It was a week later, and Rachel had realised that every day looked the same for her now, the nurses came at the same time everyday, doing the same jobs. She was now out of the brace and was able to be turned on her side, they had to alternate sides every few hours to prevent bed sores but slowly Rachel was becoming more mobile. The bed was raised slightly so she wasn't lying completely flat which was good.

She still wasn't allowed to watch TV as she had suffered a severe concussion so she mostly slept, there was quite literally nothing else to do. Her fathers spent as much time at the hospital as they could but now they had to return back to work, they came on their breaks and did most of their work from the hospital, but her fathers both being well respected lawyers meant there was only so much they could do from a hospital room. Rachel understood though, she didn't hold it against them. They had to make a living.

Finn had returned back to school but he was at the hospital at any give chance whether Rachel liked it or not. She had found that Finn was extremely awkward around her and she didn't know how long she could stop herself from screaming at him.

Santana was a regular visitor now, she came up everyday after school, sometimes bringing Brittany which she didn't mind. Brittany treated her normally, she wasn't freaked out or disgusted when a nurse came in and changed her waste bags she was just so innocent and it was refreshing after people you considered your best friends couldn't be in a room with you without breaking down. Quinn also came up quite often, Rachel could see she was trying to be unbothered by all the wires and everything but her eyes said it all. Quinn was getting used to them though.

Artie hadn't come up at all, Santana had told her that he asked about her all the time and today she had even brought up a letter he had written:.

Rachel frowned as she was handed a folded up lined piece of paper, she looked questionably up at Santana who just shrugged, flipping open the paper she began to read it.

Hey Rachel,

It's Artie here, I promise I'm not avoiding you on purpose, well I sort of am but for good reason. I know you've been told that you are paralyzed now. And I know that you're probably scared and angry which you have every right to be. I want more than anything to come visit you but I don't know if you'd be okay with that, with me being in a chair and all. When you are ready though give me a shout and I'll be up there. I know lot of people think they understand and say they do and you're probably angry at them for even thinking they could relate to you. I was 9 when I had my accident, I didn't really know what I was missing out on, I was just a kid. I didn't need someone to relate to because I didn't really know what was happening, but you might, and if you'd let me I'd like to be that buddy. Adjusting to the chair is going to be hard but luckily for you I'm quite experienced and I'd like to help you, to be there for you. I know we've had our differences in glee club but I admire you Rachel, and I really think you could do with a friend who won't treat you any different. Everyone is probably treating you like you're from another planet but don't worry it'll pass. Just like everything changed for you it has changed for them as well, be patient and try not to push them away. Anyway as I was saying, I don't want you to be overwhelmed seeing my chair so whenever you're ready, I'll be there.

-Artie

'what did it say short stack?' Santana asked concerned as Rachel was now sniffling.

'Y-you didn't read it?' Rachel asked, confused.

Santana frowned, shaking her head 'it was addressed to you, not me' she pointed at the obvious.

'c-could you tell Artie to come up tomorrow? Tell him I think I need that buddy now' Rachel asked.

All Santana could do was nod as she sat down and resumed their conversation.

Artie was nervous as he pulled up to Rachel's room, he just kept reminding himself that Rachel had asked him to come. With a sigh he pushed the door open and wheeled in. Rachel was sat up in bed but Artie knew that the countless pillows tucked under her hips were the only thing keeping her upright . She was looking out the window and so Artie thought maybe he was interrupting something but before he could turn around and leave, Rachel's head snapped to his, her breath hitching as she saw his wheelchair. She quickly put on a fake smile and welcomed him in.

'Hey Rachel' He smiled softly as he parked up next to her bed, pulling the brake, she just smiled in response, he knew this was going to be hard for her so he decided he'd try to make conversation.

'Have you started rehab yet' he asked bluntly wanting to get the hard part over, he knew that if she didn't talk about this it wouldn't help.

She swallowed and shook her head. 'They-they want to try getting me in a chair tomorrow, and try get the measurements to order….mine' Artie noticed how hard it was for her to admit that it was hers.

'you'll probably get a pretty snazzy one, I'm going to be sooo jealous' he whined dramatically making Rachel giggle but her mood soon turned sombre.

'i-I just don't know how I'm supposed to sit up by myself in that chair, I feel like I'm floating most of the time' she said worriedly.

He nodded and sighed 'it'll get easier, you'll get used to it, tomorrow you'll probably spend only a little time in the chair just to try and strengthen your resistance. Plus when you have a fitted chair, there's less chance of slipping' He explained softly.

'could you…I mean would you be able to be there when I get in' she asked shyly 'I mean you don't have to I'd completely understand but its just my dads are going to be there but-' she was cut off rambling by Artie.

'I'd love to Rachel' he smiled, wheeling up to her bed he took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.