Hola! No formatting issues with this one! Hope you guys enjoy!
As always, I don't own anyone or anything actually related to glee. Just Camden and the plot. And well, all the other original characters that'll be popping up. Anywho...here ya go!

Chapter 4
July 2022. Friday. Lima

She groaned as she rolled over onto her back, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She turned on her side again, and came face to face with her son who was still sleeping. She watched his small chest rise and fall for a few minutes, before trying to get herself to fall asleep again. It was still early, her body used to being woken at this time by the little boy in her bed. But he was still sleeping. They'd had a rough night last night. While he had fallen asleep easily at first, by the time Rachel had settle herself into bed after talking with her fathers, Camden had woken up in the spare bedroom and started screaming. At first she attempted to calm him with a sippy cup of warm almond milk, but when he merely dropped it and continued to cry, she tried everything else in her arsenal. She cuddled him, sang to him softly, and when nothing settled the poor child, brought him to her room and let him sleep next to her like she had originally planned. The moment they had both laid down on the mattress, he'd fallen back to sleep.

Her eyes drifted closed, the soft sounds of Camden's heavy breathing lulling her back to sleep. But it didn't last long. She felt like she had just closed her eyes when she felt the anything but gentle pat of her son's hand against her cheek.

"Mamamama" He babbled, his voice laced with sleep. She opened her eyes slowly and looked at her son.

"Mommy's up" She yawned sleepily. "Mommy's up."

"Mamamama" He smiled again, his own voice raising in volume as he woke up more. "Hungy"

"Are you hungry baby?" She cuddled him closer to her and ran her fingers through his unruly hair. He looked up at her, his eyes focused as he smiled at her.

"Hungy." He repeated.

"Should we go down and see what we can make for breakfast?" She smiled at Camden, his eyes glittering back at her. He nodded his head.

She hulled her body up and rubbed her eyes as Camden laid beside her, his fingers in his mouth. She made a funny face at the little boy as she reached around him to grab her hair tie off the side table. She pulled her hair back quickly before sliding off the bed and picking him up to rest on her hip. She walked back into the spare room where she had set his stuff and placed him on the bed, changing his diaper quickly before taking him downstairs with her.

The house was quiet, her father's were heavy sleepers and hadn't risen yet, given that it was just before 7 am. She rubbed her eyes after she buckled Camden into the high chair and got his sippy cup of milk ready.

"Tank ew" He smiled a big beaming smile as he brought the rubber spout to his mouth and sucked. She kissed his head before moving around the kitchen to gather the ingredients for oatmeal. While she waited for the kettle to boil the water, she made herself a coffee in the Keurig before leaning her arms on the counter. She looked out the window, the world outside slowly starting to come to life around them. The sunrise was beautiful, and Rachel felt a calm settle over her. Today was going to be a good day.

She had to laugh as Camden tried to feed himself his oatmeal. 75% of it hit the tray, with the remaining part ending up in or around his mouth. When she looked over at him, he grinned a large smile that reached his eyes. Whatever made him happy.

"What are we going to do today Camden?" She asked as she took a sip of her coffee. "Mommy has that BBQ to go to tonight, but that's not until 5. What should we do with Grandpa and Granddad?" She thought for a moment. "Maybe if it's nice we can go swimming..."
Camden looked at her for a moment before going back to his oatmeal.

After breakfast, Rachel sat Camden in the living room to watch some of his shows as she tidied up the kitchen from their breakfast. She chuckled when she heard his squeal as Elmo's World started up.

"He sounds like he's in a good mood." Her Dad smiled as he walked into the kitchen.

Rachel dropped the cloth she had been using to wipe down the high chair and smiled at her father.

"He's usually in a good mood in the mornings. Half the time at least." She chuckled. "There's some oatmeal left over if you'd like some. I'm sorry if he woke you up."

Hiram shook his head. "Nah. I was already starting to get up. His laugh is contagious."

Rachel smiled. "It is, isn't it?"

She chatted with her Dad for a few minutes as he made himself a coffee and she got a breakfast together for herself.

"So what time is the BBQ at the school?" Hiram asked as she sat down beside him with her yogurt and granola. She stirred it around for a moment thoughtfully.

"The itinerary that I was emailed said 5" She spooned some yogurt into her mouth. "I think it said 5-8. It's more of a meet and greet sort of thing with registration. The big dinner dance is tomorrow night."

Hiram nodded his head. "You ready?"

She shrugged as Camden giggled from the living room. "I suppose. As ready as I'll ever be." She spooned some yogurt into her mouth. "I mean, what is there really to be ready for?" Her Dad gave her a pointed look. "What?"

"Well, there is the small fact that you're going to see all your old friends..." Her father started.

She sighed. "I know."

"Are you ready for that?" When she only shrugged in response, Hiram looked at her intently. "I can see that you're thinking about it. What are you nervous about?"

"I'm not really nervous about anything, Dad." She stood up and walked over to the sink where she placed her bowl and spoon before turning to look at him again. "Okay, I'm a little nervous." Hiram urged her to go on. "I just...I'm nervous that I'm going to be just one of them. One of the people with a failed dream. I never wanted to be just like everyone else." She sighed.

"What's wrong with that?" Hiram enquired. "Your Papa and I are just like that. Like everyone else..."

"Dad..." She sighed. "I spent my entire high school career shouting to anyone that would listen that I was going to be a huge Broadway star and look where I am now..."

"There is nothing wrong with the life you're living Rachel..."

"A single mom to a child with special needs, living all but pay check to pay check in New York City as a law secretary. I see at least one thing wrong with that..." She sighed. "I just...I'm scared that everyone is going to judge me..."

"Rachel. They're your friends."

"They were my friends." She corrected. "I haven't spoken to any of them in more or less 9 and a half years. Some longer." She bit her lip. "And my high school career wasn't exactly a shining example of the perfect experience..."

"Rachel. It's been ten years. I think you need to give everyone a chance..."

She sighed and ran her hands through her hair, just as Camden let out another throaty laugh. She turned in the direction of the sound before sighing again. "But what if they don't give him a chance?"

She dressed carefully. It took her much longer than she cared to admit to choose something to wear. Everything she put on at first she hated. Either it made her look too much like a mom or too much like the high school version of herself that she had so desperately tried to leave behind. Then there were the outfits that she felt made her look desperate, trashy. She settled on a pair of charcoal black capri pants and a sleeveless black and white stripped top. It had been a splurge from the Gap at the end of last summer. She checked herself in the mirror and pushed her dark hair behind her ears.

"You can do this." She breathed softly. "if you get too uncomfortable you can just leave." A soft knock at the open door broke her out of her daze.

"Mama petty" Camden grinned from the door. He stood there with her Papa, peering into the room. Rachel smiled when she turned towards them.

"Thank you baby" She smiled. He grinned back at her. Her Papa placed a hand on his head as the toddler looked up at him.

"We just had to change a diaper." Leroy smiled at her before looking back down at Camden. "We'll leave you to finish getting ready."

"Oh I'm ready" She sighed. She'd applied light makeup, sticking to just some eyeliner and mascara, a little less then she wore at the office every day.

She followed her Papa and Camden down the stairs and into the living room, where he ran to the few toys he had left in a pile. She checked her watch and saw that it was about 5 to 5. She'd told herself she would leave at 5, not wanting to be first but not wanting to be last either. She watched Camden grab for his favourite little cars that she had packed for him. She bit her lip as she watched him.

"We'll be fine Rachel." Her Papa assured from behind her. "Go and have fun. Don't worry about things here..."

She sighed. "It's not him I'm worried about. It's me. Maybe I should've..."

"Rachel. Go. Reconnect. Have fun. Enjoy yourself." He smiled warmly.

She watched Camden for another moment before making a show of gathering her purse, making sure the invitation and itinerary were in her purse before slipping on her sandals. She walked back into the living room and approached Camden.

"Mommy's going to go out now. Be a good boy for Grandpa and Granddad?" She questioned as she squatted beside him.

"Mamamama" He babbled as he turned his attention to her.

"Mama loves Camden."

"Ove" He smiled. "Ove Mama." She smiled and leaned over to kiss his head a few times before standing up and looked at her Papa.

"I'll have my phone on and remember..."

"We'll be fine Rach. Really. You're not going to be too late. We're just going to have dinner and then..."

"Just don't forget he doesn't like..."

"Rachel." Leroy chuckled at her. "You're stalling. Go."

She sighed. "Alright." She walked closer to her Papa and placed a kiss on his cheek before taking the keys he had left in the bowl by the door. "I love you."

"Love you too Princess."

Leroy watched her close the door before turning to Camden who was occupied with his toys once again. "Your Mama worries too much."

"Mamamama" Camden babbled as if that was the only answer that was needed.

She straightened her top as she stepped out of her Papa's car. A million thoughts ran through her head as she looked at the main entrance to her high school. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't nervous, and she couldn't decide if it was a good nervous or a bad nervous. Her stomach was rolling and her heart was pounding. She pushed her hair behind her ears once more before she started the walk towards the door. The parking lot was probably half full, and none of the cars looked familiar. She spotted a few rentals and she immediately wondered whose they were. Several pick-up trucks dotted the spaces and her mind drifted to one particular truck that she just didn't see. She had to remind herself that it had been ten years and surely, the boy who had driven that particular truck in high school wasn't driving the same beat up coffin on wheels nowadays as a man.

The itinerary had listed that registration was in the hallway leading to the quad where the B-B-Q would be taking place. The rest of the school was open for former students and faculty to explore, with many displays lining the various hallways.

She hoisted the door open and walked in, the cool air hitting her face immediately. A few people milled about. She recognized teachers and a few people from her year, but when no one really gave her more than a nod of recognition, she continued on her way to where the registration was being held.

She rounded the corner and came face to face with the registration desk, where the one and only Quinn Puckerman sat. Of course. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath, walking towards the desk with a nervousness in her step. This is what she came for. To face these people. To reconnect with these people. She had nothing to prove, nothing to hide. She was going to have fun tonight and all weekend.

"Hi" She said softly as she stepped up to the table. "I'm..."

"Rachel Berry." Quinn grinned, cutting her off before she could introduce herself. She stood up, showing off the small swell under her dress as she raised her arms to hug her. Rachel's eyes must have widened because Quinn chuckled again before Rachel reciprocated the hug. "You haven't changed a bit." Quinn squealed as she pulled away, holding Rachel at an arm's length.

"I'd say the same for you but..." Rachel laughed softly as she looked at Quinn. She placed her hands on her stomach and smiled widely.

"I know." She grinned. "We kind of can't stop. Number 5."

"Wow." Rachel breathed.

"You know Puck" Quinn grinned, rubbing her stomach one more time. "He's kicking around here somewhere, I'm sure he's avoiding responsibility."

"Sounds like Puck" She said softly. She looked down at the table, eyeing the sign in sheet before picking up the pen to scrawl her name.

"How about you?" Quinn smiled as she sat back down. "Any tiny starlets of your own?"

Rachel felt the corners of her mouth rise in a smile. "Oh. Yeah. I have one child. Camden. He's just about 2 and a half."

Quinn smiled brightly at her. "That's a great age."

"It is" She nodded in agreement.

"Well. I hope you'll bring him and your boyfriend on Sunday to the family..."

Rachel cut her off. "I'm here alone. Well, Camden is here but there's...there's no..."

"Rachel, I'm sorry I just assumed..."

She smiled a little awkwardly but shrugged off the comment nonetheless. "It's fine. Really. Now what do I need to know..."

Quinn went over the package that each attendant received upon arrival, which included a nametag, another more detailed itinerary of displays and smaller activities that would be taking place at the high school among other things. Quinn smiled as she handed her the package.

"I hope we can catch up later Rachel" She smiled warmly. "Maybe we can have a play date with our kids before you go back to New York. Our Abby is just a few months older than yours." She smiled warmly.

"Sure. Sounds great" She said softly. She clutched the package Quinn had handed her before turning on her heel and walking away from the table towards the quad.

She breathed a sigh that was both a mixture of relief and anxiousness as she walked towards the door that lead to the quad. She'd survived her first face to face, and had really lived to tell about it. Now she just had to get through the rest of the weekend as relatively unscathed as she had with Quinn. She took a deep cleansing breath before pushing open the door, the summer sun beat into her face. She had never been more grateful that she had brought her sunglasses with her. She slid them onto her face before walking into the courtyard. She stepped into the place she had called home all those years ago, and let out the breath she had been holding. People were milling about, and the smell of grilling meat infiltrated her nose. There was music coming from somewhere, didn't seem live but there was still music.

She walked more into the quad, offering a smile and a wave to the faces she recognized. She caught the eye of Mercedes, who seemed to be holding hands with a man much taller than herself. From a far, she looked happy.

She tried to stay on the peripheral. She walked towards the tables that were set up with plates and condiments to grab a bottle of water. From her position she had a great chance to say hi to many of her old classmates.

She'd even run into Mr. Schuster as she was moving away from the table, who still looked just like he did ten years ago but now wore the tired smile that clearly came with fatherhood.

"I run into your Dads from time to time at Target." He started, crossing his arms over his chest. "They tell me you have a little boy?"

She nodded, a soft smile on her face. "I do. He's my world."

"You've got to have pictures" He smiled, looking down at her. She felt her eyes go wide behind her sunglasses, so thankful for the barrier. When Mr. Schuster, or Will as he had told her to call him continued to look at her, she looked down to dig into her purse and pull out her phone. Here was the test she had been waiting for. She opened the photo app on her phone and pulled up the first photo there, which she had taken this morning when she had sat with Camden watching Elmo for a few minutes. She passed him the phone.

"Isn't he precious." Will smiled, looking up at her from the phone. "3?"

"Not quite. He just turned 2 in February."

Will nodded, handing back the phone. She bit her lip as she took the phone back, waiting for the comment that never came. "Now how about you?"

He chuckled, pulling his own phone out and finding the most current picture of his carrot topped brood. "Alexa's 9, Owen's 7 and Joel is 6 months."

"I thought I saw that tired I have an infant at home look in your eyes." She laughed as she handed the phone back to him.

"Yeah. He was our surprise." He chuckled. His phone chirped from his hand. "Sorry Rachel, it's Emma. I should take this..."

She nodded her head as her old teacher walked away. She was just turning around to go toss her bottle into the recycling bin she had seen by the table when she almost ran smack into a chest she recognized all too well.

Strong hands came up to brace her forearms. Hands that she recognized. Hands that felt so familiar. Her eyes shot up, and sure enough, there he was.

"Finn" She breathed softly.

"Rachel Berry" He sighed softly, a hint of a chuckle dancing in his voice. "It's been awhile."

Thoughts?