A/N: I started writing this after watching Dream On and seeing the promo for Theatricality, so now having actually seen Theatricality, this may turn out to be more AU than planned. Basically I thought the Rachel/Shelby story line was rushed, and the "It's too late for us to have a relationship" line was a load of rubbish. This is my attempt at turning things round.

Chapter 1 : looking in the mirror

"Miss Corocan?"

The voice is not as confident as she has heard it in the past. Barely a whisper, hard to believe this is the same girl who projected such a sound when she sang that she raised the roof, brought it down and then raised it all over again at sectionals a few short weeks ago.

"I'm your daughter."

It is odd, to see yourself reflected so fully in the face and body of another. Turning to face her, I am startled once again by the striking physical resemblence between us. A younger more innocent version of myself.

She is stood at the edge of the stage, waiting, hesitant to move forward without some kind of signal.

"Perhaps I should go" she continues.

It is then I realise that I have not yet replied, so engrossed have I been in my own thoughts. Shaking myself out of my revery I also remember where we are. Of course shes my daughter, who else would give such an emotional revelation on a stage in front of a ready made audience of students? Its all about the dramatic tension.

"No!" it comes out like a command, causing her to flinch. " No" I repeat, more softly " No, I mean, please don't go" .

Briefly turning back to my pupils I bark some orders about practice being over and that I will see them tomorrow at 3pm sharp to continue where we left off. They leave the stage in a babble of whipsers and I already know that this information will be round the whole school by registration tomorrow, but right now I don't care.

I gesture for Rachel to come forward, which she does, slowly inching her way across the stage. "and Yes," I continue, I know who you are."

We are stood opposite each other now, neither of us fully sure how to proceed. I had imagined how this scene would play out over and over again in my head, prepared a little speech and learnt it off by heart, Yet now, in reality, with my heart thumping louder than I ever thought possible, and two brown eyes looking at me with a sense of longing that must mirror my own, my all thoughts leave my head.

"I'm sorry" she appologises, "It's just I heard you sing, and I realised who you were, and then next thing I know I was here….."

"Never appologise" I say, still in this odd soft sounding tone, so different from my usual bark that I can barely recognise my own voice. "I wanted to meet you too. Let's go take a seat "

Sitting in the auditorium I still can't get my mind to focus. We make awkward conversation, which serves to exemplify the fact that we are, for all intents and purposes, complete and utter strangers. My thoughts are racing at a faster pace than my mouth, and all the while I can't help but feel an increasing sense of unease. I love this person, this child, my daughter, more than any one or anything on this earth, yet here we are in the middle of a forced conversation that swings from mild chit chat to deep and meaningful.

I need time, time to gather my thoughts. The last thing that I want to do is say something that might come out all wrong, and upset and offend her, I tend to be far too blunt for my own good.

When Rachel suggest going for dinner, I know I have to say something.

"I don't think it would be a good idea" I reply, trying to ignore the way her face fell for a moment. "Today has been quite a surprise for both of us. How about we both go away, give ourselves a chance to process what all this means, and then go out to dinner in a couple of days?".

Rachel is nodding as if in agreement, though really just on autopilot. Its not as if she has a choice in the matter, and I feel like the biggest bitch in the world, but I need to step back and not rush straight in to things. Its for her benefit, as well as mine.

"Here's my number" I continue, offering her a slip of paper, "and my email address. If you need anything, just let me know, and I will see you very soon."

With that I all but run out of the theatre, before I can change my mind, and before anyone can see me cry.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

TBC