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"I don't understand why you are being so stubborn. It was your idea," Andrea said as her, Emily, Kaylie and Rachel were in the Escalade driving to a run-down warehouse in north Elida. Rachel looked up at her, eyes blazing with a mixture of fury and fear. "It's not like I meant it. It was a joke. Seriously, I'm exhausted."
Emily looked back at her. "Fifteen minutes, we go in, we walk around. You dance, we dance. We leave. Yes, it's a rave. But a promise was a promise. And you suggested that we not break it for any reason. We knew the core person responsible for the win had to go. That's why we were going to wait, right, Kay?"
"Right. We have your back, Rachel. Its fifteen minutes. No sex, no drugs no nothing." She nodded.
Rachel sighed, frustrated. "Noted."
"Good," Andrea said. "Because we are here."
A gravel parking lot held numerous makes and brands of cars mostly older ones. However, a few were nearly new. The corrugated steel walls were tagged with elaborate street art, as well as puffy letters over a patina of corrosion and rust red. Abundant xenon lights filled the sky with brightness but only in the parking lot and near the door. The rest held inky darkness. Crumbling concrete mixed with grime decorated the remainder along with fitful weeds.
At the pitch black entrance stood a bulky, lean lined Spaniard who stocky girth placed him a head taller than Rachel but much tougher. His bare chest bore the zig zag dollar sign. Above his head in fluorescent paint shouted the tag, 'Take it off.'
Rachel got out, hesitant. "We got your back. You don't have to do anything but dance when you get in. Fifteen in and out." Andrea repeated.
Why do I have a foreboding about this? At least I have the rape whistle, Do I? Fudge! She remembered she didn't bring it, only her clutch.
Kaylie grew frustrated. "I know…it's out of your comfort zone but—" she stopped as Rachel wheeled around, staring, fierce. "Noted. I can do this. Now what is this other than a rave?"
Andrea stepped up, hiding her frown. "It's an exclusive place. We all know Bruce. He's the owner. He's a friend of Lagan Sebert. And tonight, his sis will be singing. That's what's up with the dollar signs." She spray painted a quick dollar sign in gold fluorescent glitter paint she had in the glove box on her wrist. Emily and Kaylie came up and did the same.
Why am I doing this? Because we won and I didn't want to break tradition. They were really disappointed. At least, it gets me in tighter. It's just disgusting, nasty and eww. Extending her hand, she stared off at the guy. He licked his lips at her. She cringed. "It's a hole in the wall."
"A dirty free for all. But if you go hardcore, it's the best show. There's even glitter on the floor." Emily said amused. She grabbed Rachel's arm, pulling her along. She stumbled, but ran to keep up. They flashed both wrists. Rachel had put on her charm bracelet having wanted to see how it felt. So they all matched.
Bruce caught them as they rounded the first glo-stick lit corner into the main area. The only thing lit was the stage behind him, A tall woman which limp yet wavy dishwater blond hair and a roundish face sang. She was thickly built, wearing leather, lace and glitter paint.
"Ladies, you know the rules. The changing room is that way." He pointed away from their direction to an oasis of bright light at the end of the hall.
"We won state all-stars, Bruce. And Krystal said…" Emily said swiftly, concerned.
"I know what Krystal said. I was there. You get victory clothes for the month. Go, because I insist on the other rules," he said gruffly, his shaggy, portly physique not imposing at all.
Rachel swiftly followed them. I can do this. Why am I doing this? Eww, what are they doing to her. OH, they are…aw that's wrong. Why is he wearing that bustier? And what is with her wearing tape on her-oh my. She kept looking around, horror and disgust entrapped as expressions.
When Rachel got close enough to the stage, the women looked down at them and suddenly stopped. Except nothing else did.
"Hi, I'm Kesha Sebert. And you are Rachel Berry, right?" She said in a slightly deep lilt. She held a delighted smile, like she just got a charm she always wanted.
"Yes. Nice to meet you," she smiled back, clueless. "You sing good. Not as good as me but good."
Emily had just walked up when she held that and froze shocked. Yet Kesha blew it off with a chuckle. "We'll see. The first song from my album Animal has been out about a month as a digital download. It's much better than this dive. I just love this when I want to go hardcore, you know. Neko ears, the glitter, the sex, and the strobes. It's great fun."
"Wouldn't know. Too busy doing glee and this." Rachel replied arrogantly. "It's too grimy."
"You are everything Dr. Luke told me about you. You are the buzz of the industry. Mark is damned lucky to have found you. I want to do a collaboration with you; F%©k the label. When are you recording?"
Rachel blinked, the music washing over her. "Saturday at Studio 8."
She grinned, and then hugged her. 'You are so genuine. This place is so remote but I think I can get him out here. Regardless, I want to be a part of your first. And I want you on my next. Can you write? Of course you can. I've seen your YouTube and MySpace. Anyway, stay if you can. You look exhausted."
Rachel stared, confused. What now. Do I want her on my album? I don't even know who she is. I should call Mark. "Thanks. You are welcome to our Rosh Hashanah celebration Friday at Forest Hills."
Emily rested her hand on her shoulder. "Rachel, do you realize she's-"
"Like me, just starting," she paused. "I see no harm in inviting her."
But Emily just stood there shell shocked. Kesha didn't. "I would love too but I have a promo thing in Columbus. Where will you be tomorrow night?"
"At the celebration banquet at Forest Hills." Kaylie said, surprised. He waved her arms, wildly gesturing. Emily simply shrugged, pointed at Rachel.
"I'll see you there. No grunge. No war-paint. We can hash out a song to sing together. I have over 200." With that came more bubbly delighted hugging and then she dove back on the stage. 'Your love is my drug' fell out of her lips as she grooved on.
"We need to go before the dream ends and we wake up passed out and naked on the floor," Emily remarked as she walked swiftly towards the exit.
Rachel ran after her. "Hey, you make it sound like she did a bad thing." She said as they paused in the entry way. Andrea who had been dancing and missed the entire exchange ran over. "Fifteen minutes. Perfect." Then she caught the tension. "What happened?"
"Everyone loves me," she remarked as she walked out the opening.
Except her. Standing woozy and worse than one of the dancers was Quinn. Only Finn was supporting her. "I can explain." Hands slid to her hips as the euphoria melted away.
Finn exhaled as he got out of the car in front of the warehouse tagged with bubble words and street art. On particular bubble phase, 'Take it off' arched over an abjectly black opening in the corrugated steel wall. A burly guy with a barrel chest and squarish face watched them. It was obvious he had a weapon as he left his thin leather jacket open exposing a handle in a holster.
Wonderful, Rachel's at a place where security is armed. He frowned, staring the ground as he got out. He opened the passenger side door, the crunch of gravel still briefly echoing.
"I'm sorry, I don't know how to be your girlfriend," Quinn commented sadly as she climbed out. She looked better. Whatever he injected seems to be working. He looked over at her, his heart hurting. "Too late," he said softly.
She looked at him blankly, as they walked toward the opening. The bouncer waved them off gesturing to a symbol on the wall beside him that looked like a stylized dollar sign.
Finn stopped, confused. Finally inside a sphere of light he noticed Rachel's mini wasn't there. Am I in the wrong place? Oh no! Droplets of sweat beaded his forehead as he turned. However, he heard Emily loudly commenting about being passed out naked. As he faced the opening again, he stared at Rachel. Her bright delight sank to hurt and disgust before blanking out. "I can explain. I need help."
Rachel cringed. She blew out a breath pasting on a fake smile. "Under one condition."
Finn brightened. "What?"
"Come to glee tomorrow. Stand by me," she said trying to mask the pleading. Emily, Kaylie and Andrea had their phones out snapping pics and video of Quinn looking disheveled and nasty. They held catty smiles. She ignored them her eyes locked on Rachel.
Did you break up with her? Rippled in her mind. Yet she remained silent. She does look out of it. Worse than I have ever seen. Rachel sniffed but the fumes and acrid paint blocked anything else.
"I'll be there tomorrow, usual time," he said with a downcast look. "I couldn't leave her like this at Brittany's rave. She's a mess."
"That's new?" she retorted, stinging.
Quinn glared at her. "May you be just like this one day."
"I don't do drugs," Rachel grinned darkly. "What do you need?"
Finn hesitated, staring at the ground. "A place for her to sleep."
Rachel yawned, as shock washed over everyone else. She was shocked as well but exhaustion had finally caught up. I want none of this. Of course, you have to be you and help her. That's why I love you.
Andrea smelt the air and then walked up and stared at Quinn who swatted her away. "Do it again, and I will knock you to the ground, bitch."
"Get out of my face, then." Quinn growled. She held her head, squinting to focus. Finn grabbed as she swooned. As she woke in his arms, she said, "I'm fine."
"You are so not. You are still feeling the effects of the x and whatever else that's in your system," He whispered as he took her back to the car and stood her there.
Andrea and Emily said at the same time, "She's high."
Quinn looked over at them, straightened herself up. "It was spiked without my knowledge."
Rachel yawned again, covering her mouth. "She can stay on my couch." She smiled at Finn. I will catch grief for it from my Dads but it will be awesome to hold it over her. It's perfect blackmail. And I look compassionate.
Finn smiled a half-smile at her. Quinn just stared, befuddled. She walked over to Rachel and opened her mouth when Kesha burst out of the opening. Quinn frowned, disappointed.
She trotted over, stopping just short of Finn. He turned to her, looked sheepish and stared at the ground. "Hi."
Kesha smiled back at him. "Hi."
"Kesha Sebert, Finn Hudson and Quinn Fabray." Rachel introduced them politely, stifling a yawn. Her watch said it was after midnight. Not again!
"You were ok, if stressed. It will go away, trust me. I get butterflies sometimes when I'm on stage too." She wheeled to find Rachel. "We forgot to exchange numbers!" She exulted handing her a glittery gold card with her name and her logo along with a long distance number. "It's private."
Rachel analyzed the card before placing it into the clutch she was squeezing. "Umm, I don't-"
Andrea walked up, holding her cell phone before her. Kesha smiled brightly as she keyed it into the phone in her hand. "Thanks. You'll get there. So Saturday at Studio 8, noonish? She asked swiftly.
"That's fine. I think it will be fun." Rachel bubbled back.
Kesha lifted the phone to her ear. "See, I told you she'd agree." She dug around in her pocket for something. Then she frowned when she didn't find it.
Everyone stood amused. Andrea still videotaped, intrigued. Kesha turned back to Rachel. "He's flying in tomorrow. So you might see him at the thing. That's ok, right."
Rachel nodded, yawning. Emily and Kaylie just looked in amazement. Quinn looked disappointed and Finn looked proud if confused. "She's not famous is, she."
"I don't know her. Or you apparently." She whispered tragically.
As Kesha dropped the phone to her side, she ran back to the opening, the crunching echoing in the silence. "Bruce, the key Lagan gave you. He has mine."
A key shot out the opening, whizzed by her, the bouncer and everyone else. It landed at Rachel's feet. She scooped it up.
"Spare room at the Fairfield Inn on Route 309. I believe it's inside Lima. That should solve your problems. Call it a gift. I've been there. It sucks." She smiled sympathetic at Quinn who smiled back. "Numbers on the card attached. See you Sat," she waved as she vanished.
Rachel looked over at her friends then at Finn. I want to trust you. She walked over to him, and hugged him. "I am so tired right now. I can deal with any of this, so I will see you at glee tomorrow since there is no school there," she whispered as she placed the key into his hand. "I trust you."
He smiled at her, squeezing the key. "See you tomorrow."
In the Escalade. Emily inquired, "Aren't you worried she will convince him to take her back?"
Rachel sighed wistful. "I know she'll try. I trust him." She looked at Andrea. "Did you fulfill your promise?"
Andrea looked surprised. "We did. I'm more concerned about you. She's a leech, you know. She'll suck the life out of him."
Rachel flashed a wan smile. "I'm there. I won't let it happen."
"And what if she's pregnant from that? She smelt like beer and sex," Kaylie wrinkled her nose, worried.
"It won't be his. And can we not talk about it. I'm exhausted," Rachel said before yawning.
Quinn leaned her head against the window, still miserable. Why won't this pain go away? I still can't believe Berry buckled like that. No fighting, just here and left. 'This will be our last night. Sorry, but I can't do it anymore'. You don't love me. You love her. I am everything she is.
She looked over at Finn who was driving silently, focused. "I don't understand."
"What?" he asked softly, eyes on the well illuminated highway.
"Why this is our last night. I thought we were together." It came out strong but she restrained the tears that wanted to flow behind it. He pulled into the parking lot of the closed Lima mall driving toward the back of the Victoria's Secret®. Nearby was one of 8 Sheets and Things®.
He stopped near the back door. Turning around, he looked at. "I…" he paused, looking at the leather seats. "I can't anymore. Rachel is Rachel but she never talks down to me." He got out and walked to the door, knocking.
Why is he here? I really wish Rachel had never joined Glee. Then Finn could have just gotten detention. Glee would be gone and everything would have been good. Now, I'm losing everything just like the vision said.
"God, why? I love you but it seems that I can't win. She focuses on herself, steals everything and people love on her. Even the one who gave her the keys likes her. All I want is peace and love. Why can't Finn love me back?" she moaned, mopping tears from her face. A gentle warmth surrounded her, prompting her to look out his window. Finn was walking over to her, smiling.
The car door opened. "Looks like he's willing. I don't know your size, so come on." He smiled a half smile.
Puzzled, she opened the door, following him around. Walking through the back door, the shelves were arrayed with boxes on boxes of Victoria's Secret® clothing. The short guy in his thirties, stocky with washboard abs and flowing black hair smiled. "Drey, madam. Finn says you are in distress. And whoa, you smell like it too."
"She's not like this. Brittany and Santana did this to her." Finn confessed, annoyed. She looked at him. He's angry at them. It's a start but why am I here? Then it struck her. This was a lingerie store. He was replacing her clothes. Tears started falling.
"Quinn, relax. It's all ok." Finn said softly. He looked at Drey who displayed worry. "They spiked her drink with x among other things so she been like this all night."
He handed her a handkerchief from one of the boxes, pulling off and shoving the UPC into his pocket. "I owe Finn a favor. And since you need lingerie to replace what you are wearing, I'm paying him back. So go pick what you want. It's yours. One each." He smiled brightly. Finn pulled her into a hug, whispering into her ear. "I care. I just can't date you anymore."
A broad smile filled Quinn as she walked into the lit store. No one else was around. What happened? Then she realized. He does love me. Not Finn. God. At least someone does.
Morning was beating down on Rachel. As she walked the bright golden halls of Forest Hills, she yawned. People she didn't know where shouting congratulations. She beamed, absorbing the praise. It buoyed her, carried her to home room and Mr. Grace whose homework she was supposed to have had done. I still can't believe I didn't finish it. This isn't supposed to happen!
Mr. Grace smiled at everyone brightly. "Morning, students. As you may have heard we won our first competitive cheerleading championship in five years. What's sweeter is that it's one we have never won before. We are now home to the State All-Star champions. So I didn't have time to grade anything last night."
Everyone ooohed, beamed and sighed in relief. "What's that mean to you? Yesterday's assignment with is due today still has to be turned in. However, if you turn it in complete, you get a 100%"
Some people frowned including Andrea and Rachel who sat next to each other. "Oh well," Andrea whispered.
"However, some of you weren't able to complete it because of the victory. So if you don't have it complete, all I want from you is the answer to this question from Monday's alternate literature video. What did G'Quan write and what did G'Kar say about it? Put that answer down and you also get a 100%. Otherwise sign an empty sheet and you get a 70%." He grinned, a look of fairness about him.
Rachel sighed looking lost. Andrea looked over at her. "The dude with the spots from the beginning of the show, he read about moments and darkness while ships were being destroyed," she whispered. Rachel looked at her, "Thank you very much."
She pulled out a piece of paper from her hobo purse. After she gold-stared her signature, she wrote: 'All of life can be broken down into moments of transition and moments of revelation. This had the feeling of both. G'Quan wrote: "There is a darkness greater than the one we fight. It is the darkness of the soul that has lost its way. The war we fight is not against powers and principalities: it is against chaos and despair. Greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril, we can never surrender." The future is all around us, waiting in moments of transition to be born in moments of revelation. No one knows the shape of that future, or where it will take us. We know only that it is always born in pain.' Then she rose and handed it in. Mr. Grace looked up at her, pleased. He whispered, "I shouldn't have done this but I was giving a 100% regardless because if it wasn't for you we wouldn't have won. The plane was a godsend. Thanks."
Rachel blushed. 'Thank you very much."
"I mean it. We all do. You are amazing in what have done." With that he looked to another student who beamed at her rapidly before scooting away.
If everyone here loves me then why do I have the feeling I am fighting the darkness G'Quan wrote about. And Quinn she embodies that.
Three hours later, Rachel stood proudly as Coach Grace and Principal Domo placed the Trophy into the empty spot in display case in the CheerHouse entryway. A replica had already been placed in the school entryway trophy case along with all the other trophies. The trophy was taller than her, all golden pillars and deep stained intricately carved wood with a ponytailed girl with a leg up pom-poms in her hands and a bullhorn at her side. Inscribed at its base was '2009 state All-Star Champions: Forest Hills Wolverettes.'
Beside it was a picture of the squad with Coach Grace and the trophy in the center. She was to the left of it, beside Kaylie. Yet as she watched, the smile grew fake. If I stay here, I concede my dream of glee winning. I want more than just singing and Broadway. I want friends too. Why is it that when I started this year I had no power and all the choices I could ever want, and now I have all the power I could ever want and no choice at all.
Coach Grace patted her on the shoulder. Her whole expression was exuberant. "Thanks again. You don't know how much this means to all of us."
"You're welcome," she replied hiding the dismay she felt.
Brad sat in the Choir room office. He looked out the window as the students milled by, Michael W. Smith's 'Angus Dei' playing softly in the background. Looking around the office, he noticed that Will had put more items in. I am betting that he hasn't abandoned this. That barber shop quartet won't go anywhere. Mark said so. Amazing how things change. And how they stay the same. Shuffling the paperwork, he knew Dakota Stanley would arrive soon would arrive soon. The outcome of that would determine the direction of Glee.
Mark tapped on the glass before walking through the hallway door. "Hey is Dakota here yet?" he asked sounding professional yet making a face when he said 'Dakota'.
"No. Considering it's a professional day. There is no one here. I do expect Rachel at any time. She said she wanted Glee club to rehearse today." He smiled wistfully. "Why?"
"I was hoping to talk to him before but I will just wait and catch him after." It was then that Rachel appeared. "Hello, everyone." She smiled sounding chipper yet there was tiredness in her eyes and a slight lethargy to her motions. She's driving herself too hard.
Mark looked at her, a mixture of worry and pleasure. "Are you still willing to go through with my plan?"
"Yes. Although it was Quinn who wanted to hire him. I just wanted to do Choreography."
"You did? I was sure we both wanted to ditch Mr. Schue," Quinn retorted from the Choir room. She looked blank and exhausted as well. Heavy perfume wafted off her.
Rachel waltzed out and confronted her. "No. I wanted him to be better. I never wanted him to quit."
She went to say something and thought better of it. "Here." She shoved an envelope with money in it into her hand. "That's the amount required to pay him." A dark smile formed. It vanished as she went to sit down. Rachel stood, counting the money, pensive.
So he walked over and whispered to her. "Word of advice?"
She looked up at him, interested.
"Watch and listen. Not only to your peers but what your spirit is telling you."
"Thank you very much, Brad," she said with a genuine smile.
Mark walked over to her. "Can you come to the office?" He asked softly.
She followed him watching Quinn who was talking to Artie and Tina who had just rolled in. He withdrew a white envelope from his blue blazer jacket pocket, holding it out to her. "Give me the one Quinn gave you. This one has a cashier's check in it."
Rachel exchanged the envelopes, worry shrouding her features. "Are you sure this is necessary?"
"Yes. Give it to Dakota when he walks in. And beware he will try to cull people. Definitely, Artie but Finn as well."
Rachel stared, her jaw set. "I'm still giving him a chance."
"I give him three minutes before he mentions his height or tries to cull someone. Please fire him. If you do I'll have one of Lacey Grimes assistants help."
Rachel paused, looking out at the assembled Glee club. Everyone was there including Finn, who smiled at her. She smiled back. "If he does what you say, I will. I need a strong glee to win." Mark smiled back as Rachel walked back out.
He looked at Brad who had gathered up his paperwork, preparing to leave. "You're leaving?" Confusion washed the delight off his face.
"Titan storm practice. They have a game to prep for." He nodded and left through the office door.
Rachel smiled as she sat. It will all work out! We will be strong and we will win. Then I can deal with Finn and Quinn. A shadow darkened her musing. She looked up and Quinn was standing in front of her. Her eyes were amused yet her face was blank. "Thanks for the room. It meant a lot." She whispered it before Santana walked up behind her. "As much as it pains me to say this, congratulations on your All-Star win. Your squad took down some serious contenders. I can respect that."
Kurt looked over at her with a peculiar smile, while everyone else save Finn was confused. Finn just grinned. Rachel looked unsure, eyeing her.
Santana stepped forward. "Thanks would be nice, Berry. She means it," she snapped as Dakota walked in with a bundle of papers.
"I look forward to stomping you in three weeks in Tifton," Quinn smiled a deviously. Fire lit Rachel's eyes as Quinn walked back to her seat but stood instead. Finn remained silent, yet looked disappointed.
Dakota approached Quinn who pointed to Rachel. "I believe you have my payment."
"I do." She grinned, looking over his shoulder at Mark standing in the doorway. He raised a hand then vanished.
Dakota opened the envelope, looked at the check, then smiled. "It's time for business."