disappointed you. As you read, your theory about "rich parents" was correct. This Rachel grew up with all attention and money she needed to make her life a endless party . Let's say that she was a diva-futile-unlimited-credit-card version of the Glee Rachel. But after the accident that changed. She has some business, but she's really dedicated to working on her foundation.
TIGGRAIN :D you're funny! I Love read your reviews! I love your theory about Rachel " be some sort of Power player". Yeah, it would have been nice too. ;D
So. See you guys soon. I'll be waiting your comments about it.