Rachel was happy that Noah had stayed the night with her. It was the first time she got sleep in a long time. She woke up refreshed. He couldn't get her to eat breakfast, but at least she was making a little bit of progress.
"Want me to drive us to school?" he asked seeing she still had to be tired considering 8 hours didn't make up for the numerous days she hadn't slept. She nodded sheepishly and he came towards her as she sipped juice at the table and he kissed her cheek and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"It's gonna be okay, Rachel. I promise you." The words hit her hard. She had never really been promised anything, and especially not something like that. She nodded again and he got her jacket for her. She smiled and followed him out to her fathers's car and slid in the passenger side as he opened and closed her door for her. It was so unlike Noah to be gentlemanly, but he kind of owed it. As absurd as it sounded, at least she knew that he was gonna be there for her. Jesse wouldn't be able to take her down. He could never hurt her again.
School seemed easier, lighter. She almost felt the need to smile with Noah's hand on her lower back seemingly holding her together and giving her the courage to move forward. She was happy. For once in a long time, she was happy.
"Rachel? May I speak with you?" Everything was okay, up to that point. Mr. Schue completely caught her off guard as she stood there, clueless on the risers as the rest of the glee club members filed out. The only ones left were Noah, Kurt, Rachel, and Mr. Schue. She should've known Kurt talked to Noah. Her face felt hot and she wanted to run, but instead she let the boys guide her to her teacher's office and sank into the chair.
"You're classmates are concerned about you, Rachel, and honestly, I am too. They told me about...well about how you're coping with everything and I-I, well...it just broke my heart. May I...?" he asked awkwardly pointing to her sleeve. She nodded, a few tears slipping silently and Puck rolled up the sleeve for her. One of Mr. Schue's hands darted to cover his mouth, while the other lingered above her arm before he allowed his fingers to lightly dance across the scars.
"Rachel-I...what...what caused this? The guys didn't tell me the details." She finally looked up at her teacher and saw the concern in his eyes. They were worried, and filled with liquid.
"Well um...it was...it-it was..." Rachel couldn't contain herself anymore. She burst into tears and allowed Mr. Schue to even let a few slip before wiping them away.
"It was that douchebag St James. He told her she sucked and questioned her weight, accusing her of noticeable gaining. He took away her confidence." Kurt explained as both guys rubbed her back as she sobbed into her hands.
"I'm so sorry. I honestly believed he changed. I-I, just had no idea. Rachel, I didn't mean for any of this to happen and believe me...you don't have to forgive me. He really hurt you on my discretion. I am so sorry, Rach." He reached for her and touched her arm for comfort.
"No...I...Mr. Schue, I'm not mad at you. I-I'm mad at Jesse. I forgive you, Mr. Schue." Rachel choked out, her voice shaky as she finished her tears trying not to make her teacher cry anymore.
"Rachel, thank you. But...are you gonna be alright?" he was cautious, trying not to upset the tiny star anymore. She had been through enough.
"Yeah, Mr. Schue. Thanks to you guys." she smiled looking at all the men that surrounded her. She was loved by so many.
"What the hell did you do?" he shouted at the small framed man in front of him - the lead male vocalist of Vocal Adrenaline.
"Excuse me?" Jesse asked the older man who came storming in to the auditorium where he was practicing.
"You heard me, St James. What the hell did you do to make Rachel feel that? Hmm?" he was angry. This wasn't Mr. Schue backing up a student. No, this was Will standing up for a girl who had believed in him from the beginning and he had believed in her. She was there for him when he needed it and even when he didn't know he needed it and now it was time for him to return the favor.
"Listen, I don't know what you're rambling on about that talent-less psycho, but whatever it is, it's not worth my time."
"You damn well know what I'm talking about and I will not stand for this. You are not permitted back at McKinely and if you even the slightest contact with her I will make you regret you ever were born, got it? Go to hell." he had took Jesse's collar in his fist and Jesse squirmed. He let go and stared at the young boy.
"You make me sick." he began to walk away, but stopped at the door.
"Oh and Jesse..." The boy turned to look at the teacher, just wishing he'd leave already. He didn't like feeling intimidated.
"Fuck you." With that, Will left the auditorium and the school and headed home.
Jesse had wished that was the end of the threats. He wished that after facing the Glee club teacher, he'd be home free. But Jesse was wrong. As he got out of his car to walk into school, he ran into another McKinely High member: Noah Puckerman. His stomach dropped and his heart pounded, terrified of what would happen to him. To his surprise, Puck didn't touch him. He simply looked down at him and stared.
"Are you gonna kick my ass or what?" Jesse finally said hating the anticipation.
"No." Puck said firmly.
"Then what?" Jesse asked confused.
"I wanted to show you something. Something you did. Rachel?" Puck moved out of the way to uncover a tiny girl with tired eyes, scars up and down her arms, and sadness in her eyes.
"R-Rachel?" Jesse was taken back at what he was seeing. He never imagined that simple words he said could do something so terrible to a person.
"Look what you did to this gorgeous girl. She was so beautiful, inside and out, and you broke her. You broke her, Jesse. She had so much to offer and now thinks of herself as nothing. Are you happy? Did you succeed? She barely sleeps and refuses to eat most of the time. Who are you to make her feel so damn unpretty, St James? You're disgusting. I hope you rot in hell you son of a bitch." Puck placed his arm around Rachel's waist and walked her to his car. Jesse stood there, motionless, and fell to his knees.
What had he done?