Chapter 35

The remainder of the school week passed as most do, filled with classes, homework, and taking care of personal business, namely cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Rachel had purchased a couple of bags of candy and passed it out on Wednesday night to the Trick-or-Treaters that came by the apartment building. She had learned her lines and was gaining confidence with each performance. Cindy had come through her surgery with flying colors and was resting comfortably at home. The cast had pitched in and sent her flowers, and a few of them (Rachel and Marsha included) had volunteered to help until she could be more mobile while her fiancée was at school.

The director had suggested to Rachel to consider twirling her "wand" like a baton; it would give her something to do with her hands while she was supposedly creating all of the "magic" that was happening, as well as draw eyes to it (and her), supplying a "smoke and mirrors" effect to cover the true action that was occurring on stage. By Sunday afternoon, close to a dozen YouTube videos later, all she had to show for her effort was a moderate increase in skill and two young men on the brink of tears from laughing so hard at her less than stellar attempts. Their derision only fueled her ambition, and she decided to go to the bookstore to purchase a book (or two) on the subject.

Rachel returned later that afternoon with a couple of books and a self-satisfied grin.

"Well, don't you look like the cat that swallowed the canary," Kurt commented. "What are you so pleased about?"

"I got a job," she stated simply, plopping down on the couch.

"Spill, Rachel; how did that happen?" Kurt prompted.

"Apparently, Saturday and Sunday afternoons they have somebody reading stories to the kids. Parents can drop their children off and have a couple of free hours on the weekend," she explained, looking at Kurt.

"And where do you come in?" he asked, prodding her to continue.

"The current 'story lady' is graduating and won't be available next semester. They have some part-timers to fill in for the holiday season, but they need somebody who will commit, at least for next semester, to 1-4 PM on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I can certainly spare the time, it's walking distance from here, and, even though it's not a lot of money, it'll still help," she concluded.

"Do you mind if I ask how much it pays?" Kurt inquired.

"No, not at all, Kurt," Rachel replied. "It's $10 an hour; that is, before taxes. You know," she confided, "technically, I'm not supposed to work on the Sabbath, but it's only reading; there's no real labor or anything, and we get paid every other Wednesday, so I think it'll be OK."

"Well, congratulations, Rachel," Kurt acknowledged. "I think it's a great idea; now I just need to get up off of my rear end and do the same."

Noah had returned home while Rachel was running her errand; he had gone grocery shopping on the way and was doing laundry as well as studying. Rachel texted her news and his response indicated that he was proud of her. She began practicing, using the books as a guide, determined to have something to show the director before returning to her own actual homework assignments. By the end of the evening, Rachel had mastered some basic twirling skills as well as written the first draft of a paper.

The next two weeks seemed as though they were sucked into the cyclone that transported "Dorothy" to "Oz". Between classes, homework, rehearsals, and mundane chores, time appeared to fly by. Before they knew it, it was the Friday before Thanksgiving: opening night. Rachel's nerves had gotten the better of her, and only Noah at her side enabled her to attend her classes with her sanity intact. Once classes were over, the couple returned to Rachel's apartment, where she would be able to eat, rest, and (hopefully) center herself enough to be calm for the evening's performance.

"Come on, Baby; you've gotta eat something," Noah implored his girlfriend.

"Noah, I'm afraid that I couldn't keep anything down," Rachel shakily admitted.

"Bullshit, Rach, you have to eat. You need energy to perform, and energy requires calories," he explained. "Take that from an ex-jock. I'll make you some whole wheat toast with peanut butter and some tea," he decided, knowing she wouldn't consume any dairy before a performance. "If you don't eat every bite," he playfully cautioned, "I'm gonna feed you, myself."

Rachel smiled; she realized that Noah was right. "Thank you, Noah. I don't know what I'd do without you," she confessed.

"Don't worry about that, Baby; I'm not going anywhere," he confided with a loving smile.

"I'm going to take a shower, Noah," Rachel said. "Maybe it'll help me calm down. By the way, thanks again for the flowers, Noah; they're amazing!" she commented, kissing him lightly.

"Nothing's too good for you, Rach," he replied, pleased that she liked his gift.

"Lavender roses…they're gorgeous," she sighed, "…just…special."

"You know what they mean, don't ya', Rach?" he teased. Rachel shook her head, smiling shyly and looking up at him demurely. "They mean 'love at first sight', and you are that for me," he avowed.

"Even when you were slushying me, Noah?" she queried, teasingly.

"Even then, Baby; even then," he admitted. "I did everything I could to push you away, because I thought you deserved better."

"Oh, Noah," she sighed, "in my eyes, there's nobody better than you."

Noah's arms encircled her tenderly, all too quickly releasing Rachel and shooing her off: "Now, go; take your shower, Rach," he said, swatting her lightly on her rear as she walked away.

As soon as Noah heard the water running, he sent a quick text to Kurt: "Evrythg set 4 2nite?" to which Kurt replied: "Yes :-) C U at thtr." Noah smiled; Rachel would never figure out their surprise, let alone that there was one…

Rachel emerged from the bathroom infinitely more relaxed. She had pulled her hair back in a low ponytail so her hair could be easily manipulated to fit under her wig. She sat down to the snack that Noah had fixed for her, and he joined her, carrying in a sandwich that he had prepared for himself. Rachel began eating, gingerly at first, as she was still concerned as to whether or not she could keep it down.

"This is delicious, Noah; thank you," she complimented her boyfriend.

He smiled at Rachel, unable to speak due to a mouthful of sandwich. He took a drink of water and was about to reply when Rachel curiously observed, "Noah, where's Kurt?" Her concern was evident when she continued, "He's planning on being there tonight, isn't he?"

Noah smiled; he and Kurt had covered all of the angles. "He's working on a project for school, Rach. He promised that he would meet me there in plenty of time." He smiled and looked at Rachel, teasing, "Don't worry, Baby; your 'cheering section' will be there in full force."

Rachel's facial features relaxed at his reply. She smiled and continued eating, comforted by the support that Noah and Kurt provided.

After lunch was eaten, Noah rubbed Rachel's neck to help relax her. He had considered giving her a back rub, but realized that temptation might get the better of both of them, and now was not the time for sex. Leaning against Noah, Rachel dozed off on the couch for about 20 minutes, waking up somewhat calmer than when she had first come home. A quick glance at her watch reminded her that it was time to get ready; Rachel gathered her shoes for the play and a change of clothes for afterward. Noah had insisted that he and Kurt were taking her out to celebrate her success (it's great to have friends who are confident in one's abilities), and she decided that the yoga pants and sweater she wore in wouldn't be appropriate for wherever they went.

The pair bundled up in warm coats to offset the chill of the November evening. A brisk walk to the subway station led to a quiet ride, Rachel running lines in her head the whole trip. Another brisk walk, and Rachel and Noah found themselves at the stage door.

She looked up at him with a mixture of fear and awe in her eyes. They embraced, Rachel clinging tightly as if he was her lifeline.

"Break a leg, Baby," he whispered in her ear, and Rachel exhaled, relaxing a bit. Noah kissed her on the forehead and, after another hug, they broke contact. Rachel entered the door; there was no turning back, now, only moving forward.

Author's Note: Apparently, an "at sign" can't be retained as a valid character. Oh well... on with the show! Feedback, anyone?