I've been on holiday the last few weeks, but i'm back now and time for some updates!

Chapter 55

"Good Morning, sweet pea" Hiram greeted her warmly as she walked into the kitchen, wearing her silk dress gown over the top of her pink pyjamas bottoms and James' Stanley high t-shirt.

"Morning Dad" She replies, smiling as she walks over and kisses his cheek before turning to Leroy and repeating the action. "Morning Daddy"

"Hello sweetie" Leroy says as she sits down next to him at the kitchen table "What time did you get home last night?"

"Just before midnight" She replies as she reaches for the cereal. It was a few days since James had left to go home to Oregon for the winter break and she had spent, now that school had closed, them with Blaine, Kurt and Mercedes. She was incredibly grateful for the way that they had been trying to distract her and keep her mind occupied so it wouldn't dwell on James' absence.

"Did you have fun with your friends?" Hiram asked as he sat with a mug of coffee

"I did" Rachel smiles "The movies great and I really enjoyed spending time with them"

They had gone to the movies along with Lauren and Quinn the night before after eating at a pizza place. It had been great fun for them just to enjoy each other's company as they sat in a basically empty theatre, able to joke and laugh at the things that happened in the film.

"We're glad" Leroy smiled warmly, as he glanced at his watch "On that note, I better be leaving for work; the early I get in, the earlier I can finish"

"I'll see you later Daddy" Rachel said as Leroy kissed her forehead, before walking out the room, squeezing his husbands shoulder before he left.

It was the day before Christmas Eve and while she was sad at the fact he had to go into the office, she was grateful that he'd managed to get the next five days off. Add on top of that the fact that her fathers had invited Shelby over to the dinner that evening along with Beth and she was in a very good mood.

While she knew her fathers weren't overly keen on Shelby's reinvolvement in her life, when she had talked to Shelby on the last day of school before the winter break and heard that Shelby was going to be alone with her daughter on Christmas; Rachel had called her Dad instantly and asked if she could invite her mom over. Shelby had been hesitant to accept, but as soon as Hiram had spoken to her on the phone and seemingly said something to convince her; her mom handed Rachel the phone back and with a smile said, "I'd love to join you"

Like herself and her Dads, Shelby was Jewish; but even that couldn't stop Rachel's excitement for that evening, knowing that for the first she was going to be involved in her mom's life for a festive event.

"What are you doing today, Dad?" Rachel asked after she finished eating her cereal.

"I'm lucky that I've got two weeks off work" Hiram smiled "I thought I'd go grocery shopping before making a start on tonight's meal"

"Do you need any help?" She replied, resting her head against her propped up hand.

"You don't have plans with your friends?"

Rachel shook her head "Kurt and his dad are going with Carol and Finn to visit their family in Toledo so they don't have to make the journey on Christmas day. Mercedes and her mom are volunteering at their church event and Blaine is spending time with his parents"

"In that case, I'd love some help" Hiram smiled "It's been a few weeks since the two of us have cooked together"

"It had" Rachel grinned "Just me and you, Dad"

"If I've got you all day" Hiram replied "Why don't we go up and check on the house for Andrea. I was going to do it tomorrow afternoon, but if you're not busy"

"That sounds great" Rachel feels her smile widen. Even if James isn't there, his room is and as creepy as it possibly sounds, she likes the idea of just being able to lie on his bed and breathe in his scent all around her. Sleeping in his shirts and cuddling Fluffy can only do so much to ward of her missing him.

"That settles it. Go and get washed and dress and we'll head to the store" Hiram replied "Then we'll drop everything off and pay a visit to check everything is as it should be"

"Okay" Rachel smiles, rising from her seat and after kissing him on the cheek; running up the stairs towards her bedroom.

They spend a couple of hours walking around the stores and market in the shopping part of town, buy the ingredients and supplies they'll need to make dinner for that evening. Noah is walking around the market with his sister and mom; who spends about half an hour stood talking to Hiram, the two parents knowing each other for a great many years from temple as Rachel talks to Noah a slight distance off.

"You're coming to my party New Year's eve right?" Noah asks, his eyes glancing at his mom. Rachel smiles as she follows his gaze, his mom still caught up in conversation with her Dad.

"Yep, of course" She replies, eyes narrowing as she gazes back at Noah "Your mom doesn't know?"

"Fuck no" He laughs "She's taking Sarah to see our grandparents in Columbus. I managed to get out of it by saying some of the guys want to go do some stuff"

"And she believed you?" Rachel asks, eyebrow rising suspiciously

"I fed her some bullshit to get out of it alright" Noah smirks

"Like what?"

"Like, you and the glee kids would be the only people I let in the house" Noah replies and Rachel shakes her head.

"You lied to her" She snorts

"Duh, She's gone for three days and I'm sure as hell not gonna pass that opportunity up" He says laughing. "Make sure you wear something hot alright"

"Don't be so crass, Noah" She says with a faint smile

"Whatever" He replies "You're hanging out with me all night, I promised your boy that I'd take care of you while he's gone; so you could do me a favour and look hot as hell since I'm definitely not getting any action from you this year"

Rachel giggles and slaps his arm "No you're not"

"You sure? We don't have to tell him" He smirks

"Noah! That's horrible, I'd never do anything like that to James" She replies seriously

"I know, princess" He says, reaching out to touch her arm "I wouldn't do that you again either. But still, wear something hot"

"I'll think about" She replies, shaking her head with a small smile "Thank you for looking after me though"

"Yeah don't mention it" He says, glancing at his mom "Anyways, looks like she's shutting the hell up now so I'll catch you later alright princess?"

"Alright Noah" She replies, moving to give him a quick hug. "Merry Christmas"

"Yeah you two"

After that, she and her Dad finish picking up the supplies and after paying, they drive home to put them away. They sing along to the radio on the drive over to James' house, a smile crossing her face as he pulls into the driveway; James' car the only thing sat on the driveway. Walking up the front door, Hiram opens the door with the spare key Andrea gave him and lets her walk in first.

Taking a left, she walked into the lounge; a smile crossing her face as she saw the small Christmas tree in the corner of the room, remembering how she had helped Andrea and James decorate it a couple of weeks ago. There were a few presents underneath and Rachel was admiring the decorations on the tree when she heard her Dads voice.

"Sweetheart" Hiram gave her a knowing smile. "I'll check downstairs if you want to head upstairs"

"Alright Dad" She replies, taking one last glance at the tree before turning around walking towards and then up the stairs. It was a strange feeling walking around the house when it was so quiet and peaceful; normally there was constant noise, especially with Sam having moved in a few weeks ago.

That sensation only increased as she opened and took a quick look in Andrea's and then the guest rooms, seeing them so neatly prepared before she walked towards her boyfriend's room. Smiling, she opened the door and flicked the light on, stepping inside and taking in the sight.

All of his things were exactly as they'd left them Sunday night, all neatly organized. Rachel made her way over to his desk, her hand brushing over the surface as she walked towards his bed. Smiling sadly, she sat down on his bed and glanced at his bedside cabinet; seeing the pictures of them he had framed there. There were half a dozen in pride of place next to his bed and she couldn't help but pick up the one of them cuddling on the couch that Kurt had taken the week before, her thumb brushing affectionately over his sleeping face. Sighing, she placed it back on the cabinet and lay back on his bed, stretching out on "her" side; enjoying the smell of his pillow and covers, so distinctly him that she couldn't help but feel relaxed.

She lost track of time as she led there, rolling onto her side and gazing at the pillow next to her imagining where James would sleep, and so often they would just lie there whispering to each other as he stroked her cheek affectionately. Closing her eyes, she smiled as she buried her head into the pillow.

"Sweetheart?" She heard a murmur, lifting her head up to see her Dad stood in the doorway; a smile on his face "You okay babygirl?"

"Yeah Dad" She smiled "I'm fine, just enjoying the peacefulness a bit too much"

"I know you miss him, sweetie" He replied, "Come on, we've got dinner to make"

Nodding her head, a small smile on her lips, Rachel stood up and with one last affectionate stroke of his bed turned around and walked out into the hallway to join her Dad.

…

A few hours later and the two of them were in the kitchen when her Dad came home from work, walking into the room and dropping his suitcase on the table as he greeted them.

"Busy at work I see?" He smiled

"Hi Daddy" She replied, grinning

"Honey, could you move your suitcase; Rachel spent about twenty minutes putting that together"

"Sorry" He said, holding his hands up in mock surrender before doing as they wished. "How's it coming along?"

"Good" She replied "I think we're practically done"

"Great news" Leroy said as he undid his tie "What time is Shelby going to be here?"

"Anytime in the next half an hour, so you need to go and get changed" Hiram said with a smirk

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?"

"It's much too formal, this is a casual dinner with our daughters birth mother" Hiram replied laughing "Go and get changed"

"Alright" He said smiling as he pressed a kiss to her forehead "I won't be long darlings"

"Thanks for being good with Shelby coming over" Rachel said after her Dad returned ten minutes later "It means a lot to me"

"We know sweetie" Leroy replied, "You've always wondered about her, and we're glad she's as interested in a relationship now as you are"

"Me too" Rachel smiled back.

"That must be her" Hiram said, rising from his seat at the sound of the doorbell.

"I'll get it" Rachel murmured, walking out of the room towards the front door. turning to look in the mirror, checking that her hair wasn't out of place; she took a deep breath and opened the door, smiling as she saw Shelby stood there, a bottle of wine in one hand and Beth hugging her tightly.

"Merry Christmas" Shelby said with a smile

"Merry Christmas Shelby" Rachel replied with a smile, standing to the side "Come in"

Shelby stepped into the house, turning on the spot as she looked around the hallway before facing her again "Your house is beautiful, Rachel"

"Thank you" Rachel says "My Dads are very proud"

Shelby laughs and Beth murmurs "Mummy"

"I know sweetie, you remember Rachel?" Shelby says soothingly and Rachel smiles widely

"Hi Beth, you okay?"

Beth reaches out and Rachel lets her touch her hair, the little girl gripping it softly in her hand before smiling widely as she lets it go; pronouncing her name in an adorable way.

"She remembers you" Shelby says with a wide smile.

"Come on, my Dads are in the kitchen" Rachel says, leading the two of them through the lounge into the kitchen where her Dads are stood waiting, warm smiles on their faces.

"Merry Christmas Leroy" Shelby says, hand the bottle of wine to her father.

"Oh that's very kind of you Shelby, Merry Christmas" Leroy replies leaning over and kissing her, before Shelby turns and repeats the action to Hiram

"Merry Christmas Hiram"

"The same to you Shelby" Hiram replies, "And who is this little girl"

"This is Beth" Shelby says, smiling as the little girl is hugging her mom tightly. "Beth, say hello; this is Hiram"

"Hello" Beth murmurs quietly, obviously nervous at the new people.

"Aren't you just the cutest baby girl" Hiram says, raising his hand and offering it to the child

Beth watches him for a few moments before unclenching her hand from her mom's top and reaching over to grasp Hiram's finger in her fist, a smile spreading across her face

They spend around twenty minutes just stood around talking as Beth is introduced to Hiram and then Leroy, who apparently the little girl loves because after five minutes is sat in her fathers lap as Leroy bounces her up and down on his knee; a giggle escaping the little girls mouth as she hugs her stuffed toy.

Rachel jumped up help her father set the table before they served the food. It was a strange sensation to be sat eating with her Dads as well as her birth mother but it filled her with a warmth as she watched Shelby, with Beth sat on her knee, laughing with Hiram. She listened with a wide smile as they talked about what Shelby was doing for work and her plans for the future. Shelby's entrance into her life again hadn't set of the relationship between the woman and her dads but she appreciated massively the effort her fathers were making.

Shelby was telling them about a musical she was working on in New York, Rachel listening eagerly until she turned to her.

"Have you sent of your application to NYADA?"

"Last week" Rachel said with a smile. "Me and James went to post them after school last Wednesday"

"Exciting" Shelby replied "Is he applying for NYADA too?"

"Julliard" Rachel said, "Which is really great because it means we'll both be in New York together next year; you know, if we both get in"

"How could you not" Leroy replies with a warm smile "You're amazing, baby girl, and they are sure to accept you. Especially with all the hard work you put into school"

"Thanks Daddy" Rachel giggles, "I hope so, I really want to go to NYADA"

"Like I told you, your application was so good you've got an amazing chance" Shelby says.

"We wanted to thank you for writing a recommendation letter" Hiram says softly "It means a lot to us that you would do that for her"

"It was a pleasure" Shelby replies "An honour even, if I can do anything at all to help then I'm going to do it"

"Do you know anything about the selection process?" Leroy asked reaching for his glass of wine "When we looked at the information they stated that applicants are advanced to an audition stage but they were surprisingly quiet on that"

"If its anything like Tisch or Julliard, then they will most likely invite Rachel to audition for them in New York" Shelby says "But of course, NYADA might do things a little differently; you might get lucky and the auditions could take place at McKinley"

They talked on the matter for a little while longer, discussing what they would most likely judge Rachel's audition on based on Shelby's experience of when some of her Vocal Adrenaline students applied to prestigious performing art schools.

Conversation soon turned, predictably given her fathers and her birth mother, to Musicals as they finished their meals; sitting around at the table laughing as they talked about their favourite parts of Broadway shows. If you weren't privy to the fact that Shelby hadn't been involved in their lives for 16 years then you never would have been able to tell by the way they all sat together. It was a surreal experience but one that Rachel was so happy and grateful for the chance to have.

Shelby stayed for a couple of hours before Beth started to fall asleep, and it was time for bed for the little girl. Rachel helped her wrap Beth up in her coat before they walked them to the front door.

"Thank you again for inviting me" Shelby said warmly as she cradled Beth close to her chest. "It was a beautiful dinner and I'm really happy I came"

"Anytime" Leroy replied, "Be careful on the roads"

Shelby nodded, leaning over to kiss each of her Dads on the cheek before she turned to Rachel.

"Merry Christmas Rachel" Shelby said with a warm smile

"Merry Christmas Mom" Rachel murmured softly, stepping forward and hugging Shelby loosely, smiling when she felt the woman's arm wrap around her shoulders as they stood there for a few moments.

"I'll see you soon sweetie" Shelby added as she stepped outside. The three of them stood watch Shelby get in her car, waving as she drove off until the car disappeared into the night. Smiling, Rachel followed her Dads back into the kitchen

"That was a wonderful meal" Hiram said "And did you see Beth? Oh, she's such a cutie"

"She was and it was delicious" Leroy replied, stroking the back of her head as Rachel stood next to him. "You and your dad did an amazing job with the food, baby girl"

"Thanks Daddy" Rachel said grinning as she turned and hugged her Dad tightly "Thank you for inviting her"

"Anything for you sweetheart" Leroy murmured as he kissed the top of her head "How about we sit down and watch It's a Wonderful Life"

"That sounds great" Rachel beamed, looking between the smiling faces of her two dads.

….

Christmas eve and Christmas day passed by relatively quickly; Rachel and her Dads didn't really do much celebrating aside from enjoying a fireworks display that had been put on in Columbus. They made eggnog and exchanged the gifts they had gotten for each other. She had bought her Daddy a new tie and shirt, while she had bought her dad a new cookbook and some of his favourite musicians on CD.

Rachel spent a few hours Christmas day on the phone to some of her friends, asking them about their days and their presents before she goes out for dinner with her fathers. It's a lovely meal, but she can't help but feel a little disheartened by the lack of message or phone call from James aside from the one he sent her the day before but she's trying to obsess over it; it's Christmas and no doubt his family are all together.

A few hours later and as she's sat with her fathers on the couch watching the Christmas movies on TV, her phone blazes out Kelly Clarkson. Glimpsing over at it resting on the couch arm, her smile breaks out as she see's the photo of her and James pop up.

"Merry Christmas!" She exclaims happily, causing Leroy to laugh at her.

"Hey beautiful" James replies, a chuckle in his voice "Merry Christmas to you too"

"I'm so glad you called, I miss you" She says, rising out of her seat to walk into the other room to not disturb her fathers.

"I miss you too Rach" He says and she hears the sadness in his voice "Have you been having a good day?"

"It's been okay" She shrugs before explaining about what they'd done.

"Sounds nice" James comments before she hears him sigh "We were at my grandparents along with my cousins and everyone. It's been pretty crazy"

"I bet it was good to see them all again though" Rachel asks smiling.

"Yeah it was" James replies in a warm tone. "I got this hand knitted sweater from my grandma and she made a scarf for you"

"Really?" Rachel asks giggling "That's adorable"

"I know" James laughs "She insisted that I show her a picture of my beautiful girlfriend and then I sat with her for like an hour telling her everything about you. I'm pretty sure she's about ready to arrange our marriage"

Rachel laughs loudly down the phone with him at that, biting her lip a few moments later "That's sweet, baby, I wish I could meet her"

"You'll get the chance" James replies "Maybe you could come visit with me this summer after school finishes"

"That sounds lovely" Rachel says truthfully, "Aside from an adorable knitted jumper what else did you get for Christmas?"

"Money mostly" James replies "A few bits and little things form my parents. Charlie got me this new aftershave that I hope you're going to love as well as a new wallet"

"You're going to replace your old tatty leather one?" Rachel teased

"Hey, I got that in new York last year" James laughed "It was my celebratory present to myself for winning nationals"

"Mhmmm" Rachel giggled "It's falling apart"

"True" James agreed with a laugh "Had a look in my room for your present yet?"

"No" Rachel replied with a smile "I didn't realise it was in Ohio"

"Who says it is?" James teases "It could be, or it could be here with me…."

"You're a meanie" Rachel giggles "What are you doing tonight?"

"Going out for dinner, Dad reserved these seats for us at this really nice place" James explained "I've got to wear a fancy suit"

"I wish I could see that" Rachel replies, blushing when she realised she'd said it aloud.

"I'll send you a picture beautiful" He says with a chuckle. There's a pause in conversation for a few seconds before James speaks again "I better go"

"Do you have to?" She asks softly

"I wish I didn't, but you know how my mom is if I don't get ready" James replies and sighs "Only a few more days and I'll be back in Lima"

"I can't wait" She murmurs "I love you"

"Love you too Rach" He replies "Merry Christmas"

…..

"That looks really cute on you" Rachel giggles.

"You think so?" Blaine says, turning towards the mirror with the dress he's holding up in front of him, posing in a teasing way as if he was admiring his bum "You don't think it makes my bum look too big?"

Rachel giggles again as Kurt rolls his eyes, though there is a smile sat on his lips. "Honestly, I don't know why I bring you two shopping"

"Oh relax" Blaine replies, laughing as he moves the dress away from his body and puts it back on the rack. "We're just having a little fun, Kurt"

Rachel smiles as she watches the two of them; It was a couple of days after Christmas day and the three of them were shopping, now that the crowds had died down a little at the mall, for some bargains. She herself was searching for a new dress to wear to Noah's party on New Years eve, thanks to the money she'd received for Hanukkah.

"I didn't agree to come shopping a few days after Christmas so that we could have fun" Kurt rolled his eyes "This is a serious mission to try and dig something wearable out for myself and Rachel"

"What about this" She said picking out a blue dress. Blaine laughed at her, seeing her eagerness to cut Kurt off and held the dress up in front of her.

"It's beautiful" Blaine said with a smile

Turning to the mirror and holding it up in front of her body, Rachel murmured "I think I'll try it on"

"Go for it" Kurt approved with a smile.

Stepping into the dressing room, Rachel started undoing her blouse and then her skirt. Turning to look at herself in the mirror. She'd always been proud of her body, the dance classes and her workout routine had always kept her slim and fit, but this year she liked the way that her body started to give her a real womanly figure and she'd felt more comfortable wearing "pretty girl" clothes as she and Kurt referred to them as. Of course, having her boyfriend constantly complimenting her and doing his best to get her to undress for him when they were alone had been amazing for her confidence as well.

Slipping the dress on, she zipped it up at the side and admired the way it clung to her perfectly and she had to admit that it looked really nice on her, she might even go as far as to say that she looked hot. Grinning at the thought, she stepped out of the dressing room and spun around on the spot in front of Blaine and Kurt.

"You look beautiful, Rachel" Blaine said, giving her a warm smile "It's perfect"

"Thank you" She grins, turning to Kurt and squeezing her eyebrows together hopefully "Kurt?"

He stood there with his hand covering his mouth for a few moments before he walked up to her and gently turned her shoulders with his hands, which she compliantly twirled on the spot for him again as he stepped back and nodded his head.

"It's amazing, it fits you so well" He says with a smile "I think I've finally made you able to buy clothes for yourself"

"Shut it" She giggles, running her hands over waist in appreciation of the dress. She bites her lip as she thinks how much James would love to see her in the dress, her lips curving into a smile as she turns back to them. "Would you take a picture for me?"

Blaine smiles knowingly and nods his head, putting his hand into her hand bag and retrieving her phone. Kurt rolls his eyes at her "Honestly, he's going to get on a plane and fly straight back if you send him a picture of you looking like this"

"That's a bad thing?" She giggles "I'm just going to tease him a little bit"

Kurt laughs and nods, making his way to stand next to her and puts his arm around her shoulder "We don't want him enjoying himself with it too much though"

Rachel blushes and giggles at the implied meaning, putting a wide smile on her face and raising her hand to wave as Blaine takes the picture; quickly rushing over to him to see.

"He's going to love it" She says, grinning at seeing how beautiful she looks in the dress as she takes her phone from him and scrolls through her contacts to send it him. "Perfect, I'm going to get dressed again and then we can pay.

After putting her own clothes back, Rachel paid for the dress for Noah's new years eve party and the three of the made their way towards the food court at the mall to grab something to eat. They sat together eating before they go back to Kurt's to hold a small glee meetup with Mercedes and Tina later that night.

It was the first time since before Christmas day that they had met up and they spent several hours sharing their stories about how they spent the holiday. Rachel couldn't help but giggle when she got James' response, her cheeks deepening as she read his text telling her just how much he appreciated it.

As they finished watching Fame, they were joined by Finn after he came home from hanging out with Puck and the six of them stayed up into the night together sharing stories and laughing in each other's company.

…..

The next few days, Rachel spent between spending time with Kurt and Mercedes, or at home when her Dads weren't back at work. She spoke to James every day, sometimes twice, and they exchanged how they had spent their days; always finishing with an I love you and how much they missed each other.

On new years eve, Rachel was getting ready for Noah's party in her room; she had already gotten dressed, the dress she'd bought the other day, and was sat in front of her vanity applying her make up. She was just rubbing her lips together after putting her lipstick on, when she heard her door open; turning to see her Dad stood looking at her.

"Hi Daddy" She said smiling, "Everything okay?"

"You look beautiful, sweetie" Leroy replied, returning her smile "Your friends are here"

"Okay, I'll be done in a minute" She said, nodding her head

Standing up, Rachel smoothed her dress down; giving herself a final look in the mirror before she grabbed her jacket and headed out of her bedroom, walking carefully downstairs, a smile appearing on her face as she saw Blaine, Kurt and Mercedes stood in the hallway dressed up for the party.

"Hey guys" Rachel said grinning as she stepped of the stairs and walked over to hug Kurt.

"You look absolutely gorgeous Rach" Blaine complimented her as she pulled away from the hug.

"You two look handsome" Rachel said looking between the boys before turning to Mercedes "And you look beautiful Mercedes"

"Thank you, I do look fierce "Mercedes laughed "That's a lovely dress"

Rachel grinned and turned to her Dads. "Okay, I think we're going to go….don't wait up"

"Alright sweetheart" Leroy replied "Remember what we told you about being careful, we know it's Noah's party but that doesn't exactly fill us with confidence especially considering James isn't here to watch after you and-"

"Leroy, she'll be fine" Hiram said with a chuckle, squeezing his husbands shoulder affectionately. "Be careful sweet pea"

"We'll take care of her Mr Berry's" Mercedes said with a smile

"I will Dad, and Daddy try to relax" Rachel replied kissing them each on the cheek before stepping away and giving them a grin as she linked her arm through Kurt's as they headed out the door.

"Your Dad is worried about tonight?" Blaine asked as they walked towards his car.

Rachel nodded as she climbed into the back seat "Yeah, you know they still think I'm their little girl and they always worry. Normally James is with me so they feel a lot more relaxed about things because they trust him so much"

"Well, you're going to be hanging out with me all night girl so there's nothing to worry about" Mercedes said and they both giggled as Blaine started his car driving them over to Noah's.

They were chatting on the short journey over to Noah's house, mostly about how they couldn't believe he was actually throwing a huge party behind his mom's back. There was already a large amount of students around the house outside, and also through the windows they could see the inside was jam packed full of people.

Walking up the path, they passed some cheerio's and stepped inside the house; the hallway full of people stood in groups dancing or just stood around talking as they listened to the loud music.

"It's really busy" Blaine murmured as they walk through the house trying to find the glee kids.

"Yo Berry, looking good" Rachel turned at the sound of Noah's voice, laughing as she saw him stood smirking at her in the kitchen with Artie and Mike, a beer in his hand.

"Hi Noah" She replied, walking over to him and hugging him; leaning up to kiss his cheek as they pulled away "There's a lot of people here"

"Yeah I know, it's awesome right?" He said, his arm wrapping around her shoulder. "When I said wear something hot, I didn't mean make every other girl in this place want to rip your hair out"

Rachel giggled, swatting his chest "You think I look okay?"

"More than okay" He winked "I'm not letting you more than 2 feet away from me all night"

"Keep your hands to yourself" She laughed "Or James will kick your ass when he gets home"

Noah laughed and squeezed her shoulder "Mercedes you look hot as well"

"Thanks Puck" She smiled, "What drinks do you have?"

"Anything you want, anything and everything" Noah grinned "Just don't ask me how I got it all"

"That sounds like a good idea" Blaine said with smirk.

"Come on princess, lets get you a drink" Noah said loudly as he led her towards the table that contained every type of alcohol you could want. There were bottles of beer, wine, vodka, whiskey and everything in between.

Biting her lip, Rachel reached over and poured herself some wine into a red cup. For a good hour at the party, she stayed with Noah as he stood talking to Artie and Mike before some of his football friends came over. She felt a little uncomfortable at the way they seemed to be checking her out, but Noah's arm around her shoulder soon dissuaded them and after ten minutes she whispered in his ear that she was going to find Mercedes.

"Hey Rach" She heard Kurt's voice, turning and smiling as she walked into the lounge; seeing him stood talking to Blaine, Finn, Tina Mercedes and Quinn.

"Hey guys" She says walking over "Quinn, merry Christmas"

"Merry Christmas Rachel" Quinn laughed, the two girls hugging tightly.

"Did you have a good time with your family?" Rachel asked; bringing her drink to lips to take a sip

"It was great, so relaxing but I'm glad to be back with you girls" Quinn replied smiling "Where have you been? I've been here an hour and haven't seen you"

"With Puck and the other boys" Rachel said shrugging her shoulders

"Puck finally let you go?" Mercedes teased

"I think he's taking his promise to James a little too seriously" Rachel giggled in response

"You got bored of listening to them talk about sports and all that rubbish?" Quinn asked with a laugh

"Ugh, about as soon as they arrived" Rachel giggled, glancing at Tina "Hey Tina, you look really pretty"

"Thanks" Tina smiled. Rachel licked her lips after taking another as they stood making conversation for a few minutes until she turned and was gazing at Finn.

"Hi Finn"

"You look stunning Rach" Finn murmured, a sparkle in his eyes. Rachel smiled politely at him, he was wearing a well fitting shirt and she had to admit that he looked handsome.

"Thank you" Rachel said, switching the hand she was holding her cup in "You look very handsome"

Finn grinned at her, a slight blush on his cheeks "Thanks"

They stood around talking for the longest time as the night dragged on, eventually meeting up with all of the other glee kids that were there. Noah made his reappearance just after eleven, stepping to her side as he carried another few cups of wine for the girls; handing them out with a smirk on his face that made some of them question him.

"What's this?" Tina asked sceptically glancing in the cup

"Relax, female chang" Noah laughed "It's just a cocktail of wine, vodka and some fruit juice. Chill out"

"You can't blame her for being suspicious sad sack" Lauren remarked with smirk

"Words hurt, Zizes" Noah replied, placing a hand over his heart "I wouldn't do anything to harm you girls…come on back me up Quinn"

"It doesn't smell that bad" She shrugged and took a sip; her face scrunching up for a moment before it relaxed "That's delicious"

"See? Bite me Zizes" Noah stated with a smirk on his face.

Rolling her eyes at him, Rachel brought the cup up to her lips and tasting some of the drink. It was slightly bitter at first taste, but as she swallowed it that quickly changed and she had to admit it was delicious. "Noah that's amazing"

"See" He replied with a smug smirk "I told you you'd like it; come on drink up. To glee!"

"To glee!" they all chorused as they took swigs of their drinks.

"You know Lauren" Kurt said around twenty minutes later as they were sat around talking "You keep this up and we might think you actually like us"

"God Hummel, yes I'm rejoining glee; are you happy now?" Lauren said bumping her shoulder against his. "I think what we should talk about is how much of a drinker Berry is"

"What do you mean?" She asked, blinking

"I didn't think you had it in you, under age drinking?"

Rachel rolled her eyes "Let's not worry about that! We're having fun"

The night went on, getting close to midnight, she was enjoying herself as she stood with all of her friends laughing and joking; as she was giggling at Noah as he did his best to keep them all entertained. He had, true to his words, spent most of the night acting as her chaperone and she was thankful for it, despite the fact that James was in Oregon she was having a great night, but as she watched Tina and Mike kiss, she couldn't but smile sadly as it sunk in how much she missed him.

Leaning up to kiss Noah on the cheek, she extracted herself from under his arm and went to move away to go outside and get some fresh air; she smiled as his hand sought hers out and she turned back to him, a raised brow questioning her.

"Where do you think you're going little legs?"

Rachel giggled at that "I'm going to get some fresh air"

"Aight, I'll come with you" He replied, picking his cup off the table

"No, its okay" She shook her head "I'm thinking I'll try and call James"

"Ah" He nodded, "alright babe, have fun"

"I'll try to without you" She teased, giggling as he stuck a finger up at her.

Making her way through the crowds of people, she stepped outside and stood just outside the door away from a group of kids she recognized but didn't know the names off as she took her phone out of her bag and found James name in her contacts and phoned him. She knew he'd be at one of his friends houses, probably Matt's, and as she stood there; the phone rang for a few seconds before it was picked up.

"Hey baby" She said softly

"Rachel?" The voice surprised her, it wasn't James but Lucy instead.

"Hi Lucy" She said, smiling "Wow, it's been so long since I've spoke to you"

"I know, its crazy" She hears Lucy say with a laugh "How are you?"

"I'm good" Rachel replies "You?"

"Me too" Lucy says "I guess you're looking for James?"

"Yeah, is he there?"

"His phone was on the side…I'm not sure where he is though" Lucy said and Rachel could hear the music playing in the background

"Could you maybe tell him to ring me? It's nearly midnight here" Rachel said biting her lip

"Of course" Lucy replied "It was great to speak to you again….Happy new year, Rachel"

"Happy New year Lucy" She said with a smile before hanging up her phone.

"Who is Lucy?"

Rachel spun around and saw Finn stand near to her, a small smile on his face. "You scared me"

"Sorry, Noah was getting a bit worried, I said I'd come look for you"

"He's sweet but he needs to relax" Rachel laughs "Lucy is one of the people I met this summer"

"Cool" Finn nodded, sitting on the bench next to her. "You look like your having fun this evening"

"I am" She says with a smile "It's been nice to let my hair down and just relax with you guys"

"Yeah it's nice…especially all the crap this year so far" Finn chuckles, before he stares into her eyes "You look really pretty tonight"

"Thanks" She says blushing slightly, gazing into her lap. "I think that-"

Before she could finish what she was saying, Rachel felt Finn hand on her cheek, his thumb gently running over the skin. She stared up into his eyes and she saw a flicker of something, before she felt him lean forward and press his lips against hers.