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 27

Shelby and the girls:

Last time:

Rachel stepped forward. "Can I help you?"

The woman just smiled a little shyly and seemed apprehensive. "Yes Rachel. You don't know me but I have been looking for you for 10 years."

Rachel just looked confused. "Ooookay."

The woman took a deep breath and continued. "My name is Shelby Corcoran." She paused taking another breath. "I'm your mother."

Rachel stood there unmoving just staring at the woman. Quinn and San quickly flank her. "My mother?" She said dumbfounded.

"Yes Rachel. I have been searching for you for so long. May I please come in? I would like to explain, if you will let me. You owe me nothing, I know this. I just want a chance to talk to you." Shelby said gently.

Rachel looked to her girls then back at Shelby. "I don't know. Can you give us a minute please?" She said walking back toward the kitchen with the girls in tow.

As they entered the room Rachel turned right into San's arms half collapsing against her reaching for Quinn. They held her for a moment letting her get her bearings. San lifted her head just enough to look in her eyes. "What do you want to do querida? I will walk in there right now and get rid of her if that's what you want."

Rachel just snuggled back in talking into her neck. "I… I think… I want to talk to her." She lifted her head and moved away a little wiping her face. "I asked my fathers thousands of times about her and they would never tell me anything. I want to talk to her, make sure she is who she says she is and see what she wants."

Quinn cupped her face. "It's whatever you want sweetie. Do you want us to stay with you?"

Rachel pulled her into a hug. "Oh god yes. I need you, I can't do this without you two with me." They nodded and followed her back into the foyer. Rachel stood in front of her for a moment. She could see the resemblance now that she was looking for it, but she had to be sure. "I apologize for leaving like that, it was a bit of shock."

"It's understandable Rachel. It's not a problem. You needed a moment to collect yourself and decide if you wanted to talk to me. It's fine."

Rachel nodded. "Yes. I know you say you're my mother, but how can I be sure?"

Shelby took a folder out of her bag and took some papers out of it handing them to Rachel. "These are my copy of the adoption papers. Both of your fathers signatures are there as well as mine and my father's." She reached back into her bag and pulled out her ID and handed it to her as well.

She took the papers and ID looking them over finding both Shelby's and her fathers signatures. She would know them anywhere. "OK, I believe you." She said taking a breath and handing back the ID. "Now, why are you here?"

Shelby took a breath of her own. "Can we go in and sit? This may take a while."

Rach nodded taking the girls hands in her own. "That's fine but my girlfriends are staying with us."

"I assumed." She said looking between them all. "I have no problem with that. Whatever makes you more comfortable."

They went into the living room. Rachel motioned to an arm chair as she and the girls took the couch. Once they were all settled Shelby spoke up again. "I would like to start at the beginning if that is ok with you."

Rachel just grabbed her girls' hands. "That would be preferable I suppose."

She took a breath closing her eyes for a moment before she began. It was not lost on San and Quinn that that was something Rachel often did before she talked about something hard. "I was fifteen when I was pregnant with you. My mother had passed away the year before and it was just me and my father. When he found out that I was pregnant he was very angry. He said I couldn't keep you and sent me away to a school for pregnant teens. While I was gone he heard through a business associate about a couple that was looking to adopt a baby but needed a private adoption because the agencies at the time didn't like to deal with same sex couples. So my father contacted them and set up an adoption for you. He made them pay a very large sum of money for you. Using their desperation for a child against them. I didn't find that out until later."

She stopped and collected herself, trying not to tear up. Rachel was not as successful, her tears were streaming quietly down her face. San and Quinn rubbing her back.

When she had calmed herself she continued. "The day you were born he showed up to the hospital with the papers and made me sign them. He told me that it was an open adoption and I would be allowed to see you and be part of your life. He lied. You were born shortly after I signed and they took you out of the room. I never got to see you or hold you. Later a nurse told me you were a girl."

She stopped again this time a single tear escaped before she composed herself. "After we returned home I asked how to contact your fathers to visit you. He told me then that it was a closed adoption and I wouldn't see you again. I was devastated, I had no way of even trying to find you. I didn't see the adoption papers again until you were five and my father died."

Rachel cut in. "Wait, did my fathers know that you thought it was an open adoption?"

Shelby shook her head. "At the time of the adoption, no they didn't." She continued. "My father was a manipulative man. He waited until I was in labor, in pain, and not clear headed to have me sign the papers. I couldn't focus on the words. He wanted to get it done with little to no fuss on my part knowing I wanted you."

Rachel was shocked that this had happened to her. "What about my biological father? Would he not help?"

"No. I didn't know the biological father. I was too scared to tell anyone what happened. When I found out I was pregnant and told my father what happened he didn't believe me. Thought I was telling lies to protect someone."

Rachel visibly recoiled at this. She started shaking and her tears started again. San and Quinn noticed her reaction and pulled her into them holding her tightly. Shelby was a little confused at her reaction, not sure what to think or do. "I'm sorry. I hadn't planned on telling you that part, but you asked and I won't lie to you about any of this."

Quinn and San were whispering into her ear trying to calm her. Shelby had no idea what they were saying but it seemed to be working. It took her a few minutes to calm but eventually did and pulled slightly away from the girls. "I'm sorry. That was just not something I was prepared to hear. If it's ok with you I would like you to continue, but I did have a question."

Shelby smiled. "You can ask me anything."

"If you found the papers when I was five why wait until now to find me." Rachel asked.

Shelby sighed, "I didn't wait. I hired a private investigator as soon as I had names to look for. The investigator found you in California right after you turned six. I came to find you as soon as I had an address." She said sadly.

Rachel was confused. "I don't understand. If you came why didn't you get to see me?"

"It was a closed adoption, I wasn't even supposed to be there. I went to the address, met your father Leroy and told him who I was and what my father had done. He told me you and your daddy were at temple and I had to wait until he was able to talk to him. He told me to come back the following Wednesday and speak to them together. When I went back no one was there. I waited until after Midnight and no one ever came home. I went back every day for four days. On the fourth day a neighbor told me that the family that had lived in the house had moved the Monday before. I came on a Friday by Monday you were gone."

Rachel just sat there shocked. "I remember when we left the California house. Dad said we were going on vacation to see grandma in Lima. It was a surprise. When we got back from temple all of our bags were packed and we left the next morning. After we were here for a few weeks dad and grandma bought daddy this house. Dad said he was tired of living on the ocean and wanted me to be closer to family." She said wondering if her daddy ever knew about her mother's visit.

Shelby sighed. "After that I started looking again. The private investigators and I didn't find anything at all until you became an emancipated minor. He gave me the information of where you were Friday. It took me until today to get a flight out of New York. Everything was booked because of the holiday and the weather was too bad to drive."

Rachel sat back against San pulling Quinn to her absorbing all that she was just told. "Ok. You found me. What exactly are you expecting now that you have?"

Shelby sat forward. "I expect nothing Rachel." At the deflated look on Rachel's face she pushed on. "I had no expectation coming here. What I am hoping for is time. Time to get to know you and be a part of your life. It's all I ever wanted. It's what I asked your dad for in California. I don't want to uproot your life, I just want to be a part of it."

Rachel sat up. "Where in New York do you live?" she asks.

Shelby chuckles a little. "I don't, I was there on business and visiting friends. I actually live just outside of Columbus. I work as musical playwright from home."

Rachel just looked shocked. "How long have you been in Columbus?"

"For about eleven years right before I found you. My mother lived there. I found out after my father died that she was alive and he had lied to me and kept me from her. We reconnected and I moved there to get to know her when I gave up being an actress on Broadway and became a playwright. Turns out I'm better writing then acting."

She paused for a moment taking a breath. "So, do you think there is a chance? That you might want to get to know me."

Rachel just sat for a moment lost in thought. "I don't know." She watched Shelby slump a little in her seat. "Can you accept my lifestyle and the fact that I am emancipated and live alone?"

Shelby sat a little straighter. "Are you talking about the fact that you are gay and have two girlfriends?" Rachel just nodded "Yes Rachel. I don't care who you choose to love as long as they treat you right." She said with a pointed look at the girls causing them to squirm slightly.

She looked back to Rachel. "and as far as you being emancipated? I know your daddy died, I'm not sure exactly what caused you to need to be emancipated but you are and I just want to here for you anyway I can."

Rachel looked at her girls than turned back. "Can I have some time to think this all over?"

Shelby nodded. "Of course you can." She handed her a business card. "My cell number is written on the back. I will be in town for as long as you need."

Rachel took the card. "Where are you staying?"

She shrugged. "I'm not sure yet. I drove straight here from the airport. The roads between here and Columbus are still bad so I will just get a hotel room somewhere. I can work from anywhere, so I will do that to occupy my time."

Rachel stood up and walked to the window looking out. The girls stayed put giving her some space to work through where her mind was. She pulled out her phone, sent off a text then turned back and looked at her mother. "There is only one motel in town and it's a roach fest." She walked back and sat on the coffee table. "Would you like to stay here? I have an extra guest room that is not being used. It doesn't have its own bathroom but there is one right next to it."

Shelby beamed at her. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to put you out or make you feel pressured."

Rachel reached out and took her hand. "I don't feel any of those things. I feel overwhelmed about all the information I have been given but I would like it if you stayed here. I have some errands tomorrow and the man that helps take care of my legal matters is running a back ground check on you as we speak. No offence."

Shelby chuckled. "None taken. I would be shocked if you just took my word on everything."

"So, will you stay?"

Shelby nods. "Yes, if you're sure, I would love to say. I just need to get my bag from the car."

Rachel stands up letting go of her hand. After Shelby is outside she turns to the girls. "Quinn? Will you show her to the guest room?" she says as her phone rings. "I need to take this call and lock up for the night."

Quinn gets up, walks over to her and hugs her tightly. "I will show her and I will make sure she has clean linens, towels and the bathroom is stocked."

Rachel kisses her cheek. "Thank you we will meet you in our room." She says as she answers the phone.

As Quinn takes Shelby upstairs Rachel sits in San's lap and talks to her lawyer. She explains what she has been told and asks for a background check ASAP. When she finished the call they lock up and head up to bed. She goes to the bathroom and takes a quick shower to clear her head and just be alone for a few. She has always wanted to know about her mother and is very upset that her dad would hide her away like that, but she needs to make sure the woman is on the level before she gets her hopes up any more. It was a risk letting her stay at the house but it felt right at the time.

After she finishes her shower she heads into the bedroom. The girls are sitting in bed talking waiting for her. Quinn notices her first. "She's all set sweetheart. I told her we won't be up really early, and gave her the Wi-Fi password so she could work if she's up before us and told her to help herself to whatever is in the fridge."

Rachel climbs in the bed between them and lays her head in San's lap. "Thank you bear, I just needed some time to myself. I will deal with her tomorrow."

San runs her fingers through Rachel's hair trying to sooth her. "Do you want to talk about it or sleep on it querida?"

Rachel sighs and sits up. "I think I want to sleep on it for now. There's just too much in my head right now."

San nods and scoots down to lay in the bed, Rachel lays down with her head on her shoulder. Quinn gets up turning off the lights and climbs back in molding herself to Rachel's back covering them all with the blanket. Rachel sighs in contentment and they all lay there with their own thoughts and eventually drift off to sleep.

Rachel wakes at 3:30 with a start sitting straight up from a nightmare. San and Quinn wake immediately and sit up with her. San rubs her back as Quinn runs her hand through Rachel's hair, massaging her scalp. As she calms she turns into Quinn and lets her hold her. They lay back and San molds herself to Rachel's back wrapping an arm around them both.

They lay there for a while until Rachel stops shaking. Quinn continues massaging her scalp. "Do you want to talk about it star?"

Rachel shakes her head. "No, just the same nightmare as usual. I just want to try and sleep some more." She says burrowing into her further. "Do I need to turn over? You usually don't sleep on your back."

Quinn just tightens her hold. "I'm fine either way, really. Whatever you're comfortable with is fine with me. I like holding you."

Rachel just hums kissing Quinn's neck and running her hand along San's arm that's around them. They fall back to sleep pretty quickly, Rachel feeling safe once more. She doesn't wake again until just after 8:00. She notices first that they have changed positions in their sleep. She is now on her back with each of her girlfriends snuggled into one of her shoulders. San's face is buried into her chest and Quinn is nuzzled into her neck her hand in San's hair. She likes this new position allowing her to hold both girls and just lays there with them enjoying it.

Quinn is the first to stir nuzzling further into her. Rachel gives a small moan at the open mouth kiss she gives her pulse point. Quinn giggles lifting her head to give her a sweet gentle kiss on the lips. "Good morning sweetheart."

Rachel smiles, "Good morning my little koala bear. You cling no matter what position we end up in."

Quinn just giggles again. "Are you complaining little star?" She asks nuzzling back into her neck kissing her there again.

Rachel groans. "Absolutely not." She turns her head to capture Quinn's lips. They kiss for a few then Rachel notices San starting to wake and rubbing her face to the side of her breast. She moans into Quinn's mouth tightening her hold on San.

San shifts to kiss up her chest and neck. Rachel breaks her the kiss to turn and capture San's lips. Quinn latching on to her neck again. Both girls each have one of her legs trapped under theirs. Rachel shifts bringing her knees up into their centers causing twin moans, so she does it again.

San breaks the kiss bearing down on her leg, "God Rachel." She says breathily, as Quinn just moans again bearing down as well.

Rachel turns her head taking Quinn's lips again as she runs her hands down their backs to grab their backsides to push them harder into her legs.

Quinn breaks the kiss this time. "Rachel" she pants out. "This isn't slow."

Rachel presses down with her hands and up with her legs again. "Do you want me to stop?" She says her breath ragged.

"NO." They say in unison. Both riding her leg. Quinn diving into her mouth again as San sucks on Rachel's neck running her hands up Quinn side rubbing the side of her breast causing another moan from their blonde girlfriend.

After a few minute of grinding on Rachel, San detaches her mouth. "Oh… my… God baby… I'm gonna…"

Quinn arches her back as San grabs harder on her breast. "Oh… Rach… San… me too…" she pants out while taking San's breast into her hand as well. Then they are both exploding almost simultaneously.

"Oh SHIT." San yells out, "YES Rachel, San, Ahh god." Quinn screams, and they collapse on Rachel as she rubs their backs to calm them.

San recovers first her lips colliding with Rachel's in a searing kiss then turning to Quinn to give her the same, breaking off so she can kiss Rachel too.

Ever conscious of Rachel's feelings San speaks softly into her ear. "Querida? Do you want us to…?"

Rachel shakes her head. "No angel, I'm good. I'm not ready yet." She replies shyly.

Quinn lifts her head to look in her eyes. "Hey, don't think you need to do that for us if you're not ready baby."

San kisses her cheek. "Carińo, we can wait. It's ok, there's no rush. We don't want you to do anything you're not ready for."

Rachel kisses them both on the nose. "I wanted to do that for you. Not because I felt obligated to but because I wanted to. I wanted to feel you both come undone in my arms." She kisses their lips. "I'm ok with touching you two, I want to touch you. I'm just not ready for it myself." she pauses looking down. "Is that ok?"

"Oh course it is." Quinn reassures her.

San nods. "We are fine with whatever you want hermosa."

Rachel looks between them. "I didn't push either of you too far did I?"

"No," they said together. San cups her face. "We just want you to be ok with it amor. We are going at your pace with this." Quinn nods her agreement.

"Ok, good, thank you." Rachel says pulling them both in to lay on her chest.

They lay there for a moment before Quinn sits up quickly. "Rach? Please tell me that this room is soundproof like your old room was."

Rachel looks confused for a moment before it registers what she is worried about. "Yes it is. My mother didn't hear you bear." She chuckles and San outright laughs.

Quinn deflates laying back on her chest. "Oh thank god. That would have been mortifying."

San laughs harder and Rachel joins in. Between fits of laughter Rachel speaks. "What's she going to do?" she laughs some more. "Ground me? She's my mother not my mom baby."

Quinn huffs, "It doesn't matter. I would be mortified if anyone heard me scream like that. It's private. The only people I want hearing me scream like that is you two."

Their laughter dies and San shifts over them to lay on the other side of Quinn and they hold her. "It's ok baby. We understand. It was more the way you shot out of bed that had me laughing and the look on your face." San said kissing her temple. "I'm sorry bear."

Rachel kisses the other temple. "Me too. I'm sorry we laughed."

Quinn snuggles into them. "Ok. I forgive you." She says nuzzling the side of their faces.

They lay there for another few moments holding each other than Rachel gets out of bed. "Well, I think it's time to get up." She walks over and picks up her phone. "I have a message from Leon, my lawyer." She says unlocking her phone and reading it. "He says she is who she says she is. He emailed me a full background report."

She sits on the bed and puts her head in her hands after reading the rest. San and Quinn come up to her sides wrapping her up in them. Waiting for her to speak again.

Rachel looks up with tears in her eyes. "He said that he checked out my fathers dealings for the last ten years. There was no indication until after grandmother died that we were ever here. The house and everything was in her name or registered in New York or California. When she died it was all transferred into my name."

She sighed and leaned back into them. "He said she wouldn't have been able to find us until my emancipation. My name wasn't on the adoption papers. Her private investigator only found the emancipation because my dad's name was on it as well and I didn't have the file sealed."

She sobbed into her hand. "How could he do this? He knew she wanted to see me. Especially when he gave me away. He could have found her for me or told me her name. I don't understand how he could do this."

Turning into San she collapse and completely breaks down. "I… want… my… Mom." She wails into her neck. San and Quinn share a look over her head and Quinn heads out to find Shelby.

She wasn't in her room so she headed down to the kitchen where she finds her cooking breakfast. She stops in the door way. "Miss Corcoran?"

Shelby looks up at the panicked tone in her voice. "What's wrong Quinn?" She says turning off the stove moving around to her.

"Rachel needs you." She says grabbing her hand and pulling her behind her. "She got a message from her lawyer verifying who you are, but he also confirmed that her dad was hiding her from you." She says in a rush as she pulls her up the stairs. "She broke down asking for you."

At the top to the stairs Shelby pulled out of her hold and rushed ahead of her into the bedroom. Her heart breaks at the sight in front of her. Her baby is sobbing gut-wrenching wails into her girlfriend.

Shelby rushes to her and puts a hand on her back. "Rachel?" Rachel looks up at her and falls into her arms holding her tightly sobbing into her chest. "Shh baby. I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere. I got you." She says over and over again. San and Quinn sit back on the bed holding each other. Their hearts breaking for their girlfriend, watching as Shelby calms her. Shelby sits on the floor bringing Rachel into her lap as she tries to calm her, rocking her.

Eventually Rachel calms enough to speak. "San? Can you tell her what happened after daddy died? I can't… I …"

San gets up and sits on the floor by them cupping her face. "How much and what do you want me to tell her querida?"

Rachel sobs again into her hand. "All of it. I want her to know all of it. I just can't…"

Quinn comes to sit with them. "Ok, baby. Do you want to sit here while we tell her or do you want me to take you down stairs?"

Rachel just burrows into her mother's lap more. "I want to stay here."

San nods and looks at Shelby. "Ok." She gets up and grabs the tissues off the dresser handing them to her. "Sorry. I don't want to scare you but you're going to need those" At the look of horror on Shelby's face as she tightened her grip on Rachel she sighed and started at the beginning.

She told her about her daddy dying and her dad leaving her with her crazy aunt than her aunt kicking her out. She told her about her troubles at school, the rape and how she found her and took care of her. She told her about how she and Quinn had been protecting her at school and her joining the Cheerios. She told her about Glee, Finn, Mr. Shue and Mercedes and how coach was temporary coach until they found another and about Rachel, her and Quinn's co-captaincy in glee.

Shelby's face was a mix of emotion through their explanation of everything. Her face had shown anger, horror, despair, heartbreak at what had happened to her daughter. It also showed pride in her accomplishments through all of it.

Shelby tightens her hold on Rachel. "Can I ask why you didn't report it if you know who it is and have to see him every day?"

Rachel shutters, "I had two reasons." She says causing San and Quinn to perk up. She had yet to tell them this. "The first was my living situation. It happened before I was emancipated. I was afraid they would take me because I was a minor living alone, and they would take Noah and his little sister away from my aunt for her neglect of me."

She pauses taking a deep breath. "I didn't want all of us separated in the system." She starts crying again silent tears. "The other reason I didn't report him was to protect someone else." She shifted out of her mother's embrace and moved in to San's pulling Quinn into them.

Shelby recognizes the move for what it was. The girls did not. "Were you guys dating at the time? Do the people at the school know about your relationship?" San and Quinn exchanged confused looks at the question.

Rachel shook her head. "No."

"Then how did he know?" Shelby asked cupping her face.

Rachel sighed, "I've always protected and supported them. Everyone knows that, even if they didn't always."

San finally understand. "It was us?" She lifted Rachel's head to look into her eyes as Quinn gasps. "You were trying to protect us."

Rachel nods. "He said he had friends that would go after the two of you if I told the police or the school."

Quinn kisses her temple. "Oh our sweet star. Why didn't you tell us? We could have done something to protect all of us the way we've been protecting you."

Rachel shook her head violently. "I couldn't risk you. I… I… couldn't… stand the thought… of him or anyone doing to you…" She started shaking her tears coming faster.

"Shh, carińo. We're ok querida. Shh." They rocked her until she calmed again.

Shelby scooted closer and rubbed her hair. "Ok. I think that's enough for now. Why don't you guys get cleaned up and we'll all head down stairs and get some food. I was starting breakfast when Quinn came to get me."

Rachel turned into her mother for a hug. "That sounds good, but I'm not sure what you found down there. I keep some non-vegan stuff for Noah but the majority is vegan for us, sorry."

Shelby chuckled. "I noticed when I was looking for something to cook. I am a vegetarian so it's fine. I tried veganism but my body doesn't like it, it made me sick. So I just eat dairy products and extra protein powder to offset it."

They all get up. The girls head to the closet for clothes.

Shelby heads downstairs to finish breakfast. She finished the tofu scramble she had started and some fruit protein smoothies. Just as she was finishing setting the table. They all sat down and started eating.

San looked over at Shelby. "Ok. You need to tell me what you did to this. It's better than mine." The other nodded their agreement.

Shelby chuckled. "I'll write it down for you." San nods and continues eating.

As she finishes Rachel watches Shelby for a minute. "How long can you stay? When do you need to get back to Columbus?" She asks shyly.

"I don't have a set time to be back. It's just me now. Mom passed away last year and I don't have any training classes scheduled to teach. I can stay for as long as you want. I need to go back to get my portable piano so I can work and get some more clothes but other than that I'm free." She replies.

Rachel perks up at the piano comment. "I have a portable and standing piano if you want to use one of those."

Shelby nodded. "I'll take a look at them. Mine is pretty fancy and the settings are what I need."

San cracks up laughing. "Oh, that's good." Rachel and Quinn laugh along. San calms her laughter at the confused look on Shelby's face. "Sorry, but it don't get no better than nuestra estrella's equipment."

Shelby just looks to Rachel for clarification. Rachel chuckles, "Come on. I'll show you and you can decide if yours is better." She says taking Shelby's hand and leading her to the basement.

Once they enter Shelby's jaw drops. "Oh my Rachel. Is this a fully functioning studio?" she says running her hand along the piano. "Do you play all these instruments?"

Rachel beams. "Yes it is and yes I do." She leads her over to the portable piano. "Does this have everything you need?" she asks.

Shelby nods. "Yes, it actually has more than mine." She looks around and sees the microphones. "I know you said you are in glee but this is awesome Rach."

Rachel just smiles leading her into the booth. "My daddy spoiled me, and my girls here helped me upgrade some of my outdated equipment for Christmas." She motions to the mixer and IPad. "Do you want to hear something we are working on for regionals in glee? We can sing it or we have recorded it."

Shelby perks up more and claps her hands causing San and Quinn to giggle at how alike they are. "I would love to hear you sing if you don't mind."

Rachel nods happily. "Ok. Stay in here with Quinn. It's a duet that San and I put together." she turns to Quinn. "Can we get another recording of it baby? There is a part in the last one that wasn't quite right."

Quinn just smiles indulgently. "Of course sweetheart." She says as she turns on the equipment and gets everything set up. After San and Rachel close the door she turns to Shelby. "She's a perfectionist. I didn't hear anything wrong in the last recording but she did so we record again."

Shelby just smiles. "She sounds like me. Is she good?"

Quinn beams. "There's none better. She can break your heart or send you soaring with happiness with just a song. She's about to do both now." She is just finishing setting it all up when the girls finish their warm ups. She presses the intercom. "All set when you two are." Rachel nods for her to start recording. "Here we go."

Rachel and San just get better every time they perform the duet. Quinn still gets goose bumps every time they sing it. Shelby is in a state of awe throughout the performance with tears in her eyes. When they finish and Quinn stops the recording she turns to her. "Oh my god Quinn she's amazing. So much better than I was at that age or even now, and Santana. She is fabulous too. They sound so good together."

"She is. They are, but she's our star." Quinn says as the girls come into the booth.

"How was that? Did it record better that time?" She asks and Quinn ques up the playback. "Yep. That one's a keeper." She turns to Shelby. "Well, what do you think?"

"I think you need to go to NYADA, Tischor Julliard after graduation." She says hugging her.

Rachel just beams. "That's the plan." They talk for a bit more, shut down the equipment, head back up stairs, and Rachel turns to her mom. "We have some errands to run at the mall and grocery store. You can hang out here or go with us if you want."

Shelby looks thoughtful for a moment. "Well I was thinking. It's only 1:30 if I leave now I can make it home in an hour and a half grab what I need and be back in time to take you guys out to dinner."

"That's sounds good." Rachel looks down unsure of herself for a moment. "You know, you don't have to come back right away if you need to be there. I'm ok here."

Shelby lifts her chin, "Rachel, I have been looking for you your entire life. There is nowhere I would rather be." She pulls her into a hug. "Are you sure you want me staying here though? I would love to but if you would feel more comfortable I can go to the motel."

Rachel shakes her head. "I want you to stay here if you want to. I want to have time to get to know you but San and Quinn pretty much live here too. You would be putting up with all of us and our friends coming in and out."

Shelby nods. "Then that's what we will do, and I don't mind the girls or any friends you bring home. It's your house, I'm just a guest here." Rachel nods and they make plans to meet back up here at the house after they run their errands and she gets back from Columbus.

Five hours later the girls pull back into the driveway with new linens for their bed and groceries. Shelby is there waiting for them. They unload the Hummer and help Shelby bring in her things then pile back into the SUV and head out to dinner at the Thai restaurant.

Once they are seated and have ordered Rachel looks to Shelby. "So. What is it that you do training classes for?"

"It depends. I do private vocal training and piano lessons, and I train and choreograph show choir numbers." Shelby replies.

"You do. That's so awesome." Rachel claps "Too bad you don't live closer. We could use you with our glee routines."

Santana bumps her shoulder. "Querida, we don't need Shelby, we have you. Your routines are great." Rachel just blushes.

Shelby smiles at the girls' interaction. "I can take a look at it while I'm here if you would like a second opinion."

"That would be amazing. I have it all written down and we start training the Wednesday after school starts back. You can come to practice and see." Rachel says excitedly.

"Sounds good, but I must say I'm surprised you didn't start right after sectionals to give you a few extra weeks training."

Quinn scoffs. "That would require us to have a teacher that didn't plan things a week before competition. The only reason we are getting the extra time in now is because he got suspended and our cheer coach is now in charge of glee until they find us a replacement coach. She chose the songs and gave us free rein to create the routines. Which Rachel has always done any way."

Shelby is just shocked. "Well I will come and see what you have come up with and we will go from there."

Rachel nods happily as their food arrives and they start eating.

San bumps Rachel's shoulder again. "Hey carińo, we should bring her to Cheerios practice so she can see what you do there. I don't think coach will care as long as she stays in the stands."

Rachel nods looking to Shelby. "Would you like to? We have practice on Thursday."

"I would like that. I have never seen a stunt cheer squad before. It should be fun to watch."

Quinn just smiles. "You have no idea. We have some amazing stunts for this routine." San and Rach nod in agreement.

They finish their dinner talking about random things then head back to the house for the night. They decide to watch a movie before bed and show Shelby the media room. They all curl up one of the couches with Shelby on one side, Rachel next to her and Quinn in between her and San. Rach leans against her mom with her legs across the girls' laps while they snuggle together. After the movie they head to bed, Rachel giving her mom a big hug and they plan to just hang around the house the next day.

After getting ready for bed they snuggle in together. Rachel sighs into San's chest. "Do you think it's too good to be true?"

San lifts her head. "What's too good to be true querida?"

"My mom." Rachel replies.

San sighs. "No. I don't think so, but if it is you still have us. We will always be here for you."

Quinn agrees. "Yes we will, but for what it's worth. I think she is on the level and just wants to know you baby."

Rachel settles back into Santana. "Ok. I just needed to ask." She says sadly.

She has been through so much they just want to protect her from everything. They hope they are all right about Shelby. They all settle into each other and eventually fall asleep. Content with each other, they all sleep through the night.

A/N: Next bonding with Shelby, Cheerios and maybe the first day back to school.