A/N – I've got a new chapter for you. Thank you all so much for you reviews and messages and for reading the story. I really do hope you guys are enjoying this one. And I hope you like this chapter. Thanks!

Disclaimer – I don't own Glee.

Rachel tapped her foot anxiously as she waited at the airport terminal with Shelby's publicist Meredith. She had just grabbed her bag and they were waiting in line for a cab to drive them to the theater. It was a Friday night and it had been two weeks since Shelby was in Ohio and it had been decided that Rachel would make a quick trip to New York that weekend. Much to her chagrin, she wasn't allowed to fly out until after school and Hiram had dropped her off with instructions to be good for her mother. She promised she would. She'd been nothing but good since Shelby had left the last time. She was determined to prove that she was mature enough to stay home alone for a few days. Her exceptional behavior was all part of her master plan and so far the scheme seemed to be working perfectly.

She was happy to be in New York for the weekend, even if it was just a short visit; the only problem was that since she had to wait until after school to leave, Shelby couldn't pick her up from the airport because she was already at the theater doing her show. Meredith had agreed to go and fetch her even though Rachel knew she could do it on her own.

It was midway through the first act when they arrived at the theater and Meredith took Rachel in through the stage door and smiled as she watched the kid's face light up. It was refreshing to be with someone who still saw the magic every time she was here.

"Alright, kiddo, this is the end of the line for me," Meredith whispered. "Enjoy your visit. Your mom knows I've got to run, but I will call her later."

"Thanks," Rachel said. "Bye."

Meredith turned and walked away and made eye contact with the main stage manager, Jim, and silently told him to keep an eye on Rachel. He nodded and looked over at the kid who looked so much like her mother. He knew the drill by now. Rachel stood for a few minutes and watched the action on stage. It was still so amazing to get to see this. She noticed the change though in watching; she wasn't seeing Shelby Corcoran the star anymore, she was seeing her mom and that made it even more incredible.

Rachel stepped back and out of the way when some of the actors started to come off stage. Her mother was the last of them and she smiled and motioned Rachel to her. She was making a quick change into another costume with the help of Marcus, one of the backstage dressers.

"Hi, sweetheart," Shelby said and kissed Rachel on the head.

"Hi," Rachel said with a smile.

"Go put your stuff down in my dressing room and call your dads and let them know you're here," Shelby instructed. "The first act is almost over."

"I know," Rachel said and rolled her eyes. She probably knew the show better than some of the actors in it.

"Go on," Shelby shook her head at her kid.

By the time the short exchange was over, Shelby was in an entirely new outfit and headed back on stage.

Rachel plopped down on the couch in Shelby's dressing room and made the call to tell her dads she was there safe and sound. She texted them when she landed, but the call was required as well. She was playing a game on her phone when Shelby walked in because it was now intermission. The woman just smirked as she leaned down to kiss her again because Rachel hadn't even looked up at her.

"How was your flight?" Shelby asked as she sat down next to her on the couch.

"Fine," Rachel answered distractedly.

"Do you want to go and sit in the audience for the second act?" Shelby asked. "There's still a ticket available."

"What?" Rachel asked.

Shelby put her hand in front of Rachel's phone and blocked her view of the game causing Rachel to huff and whine, "Mom!"

Shelby waited until Rachel finally looked at her and said, "Hi."

"Hi," Rachel said, finally giving her mother her complete attention. She smiled sheepishly and put her phone away.

"You can sit out in the audience for the second act if you want," Shelby repeated. "There's an extra ticket."

"Sure," Rachel said.

"Or you can stay here start on your homework," Shelby said. "Just get it out of the way."

"I'll be in the audience," Rachel said, standing up quickly.

"Are you sure?" Shelby asked with a knowing smile.

"Yeah," Rachel said.

Before Shelby could get up, Rachel sat down on her lap and wrapped her arms around her mom's neck. Shelby returned the sudden hug and held Rachel close.

"I've missed you, Mom," Rachel said.

"Oh, I've missed you too, sweetheart," Shelby said. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I can't wait until I can spend longer than a couple days here with you," Rachel said.

"That'll happen sooner than you think," Shelby answered. She couldn't wait either. "And who knows, once you get here for a long time, you might decide that I'm no fun and a mean old mom." She squeezed her tighter to show that she was teasing.

"Never," Rachel said. "You're not mean. Old maybe…"

"Ok, go on, you," Shelby laughed as she edged Rachel off her lap and stood up. "I've got to change and you need to get your ticket and seat."

When Rachel was gone from the room, Shelby picked up the girl's book bag and small suitcase and put them on the couch so they would be off the floor and out of the way. As she looked at the bag, Shelby made a decision about what they were going to do tomorrow. She and Rachel were going shopping so that she would have clothes at the apartment and she wouldn't have to haul a suitcase back and forth from Ohio. Shelby started to put together a mental list of the stores they would go to when she was interrupted by a knock at her door. Marcus was there to remind her it was time to get ready for the second act.

It was just after eleven by the time they got back to Shelby's lavish apartment. Rachel had wanted to stop somewhere for dinner, but Shelby told her no and said they would eat at the house. Rachel whined, but was now eating her macaroni and cheese at the table in Shelby's kitchen.

"How much homework do you have to do this weekend?" Shelby asked.

"Not much," Rachel answered. "I've already done some of it."

"I want you to finish it up before you fly home Sunday evening," Shelby told her.

"I will," Rachel assured her. Homework sucked. It was the last thing she even wanted to think about while she was in New York.

"Good girl," Shelby said.

Rachel nodded and took a sip of water. Maybe she could convince her mom that she'd work on it during her flight home.

"After you finish, I want you to start getting ready for bed," Shelby said.

"But I just got here," Rachel said.

"I know, sweetie, but it's late and we have a full day ahead of us tomorrow," Shelby said. She had learned her lesson in the past from letting Rachel stay up until all hours of the morning with her. Shelby knew that her fathers had her in bed by at least midnight if not earlier on the weekend. They were going to rework some of their bedtime rules with her before the start of the next school year after the summer break when the rules would be relaxed anyway. Rachel would be older then and coming up on turning sixteen. As it was now she was barely two months removed from fourteen and her parents knew she still needed the structure.

"You have to be somewhere tomorrow?" Rachel asked in a disappointed tone.

"Just at the shows," Shelby answered. "Which, by the way, I can only get you a ticket to the matinee; the evening tickets have already been claimed."

"Oh," Rachel said around a bite of food. That was kind of perfect and the wheels in her mind were turning already.

"But anyway, I thought you and I could go shopping tomorrow," Shelby continued.

"Shopping?" Rachel livened at the mere thought of it.

"Yep," Shelby said. "I want to buy you some clothes. There's no reason you should have to carry more than a book bag back and forth with you between houses. There should always be plenty of stuff for you here so you don't have to pack clothes."

"We're going shopping for a whole new wardrobe?" Rachel asked brightly. This was awesome.

"The start of a wardrobe," Shelby answered. "And we need to get an early start so we can get a lot done before the matinee show. Which is why you need to get to bed at a decent hour."

"I'll go now," Rachel said and put her fork down with a clang.

"Hold on, silly," Shelby said. She reached and grabbed Rachel's arm and pulled her over and sat the girl on her lap. She smiled at how natural it felt to have her daughter on her lap and then pulled the bowl of macaroni and cheese over to them. "Finish eating."

Half an hour later, Rachel was changed and in bed and desperately fighting sleep. A fully belly and the lateness of the hour after a long day had finally caught up with the girl and Shelby was enjoying watching Rachel do her best to stay awake.

"Put your phone down, Rach," Shelby said.

"I need to set my alarm to make sure I'm up early enough," Rachel told her.

"I'll wake you up in plenty of time," Shelby promised. "Don't worry about it and get some sleep."

"Remember I need time in the morning," Rachel said as her eyes fluttered closed.

"I know, honey," Shelby said.

Shelby tucked the blankets around her and kissed Rachel goodnight before leaving the room. It was her turn to crawl into bed next and after a quick check of the locks and alarm system, Shelby did just that. She'd been exhausted the last time they went shopping and Shelby wasn't expecting anything less tomorrow.

Rachel stretched and rolled over and tried to get comfortable again. She was doing everything she could to will her eyes to stay shut so she would go back to sleep. Somehow she sensed that it was just too early to be awake.

Try as she might though, Rachel's eyes didn't listen and she opened them with a long sigh. She was supposed to be able to sleep in on the weekends. Reluctantly, Rachel reached out and grabbed her phone so she could check the time. 5:02. Ok, that was way too early and she was going back to sleep.

Rachel dropped the phone beside her on the bed and shut her eyes again. After a couple of minutes, she let out an exasperated sigh and slapped her hand down in frustration because sleep just would not come. If she was at home she would just get up and watch TV. Well, why couldn't she do that here? This was her home too. It occurred to Rachel then that she knew very little of her mother's apartment. She knew it was huge and beautiful, but there were rooms there she hadn't even been in yet. Maybe she could explore for a little bit.

As she was throwing her blankets back another idea hit Rachel. Exploring would have to wait because this was just more important. She had planned to put it into action later, but why wait? She planned to ask her mother if she could stay home during the evening show since she couldn't have a ticket. She was considering it a small trial run to asking her parents if she could spend those few days by herself instead of being babysat. It seemed like a small request to make this evening because Rachel was left home alone for evenings and weekend afternoons when her dads went out, but it seemed to be uncharted territory with her mother. If she could convince her now, she might be able to convince them all next week after Regionals.

As she sat on the edge of her bed, Rachel knew that waiting until later to start making her case was a waste of precious time. She had all day to prove to her mom just how mature and responsible she really was and she was going to start right now.

Forty-five, Rachel was showered and dressed and her bed was made, though that was hardly anything new for her. She was now in the kitchen and had found everything she needed to make eggs and blueberry pancakes. She just needed to wake her mom up and then she would start cooking so that breakfast would be ready as soon as Shelby walked in the kitchen. The coffee started to brew and Rachel gave a satisfied nod before leaving the kitchen to fetch her mother.

Rachel opened Shelby's bedroom door and looked in on her sleeping mother. Rachel smiled and considered how she never once thought she'd see Shelby Corcoran like this. Nevermind the star, Rachel had never really seen her mom like this. Shelby was always up and going before she was.

"Mom," Rachel whispered as she stepped into the room. "Mom."

She did not get a reply and Shelby didn't so much as shift even slightly.

"Mom," Rachel said a little louder this time. She went up right next to the bed and looked down at her mom. She shook Shelby's shoulder gently and said, "Mom!" It was in her full voice and Shelby jumped.

"What?" Shelby exclaimed as she said straight up in bed and looked around wildly. Her hair was in her face and her heart was racing. "Rachel? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Rachel answered.

"Oh," Shelby said as she started to lie back down. Her eyes were already closed. She reached an arm out and felt around until she found Rachel and pulled the girl closer to her. "Ok."

"Mom," Rachel said again as she tried to wriggle free from Shelby's grasp, but the woman had wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly and was almost back asleep.

"What's the matter, baby?" Shelby asked wearily. "Mommy's right here."

"Mom," Rachel said as she rolled her eyes. She was bending over the bed because Shelby wouldn't let go of the hug she had Rachel in. "Wake up."

"Rachel," Shelby said groggily. "What's wrong?" She was awake now and aware that she was holding Rachel. She rubbed her back as she tried to clear her head to find out what her daughter needed.

"Nothing's wrong," Rachel said brightly. "It's time to get up. I'm making breakfast and it'll be ready soon so you've got to get up and come eat and then get ready so we can go shopping. So wake up."

Shelby's brain was about four words behind and it took her a few moments to comprehend what Rachel was saying. When she was caught up she moved Rachel enough so that she could see her clock. 5:57. She had to look again to make sure she was seeing that right. Shelby had her alarm set for eight and was going to wake Rachel up after that.

"Rachel," Shelby groaned and took advantage of the position she had her daughter in and popped the girl on her bottom. "Why are you up so early?"

"You said we needed to get an early start today," Rachel said. She was undeterred by her mother's grumpy attitude. "I made coffee and breakfast will be ready soon. You need to get up. Please."

Shelby let out a long breath and looked at her daughter's earnest face and relented. "I'll be there in a few minutes." She added a kiss to her forehead to make up for the swat to her behind and finally let Rachel go.

"Don't take too long, it'll be ready in a few minutes," Rachel said with a smile before turning and practically skipping out of the room.

Shelby forced herself to sit up so she wouldn't fall back to sleep and looked over the clock and the obscene hour is displayed and then rubbed her face. She had to get out of bed. In a second. She would get out of bed in a second.

"Mom!" Rachel's voice flitted down the hallway. "Did you get up?"

"Yes," Shelby yelled back and then kicked the blankets back and got out of bed. She wondered if she could get a nap later.

Shelby dragged herself into the kitchen a few minutes later and stood at the doorway and watched as Rachel worked on fixing the plates. She let her grumpiness go and had to admit that it smelled great. And Rachel just seemed so eager that Shelby wasn't about to ruin it for her.

Shelby went to the table when she noticed the two mugs of coffee Rachel had set out. She moved to the refrigerator and pulled out some creamer and a bottle of juice and poured a glass before returning it to its spot.

"Morning, Mom," Rachel said cheerfully and then kissed Shelby's cheek even though both her hands were full because she was holding the plates.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Shelby said.

Shelby waited until Rachel sat down and then took the mug of coffee that was in front of the girl and replaced it with the glass of juice. She set the full mug on the counter and then grabbed the creamer for herself and sat down. Rachel leveled her with an annoyed glare but Shelby just smiled at her.

"This looks amazing," Shelby said. "Thank you for making breakfast."

"You're welcome," Rachel said as she relented and stopped the glare. "I wanted to help out since you said you wanted to get an early start.

"Not quite this early," Shelby said.

"I'm ready and as soon as we're done, you can get ready too and I'll clean up in here," Rachel continued on as if Shelby hadn't spoken.

"You didn't have to do that, but thank you," Shelby said.

"Well I am responsible enough to get up and ready all by myself," Rachel said. "And I can cook a lot of different things," she added after taking a bite of eggs.

Shelby nodded and took her own bite. "This is wonderful. Who taught you to cook?"

"My dads," Rachel said with a big smile. She was beaming at the praise. "I was glad you had blueberries; they're my favorite."

"Mine too, babe," Shelby said. She filed that bit of information away and took another bite.

By 8:15 that morning they were at their first store and Shelby was on her third cup of coffee. She stayed back a bit and let Rachel look around on her own so she wouldn't seem like she was hovering. She was texting with Brian who was surprised she was actually up and out of the house that early on a Saturday. Shelby and Brian had found a happy compromise for the times when she was with Rachel. He understood that they needed to ease the girl back into the idea of them as a couple and they both knew that now wasn't the time. They still saw each other and they still talked all the time, but for now Shelby was leaving Rachel out of that.

Rachel was looking at clothes, but was also keeping an eye on her mother. She didn't know exactly who was making Shelby smile at her phone like that, but she had a good idea. She scowled at the skirt she was holding and decided that she needed help looking around.

"Mom," Rachel called out. "What do you think of this one?"

Shelby looked up from her phone after saying goodbye to Brian and pocketed it. It was time to jump in and try and expand Rachel's taste in clothes.

"I like it," Shelby said. "But I also want you to look at getting more jeans and other types of pants. You need more than just skirts, ok?"

"Ok," Rachel sighed. "But I really do like this one."

"So do I," Shelby told her. "Hang on to it so you can try it on. And don't forget we also need to look at things like pajamas and workout clothes and shoes as well as bras and panties."

"Mom!" Rachel hissed in embarrassment. Ok, so that wasn't showing her mature side, but could they not discuss her underwear in public, thank you very much.

Shelby just smiled and looped her arm in Rachel's and led her to another section of the store.

Rachel wanted to appear grown up and started to say she didn't need very much, but Shelby shut her down. She had decided that, for now, she wanted Rachel to have at least a week's worth of clothes at her house. They could build on it from there, but Shelby was here to buy her daughter some clothes and that's what she was going to do.

When Shelby determined they had enough to start, she and Rachel made their way to one of the larger changing rooms. Once one of the store managers found out Shelby was there, they were given all the help they needed. After two outfits, it was decided that it was too cumbersome for Shelby to wait outside waiting for Rachel to model everything so she ended up in the changing room with her.

"How do these feel?" Shelby asked as she tugged on the waist of the jeans Rachel had on.

"Fine," Rachel said. "I like them."

"You sure?" Shelby asked as she turned Rachel to the side so she could look at the length.

"I'm sure," Rachel said.

"Ok, good. Put them in the keep pile," Shelby said.

Rachel rolled her eyes when her mom wasn't looking. Shelby had checked every piece of clothing for fit and length and everything else she could think of. Rachel had been tugged on and turned this way and that for over half an hour now.

Rachel took off the jeans and reached for a shirt and was about to pull it over her head, but stopped when she felt her mother move up behind her.

"Just a second," Shelby said. "Are you happy with these panties and bra?"

"Mom."

"What?" Shelby asked. "I need to know what kind to get and if you like these, I'll get more of them."

"Yes, I like this brand," Rachel said. She then jumped and squealed when she felt her mother grab the waist band of her panties and pull them back. "Mom," she complained again and tried to look over her shoulder.

"Hush," Shelby said. "I need to know the size."

Rachel turned a bright shade of red as Shelby checked the tag in her panties and then her bra. She could have told her the sizes. Rachel didn't know how they did it, but she knew that all parents inherently knew how to be annoying and embarrassing. Even Shelby Corcoran, whom she once considered to be the coolest person in the world, was just an embarrassing mom. To make it even worse, Shelby then pulled out her phone and added the sizes to the note she'd been keeping that day. She had written down Rachel's sizes in everything because she wanted to be able to buy her clothes whenever she wanted. Besides, she was her mom and she should know these things.

After they were finished in the changing room, Shelby and Rachel split up with the mother going to pick out bras and panties and Rachel getting socks and pajamas. Shelby smirked when Rachel seemed to decide that the best course of action was not to be seen with her mother around the underwear.

Shelby paid for everything not long after that and had the packages delivered to the apartment so they wouldn't have to carry them around. By that time they had to get to the theater for the matinee performance and Rachel happily sat through it again. She knew she was going to run out of performances to watch soon enough and she was going to savor it. She also knew that she needed to get Kurt out here at some point so he could see it too.

They arrived home that afternoon and they only had a few hours before Shelby had to be back at the theater so Rachel knew she needed to put the rest of her plan into action.

"Hey, Mom?" Rachel said as she walked into her mother's room.

"Yeah?" Shelby asked. She was opening the bags of clothes they bought so they could be separated and washed.

"I was thinking that since I can't see the show tonight… Can I stay home tonight while you're at the show?" Rachel asked.

Shelby stopped sorting the clothes and looked up at Rachel while she took in her words. She was so used to having Rachel go everywhere with her while she was in New York that Shelby hadn't even really considered leaving Rachel home alone. But it was her home and she is fifteen and Shelby felt like she could trust her. She couldn't expect that Rachel would be with her every moment of the day every time she was in New York, as much as Shelby would love that. There really was no need for her to stay cooped up in the dressing room at the theater when she could stay here at home.

"Please, Mom," Rachel said when Shelby didn't respond. "I'll finish up all of my homework and do all of the laundry and clean up. It'll be fine. I stay home by myself in Lima all the time."

"I know you do," Shelby said. "And I don't see why not."

"Thanks!" Rachel said as a smile lit her face.

"And yes, you do need to finish your homework," Shelby said. "And you can start some laundry if you want, but don't feel like you need to do it all tonight. It's not a big deal."

"I'll get it done, I promise," Rachel said.

"Now listen," Shelby said, "I want you changed and at least ready for bed by the time I get home."

Rachel nodded. "Ok."

"I do have one rule," Shelby said. "And I'm very serious about it. You are not to leave the apartment at all."

"I hadn't planned on it," Rachel said.

"Good. And you better not," Shelby said. "It will be late and we are not in the theater district and you do not need to be out there alone. I know this is your home and your city now, but for right now there shouldn't be anything you need to go out for."

"I was out by myself when I found you at the theater," Rachel pointed out.

"It was also a Saturday afternoon in a tourist area and your fathers were close by," Shelby told her. "It's already dark out and we are far from the bright lights of Times Square."

"I don't plan on going anywhere, but I would be fine," Rachel said confidently.

"Maybe," Shelby conceded. "But for right now, I need you to know that I'm serious about this. I was scared to death when you ran out of here when my mother showed up. And when you didn't show up to the theater when you were supposed to. Rachel, I know New York City is romanticized in your head, but it is also dangerous and unforgiving. You are only fifteen and a few hours during the day is completely different than wanting to go out alone at night in a part of town you aren't familiar with."

"I don't want to tonight," Rachel said.

"Good. Because if I find out you stepped one foot outside this apartment while I'm gone tonight, I will turn you over my knee," Shelby promised her.

Rachel's mouth fell open and she put her hands back to protect her backside without even really thinking about it.

"Really? Would you really spank me?" Rachel asked.

"Yes," Shelby said. She was surprised at how confidently she stated that. But she wanted Rachel to know that she was serious.

"Just over this or for other things too?" Rachel asked curiously.

"Let's just say I'm going to keep my options open," Shelby told her stunned girl.

"But… But don't you think I'm too old?" Rachel asked.

Shelby smiled down at Rachel and put her hands on her hips. She wondered who Rachel thought she was fooling. Shelby had seen her daughter on the receiving end of swats from her fathers, and had even gotten a couple from Shelby herself. Plus she had heard her fathers threaten that very same trip over a knee for other offenses.

"When's the last time you got a spanking?" Shelby asked lightly.

Rachel turned bright red and looked down at the floor and mumbled something that Shelby couldn't understand. The mother took pity on her embarrassed daughter and stepped over and pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back to reassure her.

"What did you say?" Shelby asked kindly.

"Last summer just before school started," Rachel answered.

"Why?"

"I was upset about not being able to get something I wanted and I stormed out of the store when Daddy stepped away and I walked home. Daddy didn't know where I had gone," Rachel admitted. Here she was trying to prove how grown up and mature she was and she was telling about how childishly she'd behaved.

"It sounds like you deserved that one," Shelby said. "I just want you to know that I'm on the same page as your fathers. Yes, you are fifteen, but you're also still a kid. I think spankings should be rare, but for the time being they are fair game, I'm afraid. But I want you to know that I'm serious about tonight. I trust you, sweetheart."

"You won't ever have to. You know… And I won't go anywhere tonight," Rachel said. "I don't want to anyway."

"Good girl," Shelby said. She kissed Rachel's head and then pulled away from the hug. "I'm going to start a load of laundry and then I'll need to start getting ready to go. You can throw them in the dryer for me, but there's no need to worry about the rest."

"I've got it covered, Mom," Rachel said.

The girl left the room after that and wandered into the living room and sat down to watch TV. Her mind was far away though and while she was determined to never push her mother that far, she found that she liked knowing where her mother stood. And hearing that Shelby was on the same page as her fathers helped to dissipate a lot of the confusion that sometimes built in her mind about what to expect from her mom should she find herself in trouble. She liked to think that she wasn't going to find herself in much trouble ever again, due to her elevated maturity level of course, but it was nice to not have to deal with the what ifs of how her mother would handle her.

Shelby left a little after six and Rachel was still engrossed in a movie. It wasn't until it was over half an hour later that Rachel realized that this was the first time she'd ever been alone in her mother's apartment. The exploring she put off earlier was now going to have to happen. But first she was going to do her stupid homework and start another load of laundry. The discipline conversation had put a slight damper on her goal, but Rachel was determined. If everything was perfect when her mother got home, Rachel just knew she'd be able to use it as a tool to help sell her case next week. But that meant she had to do her homework and all of the laundry and she wanted to tidy up even if the place didn't really need it. Everything would be perfect when her mother came home that evening.

Rachel finished her homework in record time and strategically left her books and notebooks open on the table so her mother would be sure to see if when she got home. She kept on top of the laundry and soon it was put away in her room. She cleaned up the kitchen and wiped down the counters while the laundry was in and after a couple hours, felt satisfied with her work. She then took a quick shower and put on a pair of her new pajamas and readied herself to explore.

She started in the back corner of the apartment in an office she hadn't been in yet. Her range had been limited to hers and Shelby's bedroom and the kitchen and living room. There was still the office and, as she discovered later, a smaller room that housed an elliptical, treadmill, and a few free weights. There was a guest room that was smaller than Rachel's room and there was another small bathroom next to it. It was clean and didn't look like it had been used recently. The hall bathroom across from Rachel's room had been claimed as her own as soon had also been given the room. The building had a laundry service but Shelby rarely used it. Having her own laundry room had been one of the reasons she'd decided on this place.

Rachel really loved the way Shelby had decorated. It was classic and homey and didn't feel too modern or slick. She did want to make some changes to her own room, but she hadn't gotten around to asking yet. She would bring that up when she could spend more than a couple days at a time here.

The office was awesome and two walls of built in shelving that were filled with books, knick knacks, and pictures and, most importantly of all, another Tony. Rachel went straight for it. It's the one Shelby won when she was first starting out when Rachel was a little girl. Rachel Berry was alone in a house with two Tonys in it. Anything could happen.

Rachel picked up the Tony and studied it and then carried it with her as she looked at all of the pictures. She loved the ones from when her mother was younger. She recognized Elizabeth from other pictures her mother had shown her. She guessed the woman in one was Marie and Rachel smiled. After meeting Shelby's atrocious mother, she was glad that she'd had friends like Marie and Elizabeth to be there for her.

Rachel took the Tony Award with her when she left the room and then wandered into her mother's bedroom. She wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to look at in here since she'd been in the room several times, but it was just different being alone. She looked at pictures and gave a disgusted look to the one of her mother and Brian. She went into Shelby's large closet next and looked at all of the clothes and boxes of shoes. She found a zip up hoodie with the Wounded Heart logo on it and immediately put it on. A flowing and long white skirt was next to be pulled on over her pajamas and Rachel loved it. It was light and comfy and wondered why she hadn't thought to look at any skirts like this when they were shopping that morning.

Rachel's eyes wandered to a coupe unlabeled boxes that were on a shelf far out of her reach. Shelby must have a stool in there because Rachel knew the woman wouldn't be able to reach them either. Curiosity was getting the best of her and Rachel stepped of the closet to find the stool or something else to stand on so she could reach them. Before she found anything, Rachel's phone rang distracting her and she gathered up the Tony and quickly made her way to the living room so she could answer it.

"Hi, sweetie," Shelby said when Rachel said hello. "How's everything going?" It was intermission.

"Fine," Rachel said. I finished my homework and I've had a movie on." It wasn't a lie; a movie really was playing on the TV.

"Have you had anything to eat?" Shelby asked.

"I ate some of the leftover macaroni and cheese and some fruit," Rachel said.

"Ok, that's good. I just wanted to call and make sure you're doing ok," Shelby said.

"I am," Rachel assured her.

"Ok. Well, I've got to go. I'll see you in a couple hours. I love you."

"Love you too, Mom," Rachel said.

Rachel ended the call and went to the shelf where Shelby's other Tony rested. The snooping in her mother's bedroom was forgotten and she set the awards side-by-side.

"This is so cool!" Rachel gushed and then took a picture of them and sent it to Kurt.

Rachel set her phone down for a second and picked up both Tonys so she could compare them. The only difference was the information on them, but Rachel looked them over all the same. After her inspection, she picked up her phone and took a self-picture of her holding both awards and sent it to Kurt as well.

Rachel returned one Tony to the shelf and then held the other one and took a deep breath. In a moment, she looked up and pretended she was on stage at Radio City Music Hall accepting her award. Tears formed in her eyes as she gave a brilliant speech thanking her family and co-stars. She even heard the cut-off music in her head and bowed out graciously. Practicing with a real Tony was so much better than using her hairbrush.

Shelby's key clicked in the lock a couple hours later and she opened the door to an alarmingly silent apartment. She hadn't called on her way home so she could surprise Rachel. She'd stopped and picked up a piece of a chocolate cake Rachel really liked and was going to share it with her. She expected to at least hear the TV on or maybe some music. Shelby had friends with toddlers who worried about the silence when their children were around and it was a complaint Shelby had never understood until now.

"Rach?" Shelby asked but got no response.

Shelby poked her head into the kitchen and only found Rachel's schoolwork spread out on the table. She put the cake in the refrigerator and went in search of her kid. It wasn't until she went into the living room that she saw Rachel and when she did she had to stifle a laugh. She put her hand over her mouth even though her smile was ear to ear. Rachel was asleep on the couch, lying on her stomach and still in Shelby's clothes, and was holding a Tony Award like it was a Teddy Bear.

Shelby pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures and smiled at them on her screen. It was one of the cutest things she'd ever seen. Deciding her phone pictures weren't enough, Shelby retrieved her real camera and took a few more.

She didn't want to wake her just yet so Shelby took her jacket off and hung it up and then went into the kitchen and looked over Rachel's homework. She was so proud as she looked over the assignments and saw Rachel's work. The girl clearly put a lot of thought and effort into her schoolwork and it made Shelby smile. She knew Rachel hated their rules about not missing school, but one day she would know it was the most important thing.

Rachel hadn't moved a muscle when Shelby went back to get her. She carefully extracted the Tony from the girl's arms and looked over to the shelf and saw that one was already there. Shelby smiled down at her daughter and the knowledge that she went exploring.

Rachel's choice of outfit was pretty good and Shelby loved that it was worn over her pajamas. She couldn't wait to tell Hiram and LeRoy, as well as Marie, about Rachel playing dress up in her closet. It was such a little girl thing to do and Shelby could barely contain the cuteness of the situation. She was going to have so much fun showing off the pictures.

Shelby got down on her knees next to the couch and gently pushed some hair away from Rachel's face and kissed her forehead. She rubbed her back until Rachel started to stir and she was smiling when the girl's eyes fluttered open and landed on her.

"Mommy," Rachel said, her voice full of sleep. She was barely awake.

"Hi, hon," Shelby cooed. "We need to get you into bed."

"Can't," Rachel said and her eyes closed again. "I'm waiting."

"I'm home now," Shelby said. "And you don't have to wait up. You had a really early morning today."

"Mm-hmm," Rachel replied and her breathing evened out again.

"Come on, sweet girl," Shelby said. "Up we go."

Shelby helped Rachel sit up and kept her still while she unzipped the hoodie and then worked the girl's arms free. She put it aside and then lifted Rachel slightly from the couch so she could slide the skirt off. Once she got it from around Rachel's feet, Shelby stood her up and put an arm around her to help support her weight.

"Mom, I want to stay up," Rachel said though her eyes were barely open.

"It's bedtime and you're asleep," Shelby said with a light laugh.

"But I have to leave," Rachel mumbled. "I want to stay with you."

"I wish you could," Shelby said softly and she didn't think Rachel even heard her.

Shelby changed course and took Rachel into the master bedroom and shook her head with a smile when she saw the open closet door. She eased Rachel onto the bed and the girl immediately started to pout.

"I want to stay with you."

"You are," Shelby said. "This is my room and you can lie down in my bed while I get changed and settled for the night, ok?"

Rachel nodded and let Shelby lie her down. She snuggled into the pillows as Shelby tucked her in and kissed her head. She was back asleep before Shelby finished taking off her shoes and closing the closet door. Shelby watched her for a few moments and marveled at her girl; her wonderful daughter. The most precious thing in the world was asleep right there in her bed. A few more long moments passed and Shelby let go of her short vigil and went into her bathroom to take a quick shower. Tomorrow would come all too soon.

The following week it was time for Regionals and Shelby was in Ohio to cheer Rachel and the New Directions on. Word seemed to have gotten around that Shelby was there, but so far no one in the crowd was bothering her. The Berrys and Shelby had found seats next to Maribel and John Lopez and asked if they could sit.

"It's nice to see you again," Shelby said to Maribel. "And under better circumstances."

"It's good to see you too," Maribel said. "This is Santana's father John."

"It's lovely to meet you," John said to all of Rachel's parents. "I'm so sorry again about what Santana said and did. She knows better and was punished."

"It's all been sorted out and there's no need to worry about it anymore," Hiram said. "We haven't heard of any more problems and Rachel says they've kind of come to some sort of truce."

"Even so, she and Quinn were out of line," Maribel said.

"How is Quinn?" Shelby asked.

"She's doing ok," Maribel said. "I'd like to throttle her parents, but that's nothing new."

"It really is a shame," LeRoy said.

Maribel was about to respond, but the lights were lowered and the first group was announced. They were good, but all of the parents agreed that New Directions were going to wipe the floor with them.

Rachel and Kurt held hands back stage and tried to contain their excitement. Not only were they performing at Regionals, but Shelby was there to watch. Rachel was thrilled to finally get to really perform for her mother and Kurt couldn't believe he was about to be seen by a Tony winner. Their heads were held high and confidence oozed from the group during their performance. Rachel was incredible and Kurt was a standout and Shelby was left with tears in her eyes during the standing ovation.

"She was so good," Shelby gushed. "My baby was amazing up there." Then she seemed to remember there were other parents present too and added, "Everyone was."

"She's magical up there," Hiram said. "Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, does it?"

Shelby blushed and tried to come up with something appropriate without sounding full of herself.

"She's a unique performer and I guess we're a little similar-"

"Oh, did you think I was talking about you? I was talking about me," Hiram said cheekily and Shelby rolled her eyes.

"We're all so modest," LeRoy joked.

The crowd went crazy again when New Directions were announced as the winners. The parents fought to get through the people so they could make it backstage to see their kids. Rachel's face lit up when Shelby came in and she soon found herself wrapped in the woman's arm.

"You were amazing up there," Shelby said.

"Really?" Rachel asked.

"Yes," Shelby assured her. "You are a special performer."

Rachel beamed and was then pulled into a hug by LeRoy and then Hiram. They all gushed over her. Shelby found Kurt in the room and gave him a hug and told him how fantastic he was. He was red all the way up to the tips of his ears as he listened to Shelby talk. He couldn't even really get out more than a few thank yous and then stopped trying to talk all together when she kissed his cheek.

Shelby stopped to talk to each kid so she could let them know she loved the show. The last two she got to were Quinn and Santana. They both tried to appear aloof, but Shelby could see through them.

"You two were really great," Shelby said.

"Thank you," Quinn said.

"Thanks," Santana mumbled.

"You're both welcome," Shelby said. "I'm looking forward to the next performance. I'll see you two next time."

"Ok," Quinn said and Santana nodded. Both girls looked at each other and smiled when Shelby walked away.

There was a celebratory dinner that night at the Berrys' house and Rachel knew that now was the best time to ask. She had notes and a power point presentation if need be, but she hoped she could talk them into it without that.

"Dad, Daddy, Mom, I have something I need to talk with you about," Rachel said just after dessert was served.

"Ok," Hiram said. He shared a glance with LeRoy because they had been through these speeches before and they were never sure what they were going to get.

"I've been thinking about the cruise you have coming up and how Mom can't be here until Wednesday," Rachel started.

"We're going to talk to your grandparents and see who can come and stay with you for a couple days," LeRoy said.

"That's what I was thinking about," Rachel said. "You're leaving on Sunday and Mom can't be here until Wednesday… I figured it might just be easier if I stayed by myself for those few days."

Hiram and LeRoy both started to laugh and Rachel's mouth fell open in shock. They hadn't even listened to her entire speech yet!

"No," LeRoy said.

"But Daddy, I'll be fine," Rachel argued. "I'm always up and ready for school on time and I can make my own meals. I'd never have a party here because who would come anyway? I'd do all of my homework and I'm sure Mr. Hummel would be available if I needed anything. I'm not a little kid and I can be trusted on my own. It's not like I've never spent time alone in the house before. And it's only really two full days and then Mom will be here for the rest of the week."

"Rachel, I don't know if it's a good idea," Hiram said. "You've never stayed by yourself for that long and you usually love it when your grandparents come for that week."

"But how will you ever know if I can stay by myself if you never let me?" Rachel reasoned. "I don't need a babysitter. Mom let me stay home while she did her evening show last week and I got my own dinner and did all of my homework and followed Mom's rules and I was fine."

Shelby had remained silent because she wasn't exactly sure what to do with this request. She wanted to say no, but she also remembered wanting that same freedom at fifteen. Could she have handled it then? Well, that was debatable.

"Honey, staying home alone for an afternoon is completely different from staying alone for a few days," LeRoy said.

"I know," Rachel said. "But I can do it. Please. I'll go to school and glee practice and then just come home like I always do. And I won't have anyone over except maybe I was thinking I could make dinner for me and Kurt and we could watch a movie, but I won't if you don't want me to. Please."

"Why don't you go upstairs and let us talk about it," Hiram said.

"Ok! Thanks, Dad."

"We're just talking," Hiram said. "Go on."

"What do you think?" LeRoy asked when Rachel was out of the room.

"I don't know," Shelby answered. "She's still just a kid."

"But she is growing up," Hiram said. "She just wants to prove herself. If we don't give her any freedom she'll act out."

"She acts out now though when she doesn't get her way with her storm outs and what not," LeRoy said.

"True," Hiram said. "But I agree with her that we could get Burt Hummel to look in on her every day. She could have to make daily phone calls to her grandparents and to you Shelby."

"Do you really think she we should?" LeRoy asked. He could see where Hiram was taking this.

"Her grandparents are only a couple hours away," Hiram said. "Burt's around the corner. "It's a Monday and Tuesday and I believe her when she says she won't have a party."

"I think she just desperately wants to be seen as grown up," Shelby said.

"But she's not," LeRoy reminded them. "Fifteen is still young. Almost too young."

"I think she just wants to play house," Hiram said. "She wants to put on a show for Kurt and make dinner, which we all know she can do, so they can pretend they're grown."

"Yeah," LeRoy said. Where had the time gone? He had a sudden flash of a five year old Rachel having a tea party. "I can talk to Burt and we'll let the grandparents know."

"I will do my best to get out of New York Tuesday night so maybe I can surprise her early," Shelby said.

"I think it'll be ok," Hiram said. "She either does fine and we've made her happy by putting that trust in her."

"Or she does any number of things that we all know Rachel is prone to do that get her in trouble," LeRoy said.

"It could be interesting to see how she handles herself," Hiram noted. "If she found herself in trouble but handled it right, I would think that would be a valuable lesson learned too. And if she doesn't, well nothing has changed except we know better next time and so will she. And it's not like we're planning on going out of town again until this time next year so either way, she won't get the opportunity again."

"But what if the thing she doesn't handle is her getting hurt or something?" Shelby asked.

"We would cross that bridge when we come to it," LeRoy said. "She could fall down the stairs two minutes from now and we're all sitting here. We can give her enough rope to taste the freedom but also the responsibility that goes with it. We can leave her a list of chores and what not."

"Ok," Shelby said. "Provided her grandparents and Burt Hummel are on call and ready to step in if need be."

"Yes, I agree," LeRoy said and Hiram nodded. "I'll make some phone calls before we talk to Rachel."

"I threatened her with a spanking last weekend," Shelby sad. "I wanted to make sure she didn't leave the apartment alone after dark in the city. And now we're going to let her stay alone."

"If this was New York City and we were in your apartment, there's no way she'd be staying home alone for a few days," Hiram said. "But Lima is different and she is comfortable here. She walks to and from school and she knows all of our neighbors. It's just different, Shelby."

"I know," Shelby said. "I'd still rather her not be out alone after dark. Even here in Lima."

"Me too," LeRoy added. "We'll add it to the list of rules. She needs to be home directly after glee practice and if she plans on going anywhere else she needs to call you or her grandparents first. But for two days, she can just plan to be home and stay home directly after school."

"A spanking, huh?" Hiram ribbed her. "Would you follow through?"

"If I had to," Shelby answered.

"Good girl," LeRoy said as he got up to get his phone and start making those calls.

Rachel was pacing in her room and ready to pull her hair out because she couldn't figure out what was taking them so long. But, she reasoned, maybe the fact that it was taking so long was a good thing. It would be much quicker to just say no.

Just as Rachel gave up pacing and plopped down on the bed, there was a knock at her door and all three of her parents entered. She sat up and gave them the most hopeful face anyone had ever seen. She stood up and tried to appear calm, but was ready to burst.

"Rachel, we have agreed to your proposal," Hiram said and was cut off by the loud squeal that came from Rachel.

"Thank you! I won't get in any trouble, I promise. It'll be perfect," Rachel said. She jumped up and down and clapped her hands.

"No you won't," LeRoy said. "Just because you'll be home alone does not mean you will be out of the jurisdiction of a punishment if we decide one is needed."

"I know," Rachel nodded solemnly.

"And this is not just a free for all," Hiram said. "There will be rule and conditions and chores."

"Ok," Rachel agreed easily.

Rachel was barely listening as her parents listed off their rules and expectations and the like hundred people she was going to have to call every day. She'd gotten her yes and she didn't even really care about the details right now. She wanted to call Kurt and tell him. But she knew she would have to wait until they were done so she stood patiently and tried to do her best to make it appear as if she was paying attention.

The first thing she would tell Kurt was that he owed her five dollars. She hadn't needed her power point presentation at all.

A/N – That's the end of this chapter. Thanks for reading and please leave me a review if you can. I'd love to hear from you. Your feedback is so very important to me.

How do you guys think Rachel will do?

Also, I've been getting a lot of requests for a one shot so that's what I'm going to write next. I've already got the idea in mind so I just need to get it down. If you guys have any ideas for one shots you'd like to see or story ideas, please please send them my way. Send me a message here or on tumblr and let's talk about it. I love getting new ideas. I don't promise that it'll be written right away, but I do promise to do my best. Thanks everyone!