Chapter 10
Not Anymore
Will
"Good morning, Mr. Schu," called Rachel from across the parking lot.
I waved to her as I slammed the door of my car. We met halfway and walked side by side to the entrance of the school.
"I have good news for you." As soon as I said it, her eyes widened and her mouth stretched back flashing all her teeth at me.
"She said yes!" She practically shouted this.
I nodded with a smile. "Tonight. She's inviting you to have dinner with us. How's that?"
She stopped so suddenly that I was already a few feet away from her before I realized this. When I turned to look at her, she had the same grin fixed on her face. She nodded.
"All right then." I turned and proceeded to my office.
Carrie was easy to convince. After I told her about the scrapbook, she was sold. I guess some things still haven't change. She may have had a sudden change of heart, but she still can't resist attention—especially from one who professes that she is her hero.
I really didn't want to be there with the two of them. But Carrie alone with Rachel might not be the best idea—for both of them, to be frank.
"I'm so proud of you, Will," Emma said from across her desk.
"I'll have you know that this is a test of my patience."
She smiled and nodded. "I know. That's why I am so proud of you."
"There's a possibility that I might hate her again, you know," I said matter-of-factly.
"Does that mean you don't hate her anymore?" She cornered me.
I paused to think. But, really, finding that there is nothing much to think about, I replied, "Not anymore."
She smiled and nodded again.
"But I'm still suspicious," I quickly said.
She tilted her head. "What could she possibly be plotting behind your back?"
"It's not about her having plans to destroy me. I'm suspicious about whether she's truly changed. Let me give you a much more tangible example. Sue Sylvester."
"Sue."
I nodded. "Carrie was the Sue Sylvester of my life when I was young. In parallel, Sue is the Carrie Schuester of my life now. Both of them, rubbing in their superiority to me. Of course, I acknowledge the difference that one never schemed for my destruction."
"So what does Rachel want with Carrie?"
"You know, I have no idea. I'm waiting to be surprised myself. But, knowing Rachel, it will be something over the top."
"And, what are the other kids' reactions to this meeting?"
I shook my head. "I don't think they know. I certainly won't be the one to tell them. I think Rachel is trying to keep it a secret, for whatever reason."
Emma leaned back against her chair. "I'm very surprised with you, Will."
I raised an eyebrow.
"You normally don't let Rachel get her way. Won't this create a problem with the others?"
I sighed, involuntarily. "It might. But I acted out of intuition. I think this is very important to her."
"Weren't you always saying that all the things that are important to Rachel are quite shallow?"
"I know, I know," I said as I brushed my hand against the side of my head. "This is different, though. I don't know how, really. I just have a feeling that it is."
She pursed her lips and nodded. There was a momentary silence as she contemplated on something. I waited for her to speak.
"So…" she began. "Do I get to meet the famous TV star?"
I laughed. "Are you serious?"
Emma laughed too. "I'm not completely oblivious to Hollywood, you know."
"That can easily be arranged," I said trying to be suave. "You might have to sleep with someone, though."
Emma blushed, and then laughed. "Depends on who it is. I'm just starting to be comfortable with intimacy, you know."
"I don't think you will have any problems with this one."
A/N: Next Chapter: Lie, Secret