I've finally managed to get the next chapter up! Sorry about the long wait, but life's been a little crazy recently. I've got exams coming up so probably won't be uploading much in the next couple of months, but I'll be back in the summer. Thanks to everybody for sticking with it, and I hope you enjoy the update.

"Is everybody here?" Mr. Schue called loudly from the front of the bus, trying to get the attention of the New Directions who all looked as if they were half-asleep. There were a few groans from the group, before the bus fell back into silence. "Come on guys, it's sectionals today!" Will exclaimed in another attempt to pull the glee club out of their early morning daze.

"It's too early" Santana whined placing an eye mask over her face, before resting her head on Brittany's shoulder. Will shook his head. Sensing that he wasn't going to get much more of a response from the rest of them, Will signaled to the bus driver that they were ready to leave and took a seat next to Shelby at the front of the bus. Shelby gave Will a small smirk as he sat down.

"What?!" he exclaimed.

"She's got a point" Shelby laughed. "The competition doesn't start until 12pm and it's only an hour journey."

"So?" Will responded, slightly perplexed.

"So…why are we leaving at 7am?" Shelby countered.

"I like to arrive in plenty of time" Will protested. "We need time to warm up, and run through the routines a couple of times" he added, trying to defend himself.

"Somehow I don't think that will take 4 hours" Shelby responded sarcastically, smirking at Will.

"Well we need to allow for traffic" he snapped back. "And any mishaps should they arise." Shelby held her hands up, sensing that she was starting to get to him. She contemplated carrying on because she was finding it rather amusing, but she decided it would be best if she dropped it.

"You're the boss!" she smiled. She liked to let Will think that he was in charge, but in reality it was her that pulled all the strings. After all, it was her idea to do original music at sectionals, and she had come up with the choreography as well. It was just a shame that she hadn't called the bus company to arrange for a later pick-up, she thought to herself as a yawn slipped out.

"Oh don't you start as well!" Will moaned. "It's going to be hard enough waking that lot up when we get there; I can't have you falling asleep too."

"Hey. I haven't slept properly this past week" Shelby protested defensively. "I'm allowed to be tired."

Will rolled his eyes. "Whatever!"

A few rows behind them Rachel was sat with Puck, with his hand resting on her leg. Rachel was probably the only one, apart from Mr. Schue, who was actually awake and functioning. She couldn't understand what all the fuss was about; she got up at this time every day.

"I'm so looking forward to this" Rachel said excitedly.

"Hmmm?" Puck groaned, as his eyelids flickered open.

"Noah! You weren't falling asleep on me were you?"

"No, of course not Rach" he smiled back, rubbing his eyes. "Remind me of what you were saying?"

Rachel laughed. "I said that I'm really looking forward to today."

"Oh yeah, me too" Puck responded. "I can't wait to hear your solo" he added given Rachel a smile.

"Really?" she replied, unable to hide the grin on her face.

"Yep! You're going to be awesome" he said softly, planting a small kiss on her lips.

"Ewww! Get a room you two" Kurt exclaimed in mock disgust. This caused a few laughs from the rest of the bus, who clearly weren't as asleep as Mr. Schue had thought. Rachel could feel her face turning red in embarrassment.

"What if I don't want to?!" Puck said cheekily, before turning back to Rachel and planting another kiss onto her lips, and moving his hand slowly up her thigh.

"Noah, stop!" she exclaimed, giggling. "My mom's over there" she whispered quickly.

"Fine" he sighed, giving her another quick peck. "Later though" he whispered, winking cheekily at Rachel.

She smiled, shaking her head. "You're so bad!"

..

After waiting around for over 3 hours thanks to Mr. Schue's eagerness and the early start, it was finally time for the New Directions to start warming up. They were the first group to perform, so had to be ready for 12pm sharp. Mr. Schue was rushing around their small warm-up room in a fluster trying to make sure that everybody was doing what they were supposed to be. Shelby just stood to one side watching the chaos. Preparations with the New Directions really were a stark contrast to those that she had experienced with Vocal Adrenaline. With VA, she'd just stand back and watch as the group conducted their own warm-ups, before flawlessly running through their numbers. She sensed that the New Directions maybe needed a little steering in the right direction.

Shelby placed her fingers into her mouth and whistled loudly. Everybody stopped. Shelby laughed. "Now that I've got your attention, how about we go through some warm-up exercises together, as a group." Santana was about to object, but Shelby raised a hand to stop her before she could speak. "It wasn't a question Santana" she said curtly. "Now, listen up. Since we're going to be performing some pretty intense choreography, it's vital that our bodies are ready." Rachel listened and watched on admirably as her mom took the group through some stretches and various other warm up exercises.

Shelby indicated for the group to go and get some water before making her way over to Rachel. "Rach, I need you to take them through a vocal warm-up."

Rachel looked up at her mom. "Urm…me?" she questioned.

Shelby smiled and nodded. "Yes, you! I can't do it, my chest's still not quite right" Shelby said softly, gently rubbing her chest. "You'll be fine, I've heard you do it so many times before" she added reassuringly.

Rachel still wasn't convinced. "I've always done it alone. I've never done it with anybody. They won't listen to me anyway" she concluded dismissively.

"They'll listen sweetie, trust me" Shelby smiled. "Ok everybody!" she called. "Now, Rachel is going to take you all through some vocal exercises." Everybody in the room just nodded in agreement, still shocked into silence by Shelby's sudden change of character; they'd never seen this side of Shelby before. Rachel made her way sheepishly to the front of the room and begun to take the group through some exercises.

"Wow" Will breathed out as he made his way over to stand beside Shelby. "I have to say, I'm impressed" he admitted.

Shelby rolled her eyes. "I don't know why you're surprised. I'm not a two-time national champion for no reason, you know" she laughed. Will shook his head and allowed himself a slight chuckle. "You're not wrong" he mused.

..

Your words in my head, knives in my heart,

You build me up and then I fall apart,

Cause I'm only human.

Shelby wiped away a stray tear, before standing up alongside Will to applaud Rachel's solo which brought the New Directions' performance to an end. Rachel glanced over to see her mom beaming as the rest of the glee club joined her on the stage. Rachel smiled, sensing that she had done her mom proud. The group took a bow before exiting the stage and making their way into the audience to join Will and Shelby.

"I'm so proud of you" Shelby whispered as Rachel took the seat directly in front of her.

Rachel turned to give her mom a smile. "Thank you."

The New Directions sat patiently and watched on as the two other glee clubs gave rather mediocre performances. Finally it was time for the awards ceremony.

"And first place goes to… THE NEW DIRECTIONS"

Will and Shelby made their way over to collect the trophy, lifting it high in air, which was greeted by a chorus of cheers from the New Directions and the audience.

"This victory means that the New Directions have earned their place at the National Show Choir Championships in Houston, Texas" the rather over-excited announcer screamed into the microphone.

"We're going to nationals baby" Puck said as he planted a kiss on Rachel's lips.

"I can't wait!" Rachel grinned, as she started to follow Puck off of the stage. They followed the rest of the New Directions back to their holding room, where the celebrations continued.

"Hey Berry, I'm holding a party at my place this evening to celebrate. You wanna come along?" Santana said approaching Rachel.

Rachel looked a little uncertain and glanced over at Puck. "Yes, lover boy is invited too" Santana laughed, rolling her eyes. Puck gave Rachel a nod.

"Sure, we'll come" Rachel said politely, somewhat shocked that she had even been invited. Usually the only time Santana spoke to her was to make fun of her.

"Great, see you at 8" Santana replied. "Oh, and it's bring your own alcohol."

"Urm…ok" Rachel replied sheepishly. "We'll see you later then."

"You don't drink do you?" Puck questioned quietly after Santana had left.

Rachel looked down in embarrassment. "Not really" she admitted.

"Don't worry about it" Puck replied casually. "I don't really drink that much either. I'll look out for you."

..

Puck picked Rachel up from outside Shelby's apartment building just before 8pm. "You look amazing" Puck said softly as Rachel got into his truck.

"Thank you" Rachel responded with a shy smile, fiddling with her hair.

Puck could tell that Rachel was a little tense. "We don't have to go if you don't want to Rach. Nobody is forcing you to go."

"No, I want to" Rachel assured him. "I've just never really been to a house party before, that's all."

"That's alright. Just stick with me, and you'll be fine" Puck said gently, giving Rachel a reassuring smile. "Besides, everyone will be too drunk to remember it the next morning anyway!"

Rachel laughed. "Yeah, I guess."

The pair arrived at Santana's house after the short drive across town. They were greeted by an already drunk Santana. "Hey Rachel!" Santana slurred as she made her way unsteadily over to Rachel and attempted to hug her.

"Hey" Rachel replied cautiously.

"Welcome to mi casa. It's beautiful. Your beautiful" Santana muttered, before stumbling and almost ending up in the hedgerow. Luckily Puck managed to grab a hold of her arm and stop her from falling completely. "Oh gracias, kind chico" Santana said gazing into Puck's eyes. Thankfully, Brittany appeared in the doorway and quickly made her way over to the three of them.

"Hey guys" she said jovially, giving them both a hug. "Come on Sanny, let's get back inside" she said gently, taking hold of Santana's arm. Santana attempted to resist but was in no fit state to do so, so allowed herself to be led inside by Brittany.

"Wow, she's so drunk!" Rachel exclaimed, turning to face Puck.

"Tell me about it!" Puck replied, shaking his head. "Anyway, it's freezing out here. Let's get inside" he added, taking Rachel by the hand. The two of them made their way inside and were greeted by the rest of the glee club: Kurt and Blaine, Mercedes, Sam, and Quinn. Rachel gave Quinn a small, and somewhat fake smile before heading across to the opposite side of the room with Puck.

"I didn't know she was invited" Rachel said scornfully, glancing over in Quinn's direction.

"Come on Rach. I know you two don't get on, but please try and be civil." Rachel was about to snap back when Puck spoke again. "Please. For me?" he added gently, looking to Rachel with questioning eyes.

She smiled, unable to resist his charm. "Fine. But only for you" she giggled, giving him a small peck. The two of them danced and hung out with the rest of the New Directions for the next few hours.

"Hey love birds, we're going to play a drinking game. Are you gonna come join in?" Blaine called over.

"No thanks. I'm driving" Puck replied.

"How about you Rach?" Puck prodded.

"Urm..I don't think…"

"Oh come on! Don't be a bore!" Kurt teased.

Rachel thought for a moment. She didn't want to be boring, and she'd never played a drinking game before. It could be quite fun after all.

"I'm in!" she replied.

"Rach are you sure?" Puck asked concerned.

"Yeah, it'll be fun" she said innocently. Puck knew that this would probably end very badly, but there was nothing that he could say that was going to change Rachel's mind, so the best he could do was just keep an eye on her.

The game had been going on for around 25 minutes and Rachel had already consumed quite a significant quantity of alcohol. "I need to wee!" Rachel shouted loudly, attempting to get up from where she had been sat in Puck's lap. No sooner had she stood up, she felt herself lose her balance and ended up landing on top of Puck.

"Ok, that's enough" Puck said sternly. "Come on Rachel. I think it's time that we got you home."

Rachel looked round at Puck with a confused expression on her face. "But I don't want to go home daddy" Rachel whined. "Why are you spoiling my fun?" she screamed, getting more and more agitated.

Puck could tell that Rachel was very drunk and very confused. He gently rubbed her shoulder in an effort to calm her down. "Baby, look at me. It's Noah. I'm not your dad" he said gently, trying to get through to Rachel.

"Noah?" she questioned. "I want to sleep."

Puck sighed. "I know you do, Rach. Come on, I'll take you home." Puck helped to steady Rachel as she stood up, before carefully guiding her to the toilet, so that they didn't have any accidents on the way home. Within about two minutes of getting into the truck, Rachel was beginning to feel sick.

"I'm gonna be sick" Rachel moaned suddenly. Puck wound down Rachel's window just in time for her to lean over the side of the car and throw up out of the window. Puck stopped the car at the side of the road, before getting out and making his way round to the passenger door. He managed to get Rachel out of the car and held her hair back as she threw up for a second time.

"I feel awful" she whined.

"You don't look too hot either Rach" Puck replied, grabbing a bottle of water from his truck. "Here, try and drink this. It will help you feel better."

..

Around 30 minutes later they finally made it back to Shelby's place, after having to stop again for Rachel to be sick. "Rach, where's your key?" Puck questioned gently once they had reached Shelby's front door.

"What key?" Rachel said rather loudly.

"Your door key. Is it in your purse?" Puck prodded.

"I don't know" Rachel replied, almost falling into the closed door. Puck quickly grabbed her before she could make too much noise.

"Can I have a look?" Puck asked.

"Of course!" Rachel shouted happily.

"Rach, you need to be quiet" Puck urged, glancing at his watch. It was 1.30am. "Shelby and Beth will be asleep."

"Shhhh!" Rachel said softly, placing her hand to her lips.

"Yes, that's it" Puck responded, giving Rachel a small smile as he pulled her key from her purse. He opened the door, and quietly guided Rachel into the apartment. "Right, you need to get to bed" Puck whispered.

"Why are you whispering?" Rachel enquired loudly. "I can't hear you!" Puck placed his head into his hand, almost certain that Rachel had woken both Shelby and Beth up. His suspicions were confirmed almost instantaneously as he heard Beth start to wail, startled by the sudden noise.

"Rach" he protested. "I told you that you needed to be quiet."

Rachel looked at him with wide eyes. "I forgot" she sulked. Puck was about to go and see to Beth, when he saw an irritated-looking Shelby appear in the doorway.

"Nice one guys" she muttered sarcastically, not even looking at them, as she headed into Beth's room to try and get her back to sleep.

"She seems mad" Rachel slurred.

"I don't blame her!" Puck exclaimed. "You woke them both up Rach. That's why I told you to be quiet."

Rachel looked towards the floor. "I'm sorry" she sighed quietly.

"Let's just get you into bed" Puck insisted, taking Rachel by the arm and leading her towards her bedroom. Rachel crashed almost as soon as she got into bed, so Puck went and fetched her a glass of water from the kitchen, placing it on her nightstand, before turning off the light and exiting the room. Puck could hear Shelby in the next room still desperately trying to get Beth to settle. He gently pushed open the door.

"Shelby, I'm so, so sorry. I tried to tell Rach to be quiet, but she's so drunk."

"I can see that" Shelby snapped back sharply, still annoyed that she'd been woken up.

"As soon as I saw how drunk she was, I brought her straight home" Puck protested, trying to defend himself. Shelby knew that it wasn't Puck's fault and that he had done his best to look after Rachel.

"I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. Thank you for getting her home Noah" Shelby responded gratefully, giving him a small smile.

Puck smiled back at Shelby. "I should get going" he said quickly. "See you later Shelby" he added, grabbing his keys and making his way out of the apartment.

After what seemed like hours, Beth finally fell back to sleep, so Shelby set her down in her crib before quietly checking on Rachel. The teenager was asleep on top of the bed sheets, still wearing the clothes she had been wearing earlier that evening, with her hair tied back into a messy bun. Shelby wanted to be mad at Rachel for getting herself into such a state, but she knew that she herself had been in that position many times as a teenager. She watched her daughter for a couple of minutes before making her way back to her own bed to get some much-needed sleep.

..

Shelby wearily opened her eyes and glanced at her cell to check the time. It was 5.48am. She could hear Rachel wretching in the bathroom, so sighing, she pulled herself out of bed and made her way into the bathroom. Sure enough, Rachel was leant over the toilet, feeling sorry for herself. She didn't hear her mom enter the bathroom, so she jumped slightly when she felt someone rubbing her back. She turned to see her mom crouched beside her.

"I thought you were mad at me?" Rachel questioned sadly.

"I am. But that doesn't mean I won't take care of you. I'm still your mom" Shelby replied warmly.

"Mom, I'm sorry" Rachel whined. "I feel dreadful."

Shelby couldn't help but laugh. "That will be the wonders of alcohol Rach!"

"I'm never drinking again!" Rachel stated firmly.

"That's what they all say" her mom laughed.