School was back on Monday, we had three weeks until regionals, so a lot of extra time was spent in glee rehearsing. Mr Schue had decided with, It's All Coming Back to Me Now, for Rachel's solo, Paradise by the Dashboard Light, as a group and We've Still Got Tonite as a Finchel duet. Everyone was happy with the final choices and was working hard to perfect the dance moves for 'Paradise' me more so than anyone else.
I also had to attend extra football practices, as we had a big game a week after regionals., Rachel was adamant she was coming to watch and support me this time. After school, I took the parcel to Det. Jackson and told him I didn't want to know anything about the contents I just wanted the crap to stop. He said he would do all he could, so I just thanked him and left to pick Rachel up from dance class.
I had heard back from my college of choice, with an acceptance to Columbia on a sports scholarship, I was so happy, Mom was so proud of me as was Rach, a couple of days later Rach received her acceptance letter from New York Academy of Dramatic Arts or NYADA she was over the moon. Our future really was full of everything good, knowing we would be together was wonderful. Kurt had finally heard back from his first-choice fashion school and his acceptance was confirmed, Blaine likewise had his acceptance at law school confirmed.
xxxx
Regionals was in New York so Mr Schue had planned to go the day before, we were up at 4am for the hour and a half drive to Dayton airport. Mr Schue had organised a bus and we were to meet at school so no one got left behind. We were all really hyped about the competition. I hadn't ever flown before and was nervous, but Rach promised to help me stay calm. As there was no designated seating everyone sat with whomever they wanted. The flight was about 2 hours, Rach held my hand and rested her head on my shoulder the whole time. I'm pretty sure I dozed off, next thing was Rach kissing my cheek,
"Wake up baby we're in New York City."
It was the first time a lot of us had ever been out of Ohio. Well, here we are our little glee club from cow-town Lima in mid-western Ohio! Getting to show the whole country what we can do. My heart was beating so fast with excitement and nerves, making me dizzy and a little queasy. I felt a bit of a wuss, but Rachel kept hold of my hand, her ring pressing into my fingers, and told me I would be great and not to worry, feeling her ring on her tiny finger was reminding me of the fact everything would be ok, and of how much she believed in and loved me. I realized then that guys that had no guts or belief in their own abilities didn't get to love and be loved so genuinely by girls as wonderful as Rachel Berry.
WE WON!
Us, The New Directions, who have been together less than a year, won in their first time competing in a Regional show choir competition. No one could speak, Mr Schue was in tears, and all we did was share hugs and tears while the judges brought our trophy on stage. It was even bigger than the one from sectionals, only a head shorter than me. Poor Rach, Tina and Mercedes felt like miniatures, standing next to it when Mr Schue took a photo. We finally found our voices enough to congratulate our competitors, before floating off the stage. Mr Schue said we could have the rest of the day to ourselves, but to please be careful and back at the hotel by 6pm. We all nodded in agreement, and separated into smaller groups.
Rachel and I, along with Kurt and Blaine took a cab into Manhattan, where our new home was. It was in a great central location, only a couple of blocks from a nice park, Rach had a map, so we could see the distance from our schools to the loft which looked great from the street. The subway was close by as well. Kurt said he wanted to catch a train and do a trial run, we all decided it was a brilliant idea. A couple of hours later we had all seen the outside of our schools, and thought ourselves very lucky, they were all on the same subway line. Before we realised it, our free afternoon had come to an end, and it was time to meet Mr Schue and the others at the hotel for dinner. Our flight left at 7am the next day so, we had to be at the airport by 6am. After all the excitement of the competition and glimpse of our future home we were all pretty wiped out, and were looking forward to a good night's sleep.
When we got back to Lima on Sunday, we found a welcoming committee consisting of our parents, Coach Beiste and Miss Pillsbury, the guidance counsellor at school. Who I 'm pretty sure has a little crush on Mr Schue, It's not one sided either. Monday at school we were like treated rock stars, even the jocks and hockey jerks, and some cheerleaders, were secretly a little proud, but would never let it show, acknowledged us in passing. There were banners printed with the words, Congratulations New Directions, Regionals Champions 2012. For the first time in 16 years our school won, the last time was when Mr Schue was in Glee club. Principal Figgins organised another mini assembly last period that afternoon.
The Wednesday after our big win, I was getting my books for math, Rachel was buried in her own locker and didn't notice when a red envelope fell out, I bent down and picked it up nervously, gently nudging her to quietly get her attention showing her what I'd found. She looked up at me with worry in her eyes, and bottom lip between her teeth.
"What is it Finn?"
I shook my head and said quietly "I don't know, but I don't want to open it here let's wait till our free hour ok?" I scanned the hall and spotted Quinn watching Rach with a devious smirk. I leant down to whisper in Rachel's ear "I think SHE put it there because, she is watching you and waiting for a reaction from across the hallway."
"We'll just act normal then, and take it to Det. Jackson after school." Rach says quietly.
I nodded and pressed a deep kiss on her mouth while squeezing her butt gently; she giggled through the kiss and made a show of rubbing my back under my shirt moaning my name, before we linked our hands and walked down the hall to class. As we passed HER, I detected a look of pure loathing directed at Rach, so I just pulled Rach to me a bit tighter and gave her my goofy lop -sided smile saying just loud enough to carry to where I knew it would be heard, "You look extra beautiful today Rach, I love you babe."
That afternoon at Det. Jackson's office, we gave him the envelope and once he opened it and spread the contents out on his desk I could hardly contain my rage. The obviously manipulated photos and a letter, the photos this time were of Fabray clearly pregnant. I was in my coveralls from Hummel's tire shop, standing on the porch of a house, covered in Christmas lights and decorations, a blond green-eyed baby in my arms and a toddler sitting at my feet holding a puppy, and one of us and 5 kids at 6 Flags the amusement park near Dayton.
The letter was pretty much the same as before, starting off with the same greeting,
'Hobbit, I wanted you to see for yourself proof of the wonderful life, with our own pretty babies, my husband Finn and I will have right here in Lima. I will wait for him, because I know he is in love with only me, we are meant to be together forever. You would never have the perfect life I will have, you should just leave Finn and our beautiful popular family alone. You know it's the truth Berry, that there is no way Finn would to leave our family for a meaningless fling with an ugly tramp like you.'
Quinn Hudson.
I had to excuse myself to find a bathroom as I was about to throw up, there was no way in hell that was going to be my life, not with HER anyway, my future was with a tiny stunning loving brunette, and beautiful, chocolate eyed, scruffy haired, dimpled babies in New York City!
xxxx
Two weeks later, I was restless, because I had a 2- day football camp, the Friday and Saturday, a week before the championship game; it meant I had to leave Rachel by herself. I didn't want to go but she insisted
"We haven't heard anything from Quinn for 2 weeks, I'm sure it will be ok baby."
"But Rach what if she tries something knowing I'm not here? I'm just so worried about you."
"I know baby and I love you for it, but my dad's will be here as well as Cedes and Tina plus Kurt and Blaine have demanded to be my personal chauffeur, and body guard, it's only really for the Friday at school, Kurt has organised a sleepover at your house Friday and Saturday night. I've got Det. Jackson on speed dial, so really, I won't be alone for more than 5 minutes. My only problem will be missing you and your lips".
"I'll miss you more; you know you are my whole life, don't you!" Rachel lovingly pressed her lips firmly against mine and in a soft passion filled mummer returned the sentiment.
The Friday morning Finn left, Rachel was miserable, Kurt picked her up for the short ride to school, where they met Mercedes and Tina, Kurt greeted Blaine with a kiss on the lips. Then as a group arms linked, made their way to their lockers. As Rachel organised her books for first period Psychology, her cell phone started to ring indicating a new message distracted by her thoughts, she opened it then screamed, the phone slipping from her shaking hand, alerting Kurt and the others to her distress.
"What is it Rachel? Is it Finn? Is he ok?"
"N-no, message", Rachel points to her pink cell on the floor, tears pooling and starting to leak from her brown eyes.
Kurt bends to pick up the fallen cell and surrounded by the others reads the message that very clearly upset their friend.
YOU ARE BEING WATCHED, BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL, I KNOW YOUR EVERY MOVE! The number was private.
The others calmed Rachel down as much as they could before the bell went, and headed off to class, Rachel sandwiched between Kurt and Tina as they all had the same lesson. She was a bit calmer by the end of class and her face took on a determined look.
"I know Finn loves me so I'm going to ignore this crap."
Kurt asked her to at least pass the phone message onto Det. Jackson "Maybe they can trace it." He offers with a smile and hug.
"Of course, Kurt I'll ring him at lunch time I promise."
The rest of the day passed without incident, Rachel not looking forward to calling Finn that night and telling him about the message, she doesn't want to distract him from camp as she knows how important this game is to him and the school. Rachel didn't have long to wait to speak to Finn because as soon as she arrived home with Kurt, Finn was calling her to see how her day went. She is so happy to hear his voice she bursts in to tears.
"Baby what's wrong? Did something happen today? Please talk to me Rach?"
'Oh F-Finny, it was a message on my phone, I-It said I was b-being w-watched, a-and to be c-careful, I am s-scared baby, what does it mean? Det. Jackson said it was from a throwaway phone in Columbus."
"I'm sorry babe that I'm not there you're not, alone are you?" His tone instantly sounding panicky.
"No, Kurt is here we are at your house and your Mom and Burt are here as well, we are having a sleepover with the glee girls, tonight and tomorrow he and I are having a movie/ makeover marathon."
"Ok that sounds cool, maybe you should change the tone on your phone so you only have one special tone for known numbers?"
"That's a good idea baby I'll do that tonight, you are so clever!"
"Well I have to keep you safe because you are my whole world baby, and I love you."
"I love you too Finn so much, I miss you."
"Babe I have to go coach is yelling for me, but promise me please don't leave Kurt's side or answer the phone unless you know who is calling OK! Also let all our parents know what is going on, I know my Mom and Burt are very concerned about you!"
"I promise I love you, have a good practice, I'll see you Sunday."
"I love you too, more than you know baby girl, see you soon."
Kurt finds Rachel ten minutes later, sitting on Finn's bed changing the tones on her phone and explaining to Kurt why. He nods in understanding and sits next to her putting his arm around her shoulders and giving her a comforting squeeze. The other girls started to arrive about 6.30pm and the night, was launching into one filled with fun and games, movies and karaoke. They had a make your own pizza dinner organised, so at dinner time everyone assembled in the kitchen where Rachel and Kurt had set out plates with as many, sweet and savory different toppings they could think of, along with bases and sauces, it was great fun.
About 1am everyone was starting to fall asleep, Rachel had gone upstairs to the bathroom and decided to send Finn a message, knowing he probably wouldn't open till the morning, but thought it would be a nice surprise when he woke up. She had just turned on her phone when the message tone went off indicating a new one, it wasn't from a known number, so instead of opening it there, she raced downstairs to where Kurt was still awake watching Funny Girl.
"Kurt" she whispered trying not to wake the others, gesturing for him to follow her, when they reach the kitchen, she shows him her phone and tells him to open the message, he gasps and slams a hand over his mouth as he reads. It says I CAN SEE YOU, BUT YOU CAN'T SEE ME, I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. "Oh Kurt", what are we going to do Finn is away for another day Rachel says in a shaky voice her eyes shining."
"Diva Stop it! We will let Det. Jackson know tomorrow, you are safe here and Finn will be home tomorrow, or well tonight I guess, let's just go back in and watch Barbra and when we wake up we will have a musical day, Ok?"
"Ok thankyou Kurt, I'm so glad you are here." Giving him, a tight hug Rachel takes his offered hand as he leads her back to the living room.
When the other girls were leaving the next morning, Mercedes spots a black envelope on the door mat addressed to Rachel, and gives it to Kurt with a worried look, and without Rachel noticing he nods and hides it under his shirt. Their friend is in the kitchen cleaning up after brunch, so he quickly rushes upstairs and hides it in his closet to give to Finn tonight when he gets home. The rest of the day was spent trying out new ways to style Rachel's long thick hair, beauty treatments and singing along to all their favourite Broadway musicals.
Another message had come through but this time Rachel ignored it and just let Kurt open it she wasn't going to let them get to her, Finn would be home in about 6 hours and they would deal with it together. Kurt had quietly taken Rachel's phone into the bathroom to read the message; this one was like the last one.
I KNOW WHAT YOU WEAR TO BED, BUT A COFFIN WOULD LOOK BETTER.
He couldn't understand why Rachel was being harassed so badly and if it was Quinn doing this still, the girl really had some serious mental issues and desperately needed help, the rest of the day was thankfully uneventful.
When Finn came home about 4 pm, Rachel visibly relaxed but wouldn't leave his side, until he had to use the bathroom after dinner, he gently uncurled Rachel's hand from his. "I'll be back in a minute baby don't worry I'm just going to the bathroom ok."
He kissed her lips and tendered his special Rachel smile and walked up stairs.
Kurt took off after him, thinking on the spot calling out to Rachel over his shoulder "I just need to double check my outfit for my date with Blaine tomorrow." Hearing Rachel's giggle in answer and as soon as she was out of earshot he called Finn.
"Finn, can you come to my room for a minute please?"
"Dude, I have to pee can it wait a sec?" Kurt rolled his eyes and nodded. Finn entered Kurt's room a few minutes later and asked what was wrong. Kurt, with a concerned look on his pale face just handed him the black envelope with Rachel's name typed on the front.
"Rachel doesn't know about it yet, it was left on the doorstep this morning." His voice laced with worry he continues "There's also been another message on her phone."
Finn shot an angry glance in his soon to be brother's direction, and opened the envelope before Rachel came looking for him. This time it contained a letter that went on about how Rachel should hurry up and leave Lima preferably in a casket, but until then finding a job cleaning public toilets somewhere, because that's the only talent she has and no one is around to see her ugly face. There were some photos as well of Finn and Quinn on a swing in the park, looking at her left hand with an ugly oversized engagement ring sparkling in the sun and just next to them on the ground McKinley high graduation gowns and caps, some half dozen X-rated ones with Finn and Quinn in different positions during sex.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS BITCH, WHY CAN'T SHE GET IT THROUGH HER THICK SKULL I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH HER, AND THIS SHIT!" He indicates the photos "IS NOT GOING TO MAKE RACHEL LEAVE ME SO I RUN BACK TO HER." He is panting with anger when Rachel races in the door.
"Finny, baby what is it? I heard you yelling are you OK?"
"Babe don't worry please it's just more crap from the crazy bitch."
He is just about to pull her into his arms for a kiss when her phone goes off again, Finn grabs it out of her jean pocket and opens the message. DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE IN YOUR PRETEND WORLD BITCH, IT WILL BE GONE SOON JUST LIKE YOU!
He immediately calls Det. Jackson and has a very angry conversation about the latest messages and photos. While Finn is on the phone Rachel has picked up the photos and is looking through them with tears in her eyes and one hand covering her mouth hiding her sobs. Kurt pulls her into a hug and she buries her face in his shoulder soaking his designer shirt with her tears. After slamming his phone shut, Finn spins around to see his petite girlfriend clutching his brother's shirt with tiny white fists, her ring shining in the light.
"Baby I'm so, so sorry you have to go through this." He moves to embrace her in his strong arms and place soft kisses on the crown of the brunette head, "I love you and only you."
"I know Finny" she snuffles through her tears and lifts her head to look him in the eye "I know you do, and I know that those photos are fake but the thought of her doing all of this to get rid of me to try and get you back scares me, because I can't imagine being in this world without you, now that I know how wonderful my life is with you. Because before you joined glee club I'd never had anything to do with you or her, so I can't understand what her problem is…"
Rach is sobbing so hard now I was worried she would stop breathing. Kurt had left the room while I was trying to console my beautiful girl and returned with a glass covered in gold stars filled with water, and hands it to me then gathers all the photos and letter as well as Rach's cell and discreetly leaves, closing the door softly behind him.
"Baby girl you have to calm down, please you'll make yourself sick, please try and breathe, then drink some water, for me?"
She finally calms enough to take a breath and small sips of water, before climbing onto my lap and wrapping her arms around my neck pressing her face into the crook of my neck. We sat on Kurt's bed not talking for a while until her breathing became regular and deep, I gently rose off the bed and carried her into my room, removed her jeans and tee shirt along with her bra and redressed her in one of her favourite old McKinley tee shirts of mine, and tucked her into bed, leaving her with a gentle kiss on the lips and a whispered promise to always love her and only her. I left the door open a fraction and returned to the living room where Det. Jackson was waiting, with Mom, Burt, Hiram and Leroy who I was glad Kurt had called. Kurt had assembled the latest garbage and Rachel's phone and was showing them to Det. Jackson.
"This freaking crap has got to stop!" I yelled, trying to keep my voice down, "Poor Rach has just cried herself to sleep, scared out of her mind that she is going to die."
"Surely there is something you can do regarding harassment?" Leroy demands "We get cases like this in the courts sometimes, and as for putting our Rachel in just physical danger this is causing her mental stress. We have engaged a lawyer so all this garbage is to be made available to him when justice is finally served."
Hiram takes his hand and nods his head, both men trying to stay calm for their daughter.
Mom and Burt both have angry looks on their faces too at the danger Rach is still in.
"Look I know you are all frustrated with the system but until something physical happens all we can do is issue a restraining order against the sender of these messages an…"
"What about these freaking photos then huh?" Again, yelling and just pointing a shaky hand to the coffee table and stormed out, I was so angry. I needed to be with Rach; she always soothed my temper and calmed me down when I was upset. I made my way quietly into my room, stripped off my clothes and climbed into bed cuddling as close to her as I could without waking her.
A/N: Please leave a review on your way out.
xxxx