The Story Of Rachel Berry; Star
Part Three
Rachel's eyes fluttered open as her alarm awakened her, she rolled on to her side and snuggled deeper into her quilt not wanting to do her usual routine of elliptical machine, shower and breakfast. ' Not today' Rachel thought, yesterdays events coming to mind, 'especially if I have to deal with Finn, Quinn and the rest of Glee' She knew if it came down to it the entire Glee club would side with Finn and Quinn, not her. Well, everyone except Noah. That was the bigger shock of yesterday how sweet, kind and caring Noah was. Rachel looked at the clock it read 5:00, ' Too early, Noah won't be here until seven. Time for a little nap' Rachel decided, set her alarm for quarter past six and promptly went back to sleep.
An hour and a half later Rachel was showered, dressed, now she was eating breakfast and drinking coffee with the radio on in the background. She was checking her bag to make sure she had her books and homework when Adele came on the radio and tears came to her eyes as the heartbreaking lyrics washed over her.
I heard that you're settled down
That you found a girl and your married now
I heard that your dreams came true
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you
Old Friend why are you so shy
Ain't like you to hold back
Or hide from the light
Rachel felt the truth of the words and couldn't help joining in for the bridge, the emotion making her voice both soft and powerful at the same time.
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away I couldn't fight it
I'd hope to see your face and that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over
As she started singing the chorus she never heard the knock on the door, nor when no one answered, Puck walking through the door watching her sing, he always thought she sounded amazing but right now Rachel Berry was out of this freaking world perfection and he got to see it.
Never mind I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too
Don't forget me I beg I remember you say
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead
Noah walked up to Rachel and put his arm around her, ' That was awesome Rach.'
Rachel smiled shyly a blush lighting her features and said her voice shaking slightly, ' after what happened the words mean more to me then they ever have before.' she wrung her hands and her voice sounder stronger, 'I won't let them beat me. I am strong. I'll get through this one day at a time.'
' That's the spirit Berry, never let anyone hold you back.'
' Thank you for being there for me Noah.'
Puck smiled at her, 'it's no problem Rach, it was noth...'
' It wasn't nothing Noah,' Rachel interrupted him, held his hand, looked into his eyes and said sincerely, 'it's everything. It means everything to me, more than words can say.'
' Rachel,'
' No Noah let me say this.' Rachel looked down attheir clasped hands, 'I never thought anyone would be there for me. Everyone loves Finn and would never tell him he was wrong. And Quinn,' Rachel wiped the tears from her eyes, ' Quinn can do no wrong. Everyone conveniently forgot that she was a mean bitch to us, that she cheated and lied! But everyone thinks shes perfect.' Rachel broke down in tears.
Puck wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried, 'ssh Rach , they don't think shes perfect.'
Rachel laughed bitterly, ' Oh but they do. Do you wanna know the worst thing? I do anything, ANYthing and I have to jump through so many hoops to get them to forgive me.' She wiped angry tears from her eyes. ' I'm sick of it.'
'What was that?.
'I'm sick of it!' Rachel shouted and then blushed, ' I'm sor...'
'No Rachel don't apologize.' Puck smiled gently at her, 'that's been a long time coming.'
'It has.' Rachel blew out a breath and smiled at Puck. 'Enough talk of this. Let's go to school or we're going to be late.' She got her school bag and keys and opened the door and they walked through it.
'Sure you got everything babe?' Puck asked as he walked to his truck.
'Yeah I'm sure.' Rachel answered as she locked the door.
On the drive to school they listened to the radio and had pleasant conversation to pass the time. As they parked Rachel prepared herself for seeing anyone from Glee and got out of the truck, Puck put his arm around her and led her inside.
Rachel held her head high as she felt the stares and heard the not quite whispers about why was Puck with her and wasn't she just dumped by Finn. 'I wish they would grow up.' she hissed at Noah.
' Ignore them,' Puck said while death glaring anyone who dared look at them, 'they're not worth it.'
'I am,' Rachel said through gritted teeth, ' it just gets on your nerves.'
As Puck reached Rachels locker he leaned against them and said, 'they want you to start crying so that they'll have something to gossip about. They're pathetic.'
Rachel looked at Noah as she put her stuff in her locker and the lyric, 'your sexy and you know it,' popped into her head, making her giggle.
Puck raised an eyebrow, 'what's so funny?'
Rachel blushed and stuffed the rest of her things into her locker and stuttered, 'n-nothing.'
Puck was about to say something when Finn came flunking over and Puck straightened up ready to protect Rachel.
Finn glared at Puck and then smiled at Rachel, 'hey Rachel.'
Rachel closed her eyes and took a deep breath, glad that Noah is there with her, 'hello Finn.'
Finn could feel that Rachel was upset with him and he didn't like it, 'are you okay?'
Rachel laughed in disbelief, ' Am I okay?' she spun around, slammed her locker shut and glared at Finn, ' no Finn I am not okay.' she pushed her finger into his chest, ' I'm not okay that after you broke my heart yesterday, you think it will be like nothing ever happened and I will be your friend. Let me clear it up for you. It. Is. Over.' Rachel stormed off more angry then she ever felt possible.
Puck saw Finns hurt confused look and rolled his eyes, 'Your a douche, y' know that right?'
'No I'm not!' Finn said, 'all I'm trying to be is Rachel's friend.'
Puck shook his head amazed, 'Yeah, well don't. She doesn't want to be your friend,' He glared into Finn's eyes, 'and she deserves more than being your backup for when things go wrong with Quinn.'
'She's not my backup and nothings wrong with me and Quinn.'
'Stay away from Rachel.' Puck stated before walking off to find Rachel, who was pacing in the music room. 'You okay, B?'
'How can he be so selfish!' Rachel exploded, 'he hurts me and then he thinks I'll be his friend. Unbelievable.' she resumed pacing.
Puck didn't say anything but let Rachel yell, knowing she needed to say this and get everything she never said before off her chest. When she stopped he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her tightly, she didn't cry but she blew out a breath and put her hands around his waist and snuggled closer.
'Is it time to go yet?' Rachel asked feeling safe with Noah.
Puck laughed, 'unfortunately not. Only another 6 hours to go.'
'Nooo.' Rachel groaned.
Puck smiled down at Rachel, 'tell you what. After school how about we go and see a film?' he brushed her bangs out of her eyes, 'escape reality for a few hours.'
Rachel leaned into his touch, 'that sounds perfect,' she smiled at him, ' just what I need.'
'Okay.' Puck said just as the bell went, ' walk you to class?'
Rachel nodded and they walked off towards they're respective classes, parting at the door and planning to meet for lunch. As Rachel walked into class she heard, 'well, well, someone moves fast.'
Rachel groaned, ' Your one to talk...'
To Be Continued
AN - Thank you everyone for reading. Were getting to the good stuff soon. Promise. X X
