Disclaimers: Please see Chapter 1
A/N: I truly apologise for the long delay in updating. The muse went on vacation, so inspiration was a bit spotty...
A/N2: Like everything I write, this is self-edited, so all mistakes are mine and mine alone. Hope the wait was worth it. Enjoy.
Chapter 13
Andy knows that it was only a matter of time before she would run into Miranda, especially during that close call back in March. She had been hoping that it wouldn't be until Dalton's first invitational that she would run into her former boss. Andy will even admit that a part of her has been coming up with some very wild schemes trying to come up with ways to delay their first face-to-face meet since she walked out on Miranda for as long as possible. She has played different scenarios of this very moment over and over, even before Rachel's decision to come live with her. Her imagination has provided some very ludicrous situations, so nearly walking into her former boss after an emotionally charged phone conversation was at the very bottom of the list on how the two would meet again.
All Andy can do now is hope that Nigel is correct and no matter how angry Miranda might be with her, that her former boss will not do anything to make things more difficult for Rachel. She could have looked into other private and public schools when they were making their plans, but after some thorough research, Dalton proved to be the best school for Rachel. The school has consistently ranked in the top twenty schools in New York City. It's one of the few schools that have equal emphasis in science, sports, and the arts. It really was a no-brainer. She hopes with everything in her that by thinking about her cousin's future, she hasn't torpedoed hers into oblivion.
Miranda once again feels as if time has stopped, or at the very least, it's moving in slow motion. As much as she tries, she can't figure out what Andy is doing there. With the way the younger woman reacted when her phone conversation was disrupted, Miranda is sure Andy was calling in a breaking story. But after partially overhearing Andy's half of the conversation, things don't quite add up. It certainly didn't appear as if the young reporter was talking to her editor. Then, Miranda's paranoid side takes over. The side that has thwarted every single attempt Irv Ravitz has come up with to oust her from Runway. Of course Andy is doing a story. She was probably talking in code in case others were listening in. Why else would she be at Dalton? The thought of her daughters' wellbeing snaps Miranda out of her frozen stupor, and she recovers first. She has to find out what is going on. Within seconds, the Dragon Lady is back. "What are you doing here?" She asks in her most intimidating voice. "I demand to know whatever story you are working on, since whatever scandal will directly affect my daughters." She adds when all Andy does is stare at her blinking.
Miranda's words finally manage to shake Andy of her own stupor. When the words finally register, she looks at Miranda as if she has grown a second head. Her latest story (the one she is currently researching) deals with the increase in violence and drug use in homeless shelters across the city. How in the world would that affect her daughters? Unless of course, they're volunteering in one of those shelters. And why would there be a scandal? Unless of course, idiots automatically make stupid assumptions about drug use and the presence of rich teenagers. Even then, it'd be quite the stretch. Where in the world does this woman get her information? "What?" is all that Andy manages to say.
"Don't play coy and innocent with me Andréa. We both know the only reason you'd ever be here is if there is a huge story brewing. What surprises me even more is that none of the major players are here. Normally my sources are quick on the uptake, so whatever it is, must be something really underhanded if they have no knowledge of it." Miranda replies, frosty as ever.
Andy blinks a few times and chuckles quietly when Miranda's unique logic finally makes sense. "There's no story Miranda. At least not one that deals with or involves Dalton. I'm here for personal reasons." She replies. "And even if there was a story, you know better than anyone that I'd never reveal anything." She adds with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Don't lie to me Andréa. You have no school-age children so that rules out anything personal. I'm not asking you to betray your source, nor am I asking so I can break the story before you do. If you recall, I publish a fashion magazine and Elias-Clarke doesn't have any newspapers or news magazines. Right now, I couldn't care less that you're a rising star in the journalistic world. I'm asking for information so I can make sure my daughters won't be harmed by any scandals." Miranda hisses menacingly, not realising she has unwittingly admitted she has been following Andy's career since the brunette left Runway.
Andy should feel insulted at Miranda's demanding tone, but a big part of her understands the editor's behaviour. She is half tempted to drag it on and let the woman suffer, but she refrains. All she has to do is think about Rachel and she understands. God knows she dug as deep as she could to make sure there were not hidden surprises when she was compiling a list of schools for Rachel.
"Miranda, rest assured that there are no stories involving Dalton or anyone who works here. I don't even know why you'd make such an assumption…" Andy starts to say only to be interrupted again.
"Why else would a reporter be here? What kind of personal matters does a young, single woman have with a school?" Miranda interjects after a quick glance at Andy's left hand.
Andy sighs. "Well, if you were to let me finish, then I'd be more than happy to tell you." She snaps, getting tired of being interrupted.
Miranda raises an eyebrow at the outburst. She forgets that out of every assistant she has had, Andy has always been the most outspoken, stubborn, and proud, especially nearing the end of her short tenure with the magazine. She nods tersely at the reporter.
"Thank you. Now, as I've been trying to say, I'm well aware I have no school-aged children, or any children for that matter. That still doesn't stop me from being here for personal reasons. I'm doing a friend a favour by enquiring about Dalton's admissions requirements. He and his family might be moving to New York City. After checking out Dalton's website, he wanted me to get a feel for the place." Andy says twisting the truth. She figures that this way, she explains her presence near the school without giving away any information that might paint a giant target on Rachel's back.
Miranda looks at her skeptically. "Why did you run away the moment you saw me?" She finally asks, still suspicious.
Andy's eyes widen at those words. She had assumed Miranda had seen her as she was heading inside Dalton, probably to talk to one of the teachers. She had been so focused on finding a way to get a hold of Rachel; she would have easily missed a herd of stampeding polka-dotted elephants in tutus carving a path through Dalton's corridors. "I was distracted while in the middle of an important conversation when my phone met an untimely demise. I needed to find a way to get in touch again to prevent the other party from going into a panic. I didn't even realise you were inside Dalton when I was. I honestly didn't see you." She finally says as she fishes the remnants of said device to show Miranda, still unaware that the person she bumped into was her former boss.
"Do you honestly expect me to believe such a flimsy story? What do you take me for Andréa?" Miranda asks, raising an eyebrow. The woman literally walked into her. How can Andy claim she was unaware of her presence? "Who were you talking to just now?" She adds.
"Listen Miranda, I mean no disrespect, but that was a private conversation. All you need to know is that the party on the other end isn't associated with journalism in any way, shape or form. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to let my editor know that I'll be incommunicado until I replace my phone." Andy says. "I truly wish that we could have met under better circumstances. Have a wonderful day, Miranda." She adds as she starts to walk away from the silver-haired editor.
Miranda runs through what happened earlier in the hallway and has to admit that Andy never once looked up from her destroyed mobile device. "Andréa, wait." She says, feeling bad.
Andy stops and turns around. It wouldn't do her career any good to antagonise the Dragon Lady further. "Yes, Miranda? What can I do for you?" She asks softly, the words bringing back so many good and bad memories.
Miranda clears her throat uncharacteristically before she lets her eyes roam around them for a bit. Once she's sure no one is listening or even looking in their general direction, she starts to speak. "I do feel bad for the untimely demise of your phone, but really, couldn't you at least pay more attention and watch where you're going? I nearly broke my neck when I stepped on that blasted thing. As a reporter, isn't it your job to be aware of your surroundings? Instead, you nearly plough me over in your haste." Miranda says.
"You mean to say you were the person I bumped into earlier?" Andy blurts out.
"Wasn't I speaking in English just now?" Miranda snaps, not happy that her apology, something she rarely gives, isn't appreciated.
Andy's eyebrows shoot up to her hairline at the words. It takes a bit of effort, but she manages to keep the 'maybe you should have been paying attention as well and not walk around as if you own the universe' from leaving her mouth, just barely so. "You're correct, Miranda. I should have been paying more attention to where I was going. I apologise for any stress my carelessness might have caused." She says instead, because no matter what, she should have been paying more attention to her surroundings. She takes the silence that follows as her cue to leave. She is about to do so, when Miranda starts to speak. Once again, she's stopped in her tracks.
"Was this a work-issued device?" Miranda asks.
Andy blinks a few times at the question. Definitely not what she was expecting.
"No. It was my own phone. I don't like the idea of having two separate wireless devices, so I came to an agreement with my editor. The Mirror gives me access to one of their corporate plans." Andy says. "It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. I get to have a single phone and my employers save a bundle because I pay for everything. In return, I get to use it for personal purposes as well as work related ones, but I get a plan with unlimited everything for a fraction of the price. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to replace said phone." She adds at the raised eyebrow she gets.
"Even though you ran into me, it was still my shoe that killed your phone. Since your phone didn't damage my shoe and your employer won't be issuing you a new one, allow me to replace it." Miranda says, surprised at her own words and actions. She smiles inwardly when she sees Andy is equally shocked.
"Thank you for the offer, Miranda, but that won't be necessary. I really should have been paying more attention to my surroundings. I'm grateful that you didn't injure yourself when you accidentally stepped on it." Andy says once she recovers the use of her brain.
"This isn't up for discussion. I won't risk someone finding out about this mishap and start to spread vile rumours about me attacking you and destroying your property. This way, even if somehow someone were to find out and twists things around and put the blame on me, at least you also have to admit that I didn't hesitate in replacing your phone." Miranda says dismissively as she pulls out her phone and contacts her office. "Drop whatever you are doing and pay attention to what you'll be told. I need you to replace a wireless device… Of course it isn't mine, how else would I be calling you if I needed mine replaced… You don't need to concern yourself with the hows or the whys. Just that you need to get it done. Wait." She says once the call is connected. She shoves the phone to Andy. "Let the new Emily know what service provider you use and she'll make sure to have someone waiting for you with possible options." She adds.
Andy fights the urge to roll her eyes. She knows there is no way this can pass as a Runway expense, and she really doesn't want to owe Miranda anything. Even though this will be an unexpected expense, thankfully, the days where she is scrambling to make ends meet are over and done with. "I'm really grateful for the gesture, but that really isn't necessary. I can replace my own phone." She insists.
"Hurry up, Andréa. I don't have all day, and the new Emily certainly doesn't have a second to spare. Don't make this more difficult than it has to be." Miranda says as she shoves her smartphone into Andy's hand, completely ignoring the brunette.
Andy relents and takes the proffered phone. She knows it's pointless to argue. She could just as easily take the subway to the closest AT&T and sort everything out herself. Instead, she tells Miranda's assistant the details she needs in one of the most awkward conversations she has ever had. When she's done, she wordlessly hands the phone back to Miranda. She hopes she wasn't just supposed to disconnect the call. Andy closes her eyes in relief when all Miranda does is take the phone and brings to her ear again.
"Emily, make sure you meet with Andréa at whichever wireless provider she uses and have a few models ready, in case they don't have the exact phone… How should I know? However long it'll take her to arrive… That's not my problem. That's all." Miranda says and disconnects the call. "Emily will be waiting for you. You should have everything replaced no later than this afternoon. She's to stay put at the closest location to Elias-Clarke until you show." She says.
Andy considers saying something about not wanting to disrupt the assistant's day. She knows it's a waste of time, and it would probably make things more difficult for the girl in question. "Thank you, Miranda. Have a good day." She says instead, as she walks back to the payphone. She quickly calls The Mirror and lets her editor know she'll be out of reach until she can get her cell phone replaced and that she'll call when that happens.
Miranda turns around, without another word. Once again, she pulls out her phone, this time calling her first assistant. "Emily, call Smith and Wollensky. Tell them to have my usual table ready… No. I don't know how long I'll be. I need to finish some business at Dalton first. Do not tell Irv I'll be there." She says before she disconnects the call. Without another word, she walks back inside the school.
Nigel's eyebrows furrow in confusion when his phone rings and Roy's number flashes on his display.
"Roy, what's going on? Is Miranda all right?" Nigel asks when he connects the call.
"Miranda ran into Andy at Dalton." Roy answers without preambles.
Nigel nearly drops his phone at the news. "Oh my God. What happened? Is Andy all right? Did World War III erupt?" He asks in a whisper, as he walks and closes his office door.
"I couldn't see or hear much, but…" Roy says, recounting what he could. "I guess, batten down the hatches, because by the time Miranda went back to Dalton, she looked very unhappy." He adds.
"Thanks for the heads up. I'll issue a vague warning so everyone is on their toes." Nigel says before they end their brief conversation.
"I wish to speak Margaret right away." Miranda demands the moment she makes eye contact with Walter Shaw.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Priestly, but Mrs. Delaney in the middle of a staff meeting." Walter says as he swallows nervously. "Actually, I'm sure Mrs. Delaney will be more than happy to see you." He amends after wilting under Miranda's relentless glare.
Miranda doesn't bother with a reply as she enters the principal's office and takes a seat.
Walter nearly trips over his feet as he quickly walks over to the conference room, not wanting to subject himself to the wrath of the Dragon Lady. He knocks and enters only after he hears a faint 'come in'. He swallows when all eyes land on him as he makes a beeline to Margaret.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Ms. Priestly is in your office. She insisted on seeing you right away." Walter says. "I tried to tell her you were in a meeting, but, uh, Ms. Priestly wouldn't take 'no' for an answer." He adds.
"It's all right Walter. You did the right thing by coming to get me." Margaret says to her harried assistant. "I apologise, ladies and gentlemen, but duty calls." She adds to the group of assembled administrators.
They all nod in understanding, all having dealt with Miranda at some point or another. Most of the time, it's easier to give in than to fight the woman.
Nigel immediately calls Andy, only to be directed straight to her voicemail. "Six, I guess you're underground or something. Call me the second you can. Roy called to tell me about your encounter with Miranda." He finally says after he gets Andy's voicemail for the sixth time. When he hangs up his phone, he walks to Miranda's office in search of Emily and start his vague warning, unaware that Emily is in a near-panic state already, after her conversations with Marissa, the current second assistant, and Miranda.
Nigel considers calling a last minute meeting with all key-personnel, but decides a somewhat vague approach is the best way to tackle this. No need to start a blind panic just yet. He only decides to personally say something to Emily and Marissa because as Miranda's assistants, they have to deal directly with the editor. He pulls out his cell phone and sends out a mass text with only the words 'DEFCON 5', letting all recipients know that Miranda is in a bad mood and they need to be on their toes with their work and to be near perfect (more than usual).
Emily stares blankly at her phone while she processes the last two conversations. Marissa has to be wrong about the person she is told to wait for at an AT&T store. It has to be. After all, 'Andrea' is a very common name. She tells herself and the current 'new her' that it's probably some weird coincidence. Miranda had been in a horrendous mood when everything happened three years ago, so no one ever mentions the name 'Andrea Sachs' for fear of being fired on the spot and then blackballed in the fashion industry. Even with Nigel's text, Emily still holds on to the notion that it's nothing more than some strange coincidence Serena and she will laugh off while having a few drinks after work. After all, crises are common in Runway's day-to-day dealings. She asks herself for the millionth time why she chose to stay behind as Miranda's senior assistant yet again. 'Right, the immense power that comes with being said assistant was something I couldn't, and won't give up', she reminds herself. Her worst fears are confirmed when she sees Nigel approaching.
Nigel's hackles rise when he sees Emily's look of panic dart between himself, the office's landline, and her cell phone. 'Don't panic. She's probably freaking because of the message I sent is all' he tells himself. Still, he can't help the feeling of doom from overtaking him the closer he gets to his destination.
"Nigel, does your visit have anything to do with your text?" Emily asks without preambles. 'Please say no, please say no' she thinks as she waits expectantly for the answer.
"Unfortunately, yes. I just got off the phone with Roy, and he informed me that Miranda ran into Andy outside of Dalton's main entrance." Nigel answers.
Emily's face pales considerable at those words. She's thankful she is sitting down; otherwise, she'd be ungracefully sprawled on the floor. "Oh my God! This is bad. What were you thinking when you sent that message? I'm raising the threat level to DEFCON 1." She finally says as she grabs for her cell phone.
"Emily, calm down. It's not that bad…" Nigel starts to say, only to be interrupted by Emily's shrill voice.
"Not that bad! Nigel, Miranda called to cancel lunch with Irv; then she called to tell Marissa to drop everything and meet Andy at an AT&T store to replace Andy's cell phone. Who knows what happened when those two met." Emily says.
Nigel's eyes widen in surprise. Roy hadn't mentioned a thing about a destroyed cell phone. "I have no clue what happened, but according to what Roy told me…" He starts to say and, fills Emily in on his conversation with Miranda's company driver.
"It makes no sense. Are you sure there was no confrontation when Miranda finally caught up with Andy?" Emily asks.
"As far as Roy could tell, no. Their conversation was very soft, so he couldn't hear anything. All he said was that Andy had run out of Dalton as if the hounds of hell were chasing after her. When he didn't see Miranda right after, he assumed Andy was trying to avoid her. It wasn't until when Miranda followed out shortly that he realised they had seen each other, but I already told you that." Nigel says.
"Maybe something happened when they were inside Dalton. There probably was some form of altercation, and the exchange outside was Miranda's way of doing damage control. It would explain why she told Marissa to replace Andy's phone." Emily says.
"Perhaps, we don't know for sure. As volatile as Miranda is, she has never been violent, so it would be wise to stop any and all speculation." Nigel says, trying to convince them both.
"You think something is up. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to warn me." Emily points out.
"I only came to let you know because you have to deal with Miranda directly whenever she's in her office so you and Marissa won't be blindsided. The rest of us well, we just need to anticipate possible situations and make sure that things are as close to perfect as they can get. For the sake of everyone, please keep me informed if anything else happens." Nigel says.
"You're quite right, Nigel. Speculating won't get us anywhere. I'll keep my eyes open and will let you know if anything needs to get done. Miranda had me call Smith and Wollensky to have her usual table ready. Let's hope that after a nice lunch, she'll return in a better mood." Emily replies before they each return to work.
Deep down, both Nigel and Emily know that won't be the case.
Like Miranda, Emily immediately thinks Andy is in the middle of a breaking story involving Dalton. She quickly takes care of the most important matters of the day before she opens a browser and starts to do some hunting. She debates calling her usual contacts with the major papers and ask questions when she sees nothing. She only stops because she doesn't want to alert them if they happen to be unaware of any scandal brewing in Dalton. If she is the cause for other reporters sniffing around the twins' school, she'll be dead faster than it takes to blink. Maybe she needs to cultivate and expand her contacts to include not just the writers of the entertainment and fashion sections of the city's papers, but maybe their other writers as well. The only problem is, she's not sure which reporters she should befriend. It's not as if she could just call the editors on behalf of Miranda and start asking them which reporters they would send if anything worthwhile might affect her boss. For the first time since Andy left, she curses herself for not taking the budding journalist's offer of keeping in touch. If she calls all of a sudden to ask to 'hang out', it would just raise too many questions.
Nigel has to fight the urge to call Andy again. Now that he knows her cell phone is currently in need of replacing, there is no point in leaving the girl another message. He knows that Andy will call the moment she can. Besides, it's not like he can talk freely while he is still on Runway's premises. As much as he tries to, he can't help but wonder what happened. In the years he had known and worked with and under Miranda, he has never known the woman to behave in a manner which might cause a scandal, and Miranda grabbing and destroying someone's property like that is definitely scandal-worthy.
The fact that Roy hasn't called back or sent a warning text has to be a good sign. He quickly opens up the usual celebrity gossip websites and sighs relieved when there is no mention of Miranda going crazy and destroying someone's cell phone. If that incident ever became public, the press would certainly have a field day, especially if and when Andy's identity and past history with Runway and subsequently Miranda were to be uncovered as well. Eventually, he manages to force his attention back to his work. Like he said to Emily before he left Miranda's outer office area, the only way to make sure they all survive is for them to be as perfect as possible when they finally turn in their mock-ups for the night's 'book' assembly.
Margaret quickly reschedules the meeting for the following day before she starts the trek back to her office. She knows that the longer Miranda waits, the more difficulty she will have in smoothing over whatever it is that Miranda feels one of the teachers messed up.
"Good afternoon, Miranda. I apologise for the wait. What can I do for you?" Margaret says when she enters her office. She hopes this will help in keeping the mercurial woman currently sitting by her desk calm, or at the very least from becoming more irritated, though if one were to judge by appearances alone, one would be blindsided, since the editor appears to be the perfect picture of calm and poise.
Miranda keeps her features in a calm mask. She wonders what the best approach might be. She could try and be coy and beat around the bush hoping for the principal to give her some information, or she could attack directly. In the end, she chooses the direct approach. The faster she finds out what is going one, the faster she can do damage control.
"I demand to know what that reporter for The New York Mirror, Andréa Sachs was doing here. I asked her point blank if she was working on a story and not only did she deny it, but she gave me some ludicrous tale about getting admissions information for a friend's child. If there is something that will affect my daughters, I have every right to know." Miranda says.
"I'm sorry Miranda. The reason behind Miss Sachs' visit is not something I can freely discuss with you or anyone who isn't a member of my staff." Margaret says as calmly as she can. Thankfully, she manages to keep her face impassive as she digests Miranda's words. She wonders why Andy chose to lie to Miranda about her visit here. She stops herself from speculating further, since everything about Rachel checks out. No matter what, one of the things she is immensely proud of is the privacy and the sense of security her school provides all present and future students. Regardless of who is asking.
"You can't or you won't?" Miranda asks.
"Both. I won't reveal any information that might compromise the privacy of any student or future student there. It's the same courtesy I extend your daughters. My adherence to our strict privacy policies and my commitment to the protection of our students is the reason I've been principal for nearly twenty-five years. All you need to know is that whatever Miss Sachs was here for, had nothing to do with a story of any kind." Margaret says. She had no clue Andy was a reporter. She quietly files that information away, thinking that it might come to be useful in the future.
"My daughters have been students here since kindergarten. The least you and this school can do is protect them from any and all scandals. Do I need to make alternative arrangements for their education?" Miranda fires back.
"I am, and we are. Since Cassidy and Caroline have been enrolled here, I have made sure no one from the press has access to them while they are in school grounds. It's the same for any and all students, regardless of their parents' fame." Margaret counters. "Let me put it like this, Miranda. If I were to bend the rules for you, how could you be sure I'm not doing the same for someone else? You know that if there is ever anything that would jeopardise your girls' privacy and/or safety I'll be the first one to contact you with all the relevant information. It's the same I would do for any and all of my students." She adds when she sees Miranda's incredulous look.
Miranda has to admit the principal has made a very good point. She won't just pull her daughters out unless there is a legitimate reason. So far, Margaret Delaney has always been fair and always made it a priority to protect her daughters and all of Dalton's students. The woman had made sure to keep the girls safe from the prying eyes of reporters when both her divorces were made public, or whenever there was a power shift in the fashion industry involving her. She could try and threaten the woman and the school, but unless she's ready to pull her daughters out and throw them into a new school, she has to watch how she talks to the principal. Her daughters would have an absolute fit if they were pulled out on a suspicion on her part without any proof. There's also no guarantee that the new school might have her daughters' best interest at heart. For now, she'll keep an eye open, do the proper research, and make sure her girls can transfer at the drop of a hat.
"You're correct, but you can't blame me for desire to protect them. My girls have gone through enough just by having one of their parents constantly in the spotlight. They have gone through so much when their father and I separated, and then they had to deal with the circus that was my latest separation." Miranda finally concedes.
"I understand, Miranda. Rest assured that we will always make sure your daughters are in a safe environment every second they spend here." Margaret says. "Now, is there anything else I may do for you?" She adds.
"No. That is all." Miranda says. "Have a good day, and thank you for seeing me in such short notice." She adds, knowing that it's in her best interest to be in the woman's good graces. She's out of the office in a flash, and on her way to the front.
Roy had made sure to stay put this time. He doesn't want to even imagine what his life would be like if Miranda was to come out and he is nowhere to be found. He immediately jumps out and opens the door for the editor the second he sees her coming out of the front doors.
"Smith and Wollensky. And make sure to avoid the traffic this time." Miranda says the moment Roy is back behind the wheel.
Roy nods and pulls out with a prayer in his head. It's not like it's his fault there is traffic in New York City. Not that he would ever say that aloud.
Andy makes amazing time on the subway. It's only taken her just a little over twenty minutes to get to the destination. Once she makes it inside the AT&T, she scans the people there. There are several well dressed young women, but only one is dressed in the latest fashion and looks like she's about to pass out from a panic attack. That has to be Miranda's second assistant. At least she hopes so, as she makes her way with a smile in her face.
"Hello, I hope I don't have the wrong person. You must be Miranda's junior assistant. I'm Andrea Sachs, but you can call me Andy." Andy says as she extends her right hand. She knows she has the right person when a look of sheer panic appears on the young woman's face. If she hadn't made her time spent working in Runway completely off-limits, she would ask Nigel what kind of stories are floating around regarding her attitude and sudden departure.
"Oh my God, it's you." The woman replies. "I mean, it's very nice to finally meet you. I'm Marissa Nichols." She adds with a slight grimace.
"I apologise for keeping you waiting. I would have taken a cab, but with the midday traffic, it would have taken me longer to get here. At least there were not many unscheduled delays or detours on the subway." Andy says neutrally. She is grateful she didn't reveal to Miranda that the future student isn't just a prospect, or that said future student is her cousin, if this is the reaction her name causes after three years.
"I'm sorry for my outburst. I've already made a fool of myself asking every woman who has entered the store if she is the 'Andrea' I was told me to meet. I guess I should have asked for a way of identifying you when we were on the phone earlier." Marissa rambles nervously. She has no idea what is going on. All she knows is that she isn't supposed to speak of the woman standing in front of her, but do her best to emulate her work ethics and drive.
"My apologies. That was an oversight on my part as well. I was caught by complete surprise when Miranda insisted in having my phone replaced. Normally I'm more on the ball." Andy replies as calmly as she can.
"That's understandable, especially with the way you left so abruptly." Marissa says before she clamps her hand over her mouth. "I'm so sorry. That was none of my business. May we please start over?" She adds, blushing a deep crimson.
"Apology accepted. Now, why don't we take care of business, since I'm sure you have a very busy day ahead of you." Andy says. Maybe she'll have to reconsider talking about certain things with Nigel.
All Marissa can do is nod, because she is afraid of what might come out of her mouth should she attempt to reply verbally.
Within half and hour, and a bit of convincing on the clerk's end, Andy walks out with a brand new iPhone and a very thankful Marissa. The young woman is extremely surprised at how fast and painless the whole thing was. By the time they part ways, Marissa wonders why Andy left the way she did and why Miranda didn't ruin her. Everyone in the publishing world knows how vindictive Runway's editor-in-chief can be.
Andy isn't surprised that during the time the salesclerk was setting things up for her phone, the device exploded with notifications of new voicemails, and text messages waiting for her attention. She is thankful that the phone comes pre-charged to about fifty-percent capacity because this way, she won't have to wait until she's home to return the most important calls. As short as the amount of time she spent without a smartphone, she found that it was very hard for her to get by. She didn't realise how much she depended on the device to stay in touch and to keep her e-mails up to date. She makes a mental note to speak with Greg about writing an article on people's dependency on smartphones. She might hold off and see what happens once the hype of the new iPad dies down and competitors start to release their own product to compete.
Andy pushes aside thoughts of possible new articles and immediately lets her editors know her phone has been replaced. She groans when she hears Nigel's message. She sends a quick text letting him know she'll call him once she's home. She needs to get a feel for what Miranda might know. She has a feeling Miranda will dig deeper until she's satisfied Andy isn't working on exposing anything wild involving Dalton and figures out what Andy was doing there in the first place.
Quinn rushes out of Sue's office with Santana and Brittany in tow. She hates it that she didn't get to spend her lunch with Rachel. In a way, she can see why Sue is worried. With a big chunk of Cheerios graduating soon, they need to figure out the best way to find replacements and still remain competitive enough to be able to defend and win another Nationals title.
"Slow down Q. I'm sure the midget is fine with Puck. You made sure she's off limits since we returned from Christmas break, so I don't get why you're in such a rush. Besides, ever since she stopped dressing like a seventy-year-old toddler, people have left her alone. They're too busy ogling and drooling over her." Santana says as she finally manages to walk beside Quinn, instead of trailing after her. She's almost positive Quinn and Rachel are hiding a similar secret to herself and Brittany, if some of the hand-holding she's seen is any indication. Still, she'll give them the same courtesy the other two are giving Brittany and her.
With a supernatural effort, Quinn manages to slow down her strides some. "You're right. I guess I'm not yet used to it. It doesn't help that our own teammates still treat Rachel so poorly." She says as calmly as possible. She can't possibly tell them the real reason why she is always so intent on spending every free moment she has by Rachel's side. She also has to get her jealousy under control. Just thinking about the number of people openly ogling her girlfriend is enough to set her blood boiling. Part of her is sad the lemmings are too stupid and afraid to act on their lust, and part of her is ecstatic she doesn't have competition for Rachel's affections.
"I thought it was only Kurt and Mercedes because they're jelly of Rachel's awesomeness. And Finn, 'cause she's not interested in him the way she was before." Brittany says flanking Quinn's other side.
"You're right Britt. The others might not be trying to hang out with Rachel, but at least they've stopped attacking her openly." Quinn says. She forces herself not to react about the comments of others openly ogling Rachel, or Finn's obvious interest. If she acknowledges it, she'll end up outing them. Her mood improves drastically once they enter the cafeteria, only to have it plummet when Rachel is nowhere in sight and she sees Puck goofing off with Mike and Matt.
Santana and Brittany follow Quinn's gaze once they notice the change in Quinn's posture. All three are now making a beeline for the Mohawked boy, Rachel nowhere in sight.
"He better pray nothing bad happened to Rachel, or Quinn's gonna do bad things to him." Brittany says to Santana quietly.
Santana nods and silently thinks that she'll help Quinn castrate Puck if something happened to Rachel. In the span of two months, she has seen how different Rachel truly is. It sucks and it hurts that the diva still keeps an emotional distance between them. Not that she can blame Rachel for it. After years of systematic torture and bullying, she's only too grateful that the girl even talks to them.
Puck and the other boys stop their video game talk once they notice the look on the Unholy Trinity as they approach them. Mike and Matt send a quick prayer of thanks once they notice the murderous looks they (mostly Quinn) have are directed at Puck and not them. They make some lame ass excuse about algebra and leave Puck to face the girls alone. No matter how curious they are, they don't want to be anywhere near the Unholy Trinity when they're intent on bloodshed.
"Chickens! You guys don't even take algebra. I'd stick up for you if you were the ones they were after." Puck starts to say, only to have the words die in his throat once the girls are in front of him.
"Where the hell is Rachel, Puck?" Quinn hisses out. She knows she's being irrational. More than likely, her girlfriend got bored and decided to go do something more productive. But her ultra-protective, loud, and somewhat irrational side keeps reminding her that Rachel would have texted her if that were the case.
"Calm down Fabray. I'm sure everything is okay. She got a phone call from her cousin in New York and said she needed a quiet place to talk. I haven't seen her since." Puck says swallowing a sudden lump in his throat. Quinn looks nothing short of murderous.
"Did she say where she went?" Quinn asks as she pulls out her phone to text Rachel. That explains Rachel sudden disappearance. They probably had to talk about something related to her move. She only hopes it's nothing bad, since they're in the middle of school still, even if it's their lunch break.
"I don't remember." Puck says. Silently, he hopes everything is all right.
Quinn is about to say something to Puck when her phone chirps with Rachel's reply.
Rachel Berry
In the choir room.
Just finished talking w/ Andy.
Think you can meet me here?
I don't feel like talking dealing w/ the others.
Quinn lets out a relieved sigh as she replies with her own text.
OMW, Baby. See you in a bit.
"That was Rachel. I'm going to go and make sure she's okay. See you guys in Glee later. Quinn says to the others without looking at them. She takes off before any of them can offer to join her.
"Is it just me, or do you get the feeling those two have been up to something?" Santana asks after a moment of silence. Whatever it is, she's sure it has nothing to do with their 'extracurricular' activities. Rachel has been acting all weird since the beginning of the school year.
"You get the feeling they've been keeping something from us as well?" Puck asks as he runs a hand through is Mowhawk.
"Duh! Of course I've noticed. I have do have eyes. Who do you think I am? Finnept?" Santana says turning around, ready to follow Quinn.
"San, where are you going?" Brittany asks, following Santana out of the cafeteria.
"I'm going to find out what the hell is going on with Quinn and Rachel. Those two have been acting awfully strange, especially Rachel." Santana says, walking a bit faster, in the hopes of catching up with the Head Cheerio.
Puck, not one to be left behind, gets up and scrambles to catch up to the two Cheerios.
"Are you sure we should be following her?" Brittany asks as she quickens her stride, in order to walk beside the Latina, as opposed to merely following her.
"Britt, what if something bad is happening to Rachel? Wouldn't you want to make sure the midget is doing okay? Quinn could be acting all pit bull-like because Rachel is being picked on by someone whenever she's alone and we can't do anything to protect her." Santana answers slowing down a bit, now that she knows the general direction Quinn has taken off to. Figures the midget would seek privacy in the choir room.
"No. I don't want anything bad to happen to Rachel. She's been picked on enough. It took most people here almost a year of beatings for the jocks to know not to call me and Becky names whenever you or Q weren't around." Brittany answers.
"That's why we need to make sure those two aren't getting into something they can't handle." Santana says with a gentle smile.
Puck can't fight the logic, though he admits that as worried as he is about Rachel's odd behaviour, he is also very curious. He silently follows the girls, saying to himself that if Rachel and Quinn are in over their head with something dangerous, then they might need his muscles to bail them out. That it has nothing to do with curiosity. After all, friends help each other out, right?
Quinn makes her way as quickly as she can to the choir room. After the rollercoaster of emotions Rachel has been through since their return from Phoenix, she has a hard time leaving the girl alone. She still can't believe how Dr. Hiram could so easily flip-flop like that. Granted, there are parts of her that wish she could handcuff Rachel to her and never let go. They could finish high school here and then leave for New York together. Thankfully, she loves Rachel enough to let go. She knows the education Rachel will get at Dalton will be one of the best the entire country has to offer. She knows that the pre-college program at Juilliard will improve Rachel's range and control even more. She loves Rachel enough to never want the diva to be stuck in this backwater town. She keeps telling herself that two years are nothing, and that they have the holidays. She just has to figure out a way to convince her parents that spending every waking moment with Rachel during said holidays is normal for 'best friends'. She smiles when she reaches the choir room and can hear the piano in the background. Her smile drops when she looks and sees traces of dry tears on her Rachel's eyes.
"Rachie? What happened?" Quinn asks as she sits beside the diva on the piano bench and wraps her arms around her girlfriend.
Rachel smiles at the feel of strong arms holding her. She burrows deeper into the embrace and inhales Quinn's familiar scent. She quickly kisses the cheerleader on the side of her jaw and neck before she places a barely there peck on willing lips. "Everything is fine now. Once again, I was overreacting." She says as she reluctantly pulls away. Even if they're alone in the choir room, they are still in school.
"You overreact? No!" Quinn says with mock surprise, earning herself a light slap on the shoulder. "Seriously, considering how you've had to deal with things mostly on your own, I'm surprised you're not getting a visit from the men in the white uniforms ready to give you a custom fitting with a straight jacket. Now, tell me what caused the tears and if I need to kick someone's ass." She adds playfully.
"Remember how I was freaking out earlier when I was thinking about where I'd practice during the summer? Well, it turns out that Andy came up with a plan and while she was telling me, her phone somehow got destroyed. I couldn't get a hold of her and I automatically thought something happened to her. Anyway, eventually she found a payphone and told me what happened. They were tears of relief." She adds.
"So Andy is okay? Nothing bad happened except for her phone biting it?" Quinn asks.
"Yes, she assured me she's fine and that she'll contact me when she has everything sorted out. Probably after I'm home later tonight." Rachel says with a relieved smile.
Santana, Brittany, and Puck listen to the conversation taking place inside the choir room. They know they shouldn't, but they can't stop themselves. They try to look as inconspicuously as possible while they stand outside the closed door.
Santana finds it odd that Rachel would freak out about not having a place to practice during the summer. Didn't she say she has spent every summer in NYC since she was twelve? Why would not having a place to practice her singing be such a big deal now? She fights the urge to walk in and ask, because she knows the diva will stop talking the moment they are seen. No matter what they do, Rachel is still very guarded around them.
"Did she tell you how you'll practice your singing over the summer? And just out of curiosity, how did you manage in the past?" Quinn asks.
Rachel blushes at the last question, which only serves to pique Quinn's curiosity even more.
"Rachie? You know you can tell me anything, right?" Quinn asks.
"In the past it didn't matter as much because I wasn't going to attend Juilliard's pre-college program. Since I'm starting this September, I wanted to make sure my future classmates aren't better prepared than I am. I can't even imagine how horrible my voice will sound after a break of nearly three months with next to no practice. I can't risk being the only one like that." Rachel says, biting her bottom lip in that adorable way that makes Quinn want to devour the diva with kisses.
"How do you know the other candidates will practice in the summer?" Quinn asks, though she knows the answer already. God knows that if it were up to Sue, all Cheerios would have mandatory practice all summer long, not just during the last two weeks of the summer vacation.
"The professors I spoke with while auditioning told me that the majority of the pre-college candidates are already vying for an undergrad spot. They were very realistic, and even with all the praise I received, they told me that I'd be among people who would be nearly as talented as I am. If I even dream about attending Juilliard or any other top performing arts college for my undergrad, I need to make sure I'm not just one of the bunch, but the best. I didn't fight tooth and nail to finish high school in New York only to be part of the background. I need to prove to myself I can cut it. I need to prove to Dad that I'm an exceptional singer and performer not just here in Lima, but in New York as well." Rachel says.
"So, what did Andy come up with?" Quinn asks, fighting the lump that is slowly forming in her throat.
"Andy went to Dalton and somehow managed to convince Mrs. Delaney, the school's principal to allow me to use their facilities during their summer session." Rachel answers excited.
"It's really happening, isn't it? You're really moving to New York once school ends, aren't you?" Quinn asks, voice thick with tears.
"I… Yes. My tuition for both places has been paid for, but…" Rachel says, only to be cut off.
"You are what?!" Santana asks as she ploughs in the choir room. A mixture of hurt and astonishment in her face. She is followed inside by Brittany and Puck.
Rachel and Quinn's eyes widen at the intrusion. So much for waiting until Friday.
"Did we hear you say you're moving to New York?" Puck asks crossing his arms.
"Of course she is. Haven't you been paying attention, Puck? Rachel has always said she'll be moving to New York after graduation and be on Broadway." Brittany says.
"Quinn said Rachel is leaving after school ends." Santana adds. She's surprised at how upset she is.
"She probably means when we all graduate high school." Brittany says. She hopes they misheard, since the door was closed and they were standing outside. "Please Rach; tell them it's a mistake." She adds.
Rachel looks at the clock hanging in the far wall. Lunch is almost over and they are supposed to be in class soon. She knows there is no way they will wait until after Glee. Not if she wants to keep her departure a secret for as long as she can. She pulls out her phone and dials Leroy's number. "Daddy, something came up and I'm going to miss the rest of the school day… No, nothing too dire. Just an important conversation I need to have with Noah, Santana, and Brittany that I don't want others overhearing… I know I said I was going to do it this Friday, but the cat is out of the bag now. I'll tell you everything when you get home tonight… Thanks Daddy. I love you too." She says. Then she turns to look at four sets of eyes looking at her with a mixture of confusion and betrayal. She closes her eyes and forces herself to remain calm.
"I normally don't condone skipping school in any way, shape or form, but this is a conversation that cannot be had on school premises. I doubt the three of you will agree to wait until after our day's commitments are over." Rachel finally says once she thinks she has her emotions under control.
"What the fuck is going on?" Santana asks.
"Not here, please. I know it's too much to ask, but do you think you could follow me home and I'll tell you everything." Rachel pleads.
After what feels like a lifetime; Santana, Brittany, and Puck nod their agreement. For a moment, it appeared as if they were going to say no and demand an explanation right then and there.
"Do any of you wish to return after we're done with our conversation? If not, I suggest we go grab what books are necessary and meet back in my house in about fifteen minutes or so." Rachel asks with a sigh.
"Fine, but don't think you're getting out of this. I want a full explanation." Santana says before she storms out in a way that rivals Rachel's usual diva storm outs. She is followed by a silent Brittany.
Puck stays behind, still staring blankly at Rachel and Quinn. "I'm not leaving the two of you out of my sight until I find out what the hell is going on." He says.
"Have it your way. I'm going to my locker to get my things." Quinn says as she gently guides a still stupefied Rachel out of the choir room and to their respective lockers.
True to his word, Puck shadows the girls and follows them as closely as he can in his truck.
"I guess I should have been more careful and waited until we were back home before I went into any details over what happened." Rachel says as they manoeuvre the surprisingly full streets of Lima.
"It's not your fault, Rachie. I should have made sure they weren't following me. When Puck told me you got a phone call from Andy I sort of overreacted myself. I knew it had to be important for Andy to be calling you during school hours. I should have known better." Quinn counters.
"It's not your fault, Eggie. Things happen for a reason and things don't happen for a reason." Rachel says with a shrug. Repeating that over and over has been one of the few ways she has been able to cope with everything. "I just hope they won't be too angry and revert back to the way things were before, or even worse yet." She quietly admits.
"I doubt they will. For whatever reason, Puck looks at you like you're his long lost good, fraternal twin. I nearly ripped Puck's head off when I thought he ditched you to goof off with Mike and Matt. I thought it was my imagination when it looked like Santana and Brittany wanted to hurt him just as bad. As I said before, they'll be angry, but they'll get over it." Quinn says gently.
"I hope so." Rachel says as Quinn pulls in the driveway. She isn't surprised to see that Santana is already parked by the curb waiting for them and immediately pulls up behind, blocking Quinn's car. Puck parks by the curb. "Here goes nothing." She says as she reaches for her messenger bag.
Before Rachel can fully turn around and reach for the door, Quinn grabs one of her hands. "No matter what happens, you have me. I'm always on your side. On the off chance I'm wrong and they lash out at you, they'll have to deal with me as well. I won't let them hurt you." She says. 'I won't hold back with them.' She thinks to herself.
Rachel nods, and finally, gathers enough courage to get out of the car. She is quickly joined by the others and they silently walk to the front door.
Rachel gestures for the others to find a place to sit while she puts her things away. Eventually she settles down on one of the loveseats in the big living room.
Quinn immediately mouths 'I'll be right back' before she disappears to the kitchen and comes out with a single glass of water that she places in front of Rachel before she settles beside the diva.
Rachel sends her girlfriend a grateful look. She has to fight the urge to burrow into Quinn's arms, but there is no way she is going to risk outing them. As it is, she's not sure how people haven't pieced things together, seeing as they spend every possible moment together and neither of them are dating or showing any interest in dating anyone.
The group of teenagers stare at one another, unsure of how to start the conversation.
"San said that you're moving once school is over in a month. Is that true Rach?" Brittany asks, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"Before Rachel answers, I need you guys to promise me that no matter what, you're going to hear everything she has to say before you react. You may ask questions, but you may not attack her just for the hell of it." Quinn says as she scoots closer to Rachel.
"You're in no position to demand anything. This is about Rachel, not you. She's been lying to us for god knows how long." Puck snaps.
"This conversation concerns my best friend, therefore it concerns me. Before you go self-righteous on us, remember none of you are fault-free. We could have stopped being douche bags a hell of a lot sooner. Rachel has her reasons for keeping things to herself." Quinn says, not backing down one bit.
Santana's protest dies in her throat at those words. Once again, she feels they're lucky Rachel has given them yet another chance. She can only nod. The others follow Santana's lead.
"Quinn, it's not really necessary. I mean…" Rachel starts to say, but Quinn's hand squeezing hers in support stops her.
"Yes, it is. You've been through enough crap to last you several lifetimes. I won't allow anything else bad to happen in my presence." Quinn says gently to Rachel. She then turns to their friends. "Do I have your word you're not going to overreact?" She asks. She's not just happy with a nod. She's only satisfied when she hears them mumble 'yes'. She then turns her attention back to Rachel. "Go ahead, Rachie. I know this is hard, so take all the time you need." She adds, her voice immediately losing its bite.
Rachel smiles gratefully as she reaches for the glass of water in front of her and takes a sip.
As much as Quinn hates it, at least it's a small sip and Rachel isn't gulping the water down.
"It's true. When this school year ends, I'm moving to New York City. It's been something I've considered for quite some time. My cousin Andy and I have been talking about that possibility on and off for years." Rachel says.
"What do you mean years? Why now?" Santana asks in a tone of voice so gentle that it causes everyone to do a double-take.
"I've been bullied for as long as I can remember. Up until last October, I had no friends here. I've reached my breaking point. If I stay, I'm going to have a nervous breakdown or end up with a severe case of depression." Rachel answers.
"I didn't think it was that bad." Brittany says sadly.
"So now you're running away? That's really brave of you." Puck snaps.
"Are you deaf, Puckerman? Didn't I say to let Rachel finish so you wouldn't overreact and end up being an ass?" Quinn snaps back in full HBIC mode.
"You said it was fine for us to ask questions. I was asking a question." Puck says in a more contrite tone of voice. No matter how much Quinn has softened up since she and Rachel have become friends, the HBIC is never far behind.
"You weren't. You're being an asshole. Now shut the fuck up and let Rachel speak." Santana snarls at him, surprising everyone.
"Noah, do you have any idea what it feels like to be bullied every day of your life?" Rachel asks.
"Come on, Rachel. So you got a few slushies thrown at you from time to time. You got called a few names before Quinn stopped it. What's the big deal? We've all been called names before. Since I joined Glee, I've had idiots from the hockey team slushy me and call me names until I put a stop to it. Hell, Santana just called me an asshole and you don't see me packing my bags and moving to a different city." Puck answers condescendingly.
Before either Quinn or Santana can react, Brittany reaches over and slaps the boy. "You're being a poopyhead, Puck. If you really think that comes even close to what Rachel has gone through, then you're definitely a hell of a lot dumber than what everyone thinks I am." She says in the same sad voice.
"How would you know?" Puck asks, mindful of his tone because he doesn't want to piss off Santana or Quinn more than they already are. Not to mention, his cheek is burning something fierce.
"Rachel and I started going to dance together since we were four. I've noticed that everyone has picked on Rachel because of her dads, the way she talks, the stuff she wears and her dreams. Your bullying only lasted for a little bit. People have been mean to Rachel for many years, and it's not just kids, but their parents also. You don't know what that is like. You never will." Brittany says.
"And you do?" Puck scoffs, earning himself a slap to the back of his head from a fuming Latina.
"Yes, I do. I've had people call me slow and dumb and a retard because I learn things differently. I don't get bullied is because I'm a Cheerio and Santana makes sure people are afraid to call me names. It didn't always stop them when San wasn't around. At least, for me things got better because I have a best friend who has kept me safe and everyone at school is afraid to mess with a Cheerio. Now, shut up and let Rach finish talking." Brittany says.
"That's why you never picked on me or called me names." Rachel says to Brittany. "Thank you." She adds.
"Don't thank me. I don't deserve it. I know what it feels like to be picked on, but I was too afraid to stand up for you." Brittany says even sadder.
"That still doesn't explain why you're moving to New York and why you kept it a secret from us. Friends tell each other shit. I guess the concept is too new for you and…" Puck starts to say, only to have Santana slap him even harder. "What the fuck, López?" He asks.
"Consider yourself lucky I'm not beating the shit out of you." Santana snaps.
"Enough! Puck, I swear you're this close (said with thumb and index finger held nearly touching) to having your mouth duct-taped shut. I get that you're hurt, but it doesn't give you the right to hurt her back. This is exactly why Rachel was hesitating telling any of you." Quinn hisses. When she sees Rachel reaching for the glass over water and take a much bigger sip, she wants nothing more than to slap him until her hand hurts. Instead, she tightens her hold on the diva.
"You've been taking Finn lessons, Puck. Haven't you been listening at all?" Brittany says as she gets up to sit on the floor in front of the loveseat Rachel and Quinn are sharing.
"Why are you defending her? She's been lying to you too. You should be pissed off because friends don't do that to each other." Puck says, getting more agitated.
"Because she needs more people to defend her." Brittany answers.
"This is your last warning, Puckerman. Keep this up and I'll sew your lips together. Fuck the duct tape." Santana threatens the boy as she grabs a handful of his t-shirt with one hand, and pokes his swelling cheek with the other. "Go on, Rachel. He won't interrupt anymore." She adds.
"I made the decision to move at the beginning of the school year. I applied to The Dalton School after the second week of classes, and I sent Juilliard a DVD of one of my performances. By Thanksgiving, I had already gotten my conditional acceptance to Dalton. That's why I left early Christmas break. I had to write my admissions exam and I had to audition for Juilliard's pre-college vocal program. Other than my dads and Quinn, no else in Ohio knows. I spent the first half of our Spring Break doing my final interview with Dalton, paying my tuition fees, and getting everything settled at Andy's apartment." Rachel says.
"Is that why you've been so distant with us?" Santana asks.
"No. I've only kept my distance because I've been preparing myself for the heartbreak of having you return to treating me like before once I told you. Judging by how Noah reacted, I guess I wasn't too far off the mark. I didn't mean to hurt any of you by my omission. I know I'm in no position to ask anything of you, but if you decide to rescind your friendship, all I ask is that you keep quiet about my plans until after I'm gone. I know nearly the entire school hates me, and I don't think I can take the happy looks once they find out 'the homo-spawn' is finally leaving." Rachel says. "Quinn, I hate to do this to you, but do you think you can entertain our guests. I need some time alone, and I don't think I can deal with them treating me like before in my own home." She adds.
"Of course Rachie. Go lie down." Quinn says.
"I'm not mad at you, Rach. I'll be your friend if you'll have me." Brittany says as she puts a hand on the diva's knee.
"I'm not pissed either, at least not anymore. Besides, you ain't getting rid of me so easily." Santana says, making the diva smile sadly.
Rachel's smile fades when she sees Puck's scowl. She leaves without uttering another word.
"Don't you care that she's been lying to us all this time? I get it that things have been shitty for her before, but we've been her friends for awhile now. She has no reason to leave." Puck says, not willing to back down.
"You don't get to be an asshole because your feelings are hurt. If that were the case, Rachel has more than enough reasons to be a complete bitch to us. Instead, she accepted our apology and gave us a chance to get to know her. If you're going to shove your head up your ass, it's your call. You don't have to be nice to us, but if you go back to treating her like shit, or you say one word about her plans to anyone outside of this house, I'll castrate you with two rusty nails attached to a car battery." Quinn says the moment she's sure Rachel is out of earshot.
"And when Quinn is done, I'll shove your balls so far up your ass that you'll choke on them." Santana says with a growl.
"We're called the Unholy Trinity for a reason, Puck. Don't mess with us, because dumpster dives and slushies will only be the beginning. Are we making ourselves clear?" Brittany says, surprising them.
"Crystal. I won't say a thing, but don't expect me to be your friend after this." Puck says before he gets up and leaves in a huff.
TBC...