I am so sorry about the huge gap between updates. I sort of had a minor writer's block for this chapter, but I think I managed to pull through and get this one finished and I like how it came out. I hope you enjoy the newest character I've introduced to this story. They have a huge part later on, and I think you all will both hate me and love me for doing what I'm fixing to do.

Expect another chapter soon! Let me know what you all think! (Seriously, REVIEW!)

Stay brave! ~BravGirl

Ch:4

Rachel

"Settle down guys, we're about to start. Now, this isn't just some free time to sing. This is the group we'll be going up against at Sectionals this year. The whole point of showcasing our talent is to get a good feel of what we're up against this year, and if you all haven't forgotten, Ms. Corcoran coached Vocal Adrenaline and led them to numerous national titles."

Normally I wasn't someone to roll their eyes, but at Mr. Shue's not so subtle reminder, I was forced to. How could any of us forget Shelby and all the things she's accomplished? Honestly, though, with this group I wouldn't be surprised if the only thing they remembered about Shelby was that I was going to "jump ship" and cost them the competition and that she dumped me like yesterday's trash for a newer model.

"Anyway, don't let the screw with your heads, guys. We've got this in the bag. I can feel it. Now, I want you all to get prepped for our first number. Rachel, Quinn? Are you guys ready?"

From across the show circle, my eyes met with a familiar pair of hazel ones that held so much excitement, causing me to smile. "Yeah, Mr. Shue. I think we're good to go."

The curly haired teacher nodded, directing everyone out to the auditorium to sit while Quinn and I headed back to the makeshift dressing rooms they had built for the school play. My smile only brightened when I caught sight of my sister standing in front of the mirror, one hand gripping either side of the desk below her.

"Hey, it's time to go on. Are you ready?"

My sister caught my gaze in the reflection of the mirror, her face seeming neutral, but to those who really knew her you could see the inner war she was at with herself. Being back at McKinley was bringing back everything that happened last year and I could see she was starting to doubt herself with whether this was the right decision.

"Logan. Everything is gonna be fine. There's ten times more people on your side this year. We won't let last year happen again. Come on. It's time to show the Trouble Tones why the New Directions is the best club here at McKinley."

After a few seconds, the doubt and worry cleared from my sister's eyes dissipated and she let out a breath before pushing herself off the desk and nodded. "Right, let's do this."

If there was ever a moment that I stopped getting the high of being on stage, then may Barbra perform her very last song and retire showbiz completely. Since I was a little girl, the rush of performing was something I easily became addicted to, and even now, as soon as Quinn and I were introduced and we stepped out on stage and everyone applauded, I was brought back to that first time I was on stage as a little girl. Yeah, this would definitely never get old.

When the music started around us, both Quinn and I moved to either side of the stage, our microphones hanging down in front of us. Both the New Directions and Trouble Tones were looking around, probably confused by what was going on since this particular song wasn't a duet, but as soon my sister's voice filled the auditorium, everyone's heads snapped up front, their confused looks just growing with each second until the light shifted from us to the back of the auditorium, where Logan had just stepped out from behind the curtain.

Logan

As soon as the last note rang throughout the auditorium, and I finished my song by perfectly timing my last step in between Quinn and Rach, the applause rang out from both groups of students. The smile of my face grew with every second until I was engulfed with hugs from the two girls on stage and eventually the New Directions as they all gathered on stage.

After a few seconds of our short reunion, Mr. Shue walked out on stage, clapping his hands together. I kept an arm around both Q and my sister as our attention turned to him. "Alright, everyone. As you can see, we have a returning member this year. Let's all welcome Logan back with welcoming arms and I think I speak for everyone here, Logan. It's good to have you back."

With one last round of cheers, we all shuffled off the stage save for those who were performing next. I paused momentarily as we passed by the side of the auditorium where the Trouble Tones were seated, giving Brittney a high five and Santana a small smile before turning my eyes to the older version of my sister. "Shelby."

"Logan, it's good to see you again. I guess it's safe to say that we have some tough competition with you on the New Directions now. But it's good you're here. Rachel needs you."

The statement made me want to roll my eyes. "Like you know what Rachel needs."

The older brunette let out a sigh, standing up from her seat before grabbing me by my elbow and practically dragging me out of the auditorium. "Listen, I didn't come back here to screw with Rachel's life, okay? I came back here to try and make it up to her. I know I made some mistakes regarding my daughter, but I do know her. Maybe not like you do, but I do know her on some level. And I know I'm not your favorite person in the world, and that's okay, I really don't blame you, but can we at least be civil long enough for you to hear me out?"

Raising an eyebrow, I leaned on the wall opposite of Shelby, crossing my arms over my chest. "Hear you out? About what?"

She let out another sigh, pulling her phone out from her cardigan and fiddling with it before handing it to me. On the screen was a small blonde little girl with the goofiest smile that I would recognize anywhere. "Beth."

"When I adopted Beth, I wanted to make sure that I was there for everything. Her first steps, her first words, all of it. And I was, but it never filled the hole that Rachel left in my heart. I was wrong to think that replacing her was the right thing for both of us. I want to make it up to Rachel now, and I think I'm going to need your help to do it. So please, if you'll give me one hour to hear me out and if you disagree with me, I'll back off her. One hour is all I'm asking, Logan."

I glanced between her and the picture on the phone screen before handing it back to her. "Alright. One hour, but not a minute more. They stuck me in one of your music classes and I have study hall right behind it so you can use that time to attempt to explain why you're here."

Shelby smiled, holding her hand. "It's a deal. But we should get back in there before they all think I brought you out here to slaughter you."

Chuckling, I followed her back into the auditorium, where Mike was performing his dance number while the other remaining guys from the New Directions were singing and attempting to copy his moves. I took the open seat between my blonde best friend and my sister, both who eyed me suspiciously. "What?"

Luckily it was my sister to ask any questions. Quinn's silence about the subject wasn't uncommon. Shelby had always been a rough subject for the blonde. "Why did Shelby just pull you out of the auditorium? What did you two talk about?"

Rolling my eyes, I sunk down in my seat a little. "Relax, okay? When you told me she was teaching here this year I took the liberty of signing up for one of her music classes. She was asking if I could help with teaching some of the kids piano. It's no big deal."

With one last odd look, they returned their attention back to the group of boys on stage. Soon after, both teams had their chance to perform, we were free to go home and with a knowing nod in the direction of Shelby to let her know we were still on for our meeting tomorrow, I piled out with the rest of the New Directions until we all dispersed into opposite directions. I slowed behind my sister and Quinn who were chatting away nonchalantly, making plans for a carpool in the morning, and if I had blinked I would have missed when their hands brushed each other and their not-so-oblivious movements away from the other. God, their obviousness was so loud I wanted to cover my ears from the sounds.

And, as if on cue, my brain was so focused on something entirely else I hadn't noticed I was fixing to collide with another body until it was too late and the other person's books and papers were now sprawled at our feet, causing me to groan as I dropped down to pick them up. "I am so sorry. I really need to start working on paying more attention when I'm walking. I have a bad habit of walking into other people and objects."

The light laughter that came from the person I ran into halted my movements, save for my eyes, which had finally glanced up to see the most intense pair of green eyes staring back at me with humor twinkling in them.

Oh dear sweet Lord, why do I always manage to run into the most attractive girls here?

"Are you okay?"

After blinking a few times, and managing to pull myself out of my daze I frowned, standing up to my full height with an arm full of papers and books. "Huh?"

The blonde girl before me smiled again, reaching out to take the books and papers from me. "I was saying it was no problem that you accidently ran into me. To be honest, I wasn't paying that much attention either, and you didn't answer. You spaced out or something."

Shrugging one shoulder, I reached down to pick up the last book from the floor. "Sorry, you just took me by surprise there. I don't always run into girls that have as captivating eyes as yours."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I flinched, wondering where in hell that came from as I handed her the book. "Wow, I'm sorry. I don't know what just came over me. Please ignore that comment and we'll stick with me just being a clumsy idiot."

The blonde laughed, waving it off. "It's fine, and actually that was quite cute of you. You're Logan, right? Logan Mackenzie? Rachel Berry's sister?"

I raised an eyebrow, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Yeah. How did you know that?"

"Oh, sorry, I'm in Rachel's Calculus class and I asked about a picture of you and her and Quinn Fabray she had in her binder. You probably think I'm a creepy stalker now, great. First time meeting the only other girl that's openly gay and hot and I lead with that."

Feeling the heat rise in my cheeks, I smiled at her light ramble, finally noticing the letterman jacket she was wearing. "It's not creepy. Do you play softball?"

She glanced down at the jacket before back up at me, her own cheeks slightly tinged red. "Uh, yeah. I play center field for the girl's team."

"Oh cool, I was left field back in Chicago. I didn't know McKinley had a girls' softball team."

"You're not serious, are you? Because our left fielder just broke her leg last week and we have no one to fill the position for the rest of the season. You should totally come talk to the coach this week."

My eyes widened as I shook my head, entirely unsure of how completely ironic this whole thing was. "Oh, I don't know. I've not played in a while and I just transferred back here, I don't know if joining another team is such a good idea right now."

The blonde's lower lip jutted out in an extremely unfair way, the action causing me to let out a sigh and look away. "Alright, alright! I'll think about it. Sheesh, I don't even know you're name and you're already forcing my hand at something. You girls work in mysterious ways here in Ohio."

The green-eyed girl smiled shyly, again, before holding her free hand out to me. "Right, that probably would have been something to mention by now. I'm sorry. I'm Skylar Roberts. I already know who you are, so…I'm just going to stand here and hope I don't make a fool out of myself even more."

"Well, well, well. You do know how to smooth talk a girl don't you, Roberts?"

The cold and hard voice surprised both of us, causing both mine and Skylar's heads to turn and see a certain Latina standing behind Skylar, her signature scowl in place with her arms folded across her chest.

"Hello, Santana. It's nice to see you can still bring a conversation to a grinding halt."

I glanced between the two girls, the tension in the now seemingly crowded hallway intense as both girls stared down each other. "Uh, you two know each other?"

Santana was the first to break the stare down, her eyes softening slightly as they turned towards me. "Roberts and I go way back, back to when she was a cheerio and somehow got kicked off the squad and joined the softball team."

Skylar let out a scoff, turning her attention back to me. "Right. It's a mystery as to why I was cut. Anyway, it was great to meet you, Logan. I hope you'll consider my proposition and I'll see you around," the blonde then turned her attention back to the Latina, smirking as her eyes glanced back at me. "Bye Santana."

I watched as the girl vanished around the corner of the hall before turning to look at the cheerlead, my eyebrow raising as I watched her glare in the direction Skylar had just disappeared from. "What is up with you? You act like she's your worst enemy or something."

Once again, those brown eyes landed on me and softened slightly. "Nothing, she's just not my favorite person in this school. What proposition was she talking about anyway?"

I shrugged, walking off in the direction my sister and Quinn had been heading. It didn't surprise me at all that they were too engrossed with each other to notice I was gone. "They have an opening on the softball team and it just happens to be the position I played at my old school back in Chicago."

It also didn't surprise me that the Latina fell in step beside me, her eyes trained on the floor of the hall beneath our feet. "Oh. Can you even play? With your shoulder and after everything…that happened?"

My feet stopped involuntarily, Santana stopping a few seconds after. "Hey, I thought we were passed this? Isn't that what we spent all last weekend talking about? You have got to stop blaming yourself for the accident. I don't blame you, and neither does anyone else. We agreed to move on and let this year be the best year yet, remember? We're going to own this year as friends. That's what we agreed on, right?"

I watched as the girl's face fell slightly towards the end of my tiny paragraph, the motion confusing me for a few seconds. "Right, friends. I remember. I, uh…I have to go. It's practice day and I don't want to be even more late than I already am. Sue will have my ass. I'll see you later, okay?"

Nodding, I watched as she walked away from me and into the locker room down the hall, never once glancing back over her shoulder or paying attention to anyone as they passed her. The girl was like a book written in a foreign language to me. There were a few moments when I could tell what she was thinking, and what was going on with her. Other times, I felt like I was lost and completely unaware of everything.

With a sigh, I finally made it out to the parking lot, finding my sister waiting by my car. "Hey, where did you go? I thought I lost you there for a few minutes."

Shaking my head, I tossed my bag into the back seat before sinking into the driver's seat. "I think I somehow managed to cross over into Wonderland. I'll show you pictures when I find my way back."

My sister gave me an odd look as she slid into the passenger seat beside me, but I guess opted not to comment and instead start rambling on about this afternoon's performances and songs, all the while my mind kept going back and forth between a pair of beautiful green eyes and the familiar warmth of another pair of brown ones.