A Christmas Miracle
A/n: Hey All, I'm not really in the Christmas mood but I wrote this hoping to lift my spirits with a cute story. It's the usual trope of Shelby and the Berry men sharing custody of Rachel and raising her together but make it Christmas.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays
Chapter One
Thunder. If she had to choose one word to describe the crowd before her that's what it would be. Roaring and rumbling and violent thunder. As Shelby Corcoran took her final bow her heart filled with joy. People were clapping for her. They were cheering for her. No matter how many times she did it, eight times a week that is, it never got old. She was bursting with excitement and pride.
Tonight was her farewell performance of the original character Layla Martin in Broadway's newest groundbreaking play Dirty Little Secret. She'd originated the role and solidified her already star status as one of Broadway's biggest stars. Lifting her head, the sweaty palm of her costar kept her grounded. Standing ovations. There wasn't a dry eye in the place including her own.
Shelby shook her costar's hand and kissed it. This past year working with this entire ensemble was wonderful. It was everything she had always dreamed of. As the crowd continued to cheer, Shelby was handed a mic by her co-star, Shawn Montoya. He'd been her rock through it all. Eyeing the crowd once again she beamed as she brought the mic closer to her lips.
"I-" She tried. The crowd's cheering grew tenfold as she smiled. Tears filled her eyes as she looked out at each and every person here. Supporting her career. Loving her. Loving their cast. She couldn't find the words to describe how she felt at that moment. There weren't many things she knew that felt better than this. As she bowed again she noticed Shawn and a few of her other co-stars approaching her with a huge bouquet of red roses. Her favorites. Taking them in her arms she smelled them. She leaned into Shawn and took comfort in his willingness to keep her close.
He began to speak and Shelby had to wonder when he'd gone to grab a microphone.
"Now, I know that I can speak for a lot of the other cast when I say your love is welcome," Shawn rubbed Shelby's shoulder soothingly. She was overcome with emotions and he knew it. "These past two years working with everyone. This cast. It has given me more than just success or fame or fans. A family. I can say that working with these people every day has given me a sense of fulfillment that I cannot describe. It's been so fulfilling working with you all. One person I'd like to thank personally is our star. Shelby Corcoran has been fierce and so strong this entire run. She deserves all of the applause because she has helped every single one of us realize our true potential. She has motivated us to be better every single day. I love you, Shelby." Shawn kissed the top of her head lovingly. Shelby grinned and closed her eyes. The crowd was cheering even louder at his display of affection. There were plenty of rumors that she'd seen on Twitter by fangirls about a possible romance between the two. Despite both of them being in committed relationships with other people, Shelby found it funny. Shawn was like a brother to her and she wouldn't have it any other way. That didn't help that he just fueled their fire but she couldn't find it in her to care.
Raising the mic again, she needed to speak. She needed to thank every single one of the people here on and off stage.
"You know when I describe home I think of being here on this stage. I can describe two places that truly make me like I've found my purpose in life," Shelby began. Standing up straighter, she gained new confidence. "When I'm back home with my baby girl, Rachel, and here on this stage. You know she never hesitates to tell me how cool I am being here and performing. I was kind of upset that she couldn't be here tonight but she has school in the morning or else she'd be in the crowd cheering just as loud as the rest of you. Being here with you all is where I'm supposed to be. I want to thank you for allowing this momma to chase her dreams."
More cheering. She could probably sing the alphabet and they'd cheer at this point.
"I want to thank the cast and crew for being here every night and giving it their all. I know Shawn said I motivate them but they've all motivated me. It has been such a joy to play Layla Martin and I couldn't do it without you all by my side. So I thank you." Shelby wiped a tear and thankfully allowed Shawn to hold the bouquet for her. "I want to thank all of you, the fans, for constantly supporting us in every capacity. From the Twitter polls, stage dooring every night, buying tickets, coming to multiple shows. I can assure you that we have felt the love every single night and I hope that we have given you at least a portion of what you've given us. Playing this character, Layla, for the past two years has filled my cup and much like Shawn said it has been so fulfilling. Thank you all so much once again. I love you so much. Goodnight." Shelby waved and bowed one last time.
There was another roar from the crowd as Shawn pulled her along to exit the stage. He pulled her into a hug as the tears fell harder now. It was never easy saying goodbye. Shelby had put her heart and soul into the character and she wouldn't have it any other way.
"You did so well!" Shawn patted her on the back. "I'm so thankful for you. So glad that we took this ride together."
"I'm so thankful for you," Shelby returned his sentiment. Pulling away she wiped at her eyes and was handed a tissue by one of the stagehands. "Thank you."
"Yes, now that the night is over who wants drinks!" One of her costars, Rory Chandler, yelled. There were cheers from everyone else.
"What do you say, Shelby? How about some drinks?" Shawn asked as they began to walk downstairs to their dressing rooms. He suggested with a wink.
"Absolutely not." Shelby shook her head and poked his chest. "You know I can't. Besides I'm pooped. I want to go home and curl up in my bed with my husband and my dog."
"I hear that," Shawn laughed. "Marissa is probably waiting in my dressing room right now with a bottle of wine anyway."
They received high fives and words of encouragement the entire way to their rooms. Shelby smiled and laughed along with the rest of the cast as they talked about any and everything. She was going to miss these people. Her friends.
"Hey loser, you did good tonight." Shelby heard from behind her. She saw a head of blonde hair before anything else. Cassandra July. Her best friend and publicist. Reaching her arm out Shelby was engulfed in a Cassie bear hug. She didn't receive those a lot so she would revel in it. "I mean it, Shelby. You did so good."
"Thanks, lady," Shelby grinned.
"Cassandra, how about a drink?" Shawn suggested to her.
"Maybe next time lover boy," Cassie declined. "This one has to get home soon and I'd rather be home too. It's cold as polar bear balls out tonight."
"That's a new one," Shawn laughed as he turned to Shelby. "Stage door thirty minutes?"
"You know it," Shelby smiled. As tired as she was she could not wait to go and talk to her fans. She walked a bit further down the hallway with Cassie closely behind her. Opening her dressing room door, she was met with balloons, flowers, and chocolates. Her mouth dropped in awe at receiving so many gifts. She trailed her fingers along the row of vases that held flowers in them. She read the cards tucked neatly in each vase. One from Renee Elise Goldsberry. They'd played best friends in her show before this one. A vase from Jackie Burns a good friend that would also be taking over the role of Layla after Shelby's departure. Shelby smiled at the last vases being from Beyonce herself. Sometimes she couldn't believe that Beyonce even knew who she was.
Shelby looked over to the opposite side of the room to the couch. Her eyes closed in on one thing. Or rather one person.
Owen McGowan stood six foot two and proud. Green eyes met blue and Shelby swooned to herself. She was so in love with this man. Her eyes raked his body quickly before meeting his eyes again. His chiseled abs and muscles that were usually on display were covered by a dark grey sweater that was just on the cusp of being too tight. His dark-wash Levi jeans were neatly pressed complimented by his timberland boots. He never failed to dress the part and Shelby was appreciative.
As she stepped the few feet towards him Shelby only wanted what he could offer. Her husband's comfort and love.
"Baby, you did so well." Owen stood to greet her. She jumped into his arms. Lifting her from the ground he twirled in place. Their lips met in a chaste kiss. Not satisfied with what she was given Shelby landed a few kisses on his lips. Now, this she never got sick of. The feeling of warmth whenever he kissed her. Running her fingers through his short blonde hair she kissed him again. It was the sound of a camera shutter that caused them to pull apart. Wiping her lipstick off his lips Shelby opened her eyes.
"Please don't stop on my account," Cassie rolled her eyes. "This is the sickening PG version of you two. Don't forget I've seen way more."
"Cassie," Shelby snorted. Turning in Owen's arms she leaned her head against his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist and she got that feeling again. Love. It enveloped her and sometimes she couldn't breathe with how much she felt. Despite Cassie's teasing, she wasn't willing to let him go just yet. "That was one time."
"Yeah, and I should send you my shrink's invoice for my last few sessions for the emotional distress you put me through."Cassie inspected the chocolates and flowers.
"You love us," Owen never released his arms from Shelby's waist. "I meant it. This was one of your best performances." He whispered into her ear. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Everything is fine." She clasped their hands over her belly. Giving a kiss to the side of her head he nudged her towards a gift basket directly in front of them. It was wrapped beautifully with cellophane and a huge gold bow. Shelby could tell it was homemade. Untangling herself from his arms, she walked over to the basket and inspected the card.
The slightly curved handwriting and the attempted cursive ending with a gold star caused a new set of tears to fall from Shelby's eyes. Though they didn't teach cursive in elementary school anymore leave it to Rachel to be determined to learn it anyway. Checking the alarm clock she kept on her vanity it was just a bit after 9:30. Rachel's bedtime was eight on school nights. There was no doubt she'd be asleep. Deciding to leave the basket for opening later Shelby turned it over to inspect the goodies inside. All of her favorite things. Candy, perfume, and nail polish. There were a few more items in there that she was determined to get to when she had her full attention. Sniffling a bit, she used the tissue she had in her hands to wipe her nose. Her emotions were all over the place and she missed her kid like crazy.
Rachel Barbra Corcoran Berry. Seven years old but going on thirty. Her little love child. The light of her life. Shelby was twenty years old when she answered an ad online to be a surrogate for a gay couple from Ohio. The first meeting they hit it off so well they'd started the process the same day. There was something special about Hiram and Leroy. Shelby knew she was having a baby for the most incredible people. During her pregnancy, they doted on her as if she was their own. Nearing Rachel's birth they'd approached her with a contract. One that wouldn't allow her to see Rachel (yet to be named back then) until she was eighteen years old. Thinking it was the best for the baby, Shelby signed the papers with no hesitation. Much to her parent's dismay, Shelby stuck to her promise.
It was only when Shelby held a newborn Rachel in her arms for the first time did they all see the mistake they'd made. Leroy and Hiram couldn't bear to think of losing Shelby or her not being apart of their journey. She had become family to them. So with that, the contract was ripped up and they all agreed to parent Rachel together. Joint custody was granted. Rachel would be raised by all of them. Shelby's sights had been set on New York back then so their agreement had become Leroy and Hiram being Rachel's primary caregivers. Agreeing to Rachel living with Hiram and Leroy in Lima, Ohio hadn't been an easy one. There had been a lot of discussions and back and forth but in the end, they all wanted what was best for Rachel. So she left her eight-month-old in the hands of her fathers to follow her dream. Sometimes she missed her more than anything.
Rachel still came to New York during school breaks and every other holiday. Shelby flew to Lima as frequently as her career and schedule allowed her. Shortly after arriving in New York she had a stroke of luck and landed an off-Broadway role. They spent one year on Broadway but this was enough for Shelby's names to spread through the grapevine. Everyone wanted to know who she was. She'd done another show that lasted a few years. A movie that became a box office hit and a few other small roles that brought her to where she was now. A month away from finishing recording her first album and the end of her Broadway show. Shelby didn't know what was next but she did know she loved her life.
Turning over the card in her hand she smiled.
"To Mommy,
I hope you like the basket. I picked everything special for you. I can't wait to see you. I miss you so much. I love you.
Signed, Rachel Corcoran Berry" the card read. She loved her life indeed.
"How about we go on home and we can call her in the morning before school?" Owen approached her. "I bet she'd be excited to hear about your last night on stage."
"I'm sure she would." Shelby tucked the card back under the bow. She couldn't wait for the morning. Grabbing her phone, she shot Hiram and Leroy a quick thank you in their family group chat. She added another text with the request of kissing Rachel for her.
They replied with their own words of love. Owen packed up all of her gifts for tonight with the promise of packing them into the car. Her dressing room would be packed up and delivered to her condo in a week. With one last look around the room, Cassie held up Shelby's coat for her and helped her into it. She wasn't kidding when she said it was freezing outside.
Shelby prepared herself to go out into the cold. There wasn't much snow outside yet but soon New York would be covered in snow. With Christmas just a week away it was bound to be a white one. Cassie held the door open and they were again met with cheers as the crowd spotted her.
"Shelby!" "Over here!" "Shelby, I love you!"
There was a group of teenage girls in the middle of the crowd excitedly screaming for her. Looking over to where Shawn was signing she decided to start at the opposite end.
"Hi guys," She greeted as she signed as many playbills her hands could bear. She stopped for the occasional picture. Some had pictures fans held out she was less than proud of but signed nonetheless. Despite her fatigue, she felt buzzed. It was always so thrilling talking to fans. Some of them were super fanatics or stans. Though she didn't spend much of her time on Twitter she knew a bit of the lingo. Shelby conversed with everyone she came into contact with. Finally, she had reached the group of teenage girls that were waiting patiently for her to approach them.
"Hi, Shelby." They all squealed in unison. They were trying to keep their excitement under control.
"Shelby, how do you feel after your last day?" One of the girls asked.
"I feel great. I'm so thankful. So happy to have done it." Shelby signed their playbills. One of them politely asked for a picture. She leaned over happily and wrapped her arm around the girl. Though there was a barrier between them she could feel her shaking. Once the picture was taken, Shelby grinned and rubbed her arm.
"Shelby, do you remember me? I came a few weeks ago." One of the girls closer to the front asked her. She was a tall blonde with green eyes. There was a green beanie sitting atop her head and it looked kind of familiar. Shelby squinted for a bit and the girl continued. "I tweeted about Montoya/Corcoran Group chat? My friends and I all really love you guys."
"Oh yes, you're Sarah. You're so sweet." Shelby lit up. She truly did recognize the girl. Sarah shrieked and donned the brightest smile at Shelby remembering her name. This was a once in a lifetime thing for her. "Thank you for your kindness. Did you like the show?"
"Yeah, we did." They chorused. Shelby thanked them again and moved further through the crowd. There were two young girls and who Shelby assumed was their mother waiting. They were some of the last in the group. One of the girls was a preteen with braces and the cutest glasses. The other little girl was about eight and she had the biggest brown eyes and long brown hair. Much like Rachel's. Shelby smiled over at them.
"Hi, Ms. Shelby, my daughters absolutely love you." The mother began. "Though they're too young to see the show but they have seen your others. They begged me for weeks to bring them to the stage door to meet you."
"Wow, cool mom points for you," Shelby said. "Thank you all for coming and waiting for me."
"I brought something for you." The preteen held up a teddy bear for her. "Well, it's for your daughter." She blushed and held it out for Shelby.
"Oh, that is so sweet thank you." Shelby took the bear. She turned it over in her hands and smiled. Her fans were so generous and willing with presents. She didn't know how she could deserve all of the love from them. "She's going to love it. That's so kind of you. Can I hug you?" The girl nodded and happily took the hug from Shelby.
"Misses Shelby," The tiny girl spoke.
Shelby leaned down so they were eye level. "What's your name?"
"Amanda," The girl tucked herself into her mother's coat. She held out a playbill for Shelby to sign.
Shelby happily signed it and passed it back to her.
"The girls were wondering if they could get a picture with you?" Their mom asked for them.
"Of course," Shelby responded. She beckoned them to come under the barrier. With one girl on each side, they smiled as their mother fumbled with the camera. Finally, the flash was activated and pictures were snapped. She could see Cassie in the corner of her eye tapping her wrist. She'd spent more than enough time out here.
"So what are you doing for the holidays, Ms. Shelby?" The mother asked as she snapped a few pictures.
"I am traveling back home to Ohio to see family." Shelby smiled. "My daughter Rachel has a birthday, and Christmas recital and then Christmas coming up. I wouldn't miss it for the world. She reminds me a lot of you, Amanda."
"Really?" Amanda titled her head. "How old is she?"
"She's seven," Shelby said. "She's so excited for me to come home. I really do miss her."
"I hope you're getting home before the snow storm next week. I heard it's going to be a big one."The mother beckoned her children back over to her.
"I hope so too," Shelby agreed. She hadn't heard there was going to be a snowstorm. Most of the time she didn't know what the weather would be. "It was so nice meeting you guys. I have to go home now. Thank you all for coming out. Enjoy the rest of your night." Shelby waved to them with the hand that wasn't holding the bear. She was lead through the break in the crowd by one of the bodyguards. A black Escalade with tinted windows was idling on the street. Cassie opened the rear passenger door. Owen was waiting with a smile in the backseat. He'd been scrolling through his phone while he waited.
"Bye, see you tomorrow." Cassie waved them off as she helped Shelby inside. Once the door was closed they were met with silence. It was just the two of them. Owen and Shelby. Well and the driver, Oscar, but he was preoccupied with driving.
"It's been such a long night," Shelby pulled Owen's hands into hers. If she wasn't such a stickler for safety she'd be curled into his arms in this backseat.
"It's almost over." Owen reminded her. "I'll run you a bath and you can soak while I order takeout. It should be ready for you by the time you're done."
"I'd like that." Shelby leaned her head against the headrest. Owen brought his phone up to her eye level. She focused to see the Instagram app was open. There was a photo of the two in a hug from her dressing room earlier. No doubt Cassie had taken it. Shelby looked up to see Owen had posted it and received thirty thousand likes.
"I love it." Shelby smiled.
He was a celebrity in his own right so this came as no surprise. He was a celebrity chef and fitness trainer. His entire brand was focused on lifestyle and fitness. He and Shelby had met on the set of her movie a few years ago. He was signed on as a fitness correspondent for one of the characters. They'd crossed paths a few times on set.
Soon after the movie ended he asked her on a date which she initially declined. After a few text exchanges, she saw his appeal and agreed to a date. They'd been together for three years now and married for one. Though they were private about everything in their lives they posted the occasional photos. Fans ate them up just as much as her pictures with Montoya.
Locking her pinkie with this they were silent the rest of the way home. The bright lights of Manhattan quickly turned into the sophisticated warmth of East Village. She did an internal dance in the familiar neighborhood. She was almost home. Oscar rounded the block twice to ensure they hadn't been followed. It was a much-needed precaution. Stopping in front of their building, they both thanked him as the doorman helped them with their bags. He placed them in front of the private elevator leading up to their condo. They could take it from there.
Shelby pressed the button for the 7th floor and up they went she could feel her energy draining as they reached their home. A full-floor to themselves was quite nice. There weren't as many people out at this hour and she was thankful for the quiet hum of the elevator.
Using the keys to unlock their door, Shelby was met with the quiet and inquisitive sniffing of their French bulldog, Opal. She backed away from the door as they entered. Shelby looked around the apartment and set her keys inside of the bowl close to the entrance.
She kicked off her shoes and bent down to give Opal some love.
"Hi, girl, did you miss us?" Opal nudged Shelby's hands and surpassed her to go to Owen next. They'd been gone a very long time. They'd hired a dog walker that took good care of Opal while they were both away. Owen took his time setting down the basket from Rachel and the Berry men.
Shelby's coat and purse were next to go. She stretched her arms high into the air and yawned.
"I'll go draw the bath," Owen kissed her cheek and headed for the bathroom. Shelby watched him go. Taking a look around the living room she took her first steps at unwinding. Reaching for a random bag in a mountain of she rifled through it. With all of its items set on the table, she went for the teddy bear she'd been gifted earlier. With a smile, she walked towards the bedrooms. Opening the one furthest from the living room, she was engulfed in darkness. Her hands fumbled for the lights for a split second before everything came to life.
Rachel's bedroom was a muted pink. Paintings of ballerinas, Rachel's own artwork, and family pictures lined the walls. A white daybed with a grey comforter and gold star sheets was tucked into a corner of the room. Shelby stepped a bit further into a space that screamed Rachel. She'd designed it all on her own last year.
"I need a big girl room for my New York house and my Lima house." Rachel declared one morning to her parents. There had been amusement at her statement but her demands were followed. Toys neatly lined the shelves above a dresser on the opposite side of the room. Shelby eyed a space on the shelf and placed the bear. Rachel would notice it during her next visit no doubt. Shelby stood for a bit longer and she could swear she felt the energy of Rachel in this room.
"Hey," Owen knocked on the door. He leaned against the frame and smiled over at her. He knew what she was feeling. Missing Rachel. He did too. He'd been in her life since she was around four years old. He'd quickly fallen in love with her as much as he was in love with Shelby. "I miss her too." He opened his arms and gestured for Shelby to come closer.
"Only a few more days and we will be able to see her," Shelby muttered into his neck. The distance killed her inside. Knowing that she was missing out on a lot of Rachel's life to follow her dream never seized to make her feel guilty. They stood there in comfortable silence. It took time for Shelby to come down from her highs of the day.
"I ordered Chinese It should be here in about forty-five minutes." He rubbed her back soothingly. "Can you stomach it tonight?"
"Yes, it sounds fine." Shelby looked up at him. "I haven't puked in weeks. It feels like a new record that nobody's keeping." Shelby pulled him towards the bathroom. "You know I think my bath would be much more enjoyable if you joined me."
"As lovely as that sounds there would be no relaxing and we'd probably miss the food arriving." Owen laughed. "I'm going to take Opal out for a quick bathroom break. You enjoy it." With a kiss on her forehead, Shelby was left to her own devices. She quickly stripped and dipped a toe into the hot water. It was just right and she silently thanked Owen for taking such good care of her. Sliding down into the water her aching muscles began to show her just how much she'd done today.
If she allowed herself to relax too much she'd fall asleep. She thought about the day she had and how awesome it was that so many people had come out to see her. She couldn't allow herself to think about how much she missed her girl. They'd be together soon enough.
Shelby's bath didn't last much longer. She had eaten dinner with Owen as he talked about his own day with her. They'd even sat down for the 11 pm news before it was time for bed. With Opal at the foot of their bed, Owen laid on his back with Shelby cuddled against him. He was almost asleep but was startled awake at Shelby's voice.
"Do you think we are doing the right thing?" Shelby asked. "Do you think Rachel will be happy? I mean she's an only child and I know some things will be harder for her to understand."
"I think Rachel will be happy," Owen said. His fingers played with the ends of her hair. "She may be an only child but this new journey will be a challenge for her. Rachel loves a challenge."
"That she does." Shelby agreed. "I just worry about her sometimes. I know Hiram and Leroy are taking good care of her. They always have. I just worry that she's going to grow up with some kind of resentment towards me for not being there as much. Then a new baby" Shelby breathed out. "…how is that going to make her feel?"
"I think that you are doing the best you can," Owen assured her. "Rachel loves you and she's doing fine living between both households. There's no indication that she isn't. She's a good kid and she has a big heart. We discussed it before. If you feel that you need to leave all of this behind I will drop everything in a heartbeat."
"You'd do that for me?" Shelby asked.
"Of course, you both have me wrapped around your fingers." He tapped her nose. "I think once we tell her over the break about the baby she'll grow into the idea of a sibling. She'll enjoy having someone else to play with when she comes."
"You're right," Shelby nodded. "Everything's going to be fine. Everything will be fine." Shelby repeated.
Everything would be fine.
Shelby didn't want to admit that she was terrified. Not only to tell Rachel but everyone else. She'd entered her second-trimester last week. She was finally in a safe zone. She could celebrate with the knowledge that she was going to be a momma again for the second time. No one knew but a few people. Her manager, Cassie, Owen obviously, and the Berry Men. Her parents were not yet privy to an addition to the family.
Shelby liked having this tiny secret. She liked that she could enjoy this news with her husband. Pretty soon her belly would be bigger and she'd be the topic of conversation. Her stomach would be up for groping and poking. As fun as that would be some things continued to scare her. Raising Rachel was different. It was easier. She shared the work with two other people. This time it would be Owen and her. Sure she could hire a nanny but she wasn't too fond of that idea either. They'd be together to navigate the wonders of parenthood. One step at a time she told herself as she drifted off to sleep.
"Mommy, did you get a big standing ovation?" Rachel asked. She smiled brightly into her iPad's camera. They were doing a morning Facetime call instead of their usual nightly one. Rachel was up bright and early as usual. Her fathers were behind the screen doing their own morning tasks. Hiram fixing himself a cup of coffee while Leroy read the morning paper. This was Rachel's time with Shelby and they didn't want to interrupt. She was eating her breakfast and talking to her mother at the same time. A true multi-tasker. "I bet people were cheering so loud for you. I can't wait to be on Broadway. It's going to be so magical. I think I'd like to play Matilda. That's a really good show and I'd be awesome at it. Could you talk to them and get me on the show? You're my mom so you know best."
Loving Rachel's confidence and childlike understanding of nepotism Shelby laughed. Which question of Rachel's could she answer first?
"No, baby, I can't get you on Matilda," Shelby grinned at Rachel's sudden frown. "Your dads and I agree that you would finish school first. You need to finish second grade. Join a play at school."
Rachel huffed but didn't refute.
"I did get a standing ovation. It was very nice." Shelby agreed. "How was school for you?"
"It sucks!" Rachel rolled her eyes. "I like my teacher and my class. I'm in a class with Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez this year. They're not very nice people. Quinn is always so rude. She's a bimbo."
"Rachel Barbra!" and "Rachel!" were chorused by both sets of parents. Darn! How'd she manage to get scolded by them both this early in the morning?
"Where'd you learn that word?" Shelby tilted her head. She knew just off the screen Leroy would be hiding his face deeper into the paper. Rachel refused to answer but continued. He needed to watch his Friends reruns when Rachel wasn't around. Either that or teach her how to keep a secret.
"It's true though," Rachel said. "They're always teasing me about everything. Quinn says not nice things too. Nobody ever yells at her."
"Well honey, I'm sorry that Quinn is not a nice person." Shelby shook her head. She knew about the teasing Rachel received at school. Lima, Ohio wasn't as progressive of a place that they'd have liked it to be. Having two dads didn't exactly put you in the popular department. Seems like the adults instilled these same values and bigotry into their children. Her child would never. "That does not mean we allow you to talk that way or refer to people with things other than their names."
"I'm sorry," Rachel apologized. "Can you still tell me about Broadway? Also, where's Owen? Is he there?"
"Owen is on his morning jog," Shelby informed her. She was relaxing on the couch herself. After her phone call with Rachel, she would be returning to bed for some much-needed sleep. "Unfortunately Rachel, I can't tell you more about Broadway. Another time though. I know you have to be up and ready for school."
"Fine, but I can call you again tonight?" She looked hopeful.
"Yes, I look forward to it." Shelby blew her a kiss and Rachel exited the screen. Presumably to go finish getting dressed for school. Hiram picked up the iPad and brought it over to his side of the table. He took his time fixing it and propped it up so that he and Leroy were both shown.
"How's our favorite diva?"Hiram asked.
"I'm fine. Exhausted." Shelby hummed. She curled her feet under herself.
"Taking care of yourself I hope?" Leroy questioned. Making sure that Rachel was still upstairs he asked his burning questions."We don't want our future niece or nephew coming out stressed and looking eighty-five."
"They're going to be looking eighty-five anyway. Newborns are always wrinkled little things. " Shelby scrunched her nose. "Is that what you've decided to go with? Uncle Leroy and Uncle Hiram?"
"It has a nice ring to it." Hiram nodded. "Are you taking your prenatal vitamins? Eating properly."
"Yes, Doctor Bery I have been." Shelby rolled her eyes in fake annoyance. Her voice dripped in sarcasm and she hoped they could catch her drift. "I can assure you that I'm doing everything I'm supposed to. Scout's honor."
"We love to hear it." Hiram began. "I'll have to send you a compilation of assorted show tunes. Owen can play it against your belly so the baby is born with some taste."
"I'll have you know I have plenty of taste." Shelby huffed.
"Sure," Hiram chuckled. Rachel picked that moment to come down and rushed back to the camera.
"You didn't hang up. Great!" Rachel smiled. "I'm all ready for the day. See!" She twirled for the camera. "Do you like my outfit Mama?" It was a quite familiar one these days. A green Christmas sweater with white outlined reindeer on the front matched with a plaid skirt and bright red leggings.
"I love it…" Shelby's eyes widened. It wouldn't have been her first choice but it was cute nonetheless.
"She picked it all by herself." Leroy hinted to Shelby. Neither of the Berry men wanted to be responsible for Rachel's interesting fashion choices.
"Even better," Shelby hid her giggle with her hand. She could see that Rachel was very proud of herself.
"Okay Bug, it's time to go to school." Hiram moved over a bit so she could step closer to the camera.
"Wait, Mama, you're for sure coming in time to light the Hanukkiah and my birthday and the recital?" Rachel rushed out.
"Owen and I are for sure coming," Shelby promised.
"Yay!"Doing a little dance, Rachel was officially ready for the school day. "Tell Owen I said Hi." Rachel blew the camera a kiss and Shelby matched it.
She skipped to the front door to slip on her shoes. Suddenly she burst into song. Loudly.
"HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS IT'S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!"
"Bye guys, I'll see you next week." Shelby waved. The call ended.
The holidays should be interesting.
A/n: So lots of world-building and set up and all that jazz. The next chapter will be more Rachel and Berry men centered. I'm so excited to write them. There are about five more chapters that will hopefully all be up for Christmas.
As always let me know what you think.
-LSAM