So, for those who didn't know Glee's Season 3 will premiere on September 20th, 2011. I am so happy. To all my fellow gleeks out there YAY! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. So, sorry that you had to wait awhile for it, but it's a longer than usual. Enjoy!
*I do not own Glee.*
Rachel didn't know whether she was still a little hungover from yesterday's party or if was because she went to over twenty-two stores and Kurt still didn't believe they got enough clothes for her.
"Kurt we've been to over twenty-two stores, had to make three trips to the car because we had too many bags, and you still believe I don't have enough clothes. I beg to differ."
"Rachel, who asked who for help?"
" I asked you for help, but-"
"No but's, you asked me for help and I am giving you help. Take it or leave it."
" And if I decide to leave it?"
"Then you will remain the same girl who gets bullied at school for dressing like a pre-schooler."
"Well at least that girl didn't dress, like a stripper in Vegas."
"But you'll look like a high-end stripper for millionaires and billionaires only."
"Are you kidding me Kurt, I don't want to look like Santana."
"Trust me you will be sophisticated sexy, not stripper-sexy."
"I trust you, but if you make me look bad I will kill you."
"Ha-ha, Rachel Berry threatening me. I am more scared of Mr. Shue if someone steals his favorite vest."
"It's all giggles, until someone get shot."
"Woah, is that you Berry? You look hot." Rachel turned to see none other than Noah Puckerman looking her up and down, like a piece of meat.
"Thank you Noah, but what are you doing in a Women's clothing store? Shouldn't you be at a strip club or something else illegal?"
"Very funny Berry, but I'm here to get something for my Ma, it's her birthday tomorrow."
"Well tell her I said Happy Birthday. And with no offense, why are you buying your mother clothes? You're not that stylish yourself, and that's coming from me."
"Yeah what do you plan on getting your mother, Puck?"
"Thanks a lot Berry, And I plan on getting her a sweater or something girly Hummel, you should know?"
"That was rude, but I will help you, because that's the kind of person I am."
As Kurt dragged Noah off to the jewelry, Rachel changed back to her clothes. Since they were no where to be found Rachel decided that this was the perfect time to make an escape, after paying for her new dresses. After Rachel had paid the cashier she ran towards the nearest exit, but before she could get through the exit she spotted Finn talking to Blaine. Seeing him was awkward enough, so she decided she would just have to endure Kurt for the rest of the day.
"Hey my Jewish-American Princess, where have you been?"
"I decided to change and pay for the dresses, I got. Having fun with Kurt?"
"If you don't get your boy Hummel away from me before he makes one more comment about my clothes, I will be dragged back to Juvie." Rachel started laughing at what Puck whispered in her ear. She knew Noah had a short temper sometimes, but this was utterly funny. Sure Kurt was pushy at times, but he always meant the best. And if anyone knew how helpful Kurt was it was her.
"So I believe this would be the best thing to get your mother." Kurt said as he pointed to a beautiful diamond cut Star of David necklace.
"That is so beautiful. Noah you have to get that for your mother, she would love it. Excuse me miss, but may we see that necklace." The lady behind the counter seemed exceptionally nice, based on the fact the three teenagers seemed too young to buy a such a extravagant piece of jewelry.
"It looks okay, I guess Ma would like it. How much is this?"
"$125. Thats without the $30 warranty though."
"$155, seems like a lot of money."
"How about me and Kurt put in about the $55 dollars if you help us today."
"Help with what exactly?"
"Oh nothing much, we just have to finish up shopping for Rachel. Then I have to do a little gift shopping myself."
"Fine, I guess it sounds like a fair exchange." As puck paid for the necklace he was a little hesitant accepting Kurt and Rachel's terms. Sure he trusted Rachel, even after the whole 'Run Joey Run' debacle. She was as honest as they came, who else would tell her boyfriend her made-out with his former best friend. Hummel was another story, he was sneaky and manipulative.
About an hour and half later, Rachel was completely finished shopping. She had spent well over $400 and that's not counting the money Kurt contributed as an early Hanukkah gift. She insisted they stop shopping for her and that they got whatever Kurt needed. Since Finn's birthday was coming up, Kurt found it as an excuse to give Finn a whole wardrobe makeover.
"Well, since your done shopping for Berry, I guess I can leave. I made enough compliments, carried enough bags, and scared away all the creeps staring at her. My job is done here. Peace." Puck began walking away just as Kurt pulled his arm to stop him.
"Don't even try it Puckerman. We have to get a few more things and since we know less about guy fashions, we brought you along to help us."
"Help you with what?"
"Well, Finn's birthday is coming up and I decided to get him clothes that don't look like they came out of a Mellencamp video. So you are here to be our model."
"I am not a model-"
"Noah, I understand that you don't want to be used as a mannequin of some sort, but you are extremely built and fit the criteria of fit athletes. And if something looks super hot on you, it should look at least as half as good on Finn."
Puck remained silent as he thought over what Rachel said. With no response yet, Rachel decided to further persuade him.
"And don't worry, I won't let some creepy girls, stare at your body if that's what you want."
"Fine, I'll do it only because I want to see Berry get in some catfight."
Rachel and Kurt couldn't help, but laugh at Puck's comment. Who would have thought that the three of them would have such a fun afternoon shopping. The funniest part was that Puck came along with them at the end. He really did make Rachel feel better about herself, she had to admit he was a good friend.
When they had finished getting everything they needed, Kurt paid for the clothes and they were on their way. Rachel didn't know how long it had been since she last ate, but her stomach found a way to remind her it was too long.
"Hey, why don't we grab a bite to eat. It's on me."
"Gosh, Berry you take me shopping then out to lunch. I hope you know if you wanted a piece of Puckzilla, all you had to do was ask. I would have surely delivered."
"Ugh, no Noah. Don't you have a girlfriend?"
"Zizes is great and all, but anytime my Jewish-American Princess and I'm all for a party. Me and you V.I.P access."
"Grow up Puckerman. Where is Blaine I haven't seen him since-" Rachel didn't want to slip that she saw Finn. She didn't want Kurt and Puck thinking she was avoiding him, even if she was.
"He got Finn to pick him up and take him to my house. Since he's going there later for the cookout I thought he would rather get over his hangover there than on a mall bench."
"Wait, hangover. You guys had a party last night and didn't invite me. I should be offended."
"It was a sleepover, no straight guys were allowed. My dads would have killed me if any were there, or even if there was alcohol. So don't say a word."
"Fiesty Berry, I'm loving it."
As they grabbed lunch they talked about the previous night, well what they could remember at least. They talked about Glee and then Kurt invited Puck to the cookout and he agreed. When they were all finished Rachel and Kurt said goodbye to Puck and they headed over to her house to drop off her clothes and get ready for the cookout.
Kurt had already pre-planned which outfits went together and which didn't. He had made sure to accessorize each outfit also. Rachel really which scared her most, Kurt organizing her wardrobe or what Kurt might do if she changed something up. He meant well, but he really scared her at times. Finally it came time for Rachel and Kurt to get ready. They both decided they would wear something new that they just bought. Thankfully Kurt approved of her old pink polka-dotted bikini, because they both forgot to buy one. Rachel remembered when she bought this bikini, it was right after her and Finn went swimming at her pool over the summer, but it led to a very dirty fight.
Flashback
"Finn, you better not think about-" Before Rachel could finish warning Finn he grabbed her and threw her into the pool.
As Rachel ascended from the pool steps, she just went straight for the patio table. She didn't look mad, she didn't look happy. She was blank, expression-less, dull.
"Rach, Baby I'm sorry. I didn't think you would get that mad. I really-" Finn was cut off as Rachel poured ice cold lemonade on him.
"Oh, its on babe." Finn yelled as he squeezed mustard all over her white one-piece bathing suit.
What was supposed to be a fun picnic, turned to a all-out food fight. Rachel wouldn't give in until Finn was completely covered in food. After what seemed as 30 minutes they both surrendered and collapsed on the floor with Rachel on-top of Finn.
"I win."
"Yes you do babe, and as your prize I will buy you a new bathing suit. Sorry I squeezed mustard on you."
"Guess what else I win?"
"What?"
Instead of telling Finn, she just kissed him.
"That. And oh you get to clean this mess up as I shower up." Rachel got up and began walking to the house.
"That's unfair."
"I love you."
"Yeah yeah I love you too." That time Finn was just talking to himself because Rachel had already disappeared inside to get cleaned up.
End of Flashback
"Rachel are you ready, I want to get there before Finn even thinks about going in the Jacuzzi."
"Would you hate me if I said I didn't want to go?"
"Most definitely, come one Carole is so happy to see you again. If this is about Finn, we will both ignore him. I'll even put a 'No straight guys allowed' sign on the Jacuzzi if you want."
"I love you Kurt." Rachel leaned in and hugged Kurt as tight as possible.
"I know Diva, let's rock and roll. I have a boyfriend to entertain and a step-brother to tame."
"By the way Kurt you don't have to ignore him on my behalf. Noah will probably keep him distracted the whole time."
"Well if he is wearing those ridiculous shorts, I will ignore him."
They finally made their way over to the Hudson-Hummel residence. Rachel was still very nervous about facing Finn, after god knows what she did last night. It probably was nothing, but she had a bad feeling that something happened last night. But it was too late to turn around and go back home she saw Carole standing at the front door. It was time to face him, so she exited the car and walked into Carole's welcoming arms for a long hug.
"Sweetie, I have missed you so much. You need to visit me more often."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Hummel, I didn't want to impose or anything."
"Honey, you could never. Burt and I love when you come over. And Finn well majority rules, so he will have to deal will you here because your part of the family. And call me Carole"
"I'm sorry that I broke his heart, I never meant to hurt him that bad."
"As much I would love to give either of you advice, it's not my place. Mistakes were made and I know some apologies were made from one side, but not the other. I really don't want to say anything that seems like I am overstepping. I love you both, you're like the daughter I never had Rachel. You guys just need to find out where it all went wrong and move on from that point."
"Thank you, Mrs.- Carole. I love you like a mother."
"Oh and sweetie, I am rooting for you."
"Baby Barbra, come on. I want to get my Jacuzzi on."
"Sorry, Carole the master calls."
"Remember what I said Rachel."
Rachel quickly hugged Carole again and headed to the back where the Jacuzzi was. She saw as Puck and Finn passed around a football, Burt was grilling some meat, Blaine and Kurt were in the Jacuzzi talking. She didn't want to impose, so she decided to turn around and walk inside. Before she took two steps she heard Kurt call her over.
"Rachel Barbra Berry get your skinny butt in this Jacuzzi with us now." Rachel turned around to see that now all the attention was on her. She was hesitant, but it was either Jacuzzi or deal with Finn. She'll take Jacuzzi. As she walked over she stopped to remove her beautiful white sundress. Even though it was still pretty cold outside she decided since she would be wearing her bikini she might as well as wear a sundress to accompany it. Before she made it to the hot tub she heard Noah whistle.
"Woah, Berry. Looking smoking. Want me to join." She turned around to see Finn playfully shove Noah into a tree.
"Yes Noah, I would like for you to join me. . . IN YOUR DREAMS!"
Puck couldn't help, but laugh while Finn some what looked angry.
Rachel finally joined Kurt and Blaine in the Jacuzzi to hear them arguing which was better 'Wicked' or 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'. They were both good shows, but 'Wicked' was definitely better so her and Kurt double- teamed Blaine.
"How can you not love 'Wicked'. It deals with the judgement of others based on looks. 'Wicked' helps people understand that you can never judge a book by it cover. Elphaba was automatically claimed to be a evil witch because she was green. No one really saw her for who she was until Glinda befriended her. After that Fiyero fell in love with her. They gave up all of Oz to be together. And I'm sorry if you think 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' is better because that actor from Harry Potter is in it. I wonder how Kurt is still with you after you dare to claim that show was better than 'Wicked'?"
"Yeah, how can I date someone who thinks that."
"Fine, I surrender." Just as they were about to kiss Puck came over to the Jacuzzi.
"Hey my sexy Jewish-American Princess, move over please." Rachel really couldn't tell Puck no because he was already sitting by her.
"Noah you are aware there is a lot of room left. You could sit anywhere else and not right next to me."
"Why so uptight Berry?"
"I am not uptight." Rachel was never more offended. She was five seconds away from splashing him when Finn walked over and joined them in the water. Kurt was supposed to keep her safe from him. Well she couldn't leave cause that would be awkward, so she would just lay her head back and close her eyes. That would work.
"What's up man?" There he went with his beautiful voice. She used to love that voice, now she dreading hearing it.
"Nothing, Berry is being so uptight right now, won't even talk to me while those to eye-fuck eachother." That was it, Noah was going to fill the wrath of Rachel Berry.
She just simply splashed him as hard as she could. He splashed back. So she continued to splash him.
"Oh you guy better stop before my hair gets wet." Just as Kurt warned them Rachel and Puck splashed him as the same time.
"It's on." Kurt began splashing everyone. From that point on, it turned to a splash war. Everyone was on their own. At some point felt some pull under the water. For a Jacuzzi it was huge, more like a swimming pool. She saw that it was Puck who pulled her in to the water. So she decided to push him away and pull Kurt underwater. In less than a minute everyone was underwater just messing around. Rachel bumped into someone, someone who was very tall and fit. She turned to see Finn, but before anything else she got out and decided to get out. Closely following her was Finn.
"Rach, Wait!"
"No Finn, I really don't want to talk." Before either said a word Carole walked out and told everyone dinner was ready.
Rachel went to change before dinner cause she really didn't want to eat in just her bikini. When she came back she saw all the seats were taken except for the one beside Finn. She quietly went and sat next to him as she ate her vegan burger. Thankfully Kurt and Blaine were debating over why sports outfits were unreasonable, this saved her from having to talk in front of Finn.
Almost half-way through dinner Rachel's cellphone began ringing, so she quickly made her way to the kitchen. She saw that her dad's were calling. What if they came home and found out she had alcohol at her party. She was screwed.
"Hello."
"Hey Rachy, Me and your Dad missed our flight and the next one leaves tomorrow night. We are so sorry."
"It's alright Daddy. I hope you guys are okay."
"Will you be okay at home by yourself. Is there anyone who could sleepover or vice versa?"
"Daddy, I don't need a baby-sitter. I am 17 after all. Plus Kurt slept over last night and I don't want him to feel like he has to-" Suddenly the phone was snatched out of her hand. She turned around and saw Kurt.
"Hello Mr. Berry, Rachel is more than welcome to spend the night at my house. We could have another girls night."
"Take care of her Kurt."
"Will do, have a safe flight home."
Kurt hung up the phone and turned to Rachel with a smirk on his face. This meant no good. She was about to tell him to forget was he was thinking, but couldn't because he was already out the kitchen.
"Dad, Carole can Rachel spend the night? Her dads missed their flight. Please."
"Of course sweetie, you can stay as long as you want." Carole always helped those in need. That's what made her such a great nurse.
"Well as much as I would love to, I can't. I have no clothes and Kurt rushed to ask before I told him."
"I can take you to your house to pick some up." Kurt just wouldn't give up.
"You have to take Blaine home, he lives on the other side of town. It's fine I'll call a taxi to take me home."
"Nonsense sweetie remember your like a daughter. I have to work tonight, but Finn can take you."
"I'm okay-"
"Sure, I'll take you after we clean up Rachel." There he went making it more awkward.
"Thank you." What else you say to your ex when you are spending the night at his house.
After they finished eating and cleaning up Carole left for work. Kurt and Blaine were about to leave and Burt went to sleep, which left her, Finn, and Puck in the living room watching some basketball game that Rachel didn't know one thing about.
"Yo, Finn you have got to agree Florida is playing one hell of a game tonight."
"Yeah, they're good, but Butler is leading. We'll see."
"Berry, got a prediction?"
"Noah, do I look like I watch sports?"
"Oh, I forgot your so uptight!" That's it with Noah, he was going to learn someday how uptight she was, but not now in front of Finn. So she just threw a pillow that hit the side of his head.
"Bite Me Noah!"
"Love to."
"In your dreams."
"Sounds like a repeat dream."
"Ugh, I'll be in the kitchen."
Rachel quickly made her way to the kitchen where she sat her head down. If her day couldn't get any worse.
Rachel must have drifted off to sleep because she awoke to the sound of the front door being slammed. She wanted to make sure that Noah and Finn didn't start fighting over god knows what. So she made her way to the living room to see Finn on the couch smirking.
"What happened with Noah?"
"We made a bet and he lost."
"Oh."
"Well are you ready so I can take you to your house?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Actually Finn you don't have to. I am more than capable of taking a taxi home and spending the night alone. "
"If you do that I think my mom and Kurt might kill me. So please don't, I love living." Rachel laughed, even if she felt that things were awkward between them they shared a bond.
"Fine. Let's go." Finn flashed her his famous signature half-smile. She loved that smile.
They ended up leaving and heading over to Rachel's house. The whole ride there was completely silent. Neither of them dared to even put the radio on, in fear that a song came on that reminded them of their past relationship. Finally they made it there. Rachel didn't really want to make things more awkward, but she couldn't be rude and make Finn wait for her in the truck. So against her better judgement she invited him in. They quickly made it inside as she made her way upstairs to get clothes, she noticed that she didn't have her usual overnight bag. Damn her dads, the only bag she had was Finn's old sports duffel bag he gave her. She quickly packed her bag and headed down the stairs. She was hoping to pass Finn quickly before he noticed what bag she had. Because Rachel was practically running down, she skipped a step and went flying down. Thankfully for her she felt two strong arms grab her in the nick of time.
"Are you okay Rach...el?" She could hear somewhat of panic in
"I'll live, but I think I sprained my ankle." She tried to hop over to the couch, but Finn just helped her.
"Do you want some ice or something?"
"Yeah I have some Tylenol in the kitchen draw, if you could bring me some it would be appreciated."
By the time Finn came back they both noticed that Rachel's ankle was beginning to swell. Finn placed a pillow under her ankle and gently placed the ice on top as she took two pills.
"How do you know what to do?"
"My mother is a nurse, remember. Which is why I think we should take you to the hospital. It looks like a pretty bad sprain."
"No, I can't even walk on my own. I'll just stay here by myself."
"Rach, you can't. I really don't think you should stay by yourself."
"Finn I am more than capable to be alone and take-" Rachel was instantly picked up by Finn in a bridal style and taken to his truck.
"What about my stuff?"
"Give me one second, I'll get it." Not only did Finn get so close to her again, he was going to see the one thing she didn't want him to see. The duffel bag, his old duffel bag.
Thankfully he didn't say a word when he got into the truck. He just silently started the truck and began driving.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Saving my life."
"Anytime Rach." That was the third time he called her 'Rach' today. Why did things have to be so damn awkward between them.
"Did you really mean it?"
"Mean what exactly?"
"What you said last night."
Oh no, she talked to him last night. She must have called him to say something 'Needy'. This couldn't be happening. Not now since she can't even ran away. Maybe she could jump out of the truck, that was definitely Plan B if she couldn't ignore the obvious drunken phone call.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. Because of your step-brother and his boyfriend, I was pretty drunk."
"I kind of guessed that by the way you were talking." What the hell did she say?
"Ummm, what exactly did I say?"
"Nothing totally bad."
"What did I say Finn?"
"It was nothing, really."
"Please tell me Finn."
"You said that we both hurt each other, and I hurt you more than once. Then you said that you were going to show everyone the real Rachel Berry."
It was official, if I ever drink again I will remove all phones from a 2 mile radius away from me. How do you possibly respond to that.
"I'm sorry I said that Finn."
"No, you were right. I did hurt you more than you hurt me and I'm sorry for that."
"I forgave you ages ago."
"That's what I love about you, you can't hold a grudge. You may just be one of the most nicest people I know."
"I'm not nice. Nice people don't send people to crack-houses or hurt people."
"Rach you are nice and caring. You helped me whenever I needed it. You tried to protect Kurt even when he treated you badly. You threw a duet competition to keep Sam in the Glee club, even though we would have totally beaten them if we sang our original selection. You are nice, but sometimes your insecurities drive you to do mean things." Finn gave her the warmest an welcoming smile ever, she really want to just reach over and kiss him, but that would result in disaster in the long run.
"You know more about me than I do sometimes. Thank you again."
"Your welcome Rach. We're here."
Tonight is going to be a long night.
Hey guys, I apologize that it took so long. I kind of have somewhat of writers block. If you could please give me some suggestions I would appreciate them like a lot. I like to please everyone, so just tell me what you want and I'll work one it. Oh and everyone, me and my friend are in an epic twitter battle to see who reaches 100 followers first so please follow me at Starr_Lopez .
Hearts and Kisses,
Starr
P.S. Next chapter will pick up were I left off, I just wanted to get this one out first.