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 11
Santana/Rachel/Quinn
After showering and changing the girls leave the locker room with Brittany in tow. They are running a little behind and are trying to rush to get to all their lockers before the bell rings. Brittany speaks up, "Hey I can walk with Rachie to her locker while you guys go to yours then I will bring her to you so you can get to class in time."
San looks skeptical, "No B, its ok we can make it all going together."
Rachel cuts in, "San, Brittany can go with me it's just down the hall from you guys. No one would try anything with Brittany there. They wouldn't dare or suffer your wrath. It will be ok."
San looks to Quinn who also looks skeptical but just shrugs, "Ok, but be quick." Then they all hurry to their lockers Britt arm in arm with Rachel.
Rachel tries to hand the folder back to Britt but she refuses it, "no Rachie, can you keep it for after school practice? I could really use your help."
Rachel looks back at her, "If coach catches me with this…"
Britt just shakes her head, "it will be fine Rachie, promise." Rachel just nods and puts it back in her pack.
They finish up at Rachel's locker then meet up at a very anxious Santana's locker, Q not looking any calmer. "There you are," San says rushing to their side Quinn in tow. "What took you guys so long?"
Rachel just chuckles, "San, I'm fine. We went straight there and then right to you."
San just blushes a little, "sorry, just a little on edge today. Let's go to class."
The day goes by rather boring. No one approached them accept for a few of the Gleeks asking If Rachel is doing better today. At lunch time they enter the lunch room together, get their food and sit at the Glee table with the same way they did the day before. The rest of the Glee club came and sat around them. As they were all making small talk about regionals Finn approached the table. San and Q stood up and behind Rachel and Puck stood to the side. San spook first, "you can't sit here Finnept. Shue told us he talked to you and you have been asked to stay away from her unless it is required for glee but even then you are to keep your distance, so step off."
"Oh come on. I wasn't sitting anywhere near her. Can we just put this misunderstanding behind us? We are a team." Finn was looking around at all of them with his kicked puppy face hoping for help.
Quinn stepped toward him, "no Finn, a misunderstanding was when Rach and San thought I made eggs instead of tofu this morning." At this the entire club was looking at all the girls in total shock. She continues, "you stalking her, watching her in the choir room when she was not aware, and then following her until Puck walked away so you could corner her alone and then proceed to try and grab a hold of her when she doesn't give you the answer you want? That. Is. Not. A. Misunderstanding. So no, we cannot put is behind us, and we won't until Rachel is comfortable in your presence again. Hence the fact that Shue asked you to stay away and keep your distance. Now, leave."
She's says this all with such cold malice that the rest of the club is staring back and forth between them. Santana and Puck are smirking at him, Rachel is staring at Quinn in awe, and Brittany is fighting a giggle. Finn just stares at them all for a second then turns on his heel and storms out of the lunch room. Quinn just sits back down, "well, that was satisfying."
At that Brittany can't fight her giggle anymore and is outright laughing. San and Puck just shake their heads good naturedly with small smiles and the rest of the club just looks at them as Rachel melts into Quinn's side saying thank you. Quinn pulls her into her with an arm around her. Rachel then reaches out to hold Santana's hand, who takes it and places it in her lap before resuming her lunch. As they eat the rest of the Gleeks just watch the girls and Puck interact. They are not sure what exactly is going on. They have never seen Rachel act so timid or the others so protective and seemingly caring. They decide to keep watching and see what happens.
The rest of the day was uneventful. After school Puck had football again so Rachel followed the girls to Cheerio's practice. This afternoon it was outside since it had warmed up throughout the day. When they got outside Rachel was once again instructed to sit behind coach to watch. Once she was seated she took out Brittany's choreography folder and her own notebook and prepared to watch for problems in the routine or execution of it. Sue was glad that Rachel had sat to the back and side of her. It made it easier to watch what the tiny diva was doing without being detected.
The squad ran through the first half they learned that morning a few times as a refresher then Brittany started in on breaking down the next half. The first part of this section was not working at all, the girls just could not pull off the complex moves that Brittany wasn't even breaking a sweat doing. As Sue watched, Rachel was writing continuously. Again when she stopped writing coach got up and called for a break then went over to Quinn and San. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Brittany again grab her water and head over to Rachel.
At this point San and Quinn were confused and worried. Usually when they were doing so poorly while starting a new routine coach didn't let up. She had called a break before the girls would have even attempted too. She came over in her usual way to berate them but seemed distracted. San and Quinn just worried more. She had that I'm up to something face on.
After a while of watching Britt and Rachel she saw the blonde move away and go to join some of the other girl so she had the girls call them back to practice. She went back to the bleachers and watched. Just like this morning Britt ran through it again with different instructions for the same moves and after several tries the girls got it. After a few more runs Britt felt confident to move on to the next section.
The rest of practice went on this way. Britt explaining, the girls running through it, Rachel writing, coach calling break, Britt talking to Rach and then the proper execution of the routine with the new instructions. They got through the entire routine before practice was over and did a complete run through twice almost flawlessly. Coach was impressed, and she was pissed at the same time. How could she not know that this level of trainer was in her midst? She wanted her, and she would have her, she just need to figure out a way to get her.
She was about to call practice and leave to go to her office to plan but stopped as the football team came by moving to their own locker room. She heard a gasp behind her and turned to see Rachel sitting stock still not even seeming to be breathing. At the look of utter terror on her face coach looked back around and saw the football players just about to move out of sight. When she turned around she saw Rachel had pushed herself down between two rows of seats visibly shaking. She stood up, "SAN, Q!" she yelled pointing at the diva when they turned to look at her.
Santana and Quinn ran as fast as possible to get to the girl. San made it first scooping down and gathering the girl in her arms. "Shhh hermosa, shh it's ok, it's ok"
Quinn right behind her squatting down to rub her back. "We're here sweetie, no one will hurt you. We got you honey."
Rachel was close to hyperventilating, "he… he…" she couldn't get the words out. It was the first time she had actually laid eyes on the monster that had hurt her since that day.
San just tightened her grip, "you saw him, is he still here? Did he try to talk to you or get near you?" Rachel shook her head no. San took her hand and laid it on her own chest. "Ok carińo, breath for me now. You're gonna pass out, breathe querida, match my breaths." Rachel finally started to breathe normally with San whispering to her and Quinn rubbing her back and arm
That's when they noticed coach was beside them, "Take her to my office, get her cleaned up and calmed down and I will take care of getting the squad out of here." They looked up and noticed the entire squad was watching the scene curiously. With that coach turned and started barking orders for the Cheerios to go clean up and leave for the day.
Rachel was still shaky so San just picked her up and carried her to coach's office. Once inside Quinn left to get a wet towel for Rachel's face. San just sat in a chair cradling Rach in her arms rocking trying to calm her. Quinn came in and wiped her face down sitting next to them cooing reassurances to her while San rocked.
This is how coach found them. She came around the desk and sat in a chair in front of them. "Who wants to tell me what's going on?" she said looking from one to another.
Rachel just tensed up shaking her head violently chanting lowly, "I can't… I can't… San… Quinn… please… I can't…" San was trying to calm her and Quinn was glaring at Coach.
Coach cut off Rachel's rant, "Ok Streisand, ok stop, you don't have to. I'm not gonna try and make you, ok? Can I ask if it was Hudson that gave you that reaction?"
Rachel peeked out of Santana's neck just a bit, "no, I didn't even see Finn."
Coach just nodded her head. "Ok girls, why don't you take her home, and if you need anything you have my cell." All the girls looked up at that in shock staring until it made her uncomfortable, "stop looking at me like that. I may be a mean ass ruthless bitch, but I am not heartless. I can see that something more is going on here. I am also not stupid, so if you need any help Rachel, let me know. I also told the rest of the cheerios that they better not breathe a word about what happened to anyone or they would be off the squad."
Sue was a little shaken up. She had never seen that level of terror on another person's face, and she herself had put a lot of terror on others faces. The girls all nodded and continued to stare, gob smacked, "now get out of my office and I will see you all at morning practice," and at that she went around her desk and started up her computer ignoring the girls.
The girls all left the office and were faced with a very worried Brittany. "Rachie" she said breathlessly, "Are you ok?" she pulled the smaller girl into her arms and the other two were a little surprised she allow it.
Rachel hugged her back, "I'm ok Britt, just got spooked. I'm sorry I scared you." Britt was the closest thing she had to a friend before San and Quinn came around and she was starting to feel bad about not telling Britt about what happened. She never told anyone about dance and gymnastics because Rachel had asked her not to. She just didn't want anyone giving Britt a hard time for hanging out with her.
She moved out of the hug and walked back to San and whispered in her and Quinn's ears, "I want Brittany to know but I cannot talk about it anymore. Please can one of you fill her in. I think we can trust that she won't let it slip. She has kept other secrets for me for years and I think I can trust her with this too."
They looked a little confused but Quinn spoke up, "how much of it Rach?"
Rachel replies, "All of it." Then she turns back to Brittany. "Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? I know that you aren't allowed to go to sleep overs during the week but you can come eat with us." Britt just squeals and nodded her head excitedly jumping up and down.
San and Quinn step up to Rachel and Quinn puts a hand on her arm. "How about I drop you and San off at your house. Then Britt and I can run to my house and grab some more cloths for me and I can stay again tonight? Mom went out of town until next week." Rachel nods her approval then Quinn whispers into her ear, "I will talk to her then" then she says where everyone can hear, "Do I need to pick up anything from the store for dinner."
San speaks up first, "how about take out from that Thai place." She takes out a paper and writes down what Brittany and Quinn want. "I will call it in when we get to Rachel's and that should give you enough time to get everything done and get back with still hot food."
When they get to the car Puck is waiting for them. They all loaded up and headed toward Rachel's. Quinn drops Puck, San, and Rach off and heads to her own house. As soon as they pull out of the drive Britt turns to Quinn, "what's going on Q? Rachie is scaring me. It makes my tummy feel bad."
Quinn reaches over and grabs her hand. "I will tell you everything, but let's go to my house. I still have to get my stuff and go get the food. Ok?" Brittany just nods and looks out the window.
After they got to Quinn's, she pack enough stuff for the rest of the week and weekend while telling Britt the whole story. She couldn't bear to stop moving or look at the other girl while she told her. When she was done she sat on the bed next to Britt, put her head on her shoulder and cried.
Brittany was in shock, and heartbroken. She had always liked Rachel and wanted to protect her but Rachel wouldn't let her. Well, that would change now. She didn't care who knew they were friends she would never let her down again. She got up from the bed, "I want to go to Rachie now." She said emotionlessly and grabbed one of Quinn's bags and headed for the door. Quinn scrambled up behind her grabbing the rest of her stuff and they headed out to the car. "We have to go get the food then we will go straight to Rachel's." Britt just nodded and got into the car.
The rest of the car ride was silent. They stopped for the food and when they got to Rachel's Brittany was out of the car so fast Quinn was afraid she would hurt herself. She grabbed the food leaving her stuff for later and followed Britt as quickly as possible. Quinn made it through the door as Puck was coming down the stairs so she handed him the food and rushed after Britt.
When she caught up with her she found Rach sitting on the couch with Brittany kneeling in front of her with her head in Rach's lap chanting over and over, "I'm sorry Rachie, I should have told, the uniform would have saved you." Santana was sitting next to them looking just as confused as Quinn was.
Rachel lifts Britt's head in her hands swiping the tears of her face with her thumbs. "Stop sweetie. This was not your fault. It's not your fault they wouldn't let me try out, it's not your fault that he did this. You only did what I asked of you. Please don't blame yourself. You. Did. Nothing. Wrong. Ok?"
Britt looks deep into her eyes, "are you sure?"
Rachel just brings her in for a hug, "of course I am."
Britt pulls away from the hug to look at her again. "Ok, but we can be friends at school now right? Please Rachie, I want to be your friend, I don't care what anyone says. Please."
Rachel wipes her eyes again. "Yes sweetie, I would like that very much." Britt just nodded and fell into her lap again and Rachel just rubbed her hair. "Ok, how 'bout we go eat I smell food and my tummy is gonna start talking to you in a minute?" Britt just chuckled and got up to her feet pulling Rachel with her and headed into the kitchen. San and Quinn looked at each other, shrugged and followed them.
When they got in there Rachel and Brittany are sitting at the table. Puck had set the table and was starting to put the food in the middle.
They all sit and start talking about the day. The subject of Cheerios practice is brought up and Quinn can't get over the progress they made today, "I just can't believe how quickly it all came together today?" Britt just starts giggling, "What Britt, what am I missing?"
Britt looks to Rachel, "can I?" Rachel just nodded continuing to eat so Britt starts to tell them. "Rachel is the reason that practice went so well today. I gave her my choreography folder and notes during practice this morning and she looked it over while watching. Every time we had a break I would go ask her what I wasn't explaining right and she would tell me how to explain it so the squad would understand. We did it during both morning and afternoon practice. I'm good at making the choreography but I'm stupid when it comes to explaining how to do it."
San started to say something but Rachel cut her off. "You. Are. Not. Stupid. Do you hear me?" she told her sternly, "I don't like it when you say that. I have had training on how to explain those things Britt. That's the difference. It doesn't make me any smarter then you. You are an amazing choreographer and dancer. You're a better dancer than me. Don't ever sell yourself short." San just stares at her and falls a little more in love with the girl.
Britt nods her head at Rachel. "Anyway that's why today was so much better than usual, because Rachie helped me."
Quinn looked over to Rachel in awe. "When did you take training and how long had you been cheering before high school?"
Rachel shook her head. "I don't cheerlead, I am a gymnast. Britt and I have been taking dance and gymnastic classes together since we were six. I have taken classes to train others since 8th grade."
San was stunned, "Why didn't you try out for Cheerios with Britt?"
Rachel shook her head sadly, "I tried but Fran wouldn't let me. She took one look at me, had me slushied and told me to leave. Said there was no way that I was Cheerio's material."
Quinn looked like she was about to burst into tears, "Fran? My sister? She started all this shit, and we could have had you with us this whole time?"
"Yes," Rach leans over and grabs her hand, "but that doesn't make it your fault. You didn't know and I never attempted to try out again. Don't blame yourself for your sister's doings."
San spoke up next, "why don't you try out now? I'm sure coach would take you especially if she knew that you helped today."
"No, it's not what I want anymore. I just don't see myself being a Cheerio. Please keep this to yourselves. I don't want to have to fight coach on this." Rach was starting to get upset.
San scooted her chair over and took her into her arm. "Hey carińo, shh we won't tell coach, I promise. Don't get upset." She kissed the side of her head after she calmed and scooted over back to her food keeping one of Rachel's hands in her own.
Puck had been watching the girls all night and had been really quiet, but he felt he should warn them about what he saw. "Hey guys. It might not be that easy. I think coach may have been on to what you were doing today."
Quinn spoke up to this, "why do you think that?"
Puck took another bite of food then continued, "well, during afternoon practice I forgot my drink inside and went back to get it. I saw coach watching Rachel then call break, as I was coming back out coach was talking to you two but watching Rach and Britt talk. When Britt walked away coach called break over."
San thought about this for a minute. "Did you guys talk every time we had a break?"
Britt answered, "Yes. I'm sorry Rachie should I not have done that?" she looks over to Rach fearful of upsetting the girl.
"No Britt, you can ask me for help anytime. You know that, just like with your classes I tutor you in." Rachel said not wanting Britt to feel bad.
San just takes it all in. Rachel is the tutor that Britt wouldn't tell them the name of always just called her tutor. Rach was an amazing gymnast and trainer. It was a lot to take in. "Well guys, we will just have to wait and see what happens. At this point if she knows there is nothing we can do but back you up if you tell her no. We will not let anything happen to you no matter what coach says. She cannot afford to lose us off the squad, we are the best she has. Quinn runs this bitch, I enforce it, and Britt choreographs every routine. We got your back." Rach nods and gets up and hugs her. San pulls her into her lap and just holds her for a bit while the others clean up.
After the dishes were done and the leftovers stored, Puck took Brittany home on his way home and the girls all went up and got ready for bed. They all curled up together just like the night before and all fell almost immediately to sleep. Tomorrow was looking to be a long day. They had Glee after school, but still had Cheerio's in the morning. It would be a 50/50 shot that coach didn't know what was going on. They would have to wait and see.
A/N: Next time we see what coach has up her sleeve, and the girl's reaction to it.