so i should probably be getting ready for finals next week but this just seemed more fun to do. hope you guys enjoy and since i wrote this instead of studying you guys should grade this chapter :)
"Santana you're lagging. That's five more laps for everyone." Quinn called out. There was a collective groan from the cheerleaders jogging around the track. Santana was behind the rest of the pack nearly doubled over as she tried to keep going. Brittany slowed down to make sure the Latina was okay. Santana confirmed that she probably wasn't going to die and motioned for the blonde to go ahead as she shot daggers at Quinn. When she was finally about to cross the finish line for the last time, she made a detour and ran for the nearest trashcan. Quinn sauntered over just as the girl tossed her cookies.
"Perhaps you should sleep at night rather than drinking and hooking up with Puckerman." Quinn said judgmentally.
"Perhaps you should try having fun once in a while." Santana retorted as she lifted her head panting.
"Maybe…or maybe I'll have a talk with Coach Sylvester about how you can't keep up. She won't be pleased to hear that one girl is dragging her Nationals winning squad down."
Anger flashed through Santana's eyes. "You wouldn't." She said challenging the blonde. Quinn laughed mirthlessly at that.
"You know I would so don't make me." They stared each other down for a few seconds and then Quinn turned and walked towards the locker room without another word. Santana watched her go then retched into the trashcan again. Brittany made her way over and rubbed circles into Santana's back as she heaved. The blonde looked off after Quinn. She could feel that something was wrong with her friends and she didn't like it. She wanted them all to be happy and together and happy.
"What was that all about, San?"
"Nothing. She's having a bad day and taking it out on me." This answer was pretty common for Brittany whenever she asked Santana what was wrong with Quinn.
"Just try not to invoke her. It will only make things worse."
"You mean provoke." Santana smiled up at Brittany. "I'll try but you know me."
"You're a hothead." Brittany said a big smile breaking out across her face. It was a word she had often heard her mother use to describe the Latina when the girl in question wasn't around. The girls walked off the track pinkies locked.
Rachel looked at herself in her locker mirror straightening her hair. She checked her watch again for the umpteenth time, 2:45. She decided she should probably head to the auditorium. All day she had been a ball of nervous energy. Kelley has assured her she would do fine but Rachel wasn't worried about auditioning. She knew her talents were far superior to anyone else's in the school. She was nervous about what taking this part would mean. It wasn't because people would assume who she was; it was because of the context of the story, a gay cheerleader coupled with Rachel's involvement. She wondered if Lucy…Quinn she corrected herself…would suspect she had influenced the plot, an indirect way to out the girl. If Quinn did, Rachel would just tell her the truth. She'd have to believe her.
Rachel walked down the hall, head held high. Aside from being nervous she was also exceedingly excited. She couldn't wait to start working on this play, any play would do for now. Glee club was good for singing but this play would also allow her to practice and hone her acting skills. Not to mention the more activities she could tack onto her resume the better she would look for admissions offices.
She was close to the auditorium, so close, when seemingly from nowhere Santana popped right in front of her path. Brittany stood behind her, her books pressed against her chest.
"Sup Hobbit?" Santana said casually.
Rachel rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for this right now, Santana. Can we reschedule your bullying for a later date?" Santana's face broke out into a predatory grin. This girl had some fire. She would love to try and extinguish it.
"What's a matter? You have to go make out with your girlfriend?" She teased referring to Kelley.
"For your information I have an audition. So if you'll excuse me." Rachel started walking again but Santana stepped in her way hands planted on her hips.
"I'm not finished." The taller girl said.
"Well I am. Now please move out of my way." Rachel answered trying to move past her. Santana put her hand on the locker blocking Rachel's path. She stared down at the girl, challenging her. The look seemed to say, 'It's your move now.' However before Rachel could do anything Quinn came down the hallway.
"Brittany, Santana, I've been looking for you guys everywhere." She said, her earlier altercation with the Latina forgotten. As she walked closer she noticed how tense the situation was and who Santana was talking to.
"What's going on here?" She asked.
"Just having a friendly chit-chat with Berry." Santana said sarcastically, her eyes never leaving Rachel's.
"Leave her alone, Santana." Quinn said, the authority from cheerleading practice back in her voice. Santana's eyes turned to Quinn curiously. As long as Santana had known Quinn she had never defended anyone but herself. Quinn could practically hear the wheels turning in Santana's head trying to figure out Quinn's motives for coming to Rachel's aid instead of joining her friend. "We need to stick together now. We're all on the same team." Quinn continued referring to Glee club. She had no idea that statement had a much deeper meaning.
"Hey Rach you struck me as the girl who arrived early so I thought I should come look for you." Kelley said as she rounded the corner into the hallway. When she realized who Rachel was talking to, she went to stand by the shorter girl's side.
"Are they bothering you?" Kelley asked alternating glares between Santana and Quinn.
"No." Rachel answered and cast a look in Quinn's direction that the girl couldn't decipher as she moved back from Santana and started walking down the hallway. Kelley glared once more at the two girls and followed Rachel.
The three cheerleaders stood watching the other two girls retreat.
"Isn't she just the knight in shining armor coming to save her girlfriend in distress." Santana commented sarcastically.
"Shut up, Santana." Quinn said halfheartedly. She watched Rachel until she disappeared around the corner.
"I know you don't like to see sweet lady kisses in your school, Q, but Rachel and Kelley would be really adorable together." Brittany said finally rejoining the conversation. Quinn quirked her eyebrow at the phrase and then cringed at the mental image. She shook her head and her mask dropped back into place.
"Whatever, I don't care what they do. Are we going to my house to do homework or what?" She started walking toward the exit without waiting to see if Santana and Brittany were following. The two Cheerios linked pinkies and trailed behind their friend giving her enough space to get through whatever mood swing she was going through.
Back in the auditorium Kelley and Rachel sat in the seats.
"Still think Quinn Fabray doesn't seem so bad?" Kelley asked.
"She wasn't doing anything wrong. In fact she tried to stop Santana." Rachel defended.
"Of course she did." Kelley rolled her eyes. "Now she seems like the good guy so the next time something bad happens to you like another slushy in the face you won't suspect it was her. It couldn't be little miss innocent Quinn Fabray." She finished sardonically.
Rachel was taken back by Kelley's little tirade. "Why do you hate her so much?"
"She hates me." Kelley said as if that was the most obvious reason in the world.
"That doesn't mean you have to hate her. You're supposed to love thy enemy."
"That has to be the first time I've ever heard a lesbian reference the bible in a positive way." She smirked at Rachel. "Just trust me. I've been here a lot longer than you so you have to believe me when I say people like us should stay away from people like her."
'People like us, people like her' Rachel thought. Her head was swimming. What did Kelley mean? Gay people should stay away from straight people? Popular people should stay away from unpopular people? Weren't they all just people trying to get through the same awful experience that was high school or were they really so fundamentally different that they had to avoid each other? Rachel sure didn't believe that. She didn't know but she sensed there was more to the story between Kelley and Quinn and she wanted to know immediately but Kelley was done talking about it.
"So what song did you prepare for today?" Kelley asked.
"Defying gravity from Wicked."
"Perfect." Kelley smiled.
During Rachel's performance Kelley was captivated by the girl. Tina had told her Rachel was good but good wasn't good enough to describe her. Kelley didn't think any word was. She was surprised such a powerful voice could come out of such a tiny girl. At the end of the song Kelley stood up and clapped along with some of the other kids involved with the play. Rachel stood on stage and soaked in the feeling. She could live on it alone. Then she imagined having a sold out show giving her a standing ovation and the feeling multiplied by about a hundred and she beamed. Kelley motioned Rachel over with her hand.
"So you have the part." Kelley said. Rachel knew she would get it.
"Don't you have to listen to the other auditions before making a final decision?"
Kelley blushed slightly at the question. "Actually there are no other auditions for this part."
"So I get it by default?" Rachel questioned. That was almost unacceptable.
"Technically. But even if the whole school auditioned you would get it."
"So if no one wanted this part then who's playing my love interest?"
"No one yet. We haven't had anyone interested in that part either. If no one comes forward for it by the end of next week I'll be playing the part." Kelley answered blushing again somewhat embarrassed. Maybe she was getting in over her head. She wrote this, she was directing it, and she might have to act in it as well.
"You can sing?" Rachel asked shocked.
"You don't have to sound so surprised." Kelley said in mock offense. Rachel lowered her eyes to the ground in apology. "Not as well as you but I can hold my own. It's not the singing that would scare me; it's the acting like a cheerleader." Kelley shuddered in mock terror at the idea. "But I am a woman of many talents and this play is my baby. Whatever it takes I'm going to do to have it premiere."
Rachel admired her passion. It was the same way she felt about singing and performing. It didn't matter how much work it took or how many obstacles were placed in her way she would be on stage.
"So since it's a very real possibility that I will be playing your love interest perhaps we should get to know each other better?" Kelley asked a twinkle in her eyes.
"Don't you think that during all the rehearsals we'll get to know each other plenty?" Rachel teased.
"Yes but I'll be getting to know you more as your character and how you are at 'work.' I want to get to know you as Rachel on a personal level."
It was Rachel's turn to blush thinking just how personal they could get. "I suppose that's a fair argument."
"So Friday then? I'll pick you up at seven?"
Rachel put her finger on her chin pretending to mull it over; then she squealed in excitement dropping the act. "Okay it's a date."
Kelley chuckled at the adorableness of the girl. "Cool so I have to get to work. I'll see you tomorrow." Kelley said as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
Rachel still stood there. "Wait. What are we going to do on Friday?"
Kelley turned around in the doorway. "That's a surprise."
"I don't do well with surprises."
"Yeah I probably could've guessed that but I'm still not telling you."
Rachel fought the urge to stomp her foot and whine her next question. "How will I know what to wear?"
"I'm sure anything you pick will be appropriate. We're not traveling to the Antarctic or going deep-sea diving or anything extreme. Rachel, just relax." Kelley smiled across the room at the tiny diva.
Rachel took a deep breath. "Fine. I guess I'll have to trust you."
"That would be a good first step." Kelley flashed another charming smile and left.
That night at dinner at the Berry household Rachel's fathers asked how her audition went.
"Something incredible happened." Rachel stated happily.
"You got the part?" Leroy asked.
"Well obviously daddy but that's not the incredible part."
"That Fabray girl came to her senses and stopped denying who she is." Hiram suggested bitterly. Rachel had told them about her encounter with Lucy/Quinn. She was close to her fathers; she told them practically everything. They were her most constant companions and when something as big as bumping into her only childhood friend happened she had to share. She needed help working through it. Hiram had been upset that she had hurt Rachel and slightly hurt himself. Leroy had been a little more understanding towards Quinn. He remembered that day when Russell Fabray came to take back his daughter. He couldn't imagine what a toll it would take on a person growing up around that.
In his house homosexuality simply wasn't talked about. He had only realized he was gay at eighteen when he was away at college and had met Hiram. When he told his parents at twenty-two, they disowned him. Leroy had been determined to make it through college before letting them know. He never in a million years thought they would do what they did but he wanted to be prepared nonetheless. He hadn't seen nor talked to them since and that was bad enough but he felt Quinn was suffering from a worse fate. At sixteen and still in high school she didn't have too many options. At least he had gotten away from the hate, Quinn was forced to live with it day in and day out.
Hiram's parents never approved of who he was but they did it in a quiet manner. They never made discriminatory or hostile comments about his "lifestyle" as people liked to call it. They had even had dinners with Leroy and been more than civil, not to mention they adored Rachel. So Leroy felt bad for the Quinn. She was stuck in an awful place.
"No dad but she did stop a cheerleader from being mean to me so I guess we'll call that progress. The incredible part is that I have a date on Friday." Rachel answered beaming and Hiram squealed and Leroy smiled so wide it practically reached both ears. It was their baby girl's first real date.
"With who?"
"With whom, daddy." Rachel corrected and the man rolled his eyes. "And it's with Kelley, the girl who wrote the play I auditioned for."
"She wrote a play? I like her already." Hiram said.
The three Berrys spent the rest of dinner discussing their favorite plays and where they thought Kelley would take Rachel and what they would do.
'Are they bothering you?' Kelley's words from earlier echoed in Quinn's head. She thought Rachel needed protection. Quinn thought about Santana staring down at the tiny brunette and okay yeah maybe Rachel did need some protection but Kelley thought Rachel needed protection from her. That was unacceptable. She didn't want to be Rachel's bully, Rachel's archenemy, she didn't even want to be Rachel's friend. She didn't want to be Rachel's anything. They merely existed in the same school. So did a lot of people and they never had to interact during their time there.
So what if they were both in glee club? Quinn loved to dance and Rachel lived for singing. They could perform together and keep the talking to a minimum and outside of glee they never even had to interact. Quinn thought their conversation in the bathroom had made that clear to the girl. As for Santana, Quinn hoped the Latina would listen to her about sticking together for the sake of glee club and leave Rachel alone. If Santana didn't, Quinn would have to take further action to stop her she just didn't know what yet.
Then there was Kelley, Kelley coming to Rachel's aid, Kelley and Rachel together. Were they together? Would they get together? Did Kelley talk about Quinn? What would Rachel think? Quinn shook her head trying to clear it of the questions that were piling up. None of that mattered Quinn told herself. Kelley and Rachel could do whatever they wanted. It didn't affect Quinn one way or another. Then why did she feel…nothing she told herself. She felt nothing about it. Her head was pounding. It was as if a war was going on in there. All her thoughts were battling trying to get her attention. She didn't want to think anymore. She picked up her cellphone and dialed a familiar number. She had three missed calls from it.
"Hey baby." She purred when the boy picked up.
"Baby?" Finn questioned confused. Quinn laughed demurely.
"Can't a girlfriend use pet names for her boyfriend?"
"Umm sure." It was true they were 'boyfriend and girlfriend' and they did go out sometimes but not as much as Finn expected to. The blonde was kind of…what's the word he was looking for…distant but he shrugged. She was the most popular girl in school also the hottest. He was more than happy just to follow her lead.
"So what are we doing Friday night?" Quinn asked.
"Friday night?" Finn echoed and Quinn rolled her eyes. Sometimes talking to him was exhausting.
"Yeah it's like the official date night for high school students. We should go out and do something."
"Oh yeah cool. Umm I'll think of something fun."
"You better." Quinn teased lightly but seriously she thought he better. The last date they had went on Finn had brought her to a Nascar race. Three hours into watching the cars go round and round and Quinn was practically bored to tears. Not to mention some guy spilled not one but two beers on her. She thought maybe she should plan the date activities after that but decided that was really more of the man's job.
Quinn ended the call and sighed. She had a date with her boyfriend on Friday night. It sounded nice and normal. Then why wasn't she excited? No she practically screamed in her head, no more thoughts, no more overanalyzing. She had had enough for the day. She grabbed her sneakers and laced them up. A jog would clear her head.