Monday, Dec 21. 12:15 p.m. Choir room.

Rachel puts her stuff in a chair when Tina walks in carrying her cd player and her backpack strapped on. Tina places her things on a side table and looks over at Rachel with a pleased expression.

"I'm glad you're here early too, Rachel. What am I saying? You're always the first here. You've been an inspiring example to the rest of us. Me in particular."

"Tina, I'm very touched. I feel the same way about the rest of the group. Always remember that, okay?"

Tina nods her head then walks over to Rachel and gives her a big hug. Rachel gives her an affectionate squeeze in return, feeling surprised and delighted. They separate and sit down in adjoining chairs. Tina brushes a strand of hair back off her face, thinking about what she wants to say.

"I wanted to thank you again for letting me sing that Maria song this Thursday. It means so much that you think so highly of me and my voice. Also, I miss hanging out with you, Rachel. We did have some good times early last semester."

Tina notices that Rachel is suddenly chocked up with emotion. Tina smiles and pats her shoulder.

"It's all good. No tears, okay? Or you'll make me start too."

Rachel grabs a tissue out of her pocket and wipes her eyes before trying to speak.

"I remember my favorite times were the Journey song, our school assembly number, the 2 field trips to see Vocal Adrenaline, and that wild car wash to pay that stuck up Dakota Stanley."

They both burst out laughing at the mention of his name. Tina works at getting her giggles under control.

"You sure told him where to go, Rachel. I still can't believe he wanted to cut almost the entire team because of his narrow minded thinking."

"Tina, this has been awesome catching up. I've missed having a female friend that I can relate to and talk about anything. Mercedes and I have just mended our fences. Santana and Brittany have always disliked me. I care about Quinn even though it seems we should have been enemies from the start. It hurts to think about what she's going thru now."

Tina nods her head in understanding.

"I don't blame you for telling Finn. It scared me how livid and crazy he was that day after finding out. But he was a lot better at the mall Saturday. You two seem to be hitting it off really good. Your song made me think about how Artie makes me feel."

Rachel is looking down hiding her embarrassment until she hears the rest of what Tina says. She takes one of Tina's hands and gives her a look of joy and surprise.

"You and Artie? When! Tell me all!"

"Yes, Rachel, we are an official couple now. After we did our ballad songs to each other last Friday, we both admitted our feelings and made up. We love each other! Oh yeah, I'm getting the same vibe when I see how you and Finn look at each other."

"Tina, I have loved Finn from the first day we met. I know he has feelings for me, but only lately has he tried telling me how much he cares. I'm letting him do it at his own pace."

Tina gets up and walks over to get a cd out of her backpack, putting it in her disc player. As her finger hovers over the play button, she looks back at Rachel with a sly grin.

"Get up here and help me sing this song, Rachel. You know the lyrics. Stop dwelling about everything and just cut loose. Then we'll go to the auditorium."

As Rachel hears the first few music notes, she jumps up and starts dancing with Tina. They try to mimic the antics and expressions of the original singer in the video.

Tina and Rachel take turns singing "Girls Just Want To Have Fun."