Something Missing
Chapter 11
A/N: I know you hate me! I hate me! I didn't abandon this and I hope you guys done either. All references are reserved to Fox, Glee and the powers that be. This is totally Unbeta'd. Sorry…
*Los Angeles*
One might think that Rachel Berry is a morning person that her bubbling gravitational always chipper personality was there from the moment her eyes opened but that was farther from the truth. If it weren't for the invention of alarm clocks, iHome and wake up calls; the diva would be dead to the world. Here's a little fact it takes exactly 5 alarms starting from 5 a.m. and the aroma from the coffee pot at 5:30 to get the little brunette to stir from her deep slumber.
As the tempo and the drums to Slipknot's 'fuck it all' song (not because she hates the world but the beat is just fucking annoying) picks up the diva's eyes flutters open. Her eyes adjust to the darkness in the room. She slowly rolls over to hit the snooze button on the iHome and rolling back the diva starts rubbing her eyes and begins her stretches. Rachel swings her legs over the bed and her feet twitch as it touches the cold hardwood floor. The brunette paddles her way to the bathroom and washes up. She goes back in to her room and pulls out her work out clothes.
The apartment that she rented was completely furnished but the only thing that she requested was an elliptical. The singer is a bit tedious about her workout regimen but it's been one of the constants in her life. She loves gliding her legs back and forth, focusing her mind on one point and just zoning out. Through the middle of her work out the morning talk radio distracts her.
"….Thank you Jimmie, Good morning Sunny Los Angeles this KMM news it is 6:17 in the morning and now on to our Entertainment news. Reports that Princess of Broadway, Rachel Berry is dating her Co-Star Andrew Dean, the two were spotted having lunch in L.A's trendy restaurant LaPush. When asked about the now infamous kiss at JFK airport with Photographer Lucy Q no comment was made. Does Broadway's Princess of Theater need a Prince or Princess for her happy ending? And on other news the Stock Market….."
Rachel rolled her eyes at the morning news reporter. It still amazes her that the media creates some ridiculous stories out of nothing. She remembers the day she was having lunch with her co-star Andrew. The network asked for them to start hanging out, outside of the studio to gain publicity for the show. Andrew was a gentleman the entire time, he was well aware of the relationship the diva had with the blonde. Every moment that she was not reading lines or acting out a scene, she was on the phone texting, talking, and video chatting with her girlfriend. He knew that she was very much in love with the woman and Andrew made sure that the diva was safe from all the hounds trying to get a piece. Rachel was grateful for his kindness and protection.
The diva has an important meeting today. David called her up last night telling her that the network wants to renegotiate her contract making her a possible regular on the show. Generally she would be ecstatic to this type of news but Rachel wasn't. Yes, being on the show was a dream and learning how acting was very different than Broadway. She missed it. Missed the alive feeling after a song, the cheers and closeness that the stage brings, the sense of family she felt with the audience and cast. Any other time she would agree to the change, immerse herself in her work, in her career but that was when she had nothing else to really live for.
Almost 3 months ago she ran in to Quinn by chance and they instantly connected. They sang to each other and the moment that their lips met, they were tethered. Any other time she would have never let a person stand in the way of her dream but Quinn is not any person and she has lived her dream, Hollywood was just because she was bored.
The diva finishes her workout and walks to the bathroom and showers. After she was down washing and lathering she gets out of the shower, water droplets cascading down her olive skin. She stands in the mirror and dries her drenched locks. After her hair is straight she makes her way to the closet. She puts on long black slacks a white button down shirt and black pumps. Her attire screams business casual power house.
The brunette walks to the kitchen and drinks her cup of coffee. Picking up her phone and calling her lover. She knows it's about 10am in New York. The phone rings and then she hears music 'was that Defying Gravity she just heard?' The brunette smirks as she hears the music lowered.
"Good Morning Gorgeous" the Blonde says
"Good Morning to you too baby"
The women talk about what were their plans for the day. How they were feeling and the usual I love yous and I miss yous. The conversation was cut short when Rachel's buzzer was ringed.
"Damn it! The driver is here. I have to go. We'll continue this conversation later"
"Yes we will. Good luck and no matter what happens. I love you."
"I love you too. Talk to you later"
*Paramount Studios*
Rachel thanked her driver as she exited the vehicle. David was standing near the entrance typing away on his phone. He notices his boss and makes his way to the diva.
"Good Morning Rachel" David says as he escorts the brunette up the short path to the building
"Good Morning David. Lovely day isn't it?" the diva replies. Her heels clicking on the sidewalk
"Yes. It is but I seriously miss New York. By lunch time I'm cooking here! It's so fucking hot"
The diva lets out a small laugh. "Language" she chastises "I miss New York too. What do you think this meeting is about?" she asks curiously
"Well from what I got from the producers they honestly love you and want to add your character to the show. So I'm hoping it's that."
"I'm delighted that they love me but I would have to think it over."
"What's there to think? It's a permanent spot that means we have your foot in the door Rachel. You conquered Broadway now you will conquer Hollywood!" he says with a grin
"I know. It's just Quinn." she starts
"Are you kidding me? Am I hearing you right? Quinn? When have I ever heard you choose anyone other than yourself?"
Rachel stops walking and looks sternly at her manager "Careful David. This is different."
David lets out a heavy sigh of defeat. "Ok. I'm sorry that came out wrong. Let's just hear what they have to say before we get ahead of ourselves."
The brunette nods and they both make their way in to the building. Signing in at the front desk they take the elevators to the 28th floor. David announces to the receptionist that Ms. Rachel Berry is here for a 9am meeting. They take a seat in the waiting area.
Rachel and David were called in and they made their way to the conference room. The large room was housed with an over-sized black oval table and extreme plush chairs. At the far right corner of the room seated the executive of the show Richard Wiener, the Producer Josh Black, the lead actor of the show Andrew Dean and his manager Stacy Reid. The pair greeted everyone with pleasantries and they all took their seats.
Josh started out the conversation, clearing his throat "Rachel, we called you in this morning because we wanted to see if you would like to be part of the permanent cast? I mean we absolutely adore you and you would make a fine edition to "Lasting Impressions."
Rachel blushed and thanked Josh. "Thank you everyone. This has been an eye opening and wonderful experience for me. I would love to say yes right at the moment but do you think it would be possible to think it over?"
Josh looks over to Richard for any sign of disapproval. The older man just nods. "Well, another thing I would like to bring up would be some formalities with your associations."
Rachel slowly nods her head in confusion, Associations? "I'm sorry what do you mean associations?"
Josh's eyes shift nervously to Richard who gives him a stern look urging him to go on. Josh pulls out some newspapers and magazines and pushes them forward. David and Rachel pull the articles of paper closer to them. Rachel's eyes widen as they were articles and photos of the JFK kiss, individual candid's and photos of Quinn's work. Rachel swallows thickly and looks back at Josh. The young producer's eyes looked deep with remorse.
Rachel slowly starts "So…this is the 'association' that you were mentioning?"
"Yes." Josh says "That is one of the formalities that we would need to clear up if you decide to be part of the show."
"I'm sorry. Josh and Mister Wiener I do not see how my relationship has anything to do with the show or my abilities as an actress."
The Older executive clears his throat his voice was deep and scratchy as if he dedicated his life to smoking camel cigarettes. "Miss Berry as you may know Hollywood and Television are an entirely different group from Broadway. We have the capabilities to enter the homes of millions of viewers. As progressive as the times may be, many of our viewer desire respectable family oriented television. Now I am not saying that you or your group of people are not respectable or immoral but if you want any future with Paramount Studios I urge to play by the rules."
"What Richard is trying to say Rachel is that if you decide to continue with us we do require you cut all ties to Lucy Q. Andrew here as agreed to be your escort while we go through the transition and publicity."
Rachel pinches the bridge of her nose and tightens her eyes. She couldn't believe what was happening at this moment. She stands up quickly and takes a quick glance around the room. "I'm sorry you want me to 'Beard up'?" Rachel quickly shakes her head "Excuse me gentlemen and Ms. Reid. As many of you know I was raised in a small town. I am the daughter of two very proud and very wonderful gay men; Men who I love and respect very much. Yes it has always been a dream to transition from stage to film but not with my ability to sell out but by my talent. I have lived my dream gentlemen. I sang and danced at sold out stages for 6 years. I have travelled the country putting on performances. I am talented, successful, strong and independent and if this studio cannot accept me for who I am then I'm sorry we can no longer continue with this contract."
"Rachel..." David starts "Looks let's just think about this. This is a great opportunity for you and your career."
Rachel huffs, rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. Of course David will not see how much they insulted her and everyone she has ever cared for and respected. "No David. I have made my decision. I will not agree to the terms of this travesty. I apologize if I do not meet your standards as a human being but I have too much respect for myself to agree to this."
Rachel walks over to Andrew. He wraps his arms around her "I'm sorry to see you leave and I'm sorry it came to this."
"It's not your fault Andy. You take care of yourself. Don't let them lose yourself." She embraces him again. Andrew pulls back to look in the diva's brown eyes "hey. One good thing out of this…"
"And what's that?" she quietly laughs
"You get to see Quinn." he sings
Rachel laughs harder. "You're right. Take care of yourself Andy"
"You too Rachel." The actor says
Rachel walks out of the conference room with her head held up high. As she stumbles out the paramount studio building her body trembles with excess adrenaline. She pulls out her cell phone and shakily dials Quinn's number. The phone rings and goes to voicemail.
"Hey it's Quinn. I'm not here to pick up your call please leave your name and number and I'll try to reach you as soon as possible" Beep
"Hey darling" the diva says in a shaky voice "I really need to talk to you. Call me back as soon as you get this. I love you baby." The smaller woman says to Quinn's voicemail.
Rachel takes a cab back to her apartment.
14 missed calls. 7 voicemails. 3 boxes of tissues. 1 tub of vegan chocolate ice cream later.
The diva falls asleep curled up in her bed. Unable to reach her lover. Unable to hear the blondes soothing voice, Unable to cry and feel safe in her arms.
But little did she know that 2,462 miles away her lover's heart was breaking.
A/N: Good Reviews / Bad Reviews / Any Reviews! Thanks for Reading