A/N: Wow! Over 1000 reviews! I'm so grateful to all of you who continue to read and comment on this story. A special shout-out to foreveralone22 for providing number 1000! As your 'prize', look for a variant of your screen name to appear in the next chapter. :)

Yes, I know I said New York was next. Well, Rachel makes it there by the end of this chapter. Does that count?


Someone to Love You– Chapter 54

Not for the first time, Rachel found herself feeling extremely grateful for the presence in her life of one Jesse St. James. The previous night, after the party had ended and she'd helped her dads clean up, she'd headed for her room to finish packing. As soon as she'd shut the door behind her, she'd begun to pace, nibbling nervously at her bottom lip as she questioned the choice she'd made for the next day's audition. It was unconventional. It was bold. It was… so unlike her. While she freely admitted to being outspoken and opinionated, she generally did the expected thing. But this? It was about as far from the expected as she could get, and she wasn't entirely certain if it would provide the edge she needed, or backfire in a most spectacular fashion.

Not surprisingly, she considered success the only acceptable outcome. Shelby and Dustin Goolsby had gone out on a limb for her, and her pride demanded that she prove to them both that their faith in her talent wasn't misplaced. An offer of acceptance to LaGuardia Arts would also be her ticket out of small town Lima, allowing her to escape McKinley and her continued mistreatment at the hands of her New Directions teammates. Most importantly, though, it would herald the end of her separation from Jesse, and set them on the path towards making all of their dreams come true.

Demonstrating once again the almost psychic connection that existed between them, the moment she'd thought of her boyfriend, her laptop's chime signalled that he'd signed on to Skype and was ready to talk. When his face had filled her computer screen, she'd relaxed instantly. Before a word of explanation on her part or any advice on his, he'd managed to calm her, as he always did.

Sticking to her original plan, she'd kept the news of her Saturday appointment to herself. There'd be time enough when it was over to share all of the details with him, be they good or bad. In spite of her silence on the matter, he'd unknowingly boosted her confidence, and she'd gone to bed feeling assured that, barring some unforeseen calamity beyond her control, she was going to nail this particular audition.

Now, as she slipped her makeup bag into her suitcase and double-checked that she had her tickets for both the flight and Wicked, she hummed quietly to herself. Padding over to the window, she pulled back the curtain, revealing the radiant hues of the morning's sunrise. A soft smile tugged the corners of her mouth upwards at the sight. On this day that promised to be one of the most important of her life, it seemed that even Mother Nature was on her side.


Thousands of miles away at LAX, two bleary-eyed teens were nursing extra-large coffees as they attempted to clear the fog from their brains and achieve some level of alertness at what was, for them, an unbearably early hour. Since the New York-bound flight was slated to depart first, the duo were currently seated at Jesse's gate, stifling yawns between bites of toast and fruit. Nate ran a hand absently through his hair, a gesture Jesse recognized all too well as a sign of his friend's anxiety.

"What's got you rattled, Steadman?"

"Uncle Carl's reception," Nate answered without hesitation.

"I thought you were looking forward to it."

"I was – until Jules pissed me off by flirting with Puckerman."

"Didn't you guys work that all out last night?"

"Sort of, but I'm still not completely okay with what she did."

"So you'll talk it through when you get to Lima. I don't see what the problem is."

"My parents will be there on Sunday."

"Oh."

With that single word, Jesse managed to convey his complete understanding of Nate's predicament.

"Yeah. I was actually more excited than nervous about them meeting, but that was when I thought we were solid. Now… I don't know if I even want to introduce her to them."

"I'm afraid it's too late for that. Unless you're about to un-invite her – which would offend her so deeply she'd probably break up with you on the spot – they're going to be in the same room in less than 48 hours. You've gotta get your shit sorted out before then."

"Any suggestions?"

"You and Jules need to talk. And I don't mean some kind of casual conversation. You have to put all your cards on the table. How you really feel about her. How she really feels about you. Whether you can cope with the strain of a long distance relationship, or if it's too much to handle. Assuming you're on the same page about that stuff, you can kiss and make up, then relax about Sunday."

"Geez, St. James, you make it sound so easy."

"If you want it badly enough, it is."

"Point taken. But enough about me and my suddenly complicated love life. Let's move on to your far more stable one, and the surprise that will likely earn you the 'boyfriend of the year' award."

Jesse grinned at the truth of his friend's assertion.

"Everything's set for tonight."

"She still doesn't have a clue?"

"Nope. Everyone's been great about keeping it a secret."

"I'd love to be a fly on the wall to see her…"

Nate's deliberate pause earned him an elbow in the side from Jesse.

"Watch it, Steadman."

"Reaction. I was going to say reaction," Nate smirked in amusement.

"Sure you were." Jesse chuckled softly, and gave a small shrug. "No matter, though. There's no way you can spoil my good mood. The arrangements are made, the details are taken care of, and it'll all be perfect, if I do say so myself. Rachel's going to have the best birthday ever."


Shortly after Leroy had departed – reluctantly – for his all-day retreat, Rachel and Hiram had set out for the Akron airport. Consumed with thoughts of what awaited her upon her arrival in New York City, she was uncharacteristically quiet, and she started as the sound of her father's voice broke the silence.

"I'm sorry your dad and I can't be with you tonight, sweetie."

"It's okay, Daddy. I understand."

"So that isn't what's bothering you?"

"What makes you think something's bothering me?" she countered.

"You're heading to your favourite city, and you're going to see a musical that you hope to star in some day. Normally, you'd be talking a mile a minute at a time like this, but instead, you seem rather subdued. I assumed it was because you're disappointed at having to do it all alone."

"Honestly, I'm fine." Sensing that he wasn't entirely convinced, she attempted to distract him by changing the subject. "And, besides, you guys threw me the most amazing surprise party last night. How could I possibly be unhappy after that?"

Hiram's eyes sparkled, and a satisfied smile lit up his face.

"I think everyone had a good time," he stated modestly.

"I'd say most of them had a great time. Except maybe for Noah."

"That boy never did know where to draw the line," Hiram muttered, a tinge of disapproval colouring his words.

His daughter snickered softly.

"He's a shameless flirt. He doesn't mean any harm, Daddy."

"You looked quite concerned last night, and I doubt your friend Nate would feel the same way about it."

"You're right. Nate wasn't very happy. But I think Vince got to Noah before any real damage was done."

"Vince. Now, there's a boy I like."

Rachel's snickers turned into outright laughter.

"You're just saying that because he managed to make Noah nervous."

"Guilty as charged."

"You're also guilty of dragging Kurt away from my party. What was that about?"

"Ah, you noticed. Your dad and I wanted to give him and that delightful Blaine a push in the right direction, so we thought we'd divide and conquer. Turns out Grace beat Leroy to the punch."

"She did?"

"Yes. She's very mature for her age, and she doesn't miss much."

"Grace likes to sit back and observe everything around her. She told me once that it feeds her muse. Truthfully, I expect we'll all end up in one of her plays someday."

"Let's hope we don't provide any embarrassing material for her to work with, then."

Rachel tilted her head forward, allowing the fall of her hair to obscure the pink that had risen to her cheeks. Her father definitely did not need to know that she'd no doubt given Grace plenty of risqué ideas already.

"I'll… uh… keep that in mind."

Further conversation was put on hold by the buzzing of Rachel's cell phone. Scanning the text, she offered her father an apologetic smile.

"It's Julia. She wants some advice before Nate arrives. Do you mind if I text her back?"

"Go ahead. Just be sure to remind her to apologize."

"I will, Daddy."

I've got a few minutes. Ask away.

Can I pretend last night never happened?

A frown darkened Rachel's features as she typed in her response.

No! You made a mistake. You have to convince him you won't do it again.

How can I be sure I won't?

In spite of the fact that Julia could neither see nor hear her, Rachel sighed impatiently and rolled her eyes in frustration.

Why would you? I thought you really cared for him.

I do! But when a cute guy flirts with me, I flirt back.

Don't. The only way you and Nate stand a chance in the long run is if you're honest with each other and you can resist temptation while you're apart.

You make it sound so easy!

It is, if it's important enough to you.

I suppose you're right. How do you suggest I handle things?

Start with an apology.

I already did that last night.

Another one can't possibly hurt. Then, talk things through, no matter how uncomfortable it might be for you.

I can't just tell him I'm sorry, then start making out with him?

This time, Rachel snorted loudly in disapproval, causing her father to eye her quizzically.

"I'll explain later," she assured him, as she continued tapping out her reply to Julia.

I'm sure Nate would enjoy that, but sweeping your problems under the rug won't make them disappear.

I'm not used to working this hard to keep a relationship going.

You've probably never dated someone who was worth the effort before.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right. Nate's definitely a keeper.

Who'd be snatched up by some lucky girl in a heartbeat if you let him go. Remember that.

OK, you've made your point. I'll talk to him.

Good. After you've cleared the air, feel free to make out as much as you like. ;)

Thanks for the seal of approval, Mom! ;)

Once they'd exchanged goodbyes and Rachel had tossed her phone in her bag, Hiram gave voice to his curiosity.

"Julia wasn't eager to follow your advice?"

"Gee, Daddy, how did you guess?"

"The exaggerated sighs. The snort. And, even though I couldn't see it, I'd be willing to bet you rolled your eyes a few times."

"Let's just say she's used to taking the easy way out. I had to remind her of what a catch Nate is, and how foolish she'd be not to work hard to keep him."

"Well, if you'll forgive me for playing devil's advocate, she's young, and Noah can be very charming. If some good looking guy came on to you at a party, your reaction might not be so very different."

Rachel huffed indignantly.

"I already have an extremely hot boyfriend, Daddy. Why would I look twice at anyone else?"

"It's human nature, sweetie."

"But it's not in my nature. Ever since Jesse and I got back together, I haven't been the slightest bit interested in anyone else."

"I will admit that the two of you seem completely focused on each other every time you're in the same room."

"I'm focused on him even when he's miles away in California," she clarified. "He's my one and only."

"You're young. Things change."

Rachel's expression darkened, and her lips curved into a frown.

"Why are you telling me this, today of all days? It's my birthday, Daddy. I want it to be a happy occasion, not a depressing one. Besides, I thought you liked Jesse. Where is this doom and gloom coming from?"

"First of all, I do like Jesse. So does your Dad. We honestly hope the two of you will be together for a very long time. But we want you to be realistic, too. You might not always feel the way you do right now, and it's our job as parents to prepare you for that possibility."

"With all due respect, Daddy, I can't imagine that happening."

Hiram opened his mouth to protest, but Rachel held up a hand to silence him.

"Please, hear me out. It's all I ask."

At her father's nod of assent, she resumed speaking.

"I realize that we're young, and I'm all too aware that most people my age tend to change partners at the first sign of trouble – or the moment someone better looking, or more charming, or more popular comes along. But Jesse and I are not typical. We're both ambitious, and we've had goals since we were small. We've always known what we want, and we go for it. Jesse's the boy I want, Daddy. I have no intention of ever giving him up."

"That's what you used to say about Finn," Hiram gently reminded her.

"I know. But there's one big difference. Finn and I were never right for each other, and my feelings for him were based on a fantasy. When he and I broke up, I was sad, but when Jesse and I were apart, the pain went so much deeper. It was as if a piece of me was missing, and once we got back together, I was suddenly whole again. Please understand that I love him with every fibre of my being."

Hiram patted his daughter's shoulder and offered her a pensive smile.

"That was a very convincing speech, sweetie. Now, if you'll allow me to make one last point in response, I promise we can drop the whole thing."

"Deal."

Hiram hesitated briefly as he marshalled his thoughts. Finally, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead, he took a deep breath and began.

"I sense that you're about to engage in a life-altering experience this weekend…"

Rachel stifled a gasp. She was positive she hadn't let even the smallest of hints slip about the afternoon's audition, so how could he possibly know? As she focused more intently on his words, she was simultaneously relieved and mortified at the realization that he was definitely not talking about her appointment at LaGuardia Arts.

"…it's a step you feel ready to take with Jesse. I still think you're awfully young to be doing it, but your father and I have seen how the two of you are around each other, and we'd be foolish to ignore what's going on right in front of us. So, if you do decide to have sex, I'm asking you to consider all the possible consequences, and to remember that losing your virginity is something you can never undo."

Unwilling to confirm or deny her father's assumption, Rachel opted to remain silent. For his part, having said his piece, Hiram was content to raise the volume on the car's audio system and hum along to the Chris Botti CD he'd muted earlier. In what seemed no time at all, he was soon easing the vehicle into one of the Akron airport's drop off spots. Once he'd retrieved his daughter's carry-on bag from the trunk, he engulfed her in a tight hug.

"Have fun tonight."

"I will, Daddy. Give Uncle Eli my love, and tell him to take it easy. I know how impatient he can be."

"That's my brother for you. I'll try to keep him in line," Hiram pledged quietly, before leaning back to catch her gaze. "I'm not expecting any problems, but please indulge your old man and let me know you've arrived safely."

"I'll text you," she vowed, as she grabbed her suitcase and, with a wave, headed inside the terminal.


Having cleared security without a hitch, Rachel found herself pacing restlessly in the departure lounge as she waited for her flight to board. With the audition drawing ever closer, her self-assurance was ebbing, and the nervous flutters in her stomach were threatening to turn into full-blown butterflies. Instinctively, she reached for her phone to call Jesse. Her finger was about to press the button that would connect them when she reconsidered. He might be annoyed or hurt that she hadn't told him about it sooner, and that would leave her even more stressed than before. Still, if she didn't talk to somebody, her jitters would surely overwhelm her. Scrolling through her contact list, she lit upon the perfect confidante, and quickly tapped out the number. She exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding when a cheerful female voice answered after the first ring.

"Hi, Rachel! Are you in New York already? How was your flight? Are you having fun yet? Why on earth are you calling me?" Grace queried, her questions tumbling out in a rush of excitement.

"I'm still in Akron. The flight doesn't leave for another hour, and I'm going squirrelly waiting," she replied, equally rapidly.

Grace caught the barely discernable strain in her friend's voice.

"Is everything okay? You sound a little tense."

"There's something happening this afternoon that's making me anxious," Rachel admitted. "I really need to talk about it, but you have to promise not to tell Jesse."

Grace's eyes widened in dismay. Despite all the precautions Jesse had taken, had Rachel somehow discovered his plans for her? If so, it would clearly fall to Grace to perform some sort of damage control.

"Of course. You have my word. What's going on?"

"I have an audition for LaGuardia Arts in a few hours."

Swallowing her sigh of relief that Jesse's surprise hadn't, in fact, been ruined, Grace attempted to absorb Rachel's news.

"I could have sworn you just said you were about to audition for the pre-eminent performing arts high school in New York City, and that you haven't told your boyfriend about it," Grace echoed, wanting to ensure she'd heard correctly.

"That's right. Do you think he's going to be mad at me?"

"I'm not sure. I suppose it depends on your reason for keeping him in the dark."

"I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this on my own."

"I can't see Jesse having a problem with that. He believes in you. He'll understand."

"Thanks, Grace. You've just reduced my stress enormously."

"You're welcome. But let's get back to you scoring that audition. How did you manage such a remarkable feat?"

"I have to be honest. It was actually courtesy of Dustin Goolsby."

"Dustin Goolsby? Wait. Isn't he the new coach of Vocal Adrenaline? How is he involved?"

"Shelby asked him for a favour, and he agreed."

"Your birth mother is trying to help you get in to LaGuardia? Why? What's in it for her?"

"I'm sure she's hoping for my undying gratitude, so that I'll consider letting her back into my life. She did vow to try to get me to leave McKinley. I always assumed that meant she'd be pushing for me to transfer to Carmel, but it would appear she's really trying to impress me."

"I'll say. From everything I've heard, that school doesn't take seniors. She must have some pull."

"Oh, that's all Goolsby. Apparently, he and the principal are very close."

"Hmm… that's a lot more than I needed to know," Grace muttered, as she processed all the facts she now had at her disposal. A small detail that she'd overlooked suddenly shifted into focus, and she snickered. "She has no clue about Jesse's plans to transfer, does she?"

"Of course not. She never would have set this in motion if she did."

"She'll freak when she finds out."

"Yeah. Unfortunately, so will my dads. When Jesse suggested a while ago that I was smart enough to skip my senior year and head straight to university, they flat out rejected the idea of my going to New York."

"They don't want you moving in with him."

"It's not just that. They don't want me living there on my own, either."

"They probably assume that if you don't have some kind of adult supervision, you'd be spending all of your time at Jesse's anyway."

"I'll admit it's a valid assumption," Rachel snorted.

"You'll need a game plan if LaGuardia accepts you, then."

"Definitely. Anything spring to mind?"

"Not off the top of my head, but let me think about it. Something may come to me. You do realize that Jesse and Nate are the best schemers in our little circle though, right? Once you fill them in, I'm pretty sure they'll come up with a brilliant strategy."

Rachel giggled.

"I can totally picture them plotting. And I'll be calling Jesse as soon as the audition's over, so it won't be a secret much longer."

"I'm so glad to hear that, because it means we can all brainstorm at the reception tomorrow. Between the eight of us, we'll work out a way for you to relocate to the Big Apple with your dads' blessing."

"Assuming I'm accepted," Rachel stated, her tone cautious.

"Who in their right mind would reject you?" Grace mused aloud.

"Uh, my teammates have, more than once."

"They're morons," Grace retorted dismissively. "I meant what intelligent people, whose job it is to recognize and nurture talent, would turn you down?"

Rachel beamed at her friend's words.

"You can't see it, but I've got a huge grin on my face. Thanks for boosting my confidence when I really needed it."

"You're more than welcome. Break a leg. Knock their socks off. Blow them away. I know you can do it."

"I will." Rachel paused a moment, listening attentively to the announcement that had just come over the loudspeaker. "Grace, they're starting to board my flight. I've got to go."

"You'll be great, and I'll expect a full report tomorrow night. See you then."

"Bye."

Quickly turning off her phone, Rachel stowed it in her purse before retrieving her ticket from the inner pocket of the same bag and presenting it to the waiting attendant. With her seat assignment confirmed, she strode confidently down the jet bridge, eager to set off on her New York adventure.


Rachel's nerves were causing her stomach to clench uncomfortably, and she found herself unable to take advantage of the free lunch that came with her upgraded ticket. Instead, she sipped her club soda with lemon and, after pulling out her iPod and slipping her earbuds into place, she selected the relaxing playlist that Jesse had created for her shortly after the stress of Shelby's sudden appearance at Sectionals. As the music began to work its soothing magic, she concentrated on breathing deeply, in an effort to rid herself of the last of her tension. Soon, she drifted off into a light, dreamless sleep.

It seemed as though only a few minutes had passed when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, shaking her awake. Blinking rapidly to regain her focus, she automatically sat up in her seat at the sight of the flight attendant hovering by her side.

"Excuse me, miss, but we'll be landing shortly, and all electronic devices have to be turned off."

Rachel immediately yanked the tiny headphones out of her ears and returned both them and her iPod to her bag. Glancing out the window, she could already spot the incredible agglomeration of buildings that spread out across New York's five boroughs. She watched in fascination as the waters of the East River rushed ever closer, marvelling at the skill of the pilots as they navigated a successful touchdown onto the runway.

The instant the passengers were permitted to unfasten their seatbelts, Rachel did so, then stood up and grabbed her carry-on from the overhead bin. Thankfully, there'd been no delays, but she still needed to move quickly if she wanted to make it to her audition on time. As one of the first to disembark, she emerged into the busy airport concourse, where the scent of a variety of food offerings wafted through the air. Her stomach gurgled in response, and she realized how hungry she was after having skipped her in-flight meal.

Having purchased a piping hot bowl of soup, she perched on a stool and ate hurriedly as she observed the steady stream of people going by. It never ceased to amaze her that such a small, intimate airport could be the gateway to one of the world's largest, most vibrant cities, offering a first time visitor what she considered a decidedly low-key introduction to the grandeur of the Big Apple.

After a detour to the women's washroom to ensure she appeared presentable – brushing her teeth and hair, and touching up her makeup – she proceeded to the ground transportation area. Keeping her fathers' advice in mind, she took a moment to get her bearings, then marched self-assuredly to the nearest taxi. Once settled in its comfortable back seat, she abandoned any pretext of relaxing, opting instead to go over her audition piece in her head for what seemed the hundredth time that day. At precisely 1:45, the cab pulled up in front of the large, rather non-descript grey building that housed LaGuardia Arts.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, Rachel closed her eyes and inhaled the array of smells that, in her experience, were uniquely New York. Her heartbeat sped up as the magnitude of what she was about to undertake hit her full force. What happened in the next hour would influence not only her educational future, but her romantic one as well. Squaring her shoulders and holding her head high, she marched up the short flight of steps and through the double doors, determined to deliver the performance of her life.