~Ch.2~
Rachel's POV
*Tuesday*
After my morning work out routine I quickly got dressed and made my way down stairs for breakfast. "Morning dad!" I said happily excited for Glee today. "Where's daddy?"
"Work." Hiram said handing a plate of pancakes to me. "He got called in early from the hospital, we both have to work late tonight so don't wait up for us." He explained kissing my forehead.
"Okay, but I might be up anyway. I have to create a whole new practice regime if I want my vocals to be in top condition for regional and nationals. Mr. Schuester has been pushing us a lot harder this year. We even have a new dance class Wednesdays for members that aren't as good at dancing. Of course it is optional for me since I have years of background in ballet but still it is a good way to fit in more practice." I explained thoroughly. My dad only laughed.
"You shouldn't push yourself so hard Rachel. Enjoy your senior year while it lasts and make memories." He smiled.
"My memories from this year will be practicing hard and winning nationals. Also getting the lead in whatever school musical we decide to put on this year." I said between bites of my breakfast. He let out another laugh.
"You know there are other things in life then being the best singer or performer." I gasped dramatically.
"Name one thing more important! I need to be successful this year if I want to make it into the New York Academy of the Dramatic Art."
"I know dear, but what about friends, and love." He smiled. "You're loosing focus of those around you."
"I am becoming closer friends with all of the Glee kids." I smiled. "And plus I'm dating Finn. I already found love." He rolled his eyes at the mention of the boy. "I don't understand why you and daddy don't like him..." I said pouting.
"Its not that we don't like him hun. We just don't think he's a good match for you. You two don't share much in common. Also he's not the sharpest toll in the shed..."
"Dad-"
"I know I know. Rachel, your father and I are happy if your happy. We just don't think you love him. Yes you love him a lot and you care for him, but I don't think it's in the way you think it is. You love him... but are you IN love with him?" He explained. I looked down and thought about it. ' I think I'm in love with him... I've liked him since freshman year... but it's true... we don't have much in common. '
"Well, what does it feel like to be IN LOVE with someone. How would you tell the difference?" Hiram smiled.
"Once you realize you are in love you can't stand not being with them. You wish that you could spend every moment together. You also have the feeling of butterflies whenever they're near you. If you are really in love, that feeling never goes away." I nodded. ' Do I really have that with Finn...? ' I thought silently to myself. "Oh, dear. Seems I've become like you and ranted on. Its time to go. I'll drop you off on my way to work."
"I do not rant! I speak the needed duration to explain my point." I whined.
"Sure you do." He teased. "Come on." I smiled and put my plate in the sink then grabbed my bag. During the drive to school I stared out the window lost in thought about my relationship with Finn. I came to the conclusion that I needed to find out what it was that I felt towards him. When we arrived at school I got out of the car and waved my father good-bye. As I turned to enter the school I saw a dark haired girl with blue highlights approach the school doors and get off her skateboard. 'odd...' I thought to myself. ' I don't think I've ever seen her before. ' I shrugged off the thought and headed to my locker to get my books for my first period class.
"Hey Rachel." I heard a voice say happily as arms wrapped around me.
"Hey Finn." I smiled. "How are you?" I asked still thinking about what my father said.
"Great. Just got out of an early practice with the football team. We practiced..." Finn went on to explain his practice, but I was lost in thought again. A few minutes later the bell rang. "Oh, got to get to class. See ya later Rach." He said kissing her cheek. I nodded and walked to class. Later that day as I was walking to the auditorium during lunch to get in some extra practice I saw that girl again. She was walking out of Ms. Pillsbury's office with a paper and walked up to a locker and opened it slowly looking back at the sheet a few times. ' New student? ' I thought. I took a moment deciding weather or not to introduce myself, but decided against. After lunch classes went by quickly and after school I made my way to the choir room. As I got there I took a seat next to Quinn.
"Hey Rachel, didn't see you in the cafeteria at lunch." Quinn spoke.
"And what if she was? It would kill any reputation you've built back up becoming a cheer leader again to eat with Treasure Trail." Santana growled still not used to their new found friendship.
"Shut it S. I'm the head cheer leader. I can do whatever I want." She said retaining her HBIC attitude. I pretended to ignore the comment but it still hurt.
"I was practicing. After all practice makes perfect." I said smiling.
"Please Rachel, practice all you want. I still plan on getting the solo. Haven't you had enough?" Mercedes spoke. I felt a pang of hurt run through my heart as Finn said nothing to defend her against either Mercedes or Santana. I tried to ignore it as I turned back to Quinn.
"How are you doing with Shelby here?" I asked concerned.
"Okay I guess..." Quinn spoke nervously.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Lets talk about it later." She responded. I knew it meant later when we can talk in private. I nodded and decided to let it go for now. The door opened and I looked expecting to see Mr. Schue rushing in late as always, but was surprised to see the girl I had seen twice already today.
"Erm... is this Glee club?" She asked slightly confused.
"Who the hell are you?" Santana asked in her usually aggressive tone. The girl opened her mouth to respond when Mr. Schue walked in.
"Sorry I'm late everyone." He said. He looked at the girl then back at us. "Oh, this is my assistant Isabella Walker. I expect you all to make her feel welcome. She just transferred here from Washington."
"I bet she's a vampire like Edward." Brittany said to Santana. Mr. Schuester just ignored her comment and handed Isabella a folder.
"Can you make some copies of the sheet music for me?" He asked.
"Sure." She responded dropping her backpack and taking the folder. Then she left to make some copies.
"Alright. When Isabella gets back with the copies we'll start practicing a some songs I think we should perform at regional."
"Mr. Schue PLEASE tell me that we have something more... current." Kurt asked.
"Whats that supposed to mean?" He asked.
"Well we usually only do music from your day, or some white girl music. We need more R & B music here. Either that or something a little more from our generation." Mercedes commented. Isabella returned with the papers and handed them to Mr. Schue.
"Alright AFTER we practice what I've picked out then we can talk about what songs you guys want to perform." Mr. Schue said. "But first I want to see you perform No Air. Rachel, Finn, you two lead."
"Of course." Kurt and Mercedes sighed.
*one musical performance later*
"Alright, you guys can sit down." Mr. Schue said. "Isabella. What did you think?"
"Hm?" She questioned looking up from her notebook. "It was good."
"Just good?" He questioned.
"Well do you want a white lie or brutally honest?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"Be brutal. We need the criticism." She let out a sigh.
"For starters I hope if you choose this your going to add in choreography because swaying back and forth isn't going to lead to victory. For the vocal part of it it was really good. Still needs work though. Some were off pitch." She responded indifferent.
"What? We sounded fine." Santana responded.
"No, she's right Santana. Some of you were off pitch." Mr. Schuester said. "Thanks for the honest feedback Isabella." She nodded. "Just means we need to work harder. We're rusty from the summers break. So... Your assignment is to pick a song that you like and think you sing well. Then perform it. Then the next week pick a song that you don't know and is the opposite of your interest. Also it will have to be a song your voice isn't suited for. Practice it. Then perform it. We need to see how everyone is at something their familiar with and something that's completely outside their element."
"Great idea . A great artist can perform both songs their comfortable with and ones completely out of their comfort zone. It is the most needed trait in the performing arts community." I said excitedly. Most everyone else just rolled their eyes.
"Alright you guys. I'll see you tomorrow for dance." Mr. Schue said packing up.
"Hey Rach, wanna walk home together?" Finn asked. I let out a small sigh.
"I'm staying after for a little while today, but I'll see you tomorrow." I responded giving him a smile.
"Alright." He said giving her a kiss. "See you tomorrow." He said as he left. I waited till everyone else left then turned my attention back to Quinn.
"So... Whats wrong?" I asked concerned. Quinn looked at the ground.
"She wants me to be a part of Beth's life..." She responded.
"That's great." I said smiling. Quinn looked at me confused.
"You... think I should? I gave her up... once she grows up she'll hate me."
"That's not true. She'll see that you care about her. If you are a part in her life growing up she'll know you love her and did what was best for her." Quinn was silent for a moment.
"Thanks Rachel." She smiled. "I think I will... it's gonna be hard though. Seeing her."
"I can go with you if it makes you feel better."
"I couldn't ask that of you. I know... your not having the best time with her here either." I remained silent. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay Quinn. Shelby... she gave up on making this work. I'm over it. If you need me to come with you when you see Beth I will be there for you." I slightly lied. Truth was I never did recover from having Shelby rejecting me after she was the one who contacted me. Quinn gave me a smile.
"Thanks Rachel. Your really the closest friend I've made. I can't really talk to B or S about this stuff... Let me give you a ride home."
"Sure, thanks Quinn." We made our way to her car in the parking lot.
"Are you okay Rachel?" Quinn asked as she started the car. "I know you don't want to talk about Shelby cause I know she bothers you, but it seems like something else is bothering you." I bit my lip unsure if I should bring it up. "What is it?"
"Its Finn..."
"It's okay Rachel, I'm over him." She smiled. "In all honesty I think Puck and I might get back together."
"Really?" I asked smiling.
"Yes but this is about you. What's wrong with Finn?" I let out a sigh.
"I don't know... I just... I'm starting to have doubts about my feelings for him."
"Really?..." She responded nodding.
"You... don't seem surprised." I said confused.
"I dated him Rachel. He's no knight in shining armor. I only dated him for status. I was always confused why you loved him so much. Especially after we became friends this summer... he's... just... not your type."
"And what's my type?" I asked.
"You want a knight in shining armor. You want someone who defends you. Someone who also shares your interests and actually pays attention when you talk. Someone who you can have a deep and intelligent conversation with. Lets face it. That's not Finn." She responded. I looked down. ' She's right...' I thought sadly. "I'm sorry... I know you really want things with him to work, but... I just don't see it happening."
"It's okay..."
"What made you start questioning your feelings for him?"
"My dad. He told me he thinks I love him but I'm not IN love with him... Well... I have also noticed things... he doesn't treat me like you treat a girlfriend. He doesn't listen when I'm talking, he doesn't offer to walk me to class and he doesn't even notice when somethings bothering me when other people do. I guess... I just ignored my doubts before." Quinn looked over and gave me an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry Rachel... I'm sure your perfect person is out there somewhere." I nodded.
"I don't know how to tell him though..."
"He really does like you... it wont be easy."
"Thanks Quinn." I responded sarcastically.
"What? I'm being honest, but the longer you wait the harder it will be."
"I know..." I said as Quinn pulled in my driveway.
"Your dads not home?"
"No, they're working late."
"Want me to stay awhile?"
"Thanks Quinn, but I'm going to be keeping myself busy rehearsing so no thank you." I smiled. I was happy to finally have a friend to rely on and that cared.
"Okay, but remember I have my phone on me if you want to talk. That's if S doesn't call and bitch me out for giving her double laps at cheerio practice."
"Alright see you later Quinn." I laughed. I waved as she drove off and I entered my house. It was silent as usual. I quickly grabbed some fruit and made my way to my room to rehearse and get my mind off of Shelby and Finn. As the hours passed I grew tired and decided to go to bed early after finishing my homework. I got in my pajamas and got under my covers. I let out a sigh. ' Tomorrow... I'll talk with Finn. ' I thought to myself. Then I closed my eyes and drifted asleep.