Author's Note: Another quick drabble inspired by the rumour that Rachel is going to beg Carmen Tibideaux for another chance at NYADA. (I actually don't think Rachel deserves it, but hey if it gets me my St. Berry I'm good with it.) Again, this was a quick write and so I apologize for any mistakes.
Carmen Tibideaux continued to stare at the young woman standing abjectly before her. The Rachel Berry who wanted to be a star and had thrown it all away through a series of bad major decisions seemed, for once, to be speechless. Although she considered walking right past the girl blocking her path, a part of her was curious as to what Rachel would say, so the Dean decided she would wait for a few more seconds.
Finally unable to bear the silence any longer Rachel salvaged some of her courage and spoke up. "You were right, Dean Tibideaux. I wasn't ready to star in a major production. My leaving NYADA was a huge mistake and I should have listened to you. I know I don't deserve it, but I'm begging you for a second chance. I promise I won't make the same mistakes again."
Carmen peered over the rim of her glasses and huffed in stern disapproval. "Ms. Berry, you perplex me. Your stalker- like persistence about getting a second chance at auditioning gave me cause to believe that you were indeed serious about learning your craft. I broke my rules and gave you that chance, and what happened? You let not just me down, but you let your teachers, family, friends and others who believed in you down. I can only imagine how disappointed Mr. St. James must be in you after he made the effort at Nationals to approach me, extolling your talent and swearing that I would never regret it if I gave you a spot at NYADA."
Rachel had bowed her head in remorse at Carmen's words of rebuke, but her head shot up when she heard the name St. James. "Mr. St. James? Jesse St. James talked to you about me?" she asked bewilderedly.
"Yes, Jesse St. James. He approached me after I heard you sing at Nationals and pleaded in your behalf. I must say it isn't often that someone in the arts, your competition in fact, is quite so altruistic. I was certain he'd come to ask for a chance for himself, but he surprised me by instead singing your praises. I take it you had no idea he'd done this? "
"No, I,... I haven't spoken to or seen him since before our choir's performance at Nationals that year." Rachel felt as if her knees, already wobbly, had completely turned to jelly. She hadn't thought that it was possible to feel even more wretched than she already did, but apparently she could. If there had been a chair nearby she'd have collapsed on it in despair. To discover that Jesse had unselfishly tried to help her achieve her dreams even at a time when she'd been engaged to someone else was a complete shock. But upon quick reflection Rachel had to admit to herself that Jesse had always believed in her talent, and always supported her. To discover she had let him down too after what he'd done in her behalf sent an unexpected pain through her heart which only worsened at Carmen's next words.
"From the moment you came to NYADA, you felt your talent didn't need any further help. You treated constructive criticism with disdain. So tell me, Miss Berry, why you believe you deserve a second chance when there are other very talented people out there, ones who are willing to take direction, to listen and to learn. They need and appreciate the chance for a well-rounded foundation in the arts and they perform for the sheer joy of performing, not just to achieve fame. Do you believe you deserve another chance at NYADA instead of one of them receiving it? What if I were to tell you that there is one opening left and I was about to give it to Mr. St. James, would you think you deserve it more than he does?"
Rachel shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears." No, I don't. Jesse has talent, and drive, but he also works very hard at refining and improving his talent. His coach at Carmel gave him the lead not just because he was talented but because he put in the practice time and was always striving for perfection in his performance. But most of all he loves to perform. He was meant to be on stage. I would never take that chance away from him or others more worthy than me. Thank you for your time, Ms. Tibideaux and I truly am sorry I disappointed you." With that, Rachel turned and walked away.
As she watched Rachel set off dejectedly, Carmen pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and sighed. She really must be going soft in her old age, or maybe it was the temptation to have two immensely talented people at NYADA at the same time that had her calling out:"Miss Berry."
Rachel stopped and quickly dashed the tears from her eyes before turning to face the intimidating NYADA Dean. "Yes, Miss Tibideaux?"
"I will accept you back on probation for one semester. If you prove to me that you are truly going to give 110% effort to all your classes, with no excuses, no prima donna behaviour, you will be granted another semester with the same stipulations. You will be evaluated on a semester by semester basis henceforth, and if you give me ANY cause to regret giving you another chance, you will be out of NYADA so fast you won't have time catch a breath. Do you UNDERSTAND?"
"But what about Jesse, I won't"
"Don't worry about Mr. St. James. He is already a student at NYADA and has completed a semester very successfully. I merely wished to have your evaluation of his talents, since I already knew his thoughts about yours, and to see if you'd learned a little humility," Carmen stated dryly.
In an instant Rachel was running towards Carmen. Upon reaching her Rachel threw her arms around the woman and hugged her, quite shocking them both. Rachel stepped back quickly, embarrassed by her own impetuousness. "I'm sorry, that was very unprofessional of me, but I'm just so grateful for a second chance, and I'm so happy Jesse is at NYADA. I promise you that I will be a model student and not let you down this time. "
"I expect you to keep that promise, Miss Berry. Now, I must be off if I'm to catch my flight. I will see you soon." As Carmen made her way to the exit she was already formulating plans for her two protégés, Jesse St. James and Rachel Berry. If she was correct in her estimation (and she was rarely wrong when it came to talent) those two were going to be future stars. Separately they were both very gifted performers, but together, well... a sly grin crossed her face. She had a feeling they would create fireworks and not just on stage. Yes, she was very much looking forward to seeing their first duet.