This is just a short chapter to prove I haven't forgotten about this story. With the holidays coming up, I'm sure you all understand that it's harder and harder to find time to write especially since I work Retail so the hours are going to be crazy for a while but I promise to do my best! Thank you all for being so wonderful :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, I'm merely borrowing some of it's characters :) The credit and ownership goes to RM
Shoutout to my lovlies: Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon, CherryPower, RavenWolf2089, GingerGleek and lwrnlnd
When they all got settled into the living room, Debbie looked at her watch and said, "I have to go into work in about 30 minutes so I'm sorry this is going to be a quick conversation but I needed to let you know some of the things that are going to happen now that you're living here, alright?"
Rachel knew what was coming but didn't feel like telling them she was eavesdropping so she just nodded to prove she understood and waited for Debbie to continue.
"Alright, Noah's told me that you don't want to take any action against your fathers' neglect because you don't want to be a ward of the state or go into the foster system. I understand that but I still need to report them. Seeing as your sixteen, as long as you tell them you want to stay here and I tell them it's alright it won't be an issue of custody so you won't have to worry about anything like that and those bast…I mean your fathers will both get what they deserve, alright?"
Rachel fought the little smile at hearing Debbie almost slip and call her dads bastards again but still she didn't know, "I don't think there's any point. I ran by my old house today and it's for sale and they moved so I don't even think they're around anymore. I'd really rather just leave it alone."
Debbie shook her head, "I'm sorry Rachel. I can't just leave it alone. Trust me, alright? It's for the best."
Frowning Rachel knew she wouldn't win so she just said, "Are you sure you don't mind me saying I want to stay here? If this is because you want me to go somewhere else…"
She heard Noah groan and Debbie interrupted her, "Honey, if I thought for one second they wouldn't let you stay here, I wouldn't be pushing this but legally, you can choose who you want to have custody of you because of your age so I promise you this is only because I want them to get what they deserve. I want you as part of this family and this way you will be in everyone's eyes, not just mine, okay?"
Rachel nodded, "If that's what you want.." She said, still sounding unsure.
Debbie checked her watch again before reaching over and hugging Rachel to her, "Rachel, it's going to take some getting used to but I want you to know that I'm here now and not going anywhere. I'm going to fight for you just like you're one of my kids, alright?"
Rachel nodded, head on Debbie's shoulder, "Thank you" She said softly.
Debbie kissed her temple, "There's nothing to thank me for." She replied, before pulling away and adding, "Now Noah mentioned you needed some clothing so I'm going to give you my credit card to buy a couple outfits for today and tomorrow then tomorrow you, me and Dani will have ourselves a girls day and get to know each other, alright?"
"You don't…" She stopped herself at the look Noah was giving her and changed it too, "That sounds amazing, thank you."
"Be good you two and Noah don't torment your sister when she gets home. I'll be back around 3 this morning so don't wait up." She said to them both before kissing the tops of both their heads and with a last wave she was out the door.
"You're mom's amazing" Rachel told Noah who nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, she kind of is" He agreed, with a smile, "So Ready to go?"
Rachel shook her head, "I have to wait for my clothes to dry. I can't go in this."
"Aw, why not, I think you look cute" he teased, taking in the way over sized clothes.
"I just bet you do, Puckerman, but the rest of the world isn't going to see me like this. I'm going to go throw them in the clothes in the dryer and then finish some homework; I suggest you do yours as well."
Rolling his eyes, he said, "Or we could watch this" And pulled out the new Wicked dvd he had tried to tempt her with the day before.
Her eyes lit up as she said, "Well I suppose we could always do our homework later…."
He grinned, "Yep now go get those clothes in the dryer, I'll pop us some popcorn. Want anything to drink?"
"Anything sounds wonderful, be right back."
She quickly threw her clothes in the dryer and started it before coming back and sitting on the couch waiting, smiling to herself.
During the movie, Noah kept his word from the day before and made no insulting comments and actually kept all of his comments to a minimum since he saw how enthralled Rachel was with the movie. The popcorn mostly sat forgotten on the table in front of them as Rachel watched the movie and Noah split his time watching the movie and watching Rachel watch the movie. Whenever they would sing, he would see Rachel sing along with the actors and the look on her face was one only seen when she sang and that was pure happiness and content. His main thought when he saw it was that 'it made her more beautiful than usual' and that was saying something.
When the movie came to an end, Rachel clapped before turning to Noah, "That was amazing, wasn't it? I've always wanted to go see it performed live but haven't had the opportunity yet. "
Noah nodded, pretending that he'd watched the whole thing, "It wasn't bad. I don't think I'd mind seeing it live if it came around here."
That made Rachel grin at him, happily, "I'll look up when they are going to come around here and maybe we can get tickets!"
"Sure, sounds good but until then, you think your clothes are done?"
"Oh right, yeah I'm sure they are. I'll be ready in a minute and we can go, alright? I'd hate to keep Dani waiting!"
"The little monster will be alright for a couple more hours don't worry. Take your time" he replied, to her back as she rushed out of the room towards the dryer, obviously not listening.
Shaking his head, he went to the door, slipping his shoes on and waited, ready to get this shopping trip over with, even if it meant uniting his sister and Rachel, an obvious unholy duo that would wreak havoc on his life.
"Ready" Rachel said, slipping her shoes on as she did.
Noah shook the thoughts of all the sing a longs and Disney movies he was going to have to sit through and smiled at the brunette, grabbing her hand and dragging her out towards his truck he said, "Great, let the fun begin!"
coming up, shopping trip, Dani and Rachel meeting for the first time, the call to social services, girls day(not all necessarily in that order) Have a great weekend!