Hi once again everyone and welcome to Chapter 15. In this chapter we see some trouble for the gang thanks to Brody, but as for everything else I let you the reader find that out on your own. 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!
Rachel breathed it all in, the fresh air, the sunshine, and the beautiful scenery. She loved New York, she really did. But New York was a busy thriving metropolis, that considered police sirens and car alarms as there ambient sounds of nature. Whereas Lima, Ohio had its faults, yet no one could deny its beauty with it's closeness to nature and it's picturesque postcard locations; that was the one thing Rachel loved about Lima. That even doing something as simple as walking down the street or wherever and you could be surrounded with silence, only broken by the sound of the local birds or wildlife. It made Rachel laugh now but she remembered when the natural silence of this town would drive her mad. Which drove her to spend many a lonely night wishing and dreaming about being in the big city surrounded by the hustle and bustle.
It's strange how it's often the things you hated or disliked about a place that you find yourself missing on those cold lonely nights. That is why she decided to take this moment on the last day of their trip back to Lima, to just go for a stroll. A short walk around Lima to nowhere in particular to just appreciate the place that was such a big influence on her when she was younger.
Rachel walked past the bakery her fathers used to stop at every time on the way home from Temple, for bagels and coffee. She continued on her uninterrupted stroll through Lima and towards her as yet undecided destination. Rachel had been walking for about half an hour and had waved and chatted to many of the locals, who didn't have a clue who she was. That suited Rachel to a tee, because she could go and just walk around aimlessly if she wanted to. But in New York she could only go certain places and even then would be stopped by Broadway fans seeking autographs or a picture. Which she always would happily oblige considering she knew how it felt to be that person, the unknown person looking up to their idol for inspiration. But everyone needs some alone time, some time to themselves to reflect and just be.
That's why Rachel found herself wandering around Lima, Ohio by her lonesome. This particular trip back to Lima had been amazing, they got to see little Daniel Finn Schuester and her and Finn were named the baby's godparents. There had been reunions and dinners and catch-ups with parents, friends, classmates and the list went on and on. Rachel just wanted a bit of alone time not to mention peace and quiet and why she politely rejected Finn's offer of coming along on her walk.
As Rachel kept on walking she came across an all too familiar landmark…McKinley High School. The birthplace of the New Directions and the melting pot of her and Finn's relationship, not to mention the spot where outcast diva Rachel morphed out of her cacoon into the Rachel who had a boyfriend and actual real, living and breathing friends. Before she even knew what was happening her feet had already subconsciously led her inside the empty school. Looking around those halls and classrooms brought back memory after memory. She found her old locker and remembered a particular time when she was ambushed in a mob slushie attack by some of the Cheerio's, Football and Hockey players. Rachel ran her hand across a dark stain on the wall that still remained as a permanent memorial to that particular unsavoury incident.
After having enough of channelling the memories of her slushie induced memories of high school, Rachel next went to the one place that could be called her haven, the school auditorium. She remembered sitting in the middle of the stage on her very first day at McKinley….
A young Rachel sat there with her iPod listening to the Funny Girl soundtrack over and over. Imagining the McKinley High auditorium was some impressive Broadway theatre packed full of screaming fans. She had just received a standing ovation and the crowd was begging her for an encore. Always eager to please, Rachel was about to give that crowd what they wanted, when her fantasy was destroyed by the sound of people entering the auditorium.
"Geez! Will are you trying to destroy not only your career but also our image and standing as well? Screeched a blonde woman Rachel had never seen before and not wanting to get caught she quickly ducked off to hide in the wings of the auditorium.
"Terri! Listen to me! You know how much Glee Club meant to the students and me when we went here. I just want the students I teach to know that just because they aren't a cheerleader or jock they have a place." Rachel heard some guy with extremely curly hair respond back to the woman.
"Will! I'm already stressed as it is being the acting assistant manager at Sheet's 'n' Things; and now I have to deal with my husband caring more about doing the hot shoe shuffle with a bunch of delinquents, then caring for his wife!" screeched Terri.
"Please Terri, you only work at Sheets 'n' Things two and a half days a week!" Will snapped back at his wife.
"SO NOT THE POINT WILL!" Terri yelled throwing her hands in the air. "You know how delicate my hands are, and all I do is fold sheet after freaking sheet! I don't know why the hell they call the stupid store, Sheets 'n' Things, because I've never seen the things from the title…have you Will? Where the hell are the things, because I've seen so many sheets I can't even make the bed without breaking out in a cold sweat! I knew I never should have left that cushy job at, Bed, Bath and Beyond. Anyway I told you what that doctor Kendra sent me to said; one more case of carpal tunnel syndrome and I wont be able to properly grip my glue gun!" snapped Terri.
"Please! He wasn't an actual doctor. I'm pretty sure he was getting the names of the bones from the game of operation he was carrying around! He even handed me a Doctor's card from the game and said I owed him two hundred dollars for removing your Writer's Cramp bone!"
"You're just jealous that he was successful and you're stuck teaching Spanish to kids whose only phrase they'll need to know is; do you want fries with that?" Terri snapped.
"Everyone of these kids has the potential to be something Terri, they just need someone to believe in them." Will replied back to his wife.
"Whatever! Pottery Barn closes in an hour so I'm leaving!"
"Can you try and not buy out the whole store this time?" urged Will.
"I make no promises Will and you know very well that I need all of the stuff I buy!" Terri yelled out as she left the auditorium on her way to Pottery Barn.
"I'm pretty sure you don't need six different bird houses." A frustrated Will mumbled to himself as he moved up to the middle of the stage and looked around.
Rachel poked her head out from backstage and watched Will taking in the auditorium. She felt bad for having eavesdropped on a teacher's personal conversation, but she couldn't go anywhere as Will was blocking the only exit. As for his wife…damn! And people told her she was annoying, bossy and a diva!
Will took one more look around and said, "One day…one day, I'm going to make this place great again. A place where all types of students can come and be themselves while raising their voices in song…" Will walked off towards the exit and turned around just before leaving and said, "one day" and then walked out…
Wow! Who knew she had inadvertently been there for the rebirth of Glee Club for Mr Schue. Speaking of Glee Club also brought on a stream of memories for Rachel as she remembered every song, every performance. With the benefit of hindsight it's interesting to see the journey your life takes. For example if you talked to a young Rachel she would've said that Mr Schue was stifling her talent by not giving her all the solos. But with that hindsight she would admit the lessons a younger Rachel was taught about humility, friendship and teamwork were more important in the long run, then having sung one more solo.
With all those memories of Broadway, Finn, Glee Club, McKinley and life in Lima, Ohio. Rachel turned some music on and did the thing that she does best…sing…
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)
As Rachel sang she saw herself as a little kid sitting in front of the TV staring in awe as Barbra Streisand danced and sang as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Then she saw little Rachel asking some other little girls if they wanted to play with her, the little girls tell a young Rachel that they don't play with freaks. So little Rachel is left to sit by herself on the park bench watching the other kids play, wondering when her time would come and people would know her name like Barbra.
Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away
Next Rachel saw herself alone in her bedroom singing her heart out and posting the video to MySpace. She then saw all the hope drain from young Rachel's face as she started reading the harsh comments about her videos from kids at school.
Young Rachel took one last look at one of the many Broadway posters on her wall before throwing her bedazzled microphone at one of them before bursting into tears.
[Chorus:]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get on board a fast train
Travel on a jet plane far away
And breakaway
[Chorus]
Rachel then sees herself at a press event for Funny Girl in New York City walking the red carpet in a beautiful expensive looking dress. Thousands of camera flashes are going off, as the paparazzi and fans scream her name. Rachel see's herself doing various poses as her publicist tries to usher her from interview to interview. The massive gatherings of Broadway fans scream her name and ask for autographs. Surprisingly Rachel recognizes two of the girls asking for her autograph as two of the girls who loved to terrorise her at McKinley when she was younger. They would regularly slushie her and laugh and call her names while constantly telling her she would never make it to the bright lights of Broadway. Rachel smirks as she hears the girls screaming that they absolutely adore her as she quickly signs her name before going back along the red carpet.
Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging 'round revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me
But gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway
I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway
The music stopped as Rachel returned back to the present with her memories and realised that even though she may have taken a few missteps and wrong roads. But each one of them she was meant to take to get where she was now, a lead in a successful Broadway show as well as happy with the love of her life, Finn.
Speaking of Finn he was probably wondering what had happened to her, as she had been gone most of the morning. Picking up her phone she noticed a massive amount of missed calls and texts asking where she was, as they had to leave soon for the airport. Deciding she better get back to Finn and her friends, Rachel grabbed her stuff and walked out of McKinley and headed off home.
New York City…
The group had been back in New York City for a week since getting back from Lima, Ohio. Quinn had gone back to school in Connecticut with Puck promising to visit when he could. As for the others everyone had jumped back on the hamster wheel of life and returned to jobs and responsibilities. Rachel was back busy with Funny Girl, Finn and the guys were busy in the studio laying down their debut album and Kurt was busy at Vogue.
Even though they were all busy they found themselves all sitting around on the couches at the loft. The group of friends were waiting on Kurt to get back home from work, because he apparently had something big he had to tell everyone. While they were waiting for Kurt they passed the time trying to guess what Kurt's news was.
"I bet he's just freaking out because they're having a sale at some store" quipped Santana.
"Yeah! I remember when he rang me up saying it was a matter of life or death. It turned out he just needed a ride to the mall because they were having a two for one sale on Ascot ties." Finn told the group as he made himself a sandwich.
Just then the loft door flew open and in came Kurt like a hurricane throwing his bag into his room before flying into the room where everyone else was waiting.
"FINN! Get your butt in here now! I have news! Oh My God, do I have news!" Kurt exclaimed bouncing up and down in his seat.
"What no hello or how are you guys doing?" jested Santana.
Kurt stopped his bouncing and let out a loud annoyed groan, "FINE! Hello, I hope everyone had a lovely day."
"Well my day wasn't so lovely, because first of all I missed my train and then…" started Puck.
"Who Cares? Now back to my news. You'll never guess what happened today! I was out at that cute little café by NYADA because I had just come from delivering some designs downtown. Anyway who should I run into but some people from NYADA…"
"Shocking!" mocked Santana
"I know right!" Kurt continued on oblivious to Santana's mocking. "Anyway! They told me some juicy gossip about Rachel's former beau, Brody Weston."
"He was never my beau, Kurt! He was always just a poor distraction from my extremely sexy and cuddly, Finny Bear" Rachel said as her and Finn started kissing, which in usual Finchel style turned quickly into making out.
Rachel and Finn both dodged pillows flung at them from different directions by their disgusted friends. "For fucks sake! If you two don't stop being disgusting, I swear I'm going to take you both to get sprayed and neutered!" sneered Santana.
Finn quickly grabbed one of the cushions and placed it protectively over his manhood. "Don't worry Finny, I won't let evil Santana anywhere near Finny Jnr!" Rachel told Finn while rubbing his back protectively.
"Cough, Again, Cough!" mocked Puck through his fake coughing, which caused an extreme death glare from Rachel and snickers of laughter from everyone else.
"You're going to need something better than a pillow to protect your junk Finn. Because FYI the pillow trick didn't work for Brody and it sure as hell isn't going to work for you!" Santana threatened Finn with a large smirk on her face.
Finn's face morphed into one of utter disgust as he looked at the pillow and then to Rachel and then back to the pillow. "Brody's penis was on this pillow?" questioned Finn.
"You bet it was! Also it was after he did a session of naked yoga, so it would've been all sweaty and gross." Santana started laughing uncontrollably as she saw a horrified Finn leap off the couch and open one the loft windows; before throwing the contaminated cushion as hard as he could out the window.
Finn ran into the kitchen and started washing his hands over and over again, screaming, "Why won't his penis stench come off!" Rachel was there beside him trying to explain that Santana was just messing with him. Rachel finally got Finn to come and sit back down in the lounge room. But not before he taped oven mitts to both his hands and wrapped a tea towel around his face to protect him from any airborne Brody germs. Rachel mouthed; "I hate you" to Santana as she sat down next to a still concerned and weirdly protected Finn. To which Santana just mouthed back, "Your welcome".
"Can I get back to my story now?" a frustrated Kurt yelled at his friends and after seeing them all nod in confirmation he continued. "As I was saying I found out some juicy gossip about Rachel's former…distraction" Kurt looked over at Rachel who nodded that his description of Brody was better than the one he used before. "So get this the info from inside NYADA is that Brody Weston was…get this…ARRESTED!"
This time it was Rachel's turn to jump out of her seat, "Wait! What do you mean arrested?"
"Well word has it that Brody was arrested alongside several other people in a joint police and vice sting at a hotel in Manhattan for prostitution." Kurt answered Rachel's question.
"Brody's an escort? No I don't believe it, Brody's many things but prostituting himself…no!" Rachel doubted the validity of the information Kurt was telling them.
"Yeah, well! I doubted it too, until I read this." Kurt handed Rachel a folded up newspaper. "Read the article on page 26 above the fold."
Rachel found the article and read it herself before reading it again out loud so everyone else could hear…
"NYADA Student Arrested in Prostitution Ring…
On Saturday night, 20-year-old NYADA student, Brody Weston was arrested in an undercover sting operation between the New York police department and the VICE squad. It is alleged that there has been a prostitution racquet being worked out of the as yet unidentified Manhattan hotel for the past decade. Employing young impressionable men often new to New York City as escorts for lonely and rich older ladies. These men are offered the chance to make quick money for one night's work…many of these men are employed under the guise of being models. No one at either the NYPD or VICE could be reached for comment on this story as the investigation continues. Mr Weston is being held on fifty thousand dollars bail and will appear in front of a judge at the U.S. District Courthouse on the 25 September."
"Great I just got out of fucking hospital and now my fucking dick's going to fall off due to some mysterious Brody "I'm a fucking manwhore who sleeps with little old ladies" Weston STD!" Finn yelled punching the wall with his oven mitt encased hands.
"Don't worry Finny we'll go tomorrow and get tested together." Rachel tried to placate her boyfriend. But even she was nervous that she could of picked up some weird disease from her philandering ex-boyfriend. She was kicking herself why couldn't she just trust and wait for Finn to come back…but no, she had to run off and invite Mr I can't keep it in my pants to move in with her.
"I swear if I have some STD because of that creep, I'm going to beat the living shit out of that dickhead!' sneered a now nervous and worried Finn.
"I knew that dirty dog couldn't be trusted! Especially when Dani and I saw him getting frisky with some old bird outside of the hotel across the street from Sarfati's Club" shouted a livid Santana.
"Hold up a minute you knew Brody was an escort this entire time and you didn't say anything!" shouted Rachel.
"We didn't know he was an escort we just saw him kissing some grandma and plus you were completely ignoring him and chasing after Finn so we didn't think we'd need to tell you that Brody was an unfaithful jackass!" Santana responded
"Yeah I know! Sorry! It's just I can't believe Brody would do something like that!" apologised Rachel to which Santana gratefully accepted.
"All I know is that Rachel and I are definitely getting tested as soon as possible and that Brody Weston better hope the police lock his arse up because if I see his donkey face again…" threatened Finn as Rachel subtly moved one of the kitchen chairs out of Finn's eyesight so he wouldn't kick it.
"Finn please just leave it" Rachel said stroking his cheek. "Can I stay over your place tonight? I don't want to be anywhere that I know that scumbag Brody's been." Asked Rachel as she stood up and started gathering her stuff.
"Of course baby! Let's go." Finn helped Rachel grab some stuff and say goodbye to their friends before exiting the loft and jumping in a taxi. Rachel seriously couldn't handle sleeping at the loft after the news about Brody. For the simple fact that for a split second the loft was hers and Brody's area. For some strange reason hearing the news of his philandering, even though not together; still makes it seem like whatever her so called feelings for Brody were he just treated them like a joke.
Rachel looked over at Finn as the city passed them by and smiled to herself at the amazing person Finn was; and seeing that, she couldn't possibly fathom how she ever remotely considered choosing Brody over Finn. She just hoped that after cutting off all ties with Brody, romantic and otherwise, that she or Finn didn't have any unwanted permanent reminders of her mistake in dating Brody Weston.
"Watch where ya going lady!" could this day get any worse? Rachel mumbled as she tried to apologise to the arrogant jerk she just accidentally bumped into as she hurried down the busy New York sidewalk.
Rachel brushed herself off along with the man's gruff response, as she made sure she had all her belongings before moving on. With the day that she had currently just had to endure they should really rename that movie from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day to Rachel Berry and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Today had just been one of those days, you know the days where everything no matter how small just always seem to go wrong.
Like this morning for some reason Finn's alarm didn't go off, which meant they both slept in. When they did wakeup they only had an hour and a half to get to their appointment at the doctors so they could get tested. So they decided to forgo breakfast and just hightail it to the doctor's; but for some reason in a city that boasts at having over thirteen thousands taxi's not one of them could be located. On top of that the City in all its wisdom decided that the subway stop near Finn's apartment building needed to be safety checked, so it was closed. All because some high society lady threatened to sue the city claiming she tripped and sprained her ankle after she saw a rat. For fuck sake! Rachel didn't usually curse but seriously shutting down an entire subway platform because some lady saw a freaking rat. Where the hell did she think she was? Last time I checked we lived in New York City where the rats are basically at this point the damn State Animal! Even though if she remembered her American History correctly from school the state animal was the beaver.
Anyway thanks to the actions of the city of New York and some hoity-toity snob, Finn and I had to run to the next subway stop four blocks away. Which meant we missed our train and had to catch a later one. The train we did end up catching was the one all the city workers caught into the city so it was packed and standing room only. By some small miracle Finn and I managed to grab the last two seats even though we were squished up against one of the handrails. There was also this really creepy guy who kept staring at me and winking at me. Until Finn gave him the old if you look at my girlfriend like that one more time I'll punch you in the fucking face stare.
Then if all that wasn't bad enough as the train was pulling into our stop, the train lurched and one of the other commuters spilt their coffee all over me. Since we missed our train we were of course late to our appointment and then had to wait like everyone else. So once again Finn and I found ourselves waiting and stuffed in a small little box with a hundred other people. To say the day hadn't started off well would've been a huge understatement because not only was I pissed I as well as Finn had to get tested because of Brody. But also I had to sit in this waiting room while all hot and sweaty from running with my shirt clinging to my chest in a mixture of sweat and still drying coffee.
Once we finally managed to see the doctor the first good thing happened in a day already filled with forgettable moments. The first glimpse of the day turning was when the doctor gave Finn and I the all clear, which was an absolute blessing that neither of us would have any annoying (or itchy) reminders of Brody Weston.
That was where Finn and I parted ways as he went back to the studio and I went on to rehearsals for Funny Girl; but not before we promised to meet back up for lunch. Which is why I Rachel Berry am trying to navigate through the crowds towards the Spotlight Diner. FLASH! God! This day just keeps getting better and better. Ever since the news broke that Brody had been arrested for being an escort, it also broke that he had ties to me. So all day long reporters have been popping out of nowhere and asking me the stupidest questions as well as the paparazzi hiding in bushes and trees taking picture after picture. Thank God! The Spotlight Diner was only the next street over. After the day I have had I needed some time just with my Finny and a good long lunch.
A weary Rachel pushed through the doors of the Spotlight Diner, welcoming the respite from the world outside. She spotted Finn and Kurt deep in conversation at one of the tables.
"Hey Finny, hey Kurt! You would not believe the day I had!" exclaimed Rachel as she hugged Finn and Kurt before slumping into the booth alongside Finn.
"Bad day, baby?" Finn asked as Rachel silently nodded while slumping further back in the booth as she put her feet in Finn's lap and started groaning as Finn massaged her tired feet.
"Easy on the sex noise's there, Berry! This is a family establishment!" joked Santana as she too sat down in the booth next to Kurt.
Rachel just waved Santana off as Finn continued to massage her feet, "I'm to tired and worn out from my day and this foot massage is way to good for me to care Santana".
"Boo! It's just not fun when you don't get a reaction." Santana sulked as she snatched Kurt's plate of fries and started eating them.
"What the hell Santana!" cried Kurt as his remaining lunch was snatched out from under him.
"I don't like you attitude Hummelina! Here I am spending my hard earned lunch break making sure my good friend doesn't turn into an even pudgier version of Finn the Humpback whale over there."
"Hey!" a hurt Finn interjected.
"Don't worry Finny! Just means there's more of you to cuddle with." Rachel reassured her boyfriend.
"I don't know if that's a compliment, insult or both…so wait you think I'm fat Rachel?" asked a worried Finn.
"Who cares? The point is I wasn't the one who said they wanted to get in shape this season so they didn't have to wear anymore of those man-spanks." Santana nonchalantly said as he continued munching away on Kurt's chips.
"Thanks…I guess," mumbled Kurt eyeing off his fries because he was still really hungry.
"That's the spirit! Now Finn are you going to eat the other half of that burger?" and without waiting for an answer Santana reached across and grabbed the rest of Finn's burger. "Now what were we talking about?" Santana said as if she didn't just steal everyone's food at the table.
"Rach was just about to tell us about her bad day." Explained Finn.
Rachel sat up in the booth and started telling everyone about her day, "Well I'll start off with the good. I don't know if Finn has told you guys yet but we were both given the all clear from the doctor this morning.
Now for the bad part somehow the media has gotten a hold of the Brody is a prostitute story and somehow found out he used to be my ex-boyfriend. So all day long paparazzi and reporters asking about Brody and me have been hounding me. Then when I get to rehearsals we have an emergency full cast and crew meeting where they tell us that due to the bad publicity of the scandal a lot of the financial backers are pulling out of the show. But the worst part is Marigold United Financial Group which is highly conservative is threatening to pull out as well and they invest over sixty-five per cent of the funds for Funny Girl."
"What does all that mean?" asked Kurt.
"It means I could very well be out of a job all thanks to Brody fucking Weston! I just don't know how people found out about Brody and I? I mean we had been broken up for a while." Rachel snapped.
"I think I know" Santana said before yelling out to Gunther. "Yo, Gunther! Turn the TV up!" they all turned around and watched the TV as an entertainment show was on and a reporter was interviewing Rachel's understudy, Tamara Clayton…
Hi everyone and welcome back to Entertainment Now! I'm Roslyn King and I'm here outside the historic Lincoln Theatre where the smash hit Funny Girl is being held.
Unfortunately a dark cloud of conjecture and scandal has fallen across this popular musical and it's current leading lady, Rachel Berry. It has come to light recently an acquaintance of Ms Berry's, believed to be her ex-boyfriend Brody Weston has recently been arrested under New Yorks strict anti-prostitution laws.
Now I have with me Ms Berry's understudy a Broadway star in her own right having starred in Peter Pan and the play Midsummer's Night Dream, Ms Tamara Clayton.
"Thanks for having me, Roslyn!" Tamara politely thanked the reporter.
"So what is your take on this whole scandal, Tamara?"
"Well it's shocking to say the least because Rachel and I are great friends and I had no idea she was dating a gigolo. But then again in hindsight I guess we should've been able to join the dots because he was an unemployed young man living it up in one of the most expensive cities in the world; taking holidays and staying at luxury hotels as well as attending the most exclusive parties. So unless he had some mysterious vast inheritance to continually draw from he had to be getting his money from somewhere."
"So you're saying that Rachel Berry knew that Brody Weston was a gigolo?"
"I obviously can't speak for Rachel but logic points to if it looks like a duck, walks and quacks like a duck, it is a duck."
"So you would know if your boyfriend was a prostitute?"
"First of all I'm a good little conservative girl and I believe you should really know someone first before asking them to move in with you. At least that's what I was taught when I went to church with my parents."
"What can you tell us about the news that a lot of the financial investors are pulling out of the show?"
"Obviously not much because that's all internal show business. But no matter what happens I love this show and I love being able to play Fanny when given the chance. So if the show is cancelled or is revamped under a new cast I'll always put my hand up to play Fanny Brice."
"Wow! So if they decided to continue the show without it's leading lady you wouldn't be opposed to stepping into Ms Berry's shoes?"
"All I'm going to say is I wouldn't say no."
"Well thanks for talking to us Tamara."
"Thanks for having me, Roslyn"
"That's all from me from the historic Lincoln Theatre and Funny Girl. I'm Roslyn King for Entertainment Now! Back to you in the studio, Robert"
…As the segment finished and Gunther turned the TV off everyone turned and looked at Rachel who was holding Finn's hand in such a tight grip that her knuckles were turning white.
"Rach…Rachel!" Finn tried to get Rachel's attention but she was still staring at the blank TV.
Santana lifted up her glass of water and motioned she was going to chuck it in Rachel's face, before Kurt stopped her. "Santana…No! What is it with you and chucking water at people anyway?" asked Kurt.
Santana just shrugged her shoulders and said, "What? It works in the movies."
"THAT BITCH! I knew she was cunning and ruthless but to go so far as to try and paint me as having anything to do with Brody being a prostitute is ridiculous!" Rachel screamed finally letting go of Finn's hand.
"Rach! You've got to calm down okay! If for some unknown stupid reason they replace you with little miss wannabe then it'll be there own damn fault when their musical goes belly-up!" Finn tried to reassure Rachel.
"Yeah don't worry Hobbit! If that usurping bitch steals your spot just tell Auntie Snixx, cause I would love to rearrange that pretty face of hers." Added Santana.
"I don't think that will be necessary but thank you Santana and thanks Finny" Rachel said as she laughed at her friend. "Now I better be going so I'm not late for the rest of rehearsals."
"Rachel before you go I'd like to talk to you if you have time." Finn said as he stopped Rachel before she could leave.
"Sure Finn! What do you want to talk about?"
Finn looked over at Kurt and Santana who were still sitting in the booth pretending like they weren't listening when clearly they were. "Um! Guy's a little privacy please." Finn asked so that he could be alone with Rachel.
"Whatever Hudson! It's not like Hummel and I haven't seen you and the midget jump each other's bones plenty of times before…but suit yourself!" quipped Santana as she and Kurt left the table and started perusing through the diner's music catalogue.
"Remind me why were friends with her again?" Asked Finn as he watched his brother and Santana leave.
"She has her moments…believe it or not. Now talk to me Mr Hudson." Rachel answered back as she sipped from her glass of water.
"We've been going great, you and I…haven't we?" an extremely nervous Finn asked.
"Finn! We've been going more then great, I can't express to you how much being with you means to me!" answered Rachel looking straight into Finn's eyes.
"Good! I heard someone say once that love hurts and I guess the both of us can attest to that being true. Our relationship has never been easy and had a lot of stop starts but we persevered because we both felt that undoubtedly strong tether. That fate, life, and the universe, or whatever you want to call it has bound us together with. So if love really does hurt, I guess then you can call me a masochist because I more then ready to take that risk if it means that I'm going to be with you.
Which is something that for a while there felt like a dream to me…you know? You…us, felt like something I imagined in my head, because just the sound of your name was perfect to me. Now that were together again, that wonderful dream that you were mine is an actual reality; and I can wake up everyday with a smile on my face because I'm living that dream, it's my reality. So to conclude I'd just like to say that I love you even more than when I began this speech. This is for you baby girl." Finn reached under his jacket and pulled out a wrapped present and handed it to Rachel.
"Oh My God Finn! That speech was so beautiful and you got me a present…but it's not my birthday. What's the occasion?" Rachel asked as she accepted the present.
"Just open it Rach and you will see." Finn watched as Rachel carefully unwrapped the present.
Rachel gasped as she saw what was inside the wrapping paper. The present was a very expensive looking bathrobe with a large intricate capital B sowed across the left breast of the robe with Rachel in cursive dissecting the B.
"It's beautiful Finn but I don't understand I already have a bathrobe." Rachel said as she sat there smiling and running her fingers over the sowed inscription.
"Try it on and put your hand in the pocket." Instructed Finn.
Rachel did as she was told and stood up beside the booth and pulled the robe on over her clothes. Much to Finn's and her delight Rachel did a little spin to showcase the full effect of the robe. Rachel then remembered Finn saying something about checking the pocket. So she reached into the pocket of the robe and pulled out a small silver key.
"Finn what's this?" asked Rachel while holding up the key with her nervously shaking hand. Rachel had a inkling about what Finn was going to ask her, but she wanted to be sure.
"Well I bought this…" Finn said as he pulled out another bathrobe that was exactly the same as Rachel's except Finn's had a capital H and then Finn in cursive. "But then I thought I would look silly being the only one lounging around the house dressed in a robe. So I bought you one too, for you to wear anytime you come to visit. As for the key, I had an extra one cut just in case you wanted to extend any of your overnight stays to like, say…. forever would be good."
"Oh My God! Are you asking me what I think your asking me?" Rachel squealed excitedly.
"If that question just so happens to be…will you pretty lady move in with me? Then yes I am asking you what your thinking." Laughed Finn as Rachel still dressed in the bathrobe launched herself at Finn and started peppering his face with kisses.
"I'm assuming all these wonderful kisses mean that's a yes! You will move in with me?"
Rachel just looked up and grabbed Finn's face from her position on his lap, "That's a hell yes Finny!"
"Good! I just wanted this to be perfect because I know when we were in high school the dream was always to come to New York and move in together. I know I was the one who stuffed that up and it got tainted a bit by Brody living with you instead of me. So I wanted it to be perfect our own little world where there's no NYADA, no label, no Funny Girl and especially no remnants of Brody being naked near or anywhere in the vicinity of the furniture or apartment in general. That's why I'm allowing you to treat my apartment like a clean slate and you, but I'm hoping it will be us can decorate however we like. Just please when your retelling this story to Kurt don't tell him the part about redecorating the apartment; otherwise he'll force me into buying a chandelier or something else I don't want." Finn said while looking lovingly into Rachel's eyes.
"Any apartment would be perfect Finn as long as it had you in it." Rachel lovingly answered back.
Finn and Rachel's attention was diverted to the stage when music began to play as Santana and Kurt started singing…
SANTANA:
I'm just a gigolo and everywhere I go
People know the part I'm playing
Paid for every dance, selling cheap romance
Ooh, and they're sayin'
There will come a day when youth will pass away
What will they say about me?
When the end comes, I know
They was just the gigolos
Life goes on without me
SANTANA/KURT:
I'm just a gigolo and everywhere I go
People know the part I'm playing
Paid for every dance, selling each romance
Ooh, what they're sayin'
There will come a day when youth will pass away
What will they say about me?
When the end comes, I know
They was just a gigolo
Life goes on without me, 'cause
I ain't got nobody
Nobody cares for me, nobody
Nobody cares for me
I'm so sad and lonely
Sad and lonely, sad and lonely
Won't some sweet mama come and take a chance with me?
'Cause I ain't so bad
KURT:
Better love me, babe
Sad and lonesome, all of the time
Even on the beat, on the, on the, on the beat
Bop, boze-de-boze-de-bop, se-de-bop
SANTANA/KURT:
I ain't got nobody
Nobody cares for me, nobody
Nobody, hey, say
Feelin' so sad and lonesome
KURT:
Ain't got nobody
Woohoo, sad and lonesome
Need love
Humala bebuhla zeebuhla boobuhla
Humala bebuhla zeebuhla bop
I ain't got nobody
Nobody, nobody cares for me, nobody, nobody
I'm so sad and lonely
Sad and lonely, sad and lonely
Won't some sweet mama come and take a chance with me?
'Cause I ain't so bad
SANTANA:
Been a lonely soul
Been lonesome all of the time
Even on the beat
Johnny, Johnny on the beat
Need a long tall darling, mama
She got nobody I loves
KURT/SANTANA (& THE WHOLE SPOTLIGHT DINER):
Ain't got nobody (nobody), nobody (nobody)
Nobody (nobody), nobody (nobody)
No one (no one), no one (no one)
Loop-de-loop (loop-de-loop)
Darling, darling (darling, darling)
Getting serious (getting serious)
Got to see the walls (got to see the walls)
Over there (over there)
Nobody (nobody), not no one (not no one)
Nobody (nobody), nobody (nobody)
Nobody (nobody), nobody (nobody)
Nobody (nobody)
Nobody cares for me
The music faded out as everyone went back to their meals and the other performers went back to work; the stage was empty except for an out of breath and smirking Santana and Kurt. Rachel and Finn were left standing there stunned at the performance they had just witnessed, but for completely different reasons. Rachel was too stunned to comprehend that her friends were just trying to make her laugh. As for Finn he had just been desperately trying to stop himself from laughing the entire performance; and even now he couldn't help but have a slight smirk in his face.
"So what did you think?" asked Santana as she and Kurt hopped down off the stage and made their way over to Rachel and Finn.
Rachel just let out a loud humph and grabbed her stuff and stormed out of the diner, much to the amusement of Kurt and Santana. Just as the door to the diner slammed shut, Kurt turned to Finn and said, "To soon?"
"Maybe just a little bit" Finn said while holding up his index finger with his thumb indicating how far they went over. When the door to the diner flung open and Rachel came storming back into the diner. She stormed over to Kurt, Finn and Santana and reached across the table where they had been sitting and grabbed the silver key and bathrobe Finn had given her.
"Forgot some of your stuff?" a highly amused Santana asked.
"Shut it, Santana!" snapped Rachel as she quickly kissed Finn's cheek as she once again let out a loud humph in the direction of Kurt and Santana before once again storming out of the diner.
Sidney Greene sat in his office with the Funny Girl director Rupert Campion, joining them was the director of the Marigold Financial Group and New York City Mayor candidate Hillary Pontiff.
"I'm assuming you've seen the media then Mrs Pontiff?" asked Sidney.
"You better believe I've seen the media, Sidney! Now I don't have to tell you or your arty-farty friend over here what this scandal is doing to my chances of becoming New Yorks first ever female mayor!" Hillary answered back.
"Look the show's a success, our leading lady is a huge success, just give it some time and this so called scandal will blow over in no time." Added Rupert.
"BLOW OVER…Blow over! That's easy for you to say, but try telling that to my constituents. The latest polls have me down five and a half points thanks to Ms Berry and her sinful and debauched ways and boyfriend." Hillary snapped at Rupert.
Sidney leaned back into his leather office chair and looked straight at Mrs Pontiff, "Let's cut to the chase, shall we. It's obvious you have something in mind, so what do you suggest we should do?"
"That's what I like about you Sidney, you're a straight talker and you don't settle for any of this beating around the bush nonsense. Not like my husband Reginald who does nothing but beat around the bush. But to answer your question I think the answer is obvious and we all know what it is, even though none of us clearly want to do." Mrs Pontiff said clearly speaking with a forked tongue.
"Enlighten us with this obvious answer, Mrs Pontiff" urged Sidney.
"Very well! This Rachel Berry girl; I know she's shown herself to be quite the formidable and talented performer. But not being able to control her personal life has made her bed and now she has to lie in it. That is why the only way this production can move forward is if Rachel Berry is replaced immediately in the lead role of Funny Girl." Explained Hillary Pontiff.
"NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!" shouted Rupert. "Rachel has been outstanding in the role of Fanny Brice we can't replace her now it'll kill the show."
"I agree with my director Mr Campion, Mrs Pontiff. Replacing Rachel would not only derail the show it also would damage the great relationship we have between all the cast members. Everyone loves Rachel and the work she's doing as Fanny." Added Sidney.
"That's your prerogative and I accept that. I just wonder how your show and these wonderful cast relationships are going to fare when Funny Girl has to shut down."
"What are you talking about Funny Girl isn't shutting down?" a confused Rupert asked.
"Au contraire gentlemen! But I do believe I have invested more then the lions share in your little show. So unless either of you can get five million dollars to cover my investment I plan on pulling out of your show; then I guess this little production will be shutting down. The decisions yours gentlemen." Mrs Pontiff said with an evil smirk.
Rupert and Sidney looked at each other before Sidney said, "Mrs Pontiff can you please give us a moment."
"Sure thing gentleman, I'll be waiting outside." Hillary stood up and grabbed her things and went to the waiting room outside Sidney Greene's office.
As she stepped outside her phone started ringing so she answered it. "How's it going? Is it done yet?" the unknown caller asked impatiently.
"Almost darling, we've got them right where we want them so once I give them the finally push, Rachel Berry will be no more" Hillary replied
"God! I wish I could be there when they tell her. She's always strutting around the place so damn happy and cheerful, smiling and talking to everyone. I just wish I could be the one to tell her dream of Funny Girl is shattered, but oh well I guess I'll just have to be content with cleaning up Ms Berry's mess after she's fired."
"That's why you were always my favourite Tamara, because you remind me so much of me!" Hillary urged on Tamara.
"Thanks mum!" and just then the office door opened again and Sidney asked her to re-enter the office.
Mrs Pontiff ended her call and walked back into the office and sat down once again in on of the leather chairs.
"We've discussed your proposal and with great sadness and reluctance we accept your proposal." Sidney sadly told the mayoral candidate.
"Excellent! Well obviously not excellent because poor Ms Berry will be crushed but I think it's best if we streamline things and replace Rachel with her understudy that delightful and scandal free Tamara Clayton. That way the shows can just continue because being Ms Berry's understudy all this time, Tamara will know the show inside and out. Just so there's no major disruptions for the audience."
"I think that may well be the best course of action thank you for your time Mrs Pontiff." Sidney said while shaking her hand.
"Not a problem. It was lovely meeting you Mr Campion; I wish it were under better circumstances…but lovely none the less. Good day gentlemen." Hillary said her goodbyes to the producer and the director before exiting the office to get back to campaigning.
Sidney and Rupert shared a sad look before Sidney pushed a button on his phone and his receptionist picked up.
"Yes Mr Greene?"
"Susie can you please tell Rachel Berry to come see me and Mr Campion in my office straight away?"
"Sure thing Mr Greene" and with that Sidney reluctant hung up the phone and sat back in his chair trying somehow to prepare himself for what he was about to do. As he took one last look at Rupert it looked like he was trying to do the same thing as well. That was smash the dreams of their ultra talented and successful leading lady Rachel Berry by replacing her as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl with her understudy Tamara Clayton.
Hope everyone enjoyed the latest chapter oh no! It looks like this might be the end of Rachel and Funny Girl…. or is it. The songs used in this chapter were 'Breakaway' by Kelly Clarkson, 'Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody (Medley)' the David Campbell Version. Like always see you next time. Have a good one and don't do anything I wouldn't do.