No fear, no fear, no fear. Rachel had been repeating the mantra ever since she had been summoned into Principal Figgins' office after Art History. She was currently waiting on the detectives to finish speaking with Sue Sylvester so that they could question her on what she had heard yesterday.
After Puck left her house yesterday night, staying until 9 for tutoring, Rachel had been debating over whether or not she would lie for Tom. She decided that giving into threats was not the Berry way. She had heard plenty of horror stories growing up about various heinous episodes that occurred during the early years of her fathers' relationship, but no matter how awful they had been treated at times they never let the hate stop them from being who they were or from doing what they wanted to do. Which is why Rachel was going to inform the police what she had been called in the hallway as well as the threat Thomas issued yesterday. Still, just because Rachel planned on telling the detectives what she knew did not mean she would be sharing it with Puck. He would kill Thomas, or at the very least thoroughly beat the boy, if she did, of this she was sure. Thus, Rachel thought it best to keep Puck in the dark for his own good.
When she finished telling the detectives everything that had happened, it was 3:45. The police thanked her for her time and for coming forward, despite his threats. Once excused, she set out to find her newly appointed driver. She found him waiting by her locker talking to Finn.
"Hey, Rachel, how did it go?"
"Hello, Finn. It went as well as could be expected I suppose."
"What'd the cops say?" asked Puck.
"They told be that although what happened in the hallway was unfortunate and they apologized that it happened to me, they informed me that it would help them seeing as they had not made much progress in the investigation so far. They plan on questioning Thomas later this afternoon."
"So that good right?" Rachel didn't want to douse Finn's optimism, but she couldn't help but express her doubts.
"It is in terms of giving the case some direction, but if the police do not bring charges against him, Thomas is not under any obligation to speak to them." Upon seeing Finn's face fall Rachel tried to offer some good news.
"But the good news is that Thomas is eighteen and the police can question him without his parents in the room." Puck didn't really get why that even mattered.
"And that's a good thing because?"
"Well, that way his parents cannot prompt him during the interview or provide the police with a false alibi." The boys nodded, trusting that Rachel's explanation was right.
"Well lets get going, I'm suppose to meet Artie in like ten so he can help me with math and we can work on our lab findings and I still gotta drop you off," head said, directing the last part to Rachel
"I can take Rachel home if you want," offered Finn. Puck wasn't too keen on that idea but he was running late and he figured Finn was a good a body guard as the next six three quarterback.
"You don't mind?"
"Nah, Quinn went home already and Blaine picked Kurt up like an hour ago."
"Don't keep Artie waiting, Noah. Finn and I will be fine," Rachel assured him.
"Trying to get rid of me, Berry. I'm hurt," Puck joked.
"Of course not," Rachel said, "But a courteous guest shows up on time."
Puck laughed, "Well I wouldn't want to be uncourteous."
"That's not a word, Noah."
"Fine, then I wouldn't want to be impolite."
"Excellent word choice." With that Puck said bye to the two former lovers and headed to his truck.
"Let me just grab something from Kurt's locker," Finn said, "Then we'll head out."
"Kurt's locker?" Rachel asked curiously.
"Yeah, actually maybe you could help. He said he was left a color wheel? Something about not knowing which shade of green would best…uh…compliment a lavender gown?" He hoped Rachel would know what Kurt was talking about.
Rachel smiled, "He's talking about Mercedes' prom dress. I believe they were thinking green heels."
"Green shoes? That's awesome!"
"Well you should let Mercedes' know. Women love compliments, Finn."
"I don't think, Quinn's too cool with me throwing those out since I broke your nose."
"Why would…" And then Rachel remembered he had called her beautiful that week in front of the whole club, including his insecure girlfriend.
"Yeah…" An awkward silence fell over them. Which happened from time to time as they were relearning how to be friends – just friends.
Trying to salvage the conversation Finn said, "So Puck says you were kind of bummed that no one had asked you to prom yet." Rachel wanted to laugh at Finn's attempt to steer their talk to safer waters.
"I just know it's unlikely someone will ask me with less than a two weeks to go." After saying it out loud Rachel realized how antiquated she sounded. If Elizabeth Cady Stanton were here she would be appalled to hear Rachel whining about being dateless. Rachel then assumed Ms. Stanton's contempt at her attitude would quickly be replaced by elation upon hearing women had won the vote. Rachel shook her head, leaving the scenario she had imagined behind.
Rachel saw that Finn had led them to Kurt's locker and was literally looking for a colorful bicycle-like wheel.
"It's right here, Finn," Rachel said grabbing the round flat piece of cardboard pressed against the locker wall.
"That's it?"
"Yes, see, although Kurt's is a bit more complex, the arranged colors allow one to see the relationship of one color to another." Finn seemed to study the little tool.
"Couldn't you just like use your eyes?"
"I suppose you could."
"Weird." Rachel smiled and then suggested they head to the parking lot.
"Hey," Finn said suddenly remembering something else Puck had told him while she had been in Figgins' office, "Your dad's are out of town right?"
"Yes. The trial began last week. Their clients are suing their former employer for refusing to promote them according to the office's seniority procedure because they were Arab Americans."
"Why's it all the way out in Cleveland?"
"Because, the company is based in Cleveland."
"Oh. Well, I remember that your family wasn't big on the whole cooking thing and my mom's making spaghetti tonight and she always makes extra so you could totally come over if you want." Rachel was touched that he would extend an invitation to her, risking upsetting his girlfriend just to make sure she had food.
"That's very nice of you, Finn, but I promise I stocked up on Amy's vegan dinners before my fathers left. Honestly, could go a whole month before ever having to step foot inside a supermarket."
"Well if you're sure…"
"Positive," she affirmed.
"Well alright then, let's get you home."
It was at 9 pm when Rachel heard one of the windows in the front of the house shatter.
A/n: two chapters in 1 day? Madness. I guess I really don't want to study for my language exam. Just a quick thank you again to everyone who has taken the time to review or add the story to their favorites or alerts. It's a great feeling. Also SoUsay234 I think you're assessment of bigotry is spot on. If the subject matter ever comes up in conversation I'm totally using your socks comment. Thanks again everyone!