Chapter 2 – Curious

Rachel turned over for the third time and looked at the clock. It was a little after six and she knew no one else in the house would be up yet, so she was hoping to fall back asleep. However, her internal clock was making it difficult. She had been getting up at 6am since middle school, and she almost always woke up at that time, with or without an alarm. The only exception was if she stayed up well past her normal bedtime, but even then she sometimes found herself waking up at her usual time.

After turning several more times, Rachel finally decided there was no point in lying there any longer. She clearly wasn't going to fall back asleep no matter how hard she tried. So, rather reluctantly, she pushed the covers aside and shivered at the loss of warmth as she turned on the bedside light.

She usually took a quick shower first thing in the morning before going to the gym, which was in the basement of her dorm building. She knew she was going to have to forego her usual exercise while she stayed at the Hummel-Hudson household, though. She'd asked Finn if they had an elliptical or treadmill, but the only they had was a weight bench, and it was far too cold to go for a morning run. So, completely abandoning her typical morning routine, she checked her hair in the mirror to make sure she didn't look terrible, just in case some else happened to be a morning person, and then she headed for the door.

When she walked out of the room, the house was completely silent except for the slight creaking of her door. As she suspected, everyone else still appeared to be asleep. Thankfully, though, the only bedroom on the first floor was the guest room, so she hoped she wouldn't wake anyone else up.

She kept through the dark toward the kitchen, where she turned on the light. She was momentarily blinded by it, quickly turning it off and turning on the other, less bright light, instead. Wrapping her arms around herself, she shuffled across the kitchen floor, walking over to the coffeemaker. Thankfully, she'd asked Carole the night before where they kept the coffee, so she easily found the bag and began filling up the coffee filter.

"Hey."

Rachel jumped at the sudden sound, spilling some of the coffee grounds, and turned around to find Quinn standing just inside the kitchen, her hair slightly mussed, and a sleepy look on her face.

"I'm so sorry," Rachel said. "I was trying not to wake anyone."

Quinn shrugged and took a few steps into the room. "I was already awake. I saw the light on and thought I would see who it was. I knew it wasn't Finn—he never gets up before nine—but sometimes Kurt gets up early."

Rachel frowned slightly, wondering just how many times Quinn had stayed there to know their morning routine so well.

"Are you sure I didn't wake you?" Rachel asked. "I can go back into the bedroom if you would like to get more sleep."

Quinn shook her head. "You didn't."

Rachel stood there awkwardly for several moments before clearing her throat and asking, "Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure," Quinn softly answered as she walked over to the island and took a seat on one of the stools.

As Rachel went about making the coffee, she could feel Quinn's eyes on her. They hadn't really spoken that much the night before—the other girl seemed fairly quiet from what she could tell—so Rachel wasn't really sure what to say to her. All she really knew was that the blonde was Finn's ex-girlfriend and that she went to high school with him and Kurt, but she wasn't really sure why the girl was there or why she wasn't with her own family for the holidays.

"I hope it won't be too strong for you," Rachel commented. "I've been told on more than one occasion that I'm terrible at making coffee."

"Coffee can never be too strong," Quinn replied.

Rachel smiled as she hit the button to begin brewing the coffee. "That's what I say, but everyone seems to think I'm crazy. My roommate last year told me I should simply pour a little water into the coffee and save myself the time of brewing it."

"Is that how you and Finn met?" Quinn asked as Rachel turned around, leaning her back against the counter. "Do you go to school together?"

"Yes," Rachel replied. "We had a dance class together last semester."

Quinn snorted. "Did the teacher decide to retire when they saw how bad he dances?"

"Finn's not that bad," Rachel replied, causing the other girl to raise her eyebrow. "Okay, he's—"

"Terrible," Quinn finished for her.

Rachel didn't verbally agree, but she didn't exactly disagree. Finn tried hard in class, but he was not a very good dancer. If Rachel was being honest, she didn't think he was a great singer, either. She'd heard him sing several times before formally meeting him, and while he had gotten better since being at NYADA, she couldn't imagine him making a career out of it. Considering how competitive NYADA was, she really wasn't entirely clear how he got into the school based on his talent.

"So, what are you studying there?" Quinn asked.

"Musical theater," Rachel answered.

Quinn nodded. "I guess you want to be on Broadway?"

Rachel smiled and said, "It's been my lifelong dream. I attended my first Broadway show when I was four, and before the first song was over, I knew that's what I wanted to do. I had my fathers enroll me in singing lessons the next day, and I've been working toward my dream ever since."

"You're lucky you can sing," Quinn commented.

"Yes, it certainly would have put a damper on my dreams if I couldn't," Rachel said with a light laugh. "Were you in Glee Club with Finn and Kurt?"

"Yeah," Quinn answered.

"So you can sing as well, then," Rachel replied.

"Not very well," Quinn said, shaking her head.

"I'm sure you have a lovely voice," Rachel replied. "You wouldn't have been in Glee if you couldn't sing."

Quinn looked at her for a moment before glancing to the side and saying, "I think your coffee is done."

There was a knock on the door just as Rachel put on the final touches of her makeup. She put the cap back on her lipstick and glanced at herself in the mirror before walking over to the door. When she opened it, Finn was standing there in what looked like a very old t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans.

"Hey," Finn greeted her. "Burt wants me to help him at the garage this morning, so I'm gonna be gone most of the day. I tried to get out of it, but he's got a lot of cars that need fixed by the end of the day, so he can close the rest of the week."

"That's okay," Rachel replied.

"Are you sure?" Finn asked. "I could try talking to him again. I hate leaving you here."

"I'll be fine," Rachel replied. "It'll give me a chance to get to know your family better."

"Okay," Finn said, giving her a smile. "I guess I'll see you around dinner, then."

Rachel nodded. "Have a good day, Finn."

"You too, Rachel," Finn said before he turned and walked down the hall.

Rachel sighed softly as she closed the door. She walked toward the bed and sat down on the edge, picking up her phone from where she'd laid it earlier. When she looked at it, she saw that she had several texts from her fathers and opened up the message to find several pictures they'd taken in Florida. She smiled at the beautiful scenery and then laughed when she saw one with her fathers building a sandcastle like two children. The last text was one from Leroy saying they were boarding their cruise ship and that they'd email her later that night with all the details of their vacation.

She set her phone back on the mattress and walked to the window, looking outside. It was snowing steadily, but thankfully the roads were clear, except for a light coating of snow. It had snowed a lot overnight, so there was now what looked like about five inches of snow covering the rooftops. Unfortunately, the sidewalks were covered, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She didn't have a car there since Finn drove them, but she decided she was going to go into town, which meant she was going to have to walk if she wanted to go.

Turning away from the window, Rachel grabbed her bag before heading for the door. She wasn't sure where anyone was, so she walked into the kitchen first and found it empty. She then turned on her heel and walked to the living room, where Kurt was sitting on the couch, flipping through the channels, and shaking his head.

"Is there nothing good on television?" Rachel asked.

"It's all terrible," Kurt replied.

Rachel laughed lightly. "I know. Unfortunately, I had the flu last month, and I was stuck in my room with nothing to watch but really terrible daytime television. I only found something to watch when I decided to subscribe to Netflix."

"You didn't have it before?" Kurt asked.

Rachel shook her head. "I'm usually far too busy for it. Not only do I have classes to attend, but I usually practice several hours a day for those classes, and on some weekends I sing for a band my friends are a part of."

"Do you sleep?" Kurt asked.

"Six hours every night," Rachel stated with a nod. "Some people find it strange, but I like to keep a busy schedule. It'll be great preparation for when I'm a Broadway star, doing two shows on some days, while working on my album."

"I suppose that's true," Kurt replied. "But don't you ever relax?"

"It's not as if I never have fun," Rachel said. "And when school isn't in session, such as right now, I usually take a break from rehearsing, so I have much more free time to do whatever I want."

"So, what are you plans for today?" Kurt asked. "You know, since you have all this free time."

"I was thinking of walking into town," Rachel answered. "I was actually coming in her to let you know I was going out. Since Finn is gone for the day, I thought I would explore a little."

"Have you looked out there?" Kurt asked.

"Walking in a little snow won't hurt me," Rachel said. "I am a New Yorker, after all."

"Why don't we both go?" Kurt suggested. "Since you don't even know where you're going."

"Are you sure?" Rachel asked.

"Because I'll be missing so much here?" Kurt retorted, gesturing toward the TV. "I'm positive." He stood up as he turned the TV off. "This way, you won't get lost and I won't be quite as bored. It's perfect, really."

"Well, in that case, I'd be happy if you came along," Rachel replied. "Oh, but will you be able to borrow a car?"

"No need," Kurt said. "My SUV is in the garage. Only Finn was crazy enough to bring his truck to the city. I'm sure he spends a fortune on parking just to drive it a few times a year."

"I was rather surprised when he said he could drive us down here," Rachel commented. "I thought he meant renting a car, but then he said he had a vehicle."

"Yes, crazy, right?" Kurt asked. "I don't see who would want to be stuck in a car for that long when you can fly here in only a few hours."

"I don't know; it was kind of nice in a way," Rachel replied. "Though, I do wish I could have chosen the music."

"Eighties rock?" Kurt asked.

Rachel nodded. "The whole way here."

"And that is why I choose to fly," Kurt replied, walking around the couch. "Two hours and it's over."

Rachel laughed lightly as Kurt walked to the coat rack. "Do you think Quinn would want to come with us?"

"She's out and I don't know when she'll be back," Kurt said shrugging.

"Oh," Rachel said, following Kurt's lead and getting her coat. "I didn't know she had left."

"I think she went to see her friends," Kurt replied with a shrug.

"Well, then, I guess it will be just the two of us," Rachel said, giving Kurt a smile.

"This store looks promising," Rachel said as she and Kurt walked up to a shop with just her type of clothing displayed in the window.

Kurt shook his head. "It may look nice from here, but trust me when I say it's cheaply made. I once bought a scarf from here and it was falling apart before I'd even left the mall."

"Well, that's disappointing," Rachel replied.

"Welcome to the Lima Mall," Kurt remarked.

"How about that store?" Rachel asked, pointing to the next one.

Kurt shrugged and said, "That one isn't as bad."

"Let's go, then," Rachel said, grabbing his arm, and pulling him toward the entrance.

Rachel didn't even really know what she was looking for, but she did know she was in the mood to shop. She just loved winter clothes and her fathers always used to take her shopping around that time of the year. So, even though she didn't really need anything, she couldn't help looking around.

"This is cute," Kurt said, heading straight toward a black and grey dress, and looking at the price tag. "Not that cute."

Rachel laughed lightly as she walked toward another dress on the next rack over. "How about this one?"

"Is it as outrageously priced as this one?" Kurt asked.

"It's half off, actually," Rachel said, looking at the price, and then picking the dress up. "I think I'll try it on."

"Oh no," Kurt said.

Rachel looked over her shoulder to find him ducking behind a display. She looked around to see who he was trying to hide from, but there were so many people around that it was impossible to know.

"What's going on?" she asked, following Kurt.

"Just someone I would rather not have to talk to right now," Kurt replied.

Rachel nodded and threw the dress over the nearest rack of clothing. "Well, let's get out of here, then."

"But the dress," Kurt said, looking to where she'd tossed it.

"Isn't that important," Rachel replied.

She may have only known Kurt a few days, but she liked him, and she wasn't going to make him stay there if he was uncomfortable. She knew if the situation was reversed, she certainly wouldn't want to have to stay around. She had no idea who he didn't want to speak to, but she assumed it was probably an ex-boyfriend, and given what he'd said the previous day about all his relationships ending in disaster, she could understand why he would want to avoid a reunion.

"You weren't spotted, were you?" Rachel asked as they walked away.

"No," Kurt said, looking over his shoulder. "If I had been, I'm sure he would have called out my name."

"Bad breakup?" Rachel asked.

"The worst," Kurt replied. "I thought he was the love of my life, and that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together. Then he cheated on me and blamed it on me."

Rachel frowned. "How was it your fault that he cheated on you?"

"Because I was so busy in New York and he was here," Kurt replied. "He didn't think I was giving him enough attention, so he found it elsewhere. He broke my heart and tried to say it was my fault. And to make it worse, he was the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams, and when I did, he punished me for it."

"Maybe it's a good thing it happened," Rachel said. "I'm sure the longer you were with him, the more hurtful it would have been. At least you saw his true colors before you married him or decided to start a family together."

"I just tell myself it's his loss," Kurt said with a shrug.

"Definitely," Rachel agreed. "So, where should we go now?"

"Anywhere but there," Kurt said, motioning toward the store they'd just left.

As soon as they were far enough away from the store, Rachel paused. Kurt took a few more steps before turning around and giving her a questioning look. Rachel had been thinking about getting Quinn a present, and she wanted to ask him if there was some place that would have something she would like, but the thought sounded a little silly. She didn't know the girl, after all, and she didn't know if it would be weird to get her a present. On the other hand, she got a little something for everyone else and she didn't want Quinn to feel left out.

"What is it?" Kurt asked.

"I just—" Rachel cleared her throat. "What does Quinn like?"

"What does she like?" Kurt repeated.

"Yes," Rachel replied. "Since I didn't know she was going to be here, I didn't get her a gift, and it only seems appropriate to get her one."

"I doubt she expects you to get her a Christmas present," Kurt said, shaking his head.

"I know, but it seems rude not to," Rachel replied. "I don't really know her very well, though, so I thought you could tell me what kind of gift would be best for her."

"I don't know," Kurt said with a shrug. "She likes to read."

"Okay, a book," Rachel replied, smiling. "I'm sure there's a bookstore in the mall, right?"

"Yeah," Kurt said. "It's at the other end of the mall."

"Well, then, let's go there," Rachel said, resuming walking.

"So, does that mean you got me a present?" Kurt asked, falling in step beside her.

"Of course," Rachel replied. "I wouldn't come empty handed when I've been invited to spend Christmas with you and your family. I had Finn describe what each of you were like and used my best judgment to choose what I hope is the perfect gift."

She didn't really know why he'd left out the fact that Quinn was going to be there. She wanted to ask him about it, but she hadn't had the chance to speak with him about it yet. She figured it must be because she was his ex-girlfriend, but considering she'd made it perfectly clear that they were not in a serious relationship, she felt like there must be something else to it. Or he simply didn't listen to her all those times she talked about not wanting to be serious and thought she might not come if she knew the other girl was going to be there.

"I'll never complain about more presents," Kurt said.

"Given Finn's description of you, I didn't think you would," Rachel replied, laughing lightly.

By the time they got back to the house, it was far later than Rachel had expected to stay out. She'd had a lot of fun with Kurt, though, and had lost track of time. Even though she had just met him, it felt like she'd known him for years, which was very rare for her to experience. She was just thankful he lived in the city; she really wasn't close with that many people and could always use another friend.

After they'd gotten back, she took a quick nap before quickly wrapping Quinn's book and putting it with the other presents. She'd never heard of the book before, but it sounded interesting and one of the employees had recommended it. Kurt hadn't been very sure about what genre Quinn liked, so Rachel didn't have a lot to go on. But Rachel always believed it was the thought that counted, and she did her best, which was all she could do.

"Come in," Rachel said when there was a knock at the door.

"Hey, Rachel," Finn greeted. "I'm gonna go hang out with my friend for, like, an hour, and mom wants me to pick up some food on the way back. Do you wanna come?"

"I would, Finn, but I'm a little tired from today," Rachel said.

Finn nodded. "That's fine; I thought you might be. Kurt said you guys walked around forever."

"I'll see you when you get back," Rachel said.

"Yeah," Finn replied, giving her a smile. "Well, I'll see you."

After Finn walked off, Rachel grabbed her lavender, zip-up hoodie from the bed and put it on as she walked out of the bedroom. Burt and Carole kept the house significantly cooler than she kept her dorm room, so she always felt cold. Thankfully, she'd brought clothing for any occasions, so she had quite a few long sleeved shirts, sweaters, and cardigans with her.

As she left her room, she could hear the television on in the living room and laughter coming from the kitchen. She stood there for a moment as she pondered which direction to go, but she eventually decided on going to the kitchen first. When she walked in, she found Carole, Quinn, and Kurt all standing at the island. Kurt was mixing something in a bowl while Carole dumped in what looked like flour into it.

"What are you making?" Rachel asked, walking up, and stopping next to Quinn.

"We just started baking cookies for tomorrow," Carole answered.

Rachel nodded; she knew they were having a Christmas party the next day for family and friends. According to Finn, it was something they'd done every year since becoming a family. She was a little nervous about meeting so many new people at once, but she tried to look at is as preparation for the future. After all, as a Broadway star, she would have to attend many functions where she didn't know anyone, so the next day would be practice.

"And don't worry, I had Kurt look up a recipe online for vegan chocolate chip cookies on his computer," Carole said.

"You don't have to do that," Rachel said, shaking her head. "I don't want to be any trouble."

"It's no trouble at all," Carole replied. "We're already making six different kinds, so what's one more?"

"Well, at least let me help," Rachel said, walking over to the sink to wash her hands.

"You don't have to," Carole replied. "You're our guest."

"I want to," Rachel insisted. "I've always helped my father make cookies for Christmas, so I'm quite good at baking."

"Aren't you Jewish?" Kurt asked.

"Since my fathers were raised with different faiths, we've always celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah as a family," Rachel replied.

"Chrismukkah, huh?" Kurt asked.

Rachel laughed. "Something like that."

Kurt shrugged and said, "I guess anything that gets you more presents is a good thing."

"Kurt doesn't believe in the religious aspects of Christmas," Carole said.

"Can you really blame me?" Kurt asked.

"Kurt, that phone of yours is about to shake off the table!" Burt called out from the other room.

"That's probably Mercedes," Kurt said, setting the bowl on the table.

"Make sure you ask if her parents are coming tomorrow," Carole said, following Kurt as he walked toward the living room.

Rachel picked up the bowl Kurt had sat down and began stirring it since it was clear Kurt was going a lackluster job. She glanced up at Quinn, who turned the recipe around and looked at it.

"So, have you been to their Christmas party before?" Rachel wondered.

"Most of them, actually," Quinn answered. "I think all that's left is the nuts."

"What?" Rachel asked.

"The cookies," Quinn said, smiling.

"Oh, of course," Rachel replied, feeling a little stupid as she watched Quinn tear open the package of walnuts and dump them into the cookie dough. "If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been friends with Finn and Kurt?"

Quinn shrugged and threw the empty package to the side. "I guess I've known them since our freshman year. I didn't really become friends with Kurt until our senior year, though."

"And Finn?" Rachel wondered.

"I guess since sophomore year," Quinn replied. "But I don't know if you'd really call us friends."

"The Jones's are coming tomorrow," Carole said, walking into the kitchen. "Kurt forgot to have Mercedes ask them, but they thankfully hadn't made any other plans."

"It'll be nice to see them again," Quinn commented.

As Quinn and Carole talked, Rachel began mixing the nuts into the rest of the dough. Every time she talked to Quinn, she became more and more curious about why she was there. Rachel assumed she was there because she was friends with Finn and Kurt, but now she wasn't so sure, which left Rachel wondering why Quinn seemed so at home there.