AN: Another chapter up~ Tell me your thoughts. Also a question to my readers out there. Do you think I should move the rating up to M? It will get more violent in later chapters, language included and possibly smut if we ever get to Rachel and Izy getting together~ Also would you guys like to see a picture of Izy that someone did for me? Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: I only own my original character Isabella "Izy" Walker
*Thursday*
Izy's POV:
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I watched Rachel hum to herself whilst studying for her next exam. Her eyes flickered up to me with a slight disapproving look.
"You really need to study Iz, I'm not the only one with upcoming exams and I will not have you squander your talents and mind with sub par test results." She spoke, glare slowly turning into her usual warm smile.
"Sorry... You just look so cute when your focused. Even your humming is mesmerizing. It's hard for me to focus on a book when I rather be focusing on you." I smiled back as my timidness faded. A small blush rose to Rachel's cheeks as she lightly closed her book.
"If I'm such the distraction maybe you should study at home. You know how important grades are, even if you don't have much faith for your future... I do." She spoke a quieter as she walked over. I set my book aside and pulled her onto my lap feeling her warmth as I wrapped my arms around her.
"I know you do hun." I whispered placing a kiss on her forehead. "And I promise you I will do my best, but... for now we finally have some time alone. I want to spend it like this, snuggled close and comfortable with no worries. I can study more any time." She stared back at me a moment causing me to melt a bit in her eyes.
"Alright~" She said knowing she wanted the same. She closed the distance between us and placed a firm kiss on my lips immediately moving to deepen it. I complied loving how she wanted to be more domineering and parted my lips as she moved her tongue to brush against mine. As if in the moment time stood still and it was just the two of us. I smiled and began to roll the pair of us over so I could move on top-
"Ngh..." I sat up and rubbed the back of my head to try and relieve the pain from sudden impact to the floor. I guess my body registered the dream to be real as I had one arm still wrapped around my pillow and a very unsettling warmth moving through my lower stomach. With a sigh I got up and re-made my bed still a bit dazed from the dream. 'Would it really be that nice if we got together...?' I thought on it, but only for a moment knowing I never wanted her to get involved with my father. That is if I ever won her favor in that way. Even with impossibilities the thought still made me smile and since I wasn't going to avoid her I might as well enjoy the feeling I had spending time with her.
"Isabella, get down here." My father called. The tone to me sounded a bit indifferent. It was true the past few days had been decent between us, but in all honesty I liked constant abuse more. It was lighter and I was used to it, breaks in verbal attacks usually meant larger physical attacks when his attitude went south again... I took a breath and headed downstairs with a bit of haste not wanting to make him wait.
"Yeah dad...?" I asked a bit cautiously as he seemed to be getting ready for work. He took a moment to pack a bag. As I waited for a response I let my eyes wander across the room possibly searching for a reason why he would want to talk. That's when my eyes landed on a piece of mail from school. My eyes widened a bit as I hadn't seen it yesterday and I worried it was about glee. Before I could move to grab it my father turned around to address me.
"I'm going to work a bit later and more often. Seems people want to fix their homes before falls end. I expect you'll keep up work on keeping this place clean and bringing in money." I gave a slight nod thankful that he was sober. Even when he was sober he was cruel, but once in a while... moments like these happened. Indifference that ended in him treating me like a co-worker or room mate. It was the closest thing to kindness I would receive from him so I treasured these moments. "Good. Also I might have to go out of town on a job in a few weeks and if I do you better be here and doing your job." He said in a slightly more commanding tone. There was a glint of glare in his eyes as well, but I gave another nod in acknowledgement and with that he left.
I quickly opened the letter and it was only school announcements of upcoming events. The glee clubs college viewing trip wasn't even shown. Though I admit I knew little about it. Didn't bother reading the permission slip since I was still a bit miffed Mr. Schuester was forcing me to attend. So we were to see colleges with major performing arts or music sections perform at some theater. It was a good thing for people to see if they weren't sure what type of program they were looking for. It was also for schools that had those programs as well as other career paths so it was nice for people who aren't exactly pursuing a musical career. Though it still held little interest in my eyes. I let out a partial sigh and looked at the clock.
"Shit!" I breathed. It was getting late and I still needed to shower before I headed out. If there was one day I didn't want to be late for school it was definitely today. I knew I left Rachel all smiles, but I also knew her well enough to know she was probably worried over the performance even though it was fine last night. 'Perfectionist.' I thought as I rolled my eyes and quickly hopped in the shower.
Rachel's POV:
"7 AM, the usual morning lineup:
Start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean
Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up
Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15.
And so I'll read a book
Or maybe two or three
I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery
I'll play guitar and knit
And cook and basically
Just wonder when will my life begin?"
I sang happily as I finished getting ready and descended the stairs. My dad let out a small laugh at my energy and handed me a plate with a few pancakes.
"Someones happy this morning, I thought you were really worried about today's performance." He smiled.
"I was, but Izy came over again last night and really eased my worries. We even picked out a whole outfit for the occasion~ Thanks for the pancakes dad." I said returning the smile and started to eat, a bit eager to get out the door.
"Oh really? And what did she say that put your worries to ease so quickly. I might have to ask this girl for advice." He chuckled.
"Dad," I half whined. "She just reminded me how much fun I used to have with all of this. I've been putting to much pressure on each performance which is hindering it from being all that it could be. Though who could blame me, after all we need to be in the best shape to win both sectionals and regionals. So who wouldn't put pressure into their performances?" Daddy leaned over and kissed the top of my head.
"Stars that shine too brightly often burn out my little berry. You need to learn to relax and pace yourself, but it really sounds like this girl has been a positive influence." Leroy said a bit relieved. I looked at him a bit confused and turned back to my dad to see if he could explain.
"He was just a bit worried hun. We know your a great judge of character, but it seems she's walking on egg shells around us. I mean we haven't done anything to make her feel unwelcome or weirded out have we? She hasn't even seen one of our family musicals yet. Or been forced into one." He smirked a bit.
"I assure you there is nothing to worry about. Though reserved with many others Izy is kind and intelligent. She wouldn't do anything wrong or become a negative influence on me." I said proudly. "Though I don't think she'd appreciate being pushed into a family musical number. She isn't really comfortable singing around others. Other then that I don't see in any way how our family would do something to 'weird' a person out."
"Is that why you had the party while we were out of town?" Leroy chuckled. I let out a huff knowing they would never let me live that party down.
"You know I only did that because it is standard social protocol to party when ones parents are out. It is harshly looked down upon to 'party hard' with ones parents." I responded with a slight tone. Hiram only shook his head.
"We know Rachel. I think what he meant to say was that we're happy your making new friends and finding people to spend your time with. Over the years you've been a bit sheltered at home. We like seeing you branching out. Even if it means it's a step closer to leaving our nest."
"Such a bittersweet good." Leroy added dramatically.
"Well we are Berry's aren't we, our lives are destined to be bittersweet." I commented just as dramatically before getting up and grabbing my bag.
"Good luck with your performance." My fathers called out in unison.
"Thanks!" I said waving as I left. I only got a few steps down the street before I noticed Izy leaning against a near by fence waiting for me while listening to some music. From the looks of it I assumed it was something she liked since she seemed to be mouthing the words. 'And she said she lost interest in singing. I wish she'd just let it out and burst into song. Who says life can't be a musical?' I smirked and walked up behind her before lightly tapping her shoulder.
"If your trying to scare me then I applaud you for the effort." She laughed as she took out her earbuds. I pouted a bit peeved that she didn't jump.
"You saw me coming?" She shook her head.
"It takes a lot more to scare me." I sent her a disapproving look.
"It takes a lot more to scare you? You should be more careful Izy. Though I live in a good neighborhood you don't know who's on the streets. I doubt you even carry a rape whistle in case of emergencies! What if someone were to come up behind you and do something?" She seemed to smile at my disapproving look and thought on how to answer.
"I'm actually really good at defending myself Rach. I usually work out often, though I haven't much since we moved here, but rest assured unless they have a gun I can most likely handle myself against a few thugs, kidnappers or rapists." She said seriously. I took a moment to consider rebuttal but she was a bit toned and did probably have enough muscle strength. Also considering the fact she had gotten in fights often at her past school, she must be good at it, though I disapproved highly at the thought.
"I guess your right..." I trailed off starting to continue on the way to school. Izy picked up her board and walked beside me. "So what were you listening to?" I asked a bit curious.
"If you're expecting a Korean pop song then I hate to disappoint you." She laughed.
"Well when almost half of your ipod consists of it then what am I to do? Bet against odds?" Izy nodded knowing I was right and handed me one of the earbuds to listen then started the song from the beginning.
~So here I am
doing everything I can
holding on to what I am
pretending I'm a superman
I'm trying to keep
the ground on my feet
it seems the world's
falling down around me
The nights are all long
I'm singing this song
to try and make the answers
more than maybe
And I'm so confused
about what to do
sometimes I want
to throw it all away~
I smiled a bit getting a better feel for the music Izy liked to listen to aside from kpop. "Who's it by I asked as I handed her back her earbud.
"Goldfinger. Though I think that's the only song I have from them. I like songs from different artists, it's not often I listen to all of one person or band."
"Why is that?" She shrugged.
"I like to have more variety and songs that fit my moods, don't get me wrong though, if I really like a band I'll download a whole CD or two." She said turning to look at me. "Other then disappointments in trying to scare me, how are you doing this morning?" I smiled brightly.
"Well if it tells you anything I came down to breakfast singing a song from Tangled. So I'm feeling really good about today. Then again what negative connotation could you get from disney music?"
"Mm, never seen Tangled, but I do love disney movies. It's one of things I remember doing with my-... Well it brings back good memories to hear disney music." She said trying to sidestep talking about mothers.
"It's alright Izy, if disney movies remind you of your mom then just say so. Just because I'm not on the best terms with mine doesn't mean you have to keep from sharing anything about yours. Talking about her keeps the memories fresh." I said holding her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's what keeps her alive in your heart." She lightly squeezed my hand back before letting it go and nodding.
"Your right. It's just... been awhile since I really thought about her. It usually makes me more depressed to think on it, but I don't want to loose those memories by not thinking on them for too long." She said thinking on it a bit.
"Well... Why not ask you dad more about her if you really want to remember who she was?" I suggested.
"T-That's not the best idea..." She responded a bit quickly. "He just... doesn't do well with things like that you know?" I wanted to disagree knowing it is only worse for a person if they don't take the time to grieve and just ignore their loss, but seeing how suddenly serious and tense Izy was I only nodded and tried to change topic so as not to upset her.
"I packed my outfit for today's performance, I'm sure it'll be a surprise to the rest of the glee club." Izy nodded.
"I can't wait to see you knock it out of the park today. I really like BoA so believe me when I say your gonna do it justice."
"It really means a lot that you think I can and that you've helped me prepare so much for it. I just wish I could have you performing it with me as a duet like we did last night." I said smiling as the memory played in my head. "Our voices go great together, plus your dancing helps mine to look better." Izy rolled her eyes.
"You have the dancing down Rach, plus who's voice wouldn't sound well with yours? I'm just confused at why has Finn doing all the male leads with you... I mean I know he's always on about how much Finn reminds him of himself when he was younger, but really Sam, Blaine and Puck both have better voices in my opinion." She said a bit hesitantly. I blinked a moment and contemplated her view on it.
"It's true the other guys in glee don't get much time with leads and they do have great voices, but Finn really has improved and he does really well with some songs. He always seems to fit the songs we have for regionals or sectionals which is why we often go with him for the male lead." Izy rolled her eyes slightly.
"Yes I've heard. But really your song choices are a bit... well it really seems like Mr. Schue likes picking out your music. Though I was surprised to hear you guys actually did an original musical number last year." I took a long sigh and nodded.
"Seems it didn't work well in our favor though..." I trailed off re-living the disappointed faces of the glee club and all because of a simple kiss. Izy shrugged.
"I think it shows you guys had a fire the others didn't. I really don't think they would have done as well given the job to write their own song, especially in the time you wrote yours." I smiled at Izy's encouragement and gave an acknowledging nod. "Plus, I think teams would kill to have a Rachel Berry in their arsenal."
"Oh please, now your just trying for flattery." I said calling her out a bit. She laughed.
"Well then. I thought you appreciated flattery, from now on I'll be sure to stick to chastising everything you do." She said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and parted ways with Izy as we entered the school. The day went by normally and lunch was a bit livelier then normal as Sam and Izy debated which was better, Aliens or Predators. To which the rest of the glee club shook their heads and called them nerds. It really didn't help cause both Sam and Izy thought of it as a term of endearment. As the last bell rang I walked to my locked and retrieved my bag then went to the girls room to change into my outfit for my glee assignment. As I put on the last piece, Izy's hat I felt something and took it back off to see a sticky note inside.
'Hey Rach, don't forget! Gangsta~ Prove you got swag. - Izy' The note read. I smiled at the term and placed the note in my bag. I did however disapprove of Izy breaking into my locker to place a good luck not into my bag, but I would scold her about it later. Quickly putting my hat on, gangsta like, I made my way to glee club.
Izy's POV:
I waited a bit impatiently in glee as talked about the trip expenses being covered by Sugar's father and talking about songs ideas for regionals. Part of me couldn't wait to see Rachel sing and another part of me couldn't help but want to see her in that outfit again. Though it was obvious it wasn't her style she still looked adorable in it. I looked over to see Santana shaking her head.
"What?" I asked innocently.
"More obvious then you are pale Walker." She said under her breathe. I sighed and crossed my arms, sitting back into my chair.
"More experience with it then a level eighty mage is with a basic fire spell." I retorted. She took a moment then looked back confused and shook her head returning her attention to Brittany.
"Play nice San." Brittany pouted.
"Yeah, play nice San." I added knowing Santana had to listen to Brittany. Santana looked back and glared intently.
"Shut it Walker." She glared. I know it irritated her that I was one of the only people in glee... or well in the school in general that didn't feel threatened by her. "Or I'll shut it for-"
"Santana. That's enough, plus Rachel is ready to take it away." said as Rachel walked in.
"Thanks . My song was choice was assisted by Izy since my original choice didn't seem to fit the lesson as well as it should have." Mr. Schuester raised an eyebrow interested. I knew many glee clubbers had gone to him for suggestions, but it was odd for Rachel to seek assistance in a song other then by the teacher.
"I'm liking it so far." Puck commented looking her up and down. shook his head and Quinn sent Puck a warning glare which made him send back an apologetic look.
"Go ahead and start Rach." He said starting the music she brought in.
"The floor is callin' me
And I don't know what else to do
The energy in here is fire
And the speakers too
See the DJ hittin' that replay
Do what he say and turn me on
Imma do a lotta talkin' with my feet
And the beat and I promise don't need no phone"
Rachel sang the rest of the song and didn't miss one step of the dance. When she finished clapped.
"Well done Rachel and Izy, you did great on helping her pick out a song."
"Yeah, a shock for Isabella to pick a song with a good dance to it." Kurt retorted. I glared lightly at him and pulled on the back of his hair lightly. "Ow. What?"
"What do you mean by that Kurt?" asked a bit confused.
"He meant nothing. I just dance a bit, but it's nothing." I commented.
"Oh I'm sure it's more then nothing Isabella." Santana smirked. Quinn sent her a glare that confused me. I wasn't sure why or how Quinn would know I wouldn't want her to say that.
"Why didn't you say so?" asked. "Well that's pretty much it for today, so we'll meet again next week. Izy, I'd like to talk to you though before you go." I let out an aggravated sigh and stayed seated as the others left. Rachel gave me a sympathetic look.
"You want me to stay?" She asked knowing I'd probably want someone to vent to after and I's 'talk'. I shook my head.
"Nah, but you nailed the number. It was really good Rach." I smiled.
"You think?" She couldn't help but grin. "I really had fun with it." I was about to tell her something to the effect of I told you so, but kinder when Finn stepped in and hugged Rachel. I felt more then just a pang of jealousy at the gesture, but was more worried when I saw how uncomfortable it made her.
"You did great hun. As always~" Finn smiled. Rachel shrugged him off a bit and nodded.
"Thank you Finn. I appreciate it." She said simply. I could tell she was a bit irritated at the term of hun when she had already ended things with him, but it wasn't my place to say anything. "Can I talk to you on the way back home?" She asked him a bit seriously. I could tell her tone was slightly negative, but it didn't seem to dawn on him at all.
"Sure Rach." He smiled and walked into the hallway.
"Sorry about that, I'll talk to you later Izy, but don't think this gets you off the hook." She said giving me a slight scold. I laughed a bit.
"Right. Don't worry, I wont try and work my way out of it, but if you should forget that's not my fault." I smirked.
"Mhmm, but I never forget. See you." She waved as she walked back into the hallway and left. I turned back to .
"Yes?" I asked.
"You know I'd be more then happy to put you in with the others. When Mike started out he didn't sing much either, but he's gotten better over time. I know you'd have fun with it if you really gave it a chance." He said seriously. I could see the gleam in his eyes as I imagined he was thinking this would be a huge relief to me. Something that could only bring me good.
"I appreciate the offer , but if I had an interest in performing I would have told you when I wanted to become an assistant. But it's that simple. I just want to be an assistant in the glee club. I really don't have the time to learn songs and dance routines with my work as well. It's more then enough that I'm dedicating time to meetings and soon to be trips to performances and what not. I do want to be a part of this club but not in that way." I deadpanned. He let out a sigh.
"Someone who puts thought into a song choice like that really should be performing... but if you insist I wont push you. Especially if you don't feel comfortable singing in front of others." I wanted to let out a sigh of relief, but I knew he was only letting it go for the moment. To resume the argument another day. I nodded.
"I appreciate it. It's just not something I want to or can pursue at the moment." I said getting up and picking up my bag.
"I understand. See you next week Isabella." He smiled slightly. I nodded and left taking in a deep breath as I got outside. Overall things were looking good. I smiled and turned on my music as I skated home. Who knows, maybe things were finally turning out in my favor?
Rachel's POV:
I didn't know why the gesture of Finn hugging me and calling me hun bothered me the way it did. I assumed it was because I was tired of explaining things to him. With the comfort of having Izy understand what I'm saying even before I said it I didn't have to deal with this nearly as often.
"What did you want to talk about Rach?" Finn asked with his usual smile.
"I just..." I thought on it a moment to try and think of the kindest way to go about this. "Why did you call me hun and hug me like that? Though I do know friends often use the gesture of hugging to show their love it felt more personal than that. I would think I had made it clear in our previous 'talk' that I thought we should remain just friends." I explained. He sighed.
"You're still on that? You usually spring back by now and realize how good we are together." He responded a bit agitated.
"Finn this is not something I am going to 'spring back' from. I have had time to think on this and I stand by what I said. We are happier as friends, not as a couple. It would be beneficial to both of us to seek out different things. A few others have even noticed how we've been growing apar-"
"Like who?! You're telling me you broke us up over something someone else said?! Quinn's been talking crap about me again? It's just because she's jealous of you Rach. She doesn't want me to be with you." He said starting to raise his voice. I let out a sigh.
"Finn Quinn is with Puck. Happily I might add. It doesn't matter who, I believe my point was I am feeling it. I think we both can benefit from this if you'll only-"
"No, it's bull shit. Ideas put in your head by Quinn and that weird new girl!" He yelled. I felt angered at the insinuation and looked him in the eye.
"Finn I feel like we don't connect. You're not even listening to me! I am explaining to you how I feel. How I know that us being together would only lead to more fighting because we're not right for each other. Even if you can't see it now I know you'll be happier with someone else." I said sternly. "So don't blame any of my friends for your insecurities, but we are over Finn. I care about you. I want us to be friends, but not if you're going to blame others for something that's our fault for not seeing sooner." It was obvious he wasn't retaining what I said or simply did not want to hear it.
"Fine, you know what? It IS over! We're done for good. If your willing to just give up on this then fine." He said storming off. I let out a sigh knowing he needed time to soak it in and understand. I made my way home and laid on my bed a bit exhausted. A few moments later my cell phone buzzed and I checked to see a text.
-You okay? I know it isn't my place, but you looked bothered when you left.-Izy
I let out a bit of a sigh of relief and replied wanting nothing more then to vent to Izy and Quinn about it. To reassure that I was doing the right thing.
-Yeah... Finn and I got into a bit of an argument since it seems he didn't think we were over over. I took care of it though.- Rachel
-Oh.- Izy
A few minutes passed as I chose not to respond to the text until my phone buzzed once more.
-Want me to come over? We can talk about it while eating ice cream and watching the notebook... If that really helps.- Izy.
I laughed a bit at the text and shook my head.
-I really hate to bother you to come over after all you've already done. Believe me this is more of a conversation I should have with Quinn, but I appreciate the offer. Have you ever even seen the notebook?-Rachel
-... MAYBE. Okay, no, but don't they just die anyway? Idk I was suggesting the most stereotypical thing I could think of. I've never had to deal with a break up before.-Izy
-Never? Not once dated someone?-Rachel
-Well if I've never dealt with a break up one would think so. No I've never dated someone, but I figure it's because I'm waiting for the right person. Btw love how you focused on that and not the fact that I've never seen the notebook. Figured you for a girl who would love that movie.-Izy
-True, true. It is best to wait for true love then to waste your time with something that doesn't feel right. I speak from experience, and to let you know I do not love the movie. It's not even close to one of my favorites.-Rachel
-Haha right, stick to musicals when it comes to you ;) Alright, well go vent to Quinn so I can feel better about not hearing from you-Izy
-I will, I'm sure she's been expecting this to happen so we'll probably have a girls night tomorrow night-Rachel
-*shiver* a girls night... sounds absolutely horrible. And you think horror movies are scary!-Izy
I laughed and rolled my eyes imagining her acting overly dramatic.
-Don't knock it till you try it~ Plus you talking about how guys I've dated don't suit me while watching funny girl classifies as a girls night.-Rachel
-I knew you were changing me for the worse. How could you?! XD jk jk well I'm gonna get a good work out in so I can protect myself from the evils of your territory~ talk to you later Rach.-Izy
I smiled and sent one more text before getting on my homework.
-You free friday night? I need to come over and vent. Finn has me at wits end.- Rachel
-Say no more, my night is free. Don't worry, we'll find a way to get through his thick skull and keep you two 'friends'. We'll head back to my place after school tomorrow- Quinn
With that I started on my english essay with my mood returned to what it was after my performance. It was a good feeling to have friends that understood you and had your back when you needed it. This year was definitely turning out to be one of the best so far.