Hello I just wanted to say thankyou to everyone who's read/followed this story. Especially to those who added it to their story alerts or added me to their favourite story/author lists – it's very flattering. Xx
That night had changed Rachel's perspective on life. She tried to never think of the game again. Never the destination, always the journey is what Mr. Schue always said.
So three years later and college for Rachel was nearly finished. The time passed by quickly. She always had classes or assignments or studying or dance club or vocal ensemble or school musicals or catching up with friends or spending time with Shelby to even notice that three years had passed. She was happy and sad all at the same time.
A month before graduation, Rachel was stressed and busy with exams when Shelby paid her an unexpected visit.
Rachel was sitting at the small desk in her dorm that she still shared with Marissa. Marissa was out surfing, trying to take a break from studying – which was the opposite to what Rachel was trying to do.
And then a knock came at the door. Rachel thought that she had come home early so she shouted at her to come in, and was shocked to see Shelby there!
"Mom!" She cried. Ever since that night after the musical she called Shelby mom. "What are you doing here?"
"Paying my beautiful daughter a surprise visit" Shelby said happily
"What's the occasion?" Rachel wondered
"Oh nothing…" Her mom said nonchalantly "Except that I GOT ENGAGED!" She yelled. Rachel screamed.
"Oh my god Mr. Schuester proposed!" She cried
"Yes!" Shelby screamed back. After the girls calmed down Rachel asked
"Tell me everything! How? When?"
"Well, I was visiting Will at school and he had his glee club sing Lets get Married by Jagged Edge and then he joined in at the end and it was just beautiful and afterwards he proposed to me right in front of everyone and I said yes and we're getting married in a month – the day after your graduation and I want you to be my maid of honor and I want you to sing while I walk down the aisle, like you did for Carol and Burt's wedding all those years ago, and we'll ask Will's best man to sing with you and oh I'm so excited and nervous!" Shelby gushed
"Oh my gosh that sounds amazing!" Rachel cried "I'm so excited!"
Rachel was so excited! She was appointed chief Wedding Planner, which made her life very stressful with her upcoming exams. But she was Rachel Berry. She made it through.
Soon enough It was a week before the wedding, Shelby's dress had already been made and fitted perfectly, and they had chosen and tried out the hairstyle and taken care of the shoes of the bride. The bridesmaid dresses had been fitted and were just having last minute touches put on. The roses had been ordered, the cake was being made, and the table linen was picked out as was the venue, the band and the chairs. Rachel hadn't been there but the groomsmen had been fitted for their tuxes which were being made and the shoes and socks were all bought.
But there was still so much to do!
The Wedding was going to be at the nicest hotel in Ohio (which wasn't saying much) but they had picked out lots of beautiful things to brighten it up!
The people invited were Mr. Schuester's parents, Quinn and Puck and their parents, Finn, Kurt (he and Blaine split up) and his new boyfriend, Mercedes, Santana (unfortunately), Brittany, Artie, Mike and Tina (who would probably always be together), Carol and Burt and other friends and family of Will and Shelby.
However, as the date approached Shelby still wanted Rachel to sing with Mr. Schue's best man but she still hadn't met him. Exactly a week before the wedding Rachel confronted Shelby.
"Mom, I love you but I am so busy right now with school and planning the wedding and I need to know right now who Mr. Schue's best man is." She demanded
"Oh of course." Shelby said. She had been oddly averting the subject every time Rachel asked her. "I don't quite remember his name… he's a nice fellow, but I can't remember his name! Oh this wedding is making me crazy Rachel! I can't even remember the name of my fiancée's best man!"
"Well can you at least tell me what we're singing?" Rachel demanded
"You'll be singing Hello, by Lionel Richie."
"Hello?" Rachel asked. Oh no, she could not sing that song! "Um, I don't really think that's in my vocal range… besides isn't that traditionally sung by a man?" Rachel blurted out any excuses she could think of. She was not singing that song!
"We'll have it rearranged for you. And I think that a duet would sound just as lovely." She reassured her.
"Well I don't think it's a good idea. We haven't even had any practice time…" Rachel protested
"Honey, the rehearsal is Thursday and you can practice it then! It doesn't need to be perfect."
As if that's what she was worrying about!
It was over! All her exams and lessons were done – forever. She was nearly free. Just two more days and she was out in the real world. But she wasn't quite free of stress – she still was planning the wedding!
It was the rehearsal wedding – two days before the wedding. They had just finished the ceremony and dinner and now everyone got to go home. Except the bridesmaids, groomsmen and the special bride. They were all trying on their wedding attire.
Shelby had three bridesmaids – Rachel, Quinn and Shelby's best friend Linda. They were wearing beautiful burgundy purple dresses that were floor length and made of silk. They wore their hair back with flowers that matched the bouquet that they were carrying.
That night Rachel met two of Mr. Schuester's groomsmen – Finn and his friend Carlo. Finn and her were back to being friends after she told him everything. But she was frustrated. She still hadn't met his best man. He 'couldn't make it'. Mr. Schue said his name was Ben and she practiced the duet with Finn. It felt wrong however singing it with anyone but Jesse, which was very hard for her to admit. Especially since she no longer had the list…
And Jesse was invited the wedding – she saw his name on a place card. This worried her even more. Singing their old song in front of him with some guy named Ben. Her worst nightmare.
The next day was graduation which went by quickly. Rachel was sad to say goodbye to all her teachers but she knew she would see all her friends again so she wasn't worried.
That night she had her graduation performance which was when all of the Arts got a chance to showcase their best graduating talent – which meant a performance for Miss Rachel Berry, who was graduating with honors!
She performed a stunning rendition of Barbra Streisand Don't rain on my parade, which was kind of her signature song.
Afterwards she talked to so many people! Broadway actors and directors… They all were very interested. She was entertaining several offers already and when she left, the coat lady gave her ten or so bouquets of flowers, most of which contained offers from directors wanting her for a production. It was amazing.
But the night wasn't over! After that she had Shelby's hen's night. She didn't arrive till one and the party was in full swing. Everyone was drunk and it wasn't long before Rachel too was drunk.
At four in the morning they all finally crashed and Rachel was about to go to sleep when Shelby leaned over and said
"His best man is Jesse" and winked and fell asleep
Yes I know its highly unlikely Mr. Schue would ask Jesse to be his best man but just pretend that Shelby begged him to.