Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Glee or any of its characters.

Chapter 50

After grabbing her clothes and bag from the locker room Rachel and San walked hand in hand through the empty hall. San could feel the tension in Rachel and pulled her into an empty classroom.

She pulled her into her arms, kissed her softly and felt some of her tension ease. "You ok querida?"

Rachel sighed and leaned into her, her head on San shoulder. "Yes, I'm ok. I guess the adrenaline of the performance and worrying about Amber is wearing off. I'm just a little anxious."

San kissed her head. "Do you want to change or head on to the auditorium?"

Rachel leaned up and kissed her lips tenderly. "Let's head to the auditorium. I know I am safe there and it's a good place to get used to a skirt again surrounded by people I feel safe with."

San nodded and took her lips again. "Ok hermosa, let's do it. Oh by the way." She reached behind Rachel and pulled her closer by her ass cheeks. "You look HOT estrella. Just thought you should know."

She kissed her again and Rachel immediately deepened it and moaned into her mouth. They kissed passionately until the need for air arose. "Thank you, now let's go to our bear."

San smile releasing her and they left to find the others. When they entered the auditorium they could tell by the body language of the coaches that they were in a heated discussion so they sat to the side and just watched everyone around them until they were called upon for something.

At the director's desk Sue stood and looked at Shuster. "What is the problem with wanting Quinn to do this solo?"

Will shook his head. "We can't give all the good parts to your favorites. Rachel has a solo, she and Santana have a duet, and they are both part of one of the new group number. Why should we rule out the others for the solo so quickly?"

Shelby leaned into him. "We are not playing favorites here Shuster. She is an amazing singer and piano player and I will put our best performer in for the songs that are chosen. She will nail this, and as for the other two. They are not the only ones in the group numbers. Most of the kids have been given special singing parts. You also forget that they gave up the opportunity for another duet by backing out to give the others a chance."

Shue scoffed. "Like you're not going to rig it for Quinn to win that as well."

Sue was shaking in her anger. "How the hell would we rig anything with four other judges? You're an idiot." She sat back down. "Shelby made the call for the solo."

Shelby sat back and thought. "I want this song, she is the best for it. So it goes to her. It's a two to one vote Shuster and I have final say. Rachel, San, and Brittany will sing back up for her."

Shue shook his head. "Why those three?"

Shelby sighed. "Because we have heard Quinn, San and Rachel sing this and I think adding in Britt will make it richer and more rounded out."

Sue looked pissed. "Did they pitch this song to you?"

Shelby stood again shaking. "NO! They just sing at home a lot and we heard them sing it. This conversation is over. The set list is complete."

She turned to leave and he called to her. "I want to hear it. I don't think you're being fair."

Shelby turned back around. "It's not about being fair. It's about putting on the best show possible to win a competition. This is not a damn talent show. It's a competition show choir. That means you put your best out there." She stalked off toward the stage calling Quinn, Britt, Rachel and San to her.

When she got to the piano the girls joined her. "What's up Ms. Shelby" Britt asked as she bounced over.

Shelby turned to Quinn. "I want you to sing the song you were doing this morning for me." She turned to the others. "I want you guys to sing back up for her."

Quinn looked shocked. "Um. I was just messing around this morning."

Shelby sighed. "I know baby, but I also know you know that song inside and out. I want to hear it in its entirety with these guys backing you up. Please."

Quinn shrugged. "Ok sure." She and the girls went to the piano bench and talked about the back-up parts.

Shelby walked to the middle of the stage. "Ok guys, I want you all to come up front and listen to a song for a moment please." She exited the stage and took a seat as the others all joined her.

Sue sat beside her and Shue on the other side of Sue. She leaned in to whisper in her ear as she rubbed her arm. "Calm down a bit honey or that vein on your forehead is going to explode."

Shelby let out a strangled laugh trying not to laugh as some of her tension eased. She slapped Sue's arm playfully. "Shut up." Sue just sat back chuckling.

On the stage the girls got set. Quinn took a breath, stretched her shoulders and began playing then started singing.

There was a time I packed my dreams away.
Living in a shell, hiding from myself.

There was a time when I was so afraid.
I thought I'd reached the end,
But baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterdays.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

I had to decide,
Was I gonna to play it safe.
Or look somewhere deep inside,
Try to turn the tide,
And find the strength to take that step of faith.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

And I have the courage like never before, yeah.
I've settled for less now I'm ready for more,
Ready for more.

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment.
As I look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.

I'm living in the moment
As look around I can't believe the love I see.
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then, this is my now.
This is my now.

The kids erupted in applause and Shelby and Sue just smirked at Shue. Shelby went back on stage as the cheering calmed. "Ok, what do you think of our second solo song for Nationals guys?"

Quinn looked up at her shocked. Mercedes stood. "It's being done just like that isn't it?"

Kurt stood next to her. "I mean yea, add the drums and a guitar into it and its perfect."

Shelby just smile, sparing a glance at Shuster's pissed face. "That was my thought exactly."

Quinn walked to her. "Are you sure you really want me doing the solo? I mean Rachel or Mercedes could do it better."

Mercedes smiled. "No Quinn, you got this. I couldn't do that any better. This is all you girl." The others all voiced their agreement.

Quinn smiled at her then turned to Rachel. Rachel shrugged. "I agree with Cedes. This is all you baby."

Quinn looked back to Shelby. "Sue heard you sing it this morning and pitched it to me for the solo. I agree with all of them. You got this honey. You're the best one for this song."

Quinn beamed and hugged her tight. "Ok, I'll do it."

The rest of the group cheered again. Shelby released the hug and turned to them. "Ok, we have a complete set list now. We will announce the other songs Friday after the duets competition. You have 30 minutes left of practice, finish up with your partner then I will call practice then."

Marcus raised his hand. "Ms. C, I know the drums for that song. My sister did it in her talent show last year and me and Josh backed her up."

Josh stepped up beside him. "Yea, it was pretty cool. I still remember the guitar part."

Shelby nodded and called them to the stage with them. Sue turned to Shuster. "See William, even your original kids agreed. She's the one for this, Mercedes could have tried to battle her for it and didn't. You need to start trusting that Shelby knows what she is doing."

Shue was red in the face he was so angry. Sue just shook her head and looked over as San and Rachel sat next to her. Rachel smiled. "I like this solo. I think we shouldn't add dancers to it, just keep it her, the piano, the back-up singers and the boys on drums and guitar. It's more raw that way. So, are we keeping with the theme like the club wanted too?"

Sue nodded. "Yes, it was a good idea. I hope all the duets fit with it."

San leaned over to see her. "They are, everyone agreed when we were picking songs for the list we gave Shelby."

Rachel looked confused. "Didn't she show you guys the duet song list?"

Sue shook her head. "No, she wanted it to be a surprise for all the other judges. She only glance at it herself to make sure we weren't duplicating any songs."

Rachel just nodded and sat back. Shue looked over at her. "I know you filled in for an injured cheerleader today, but why are you still in that uniform. I didn't think you wore skirts anymore." He said irritably.

Rachel just recoiled back into San. Sue looked at him incredulously. "What the hell, why would you say that to her?"

He just shrugged. "I was told she was given special treatment for the way she was dressing so I'm confused as to why now she's wearing a skirt. That's all."

Rachel was shaking as Shelby came over. She had heard what Sue yelled. "What's going on?"

Rachel stood and went straight into her arms, burying her head. Shelby held on tight and glared at him. "What the hell did you say to my daughter?"

He sat back. "I was wondering why one week she can't wear sweats or a dress without leggings and the next she's in a skirt."

Shelby saw red. "What she does and doesn't do is none of you concern. LEAVE MY DAUGHTER ALONE!"

Shuster stood. "I'm just confused."

Rachel turned to him and straightened her spine. She wiped her eyes and glared at him. "Then let me explain it to you."

The steel in her voice caused them all to flinch, and all San, Shelby and Sue could think was 'oh, shit'.

She took a step forward. "I was raped Mr. Shuster. I haven't felt comfortable in a skirt or dress since. Quite frankly, I am not comfortable now either. Not by any means, but I was trying to be."

The rest of the club was moving closer and Quinn came up beside Shelby and San looking concerned. Rachel took a breath. "Have you ever been physically held down and brutalized Mr. Shuster? Has someone ever held you down, ripped away your dignity, stole your innocence and a part of who you are? Forcing themselves on you, tearing your body apart for the inside and injuring the rest of you, leaving you bleeding on the floor?"

There was a quiet rage in her voice, her fist were shaking, and she was glaring daggers into the man as he shook his head. "Then how the hell can you stand there and question how I chose to dress or try to heal my soul after all that has happened to me? I have lost one of my fathers and was thrown away by the other father and my aunt. I was bullied most of my life. I have been raped. I have been sexually harassed and threatened. I have had a boy three times my size try to force his way into my home and try to hurt one of my loves when she tried to protect me."

Her voice hitch on the last word. She took another shaky breath then continues. "My mother finds me after looking for me my whole life because I was stolen from her. Only to find out my father was hiding me from her for ten years after she found me the first time. The same boy that raped me tried to rape one of my girlfriends and physically injured both of them right in front of me."

She paused trying to calm herself as she feeling both her girls' hands on her back and Shelby and Sue's on her shoulders. "How DARE you stand there and question me about anything, let alone my clothing choice. I have listened to you try and tear down everything I have built this year that I have worked so hard for since the moment you returned. Not to mention how you treated me before. What is it about me that makes you act like this? You are an adult, a teacher for god sakes. What have I done that is so horrible that you feel the need to carry this hatred for me?"

He just stood there dumbfounded, his mouth opening and closing with no sound. Rachel was about to continue when a voice behind them stopped her. "WILLIAM!"

They all turned to see Figgins and Ms. Pillsbury standing there pissed as hell. "In my office NOW!" Figgins was shaking in anger.

Shuster just hung his head and walked out, Ms. Pillsbury following. Figgins turned to Rachel. "I am so sorry about that. He will not be returning to Glee club. He might not be returning to this school when I am done with him." He smiled slightly and turned to follow the others.

Everyone else just watched Rachel. She hadn't moved, just stood there trembling. San moved toward her but stopped when Rachel held up a hand and stepped away from them. "No."

She stood for a moment then turned. "I want to go home now. Mom will you bring the girls with you. I need to drive myself." With that she turned, grabbed her bag and rushed out of the auditorium.

San and Quinn moved to follow but Shelby pulled them back. "Let her go."

San turned, "We just want to make sure she makes it safely to the damn car."

Shelby turned to Puck. "Noah, Tina, make sure she gets there, but keep your distance." They nodded and ran out of the room. She turned back to the girls and pulled them into her. "Let's get our things and go to the house. Hopefully that's where she's heading. She did say she wanted to go home."

They pulled away and ran to get their stuff and Shelby turned back to the others. "Practice is over. You can go home." They nodded, tears in their eyes and she went to gather her things then turned to Sue. "Can you drive us? I rode with you today."

Sue pulled her into a hug. "Of course, let's go."

They all piled into Sue's car and headed out.

Rachel got in her Camaro, not seeing Puck and Tina watching as she started it and headed to the house. When she got there she headed for the basement. She paused at the door looking at it for a moment then left it open then went down leaving that door open as well. She sat at the piano and started randomly playing.

Shelby, Sue and the girls all breathed a sigh of relief at finding Rachel's car in the garage. They entered the house and heard the sounds of the piano. Dropping their things in the living room they walked to the basement door and shared a look.

San looked down the stairs then softly spoke. "If the door is left open she knows we'll come down. When she wants to be alone she closes them."

She looked to Shelby silently asking what to do. Shelby squeezed her shoulder and nodded. They all headed quietly down the stairs stopping at the door watching her play random tunes. They had done this many times, always waiting for whatever song would eventually come out.

Rachel sighed and picked her tune. As she started to sing she broke their hearts all over again and the girls moved to sit with her like always. As she sang tears poured out of her and her voiced hitched here and there.

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though there here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Suddenly, I'm not half the girl I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Why he had to… to…

She stopped and collapsed into Santana's waiting arms. When Quinn wrapped around them and she broke. Shelby turned into Sue and cried into her chest and Sue just held on as they listened to her heart wrenching sobs.

Shelby couldn't take it anymore. She went to stand behind her placing a gentle hand on her head. Rachel looked up at her then stood and rushed into her arms. Shelby picked her up and carried her to the couch and sat with her in her lap rocking. San and Quinn sat on either side of them and wrapped their arms around them both. Sue knelt in front of them rubbing Rachel's arm and Shelby's leg as Rachel sobbed into her mother.

With no idea how long they were there, she finally calmed and just clung to Shelby. The sound of the doorbell startled them and Sue stood. "I'll get it. You stay here." Shelby nodded and she went upstairs.

She opened the door to an anxious Judy. "Judy?"

Judy rushed in. "Please tell me Quinn is here? Is everything ok? None of you are answering your phones and Quinn was supposed to be home an hour ago."

Sue sighed. "Everyone is here." She went on and explained what had happened. "When we got here we all dropped our things on the couch. None of us heard the phones. I'm sorry you were worried."

Judy just shook her head. "Nonsense, Rachel was more important. Is she ok now? Where is she?"

Sue shrugged. "She's calmed a bit. They're all down in the studio."

Judy sighed. "Can I please go check on her?"

Sue nodded "of course," and led her down. When they got there Judy knelt in front of them and grabbed her hand. Rachel looked over and leaned over to hug her then laid back into Shelby. Judy stood and kissed San then Quinn. "Quinn, I'm canceling our dinner tonight so you can stay here. It can wait until her next visit or tomorrow or something."

Quinn sent her a grateful smile. "Thank you mom." Judy just nodded and rubbed her hair.

Judy knelt in front of them again rubbing Rachel's back. "Honey, how about I go up and order from that Thai restaurant you like so much? Then we can sit and eat dinner, maybe curl up in your room after and watch a movie together?"

Rachel looked at her with a sad smile. "Ok, I'm not really hungry, but I'll try."

Judy nodded then stood kissing her head. She shared a look with Shelby then headed upstairs to call the food in and call Fran to tell her she wouldn't be home.

Fran understood and was mad at Mr. Shue for his treatment of Rachel. In just that one small conversation Sunday the little diva had broken some of her walls. Judy ended her call and headed back down stairs.

Shelby felt her baby sigh and whatever tension that had still held her released from Rachel's body. She kissed her head. "Do you want to talk about it mama's baby?"

Rachel kissed her cheek. "There's nothing to talk about. He's an ass and I'm glad Figgins is taking him away from Glee. What happened today changes nothing. I think I just needed to get that out and now I just want to lay here a minute."

Shelby held her tighter. "As long as you need baby. I will hold you as long as you need."

Rachel snuggled into her grabbing Santana's hand that was resting on her stomach and Quinn's on her leg and held them. Soaking up all their comfort.

At her touch they both relax a bit more. San kissed the back of her head and melted into them as Quinn kissed her hand.

When Judy came back down Sue was kneeling in front of them again and they were just resting there quietly. She moved over and sat beside Quinn rubbing her back.

They all sat there in silence for a while. Sue looked up at her and smirked. "Hey Rachel?"

Rachel turned her head to look at her. "Yes coach?"

Sue looked at her seriously. "You look like just another sloppy babies in my uniform. Are you sure you want your own?"

Rachel just stared at her for a moment then busted up laugh. After a second they all joined in. She launched herself into Sue's arms still laughing. "Oh god I needed that."

After a moment their laughter calmed and she kissed Sue's cheek. "Thank you Sue."

Sue just blushed at the kiss causing them all to laugh again. She'd never kissed her before.

She was saved by the bell when the doorbell rang. Rachel stood. "Come on, let's eat."

They all stood and filed out. Judy got the door and the others went to set the table. They all ate and just talked about this and that. After dinner they all piled on to the girls bed and fell asleep watching Bring it on together.

All but Shelby. She lay there in Sue's arms, her girls snuggled into them with Judy snuggled into Quinn's back. She chuckled, 'puppies the lot of them' she thought. She closed her eyes and fell asleep surrounded by her little family.

A/N: Chapter 50 people. The big 5-0. I will get to the Fabray dinner next I think. This one kind of ran away with me. What do you think of Quinn's solo and Rachel telling Shuster off?

Rachel's song: Yesterday by The Beatles

Quinn's song: This is My Now by Jordan Sparks