A Different Direction

Chapter Two – Born For This

Kurt sat across from his friend, who was in between stuffing a croissant in her mouth and talking. It wasn't a pleasant sight. Kurt took his coffee cup and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Rachel obviously needed to do one thing at a time before Kurt blew chunks all over the table. He choked down his coffee, closing his eyes while he drank so he didn't have to see her hideous mouth chew and talk and chew and talk. Thankfully when he set his cup down, she had finished her food and now it was just the talking. He loved Rachel to death, but she was extremely oblivious. Blaine, who sat next to him was obviously feeling the same as him. He coughed on his food more than once.

"So anyway, what they always told me – and they acted this out themselves – was that one of them was sitting, reading a news paper. He was just eating away and at the time, my other dad was working here, so he served him his food, right? Although they didn't know they would be destined to be together just yet, they knew it was coming." She paused to sip her smoothie and continued. "My dad who was sitting and reading was ready for the check and then my other dad came over, and when he handed him the check their fingers brushed together!" She squealed with excitement. "How cute is that! I mean, that's basically how I was conceived, with a hand touch. And they said that when they both looked at each other, they instantly knew and went to elope." She gave out a dreamy sigh and rested her head in her hands. "It's how I want to get married."

Kurt's face twisted into disbelief. Rachel to him was the kind of girl who wanted a big extravagant wedding. He always thought she'd be the bride-zilla of the century, torturing and crushing anyone under her $3,000 wedding shoes that were hand crafted by the most expensive designer from Milan. Maybe Kurt was just thinking of himself, but maybe not.

When the bill came, Blaine offered to pay but Rachel smacked his hand away, placing down some cash.

"You paid for the hotel room." She stated as they walked out. Kurt and Blaine weren't on the public hand holding just yet, but they did stand a little too close, nothing like guy best friends would in New York. Rachel floated on beside Blaine, smiling. Her hands found their way to her pockets.

"It's so beautiful. I never thought I'd actually be here again. Not after flunking nationals twice." She looked up at the large Tiffany & Co. building. She remembered coming here the second time when they lost, when Finn had helped her get back on her feet, telling her it wasn't her fault.

Kurt saw the distance in Rachel's eyes. "Have you called him yet?"

"No, I don't think I'm going to. I mean, why should I? He left me and I need to get over it." She nodded, brushing her bangs from her face.

Kurt and Blaine smiled at each other briefly as they walked. It was peaceful, being here. Normally, one would think that there was always the traffic noise of being in New York, or people screaming from stolen purses. But it was relaxing in Kurt's own little way.

Kurt wondered if Blaine felt this way, too. Every problem he had was washed away. The wind blew gently, a cool breeze hitting Kurt in the face.

Their walking slowed. Blaine turned to Kurt.

"Where'd Rachel go?" This suddenly dawned on Kurt. It was quiet for a reason. No one was talking.

"Come on, Blaine. Maybe we can get away before she catches up." Kurt whispered, looking around quickly before grabbing his hand, pulling him up the street. Blaine tugged back resistantly.

"No Kurt, something feels off about this." Blaine kept resisting and finally Kurt sighed, letting go.

"Fine, let's go look for her." He began to walk back the way they came, Blaine by his side. There was no sign on Rachel anywhere. They had their eyes open, looking, watching. Kurt stopped and shook his head.

"We're at the restaurant now where we started. Where would we be if we were Rachel Berry?" Kurt asked himself and looked around. Blaine gave out a small laugh and nudged Kurt. "Blaine now's not the time to be laughing, what if she's actually hurt?"

Blaine just laughed more. "She will be hurt if she doesn't slow down!" Kurt turned his head in the direction that Blaine was pointing. There she was, the lost cause herself sprinting full force forward through the traffic jam towards them. In a flash of yellow taxi's, there was a small streak of red with brown hair bobbing along like she was in a maze. Kurt had to admit, she looked pretty funny.

"Guys guys!" She shouted, stopping when she was in front of them. "I seen it. I saw Broadway for the second time in my life. And you'll never guess what happened!" She held up a piece of paper and smiled.

Kurt narrowed his eyes. "Rachel, please tell me you didn't jump a star for their autograph." He eyed the paper that was stuck in her death grip.

Rachel laughed off his accusation and shook her head. "Even better! I have the chance to be jumped by people for my autograph." She showed the paper to Kurt and Blaine, smiling brilliantly. "It's to audition for Spring Awakening. Can you believe it?" She shrieked, hugging the paper to her chest and jumped up and down. "Guys, this is the beginning! It's starting!"

"Wow Rachel! That's great!" He laughed and hugged her. Rachel laughed with Blaine and smiled brilliantly. "What do you have to do?"

Rachel shrugged. "I'll have to read through this baby right here first, of course. But I can do that at the hotel. I can't wait!"

"Rachel, if you get in, I swear you're going to be my best friend ever." Kurt smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. Rachel knew that Kurt was playing around and smiled. "But all joking aside, congratulations on this wonderful experience that you are about to go through. I hear it's hard work, you might wanna go take a look at the library for some information." Kurt smiled.

Rachel pulled open the door and smiled. She had put the sheet in her bag after folding it neatly so it would be readable still. Rachel was excited for what her future had in store for her. Even if it was just for a play or two, she could make something of it.

Kurt walked in with Blaine, their hands seemed to connect and their fingers seemed to link together while walking back to the hotel. Rachel's head was turned to Kurt and Blaine, chatting away about Broadway.

"And did I tell you when I suspected that Patty-" Rachel watched as Kurt yelped.

"Why don't you watch where you're going!" Kurt snapped, looking at the stranger who stepped on his foot and nearly broke his toe. Blaine placed an arm around Kurt's waist, knowing from first hand experience what would happen next.

"Sorry! It was completely by accident!" He raised his hands stepping back. The man's face softened and he broke into a smile. "Well, well." He fixed his blue scarf.

"What are you doing here?" Rachel stood beside Kurt, crossing her arms.

Jesse St. James flicked his hair, which had gotten longer since they last seen each other, and his smile turned devilishly very fast. "If you must know, I've decided to pursue a career in theater arts. You guys probably heard that UCLA wasn't really my thing, and that they actually expected me to do work. Well, that's why I'm here. My Glee club advising fell through the second floor and landed straight in the toilet." Jesse gave his best casual shrug and Rachel glared.

"So you didn't tell us what you're really doing here." She stepped closer to Jesse.

"I'm trying out for Spring Awakening, of course. The part of Melchior Gabor. Classic." Jesse smiled at Rachel as her face paled. "I can tell you did the same. Maybe we'll see each other on stage." He backed up, turning to the door. "Or maybe you'll see me on the stage. I'll send you the tickets if you don't make it." And with that he left.

Rachel's foot was tapping on the floor and she huffed. "Well. What a downer to this perfect job." She turned to Kurt who was still glaring at the door. "But you know what they say, if you can work with the one you hate, then you can make it." Rachel walked to the elevator, her head held high.

"Who said that?" Blaine followed, looking puzzled.

"I did, just now. You can quote me on it later." Rachel smiled their way, clearly over the St. James moment.

It was mid-day and all Kurt wanted to do was sleep. He had his fun with breakfast and losing Rachel, his day was done for now. Luckily for him, Blaine was home to keep him company. Rachel had left earlier to go to the library to do some research like Kurt had suggested. He already knew that Rachel knew everything, but it gave him quiet time. So here he was, snuggled up into Blaine's side watching The Little Mermaid up on the television (he brought the movie himself).

Kurt was tracing circles against Blaine's thigh as Ursula began to sing Poor Unfortunate Souls. Kurt couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny? This is an evil song!" Blaine looked down at Kurt, his facial expression showed genuine fear.

"Seriously? It's just a cartoon, Blaine. I mean, you really think there are mermaids?" Kurt sat up slightly and Blaine shook his head.

"No, but you're not getting the message of this song. It was meant to tell her that she'll turn into a little sea monster on the bottom floor! Basically she's signing her life away." Blaine pointed to the television and Kurt laughed loudly.

"No, you dummy head. It's supposed to be Ursula seducing Ariel into trading her voice for the chance to become human." He smiled, leaning back against Blaine. "Honestly, you call yourself a Disney nerd."

"Okay, then, what's Colors Of The Wind about, then, huh?" Blaine smiled proudly to himself when Kurt paused.

"The song poetically presents the Native American viewpoint that the earth is a living entity where humankind is connected to everything in nature. Duh." Kurt grinned.

"Can You Feel The Love Tonight?"

"Do I need to explain that one to you, Blaine?"

"Touche, A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes?"

"Cinderella encourages her animal friends to never stop dreaming." Kurt shrugged and Blaine's grin turned smug.

"Kiss The Boy?"

Kurt rolled his eyes at this one, not catching on. "Come on Blaine, it's from your favourite movie, you honestly can't even get the title right? I mean, really. It's called Kiss The Girl, not Kiss The Boy. And Sebastian sings it as a seduction technique to get Eric to realize that, 'Oh hey, Ariel is saying KISS ME.'"

"Alright." Blaine leaned forward a little too fast and captured Kurt's lips against his.

Rachel cracked out her reading list that she had the librarian give her and she started her search. The list had consisted of the famous female Broadway stars from the 1960s and up, which Rachel was well educated on already. She had just pulled a book out about Bernadette Peters and took it to a table when someone sat next to her.

"Doing your homework?" The male's voice greeted her warmly and Rachel smiled, looking up into the familiar blue eyes.

"How'd you guess?" She joked, pushing his shoulder playfully. Rachel closed her book and leaned against the table.

"Lucky guess." He clasped his hands together and smiled. "What really brings you to the library on this fine day that looks like it's about to rain?" He laughed as he looked out the large bay window that was behind them.

Rachel smiled, shrugging. "Exactly what you guessed. I'm auditioning for the part of Wendla. I don't know if I should be scared or if I should be excited for it." Rachel wiped her hands on the sides of the seat. They were suddenly sweating and she had no idea why.

The man smiled. "You'll do fine. And I think you should work hard on that convincing skill, I know they had a few great people audition before for Wendla."

"I'll be there tomorrow. I know I will blow their minds away. They won't even know what hit them." Rachel sighed suddenly. "But this old flame I had in high school is trying out tomorrow as well, for the part of 'Melchior Gabor'." When Rachel spoke his name, it came out snotty like, her nose crinkled.

"Ah, that sounds a bit painful. What if you end up getting the part and he gets his part?" The blonde tilted his head curiously.

"I'll have to go on with the show. No one will stop me from getting what I want." Rachel nodded with a satisfied grin. So did the blonde.

"Excellent. Well, I sure hope to see you tomorrow." He stood up and so did Rachel.

"Wait, I didn't catch your name.." She blurted out quickly, placing her hands on the book in front of her and picking it up.

"Oh right, I always forget that tourists don't know me. I'm Samuel, Samuel Ellis." Samuel held his hand out and Rachel took his, shaking it.

"It's a real treat to meet you, Mr. Ellis." She smiled brilliantly at him and he nodded.

"The pleasure's all mine, Miss Berry. Until tomorrow." He kissed the top of her hand and walked out of the library.

Rachel smiled as he left. Samuel Ellis. He seemed to have something to do with being well known and yet she didn't know him. Well, she wasn't going to be called a tourist any longer. Rachel would figure out who this Samuel Ellis was. Rachel pulled out a pen and the piece of paper that she would have to fill out for auditioning. Rachel de-crumpled the paper and wrote down her name.

"Oh wait.." Rachel stopped herself, laughing silently and she looked at the top of the page, beginning to read how to fill out this form.

Then she seen it.

Right below the instructions was the fine print (always important to read). Just below it read:

"Any questions or comments about this, please contact Samuel J. Ellis at 555-2002, or his email ."

"No...way..."

Tada! I the Jesse St. James was an extra part added in, so I'm gonna need to change the whole story line. This story really has me excited now, and I'm kinda pumped for the third chapter. These are probably the longest that I've ever written before, so yeah. And next chapter, prepare for a song. I'm sorry if you guys feel like I'm rushing through this. if anyone's reading it at all.

Reviews are always welcome.

Ps - Song idea's are also welcome.