Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Glee or any of its characters. I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine.
Chapter 41
Thursday flew by and Friday was upon them. They woke and went about their normal routine. They had packed the night before and everything was already loaded in Shelby's SUV in the garage. Sue came for breakfast and to load her own things with theirs. She would be riding in with them so they didn't leave more than one car at the school over the weekend.
They all finished breakfast, loaded up and headed to the school. Rachel had sent the Gleeks a mass text with a checklist of the bare minimum of gear that they needed, they could bring whatever else of it they wanted. They set up in the choir room and started checking off everyone as they dropped off their bags. Mr. Shue showed up right after they did and helped organize everyone's bags on carts but didn't talk much. Everyone had arrived well before school started and with thirty minutes to spare they locked up and headed off to start their school day.
The day went quickly and quietly, which Rachel and the girls were grateful for. Right before the last bell Coach called for them to come to the choir room over the intercom. They rushed to their lockers to get rid of what they didn't need for the weekend and went to meet coach and Shelby.
When they entered Shelby looked up. "Hey my babies, you guys all set?"
They nodded and Rachel hugged her. "Yep, we already went to our lockers and got what we needed and are ready to load the bus."
Sue walked up. "Excellent. The bus just arrived and I wanted to show you really quick how everything needed to be packed. I already took the first load of costumes out."
The girls nodded, grabbed another rack of costumes and followed her out. When they came to the bus it wasn't a normal school bus, it was a red black and white charter bus. They entered and gasped at how nice it looked. To one side was rows of black leather seats three deep. The other side was a long clothing rack with bins below and above it.
Sue turned and looked at them. "Ok, there are twenty floor bins, twenty ceiling bins and more than enough rack space for everything. The racks have a lock on them for after we load them so the clothes don't fall off. We will be putting all of the luggage in individual bins below and above the costumes. If we run out of space there is extra storage below."
They started unloading the costumes and got them in the bus. Shortly after the last bell rang the rest of the Gleeks came out, helping get it all done and they were finally finished loading everything. They ended up putting Shelby, Sue and Will's things below. The girls decided to sit toward the middle so they could help keep an ear out for the rest of the club while the adults chose to sit up front.
By mutual agreement they decided to wear their matching sweats and hoodies to school that day. Rachel was the only one in jeans, but no one questioned it. Well, almost no one.
They were gathered out beside the bus doing a last minute count and Mr. Shue walked up to Shelby, "Why, if they are supposed to be uniform, why is Rachel in jeans?"
Shelby just sent a glare at him. "Because she is not comfortable in sweats. Sue ordered her black jeans to wear with her hoodie instead of sweats. She only wears sweats at home."
Will just frowned and started getting agitated. "How is that fair to the rest, why does she get special treatment? This is what I was trying to tell Figgins."
Shelby saw red and had him pinned to the side of the bus her arm in his throat before he knew what happened. "My daughter has been raped and traumatized. If you cannot get your tiny brain to comprehend that she doesn't feel safe in loose baggie clothing that's your problem. We will not force her to wear something that makes her scared or feel unsafe. Leave. My. Daughter. Alone." She spoke in a quiet voice so only he heard her but her voice was hard and filled with rage.
Sue came up and lay a hand on her back. "Is there a problem here?"
Shelby backed up and glared at him. "Do we have a problem Shuster?"
He straightened rubbing her neck. "No, no problem here." He looked from one to the other. "When did it happen?" He asked Shelby.
Shelby's eyes went wide. "Oh my god! Where have you been the last two weeks? They arrested the boy two Monday's ago, here at the school, for attacking Rachel, threatening Quinn and hurting San. You're an idiot." She spun around and went to the girls.
Sue watched her go then looked back at Will. "It happened the Monday after sectionals right before the blow up with Finn in December. The Monday he was arrested he gave Santana a concussion and Quinn was pretty bruised up. You truly are an idiot William." She left him there and went back to Shelby and the girls.
Rachel looked at her as she approached them. "What was that about?"
Sue shook her head. "That was about a blind idiot that needed to be put in his place. Nothing to worry about." She turned to the group. Ok you sloppy babies, let's load up and get out of here. We are ahead of schedule and I would like to keep it that way. We will stop for dinner in a little while."
Everyone cheered and filed into the bus. As the kids were loading Figgins and Ms. Pillsbury came up to Sue and Shelby with luggage in hand. "Do you mind if we ride with the club?" Ms. Pillsbury ask.
Shelby smiled, "Not at all." She walked over to an empty bin and raised the door. "Put your things in here, we are ready to head out." They loaded their things and boarded the bus.
The only seats available not with the kids were next to Mr. Shue and Shelby and Sue. Figgins sat with Mr. Shue and Ms. Pillsbury sat with Shelby and Sue.
After a final head count and they were on their way Puck called up to the front. "Hey, how did we get such an awesome bus?"
Shelby turned around and smiled. "The bus was donated and the money was given to set it up this way."
Sue turned in her seat and kneeled on it to look at them over the back. "It will be used for Cheerios and New Directions only. The racks were set up for that purpose. The school name will be added to it on Monday they just ran out of time before we needed it."
San and Quinn looked to Rachel. She just shrugged, "I don't know. This wasn't the same gay fairy as before."
They all just shrugged and looked back to coach. "There is actually two busses just like this. The Cheerios will not all fit on just one and if this group grows much more neither will you." She turned back around and sat taking Shelby's hand and closing her eyes. Shelby smiled and did the same.
The kids talked about how cool their new bus was for a while then they all got quiet and just enjoyed the ride. They stopped for dinner a little while later and all piled out of the bus and into a diner they had found online that was in route. They had called ahead and were told they could accommodate the large group.
Once they ate they were back on the road. Will leaned forward, "Sue, how many rooms do we have?"
Sue turned to look at him. "We have six rooms. One for you, one for us, two for the girls and two for the boys. There are fold out couches in each of their rooms so they have plenty of room. You have a double room so if Figgins would like to stay with you that's ok. Emma can stay with us."
Figgins shook his head. "No, Ms. Pillsbury and I rented out two more rooms when we decided to come. We are taken care of."
They all sat back and Will started writing in a notebook. A little while later he handed a paper up to Shelby. "I set up room assignments."
Shelby shook her head. "I already took care of that. These wouldn't work anyway."
Will frowned. "Why not?"
Shelby sighed. "Because you separated Rachel from Quinn and Santana. Brittney, Stacy, Marsha and Samantha requested to stay together as well and have parental permission to do so. Tina and Mercedes will be in with Rachel and the girls."
Will shook his head. "Is that really appropriate? They're dating."
Shelby turned to look at him. "They have my permission, as well as Mrs. Fabray's permission to share a room. There will be two other people in that room. What do you think they are going to do? Rachel has nightmares and is not comfortable sleeping alone. I don't make her do it at home where she is comfortable, I sure as hell am not going to make her in a strange place. Judy Fabray is fine with this. So that's all that matters."
Will went to say more but Figgins cut in. "Do you have written permission for this?"
Shelby turned to him. "I do for Brittany and her friends, but not for Quinn. Her mother is meeting us there tomorrow and has given verbal permission. I will have her sign something then if it makes you feel better. Or I can call her now."
Figgins thought for a moment. "If you could call her it would make me feel better."
Shelby took out her phone and dialed Judy putting her on speaker.
"Hello Shelby, how are the girls? Excited for tomorrow?" Judy's voice came on when she answered.
Shelby smiled. "They are doing good, very excited for tomorrow. Are you still coming up tomorrow?"
"Actually I am here now. I just arrived at your hotel but they don't have any more rooms so I am going to see about another hotel. When will you all be here?"
Shelby beamed. "Oh I'm so happy you are there early. The girls will be so happy to see you. Don't worry about a room there are two beds in mine and Sues room, you can stay with us."
"Oh that's great. I wanted to stay with all of you."
"Hey Judy, I have you on speaker phone with Mr. Shue and Mr. Figgins. They are wanting confirmation from you that it is ok for Quinn to share a room with Rachel and Santana."
"You know it is. Why wouldn't it? I don't think any of them would sleep otherwise." Judy said confused.
Shelby just smirked. "I know they wouldn't but Mr. Figgins is just going by the book. I will need you to sign a paper giving permission when we get there."
Judy smiled, "Sure no problem. Don't tell the girls I am here, I want to surprise them."
Shelby chuckled. "Will do Judy. We will be there in about thirty minutes. Hang in the lounge or something and I will text when we arrive."
"Ok, see you in a bit." With that she ended the call.
Shelby turned her phone off and looked to Figgins. "Is that good enough for you?"
Figgins smiled. "Yes, I'm ok with it. They've been through a lot and if it makes them feel safer and you are both ok with it, I am too."
Shelby smirked at Will and turned back in her seat leaning into Sue. "I swear that man is going to be the death of me."
Sue kissed the top of her head lightly. "It will be fine. Eventually he will learn not to question us about our girls."
Shelby sighed into her and just closed her eyes. Ms. Pillsbury just watched them for a moment. "Can I ask a personal question?"
Shelby sat and looked at her. "Um, sure I guess so."
Emma smiled. "Are you two an item?" She asked quietly where no one else could hear.
"Yes we are. Is that a problem?" She asked warily.
Emma shook her head. "No. I'm happy for you both, I was just curious."
Shelby and Sue smiled and settled back into each other for the remainder of the ride. As they were pulling up Shelby shot off a text to Judy and turned to the kids. "I want Rachel, Quinn and Santana off the bus first. We will grab a bunch of hotel carts and then we can start unloading."
They all nodded their agreement and she, Sue and the girls got off the bus and headed in. As they entered the lobby the girls caught sight of Judy, squealed and ran to her.
Quinn made it first and the other two wrapped around them in a group hug. "Oh my god mom. I thought you were coming tomorrow."
Judy just chuckled. "I got done early and decided to head on over here to see you and help if I could."
Rachel kissed her cheek. "Well we are glad you got done early." In the week Judy spent with them all the girls had gotten close to her. They were very happy to see her.
San kissed her as well. "Ok mama Fabray, we need to grab carts and get everyone unloaded.
Judy smiled, "I'm a step ahead of you." She pointed at a group of hotel workers pushing multiple carts out the door. "I had them get a bunch when Shelby said you were thirty minutes out. Let's go help unload."
They all headed back outside while Shelby and Sue checked them in. Will and Figgins were putting together the rolling clothing carts they had brought with them and the kids were unloading their bags. The girls got their own bags and put them on a cart then went to unload Shelby and Sue's bags to another. Once the clothing carts were together they all started grabbing costumes and loaded them as well.
Shelby and Sue came out to find almost everything ready to go in. They shared a hug with Judy then turned to the kids. "Ok. We are on the third floor. Here are your room keys, Mr. Shuster, Sue and I also have a master key to all of the rooms. Brittney, Stacy, Samantha, and Marsha you are in 302." She handed them a set of keys. "Rachel, San, Quinn, Mercedes, and Tina you are in 304. Those rooms have a connecting door so you can get to each other from inside the room." She handed Rachel the keys. "Sue, Judy and I are in 306, also a connecting room." She handed those keys to Sue.
She turned to the boys. "Puck, Kurt, David, Artie, and Marcus you are in 303. Mike, Matt, Josh and Jake are in 305 and Mr. Shuster is in 307. All of them are also connecting rooms." She handed out all the keys. "Now let's get all this up to our floor. The costumes for the boys will be in Mr. Shuster's room. The girl's costumes in mine."
Ms. Pillsbury came up next to Shelby. "We were lucky enough that Mr. Figgins and I are also on the third floor. My room is 310 and Mr. Figgins is 309, so we are close and we figured we'd stay to the boy girl sides of the floor as you set it up."
Shelby smiled. "Excellent, Ok gang let's go."
They all grabbed carts and headed in. They got all the costumes in Will and Shelby's rooms then went off to their own rooms to settle in. The girls put all their stuff in the top three drawers and left the bottom for the other two. They finished unpacking, changed into bed clothes (New Directions tee-shirts and shorts) and settled into their bed on top of the covers. San sat pulling Quinn into her lap and Rachel laid her head in Quinn's lap.
Mercedes and Tina came out of the bathroom and sat on their bed Mercedes smiled at the little dog pile. "Are you guys going to all sleep in that little bed?"
San looked over to her. "Yep, it's big enough. Hell we've slept on a couch together before, were limber."
They all laughed and Tina spoke next. "What do you want to do? It's only 8:30."
Quinn shrugged, "Don't know. I'm sure mom will be in here when she's done unpacking to spend some time with us and I would bet Shelby and Sue will not be far behind."
As she finished her sentence they heard a knock on the adjoining door to the adult's room. Rachel smile, "See."
She hopped up and opened the door to find Judy on the other side. "Hey girls, do you mind a little company?"
They all laughed and Rachel pulled her in leaving the adjoining door open. She crawled back on the bed and settle next to San pulling Quinn's legs into her lap. Judy climbed up and sat in front of them taking Quinn's hand. It was a position they had been in more than once.
Judy looked to San. "How is your head honey? I know you told me on the phone it was ok but I still worry."
San smiled. "It's fine. I've only had two headaches this week and I'm sure they were stress induced more than the concussion."
Judy frowned. "Yes, Shelby told me that you were having trouble with Mr. Shuster. Has that gotten better?"
Rachel shrugged. "I thought it had, but he said something to mom today that had her throwing him against the bus and holding him there with her arm to his throat until coach calmed her."
Judy just looked shocked. "O-kay. I'll talk to her later and see what that was all about. Must have been bad."
Rachel looked down worriedly. "I don't know. I just want things to calm down."
San wrapped an arm around her as Judy took her hand. "You let the moms worry about him. You just do your thing and you guys win this weekend. She can handle him and she has back up so it's ok."
Rachel was about to reply but Shelby called from the other room so she got up and went to her.
Mercedes looked to the rest. "I heard what he said that upset Ms. Corcoran." They all looked to her expectantly and she relayed what had been said.
It was a tossup as to who was more pissed, San, Quinn, or Judy. Judy's hands were clenched at her sides and she shook her head. "That son of a bitch. How do you not know what the hell is going on in the school you work at with the students you are supposed to care about. I can't stand that man." She looked to the girls. "You two need to calm down before she gets back in here. You know she can sense when you are upset."
They both nodded and took a deep breath as Judy rubbed their arms. "Why don't we order up some snacks and find a movie or something. We can pile on this bed like we did back home and just veg out."
Quinn chuckled. "This bed is nowhere near as big as ours at home."
Judy just laughed. "Well, we all piled on to one recliner couch so we should fit this bed just fine to watch a movie."
They agreed and went to get the girls in the other room to watch with them. When Rachel Shelby and Sue came in they were all settled with snacks and waiting.
San was sitting with Quinn in between her legs in the middle of the bed with Judy to one side, the other side open. Rachel scrambled up on the bed and deposited herself between Quinn's legs. "What are we doing?" She said looking at the others.
Quinn hugged her close. "Movie night."
Shelby pulled Sue to the other side of the bed and pushed her down to sit by San and sat between her legs after she settled. "What movie are we watching?"
San smiled. "There weren't a lot to choose from that we haven't seen. We picked the Time Travelers Wife."
Rachel snuggled in. "Ooo, I've been wanting to see that one."
They all settled in and watched the movie. When the movie was over the only ones awake were the adults. Shelby chuckled looking at the two beds and pull out couch with all the girls snuggled together. "Should we wake them?" She whispered.
Judy shook her head. "Na, let them sleep. Let's just grab some extra blankets from the other room and cover them up."
Mercedes and Tina were already under their covers so they just covered Rachel, San and Quin on their bed and then Marsha, Stacy, Sam and Britt on the couch. They left the door opened slightly to their own room and settle for the night themselves. Tomorrow would be a long day and they hoped it all worked out for the best.
A/N: Next up competition day and Judy has words with Mr. Shue.