Chapter 12
Obviously Not Ready
Will
Rachel looked like she was attending a school dance. She really did prepare for this meeting. From the moment she entered the presidential suite, Rachel had her full attention on Carrie. Carrie, on the other hand, absolutely adores her. She gave her a quick tour of the suite before they ended up looking at the scrapbook Rachel made for her while dinner was being prepared by the butler and the waiters from the restaurant.
During dinner, Carrie surprised me by drawing attention away from her by asking Rachel plenty of personal questions. She seemed to be genuinely interested in Rachel. Rachel, of course, was evermore happy to tell her stories. But of all of Rachel's narratives, I saw Carrie most intent on the tales about New Directions: from it's beginnings to my almost quitting to our win at Sectionals.
As soon as dessert was laid on the table, I looked at Rachel. "Well, you're up kid."
Rachel quietly looked at me and then turned to Carrie. "Well…"
"You want to ask my help on something?" Carrie said, trying to encourage her.
Rachel nodded. "Okay. I have several things to ask of you Ms. Wheeler."
"Please, Rachel, I thought we were past that."
"Right. Carrie." Rachel was nervous. I rarely saw this emotion on Rachel, but it was clearly identifiable this time. Very much out-of-character.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. "Okay," she began as she opened her eyes.
"I was going to ask 3 things from you, actually. First, will you sign my scrapbook?"
Carrie smiled at this. "Of course, dear. We should take a picture together too. I'd like to contribute a little bit more to your scrapbook."
Rachel brightened at this.
"Second?" I asked.
Rachel looked at me and nodded. She returned to Carrie. "Second, will you sing with me?"
"Is this the one on your Bucket List?" I inquired before Carrie could answer.
"It is," Rachel said with a smile.
"Then I would be honored to scratch that off your list," Carrie interjected as she reached for Rachel's hand.
"Can I upload it on my MySpace page?"
Carrie giggled. "Knock yourself out."
"Is there a third?"
"Last," she told me. "This is very important to me. I have always wanted this."
She paused and looked at Carrie and me. We waited.
"You remember how I told you that I want to be just like you?"
I turned to the same direction that Rachel stared. Carrie's huge grin tamed as she retracted her hands to her lap and leaned against the back of her chair.
"I want to ask your help to get me into the pre-college program of—"
"I can't do that, Rachel."
"But," Rachel looked at me then back at Carrie before she continued, "I'm really good."
"Then you don't need my help if you're as good as you say you are," Carrie declared. I was taken aback by the way she said it. It was cold and condescending. A reaction she had kept since she came back… until this very moment.
Rachel's mouth hung open. She was surprised at the unfamiliar tone too. Perhaps it was shame that came over her because she looked down. "We couldn't afford it right now," escaped her lips almost in a whisper.
Carrie glared at Rachel and asked, "You want me to get you a scholarship to Julliard?"
There was only silence.
"Or maybe you want me to pay for your tuition?"
I know I should step in but I was still in shock. I couldn't get a peep out of my lips even though they were already parted just waiting for the sound to come out.
"No, Rachel. You're obviously not ready."
I finally found my voice. "Carrie," I reprimanded.
Rachel nodded and slowly stood up. "If you'll excuse me," she said as she walked briskly to the door. At which point, I stood up as well.
I glared at Carrie before I went to follow Rachel to the hallway.
A/N: Next Chapter: Evasive Song
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