Thanks to all who continue to read, review, and provide encouragement.

Rachel Berry turned in the full-length mirror that she shared with the four other ladies performing at the Invitational that night. To be fair to everyone, Carmen traditionally chose five male and five female students, with a few different years proving the exception. This was not one of them. Rachel smoothed the long ebony blank dress, making sure that there were no creases of which to speak. Mike's death had stirred her so dramatically that she had bypassed her original plan for the Invitational, which initially consisted of a Barbra Streisand standard, along with a holiday tune. Her first day back in classes after Thanksgiving break, she had confided in one of her professors that a dear friend had passed away, and she was unsure of her song choices (which had been selected months earlier, before the invitations were made). Her professor listened to her talk about Mike, and all of the other members of New Directions, and how she wanted to do something to honor not only him but her friends as well. To her surprise, the professor not only supported her decision to take away the Streisand piece – which he said would be too safe for Dean Carmen Tibideaux, who had already heard her sing a Streisand number in the Round Room during her first week of class, but he helped her select a song to replace it.

She was going against type for herself, and that was fine with her. Last month, she would have opted to play it safe, but Finn was taking chances every day in Georgia, and so many of her friends were doing the same thing. I can do that too, Rachel thought, the confidence surging. Madame Tibideaux will see me in a whole new light.

"Thirty minutes till curtain," one of the interns called out as a warning to the ladies and gentlemen performing. Rachel nodded her head in gratitude as she reached for her jewelry. She had tried calling Finn earlier that night, just to hear his voice before going on stage. Rachel had been forced to settle for voicemail, but at least she could hear him once more.

She was the third student to perform that night, and felt ready as she walked to the wings where all of the participants were instructed to wait until their turn was called. Sneaking one hand in front of the curtain to pull it back, she could see her support system from New Directions, sitting in the third row. Rachel hid a laugh when she saw Puck with his camera tucked not too discreetly in his jacket pocket. He'll need to hide it better to go unnoticed, Rachel smirked, quickly texting Kurt to warn Puck about the device.

"How's it going Schwimmer?"

Rachel felt her body jump at the sound of dance instructor Cassandra July. "I'm waiting my turn to go up," she said politely, not making eye contact.

"Looks like you got a whole row full of supporters," Cassandra continued, nodding her head. "Which one's the boyfriend?"

"He's not here. He's in Fort Benning, Georgia."

Cassandra slowly nodded her head. "You never told me he was in the Army."

"You never asked," Rachel said with a small laugh.

"Touché," Cassandra relented, a smirk forming on her mouth. "You're gonna tell him all about it, right?"

"His best friend Puck is filming it for him." Rachel quickly covered her mouth, hoping no one else overheard.

Cassandra leaned into Rachel. "Your secret is safe with me. Knock 'em dead."

Rachel watched her tormentor leave the backstage. That was the most civil, and most personal conversation that they had shared. Rachel had regretted bringing up Ms. July's failed Broadway debut, and felt that ever since then, the criticism had been extra harsh, extra intense. Maybe next semester won't be so bad, Rachel thought. She'll have new freshmen to torment.

"Rachel, get ready," the intern called out. "You're up."

Rachel touched her Finn necklace, sending out a quick message to her faraway boyfriend. "This one's for you Finn, even if you can't be here to see it."

Closing her eyes, Rachel began her holiday selection of 'O Holy Night'. Thoughts of winter breaks with her fellow Glee Clubbers danced through her mind. There was decorating the choir room, exchanging Secret Santa presents, late night caroling sessions followed by early breakfasts at the local pancake house. The memory that was most resonant was when Rachel and Finn went Christmas tree hunting at the local lot. They were on the outs after Puck admitted to a brief hook up with Rachel, who was still bitter at Finn over losing his virginity to Santana. She had insisted that he join in selecting the perfect tree, using her Hebrew background as a tool to earn one extra night with him. By the following Christmas, they were back together and all was well once more.

The loud cheers and applause indicated that it was time for her second selection. Clutching her necklace for assurance Rachel searched the front row for her fellow McKinley graduates.

"I was originally going to perform a Broadway standard made popular by my idol, Ms. Barbra Streisand. I hope you all will forgive me for a last-minute change. As I celebrate my first year at NYADA, and my wonderful opportunities here, I am reminded of my friends and family back home. Some of them are able to be with me tonight, and those that are not…please know that I carry them in my heart.

Did I make the most of loving you?

So many things we didn't do.

Did I give you all of my heart could give?

Two unlived lives with lives to live.

When these endless, lonely days are through,

I'll make the most of loving you.

I'll make the most of loving you.

Rachel knew that a non-Broadway standard was a controversial second choice, but she had fallen in love with the theme of Downton Abbey after multiple late-night marathons with Kurt at the apartment. After researching the song, Rachel found herself connecting with the lyrics, originally sung by Mary-Jess Leaverland, and knew that this was her final number to sing for the year, to celebrate the good and bad times with her loved ones.

Rachel lifted her hands to signal the final notes, greeted by loud and thunderous applause. Ushered off by the Emcee, Rachel was brought to Carmen Tibideaux.

"I normally need to approve all changes for the showcase," the Dean stated, lowering her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

"I understand Dean Tibideaux, and it really was a last-minute change. I've been through so much this year and…."

"Lucky for you, it brought down the house." The elder placed a supportive hand on the student's shoulder. "Let's hope that next year brings you that same level of passion."

"Thank you," Rachel called after the Dean Tibideaux as she returned to her seat in the back of the theatre. "Thank you for everything."