Chapter Seven

Rachel stared at her computer and searched through the database for the "At Risk" students that Figgins asked her to pull up. Emma Pillsbury-Schuster normally did it, but she was 6 months pregnant and irritable so Rachel took it off her hands.

When Rachel woke up that morning, she woke up to three texts. One from Santana telling her to be strong, one from Kurt in all caps telling her to call him and one from Finn, saying 'Good Morning baby'. Reading the text message lying next to Jesse felt wrong on every aspect. Rachel showered quickly asked Jesse if they could go to dinner tonight and talk and quickly left successfully avoiding any attempt at a kiss Jesse through her way.

When she got into her car, Jessie's Girl was playing and she couldn't handle how ironic it was. Now to top off the day she had a zillion things to do and she was doing Emma's work too.

"Uhm, Rachel?"

Rachel's head snapped to look at the door and she had to do a double take, why was Quinn Fabray in her doorway? Did she know about Finn? Rachel felt like she was going to throw up.

"Oh, hello. Uh, come in." She said awkwardly, standing and motioning to the chairs in front of her. Quinn took a seat and pulled out a folder from her bag.

"I was told you were the person to speak to about applying for the open position." Quinn said handing Rachel her resume.

"Oh, the open spot for cheerleading coach?" Rachel asked.

Quinn grinned and nodded, "In my time at this school, I was head cheerio. And when Sue Sylvester retiring from McKinley to move to be a college coach I thought that my services would help." Quinn grinned, "My name is Quinn, Quinn Fabray."

Rachel felt awkward, she really didn't recognize her? Quinn had tormented her for years. "I'm Rachel, Rachel Berry." Rachel said grabbing her hand, "I know who you are. We were in the same class."

"Oh," Quinn started, "You went here?"

"Yeah," Rachel couldn't stop herself, "Maybe you'd remember me by 'RuPaul' or maybe 'Man-hands'. Or my personal favorite, 'Yentil'." Rachel was sure not to let her voice reek of emotion, her voice was just… calm.

"Oh my goodness, I hardly recognized you." Quinn stated in her fake voice, "You look great."

"Yeah, you too…" Rachel notes, "I will pass this on." She motions to the resume. "I'm sure you'd be a great fit, but can I mention something?"

Quinn smiled widely, "Anything."

"Sue was a great coach, but I don't think anyone wants her mini-me working here. If you do get the position I think everyone would appreciate if you would respect the employees as well as the kids."

"A lot has changed since high school, Rachel. I do not plan on resurrecting those nicknames, or any others." Quinn assured her. "It was good to see you." She smiled and Rachel tried not to cringe.

"You too, Quinn." Rachel lied and turned her attention back to her screen until Quinn made her way out.

Rachel dialed Finn's number from her work phone.

"Stop calling me." Finn answered the phone and Rachel jumped.

"What is going on?"

"Oh, Rachel. Sorry. Quinn has been calling me for a 302 number all day. I just assumed this was her."

"302 is the prefix for all the numbers at McKinley. Quinn just left my office."

"Wait… what?"

"She applied to be the new coach for the cheerios."

"Unfuckingbelievable."

"Yeah… As if today could get worse." Rachel sighed and looked at her ring finger that was still unoccupied. "Will you mail me my ring, I left it in your bathroom. It's on my necklace."

"I'll look for it. Did you talk to Jesse?"

"I still haven't had time, Finn. We both had to get to work. I told him I was going to tonight."

"Are you going to tell him about me?"

"I don't know. I can't decide what is better. Do I tell him there is someone else, or tell him I'm doing it for me. Both are true." Rachel sighs and watches the door to be sure she is not over heard.

"I don't know, baby. Just do what you think is right. It's going to hurt either way. Maybe you should leave me out of it."

Rachel sighed, "Okay, you're probably right. I have to get back to work though. I have a ton to do."

"Have a good day. I miss you."

"I miss you more, I think."

"It's not possible. Oh, that sorry excuse for a friend just walked in anyway. Back to recording."

"Save this number in your phone." Rachel says quickly.

"I will. Promise. Bye Rach."

Rachel hated today.

Finn looked around at the group of men in front of him and had to breathe in and out a couple times before speaking. "Can we just start?" He tried to keep the venom in his voice to a minimum.

"If you want to go, we can do acoustic shit." Puck yells. "I'm really sick of you acting like a little bitch."

Finn rolled his eyes, "You are unbelievable Puckerman." Finn starts, "Thanks for keeping your fucking infidelity a secret from you 'best friend' for a year and a half. And now you're treating me like I've done something wrong."

"Don't you see that you're doing the SAME FUCKING THING to some other dude." Puck spits back.

Finn cringes, he was hoping that Puck wasn't smart enough to put that together and throw it in his face, "I don't know the guy. It's different."

Puck rolled his eyes and set down his axe, "Oh please, dude. You're still doing it. Man, you know how to pick winners. Do cheating whores get you going or what?"

Finn stood up swiftly and threw his drum sticks down, "We're done here."

Blaine followed him out of the room and Finn turned around swiftly to point a finger at him, "They were sleeping together for months, Blaine. You're telling me you never saw her?"

"I swear I didn't, Finn. I mean yeah, I heard him. But he's was always bringing girls back to the apartment."

Finn growled in frustration, "Why is everything so fucked up?"

"Listen, Finn. Let's just get through these last three songs and then you can go all hermit crab for a while." Blaine patted Finn's back, "I know it's not easy right now, but you just need time to forgive."

"And Sam?" Finn asks in an almost helpless voice.

"I think the common demon in this scenario is Quinn."

Finn sighed, "And now she's going to be working with Rachel."

Blaine shook his head, "I know everything sucks right now… but you have to just… get through the shit. For now, it's shitty right now, I know. But it's going to get better. I promise." Blaine comforted him.

Finn nodded and headed back into the studio where Sam and Puck looked like they were going to kill each other, "New rule." Finn yells, "Quinn is not going to Yoko our shit up." Finn states pointing between the sulky blonde and the mohawked Neanderthal.

Blaine nods, "She's like fight club, you can't talk about fight club."

Puck nodded in agreement and Sam stay quiet which was acceptance enough of the new rule. They played better then they had played in months. All of their frustration being channeled into their music.

Finn treated himself to pizza and beer and when he made his way into his apartment where he planned to watch his favorite TV show, a guilty pleasure of his. He wouldn't admit that he watched it to any of his friends, but maybe he would tell Rachel. She would probably like it too. It was about a bunch of jocks and cheerleaders joining choir and having to get along with the geeks. Sounds like something Rachel would love. Plus, they always have cool music.

He turned the TV on and filled his plate and poured his beer in a mug. After sending Rachel a couple of supportive texts and checking his voicemail to hear Quinn leave multiple messages about Finn 'stumbling upon some gruesome rumors' Finn turned on his show and happily watched it. He missed Rachel, he wanted her next to him. He also knew she would be going through hell and he wished so bad that he could be there to support her. But for now, he pushed all of that out of his head.

He ate his greasy pizza and drank three or four beers and before he knew it he was being woken up by his phone vibrating in his hand. He must have fallen into a food coma. He looked at the clock, it was ten. What time was that in Ohio? Midnight?

"Hello?"

Finn heard Rachel sniffle, "Hey" she said simply.

"What happened, baby? Tell me what's wrong…"

"I don't want to, Finn. It was just… awful."

"Oh Rach, I'm so so sorry. Tell me what's going on? Where are you?"

"I'm at your Mom's house. Kurt called her and asked if I could stay here tonight." She sniffled. "I'm in Kurt's room. I miss you so much."

"I know baby. I miss you too… You just, you have to tell me what happened." Finn urges.

"Alright, I will… just, just listen to the whole story. Okay?"

"I will, Rach. I promise."

Rachel let herself into the dance studio and was surprised to find a table in the center of the room. The room was candlelit and Jesse was standing by the table with his award winning grin, holding out a chair for her. "There she is." Jesse grinned and beckoned her to sit.

She did so and took her seat, letting Jesse push in her chair, "This really is too much, Jesse. But, thank you."

"You said you wanted to talk and I wanted to have a good place to do it." Jesse grinned as he took his seat and Rachel thought she might throw up. "I got you some wine, since you probably won't want to keep drinking it once we start trying."

"Actually Jesse, I wanted to talk to you about that." Rachel started, taking a sip of the wine to give her a boost of courage, "Maybe we shouldn't start trying. I don't think we're ready for kids. Actually, I'm not sure we should have kids."

"Rachel, I am so surprised. Is this because you're still convinced they might get some weird Jewish baby disease?"Jesse half laughed.

"No, Jesse. It's not about that." She almost stuttered. She was shaking and her were sweating, "I-I think it's best for now that we maybe, might want to,"

"Spit it out, Rachel."

"We've been growing apart for a while, and I think that we should maybe… well, I think that we should separate." Rachel finally said and her heart was beating a million miles a minute.

"I don't quite understand… why?" Jesse seemed more confused than hurt. But Rachel knew the hurt would come.

"I just- you and I, I mean me and you…"

"Rachel, sweetheart, please stop stuttering." Jesse spit and Rachel breathed out slowly, trying to calm herself.

"Okay, I'm sorry." She blurted out, "I think I married you, Jesse, because I thought that I was supposed to." She admits, "I thought you and I had the same dreams. But, time has shown… that isn't the case. You want to stay here and have babies and live this life. This isn't me. I tried to convince myself that it was… but… I need more."

Jesse jaw stuck out in frustration, "Where is this even coming from Rachel?" Jesse said in a low growl and Rachel felt a tear make its' way down her face. She closed her eyes softly and squeezed them shut.

"This can't be a secret, Jesse. We haven't slept together in what… six months." Rachel breathed, "I don't think you are even attracted to me anymore." She admits.

"You know I think you're beautiful."

"Beautiful, not hot. Not sexy." Rachel snapped.

"We can try to be more intimate, you just don't really seem to like it…"Jesse said softly, putting his head down.

"Don't. Just don't. We can't try to put a band aid on the symptom." Rachel touches her hand to his, "The problem isn't sex, it's everything. It's you and me. It's the fact that… that you made me promises that you just didn't keep."

"You promised me you. And now you're tearing that away. You promised me children." Jesse shouts and stands up, "We're married, Rachel. You are my wife." Jesse shook in anger, "Who is this girl?" He points at her, "You're selfish, Rachel. You are so selfish."

Rachel nodded in agreement, "I am. I know I am. I am thinking of myself." She looked up at Jesse with tears in her eyes, "But, there has to be something better out there. For both of us."

Suddenly the table seemed to be flung across the room and Rachel stood quickly, Jesse's lips were on hers and she pushed back on him, "Don't fight me." He growled.

"Don't." Rachel cried, "This isn't going to fix anything." Rachel pushed back on him more but his lips came crashing onto hers again. She let this kiss slide for longer then she should, remembering who they once were, but Jesse wasn't that person anymore. His promises were empty, false. She knew this. Finn was real, he was honest. Finn.

"Stop it. Please Jesse." She broke and walked away from him, she wiped her lips, "There is someone else."

Jesse walked up to her grabbing arm roughly, "You slept with someone?"

"Jesse," Rachel sobbed, "Calm down. Please." She begged.

"What so you weren't getting it from me, so you found it somewhere else. It isn't that Will guy from your work?"

"Ew, gross." Rachel blurted out, "He used to be my teacher. That is disgusting."

"You are disgusting." Jesse spit. "Don't come home." He mentioned as he walked out. "And clean this up."

"Oh my god, Rachel." Finn spoke, he felt like he could throw up, but mostly he wanted to punch this dude in the face. "I am so sorry, baby. Please let me come there."

"No Finn, you can't."

"But you told him about me."

"I told him it was someone, not who. You have responsibility to band."

Finn sighed loudly, "I know… Dammit. Did he really make you clean the table her turned over?"

"I did, yeah. I cried the whole time." She sniffles out. "I feel so bad. I am a terrible person… I'm selfish."

"When it comes to your life, you're allowed to be a little selfish." Finn blurts out. "Please don't beat yourself up."

"I miss you so much."

"Why don't you go into my room and grab my McKinley sweatshirt from my chest. I wear it every time I'm home."

"Okay, I like that idea." Rache admits and Finn can still hear her crying a little, "I need to figure out what is next."

"Quit your job, come here."

"I can't quit, I still have bills."

Finn didn't mean to groan, but he did, "For a house that you're not allowed in?"

"Finn, I know this isn't ideal. But, I can't just take off. I need to take care of things first. I need to sell the house, and give my job notice. And… can we not?"

"I know, Rach. I'm just really anxious for you to be her."

"I know, Finn." She paused, "Okay, I need to get to sleep. I have your sweatshirt. It smells like you."

"Rachel. I really do love you. You're doing the right thing."

"Thank you, Finn. I love you too. Goodnight babe."

"Goodnight baby. Dream of me. See you soon."

"See you soon." She squeaked before hanging up.

Finn felt his heart ache deeply. He wanted to fly out to see her right then and there, but knew that wasn't the best plan. It was too rash, he just needed to wait. He stripped down and grabbed the blanket from his bed to bring it to the couch. He couldn't seem to sleep in his big bed anymore, not without Rachel.

Rachel, on the other hand buried her head in Finn's sweatshirt and fell straight to sleep, all of her crying had worn her out and the smell of Finn and his voice calmed her.

The next morning Rachel woke up and made her way down the stairs softly, trying not to wake Burt or Carole. She wore Finn's sweatshirt and walked to the door.

"Rachel?" She heard Carole's voice and cringed before turning around.

"Thank you so much for letting me stay. I just need to get to my house to get some fresh clothes." Rachel explained with a grin.

"How are you feeling?" Carole asked handing her a glass of orange juice.

Rachel bit her lip, but took the glass and took a sip, "I am feeling better."

"Can I ask you something, sweetie?"

"Anything." Rachel said as she took another sip of the juice and followed Carole into the kitchen.

"What is your relationship with my son?"

Rachel choked a little and Carole handed her a napkin, "We're just best friends."

"Not Kurt, Finn. But, you knew I was talking about Finn, didn't you?" Carole didn't seem angry, she seemed concerned. But for who?

"Um, I, well we are um…"

"Are you planning on moving to California with him?" Carole asked, handing her a plate with a cut grapefruit.

"I don't understand how you-"

"I heard you speaking to him, and I put two and two together." Carole said with a nod, "He called me about vegan food, the splitting up, your phone call last night." She pointed to Rachel's sweatshirt. "That."

Rachel felt the need to apologize but as she opened her mouth, it didn't come out. "You just- You must think I'm a harlot. A terrible person."

"I'll admit the circumstances aren't perfect, but the last three days Finn has seemed happier than he ever has." Carole told Rachel, "That. That I am thankful for. Quinn did quite a number on him."

Rachel nodded lightly, "He makes me so happy."

"Don't break his heart." Carole said in a light tone, "You're welcome here tonight, Rachel. Please don't hesitate to call."

"Thank you Carole, that means… everything." Rachel said sincerely.

She finished her breakfast and drove to her old home, calling Figgins explaining that she might be late. She knew she would have to pack quite a few things. When she got to the house, Jesse's car wasn't there as she suspected. She went upstairs to a box marked with a red 'A' and upon opening it found her clothing neatly packed with a note.

"I will fight you tooth and nail. I'm not giving anything up."

What did that even mean? She showered, dresses and packed a few more things before leaving for work. She felt her heart swell in fear, in sheer terror, in excitement. She was in the a whole new territory. This made her happy. She was ready. She was ready for her next chapter.