Disclaimer: OTH belongs to the CW. All song lyrics belong to their respective owners.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, again! I'm getting back in the saddle with this fic though so hopefully updates won't be so sparse. Thank you for all of the reviews!

Chapter Ten: And You're Shining In the Distance, I Hope I Can Make It Through

"Sometimes pain becomes such a huge part of your life that you expect it to always be there because you can't remember a time in your life when it wasn't. But then, one day, you feel something else, something that feels wrong, but only because it's so unfamiliar, and in that moment you realize you're happy." (Lucas Scott)

Most people had suspected that something was going on between Ripley and Rachel but the New Years' kiss actually made their suspicions a reality. Honestly Ripley had expected more of a fanfare and some of the cheerleaders had been giving her the evil eye but for the most part people kept their opinions on their relationship to themselves. She knew they were curious and probably dying for details but Rachel's tendency to do whatever she wanted was like the answer to everything. Oh Rachel's bisexual now. Yeah, we all saw that coming. Ripley of course didn't focus on any of that. To her walking through the hallways and being noticed wasn't anything new considering her sexual orientation. And while most were okay with keeping to their own circles to chat a few of the jocks had congratulated her on bagging such a hottie.

A few even wanted to know her secret.

There were only a few opinions that she gave a damn about though; those of her friends. While them liking or not liking Rachel wouldn't change what was going on she still sort of wanted their support. She wasn't asking for a miracle where Glenda was concerned but now that they were talking again she knew she could rant to her if she needed and that her best friend would listen. Even if the subject made her roll her eyes so hard she nearly hurt herself. The guys on the other hand were, naturally, all for the hook up.

Sitting at her usual table at lunch with her gang, she smirked when her friends started in on the change in her social life.

"In honor of this momentous occasion I think our dear Ripley should take us all out for drinks tonight." Eric said with a big grin. "I mean we should really be celebrating."

Glenda shook up her small milk before prying open the lid. "Why? What for?"

He took a bite of his sandwich. "Ripley is fucking Rachel Gattina. Now I know sex isn't cause for confetti and sparklers but let's take a look at the facts. One, Rachel had only ever been with guys before Ripley came along. Two, Rachel had been with a lot of guys before Ripley gayed her up. The fact that Ripley was able to gay her up at all means she is a bad ass motherfucker and we should all bow down before her."

Ripley laughed and shook her head. "Rachel and I aren't having sex…not that it's any of your business. We're taking things slow. Which is what you should be doing unless you wanna choke on that ham."

He shrugged and swallowed. "You're still dating like one of the hottest chicks in school. We all approve."

Glenda rolled her eyes. "Speak for yourself. Oh, sorry Rip."

The blonde waved a hand, just happy that she was back on speaking terms with her best friend. All things considered the reactions from the guys were exactly how she figured they'd go. No jealously or disbelief; just amusement and teases about obvious game that she wasn't sure she had. She hadn't played Rachel or tricked her into dating her, she'd just been sincere and apparently that is something Rachel wasn't used to but responded to just the same.

"Is she serious about the Clean Teen stuff?" Jeremy inquired. "When I saw her in that shirt I thought I was going to pass out. Talk about a hot virgin."

"I suppose so. Her and Brooke are going to meetings and stuff." Ripley explained chuckling. "Don't ask me how that happened because I have been sworn to secrecy. She does look cute in her shirt though, doesn't she?"

"I wanna eat it off her." Eric grunted. "Am I not allowed to perv on her anymore now that you are dating her?"

"One would think." Toby replied, eying him. "I'm happy for you Rip. You two looked so happy on New Years."

Ripley smiled at the memory. "That was a great night. I tell ya it's so weird sometimes to be dating her but I'm having a good time. She's nothing like people think. Well okay she is a little like people think but when we're together she's just Rachel."

Glenda pretended to gag but it was tinged with a grin. "I seriously have to get myself a real boyfriend because my fake one is putting me in the poor house. Not to mention nothing I send myself has my mom batting an eyelash. Next I'm going for like some S&M gear or something."

Ripley laughed. "I bet there are dudes just dying to ask you out, Glen. You should smile more because you've got nice smile."

Jeremy nodded. "And stop looking like you're one second away from invoking evil spirits."

She reached over and hit his shoulder. "Oh shut up! I don't think I am the problem. I think Tree Hill is the problem. They are used to a certain type and I totally don't fit it."

Ripley shrugged, sticking a straw into her Capri Sun. "With graduation right around the corner I don't think it matters who we are now. We're all going to go off to college or move out of state, and then we can start over."

Eric pouted. "You don't plan to stick with Rachel for like, ever and ever?"

It was honestly something that she hadn't thought about. People often said that high school romances hardly ever worked out but she wasn't against giving it a try if Rachel was game. Her thing would be wondering if Rachel wanted to keep her options open once school was over. Maybe she would wanna go back to guys once she was out in the big bad world. Maybe she just wouldn't want to be monogamous. It was something they should talk about however. She'd rather know the deal upfront than start planning for something that would never happen.

She cleared her throat. "I don't know, dude. It's not something we have talked about."

Glenda sipped her milk. "Do you think you could see yourself with her long term?"

Running her fingers through her long blonde hair, she let her eyes track over to where Rachel and Brooke were sitting, chatting with Shelly and her other Clean Teen pals. "Maybe. It depends on what we both want out of life. I mean I want a family and I want to travel. I want what my parents have." Pause. "She was raised extremely different from all that so perhaps she's not into it. Then again she likes hanging out with my family and I so…I don't know. We'll see how things play out."

Toby offered up a small smile. "Why don't we all just focus on Prom? Or at least those of us that don't have dates."

"Don't remind me!" Eric and Jeremy wailed in unison.

"I'm going stag." Glenda said proudly. "It's the one thing I'm actually looking forward to for some stupid reason. Never thought I was the type that would want to dress up"

"I think it'll be fun." Ripley wiggled her brows up and down. "It's the one night when there shouldn't be any bullshit because everyone thinks they look too good to start any."

Jeremy elbowed her in the side. "Will you be sealing the deal on Prom night in the back of Rachel's SUV? God that would be so hot. Not…your part in it but her."

Ripley laughed. "So I'd just be some faceless shadow?"

He rubbed his chin and chomped on a French fry. "Pretty much, yes. I mean you're hot Rip but you're Rip. That would be like fantasizing about my sister if I had a sister. It would be like fantasizing about Toby's sister."

Toby balked. "Hey! You used to babysit for her."

His friend grinned. "Exactly."

Shaking her head the blonde tore open her bag of chips. She tuned out as Toby and Jeremy got into light funny argument about Toby's little sister Claire and looked again to where Rachel and Brooke were sitting. A guy she had never seen before had joined their conversation; both girls looked quite taken with him and it made her snort. The thought of Rachel checking out some cute guy—and she could recognize when a guy was cute—didn't bother her the way she thought perhaps it should. She wasn't sure why she trusted that Rachel wouldn't cheat on her but she did. Maybe because the Rachel that chased cock wasn't the same Rachel that relaxed into her arms when they lounged on her bed to talk about nothing.

I think she's serious about our relationship. At least I hope she is. Maybe I should bring this up though I don't wanna upset her by making her think I don't trust her. Man, how did this happen? How am I already so into her? I was supposed to be protecting myself.

Glenda leaned into her space, speaking lowly so that the boys couldn't hear. "You okay?" She followed the blonde's bright blue eyes. "Ooh new guy. Worried Rachel might mount him?"

Ripley frowned. "No. Or I wasn't…"

Glenda patted her shoulder. "Hey I was just kidding. Besides it looks like Brooke's got dibs anyway." Pause. "I know I'm not her biggest fan but it's obvious you make her happy. She'd be a fool to throw that away for a quick fuck."

Ripley tugged at her friend's hair. "You're sweet. And I hope you're right. I didn't know I was going to like Rachel the way I do. I mean it's not at Ella levels but it's fun. If she dissed me like that I have to admit, it would hurt."

The other girl snorted. "If she cheated on you I would beat her fake breasted head in."

"I'm really feeling the love here."

"Good. That's what I am. A giant Goth ball of love."

There were quite a few things Rachel got into before she hooked up with Ripley. A very wide range of shit that would make even the raunchiest person blush. Her exploits were probably archived somewhere and might prevent her from being able to get a good job someday, not that she cared. She figured she was fabulous enough to make it on her good looks especially if Brooke's clothing line really took off and she could wheedle a job out of her good friend. And if not her parents were loaded so she was set for life.

Anyway though yeah she'd done bad things and sometimes those bad things came back to bite her in the ass either in the form of being expelled from several schools or—just recently—being kicked out of Clean Teens. She didn't care because it had been nothing but a cover but really, Shelly did not have to embarrass her in front of everyone like that. So pre-Ripley she'd went to a frat party and danced with her top off? So she might have…stolen a Clean Teen shirt back then just for kicks and worn it to said party; it wasn't like she writhed against a pole while guys stuffed money down her panties.

That she had always been saving for her twenty first birthday.

Her point however was that having super born again virgin Shelly yell at her in front of a room of pathetic nerds and then demand she hand in her Virgin for Life t-shirt had been totally uncalled for! Not to mention her and Ripley hadn't even been able to have any fun with the shirt first. Also Meadow's boyfriend's eyes had bloomed to the size of quarters at the sight of the tape. Bet he'll be telling Meadow ASAP. She won't look up to me anymore probably.

Of course stripping off my top in front of everyone probably didn't win me any points either but I couldn't let that bitch know she'd ruffled me. I can't believe Brooke didn't go with me though! Seriously selling me out for a guy? I mean I get it and probably would have done it in the past myself but…c'mon! I was making a stand for Christ's sake!

Sighing, Rachel stalked to her locker in nothing but a short denim skirt and lacy blue bra, quickly putting in her combination. She threw open the metal door and yanked out a simple gray hoodie, slipping it on with a smile. It was Ripley's hoodie; she'd left it at her house and she had kept meaning to give it back to her but was now happy she'd forgotten. Otherwise she'd have to go home topless. School was out for the day but after school activities were in full swing and she got the feeling Principal Turner frowned on public bouts of semi nudity.

Closing her locker when she was done, she turned and headed towards the main doors and outside across the parking lot. There was a girl pacing in front of her SUV with long dark red hair wearing all black, including black lipstick. Rachel had seen her with Ripley a few times and she knew they were friends, though it didn't explain why she was here now.

"Um hello?" Rachel said slowly. "Can I help you?"

The girl looked up. "Yeah. I'm Glenda—I'm Ripely's best friend."

Glenda. Right. "Oh hey. What's up? Do you need a ride or something?"

Glenda shook her head. "No I…look. We don't know each other and to be honest I don't think much of you. I've heard all about you and maybe it's not fair to judge based on gossip but it's not like it's not true. You'd done some bad shit and you—you didn't give a fuck who you hurt in the process." Pause. "And whatever. Fine. But Ripley and I have been friends for a long time and she's awesome. She's always been there for me and for some unknown reason she really likes you. So I just want to tell you that if you hurt her, I will rip every strand of dyed red hair out of your head and make you eat it. Are we clear?"

Usually Rachel would insult anyone who dared to say something like that to her but for once she didn't because truth be told she kinda liked the sentiment behind it. It was sweet that Ripley had a friend willing to beat someone up if they hurt her feelings and made her wish she also had someone willing to do that for her.

"We're clear." She replied. "For what it's worth though, I really like her too. I know you might not believe that but it's the true."

"I hope it is." Glenda folded her arms over her chest. "Especially for Rip's sake." Without another word she turned and headed for a van.

Rachel could appreciate a girl with guts even if her fashion sense left a lot to be desired.

The door opened and slammed shut downstairs to signal that Brooke was home. Rachel rolled her eyes and continued applying her make up in front of her vanity, wearing nothing but panties and a soft small little blue robe. She really didn't have anything to say to the brunette and wanted to just focus on getting ready for her night out with Bevin and a few of the other cheerleaders, the ones still talking to her of course. She'd sort of been neglecting them—especially Bevin, not that she was coherent enough to notice—since hooking up with Ripley and she wanted to make it up to them. It was funny though because for as dumb as Bevin was she was totally supportive about her new found sexuality. Though her wanting to know details was kinda weird.

"Hey. We have a problem." Brooke hurried into the room.

"Yeah, you stabbed me in the back from the front." Rachel mused fiddling with her hair.

Brooke blinked. "Okay we have two problems. Did you return the calculus exams that we stole?"

Rachel shrugged; she honestly couldn't remember. "Maybe." Pausing, she looked up at her friend. "Okay I forgot."

Appalled, Broke shouted, "Rachel! Turner knows the tests are missing, and now he's on a total witch hunt."

Rachel got up and headed to her closet full of many clothes. "Who cares, Brooke? He doesn't know it was us." She pulled down a short black mini skirt. "The bigger problem is how you left me hanging today."

Her friend balked. "You said it yourself; Clean Teens was our alibi. Otherwise, we can't justify why we were in the school that night."

The redhead rolled her eyes, not believing that for a second. Especially since there was a guy involved. "That is not what's going on. You screwed me over for a guy who won't screw you."

"I—oh please, like I couldn't get Chase after a little chase." Brooke mused, following her around the room as she put her outfit together.

Rachel chuckled. "I think you're forgetting something." She tapped the brunette with a plastic clothes hanger. "You see Chase is into smart, born-again-virgin Brooke. Not stupid, slutty, I cheated on the calculus test Brooke."

Brooke clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Fine. But have you seen me? Because I could easily have sex with him if I wanted to."

Intrigued, Rachel grinned deviously. "Interesting. Care to bet on that?"

Brooke eyed her for a moment before nodding. "Sure. I bet you that I can totally have sex with Chase. And when I win you have to give me that leather jacket you're so fond of."

"Deal. And when I win you have to be my maid for a week." Rachel winked. "And watch girlie porn with me."

"What? Why? I mean I'll do it but why?"

"I've just been wondering about lesbian sex and thought maybe a porno would help. Like a how to video for the inexperienced."

"Heh you just called yourself inexperienced. That's cute. I don't think lesbian porn is the right way to go though. I'd suggest a book."

"Do they have books on how to make your vagina tighter?"

A laugh broke through Brooke's lips before she could stop it. "Wow. I do think they exist. You should Google it." A beat. "Anyway I have a bet to go win!" She waved with her fingers and then hurriedly changed clothes before darting out of the room and downstairs.

Rachel laughed lightly and flopped down onto her bed, running her fingers through her long hair. Sex with her girlfriend seemed inevitable and she wanted it but she was also worried about certain areas like she'd mentioned to Brooke. Guys never complained but they were working with different equipment and she was under the impression they didn't care as long as they were sticking their cocks into something. She on the other hand had often been left high and dry by a tiny penis. A small dick could be good if the person knew how to use it but most didn't.

She just didn't want Ripley to be disappointed. And that was a new feeling because usually she didn't give a damn if she disappointed anyone because that is all she ever did anyway. Her parents, her former friends—the few they were—herself; after not giving a shit for so long she was scared of the new sensation. It meant she had something to lose and she hated that. Especially when there was still so much she was hiding. Secrets that would tear apart her entire world and maybe even drive her to do something…very bad.

The ringing of her cell phone drew her out of her morbid thoughts and she reached for it. "Hello?"

"What are you wearing?" Came the husky accented voice on the other end.

Rachel laughed. "Just panties and a smile."

"Really?" Ripley inquired. "Damn. Kinda wish I hadn't called while my dad's in the truck."

A gruff laugh sounded and Rachel snorted. "Actually I'm in the first stages of getting ready. Bevin and I are hanging out tonight. Apparently there is going to be stripping or something with Skills and Nathan. You can come if you want."

Ripley snickered. "That's okay. While Nathan and Skills are both handsome I don't really wanna see them getting naked. But um, if you had a few my dad and I are headed to the hardware store and he could check out your leaky sink if you wanted. See if it needed any parts."

Seeing her girlfriend always brought a smile to her face, so the redhead agreed. "That sounds cool. You guys are welcomed to stay even after I leave. I know you're not gonna rob me or anything."

"Not of your valuables, no. But you do have some jeans I like."

"You can borrow anything that fits. You know that."

"I do. I just like messing with you. We'll be there soon."

"Okay. Bye." Hanging up, Rachel tightened the sash on her robe and skipped downstairs into the kitchen.

I suppose I should be worrying more about the whole calculus test thing but it's not like Turner has any proof it was me and Brooke. If he did he'd have hauled us into his office already. We'll be fine. Brooke won't fail to graduate and I'll continue to be the awesome one who helped her pass.

If nothing else.

Looking in the fridge, she made a mental note to write up a grocery list, things were getting pretty scarce. She could probably pay the maid to do the shopping but she almost kinda wanted to go with Ripley. She didn't know why she wanted this and she had a feeling looking too deeply would stress her out, something she wanted to avoid at all costs. Tonight was about joking around with friends not thinking about things that made no difference. She'd been doing that since the night of Brooke's birthday and nothing had changed.

That's not true though. Everything has changed. You've changed, drastically.

Pulling the magnetic pad off the freezer door and digging a pen out of a drawer, she started writing down items to be picked up. She was debating on whether or not to add alcohol to the list when suddenly the back door flew open having been kicked so hard that the hinges bent inward. Rachel screamed as a figure dressed in black rushed into the room and grabbed her upper arms, squeezing hard and tossing her to her floor. She flipped over and immediately started crawling towards the living room, darting under the table and between the chairs as meaty gloved hands snapped at her ankles. She shrieked when one latched on and yanked, dragging her across the smooth linoleum, her arms hitting the table legs painfully, her nails breaking as she tried to find something to hold onto.

"Stop it!" Her attacked yelled slapping her across the face.

His right hand tightened in her robe for leverage, causing the fabric to rip and she jerked roughly, flailing out madly, striking at whatever area of him that she could reach. It was as if her brain had taken her someplace else, to fight someone else.

"Not again!" She shouted repeatedly. "Not again!"

The masked man snatched up a handful of her hair and tugged until tears appeared in her eyes. "I said shut up!"

"Hey!" Came a third voice.

It happened fast; the man holding Rachel down was plucked off of her like he weighed nothing and put into a serious choke hold that had him sputtering, his feet kicking out helplessly. It took Rachel a moment to realize the arm around his neck belonged to Jeffery Sinclair, who wore an expression that he was not here for any bullshit.

"Rachel!" Ripley nearly tripped over her own feet getting to her side. "Hey, hey are you okay?"

"I—I'm fine." Rachel lied, panting rapidly. "I'm fine."

Ripley wrapped her arms around her and helped her up. "You are not fine. Some asshole just tried to rob you or something." She picked up the phone and dialed 911. "Don't worry everything is going to be okay."

Rachel sniffed; she was trembling. "Is your—is your dad going to be okay?"

The blonde looked to where her father was still easily holding the intruder, now having bent the guy's right arm up at a painful angle behind his back. "Yeah. I'd say he's got this. Hello? Yeah I need you to send the police immediately…"

"This wasn't my idea!" The intruder yelled as he was dragged away by the cops. "I was paid! Some little brunette bitch paid me! I was just doing what I was told!"

Rachel sat on her couch with a blanket around her shoulders watching as the police took statements and traipsed through her house. All she wanted was for them to leave so that she could get dressed, go to the club and pretend this night never happened. She was good at that; she could already feel the numbness setting in and by tomorrow this would be some distant memory she only thought of when she was too drunk to stop it.

Sighing, she smoothed down her hair. "Are they gonna be much longer? I gotta meet Bevin."

Ripley looked at her. "Maybe you should come home with us. Spend the night."

The redhead shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Obviously that asshole was just trying to steal some shit for his crack habit. But the cops got him now so everything is okay."

"Are you sure?" Ripley ran her fingers through her silky red hair. "I know you're a tough chick but this had to have been scary. I would have been scared. It's okay if you are." Pause. "You can come home with me and we'll have a slumber party. And tomorrow I'll make you pancakes."

That sounds so good. God, why does that have to sound so good? "I—I don't wanna impose."

"Baby you're never imposing. I like it when you're around." She smiled, entwining their fingers together. "I always do. It's okay to let someone else take care of you sometimes. Especially when that person cares about you like I do."

Words stuck in Rachel's throat so she swallowed hard, pulling Ripley close for a tight hug. She needed her and she hated that she needed her, because needing people left you open for so much devastation and honestly she wasn't sure she could take anymore. Everyone had a breaking point after all. Yet the best way to never reach hers was to either hold on tighter or let go altogether. Letting go was easy because there had never been anything she cared enough to keep, except for Cooper of course. Maybe if he'd cared like she had she wouldn't have went so crazy.

Or maybe I would have went crazier. Who am I kidding letting go isn't easy. I wanted him because I had nothing and if I lose Ripley I'll go right back to having nothing.

"I need to tell you something." Rachel whispered. "It's—I just—"

"Oh my god! What happened?!" Brooke slipped past the police on the porch and inside, whipping her head around from side to side. "Rachel! Are you okay? Were we robbed?!"

Perfect timing as always, Brooke. "No. It's a long story." And getting longer by the minute.