A/N: Wow, I never expected to get a review. I got two though so I'm like set for the month Thank you for "favoriting" or reviewing or both. You should totally still review though because I want to know what you all want to see. Okay, so this is not a fic where they're jumping into each other's beds within the next 5 chapters. I have lots of things in store for this fic. Also, this will be a bit slow at first, but I promise once I get into the move things will pick up and you'll be entertained. On a note I will not use the word "sheepishly". One, because I don't understand how a person can do that and two, it reminds me of my stuffed sheep. No offense if you use it, it's just not how I role. I'm really sorry if it sucks right now, I'm extremely nervous. Normally, I'm a great writer, but only on paper. When it gets to typing things I get stumped. I wanted to update earlier, but I was busy with college things. I will not rant about that unless you want me to, but I think not because you're here for a story which you will be reading right now.
-/-
I can't take my mind of the culture shock of New York City. I've always known that my heart is in New York City, but now I just feel so small compared to the lights and the towering buildings. I haven't even been to my home yet – Broadway, which I most definitely intend to explore today.
Sunrays pierce my white curtains through one of three gigantic windows in my living room. Back home my curtains were pink. I miss home, but not enough to return. When I graduated high school I applied to one school; One school that I was rejected from, Julliard. I was so broken and I wouldn't believe it when people said that I had talent. I mean why should I? I was rejected from the most prestigious performing arts schools in the country. I was forced to attend OSU for my freshman year, but I actually kind of liked it. I decided to transfer to NYU and got accepted. When I found out I'd be attending Tisch I was so excited. Everything became so easy and my choices began to feel limitless. The only person that was my back bone through this whole dilemma was my best friend Hailey. She got me this apartment which I'll only have until I move into the dorms soon.
-/-
My alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., but I've already been awake for an hour. This is my first real Friday morning in New York City, Greenwich Village to be exact. Unfortunately, I don't have my elliptical so a jog in Washington Square Park will have to do. As I prepare for my jog my heart flutters with excitement at finally being in the city that I've called home ever since I could pronounce 'Broadway'.
-/-
Hey Rach! Don't think I'm gonna be able to hang today, work called me in because my cover got sick. LAME! See ya later! Sorry ! – Hails
Thank you for informing me Hailey. I think I'll do some adventuring today. Coffee with your friends last night was great! I'll see you soon! – Rach
I can text Cedes and Kurt if you'd like company? – Hails
That'd be great! Ask them to meet me in the park at 10? – Rach
Just texted them, they'll be there. I gave them ur #. – Hails
-/-
The air is crisp which is perfect for a jog. When I reach the park there are a few people jogging, and others walking to different buildings. Thankfully, I brought my I pod so I can drain the sound of people on their cell phones. I turn my nano on shuffle and before I know it my feet are hitting the pavement to "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance".
After almost 20 minutes of jogging I decide to sit down on a bench near the trees. The area isn't very crowded. I am so relieved to be able to sit in peace for a few minutes before I have to go home. Home, being in New York is so surreal.
I notice a runner in black track pants and a sports bra walking towards the benches near me. She has blonde hair and pink earphones. My peripheral vision reveals that it's the girl from last night at the coffee shop.
"For fucks sake" I whisper to myself. I lean my head back and close my eyes. I crack my neck which makes my earphones fall out in time for me to hear her greet someone.
"Hello?"
I crack open an eye and see her staring at me.
A confused look falls over her face and she looks around at me awkwardly.
"Erm- Are you talking to me?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I feel like I know you."
"Yeah, coffee shop last night?"
"Yes! That's the place. I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Quinn Fabray, nice to meet you."
She extends her hand to me and I shake it. She has soft skin, Kurt has a point.
"Rachel"
"Rachel?" she smiles.
"Oh, Rachel Berry, I'm sorry"
"I've never seen you around campus, are you new?"
"Yeah. Transfer student."
"Oh, that's interesting. What are you studying?"
"Theatre, I'm in Tisch"
"Awesome. I suppose we'll be seeing a lot of each other then?"
"You attend Tisch too?"
"You sound surprised?"
"No, I mean just with the way your father-"
I stop myself when I realize what I just confessed.
An ashamed look washes over Quinn's face and she looks everywhere but Rachel.
"I see. What did you hear?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine. What did you hear?" She clenches her teeth.
"Just that he's in business"
Quinn lets out a breath and oddly, looks relieved.
"Yeah, he's an entrepreneur."
I nod because the conversation is still awkward.
Quinn's phone beeps and she looks at the screen. Whatever is on there seems to annoy her.
"I'm sorry, I have to go."
I smile.
"See you around Rachel"
"See ya"
-/-
"Hey Rachel!" Mercedes waves to me while Kurt is talking on his phone.
"Hi"
"What did you want to do today?"
"I really want to visit Broadway."
"Oh well that's easy"
"I'm so excited; I can't wait until I'm on Broadway"
"What can you do? I can sing and so does Kurt."
"I can sing, dance and act"
"Triple threat" Kurt chimes in.
"Sorry, that was Will. There is a meeting regarding musicals and plays for the year. He says to be there in 20 minutes" Kurt says excitedly.
"Who is Will?" I ask.
"Oh, he is a director for a majority of the shows that happen during the school year." Mercedes explains.
"I think it would be a good idea if you come meet him tonight" Kurt adds.
"Well you said something about Broadway, let's get moving fresh meat." Kurt playfully yells.
-/-
"Auditions will begin for all plays taking place this school year as soon as the semester begins. Remember they are simply for your enjoyment and not for credits!"
"Also, I expect everyone to be on their toes when freshmen arrive. You are each other's competition, but I expect you all to treat each other like family!"
"You know your groups now split up"
I look around a little worried because I feel like I shouldn't be here.
"Rachel?" Kurt asks.
"Yeeeeah?"
"Are you going to stand there all day?"
"Oh, sorry um where do I go?"
"With us silly, we're the singers so obviously we're in the group for singers"
I follow him down the hallway anxiously.
We come to a stop before a classroom that looks to seat about 90 people. There are many people in the classroom already. Three women catch my eyes whom just happen to be two blondes and one brunette. I can feel Quinn watching me so I decide to act like I don't see her. I know I want her attention, but I also don't want to be let down when she tells me she's straight.
A short, healthy looking man with curly hair stands in front of the classroom and clears his throat to capture attention.
"Okay guys, the freshman aren't due to arrive for another month, but because you're all so special a transfer student is here with us today. Her name is uhh- Kurt can you help me out here?"
"Rachel, Rachel Berry!" Kurt yells from beside me.
I look over to him with a horrified expression. He smiles at me like nothing is wrong.
"Oh yes, Rachel. Her name is Rachel. Rachel would you come here and introduce yourself?"
"Oh, I don't think-"Kurt nudges me.
"Coming" I say sadly.
"Okay, guys you know the drill, respect and attention."
"Hi, I uh… I'm Rachel Berry. I'm from Ohio and I'm a theatre and music double major. I can sing."
I look at the faces that surround me only to see a snickering tan brunette in the front row.
"Santana?"
"Yeah Will?"
"It's Mister Shuester Santana."
"What do you want Will?"
He sighs.
"Do you need to say something?"
"Yes as a matter of fact I do. Does your nose sing too?"
I notice Quinn smile and release a laugh.
Before I know it the whole room has erupted with laughter, even from Mercedes and Kurt.
I raise my eyes to Will, his eyes hold an apology.
I nod once and walk out of the classroom to find the nearest coffee shop or restroom, anything.
-/-
Eventually I decided to lie in the park and listen to my ipod. I've never felt so alone in my life.
"Rachel?"
I think I hear something, but the sound is too faint to be sure.
"Rachel!" I hear someone scream before I'm nudged with a boot.
I open my eyes to see Quinn looking at me.
Why is she here? While pulling my ear buds out I sit up and she sits down.
"I'm sorry about earlier, that wasn't very kind of Santana. I honestly don't know what came over her."
"What do you want Quinn?"
"To apologize, I thought I was doing a good job of it."
"Yeah, well you started the laughing."
"What are you talking about?"
"If you didn't laugh in the classroom nobody else would have. You started it."
"I wasn't laughing at you."
"Okay. I believe you. Goodbye Quinn" I say in annoyance.
"Whoa, wait-"
"Why?"
"I'm really sorry Rachel."
"Quinn everyone here is supposed to be mature. This is college, not elementary school. What did I do so horrible to your friend to have her make me a laughing stock on my first day?"
Quinn's jaw bobbed and she looked at the grass as if she were ashamed.
"You're right and I'm sorry. I wasn't laughing at you, I promise you. I was laughing at Santana's insecurities"
"Okay fine. I believe you, I really do. It makes sense in a weird way. Anyway, I must go. It was nice to see you, Goodbye Quinn"
I attempt to get up from my position but Quinn is watching me which makes me feel a little awkward.
"Yes?"
"I don't mean to be nosey, but where are you going? You seemed comfortable here, like you had no place to go. You don't have to lie to me; I mean I can go if you want me to."
I roll my eyes at her rambling which brings a small smile to her lips.
"I'm not lying to you. I'm going to the library to get a library card"
"Why would you do that, you can just go to the campus library"
"I'm not exactly due to get a card yet"
"Oh" She bites her lip which makes me smile. "May I come?"
Her lips are so alluring.
"Rachel?"
"Huh, sorry… what did you say?"
"Can I go with you?"
"Oh, sure I guess so."
-/-
"Thank you ma'am."
"Remember dear, you can check out as many books as you'd like. No late fees" The sweet old woman says to me when she hands me my new library card.
"Do you need help dear?" She asks Quinn.
"No I'm with Rachel" Quinn answers quickly.
The way she says 'with Rachel' sends a shiver through my body.
-/-
"Why are we in the young adult section?" Quinn asks.
"I like The Hunger Games, I want to read Catching Fire" I answer.
"What is it about?"
"Why don't you read it, you'll find out I guarantee it"
"Oh, sarcasm."
"I was only teasing"
"I bet you were"
"What?"
"Nothing. This seems interesting" she says while holding up Keeping You A Secret.
I smile and start to laugh.
"Google it"
-/-
We find a secluded table and sit down.
She's busy on her phone so I assume that she's actually google-ing the book.
"Oh. Oh wow. Okay." She says awkwardly as she put her phone back in her purse.
"Hmm?" I ask while casually flipping through Catching Fire.
"That's a lesbian book"
"Mmhmm"
"You knew?"
"I've read it once or twice yes, why?"
"You've even read it?"
"Is there something wrong with being a lesbian Quinn?"
"No, I mean I'm friends with plenty of gay people."
"Gay people are people Quinn. Sexuality doesn't make a person"
"I know that, it's just weird that- Wait are you- are you gay?" she whispers the last part.
"Would that matter?"
"What? No, I was just wondering"
"My fathers taught me to be open to anything Quinn."
"Fathers?"
"Yes, fathers. Are you going to stone me in the courtyard?"
"No, I just. I'm sorry, I'm no homophobic Rachel. My dad explains gays to be the spawns of satan. They're not, I know that, but I suppose I'll always expect things to be a little different with gay people."
"You mean like throwing people out of buildings and teaching others how to be gay?"
"No. Straight people do that more often than gay people actually. No, I just, I mean like knowing all iconic singers and fashion designers"
I belt out a laugh which earns me a glare from the sweet old lady.
"Sorry" I whisper to her.
"Maybe we should go, we'll talk more outside" I say while collecting my things.
-/-
"Well she wasn't very nice after all was she?" Quinn asks.
"She had a reason to throw my books at me while I checked out Quinn" I say while laughing.
"Okay, you said we'd talk more" she says while we find a place to sit at the fountain in the park.
"Well Dad is Ryan and Daddy is Matthew. Daddy was raised in a strict catholic home. Dad was an army brat. Dad does know every iconic singer, but Daddy just knows handy man stuff." I say while looking into her gorgeous hazel eyes.
"I'm sorry I judged your family based on stereotypes. I didn't mean to-"
"It's okay"
"Quinn" I hear a man's voice say, that's obviously not mine.
"Finn, hey… what are you doing here?"
"Santana said you stayed on campus to visit a troll so I came to find you"
I lock eyes with her and she mouths 'I'm sorry'.
"Yeah, she said that you said 'Elves need love too' which has me concerned. Are you feeling alright babe?"
I look down at my hands at back up at her.
"Bye Quinn" I say angrily.
"Rach wait?" I hear her say before I put my ear buds back on.
-/-
A/N2: I'm extremely annoyed at how slow this is going. I do have a lot in store for this story, but I'm going to need you to hang in there with me. Everybody is somewhat OOC for a reason. I'm sorry for the late update. I have a session tomorrow so I'll try to update by Wednesday. I need some motivation. Tell me what you all would like to see and I'll throw it in here for you. Regarding the dude from The Glee Project, well you can expect to hear from him next chapter. Thank you for the reviews!