Disclaimer: If I had owned Glee, its characters or the used songs I wouldn't be still living in the Netherlands and Glee wouldn't have ended.
Special thanks to all of you who are still following this story for your patience.
English still isn't my native language. For that I have jenmer61977 as my amazing beta.
A.N.: I'm changing things up a bit to make it fit better for what I have in mind later on in the story.
Previously on Into the Fire:
After they all take a moment to calm down Emily breaks the silence. "OK, now that we have Rachel here, we might as well discuss the new developments."
"There are new threats aren't there?" Rachel asks.
"Yes," Emily sighs.
The singer closes her eyes while she lets herself fall against the back of the couch she's sitting on, then asks after a few moments, "Do we have to wait to leave until they make a move?"
"I know you're scared Hummingbird, but waiting will be for the best," her aunt places her hand on her niece's knee. "To be honest we don't know what they'll do if you leave now. The only thing we do know is that up until your house they only set fires to houses of gay couples and clinics when they knew nobody would be there. Maybe killing your fathers was an accident or these people are upping their game or maybe both. Seeing that your moms are now also receiving threats we're expecting the latter. At this point we have absolutely no idea who they are or how well equipped they are but if they think they succeeded in killing you they don't have any reason to look for you any further. Which means once you're out of town and the dust is settled down, we can transfer all your assets into accounts in your new name and it will be as if someone inherited it all."
"But Nana and Zayde are in Florida and you are my only family left, wouldn't it look suspicious if any of you don't inherit all of it?" Rachel narrows her eyes.
Emily shakes her head smiling. "Nope, in this case I'm only second in line for your inheritance. You have two aunts and a cousin living just outside of Burleson, Texas." She says with a wink. They will inherit everything you own." All three women look at her stunned.
"That will raise a storm of questions with Noah and Santana, they know we don't have family in Texas. We were there only a few weeks ago and they know me well enough to know that if I had any family there, I would have visited them," the smallest brunette protests.
"I'll deal with them when the time comes," The agent reassures her niece. "Now, what do you want to do with the houses when shit hits the fan?" She looks at her niece and best friend.
"Sell them," Rachel states firmly. "As a matter of fact, put dad and daddy's house or what's left of it on the market now. Also I'd like to talk to Mami about leaving some money to Deborah and a college trust for Santana, Noah and Rebeccah."
"Are you sure about selling the houses Rae?" Shelby asks uncertainly.
"Can I speak freely?" The girl looks at the agent who nods and shows her the scrambler. "Yes, I'm sure. Even if the FBI catch the perpetrators who killed dad and daddy and will be forcing us to leave the only home I ever knew, I don't ever want to come back to this godforsaken bigoted town. As for the money for Mama D., she is struggling enough as it is. I just want to give her some air so she can stop working so much and be there for Noah and Rebeccah. God knows Noah's going to need it when shit hits the fan as Em said it so femininely."
"Okay," Shelby holds up her hands indicating she agrees with her daughter. "Normally I don't condone skipping school but how about we go to what's left of Hiram and Leroy's house and see if there is anything that can be salvaged and after we retreat to the cellar we'll write a letter which can serve as your living will. Em can make sure that it ends up with our lawyer."
"I will, is Maribel Lopez still the family lawyer?" At Shelby's nod Emily continues. "The first threats were saying something along the lines of 'the faggots will burn' so I advised Leroy to bring everything important like birth certificates and photographs to safety."
"Ah, that's why he asked me to store a few boxes at our house," when she sees the questioning looks from the others Shelby starts to explain. "A few weeks before the fire Leroy came to the house saying that they were remodeling their office and basement and asked if we could store some boxes for them. He was very persistent that I under no circumstance keep them in the house. I didn't think anything of it so I told him he could put them in the storage attic above the studio."
"In that case I'd say let's go check what's in those boxes," Rachel says relieved that she wouldn't have to go over to the house. "Let me text Noah and Santana about what happened here with Mr. Shue and that I won't be here for the rest of the day."
After receiving a text back to take care of herself they leave the school. Once at home they head to the studio to take the boxes Leroy had stored there down, finding out Hiram and Leroy had put all their photographs on DVD's and had secured all their important paperwork regarding the firm, the foundation, all of their investments, bank information up until a few days before their deaths and Rachel's trophies and birth certificate. After putting everything back in the boxes and filling a few more with the personal stuff that can't be replaced they already packed, they brought them underground to Emily's car so when the time came, she could mail everything to the women's new address. When Emily left to do some work Shelby and Rachel wrote a letter for Emily with instructions what to do for Deborah, Noah, Santana and Rebeccah, putting it in Rachel's bag when it was done.
From the moment Rachel steps foot in school the next day, whenever she is alone she is being harassed by the Glee members to come back to New Directions with the hope that if they could convince her to come back the other three would follow. But every time they approached her, before they could speak, she simply wordlessly walked away. Even Mr. Shuester tried to hold her back after homeroom but before he could say anything she reminded him of their altercation the previous day and that her mothers didn't make empty threats. Due to the fact that the other three have their practice and have to look after their siblings after school it isn't until the next day that they are sitting at Rachel's kitchen table doing their homework and discussing the new glee club.
"How far are you guys on starting that new glee club?" Shelby asks, walking into the kitchen with Sue.
Rachel rolls her eyes when the other three look at her. "I already signed up around ten sponsors. One of which is Quick As A Wink Printing Company who will be supplying us with apparel, like jackets and hoodies and work-out clothes such as sweatpants, sweatshirts and T-shirts for rehearsals with the logo and our names just like the sports teams have, for free. They also will be making a financial donation every year. As well as a travel agency who will take care of all our travel arrangements for out of town competitions like transportation and hotels if needed with a twenty five percent discount. Because they're a small business the discount was all they could contribute. Together with the portion of the Cheerios budget mama promised us and an anonymous donation from me personally we have a budget of approximately $50,000 lined up. The only thing for us left to do is to come up with a name and register with the Show Choir Board."
"Wow," Shelby breathes in shock and in awe. "Well then, the only thing you have to do is to come up with a name. I took the liberty of registering you with the board. This," she slides an envelope over the table to her daughter. "Came in the mail this morning. It contains a letter with the theme of this years' competitions along with the requirements and the new rulebook. Read it thoroughly, I think you will like the new rules we added and the theme for this year."
"You mean the board doesn't send out the theme and requirements a week before competitions," Brittany asks confused.
"Of course not," Shelby answers. "How do you think the other show choirs were able to come well-rehearsed to your competitions? The board has been sending out the themes for all competitions at the beginning of the year so they could come up with set lists and rehearse them to perfection. Mr. Shuester should have received theirs last week. I still have no idea why the little weasel chooses to keep you guys in the dark until a week before competition. We did make a few changes."
"What changes?" Noah wants to know.
Shelby smirks, knowing the changes they made will give these kids, even without Rachel, a huge advantage. "Well, the first change is that each show choir must show musicianship. Meaning that they either use original songs and/or play the music themselves instead of using the instrumental version. Second, where there used to be three different themes. For this year we chose one theme for all competitions, having a different sub-theme for each level. Which sub-theme you choose with which competition is up to you. Third and last. All choirs are required to hand in their setlists, containing 4 songs, for all competitions a week before their first competition. At the competition you will perform 3 songs, the fourth is a backup in case another choir sings the same song or if you want to change things up a bit. The theme and sub-themes are all mentioned in the letter."
She lets this sink in for a moment before she continues. "Because you are new to the circuit you'll need to hold an invitational before the board, preferably with an audience. This will just be a formality. Your invitational will be the qualifying round for Nationals. If there are no new choirs qualified for Nationals you'll automatically be placed for Nationals itself. Nationals will consist of a quarter final and a semifinal spread over five days where you will perform your setlists from Sectionals and Regionals. The sixth and final day is for the final where you will perform a whole new setlist.
"Mom, could you give us a heads up about some of the changes you made to the rules?" Rachel asks.
Shelby shakes her head, "I already gave you more than any other choir would get. For the new rules you'll have to read the book. I did however highlight some of the important ones in this particular one." Sliding a rulebook towards her daughter.
"I guess you took our cheerleading Nationals as an example. I really like this setup. But Rae, how are we going to get the word out that there's a new glee club and get people to audition?" Santana asks.
After a few moments Rachel smirks mischievously. "How about we try something Loser Directions could only dream of doing unless it is mandatory?"
All three including Sue and Shelby look at her confused. "What do you mean?" Santana asks.
"With the Loser Directions we only managed to fill the auditorium whenever there was an assembly of some sorts, and even then people would try to leave before we even started or during the performance," She pauses to see the other three nodding. "I think that there are more than enough students in that school who play an instrument or sing. Because I highly doubt that the music school can run solely on the lessons we're taking. My best bet, the reason as to why nobody wanted to join the glee club lies with Mr. Shuester."
When she sees realization set in with her best friends she continues. "How about instead of having a jam session here in the studio after school, we move that to the auditorium on let's say a Friday afternoon before classes let out and leave the doors open so everybody can hear us play and hopefully become curious enough to walk in. Or, we could hook up the sound system to the PA system so we can be heard through the whole school to draw them out to the auditorium." She looks at Sue to see if that would be possible who just nods with a smirk similar to the one the tiny brunette just wore.
"Rae, that's genius," Santana exclaims. "But what would we play?"
Noah, who had opened the envelope Shelby had given them while they were talking, says excited. "Our favorite type of music is country music, right?" When they nod with a look of uncertainty he grins. "We've been singing and playing it since we knew how and if I say so myself. We're pretty good at it, right?" This time he looks at Sue and Shelby, who both nod. "I also know for a fact that most of the kids at school love country as much as we do. Hell, the whole town does. Well, our luck is that our fairy godmother at the show choir board made it the theme of this years' competitions and Nationals are being held right in the heart of country music at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. So how about we show the flock that Rae isn't the Broadway diva they all think she is at all, and throw in some country music. Between the four of us we already meet with the requirements of showing musicianship by playing instruments."
"Uhm, if you're counting on me playing the drums, don't." Britt interrupts. "Playing the drums in our jam sessions while in Rae's studio is one thing, but I'm not comfortable enough to play for an audience." She looks uncertain at her friends. "Besides, I know someone who's a much better drummer than I am."
Rachel, being the first realizing who the blonde is referring to, starts nodding slowly. "No offense to your skills Britt, which are very good, but you're right. I have heard him play when he thought nobody was in the school anymore and he is phenomenal. He even can do something Hudson still can't seem to manage after a year in Glee club, namely drum and sing at the same time. We all know he has his own set at home and my bet is that he has been keeping up and misses us as much as we miss him. At least I miss that big teddy bear."
"Are you sure about this, honey?" Sue doesn't look happy about it now that she realizes who the girls are talking about. "The boy has been bullying the whole student body the whole of last school year. Throwing kids in dumpsters and slushies in their faces."
"I know all too well what he's been doing," the tiny brunette admits. "I've been on the receiving end of most of those slushies. He is struggling and lashes out because of it."
"Oh come on Rae, we are teenagers for crying out loud. We're all struggling." Santana shouts.
"I know we're all struggling. But not like this." The brunette defends their former friend, looking meaningful at her parents. "He has his reasons to lash out the way he is and I have a feeling Fabray knows too because she's been riding his ass almost from the moment we started high school. I'm sure he will come back to us when he's ready to tell us what's been bothering him. Just promise me you will listen to him when he does."
After the others promise they'll listen to the boy she continues. "Now, if we are doing this, we are doing it right. San will play electric guitar and the banjo when needed, Noah acoustic and steel guitar when needed, Britt will do the dancing and I will take on the piano. To blow them completely away we'll throw in 'Hotel California' with Britt and me playing the guitar solo like we used to in our jam sessions when we were younger. If we want to throw in some country, we're going to need a violin player too. Britt, she won't say no to you, so why don't you ask Tina tomorrow to join us. Let's say a week from Friday. Just tell her we are holding a jam session for old times' sake in the auditorium and would love it if she would like to join us with the violin. I'll talk to Dave when I can catch him alone."
"There's no way in hell you're talking to him alone," both Noah and Santana protest as well as her mom.
"Yes I am." She says firmly. Upon seeing their unconvinced faces she sighs. "If we barge in there with the three of us, he'll just become defensive and walk away. He won't hurt me. He's always seen me as his little sister and I've seen the guilt and regret when he slushied me."
"I still don't like the idea of you alone with him in close quarters, sweetie," Shelby protests once more.
"I understand. How about this? There are cameras all over the school. What if mama watches, no listening, only watches our conversation from her office, together with Noah and San. That way he keeps his privacy and you're close enough to step in if necessary." The small brunette compromises to which her friends and mother agree.
The next day Rachel finds herself cornered by Kurt, Mercedes, Quinn and Finn several times again. That is until she finally had enough and threatened to throw them into something that would make the dumpsters look like child play. She was backuped by Santana threatening them that unless they wanted to smell like horseshit for a week they should leave the girl alone.
At lunch Britt tells them that Tina was in and that she even managed to convince Artie to join them on steel guitar. Now it was up to Rachel to get them a drummer.
Since there is no football practice and Glee never rehearses on Thursdays, the school is deserted sans those occupying her mama's office. As she approaches the choir room she can hear him drumming and singing his heart out.
The second she opens the door he tries to scramble away from the drums so fast he knocks over the stool he was sitting on.
"Relax Goliath, it's just me." She tries to calm him a bit by using the nickname she gave him because he was so much bigger than her, even when they were younger. "I'm happy to hear and see that you haven't given up on your drumming and singing. You sounded amazing."
"What are you doing here Man-Hands?" He replies aggressively.
"Actually, I came here to pick up my guitar before they figure out it's mine and decide to smash it against the risers." She holds up the guitar case she's carrying.
"Try again, Shorty." She smiles. It's been a while since she heard the nickname he and Noah came up with for her when they were around nine or ten and she was the smallest of their little group of six, coming from his mouth. "You could have done that during the day. And if you wanted to hear me play you would've stayed around the corner or in the shadows of the auditorium like you usually do."
"So you noticed huh? Damn, I tried to be as quiet as I could."
"You were, it's just that the light caught you one time so I've been paying attention more about my surroundings ever since. Thanks by the way, for not bugging me to join the Nude Erections." They both know he would have if she had tried though. Both him and Noah had never been able to say no to her or any of the girls for that matter. "So let me ask again. What are you doing here?"
"We were thinking of doing a little jam session like we used to do. Only this time here in the auditorium and would love it if you would like to join us on drums. You know, for old times' sake. We already asked Tina and she agreed."
"And T. bought that load of bullshit?" He eyes her suspiciously, shaking his head. "For old times' sake my ass. You're up to something. If it was just for old times you would use the studio in your barn instead of the auditorium. If you don't tell me the truth right now, you won't have a drummer in your little 'jam session'."
"You know me too well my dear friend. You're right. It won't be just a jam session." She smirks at him. "We're starting a new glee club. To get the word out that there is a new glee club that is not under the direction of Mr. Shuester we are holding a jam session, playing our favorite type of music, in the auditorium with the doors open and the sound system hooked up to the PA system a week from Friday in the hope to draw the student body out to the auditorium. Like I said to the others, I think that there are more than enough students who play an instrument or sing. Because I highly doubt that the music school can run solely on the lessons we're taking."
"Okay, I'm in. And maybe, if all goes well, I might even want to join your Little glee club." After hugging him tight she packs up her guitar and heads to the door.
But before she reaches it she turns to look at him knowingly. "And Dave. If you ever need someone to talk to. My mothers are always there for anyone who needs it and usually give excellent advice. Up until recently I would have offered my fathers but you know..." And with that said she is out the door. On her way to the parking lot she sends out a text to the rest that Dave is in and to meet her at her car.
The rest of the week is spent planning what to play at the 'jam session'.
That is until Friday night. After their traditional Friday night dinner, the Puckerman's leave around ten thirty. The minute they leave the three women start their nightly routine. After turning off the lights they retreat to the shelter where Rachel turns into bed, while Shelby and Sue drink a glass of wine before going to bed themselves.
Around two o'clock three dark figures carrying backpacks make their way towards the house, setting off the motion detectors Emily had set up around the property. The agent in the car standing in the parking lot in front of Sam's Club Gas station grabs the night vision goggles to make sure it wasn't a squirrel setting it off. Getting out his phone he dials a number and nudges the person beside him awake. "It's time." He says to his partner as well as to the person picking up the phone.
"How many and where did they come from?" comes from the other side of the line.
"Three came by foot from Applebee's. I don't know if they have a car somewhere stashed," the agent says after searching the mentioned spot.
"Good. Stay where you are and keep me posted," Emily answers already in motion to get dressed. Throwing on a sweater she makes another call.
"Shell, it's time." Emily says when the phone is picked up.
"Fuck," Shelby swears, hanging up she shakes Sue awake.
"Sue, wake up. We need to get dressed. It's time. I'll wake up Rae," still a bit groggy from sleep she gets out of bed to wake up Rachel.
Leave a review as a token of your appreciation, to let me know what you think and/or suggestions.