Disclaimer: I still do not own Glee
A.N. Thanks to my brother for proof reading this for me. Thanks also to Mona and Mel for all their help and encouragement.
The change is minuscule at first. Overlooked easily by people who ignore her everyday. To tell the truth even she has trouble remembering when it happened. A split second of doubt. Of genuine fear and even then it was gone again or so she thought. If only she had realised then, that her soul, her spirit had been infected, then she might have able to fight back. Instead she stands as tall as her petite frame will allow, lifts her head to show the world that she is unbeatable, as if she had not just been doused in an ice cold beverage.
Placing one foot in front of the other in a well practiced dance, she walks calmly to the nearest bathroom to repair the physical damage, choosing to ignore the way her eyes don't quite meet her reflection. Not acknowledging the tears that threaten to fall. Summoning up all of her strength, she repeats her mantra;
"I am Rachel Barbra Berry. I am a star. I am going to get out of Lima."
Having tidied herself up as best she can, Rachel leaves the bathroom, walking down the corridor of William McKinley High School, a smile firmly on her face.
"Never let them know how much they hurt you," her inner voice tells her over and over again. Already the evidence of the latest slushie attack has been cleared away, no proof left should she ever feel the need to tell an adult.
"They all know and do nothing anyway," she thinks angrily to herself, before once again not allowing herself give in to the bitter thoughts she has about the school faculty, who still look away when ever a slushie is thrown. Just once she would like for someone to take a stand, but even though Mr Schuester has experienced the brain freeze that follows from having 8oz of ice thrown on him, he too seems to have given up the pretense of caring, more focused on wooing Miss Pillsbury than protecting his students from the humiliation Rachel has just endured at the hands of some ignorant hockey players.
She spends the next hour in Glee wondering why she even bothered to attend. Mr Schuester is once again trying to convince the club that disco is the best way to win at their next competition. Her attention is caught by the raised voice of Brittany S. Pierce, who for once seems to be talking back to a teacher. Of course the Glee Club director instantly dismisses the girl's comments, Brittany's face showing her disappointment.
Before she fully realises what she is doing, Rachel starts to speak. "For once can't you just listen to what Brittany has to say. Seriously, in case you missed it she was actually trying to support your deranged disco obsession."
"I don't like your tone Rachel, nor do I appreciate your attitude. Brittany's suggestion, while welcome is not relevant to the conversation."
"Is that right?" Rachel can't quite believe that not only is she, once more answering back, she has made no effort to hide her disdain for her teacher. Something inside her has snapped.
"Another word from you Miss Berry and you will be in detention. I won't warn you again." Mr Schuester's voice is the height of condescension. It is only the slight movement of Brittany's head that prevents Rachel from continuing the argument.
The last few minutes of Glee pass mostly in silence, the group, minus Rachel, looking over the sheet music that Mr Schuester has handed out. She is the first person to leave the choir room, ignoring the calls from the annoyed teacher to stay where she is. The majority of New Directions simply roll their eyes at what they perceive as just another strop thrown by their resident diva and so fail to notice the glances that are exchanged between a few more observant members of the club.
It seems as if three people have noticed that something is not quite right with Rachel and following a brief discussion they agree to keep a closer eye on her.
"Do you think we should say something to her unofficial bodyguard?" Mike asks. "He's going to be pissed enough when he hears about today's slushie attack, never mind how Schue treated both his girls," Artie replies.
"Especially because my idea was amazing. Mr Schuester is just in awe of my brilliance." Brittany adds.
"Do you think he'll ever admit..." Whatever question Mike tries to ask is cut short with a look from Brittany.
"Never mention that subject out loud. You never know who might be listening and what they would do with the information." As if to prove her point, Jacob Ben Israel walks past the open choir room door, pausing briefly to look inside, but the trio remain hidden from the school gossip. They do take his appearance as a sign that it is high time they take their discussion to a safer venue.
The next day begins like any other for Rachel. Her fathers are once again away on business so after grabbing a quick breakfast and making sure she has a change of clothes packed, she leaves for school. Arriving at McKinley at least an hour before any of the student body or faculty will get there, Rachel spends the next fifty minutes running scales and practicing her piece for her next piano recital. For once she doesn't get lost in the music, the jeers she heard after yesterday's slushie facial echo in her head. Then there are the memories of the snide looks on the faces of her fellow Glee Clubbers, along with Mr Schuester's words to her when she had tried to speak on Brittany's behalf. Rachel can't help but remember how he was there in the hallway, a silent witness to the actions of the hockey team, and in that moment she despises him. Focusing all her hurt and pain into her playing, she strikes the piano keys heavily, the notes a lot harsher than the music calls for, but to Rachel it is as if each note she hits is the face of the person she hates the most in the world. Herself.
From their hiding place in the wings, Artie, Mike and Brittany can only watch in dismay as Rachel continues to play. Britt can't help but wonder if the petite girl knows that she is crying, while Artie questions just how a person can shed tears so violently yet silently.
"How many times has she done this?" Mike whispers. He knows things need to change but he is still unsure if he has the ability to influence the student population and the teaching staff's behavior. There is one person who could, and who has, slowly begun the process, even if he is not aware of that fact.
Then the boy in question appears beside the trio, watching for a brief moment, before moving just as quietly to the girl on the stage who has given up playing the piano. From the side of the stage, the three friends can just about make out the only words he speaks, before Puck gathers Rachel up in his arms, looking as if he never wants to let her go. "This ends today."
Rachel isn't quite sure how she came to be in Noah's arms but she has never felt as content as she does right now. Knowing that this can be nothing more than a brief interlude she snuggles closer, allowing him to envelop her tighter in his embrace, while wishing that this sense of peace she is currently experiencing will never end. She panics slightly when Noah stands but he simply brushes her hair away from her face, the gentleness of his touch a balm for her weary mind. Suddenly overcome by all the emotions she has been trying to deal with for so long, Rachel allows herself to drift to sleep trusting that implicitly that Noah will keep her safe.
A.N. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this. There is a chance that it may be turned into a multichapter story, depending on what you all think, so please let me know if that is something you would like.
Reviews are love :) ~Carrie