Hi everyone! Here is chapter 12. A lot of big things happen in this chapter. We finally get to see Rachel's opening night as well as everybody finding out about Finn's condition and what happened in Georgia. Also Puck has a bit of a meltdown towards his friends (deserved or not deserved you decide). I finally found a spot to include a quote from one of my all time favourite books turned into a movie, The Count of Monte Cristo (so yay for me!). Once again all the legal stuff belongs to Ryan Murphy & FOX except my characters. So please read, review, rewind, then read and review again…enjoy!
The morning light shone through the windows and basked the sated couple in a golden glow. Finn had been awake for a while and was just watching Rachel sleep. His heart would leap in his chest every time Rachel let out a small whimper or breath as she continued to sleep. She really was a goddess; a small brunette golden skinned Aphrodite. That was why as Finn continued to watch her sleep he couldn't get an old song out of his head by a band called Shocking Blue and the song was Venus…
A goddess on a mountain top
Was burning like a silver flame,
The summit of beauty and love,
And Venus was her name.
She's got it,
Yeah, baby, she's got it.
Well, I'm your Venus,
I'm your fire at your desire.
Well, I'm your Venus,
I'm your fire at your desire.
Her weapon were her crystal eyes
Making ev'ry man mad;
Black as a dark night she was,
Got what no one else had.
Wow!
This is what life was supposed to be. Waking up to the girl of his dreams every morning while the both of them live out their dreams in New York City. Finn never wanted that moment to end. He thought maybe he and Rachel could do a John Lennon and Yoko Ono and stage a Bed-In, whereas they could spend their days in bed.
Rachel eventually stirred from her slumber and took in her surroundings before she regained her coherency and realized she was in the bed and apartment of Finn Hudson.
"Good morning, beautiful!" Finn murmured to Rachel.
"Hey yourself handsome" Rachel sweetly replied back, as Finn leaned over to kiss her, to which she put her hand over her mouth and shook her head. "Finn…no…I haven't brushed my teeth."
Finn jus raised himself up on his elbow as he turned on his side to face Rachel and punctuated everything he said with a kiss in different places of her face. "I don't care! Kiss. I love your morning breath. Kiss. Your nose. Kiss. Hell I just love you…all of you!" and with that he Finn leaned in and kissed Rachel squarely on the lips, letting their tongues duel for dominance.
"Mmm! That was nice!" Rachel smiled stretching herself out. "But I should get ready, my fathers said they were going to be at the loft bright and early this morning!" explained Rachel as she started getting out of bed.
"Wait! I want you to hear a song I wrote for you!" Finn gently grabbed Rachel pulling her back down onto the bed.
"When did you write this song? I'm pretty sure we were pretty busy doing…other things most of the night." Rachel smirked.
"I wrote it this morning as I watched you sleep…that came out really creepy!" Finn and Rachel both laughed. "What I mean is you were just so beautiful, you inspired me to write a song. So stay right there and I'll get my guitar and I'll play it for you."
Finn jumped out of bed ignorant of the fact he was still as naked as the day he was born; which incidentally wasn't a fact that went unnoticed by Rachel as she happily stared lustfully at Finn's naked ass as he walked over to grab his guitar. If Rachel thought the view from behind Finn was magnificent then the view from the front as Finn walked back to the bed should be down right illegal it was so good.
Finn along with his guitar jumped back into bed but this time he hopped into the opposite end of the bed to Rachel. He let out a chuckle at the pout forming on Rachel's beautiful face to the fact Finn was all the way on the opposite side of the bed. Finn reached over and rubbed Rachel's leg under the blankets and said, "Don't worry Hummingbird! It's just while I sing you this song…then I'll be all over you like a cheap suit!"
"Well come on then Finny…Sing! Because I expect an epic cuddle session before I have to go."
As both of them sat up still naked in bed but with the blankets covering anything that mattered, Finn started strumming his guitar as he stared deep into Rachel's eyes…
Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day
I couldn't see the light
I didn't know day from night
I had no reason to care
But since you came along
I can face the dawn
Cause I know you'll be there
Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day
Finn could clearly tell that Rachel was feeling the song as she had her hand up to her face as tears were falling from those deep brown eyes of hers; he only hoped they were happy tears and not sad ones. This song was supposed to be a celebration of them as a couple.
I'll never worry
If it's raining outside
Cause in here with you girl
The sun always shines
Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day, yeah
A good morning beautiful...day
It was always a good morning and a beautiful day when he was with Rachel. It must've been the tether or something because all she had to do was be in the room and he could instantly feel better and more at ease. It was like they were able to feed off each other's energy to try and make the other feel better, like some weird twisted version of twin telepathy.
Good morning beautiful
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful
Good morning beautiful
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful day
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful
Finn finished playing his guitar as the song came to an end and before he could even put his guitar down Rachel was already on top of him. "I'm guessing that means you like the song?"
"Oh Finny! It was beautiful! I love you so much!" Rachel said as she continually kissed Finn with every thing she had.
"Right back at you, baby girl!" Finn told her returning her kisses with enthusiastic vigor.
Rachel gave a quick glance at Finn's bedside alarm clock and gave him a seductive look as she reached down and started stroking his already stiffening penis. "I think we have just enough time for a quickie before I have to go be the good daughter for when my dads arrive!"
"Then what's with all this talking? Let's get it on…" Finn growled as he did just that for another round of sweet lovemaking with the irresistible Rachel Berry.
Puck stood outside the door to Finn's apartment seriously hoping Rachel had gone home by now or at the very least was fully dressed. He had enough of walking in on Finn and Rachel getting busy. Puck put the key into the lock and opened the door and walked in.
"Hello I'm home! I hope everyone's dressed!" Puck called out as he rounded the corner into the living room. After not finding anyone Puck dropped his gear in his room before heading for the kitchen.
"Puck?" Finn called from his bedroom.
"In the kitchen!"
Finn came out of the bedroom and joined Puck in the kitchen, "Hey man! When did you get home?" Finn asked
"Just now. I'm surprised you're still walking. I thought after Berry was through with you, you'd be walking funny for at least a week!" Puck replied back as he got a bottle of water from the fridge and moved into the lounge room.
"Real funny Puck! Anyway I'm hopping in the shower." Finn replied back sarcastically as he went back into his room to get ready for his shower.
Puck had settled in on the couch watching the replay of the Ohio State and Notre Dame game from the other night when he saw Finn's phone he left on the coffee table ringing.
"Yo Finn bro! Your phone's ringing!" Puck called out to his friend but didn't get an answer as Finn was still in the shower.
Not wanting Finn to miss a call in case it was important Puck decided to answer Finn's phone for him. He put down his drink and reached across the coffee table and picked up the ringing phone. "Hello Finn Hudson's phone!"
"Hi yes this is Annabelle Lewis from the Oncology Department at Lennox Hill Hospital. I'm just ringing to see if Mr. Hudson has decided to confirm or reject his surgery time for this afternoon at four o'clock."
Puck was floored, Finn was supposed to be having surgery to remove his tumour and he didn't bother telling anyone. Holy hell! Today at four he couldn't possibly be that stupid as to postpone major surgery just to see Rachel on Broadway.
"Hello Sir are you there?"
Puck had completely forgot he was still on the line with someone, "Yeah sorry I'm still here. You know what, yes! Finn Hudson, will take that surgery spot for four o'clock this afternoon. Thank you so much!" Puck replied back to the person on the phone. He promised to look after his bro whether his bro liked it or not. Finn could hate him for the rest of his life for all he cared as long as Finn had just that a life.
Finn came back out into the living room just as Puck was putting the phone back down. Seeing Puck with a bottle of cold water, Finn decided to grab one for himself as well so he headed into the kitchen to grab one.
"Was that someone on the phone?" Finn called over his shoulder as he entered the kitchen.
"Yeah your phone rang so I answered it." Puck replied back trying to figure out how to broach this sensitive subject with his friend.
"Anything important?" Finn came back into the living room opening up his bottle of water.
"Yes actually! It was Lennox Hill confirming your appointment for this afternoon for surgery!" Puck saw Finn's face literally go white at the realisation the gig was up. "Were you going to tell anybody? Or were you going to stick your head in the sand and hope all this miraculously goes away?"
"I just couldn't do it today man! Any other day but not today! I can't miss her opening night it's too important!" Finn explained to his friend.
"So this is about her! Goddammit Finn this is your life where talking about!" Puck yelled at his delusional friend.
Don't Puck! What's the difference if I do it today or in a couple of days, huh? She's had one wish Puck…one fucking wish and that was to be on Broadway and for me to be there, front and center on opening night. Now I know I haven't always been the best friend, best boyfriend, best whatever but I have that elusive second, third hell fourth and fifth chance to get things right with Rachel. So if that means pushing back surgery for a couple of measly days, than so be it!"
"So that's it then! No conversation…no argument…nothing! Rachel just dictates your life once again!" a frustrated Puck starts pacing around the apartment.
"Rachel doesn't dictate anything! We're a couple Puck. Which means were a package deal! It's always going to be Finn and Rachel…Finchel, no more just Finn and no more just Rachel. Look I know your just looking out for me and there are no words to describe how much I appreciate your support. But it is what it is, Puck! We could sit here and yell and scream at each other or you could support me one last time. It's up to you but I got to head out and pick up my parents." Finn tried to explain to Puck his position before he grabbed his jacket and keys and gave his friend one last look before walking out the door.
Puck just sat there alone in the apartment venting at the stupidity of his friend. He couldn't believe he was putting his health…no his life on the line just to attend Berry's opening night. Puck wasn't having it…not on his watch! Ever since they became best bro's that fateful day in the park all those years ago they made a promise to always have each other's backs. So that was what Puck was going to do even if he had to pull out the big guns. Which is exactly what Puck was going to do! Puck pulled out his phone and with a smirk he started making some calls, he just hoped one day Finn would be able to forgive him.
The other guys had never seen Puck like this before ever. He was jus sitting out on the patio by himself staring out at the New York skyline. Puck had rang the rest of the guys to come over and he told them everything about how Finn was planning on skipping his surgery so he could attend Rachel's opening night. They had all agreed something needed to happen to change Finn's mind and the only thing that could stop a full steam ahead Hudson train was a diminutive brunette diva with killer vocals. That's why they had gone the drastic route of calling an emergency meeting of the Glee Club alumni who were all in New York for Rachel's opening night. To finally reveal the truth and get their backing in the planned intervention of Finn Hudson.
The former gleeks began arriving in drips and drabs as they were coming from all over the city. The first to arrive was Mike and Tina; Mike had caught a flight to Lima so he could meet up with Tina before going on to New York. Next to arrive was Artie who had caught a flight with Mr. and Mrs. Schue from Lima, Emma went straight to the hotel as she was tired from the flight and being pregnant; while Will and Artie carpooled together to Finn's apartment. Quinn arrived soon after having come over after getting off the train straight from Connecticut. Brittany and Mercedes showed up together after Mercedes had to show Britt how the subway system worked so she didn't end up in some unknown location lost in New York City. The last to arrive was the trio of Santana, Rachel and Kurt.
After a few moments of getting reacquainted with one another, Santana was the first to speak up. "So not that I don't enjoy a good Glee Club reunion but is there a reason why we were all summoned here?"
"Yes! Time is money people!" Kurt yelled. "We don't have time for a nice little sit down and chat! I have to get our little diva here ready for her Broadway debut!" exclaimed Kurt while impatiently tapping on his glass.
The guys were all looking at each other, as they didn't know what to say, especially as Puck was still not talking to anyone, as he was still isolated out on the patio. Blaine motioned for Sam to go and get Puck so this whole thing could get started which he did. Everyone in the room went silent when they saw Puck, gone was the usual jovial rambunctious guy they all knew and loved. In his place stood a clearly shaken and deep in thought individual who looked like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
"Are you okay Puck?" Quinn clearly concerned for her former boyfriend asked as she started rubbing his back with her hand. Quinn turned and asked someone to get Puck a glass of water.
The room fell into silence once again. Puck just hoped that what he was about to do was the right thing and that Finn would hopefully understand. He knew he was a pretty shitty friend to Finn but Finn was an inspiration to him. Finn was the one who showed him that he didn't have to be the version that society and the other delinquents in Lima, Ohio expected him to be. He's future was like a lump of clay and it was up to him to mold it and tend and care for it until he created something beautiful.
"As much as I like seeing you all again, we have to go Kurt. I need to start getting ready for tonight." Rachel stood up pulling Kurt along with her towards the front door.
"WAIT!" Rachel's hand froze on the doorknob as Puck's booming voice sounded out across the apartment. "We need to talk about Finn! He's in a bad way!"
Kurt and Rachel moved away from the door and back to where everyone was sitting. "What is it this time? Finn freaking out about Rachel becoming a star just like him. I mean it's classic Finn every time there's a change in his life he freaks out! He freaked out when no college picked him, freaked out when overlooked by the college football scouts. Freaked out when Rachel wanted to marry him instead of moving to New York, freaked out when Rachel dated Brody and stole away back to Lima in the dead of night instead of actually talking like a normal human being. Do I need to go on? Really this is starting to get tiring we all can't just stop every time Finn get's freaked out! I mean…"
Kurt was interrupted by Puck flinging his glass against the wall shattering it into a million pieces as the shocked group watched the remnants of the water drip down the wall.
"What the hell Puckerman!" shouted Kurt.
Puck slowly stood up from the couch and had a look on his face that nobody had ever seen before. His hands were clenched by his side as he levelled that deadly stare at Kurt. Who seemed to get the message as he nervously sat back down.
"Shut your fucking mouth Kurt before I shut it for you! I made a promise to myself that my bullying days were over, but for you I'll make an exception. So just sit down before I sit you down!" Puck said with immense venom in his voice.
"I tell you Finn, your fucking brother is in a bad way, and the first thing you do is belittle his problems and make fun of his insecurities!" Puck bellowed at Kurt.
"Now Noah I don't think that's what Kurt meant!" Rachel interrupted.
"Not what he meant…then what the fuck did he mean Rachel? Huh! Because from where I'm standing Kurt as usual was just thinking about himself, just like you!" Puck boomed back pointing at Rachel.
Mr. Schue tried to get Puck to sit back down but he just shrugged him off as he continued to stand in the middle of the Glee Club. "All he wanted was to see you happy, yet that's not good enough for you is it Rachel! No! You have to prove how better off you are without Finn…well guess what Princess…YOUR NOT! As for you Hummel he needed you…like really needed you and where the fuck, were you? Oh! That's right where you always are following Berry around everyone else be damned! Finn needed his brother for support yet you couldn't care less. How many times did he support you Kurt, huh? How many times did he protect you during high school? The one time he actually needs something in return your all M.I.A.," yelled Puck pointing at everyone in the room.
Kurt having enough of Puck yelling at him stood up and yelled back, "Please Puck! You were the worst one out of all of us to Finn. How many girlfriends of your supposed best friend did you cheat with, huh?"
"Your absolutely right Kurt. I'm an asshole! A complete asshole! I more then anyone in this room have sins I need to be forgiven for. That is why I vowed to be there, for Finn whenever he needed me, to have his back no matter what! To look out for my bro and his best interests even if he didn't like it!" Puck told Kurt and everyone else in the room.
"What's going on Noah? What's wrong with Finn? You're scaring me!" Rachel asked starting to get emotional.
"Finn needs surgery okay! Yet he has decided not to get it done because it would mean missing Berry's opening night!" Puck explained to his friends.
"Noah, what do you mean Finn needs surgery?" Rachel raised her voice now getting really emotional.
"He needs surgery to remove a tumour on his brain. It's pressing on certain parts of his brain that have been causing him to have migraines, memory loss and occasional loss of motor skills down one side of his body." Puck explained as he sat down on one of the chairs.
While everyone was trying to process the information dropped on them by Puck, Bitt was the first to speak up. "Was that why Finn couldn't remember me in LA?" to which Puck just silently nodded.
"Oh My God! Why wouldn't Finn tell me? I'm his brother for God's sake!" Kurt asked to no one in particular.
"He tried but New York City Kurt was too busy living it up to care about all the Lima Losers he left behind…including his brother!" snapped Puck.
"That's not fair Puck and what do you mean he tried?" Kurt asked back.
"He tried to ring you multiple times yet you never answered and when you did you would berate him about how he treated Rachel!"
"Oh My God!" Kurt remembered an emotional phone call he got from Finn that he just blew off…
The sound of his phone ringing diverted Kurt's attention from the work he was trying to complete for Isabelle. Hoping it wasn't some stupid telemarketer as he had zero time and zero patients for someone trying to sell him something he didn't need or want.
"Hello!"
"Hey Kurt, it's me…Finn!" Kurt was a bit taken aback not about getting a call from his brother, but from the sound of things Finn was worried about something.
"Finn! What's going on?"
"How's New York? I bet your already leaving your mark on that city, huh! Just like Rachel. That city isn't going to know what hit it when she's done leaving her mark." Finn rambled on totally ignoring his brother's question.
"Finn what is this about? You already know I'm interning at and you also know perfectly well what Rachel's doing. Is that why you're ringing because you suddenly grew a conscious and realized you were being an idiot! Well guess what Finn! You made your bed now you have to lie in it. Seriously you think throwing someone on a train on their wedding day is going to get you boyfriend of the year? Give her time Finn and let her become the star that you were so sure she was going to become." Kurt retorted back to his brother and he couldn't be quite sure but it almost sounded like Finn was crying.
"I'm sorry okay! I know I could've handled the whole situation better and I have to live with that for however long I have left…" Kurt thought to himself how strange it was that Finn who was in the prime years of his life expressed himself that way. "But I just need to hear her voice Kurt…I just need to talk to her!"
"Finn…I'm sorry I really am. But I think it's better if you two don't talk for a while just until everyone's emotions have calmed down. Plus I think if you actually wanted to try and fix things you need to actually find your place in society Finn; you can't coast through life forever."
"Yeah well! That might not be a problem for too much longer." Finn answered back to his brother.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing! Just…whatever I have to go. Your going to be amazing at whatever it is you do Kurt! Just remember that okay!" Finn said rather cryptically.
"Okay? Thanks Finn…bye!"
…Holy crap he did really blow Finn off! He thought Finn was just a bit drunk or something and was regretting letting Rachel go. Now he felt absolutely awful instead of actually talking to his brother he just basically told him to get over himself and get a purpose in life.
There were murmurings from everyone around the room; they were all thinking the same thing. Why didn't Finn ask any of them for help? Finn had helped nearly all of them at some point in some form or another, yet when he needed help none of them were there.
"Poor Finn!" murmured Mr. Schue
"Yeah after Georgia we thought we were past all this!" Blaine said.
"Georgia? What happened in Georgia? Finn was in the army wasn't he?" a full on crying Rachel managed to whimper out.
Blaine and the rest of the guys all turned to Puck and said, "You might as well tell them the whole story now that they know!" to which Puck agreed.
"Fine! Finn went to Georgia to join the army. He enlisted in their Lima office and had to pass a medical in Georgia before starting basic training. It was during this medical that the army doctor discovered abnormalities and ordered more tests. Which uncovered that Finn had a sizeable tumour in his brain.
Seeing as I was floating around the place without a care in the world, when Finn rang me I headed straight to Georgia. But seeing as I had to pick some stuff up for him in Lima first, I ran into Sam who was still staying at the Hudson casa and Blaine who was there as well; and they decided to come with me to see Finn. When we had arrived in Georgia Finn had been relegated to the Army Hospital there and was subjected to a month of chemo.
So the guys and I spent our days sitting with Finn as he received his chemo. One us stayed over night with Finn while the others got some rest. It was after that the doctors decided the best course of action would be to remove it surgically. After recovering fully from his surgery, Finn decided he needed to tell Rachel about his medical issues and try and get her back for good. So he went to New York to Kurt and Rachel's apartment, and what's the first thing he sees Rachel and Donkey face making out. That's also why he made up the story about shooting himself and getting kicked out of the army. It shows what you all think of him if you all believed that lame ass story. So forgive him if he didn't exactly want to sit down with you and your boy-toy and talk about his tumour!
They managed to get all of it or so we thought. But recently just before we started the band and before we left Lima for New York. Finn started experiencing migraines, bloody noses and the same symptoms again, which takes us to the present.
The close-knit group discussed ways to convince Finn to do the surgery. They all agreed they couldn't let Finn know that they knew about his condition otherwise he would smell the plan from a mile off. Puck and Rachel finally formalised a plan where Rachel would take Finn to the hospital on the way to her opening night. Where at the hospital Rachel would offload Finn to Puck and Carole and most likely Burt. Everyone else would attend Rachel's opening night and then afterwards all congregate at the hospital to wait for news of Finn.
The private room in the restaurant was extremely loud and busy. Considering it was full of friends, parents and former teachers who hadn't seen each other in a really long time; one could understand the why it was busy and the noise level. Finn looked around the room and saw Rachel's dads talking to Puck, Mr. Schue deep in conversation with Burt. His mum asking every question under the sun to Eleanor while Rachel, Quinn and Emma were talking about the ins and outs of pregnancy. Sam was asking Blaine if he styled his hair just right if he would look like Neil Patrick Harris. Mike and Tina were having an in depth discussion about something with Artie while at the other end of the table Britt was regaling Santana and Dani with tales of Lord Tubbington's new job as a phone sex operator.
The scene playing out in front of him made his heart leap with joy. Seeing everyone he cared about in the one room conversing and having fun, it couldn't get any better. The only downside of the day being the weirdness with Rachel, ever since she came back from wherever it was she went with Kurt. She had become super clingy, sticking by his side no matter where he went. Finn didn't mind that one bit because he loved having Rachel cuddled into his side but he knew something was bothering her he just didn't know what.
"So Finn my boy! Rachela tells us you're a big shot Record Executive now!" Leroy Berry called out to Finn.
Finn just blushed as he squeezed Rachel's hand that he had been holding under the table. "I don't know about big shot. But I've managed to hold my own."
"Oh! Stop being so humble Finny! Daddy did you know Finn's already written half a dozen hit songs?" Rachel proudly told her fathers as she lovingly stroked his arm.
"Really?" Hiram answered his daughter with a large smirk on his face amused at the blatant gushing of his daughter over Finn.
"Yes really! He also along with the guys are going to release their own album!" gushed Rachel.
"Wow! Sounds like your going to be super busy Finn. But since it sounds like your expert in the music department Leroy and I would love to hear your feedback on our musical number." Spoke Hiram.
"Musical number? What are you talking about daddy?" questioned a confused Rachel.
This time it was Leroy who spoke up to answer his daughter gaining the attention of the rest of the room as well. "You didn't think your father and I would seriously let the opportunity of our daughter's first night on Broadway slip by without a song…did you? We have the perfect one picked out considering your doing Funny Girl we thought why not do a song from Funny Girl."
"You said it, Leroy! Now hit it!" Hiram yelled out as music from some unknown location started playing throughout the room. Rachel's fathers jumped out of their seats and onto the small makeshift stage at one end of the room. Knowing they had everyone's attention particularly their daughter's they started the song…
Hiram:
Leroy, the Ziegfeld Follies!
Now she belongs to the ages!
My work is done,
My work is done,
Leroy:
Our work is done,
She doesn't need us,
She'll have cake,
We'll have crumbs.
Be careful of the stage door,
Here she comes, here she comes.
Hello,
Fanny, hello.
Hiram:
Hello, Fanny-it's me-Daddy.
What do you mean-Daddy who?
Leroy:
It's good to see her . . . from afar,
Hiram:
I lost a daughter but I gained a star.
Everyone was clearly enjoying the witty interplay between Hiram and Leroy Berry who were working the small stage like pros. It was clear to see for all who witnessed the performance where Rachel got her talent and showmanship.
Leroy:
That's Broadway!
And
Who taught her ev'rything she knows?
I taught her ev'rything she knows-
She sings like a bird-
(Whistles)
Yes, indeed!
But who used to stand there
And feed her the seed?
Who taught her how to pick her clothes?
Hiram:
Leroy, that I did.
Leroy:
Yeah, but who taught her her how to tap her toes?
But will she admit it?
Kid, you said it.
They all forget they know ya
When it comes to credit.
Tell me have you ever seen her take this pose?
I taught her ev'rything-
How to hoof,
And how to sing,
I taught her ev'rything she knows.
Hiram:
Wait, Leroy-she'll blame us yet.
Who taught her ev'rything she knows?
Leroy:
Let me hear it, Rosie.
Hiram:
I taught her ev'rything she knows.
Leroy:
Ain't it the truth!
Hiram:
That mischievous smile,
The devil may care,
You don't pull
Such mannerisms
Out of the air.
The men who are older might prefer
The original manufactur-er.
Hiram/Leroy:
It hurts me to say it,
But why not be fair-
When you see her on the stage
You're seein' me there.
Hiram:
She still has trouble executin' one of those,
Leroy:
If they could have paid the price,
They'd have hired Rosie Brice,
Hiram:
Who stands after every show
Sellin' matches in the snow.
Leroy:
But in the world of grease paint,
That's the way it goes.
Hiram/Leroy:
We taught her everything-
How to hoof and how to sing,
We taught her how to wack
A joke from here to Hackensack-ya, ha, ha, ha!
We taught her everything,
We taught her ev'rything she knows.
The song came to an end with everyone giving the dads Berry a standing ovation, and accolades over the song choice. Everyone settled back down and returned to their respective meals. The rest of the dinner was spent catching up and reliving old times.
Eventually the time came where Rachel had to depart for the theatre, so she stood and thanked everyone for coming to see her and for making this day so special already. After leaving instructions for how to pick up everyone's tickets with her father's she walked out to the street to wait for Finn.
But not before sharing a conspiratorial glance with Puck. Both of them hoping that what they were about to do was the right thing to do. Rachel said a little prayer that Finn would understand they had his best interests at heart. She didn't want to lose him seeing as she only just got him back and the plan was to be together forever; and as much as these last few weeks had been magical and the happiest of her entire life they just weren't going to cut it. Rachel Berry asked for forever and that's exactly what she planned on getting.
Finn met Rachel out on the street and gave her a quick hug while he kissed her forehead. The couple stood motionless lost in their mutual embrace oblivious to the outside world, letting their heartbeats beat in sync. The sound of the town car pulling up brought the couple back to reality as Finn helped Rachel into the car.
"Are you okay, baby?" a concerned Finn asked Rachel the question he'd been dying to ask all night.
"I'm fine Finn really." Rachel assured her boyfriend while giving him a sweet kiss on the lips.
"Okay if you're sure your fine. But you would tell me if you weren't though…right?"
"Definitely" Rachel turned and looked out of the car window as the driver pulled the into the busy New York City traffic. She prayed that Finn would forgive her for her little white lie as now they were literally speeding towards a showdown. A showdown that hopefully will go really smoothly but will most likely end in tears for all involved, which really left Rachel wishing she was in a time machine rather than a town car.
The car came to a stop as the driver pulled over to the side of the road. It was now or never for Rachel to put her plan into motion. She was hoping for the never part, but luck never seems to be on her side so she'll just have to suck it up and get the ball rolling.
Finn looked out the window in confusion; this wasn't the theatre where Rachel's musical was being held. Then he noticed the sign in big red neon letters that read, Lennox Hill Oncology Department. That was when Finn just looked over at Rachel and noticed she was crying her eyes out as she looked back at him.
"Puck told you didn't he?" Finn asked even though it was obvious what the answer was. All Rachel could do was nod her head in reply to Finn's question.
"So what is this then? Is this your version of me putting you on the train?" Finn asked getting emotional himself.
Rachel moved over and grabbed Finn's hands and put them in her lap, "No Finn! Today I'm making an executive decision for us as a couple. Which is exactly what you did when you put me on that train. You made an executive decision for the both of us that day, because you could see what I couldn't. Somewhere along the way I lost sight of my dreams and me…but you never did, you were always the first person to tell me to keep striving so I could reach my dream.
Now you have to let me do the same, you have to let me tell you it's okay to let go and get yourself right first. Or was everything you told me about us being right by ourselves first just crap. Finn I want forever with you…do you want forever with me?" Rachel asked Finn through her waterfall of tears.
"Of course I want forever with you Rachel! If it was possible I would sign up for forever and then some." Finn vehemently replied back.
"Then go inside and get the operation done." Rachel said plainly while running her hand down the side of his face.
"But what about your opening night?"
"Finn I plan on being on Broadway for a long, long time and the beauty of that is, that means there will be hundreds of opening nights for you to attend. Also just a head's up I plan on getting you to watch so many of my performances of Funny Girl you would be able to perform the entire musical in your sleep. So you can tell me honestly if my performance is slipping in any way, and none of this being conservative because you're my boyfriend crap either. You need to tell me honestly what you feel about each performance, because I don't want to get complacent Finn this is my dream and I intend to make it my life!"
"Yes Ma'am!" Finn said giving Rachel a small salute and a brief glance at the smile that makes her want to jump this man's bones right here, right now. "But I don't know if I can go through this alone again, Rachel!" the mood now once again highly emotional.
"You won't be alone because as soon as we walk through those doors, Puck and your mum are going to stay with you during surgery. As for me…I promise you Finn! I promise that the minute I'm allowed to leave after my performance is finished I will be there waiting by your side until you open your eyes."
"Great so my mum knows as well! If I don't die from the tumour I guess my mother will kill me." Finn tried to make a joke.
"Don't you dare Finn Hudson! Don't you dare joke about you dying; I wouldn't be able to live in a world where there was no Finn! As for your mother let's just say that she was of course shocked an angry that something like this was kept from her…"
Puck and Rachel met with Carole at a local coffee shop to tell her about Finn. Rachel had never seen Puck so scared before and when she asked he just said the Mama Hudson was more of a mother to him then his own mother a lot of the time. He always hated lying to Carole because she had a way of making a stern word or an angry look feel like the worst thing in the world.
Just then Carole entered the coffee shop and saw Puck and Rachel at one of the tables. "So why with all the secrecy?" Carole asked the two as she made herself comfortable in the booth and making a coffee order.
Rachel nudged Puck to get him speaking, "Umm! We need to tell you something, something I probably should of told you a long time ago."
"I swear Noah Puckerman! If the next words out of your mouth are you and Rachel are cheating on my Finny! Your both going to see how nasty a Mama Bear can be!" Carole sternly told the two while crossing her arms over her chest awaiting an answer.
"Eww, No! I'm not cheating with Noah! Mrs. Hummel, I love your son with my entire being. But what Noah has to say does involve Finn." Rachel replied back cringing a little at the thought of her and Noah.
"Well then I'm all ears…please continue Noah!" Carole said as she took some sips of her newly delivered coffee.
Puck proceeded to explain to Carole everything from Finn being initially diagnosed in Georgia and how he had some chemo and surgery. All the way up until now and how he was planning on skipping surgery to attend Rachel's opening night, as well as their plan to get him to do the surgery.
Carole just sat there letting every word Puck said to her sink in. She was like a duck on water. On the surface she looked calm and collected, but under the surface her emotions and thoughts were going a mile a minute. Before too long Puck had finished speaking and both he and Rachel were watching Carole for a reaction, but she just sat there…staring.
Just as Rachel was about to ask Carole if she was all right, Carole abruptly reached across the table and slapped Puck in the face. Puck sat there clutching at his stinging face as Carole got up and moved around to Puck's side of the table and engulfed him in a huge hug. Rachel was moved to tears as she watched the two of them hugging with tears streaming down both of their faces.
"Noah Puckerman I can't tell you how furious I am that you and that son of mine withheld this from me. But I also know both of your hearts were in the right place and even though your not technically my son, I consider you to be, just like I consider Rachel to be the daughter I never had. You both will come to realize when you become parents that a mother's love is an amazing thing. So when I say I'm angry and it will take me some time to fully let it all go especially when talking about my son, also know that I love you both and will protect you. There was something my beautiful late husband Christopher Hudson used to always say. Once a Hudson…always a Hudson and Hudson's look after their own; and you two definitely fit into the category of honoree Hudson's even though hopefully Rachel will one day be a full member of the Hudson clan."
It must've looked extremely weird to anyone looking in from the outside as the crying, hugging trio continued to just hug it out in the middle of the coffee shop as the world passed them by…
"Damn! My mum really slapped Puck? She must've really been pissed!" Finn said in wonder.
"Yeah well if I don't get you inside to your appointment, you'll see just how angry she can be for yourself!" Rachel said as she grabbed Finn's hand as they exited the car. They walked hand in hand towards the entrance to the hospital, both gaining support from the other just due to the close proximity of the other regardless of the fact not a word wasspoken.
Rachel checked Finn in at the Nurses station telling them what he was here for and followed their directions to the surgery waiting room. In the surgery waiting room Finn and Rachel walked in and found Puck and his mother waiting for them. Carole came over and gave Rachel a big hug and told her that they had it from here.
Rachel looked at Finn with even more tears pouring from her eyes, "You come back to me you hear me! You promised you'd always come back to me!"
Finn hugged the tiny brunette that had latched onto his heart all those years ago and never let go. "I can't make promises but I can tell you that you're my little hummingbird and that I'll always love you. Even when I was being an idiot and pretending that I didn't…it was an act because I always loved you even when I wasn't supposed to. I know you don't want to hear this but I need to say it. If anything should happen please find solace in the fact that I lived Rachel. I lived a life I was proud of…I lived a happy life because I met you. Because I was allowed to love you, care for you. Seeing your dreams become a reality and seeing the joy it brought to you…words can't describe the joy it brought to me watching you sing. Did I ever tell you why I call you my Hummingbird?"
Rachel just silently shook her head, as she couldn't get any words out due to her crying.
"Well part of it is that you have so much energy and just flutter around the place from project to project without getting tired like a Hummingbird. But also because every time I see you, you make my heart flutter in ways that are indescribable. Somehow Rachel Berry when I'm in your presence my heart beats faster and slower at the same time. You are an enigma…remember that and I hope I get to spend the rest of my life trying to figure you out." Finn said pulling Rachel into a passionate kiss.
The pair continued kissing until Carole had to gently remind her if she didn't leave now she would be late to her show. Rachel reached up and gave Finn one more kiss before leaving her man, her everything in the capable hands of his mother and best friend.
Everyone started shuffling into the theatre as the lights started flashing indicating the show was almost about to start. After grabbing their tickets as per the instructions given to them by Rachel, they all filed into the third row from the front. Leroy Berry was already crying and the show hadn't even started yet, testing Hiram's resolve as he tried to calm his husband down.
Meanwhile backstage Rachel was staring at herself in the mirror of her dressing room. She was looking for any changes she could see, but she couldn't see any. It was a weird feeling being minutes away from achieving your dream. She expected to feel…she didn't really know…different. But as she looked at herself in the mirror she still saw the same moon eyed girl from Lima, Ohio who wanted everything too much. I guess change is just one of those things that happen to you rather that a visible process witnessed by the individual, Rachel thought to herself.
Her emotions were all over the place at the moment, as on one hand she was freaking out because she was actually about to perform on a real Broadway stage. Yet at the same time part of her was also still back at the hospital with Finn, being his emotional rock in his time of need. But she knew she had to get her head in the game, to use a sporting reference…man Finn would be proud. Finn would want her to go out on that stage and be the very best she could be, which is exactly what she was going to do, not only for herself but for Finn as well.
One of the stagehands knocked on her door and told her it was time, which sent her emotions rocketing again. Rachel composed herself as much as she could before making her way to the stage to get in position for the opening number. It was now or never…and as the curtain rose revealing the pact theatre with every eye staring at her. She glanced at her father's and friends watching her sending her looks of hope and goodwill. She looked down and under a band on her hand was a folded up picture of her and Finn, which gave her the strength she needed and started the show.
Back at the hospital Finn had just finished getting prepped for surgery and was now dressed in one of those uncomfortable hospital gowns. Puck, his mother and Burt stood surrounding his bed as they awaited an orderly to come take him to the operating room.
The spotlight shone on Rachel as the music started playing as she looked out throughout the audience…
Who are you now,
Now that you're mine?
The orderly arrived and started to wheel Finn to the operating room. Carole and Puck walked alongside the bed as long as they could. But were stopped by a nurse as the orderly pushed Finn into one of the operating rooms. Puck and Carole made their way back to the waiting room to where Burt was. This was the bit they all hated…the waiting while their son and best friend was being operated on.
Are you something more
Than you were before?
Are you warmer in the rain,
Are you stronger for my touch,
Once Finn was fully under, the doctor started the procedure by delicately making a cut into Finn's newly shaven head. The nurses and doctors all shuffled around the operating room in a well rehearsed routine of grabbing implements the doctors needed as well as monitoring Finn's vitals.
Am I giving too little
By my lovin' you too much?
How is the view,
Sunny and green?
Finn awoke but he wasn't in the operating room or even the hospital, he was on the most beautiful sandy beach he had ever seen. He looked down and noticed the awful hospital gown he was wearing before was gone and in its place was a tailored white button up shirt tucked into white pants with no shoes. Finn flexed his toes, as they felt wonderful on the sandy beach. He reached up and ran a hand through his hair, which shocked him because only moments ago he had a shaved head in preparation for the surgery.
Wondering where the hell he could be he started walking up the beach. After only walking a short way Finn thought he saw something in the distance, so he took off running. Finn came to a sudden stop as he came up on the thing he saw in the distance. There in front of Finn was a park bench slap bang in the middle of the beach; and there sitting on this bench dressed in the exact same clothes as Finn was a man staring out at the ocean.
There was something about this man that Finn found extremely familiar. The man snapped Finn out of his internal thoughts by motioning for him to take a seat next to him on the bench. Finn sat down next to the man and for a while the two of them just stared out at the crashing waves.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" the man asking Finn a question, to which Finn could only nod, finally broke the silence. "Go ahead and ask your question Finn!"
For some strange reason Finn didn't seem to find it strange that this man knew who he was. "Am I in heaven?" Finn asked his strange new friend.
The man started laughing a laugh that felt like something was giving his very soul a giant warm hug. Before turning to Finn and giving him a very familiar lop sided smile that showcased his impressive dimples. "I'm afraid not Finn. This place is a…well I'm not really sure what this place is!" the man started rubbing the back of his neck while he chuckled just like Finn did when he was nervous. "Anyway this place is supposed to help people deal with trauma!"
"Is that why you're here?" Finn asked his new friend.
"It was many, many years ago. But now I'm here to help other's like you."
"Is this one of those things where you show me what life could be like and I have to decide if I live or die?" Finn said enthusiastically making the man laugh once again. For some reason Finn loved making this mysterious man laugh.
"Afraid not kiddo! But it's good to see kids in your generation haven't fully lost their imaginations."
"I wonder what Rach and my mum would think of this place?" Finn asked to no one in particular as he stared out once again to the vast ocean. He put his hand in his pocket and was surprised to find a picture. Finn had a picture of Carole, Burt, Kurt, Rachel and himself taken after they had spent Christmas day together. Finn showed the man the picture and said that's my family, my mother, stepdad, stepbrother and girlfriend.
The man took the picture from Finn and ran his finger over the picture of his mother and got a far away look in his eye. "Is she happy?"
"Who?" a puzzled Finn answered.
"Your mother…is she happy?" the man cryptically asked Finn.
When he asked that question it was like a light bulb went off in his head and he now knew exactly who this man was. "Don't worry Dad! She's happy but she still thinks about you all the time and Burt treats her really well."
Chris let out one of the famous Hudson smirks, "I didn't know if you would know who I was. I mean I only saw you a couple of times when you were a baby before I shipped off. I'm glad your mums happy and you better tell me if that Burt guy steps one foot out of line because I'll go all poltergeist on his ass." Finn's dad said in all seriousness.
"Will do Dad, will do! Is this actually real? I mean are you really sitting across from me right now?" Finn asked his dad.
"I'm whatever you want me to be Finn! Some people explain me as a figment of their imagination, others I'm their guardian angel. Whatever I am, I'm here to help you deal with the trauma of surgery." Chris Hudson explained to Finn. "That's my bad by the way. Great grandpa Hudson died of a brain tumour, so you get your family history of the disease from me…sorry bud! I should've been around to tell you that!"
"I don't blame you, you know…for not being around. I use to when I was little and I would see the kids going to ball games and doing different activities with their dads. Mum tried she really did! She taught me the ins and outs of a motor cause we never had enough money to afford to get it fixed by a professional so she taught me how to do it…"
"And who do you think taught her how to do it…huh kid? She was always hanging around the garage where I worked making up different things that were wrong with her little Volkswagen Beetle she used to have. She finally admitted she was purposely ripping stuff out of it until I managed to get the balls enough to ask her out. Man! Me and your mum sure did some fun and weird stuff in that car!" Chris said getting a weird smirk on his face and a far away look in his eye.
"Ewww!" Finn interrupted
"Which is obviously a story for another time!" Chris Hudson hurriedly snapped out of his memories.
"Are you proud of me, dad?" Finn nervously asked his father.
"Finn I can't describe how proud of you I am. You stepped up and became the man of the house when I wasn't around. Your heart and your kindness are truly inspirational. Don't you ever doubt my love or how proud of you I am Finn. You broke the mold in high school and followed your own path and it brought you that little brunette dynamo you call a girlfriend. She's a keeper that one Finn." Chris said getting emotional.
All of a sudden Finn found himself standing up again looking at his dad on the park bench. Finn could see his dad and the bench starting to slowly move away from him.
"Dad, what's going on?" asked Finn.
"Sorry son! It looks like our time is up and your going back to the real world." Chris explained to his son.
"No I don't want to leave you just yet!" Finn cried out, as his dad was getting further away.
"Them's the brakes kid! Don't worry when it's finally your time I'll be right here in the exact same spot waiting for you. But I want you to remember something Finn, something I should've been there to tell you…but I'll tell you now. Life is a storm, Finn. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Lima. Do your worst, for I will do mine! Then the fates will know you as we know you: Finn Hudson, the man!" and with that Christopher Hudson disappeared into the distance and Finn found himself once again in the darkness of sleep.
How do you compare it to
The views you've seen?
I know I am better, braver and surer too,
But you-are you now-
Who are you now?
Are you someone better for my love?
Rachel finished belting out the song as the curtain came down and she could finally call herself a Broadway performer. She went back out once again with her costars to bow to the appreciative crowd. The crowd was going wild they gave her a fifteen minute standing ovation, but all she could think about was how Finn was doing at the hospital.
After making her way off stage she ran to her dressing room to check her phone for any news of Finn. Rachel had just finished changing and wiping the makeup off when her dads burst through the door to her dressing room and explained that they wanted to congratulate her before going to the hospital with everyone else.
It was a lovely moment of it just being her and her dads alone in the dressing room contemplating her success and remembering all the sacrifice and hard work it took for her to get there. Not wanting to ruin the moment Rachel subtly reminded her dads she wanted to get to the hospital so she grabbed her belongings. Politely refused the invite to the cast after party and along with her dads rushed out and hopped into a taxi to take them straight to Lennox Hill Hospital.
Hope everyone enjoyed the latest chapter. The songs used in this chapter were 'Venus' by Shocking Blue, 'Good Morning Beautiful' by Steve Holy, 'Who Taught Her Everything' from the movie & musical Funny Girl and 'Who Are You Now?' from the movie & musical Funny Girl. Like always see you next time. Have a good one and don't do anything I wouldn't do.