Chapter 5

Monday morning arrived way too soon for Rachel's liking. She felt even more uncomfortable knowing that she would not be riding into school with Sam that day. He had a dentist appointment and would be coming late. Without him by her side there would be no buffer between her and the rest of McKinley's elite. She was truly frightened at the prospect of entering that school and walking down the corridors on her own after her soccer debut. Would her tormenters hate her even more for trying to become an athlete like them or would they finally show her some respect and at the very least ignore her like she had always wanted.

As she approached the double doors to the main entrance to the building she tucked her hair behind her ears, smoothed out her t-shirt, closed her eyes, and took one last cleansing breath as she pulled them open and confidently walked down the hallway to her locker. Immediately she noticed everyone staring at her and whispering. She longed for the comfort of Sam's hand in hers and instantly started thinking of the worst.

"Obviously they have a plan to get back at me why else would they be whispering," she thought to herself. Just as she approached her locker she saw Azimo headed for her fist raised.

"This is it," Rachel thought, "Im going to get punched in the face totally ending my soccer season, and possible ruining my beautiful face thus ending my broadway career before it even begins!"

Rachel tightly shut her eyes, her entire body tensing preparing for the impact of the incoming blow, and she waited. After 5 seconds of standing in anticipation Azimo spoke,"

"Berry whats wrong with you I just wanted to give you some props for Friday's game. I had no idea you were that athletic, it was amazing to watch!"

His fist still held out about chest level waiting for Rachel to give him a fist bump. She rose her own tiny fist connecting it with his and shooting him a smile.

"They had a great write up for you in the paper too. The reporter says we totally have a chance of a state championship with you on the team," Azimo stated "Well I got to get to class guess I'll see you around later Berry."

Rachel completely stunned by this interaction shook out of her daze and replied "Thanks yeah Ill see you around."

She couldn't wait to tell Sam all about it when she saw him at lunch.

By the time Lunch had rolled around, Rachel had been approached by no less than a dozen jocks and cheerleaders congratulating her on her performance, had seen a huge picture of her cut out from the news paper slide tackling her opponent that Coach Holliday had proudly displayed on the cork board outside of the Gymnasium with its accompanying article, and had been invited to 3 parties that weekend.

"I've never been invited to a party let alone 3 in one weekend!" Rachel exclaimed to Sam and the rest of the glee club at their lunch table. Sam just wrapped his arm around her kissing her temple more proud of her than he had ever been for himself.

"Don't worry guys I'll ask the baseball team if cool if i can bring some tag alongs there is not way I'm going without my glee family," Rachel said to Tina, Artie, Mercedes, and Kurt.

They all smiled glad that Rachel had not forgot about where she came from and wanted to include them in her new found popularity.

About 5 minutes before the lunch bell was to ring, Figgin's voice came over the loudspeaker for the afternoon announcements.

"I would like to remind everyone that mixing jello into the the pool is not funny and anyone with information to catch the culprits should inform my office ASAP. On a happier note, the McKinley High girls soccer team opened their season with a win over cross town rivals Jamison High School. Stand out player of the game being Rachel Berry with her 2 goals, 2 assists, and overall outstanding defensive play!"

The cafeteria erupted in applause and whistling. Before she knew it Sam had hoisted Rachel's petite frame up on his shoulder so the whole student body could see her. She broke into a fit of laughter never remembering being this happy ever as her amazing boyfriend ran her up and down the aisles to the chants of,

"Berry Berry Berry!"

Sam finally let Rachel down wrapping her in his arms and planting a kiss right on her lips in front of everyone.

"I am so lucky," Sam told Rachel as he pulled away.

"There's no way you are luckier than I am," she said rising up on her tip toes giving him another quick peck.

Across the cafe all the cheerios swooned over the sweet couple.

"Can they be anymore adorable," said Vanessa.

"Totally in the running for prom king and queen," Suzie replied.

"They are totally going to be this schools new power couple!" added Jessica

Quinn hearing this squeezed Finn's hand in anger. If there was going to be a power couple in this school it was going to be her and Finn. She felt a fury rise up inside her at just the thought of Rachel on top. She was not going to let that happen!