Chapter 9: Cool it Now
Rachel walked into the school the next day and did her best to avoid Santana. She didn't want to have to talk to her yet so whenever she saw Santana walking up to her she would pretend that she was answering a call to her phone or that she had somewhere to be.
Now it was time for lunch and Santana walked up to Rachel while she was talking to Kurt and Mercedes. Santana walked up behind her and crossed her arms, "Alright Berry, stop ignoring me."
Rachel looked at her and feigned innocence, "I don't know what you are talking about Santana. I am not avoiding you. Not only have I been busy but I am trying to help you keep up your rep by not letting you get caught talking to 'Manhands'."
"Maybe we should go," Mercedes turned away with Kurt.
Santana stopped them, "No stay. I shouldn't be talking with her for much longer." She then went back to the short diva in front of her, "First of all it wouldn't ruin my rep talking to you because I have been seen talking with a lot of people from Glee since I joined, so that is bullshit and you know it. Now tell me why you have been avoiding me even though you said we would talk today."
Rachel looked at her hands, "Well I've been avoiding you because I thought you would be mad at me."
"For what?" Santana looked at her.
"Because it's my fault your arm is broken," Rachel said quietly before looking up.
Santana rolled her eyes, "This is not because of you. It would have happened whether you were there or not. Sue hates Glee. Though I hoped she would have let it slide since I was outed partly because of her. It was going against her campaign."
Rachel looked at her, uncertain, "Are you sure."
"Yes Treasure Trail," Santana said before turning and walking away. "See you in Glee. We will be talking after Berry."
Kurt turned to Rachel, "So why do you two need to talk?"
Rachel shrugged and she turned to walk to the cafeteria, "I don't know."
"Oh come on girl, don't lie to us," Mercedes and Kurt followed her into the cafeteria.
Rachel started to put together a salad, glancing them, "I was thinking of maybe telling her about how I feel."
"Oh no bad idea," Mercedes shook her head.
"Why?" Rachel turned to her as they moved.
"Because she is fresh out of the closet," Kurt looked at her.
Rachel stared, confused. Mercedes filled in, "She either won't share your feelings or she won't want to."
"So what you're saying is that even if on the off chance she does reciprocate my feeling, she won't want to admit it because she is a fresh gay? That makes no sense," Rachel said.
Kurt sighed, "She won't say she has feelings for you because you are at the bottom of the social caste here and she is already desperately hanging onto her popularity after she was outed."
Rachel nodding in understanding this time, "So no telling her, it would be bad. I'll think of another conversation to have with her."
Before either friend could say anything else to her, something was dumped on her head. They jumped away as she dropped her tray and turned to look at the laughing boys. She stared for shock for a second as the milk ran down her body.
Everyone stopped to see the reaction from the diva. Normally, with a slushy, she would just wipe some away and walk to the bathroom with her head held high. But as the cow made product seeped down her body, tears sprung to her eyes.
The boys in front of her laughed harder, "Look, the Lima Loser is going to cry over some spilled milk. I think that cow was abused Berry. We may not be able to throw slushies but no one said anything about milk."
Rachel still hadn't moved as it seeped into her clothes and shoes. Kurt and Mercedes grabbed her by the arms to lead her out just as someone started yelling at the boys. Rachel couldn't focus as more voices joined in.
Kurt and Mercedes brought her into the girls' bathroom, trying to coax Rachel to sit so they could clean her up. Rachel just stared ahead as tears fell and sat silently. They took paper towels, trying to clean up the milk. Just as they were finished with her arms the door opened to reveal the Unholy Trinity.
Brittany ran over, "Rachie are you OK?"
"Brittany insisted that she come make sure Berry was OK," Santana said as she stayed with Quinn.
"Sure," Quinn scoffed earning her an elbow to the ribs.
Brittany looked at Rachel as she just kept staring at the wall, "Is she OK?"
Rachel turned to her not wanting to scare the blonde. She offered a small, shaky smile, "Yeah, I'm good Britt. I think I am going to go home early and just shower about ten times." She stood and looked at everyone in the room, "Thanks."
She walked past them without a word and left. The other still in the bathroom looked at each other, wondering who should follow her.
Quinn nudged Santana, "Go, you take this one. Let her use the Cheerios showers."
Santana narrowed her eyes then ran out and followed the tiny singer out, "Hey Berry."
Rachel turned around, "What Santana?"
Santana walked up to her and said, "I know that you don't like missing out on school so I wanted to offer you the Cheerios locker room to shower. No one will be in there."
"I won't have anything to wear," Rachel whispered, looking down.
"I have some normal clothes in my locker. They might be a little big but I mean it's only half a day," Santana looked at her.
"OK," Rachel said before Santana led her to the Cheerios locker room.
They walked in and sure enough, no one was in there. Santana grabbed a pair of jeans and a t shirt for Rachel, "There are towels in there. I'll stand outside to make sure that nobody comes in."
Rachel nodded and went to get in the shower as Santana left to stand outside. After washing her body three times and her hair four times, she stepped out and dried off. She put on the shirt, which was only slightly too big, then the pants, which were too long. She then put on Santana's extra pair of white cheerleading shoes.
Rachel walked out and looked at Santana, "I am ready."
Santana looked at her and smiled, "You look good in my clothes."
Rachel blushed and looked at her, "Really?"
Santana looked at her, "Yeah, I mean it's kind of funny."
Rachel turned, "Well we should go to class."
"There is only 10 minutes left of 5th period so I was thinking we could just talk about what it is that you wanted to talk about now. Since we have 6th period together," Santana looked at her and started walking down the hall.
Rachel bit her lip and followed, she hadn't come up with a different talk yet, "You know I forgot what it is that I wanted to talk to you about."
Santana looked at her, "Rachel Berry does not forget talking."
Rachel sighed and kept walking. It took her a minute or two before she whispered, "I had second thoughts on what I wanted to tell you."
"Why?" Santana looked at her.
Rachel looked back at her, "OK. I am going to tell you something and I don't want it to change our developing friendship. I mean I know that we aren't really friends and that you don't really like me. Which is confusing because you have been really nice to me recently other than you are still calling me names. But you have turned them mostly to just Berry and you don't always call me names anymore which I appreciate but I would still rather have you call me Rachel but beggars can't be choosers. And I mean-"
Santana cut her off and stopped walking, staring at her, "First off Ber- Rachel, we are friends and second, just spit it out. Whatever it is, just spit it out."
Rachel looked at her, "Can I just have a minute to collect my thoughts?"
Santana nodded and watched her as she started pacing, wringing her hands. Santana let her do it for close to three minutes before she stopped her, "OK, can you just tell me what you want to tell me?"
Rachel took a deep breath then spoke quietly, "Santana, I like you. And I don't mean as a friend. I mean as in I think that I am bisexual and I want to date you because I realize that I like you and I don't want anyone, not Finn, not anyone else. And I know that you don't reciprocate my feelings because I annoy you. But I wanted to tell you because I couldn't keep it in anymore. I don't want to be unhappy anymore."
Santana looked at Rachel speechless. She hadn't been thinking Rachel would say that, she had tormented the girl for years. Santana didn't say anything, just stared.
Rachel didn't think as she leaned in to kiss Santana. Before their lips could touch, Santana pulled away and looked at her, "I'm sorry Rachel, I can't."
With that Santana left, leaving Rachel there as the bell rang and everyone filed out of class. Rachel wiped a tear away as it fell before turning and walking to 6th period. When she got to class, she realized that Santana did not show.
Rachel looked at her desk the entire period and when the period was over she walked to Glee. She walked slower than normal so when she got there almost everyone was already there. Everyone but Mr. Shue of course, which meant Santana was there.
Rachel saw the brunette seated between the two blonde Cheerios before she looked down and took her place in the back left corner of the room. This made everyone look at her since she usually sat in the middle front seat, the "Rachel Berry Seat".
Kurt and Mercedes looked back at her and asked if she was OK to which she just responded with a shrug before looking at her, Santana's, shoes.
She suddenly felt uncomfortable in Santana's clothes so she stood and went to Tina, "Hey T, do you still have your Slushy Kit?"
Tina nodded, "Yeah, why does someone need it?"
"No I was wondering if I could use the clothes. These aren't very comfortable," Rachel said, not seeing the flash of hurt on Santana's face.
"Yeah, let's just make it quick," Tina stood and they left so Rachel could change.
Quinn looked at Santana, "S, wasn't she wearing your clothes?" Santana just nodded so Quinn continued, "We all know that she was lying, so why doesn't she want to wear your clothes?"
Santana looked down and sighed, "She told me that she liked me."
Quinn furrowed her eyebrows, "So then why is she acting so sad? Did you make fun of her?"
"No I did something worse," Santana mumbled.
"Did you kill her cat?" Brittany asked.
"What? No. She doesn't have a cat Britt," Santana looked up at the blonde's serious face.
Quinn shook her head at the other blonde, "What did you do?"
Santana sighed, "Well first I didn't give her an answer, I just stared there looking at her. I mean, I couldn't believe it, the girl I liked just told me that not only was she into girls but that I was the girl that she was into." Santana took a deep breath, "Then she leaned in to kiss me and God did I want to kiss her. I mean she was right there in front of me, wanting to kiss me too and I could have just kissed her but instead I pulled back and told her that I could be with her before running off."
Quinn sighed, "Santana, you are an idiot."
"Thanks," Santana muttered sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.
"Maybe you should talk to her, or if we are lucky, Mr. Shue will pick an assignment this week that will help you find a song for her," Quinn looked at her.
"Shue's assignments never help us," Santana said.
"Well Q and I will help you," Brittany smiled.
"Britt's right. We will help you find a song," Quinn said as Mr. Shue walked in with Tina and Rachel in tow.
Rachel walked to Santana with her head down, silently handed her her clothes then walked back to her seat.
"OK this week," Mr. Shue wrote on the board, "Is New Edition week."
"Another 80's themed assignment?" Blaine looked at Mr. Shue.
"Well yes and no," Mr. Shue walked toward them. "They started in the 80's but they are still going on now. The reason I picked them is because they are a lot like you. Thirty years they have been performing and yet they haven't been recognized for that talent. They have been through ups and downs, break ups, band members leaving, one member not really being a role model."
Mike coughed, "Santana," causing most members to give a chuckle.
Santana chose to ignore him and Mr. Shue continued, "They started when they were about 13 and being so young they just went and signed any contract they got. They weren't thinking about the consequences of that. They signed saying they would only get 7% of ticket sales and only if it was a sold out concert. They did about 25 of their shows for free before they made anything. And it took them well into their 20's before they could get their mother's out of the ghetto. They finally wised up and took matters into their own hands and no they have a lot more money than they did before. So for this week I want you to pick a New Edition song and just let their music teach you something."
Everyone looked around at each other with smiles on their faces. Quinn turned to Santana, "I have the perfect song for you to do. We will start working on it after cheer today."
Santana just nodded as Mr. Shue continued, "Rachel, would you like to start us off?"
Rachel shook her head, "Not today Mr. Shue."
Finn stood, "Actually can I go Mr. Shue?"
Everyone groaned in protest but Mr. Shue let him go anyways, "Just let him."
Finn went to the front and looked at Rachel, "I know that you said that you didn't want to get back together but I thought I would give it one more chance." He called Mike and Blaine up to help to which they agreed but only because they said they loved the band.
Finn looked at her as 'Mr. Telephone Man' started. Finn's voice more prominent as Blaine and Puck sang in the background, "Mr. Telephone Man. There's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time. Mr. Telephone Man, there's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time."
The two boys danced around Finn as he continued alone, "When I dial 611, computer service, she said, 'Hello, may I help you please?' I told her something must be wrong with my phone 'cause my baby wouldn't hang up on me."
Finn did a small dance with the other two as they joined in again, "Mr. Telephone Man. There's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time. Mr. Telephone Man, there's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time."
Blaine continued on as he looked at Kurt with a smile, "She let the phone ring 20 times before she answered. Let me tell you what happened then. A minute later I got the operator saying please hang up and place your call again. Baby!"
All three sang again with Finn as the more prominent one, "Mr. Telephone Man. There's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time." Blaine and Mike sang the line again while Finn sang, "I try to dial her number, I get a click every time."
Finn sang with Mike and Blaine in the background, "Some strange man is on the telephone. (On the telephone). He keeps telling me my baby ain't home. (That she's not home)." Blaine came on, "She got no party line. Situation blowing my mind!" Then Finn, "Oh, I just can't take this anymore!"
Mike continued on, "Please operator, see what you can do. I dialed the right number but I still couldn't get through. Could you just check the line just one more time if you can? I'm pretty sure her phone wouldn't be answered by no man."
They went to the chorus again, "Mr. Telephone Man. There's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time. Mr. Telephone Man, there's something wrong with my line. When I dial my baby's number, I get a click every time."
Finn sang, "Must be a bad connection. I give her my love and affection. (Awe sugar) I just can't take this no more! This situation is blowing my mind. Can't get my baby on the line! I tried dialing information (Mr. Telephone Man) I can't get no cooperation (Mr. Telephone Man). The system on the phone, telling me my baby ain't at home. Ah… I… I just can't take it anymore. Help me out. Please Mr. Telephone Man. Help me out. Please Mr. Telephone Man."
Rachel stood and walked up to him as everyone stared, "Finn…" She sighed and shook her head, "Please stop doing this. It makes me feel worse every time I tell you no, but the answer will always be no. I'm sorry Finn."
"There is nothing I can say this time?" Finn looked at her. Rachel shook her head and Finn nodded, "OK, I'll stop."
When he sat down, Rachel turned to Mr. Shue, "I think I have a song now."
Mr. Shue nodded, "Go ahead Rachel."
Rachel bit her lip and looked down as 'Cool It Now' started. Kurt, Mercedes, and Rory stood to help her out as she started. They danced but she just stood there, "Everybody's saying, seeing things without knowing that life brings a change and they've been checking all the signs (Checking all the signs). My friends say I'm love sick cause I… all I keep thinking about is her in my arms. (Gotta see what loves all about) and I won't be the same, until she is mine friends keep telling me to…"
The other three joined in, "(Cool it now). You've got to cool it now (Ooh, watch out). You're gonna lose control. (Cool it now) You've got to slow it down (Slow it down). You're gonna fall in love. Every day I walk her home from school and she tells me how she really feels. And there is no doubt in my mind that this girl is one of a kind. Ohh. 'Cause all I keep thinking about is her, in my arms. (Gotta see what loves all about) and I won't be the same, until she is mine. Friends keep telling me to (cool it now). You've got to cool it now (Ooh, watch out). You're gonna lose control. (Cool it now) You've got to slow it down (Slow it down). You're gonna fall in love. (Cool it now) You gotta cool it now (Ooh watch out). You're gonna lose control. (Cool it now) You've got to slow it down (Slow it down). You're gonna fall in love. All I keep thinking about is her in my arms. (Gotta see what loves all about) and I won't be the same, until you are mine friends keep telling me…"
Kurt went first, "When you got a girl who takes her time, you must slow the pace, you can't mess with her mind."
Mercedes went next, "If she feels the same, she'll let you know. Just prepare yourself or be ready to go. And I hope this message stays on your mind. Cause you almost lost a girl who is right on time."
Then it was Rory, "There is just one more thing that you got to know, just cool it down and stay in control."
Rachel started again, "(Cool it now). You've got to cool it now (Ooh, watch out). You're gonna lose control. (Cool it now) You've got to slow it down (Slow it down). You're gonna fall in love." There was a small music break and the three danced, Rachel not feeling like dancing. Then she started again, "All I keep thinking about is her in my arms. (Gotta see what loves all about) and I won't be the same, until you are mine. Oh, listen to me let me tell you…"
Everyone stared at Rachel as she turned to the three behind her. This was the first time she was going to rap, "Why are you all coming down on me? Tryin' to tell me how my life is supposed to be. I know you're only trying to help me out. Tryin' to show me what life is really about but this time I'm going to make it on my own. So why don't you fellaz just leave me alone? Kurt, 'Cedes, Rory, and Rachel. If I like a girl who cares who you like?"
The three back-ups sang, "Cool it now. Ooh watch out. Cool it now, slow it down. Cool it now. Ooh watch out. Cool it now, slow it down. Cool it now ooh watch out. (Cause you're gonna lose control). Cool it now (You've got to slow it down) slow it down. (You're gonna fall in love). Cool it now."
Then it was just Rachel, "Cool it now. Slow it down. You're gonna lose control. (Cool it now) You've got to slow it down (slow it down). You're gonna fall in love. Cool it down. Slow it down. Cause you're lose control. (Cool it now.) You've got to slow it down (slow it down). (Cool it now, Ooh watch out. Cool it now, slow it down)."
Rachel looked at everyone as the song ended, "Yes I am bisexual and I would prefer that fact to stay between all of us please. I don't want people to know yet." With that she left, leaving everyone to start talking to each other.
Quinn looked at Santana, "You really did mess up. We need to get started on that song."
"Yeah, I know," Santana looked at Quinn and sighed. "Let's go."
I know that I am a day late, but I had a busy day yesterday, I guess that's what happens when you hang out with drama friends (us drama kids are giant weirdos) so I hope the fact that this is longer will save me this time. I promise that the next chapter will be about 6,000 words just to make it up to you. Anyways this chapter is 'Cool it Now' by New Edition.