Disclaimer: If I had owned Glee or the used songs I wouldn't be still living in the Netherlands and Glee wouldn't have ended.
Thanx for your patience, the follows, Favs and reviews.
English still isn't my native language. I don't know anything about the American education system, buying a house in the US, working with an architect or owning a private jet / yacht other than my extensive research has taught me.
Special thanx for my beta is jenmer61977, who has some amazing stories of her own please check them out, for helping me getting this story get along. If she haven't been busting my 'balls' I would probably have given up already.
Wednesday starts of as usual. All though her doctor has revoked the daily checkups, after what had happened on Tuesday Deborah decided to take the remaining days of this week to do her daily checkup anyway.
She has just taken Rachel blood pressure when Lexi enters the kitchen, followed by Santana.
"Morning," the Latina greets them. "How are you doing Rae? If you don't feel up to the workout today everybody will understand." She looks at Rachel shaking her head.
"I'm fine, but my pressure is slightly elevated again so I need the workout and rehearsal to clear my head. I'm just not looking forward to telling everybody what happened yesterday." She confesses.
Santana kneels beside her to look her in the eye. "You have nothing to worry about or be ashamed of. You know they all have your back. You had every right to kick them out of the apartment. They went too far this time."
"I know," Rachel says sighing. "But that doesn't mean I'm not upset about the whole thing. I really thought he was my friend you know."
"I know sweetie," Santana envelops her in a tight hug. "Tell you what. When we get there you just start your workout and Q, Lex and I tell the rest what happened." With Rachel's nod they finish up their coffee and are out the door.
On their way to the school Rachel receives a text from Artie's mother saying that it is his birthday Friday and that they're all invited for dinner, and true to his word the contractor had emailed her the floorplans for the house. She smiles firing off a group text, minus the birthday boy himself off course, telling about the invite and that they have to collect money to buy him a nice gift before sending a text that they need to have a meeting about the house that evening.
When they've changed Santana motions for Rachel and Noah to start their training, saying to the rest they need to talk. Once those two have left the room Lexi, Santana, Quinn and Shelby explain what happened with Kurt and Mercedes while they were in New York.
"You're kidding," Santana shakes her head at Tina's question. "This has Mercedes written all over it. Kurt would never do such a thing."
"He did manage to salvage my jewelry and Rachel's laptop so I'm inclined to agree with you," Santana agrees with her. "But I also agree with Burt. He did allow her into our home, giving her a key and he didn't stop her from doing it. Just don't mention it to Rae okay? She was pretty upset about it,"
They all agree on that and with that they join Rachel and Noah in the pool.
The rest of the day is spent as usual on the one note that instead of goofing around they can actually start working on the set list in rehearsal. Rachel offered Matt to stay at her place but he declined since it is easier to make the drive to Lima for rehearsal and back instead of the other way around. He did however pick up their morning training schedule at OSU.
After rehearsal they gather at Rachel's to discuss who gets which room and what color they want it painted in.
"Have you heard anything from your dads' or Burt?" Santana asks on Thursday morning while they're having their usual breakfast at Bob Evens.
Rachel shakes her head.
"What would be the worst case scenario?" Quinn asks.
Rachel thinks about it for a minute. "That they're forced to work around the band?"
They all think about that. "Would that really be that bad? That way they could see the real you." Shelby suggests.
"That may be, but I don't trust Mercedes," Rachel confesses. "Kurt wouldn't dare to do anything, especially after what happened with our stuff. Mercedes is a whole different story. I wouldn't put it past her if she doesn't do her job and for example not dry the stage properly after 'Singing in the Rain/Umbrella' in hopes that someone, preferably me, slip on the wet stage."
"You think she really would go that far?" Lexi looks shocked.
"Absolutely, she so incredibly jealous and vindictive she would to hurt Rae," Quinn nods. "She was always thinking of ways to put Rae down when I was staying with her at the end of my pregnancy. I agree with Rae. We can't trust her."
"Okay, so if it is suggested those two work for us as stage hands for example?" Shelby asks to be clear.
"Kurt yes. We can flip him and convince Rae isn't anywhere near the selfish bitch he thinks she is. Mercedes on the other hand absolutely not. We're a family. A family where everybody should feel safe," Santana states firmly. "After what I saw a few weeks ago Rae would feel more safe around Karofsky and Azimio then she would around Wheezy." Rae nods her agreement on that last statement.
"Okay. On a lighter note, Artie's birthday. What are we going to get him?' Shelby looks at those present.
"Ah. I was thinking of getting him a professional camcorder and an action camera with software for video editing," Rachel tells them her idea. "He's going to school for Directing and Producing, might as well take advantage of that." She shrugs smiling.
"That is an excellent idea Rae," Mike says enthusiastically. "He could film rehearsals and while we're on the road. Maybe he can persuade someone from the AV-club to film a concert and we can have a DVD of the whole journey."
"That is a great idea," Shelby smiles nodding her approval. "Do you have any idea how much everybody is contributing?"
"No. the professional camera is probably expensive so I'll take care of anything that we're short." Rachel says.
"No you are not," Mike objects firmly. "You're doing enough already. Between the five of us we're well off enough financially that we can split the difference. I understand if you, Lexi, think it is too much for a boy you've just met but trust me. He's worth it."
"It's not," When she sees the confused looks she clarifies. "Too much, I mean. I don't know if it is just because I'm Rachel's sister or not but from the beginning you all made me feel very welcome."
"It may have started off because you're Rae's sister and she's family which makes you family," Mike answers honestly. "But in these few weeks we've gotten to know you, you have showed us you're as loyal to your family and friends as Rae is and that is really important to all of us." He looks at Rachel again. "So, are we going shopping after breakfast?"
Rachel shakes her head. "No, we have schoolwork to do. I was thinking of permanently take the Friday off from school so how about we go to Sears tomorrow after breakfast? They usually have the best package deals." They all agree on that.
Rachel is working with most of the band on vocals and lyrics while Mike and Brittany are working out the choreography with Jen and Cassie that afternoon when Rachel's dads', Maribel, Burt, the Jones's and Kurt and Mercedes enter the auditorium. While Kurt is looking down ashamed Mercedes looks bored around the auditorium. The whole band abruptly stops what they're doing.
"Looks like our worst case is coming true," Santana motions her head to the group waiting.
"You're kidding, right?" Rachel looks terrified at her.
"Why else would they be here?" the Latina grabs her hand. "What are you all doing here? This is a closed rehearsal." She yells towards the group that just entered the room, looking slightly panicked towards Jen. She sighs relieved when she sees that her Aunt and Cassie have changed positions so Jen has her back turned to the invaders.
"Since these two, but mostly Mercedes, think Rachel is a selfish, controlling bitch and the band is just here with the rest as back ground singers we thought it would be a good idea as their punishment and repayment agreement they work for you as your stage hands." Hiram takes the lead.
"Hell to the nah," (Santana) "When hell freezes over," (Lexi) "There is no way in hell she is coming anywhere near my wife again," (Noah) "I don't think so," is heard from several mouths while the rest just looks stunned that the parents even thought of this. Let alone suggesting it to them.
Rachel holds up her hand to stop everybody from doing or saying anything else. "According to Mercedes I'm selfish, controlling, loud, and obnoxious and maybe she is right about all of that." She holds up her hand again when some try to object. "Yes, when it comes to music I have the tendency to lose control and become everything she thinks I am because I'm a perfectionist and I know what I'm talking about." She takes a deep breath before she continues. "But I don't want her anywhere near me. Simply because I don't feel safe when she's around. Can you imagine what would happen if she is responsible for drying the stage after the 'Singing in the Rain/Umbrella' mash up and decides it would be funny to see someone slip. People could get seriously hurt. I'm pregnant for god's sake." She shivers at only the thought. "We can't take that risk. If she can't handle me at my worst, then she sure as hell don't deserve me at my best. I don't mind them being punished by for example be present and participate in our morning work outs. Trust me," she smirks evilly. "Especially for Mercedes that would be punishment. But there are more than enough other ways for them to pay us back for the damage they've caused."
She takes a moment to think than she nods her head. "I'm a big donor to several animal shelters and they're always looking for volunteers to walk the dogs or to clean the animal areas and facilities."
"Kurt has to work at Vogue next week so we can't work for a shelter here in Lima," Mercedes smirks smugly.
"I didn't say I am a donor for the shelter here in Lima now did I," Rachel looks questioningly at her friends who all shake their head. Looking back at Mercedes she smiles sweetly. "Although I am, I am also donor to a few animal shelters in New York. I think I can find you a nice place to do some community service. What do you think Santana? Would that be sufficient enough as punishment and payback agreement?"
Santana thoughtfully nods her head. "I think I can agree to that for Kurt. I want Mercedes to stay here and participate in our work outs and I don't want to hear one word of complaint from her and work at the ER for my mom until school starts. The paycheck she'll receive goes straight to us to pay for at least some portion of what she destroyed. After that she can do some community service at an animal shelter in New York." She looks at Maribel for confirmation.
"Sure, we always can use some extra janitors." Maribel offers understanding what Rachel is trying to do.
"I ain't gonna work as a janitor in the ER or doing your 'community service'," Mercedes crosses her arms over her chest like a reluctant child.
"It's either that or getting arrested for theft," her father tells her. "That will give you a criminal record that won't be sealed since you're over eighteen which makes getting a job or starting your own business very unlikely if FIT doesn't expel you. So you are going to work out without complaining and you are going to work at the ER until school starts in September and you are going to do the community service Rachel suggests until she says you've done enough. Is that understood?"
"Yes daddy," she bows her head, embarrassed at being scolded by her father in front of her former friends.
"We'll work out the details. You guys get back to rehearsal," Hiram addresses the group on stage. With that the parents along with Kurt and Mercedes leave the auditorium.
They all just keep doing what they were doing when Mercedes enters the locker room on Friday morning.
"Hey T." She tries to speak to the Asian girl, who doesn't even spare her a glance as she continues her conversation with Shelby. When she approaches Artie to talk to him he quickly turns to leave the room to warm up. She is a little astonished that they all change in the same locker room without even batting an eye so she turns her back to everyone before getting ready herself.
Since everybody is already there now they do look up when the door opens again and Kurt walks in. Mercedes breathes a sigh in relief that she isn't the only one being forced to participate in this stupid workout.
"Kurt what are you doing here?" Tina asks surprised.
"My dad said it would be good to be around you guys and see for myself Rachel isn't as controlling or selfish as I thought she is for the time I am in town." The boy shrugs dropping his bag in the corner opposite of where Mercedes is standing. Ignoring her completely like the others.
"Why is Puck allowed to leave even though the training isn't done yet?" Mercedes looks envious when Noah leaves after their thirty minute run.
"Not that we owe you an explanation but he is taking truck driving lessons at the Apollo Career Center and has class at eight o'clock," Rachel tells her.
"Why would he do that?" She asks. She knows he's going to NYU in the fall because she has seen him parading around town in his NYU jacket like the rest of them.
"Like I said, we don't owe you an explanation," Rachel says walking towards the school gym.
They're sitting at their usual table having breakfast when Kurt enters the diner, looking around and then walking towards their table.
"Can I talk to you?" He looks at Rachel.
She motions him to sit. "Anything you have to say to me you can say to them."
He nods looking wary around the table, gasps quietly when he recognizes Jen, who's sitting beside Shelby but doesn't say anything.
"Rachel I'm so, so sorry for everything that happened," he says looking down at the table ashamed.
"Sorry for what exactly?" She asks surprised.
"Everything. For assuming you telling me you were gay, for telling Santana but mostly for my behavior afterwards. For siding with Mercedes saying you're selfish and controlling and allowing her to throw your things away. For putting someone on a pedestal that didn't deserve it." He fights the tears falling down. "My dad told me what you did for him."
"So you're here because your dad told you the truth?" Santana hisses. "Or are you here because you realized just how wealthy she really is and decided you can take advantage of that somehow?"
He shakes his head vigorously. "No, no. After I talked to my dad and he told me the truth I did some really hard thinking and realized how many times Rachel has had my back over the years. She was always there for me even though I didn't deserve it." He swallows away his pride before continuing. "I was there this morning not because my dad made me but because I deserve more punishment then only doing your community service at the animal shelter. That workout by the way, is pure torture. And I'm here because I'm truly sorry and to see if I can salvage the only true friendship I ever had. Seeing you all together yesterday also made me realize how much I miss working with you all. Performing isn't my ambition anymore. I'm accepted into FIT for Fashion Design on a full scholarship from Vogue dot com, and I don't want to disturb the dynamic of the band. Even though I still don't want to move out of the city, I'd like to be involved somehow. I have so many ideas about costumes
for your concerts and performances."
They all look at each other, having a silent conversation for a few minutes until Santana shrugs looking at Rachel saying 'your decision'.
Rachel thinks for another minute. "You'll get one chance to prove yourself," she holds up her index finger. "And we're holding you accountable if anything about any of us or the band leaks to the public
or press." He nods enthusiastically. "For this tour we have our costumes already planned out but we're all busy so I could use someone to alter my old competition costume and maybe make two or three extra costumes for all of us."
"I can do that," he nods thinking. "I still have the drawings of the designs in my portfolio. Maybe I can ask Isabelle for help so I can have them ready as soon as possible."
"Okay, but you need to make mine elastic for my growing bump," Rachel smiles, rubbing her belly.
"Of course," he smiles at the not yet visible bump. "Do you already know they are boys or girls or maybe both?"
She shakes her head. "No, and we decided not to tell anyone." They're all, Shelby and Lexi in particular, disappointed at that statement but understand it is Rachel's and Noah's decision. They figure one will slip up eventually.
After breakfast Kurt, Shelby and Jen go their way while Rachel, Santana, Quinn Lexi and Mike head to the mall to buy Artie's present.
The rest of the day went by as usual with Rachel taking a nap after lunch before rehearsal. Instead of getting picked up by one of his parents Artie is taken home by Rachel, Noah, Santana and Lexi where all the parents are already waiting for them and his dad has the grill fired up.
It is Rachel who speaks at his confused look. "I received a text from your mother earlier this week saying it was your birthday today, inviting us all for dinner to celebrate this joyful day with you." His face lights up at that so she smiles at him. "You thought we forgot? Uh huh. We all chipped in to buy you a present. We hope you'll make good use of it. Noah?"
Opening the box Noah has set in front of him he tears up. "Guys, this is too much." He says taking out the professional video camera, the action cam and all accessories.
"Well get used to it buddy," Noah pats his shoulder. "That goes for all of you. Chellie is not only a very loyal friend. She is also very generous when it comes to her inner circle. This however," he points at the camera's. "Was kind of a present with an afterthought. We were hoping you will be filming at rehearsals and while we're on tour and that you could convince the AV club to record one of our concerts so you can make a DVD of it."
"That was already in the planning but with this I can film literally everything, thanks." He says as he makes his round to hug everyone his thanks.
While they're eating the five present explain what happened with Kurt over breakfast but decide against him being present at rehearsals since he won't have anything significant to bring in other than costume choices.
The rest of the evening is spent singing and jamming just for the fun of it.
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Up next: Rehearsals, New York and rehearsals