I'm sorry I didn't update this last week, there were parts of the chapter that didn't quite flow right, and I decided I'd rather have a little longer to work on it than give you something I wasn't happy with. I hope it was worth the wait!
Nationals were always held in a 'neutral' location, in a city that wasn't home to any of the competing schools, and to McKinley's benefit, this year it was being held in Fort Wayne which meant that they only had a relatively short bus journey ahead of them and Shelby and Will didn't have the stress of trying to hoard a group of overexcited teens through a busy airport and onto a plane, a quick headcount once they were on the bus and they were good to go.
Shelby could tell that Rachel was slipping between excited and nervous, and she did her best to try and calm the girl's nerves and reassure her that she was going to be okay. She was a little relieved when, after giving her a brief hug, Rachel made her way to the back of the bus with her friends, slipping into the seat beside Noah, allowing Shelby to sit at the front with Will to talk through the final details of their plan for the day.
The early start meant that Rachel, along with most other members of New Directions fell asleep on the bus ride, not stiring until Will and Shelby woke them once they'd reached their destination. "Come on sleepyhead" Shelby smiled as she gently shook Rachel's shoulder, not wanting to embarrass her by waking her with a kiss to the forehead the way she usually did.
"Mom?" Rachel frowned.
"We're here" Shelby smiled, biting back a smile when she heard an equally confused 'Tana?' slip from Brittany's lips as Santana woke her, the blonde obviously struggling to wake, just like Rachel, "you need to get off the bus."
Rachel nodded but made no attempt to move, "come on Rach" Noah nudged her gently, "rise and shine and get yourself inside before I carry you in there myself."
"I'd like to see you try" Rachel mumbled as she stretched and forced her eyes open, "Noah" she squealed as she felt him slip his arms around her and lift her from the seat, "I'm awake, I'm awake."
"Good" he chuckled, "go on then."
Once Will had checked the group in, they were shown to two rooms, one for the girls to change in, the second for the boys, and they quickly separated to begin getting ready. The girls were changed but still doing their hair and make up when Will knocked on the door, waiting to be called in before leading the boys through. "Everything okay?" Will asked as the boys settled on the couches in the room, having learnt from experience that it was best to stay out of the way until the girls were ready.
"Yeah, we're almost there" Shelby took a hair grip from between her teeth and used it to pin back a stubborn strand of Quinn's hair. Getting ready with New Directions was completely different to getting ready with Vocal Adrenaline. VA had hired hair stylists and makeup artists, everything had been so precise and organised but New Directions had a sense of camaraderie that Vocal Adrenaline never had, they were all happy to jump in and help each other, Brittany was doing Tina's makeup, Santana curling the back of Rachel's hair and Kurt was trying to convince the boys to wear a little translucent powder to stop them looking 'shiny' under the spotlights.
As their performance slot drew closer, Shelby could see that, despite her best efforts, Rachel's nerves were beginning to get the better of her, so she took her daughter's hand and led her into the boy's empty changing room. "Take some deep breaths Baby" she said as she sat Rachel down on the couch and knelt in front of her, holding her hands, "it's okay to be nervous but I promise you, there's nothing to worry about."
"I, I don't, I don't want to let you down". Rachel whispered.
"You wont" Shelby said firmly. "Whatever happens, win or lose, whether you sing or whether Santana sings, all that matters is that you enjoy yourself Rachel." Shelby knew that Rachel's fathers had insisted on perfection, that anything less would earn her a punishment and she wanted Rachel to know things were different now.
"I want to do it" Rachel's voice shook even as she made that promise, "I, Nana and Grampy are here and Aunt Amy and Uncle Jimmy, I'm going to do it, for them and for, for you."
Shelby kissed Rachel's forehead, "we'll all understand if you don't" Shelby decided not to tell Rachel that, once they heard about the contest, Shelby's brothers and their wives had insisted on coming to see their niece perform too. "We would all love to hear your voice today, but if you don't feel ready, that's okay too."
"I know" Rachel wrapped her arms around her Mom for a moment, "thank you."
"You don't need to thank me Baby, all I want is for you to go out there and enjoy yourself."
Rachel nodded, enjoying being held by her Momma, "I'll do my best."
Thirty minutes before 'showtime', Brittany and Mike led the group through some gentle stretches to warm up their bodies before Shelby led them in a vocal warm up, "Okay" Will called the group together once they'd been told they had 5 minutes before they needed to be on stage. He waited until everyone was quiet before beginning his pep talk, his speech similar to the one Shelby had given Rachel, telling the group that he was proud of them just for making it this far, them that all he expected was for them to try their best and reminding them that they wouldn't be on stage for long, that they should make the most of it and be sure they enjoyed themselves.
There was just enough time for a group hug, and a quick hug between mother and daughter before they headed for the stage, Shelby smiling as she noticed Quinn had Rachel's hand in her own.
Shelby had to admit that she was more nervous than she'd ever been before as she watched from the wings, she knew Rachel was more than capable of the part she'd been given, she just hoped that the girls nerves didn't get the better of her. She watched with a proud smile on her face as Santana performed the solo song, giving a performance Shelby couldn't fault. Quinn and Puck's duet came next and then it was time for the group number.
Rachel's gaze briefly met Shelby's as she crossed the stage, Shelby giving her daughter an encouraging smile and a thumbs up, getting a smile in response from her daughter. During rehearsals, Rachel and Santana had developed a discrete hand gesture that would allow Rachel to change her mind about singing right up to the last moment. It never came. Instead Shelby's heart swelled with pride, tears pricking at her eyes as Rachel's voice rang out across the auditorium. That was her baby, her daughter and the pride she felt as a Mom watching a show choir competition outweighed the pride she'd felt as a coach in a way she could never have imagined.
"Guys" Will beamed once they were back in the dressing room, "you were fantastic! I hope you're all feeling proud of yourselves!"
There was lots of hollering and cheering as the group congratulated each other, they wanted to win, of course they did, but right now they were on an adrenaline high from their performance and they were just happy to have made it to nationals.
"Mr Schue" Rachel cautiously approached him a few minutes later, "do you know where my Mom is?"
"I don't know" Will said honestly, he hadn't realised Shelby hadn't come back with them. "actually…" he pulled a folded sheet of paper from his back pocket as he thought of something, "Vocal Adrenaline were on after us. She might have stayed to watch them."
"Okay" Rachel nodded as she made her way back to the group, "thank you."
Will was right, Shelby had stayed behind, moving into the shadows to watch Vocal Adrenaline but she didn't stay long, they started with their group number and, as Shelby saw a student she didn't recognise stumble on a simple move and identified the boy that was slightly off key, she knew she'd seen enough and made her way back to New Directions.
"Well?" Puck asked when he saw Shelby come back into the room, "how were they?"
Shelby moved to stand behind Rachel, gently massaging her shoulders to reassure her she was there, "well, I may be slightly biased but between you and VA, if I was a betting woman, my money would be firmly on you."
The noise in the dressing room as New Directions were told they'd placed in the top three was almost deafening, and only served to, once again, remind Shelby just how different New Directions were to Vocal Adrenaline. VA had become complacent, cocky, they expected to win so something as simple as being told they were in the top three at nationals was nothing to them. In a way, Shelby felt like she'd had the same attitude as Vocal Adrenaline, she only accepted the best, worked them hard, demanded nothing but perfection from them, she'd have been both devastated and furious if they hadn't placed. New Directions worked just as hard as Vocal Adrenaline did but they didn't take anything for granted, they celebrated every achievement and Shelby loved that about the group.
Shelby's heart was in her mouth as they stood on stage, waiting for the judges to announce where they'd placed. It was a long time since she'd felt this nervous about the results of a competition. She knew that the teens she taught were happy just to have made it to nationals, but she also knew that they'd be disappointed to lose. The teens had worked hard, their performance had been almost flawless, in Shelby's opinion they deserved to win but she knew her opinion was probably more than slightly biased.
She clapped politely when the third place team was announced, "and the winner is…" Shelby felt a hand slip into hers and she smiled down at Rachel, gently squeezing her hand as the judge spoke again, "from Lima Ohio…" the judge didn't get to finish before New Directions began screaming and cheering, Rachel's hand ripped from hers as Brittany pulled her into a bone crushing hug.
Shelby and Will took the trophy, raising it above their heads as the choir celebrated around them, Rachel lost in the crowd, but, as Shelby heard her daughter's laugh, she allowed herself to relax slightly and enjoy the moment.
They made their way back to their changing rooms once they'd had their photo taken on the stage, Shelby and Will congratulating everybody, the group bursting into a spontaneous chorus of 'we are the champions' before Will sent them off to get changed out of their outfits, telling them they could spend a while with their families before getting back on the bus.
"Can we see Nana, Grampy, Aunt Amy and Uncle Jim before we leave?" Rachel asked Shelby once she was changed into Amy's jeans and a sweater of Shelby's that she'd 'borrowed.'
"Sure" Shelby smiled, kissing her daughter's hair, "let me tell Mr Schue where we're going and find out when we're leaving and then we'll go find everyone for a while, why don't you text Aunt Amy and let her know we're going to come see them in a minute or two."
Rachel nodded and did as Shelby asked, Amy replying to tell Rachel she couldn't wait to see her and letting her know where they'd be waiting for her. "Aunt Amy said they'd meet us in the foyer" Rachel told Shelby once she'd done talking to Will, "by the stairs."
"Okay" Shelby squeezed Rachel's shoulder, "let's go find them."
Rachel heard a wolf whistle and then a loud cheer and she turned to see, not only Amy and Jim, but her grandparents and her two uncles with their wives. "You were amazing Pretty Girl" Amy engulfed Rachel in her arms, "honestly, you were fantastic."
"We won" Shelby couldn't wipe the smile from her face at the joy in Rachel's voice as Erin took over from Amy, hugging Rachel tightly as Jimmy patted her on the back, "we won."
"You certainly did" Paul grinned as he hugged his granddaughter too, "you were brilliant! And you looked so happy, I hope you enjoyed it."
"I did Grampy, I did."
"You remember your Uncle Matt and Uncle Luke right?" Amy asked even though Rachel had seen them the previous weekend.
"Yeah" Rachel smiled shyly. "I didn't know you were coming" she told them both as she felt Shelby's hand on the small of her back as she came over after speaking with Will for a moment.
"We told your Mom not to say anything" Luke told her, "we didn't want you to feel any more pressure, but everyone's right, you were great."
Matt nodded in agreement, "you've certainly inherited your Mom's voice kid" he smiled before holding out his arms, "can I…?" Rachel nodded and Matt hugged Rachel so tightly he lifted her feet from the floor.
Rachel hugged Luke too and was congratulated by both her Aunts before Shelby gently squeezed her shoulder, "we've got half an hour before we need to be on the bus Baby."
Rachel nodded, turning in Shelby's arms, letting her Mom hold her, she'd been so anxious before going on stage, nervous waiting for the results and then a little overwhelmed by the fact her whole family had traveled to support her despite knowing she only had a tiny part to sing and she needed a little comfort and reassurance from her Mom. "Are you okay?" Shelby asked as she ran her hand down Rachel's back.
"Yeah" Rachel smiled, happy to be held for a moment, "I am.".
"We should be getting off, Jim's Mom has got the kids and…" Amy realised Rachel was a little overwhelmed and made her excuses to leave, hoping everyone else would do the same.
Rachel shook her head and reached out for her Aunt's hand, fingers gently curling around Amy's wrist, "can't you stay? Just for a little longer?"
"Why don't we all go get a drink?" Shelby suggested, "I'm sure Mr Schue can keep an eye on everyone who isn't with their parents right now."
"That sounds like a good idea" Erin smiled, "we walked past the cafeteria earlier."
"Well lead the way then" Shelby smiled, following behind as Rachel chatted happily to Amy and Paul.
"She's like a different kid Shel" Matt told her, putting his arm around his sisters shoulders, despite being almost three years younger than his 'big' sister, he was almost a foot taller than she was, and he pulled her into him as they walked, "it's hard to believe that's the same girl you bought to Mom's at Christmas. I know we don't really do all that soppy stuff but you're doing a great job with her. And after how much you've done for us and all our kids over the years, it's about time we all got to return the favour."
"Thanks" Shelby smiled, winking at Rachel when the teen turned to check she was still with them, "she's so wonderful, some days I almost can't believe I've got her back."
"Well you'd better start believing it" Matt squeezed her gently, "because she's here and she's not going anywhere." They joined their family at the table they'd found, "what's everyone having?" Matt asked as Shelby slipped into the empty seat beside Rachel.
He took out his phone and made a note of what everyone wanted before asking Luke, "come help me carry bro?"
"Here" Erin held out the cash she'd taken from her purse, "take this."
Matt shook his head, "I've got it Mom, don't worry."
"Matthew…"
"I'm an adult Mom, I work 40 hours a week and I get paid for every single one of those."
"You've also got six kids Matthew" Erin told him.
Matt rolled his eyes. "You've got four kids" Luke told her with a cheeky smirk, "and I've only got three so it looks like I'll be paying."
"Here" Shelby held out her own credit card, "I've only got one child" she squeezed Rachel's hand, "so it looks like I win, take that and go get us all a drink before we have to leave."
"Sweet" Luke grinned as he caught the card Shelby tossed to him, "come on bro, let's go buy everything!"
"You're hoping for a girl right?" Charlotte, Matt's wife, asked Amy, "because you don't want Max and the baby to be like those two do you?" she gestured to Matt and Luke, the pair winding each other up as they waited in line, "no offence" she said to Erin.
Erin held her hands up, "no offence taken, I didn't get a choice, I was stuck with them, you two are the ones that chose them" she gestured to her daughters in law.
"In my defence I was drunk when I met him." Charlotte laughed.
"Yeah but you had plenty of time to change your mind, you still married him" Erin raised her eyebrow.
Rachel watched in silence, she knew now that her family joked like this, that they teased each other and wound each other up but she knew they didn't mean it, their words weren't meant to hurt or upset each other, she knew that but at the same time, it was still strange to her so she didn't join in, simply enjoyed being surrounded by people who loved her and loved each other.
"Are you okay Pretty Girl?" Amy asked, squeezing Rachel's hand.
Rachel nodded, gently wrapping her fingers around Amy's, not letting go of her hand. "Yeah" she smiled, "I am."
"You did really well today" Amy told her, "your voice is amazing, don't tell her but I think you might even be better than your Mom" she winked when she saw the fake look of shock her sister gave her.
"Thank you" Rachel blushed.
"I don't say it often but your Aunt's right" Shelby said, rubbing Rachel's back, "maybe next time we could see about you singing a little more if you're comfortable with that."
Rachel nodded, performing hadn't been as bad as she'd anticipated, her friends had supported her, cheered her on and encouraged her, she'd fed off the energy and the excitement of the group and she'd really enjoyed herself, "yeah" she smiled softly, "I think I'd like that."
