Ladies and Gents, thank you for the amazing response to the last chapter, I was very nervous to kill someone off as I've never done it (Except off course the murder in my other story) before and writing that, as well writing about grief was really difficult so I hope I've done it right. Please, once again, let me know what you think.

Happy Reading

5x04 – Glee and The Grief

Finn and Rachel's House

West Village

Wednesday Morning

Finn walked into his bedroom to see Rachel was finally awake but sat up in bed still in her pyjamas and not ready for work like she normally would be. It had been three weeks since Shelby's funeral and Rachel hadn't been back to work since. Rachel hadn't really done anything since they had come back to New York. If Tina needed anything for work or her friends wanted to see her then they had to come to the house.

"Hey baby, I was just about to leave for work. Do you want me to take the kids or are you going into work today?" Finn asked. Rose and Henry were both now in school but Mason still went to the nursery in Rachel's office, and Rach usually dropped them off on her way to work.

"No, I'm not going in. If Tina needs anything she can call me, I want to go through that box that Malcom sent" Rachel answered.

The day before Malcolm had sent Rachel a box of things of Shelby's that he thought Rachel would like. Rachel didn't want to open it in front of anyone because she knew she would cry and Rachel felt she'd done enough of that in front of her children in the last few weeks.

"Okay well if you need anything, call me okay?" Finn told her. Rachel nodded as Rose and Henry ran into the room, already in their school uniform.

"Okay kids say bye to your mom we have to leave soon" Finn said. He helped them onto the bed and they both gave their mother a tight hug.

Rachel had tried her best to hide her grief from her children but they knew something was wrong with their mother. She spent a lot of time in bed and didn't laugh as much as she used to.

"Bye babies, be good at school. I love you both" Rachel said as she held them tight. Finn couldn't help the small smile that came to him at watching his wife and children, despite how worried he was about Rachel.

"We love you too mommy" Rose gushed. Henry nodded and kissed his mother on the cheek.

Rose and Henry pulled away from their mother and jumped off the bed. They both waved bye to their mother than ran out of the room to get their coats and bags.

"Okay, I better get going or I'm going to be late" Finn leaned down and pressed his lips to Rachel's "I'll call you later"

"See you later" Rachel replied before Finn left the room.

Once Rachel heard the front door close she got out of bed and walked down stairs. She walked into the dining room to see the box exactly where she had left it. She took a seat at the table and opened it up.

Broadway Star Magazine Offices

Wednesday Afternoon

17:30

After a day of work, Finn picked up Rose and Henry from their after school clubs then went to Rachel's office to pick up Mason up before picking up some food for them all and finally going home.

He walked into Rachel's office with the kids to see Tina sat at the circle glass table looking over some photographs. Tina had taken the reins of the magazine for Rachel since her mothers passing. Finn didn't know what their family would do without Tina, she always stepped up when they needed her to.

"Hey Tina" Rose cheered as she raced into the office. Tina looked up from the photos and smiled at the family.

"Hey guys what are you doing here?" Tina asked, she got up from the table and gave Finn a quick hug before kissing Rose, Henry and Mason on the cheek.

"We were here to pick up Mason and I thought I'd pop up and see if everything was okay here, and if there was anything I could bring home for Rachel to have a look at" Finn explained. Mason was squirming in his arms so he put him down so he could crawl over to his siblings who were messing with their mothers desk.

"Actually the look book was finished today so you could take it to Rachel to have a look over and finalise everything" Tina said. She walked over to her own desk and picked up the large book and passed it to Finn.

Tina looked over to the kids to make sure they were distracted before looking back at Finn "How is Rachel?"

"I'm not sure really, she just mopes around the house. She's not sad anymore but she's not happy either" Finn explained. Tina and Finn took a seat at the glass table as they watched Rose and Henry play with Mason on the floor.

"Maybe she needs a change of scenery. Rachel's not ready to face the world yet so maybe she needs some time to enjoy it before she has to" Tina reasoned "Maybe some place nice and relaxing to take her mind of everything that has happened in the last few weeks"

Finn knew Tina didn't just mean Shelby's death but also the kidnapping, Rachel had had a difficult few months and maybe getting away for a while was exactly what she needed. "I think you're right, are you sure you can manage the magazine for another week" Finn asked already forming a plan in his head for where they should go.

"Of course, everything's fine here. Rachel needs to get herself right, not worry about this place" Tina answered, waving him off. Finn leaned across the table and kissed Tina on the cheek.

"Oh Tina, what would we do without you"

Finn and Rachel's House

Wednesday Evening

18:30

"Hey mommy" Henry cheered as he ran into the living room. He jumped onto the sofa to hug his mother. Rachel hastily wiped away the tears and returned the hug. Finn walked into the living room with Rose and Mason, he noticed the open box on the coffee table and shared a smile with Rachel as she listened to Henry tell her about his day at school. Once the children were settled with Rachel, Finn went back into kitchen to sort out the Chinese food he had brought home. Finn made everyone their own plate then brought them into the living room, trying to think of the best way to bring up his idea for a getaway.

"Here you go guys" Finn said he helped Rose and Henry settle at the coffee table then handed Rachel's her dinner. Finn then put Mason in his play pen, as he'd already eaten his dinner at nursery. Finn put on the television to occupy the children then turned to face his wife.

"So Kurt called me the other day to remind me about my mom and dads anniversary party" Finn started. Carole and Burt had a lavish anniversary party at their county club every year. However ever since they had gotten married themselves Finn and Rachel had never gone, always coming up with some sort of excuse.

Rachel just nodded as she ate her noddles, so, Finn continued "I was thinking that maybe we should go"

Rachel looked at Finn, startled "Why, we never have before"

"I know but I was thinking it would be good to get away for a bit, have a change of scenery. We haven't seen my parents new house yet and Kurt said it's like a hotel" Finn explained. Rachel and Finn hadn't been to the Hampton's since Mercedes wedding and in that time Finns parents had moved into an even bigger house that had an large pool and sauna, as well as a tennis court and even a helicopter pad.

Finn could see from Rachel's face he'd had to do some more convincing "I've spoken to Quinn and Puck and if you agree they said they would come as well, the kids can see NJ, you can see Quinn and my mom and dad will be so busy and the house is so big that you might not even have to see my parents"

"Your mother wants us all staying in her house" Rachel mused.

"She's want her grandkids there and unfortunately for her we come with them" Finn replied, jokingly. Rachel smiled at Finn and he could see she was really thinking about it, Rachel clearly wanted to get away just as much as he thought.

"Just think about it okay, maybe getting away is exactly what you need, to forget about everything that's happened in the last few months and just relax"

Finn couldn't read the look that passed Rachel's face as she thought it over but eventually she nodded at him. "I think you're right, we should go"

Rachel and Finn's House

Thursday Evening,

19:30

"I can't believe you actually want to go and spend a weekend with your in laws" Santana mused as she watched Rachel from the bed. Mercedes and Santana were laid out on Rachel and Finn's bed while Rachel packed for her weekend in the Hampton's. Rose's, Henry's and Mason's cases were already lined up next to the door as Rachel had done them early in the day when Finn was at work and the children were at school.

"I was in two minds about it but then Quinn sent me an email with a picture of Carole and Burt's new house" Rachel said handed the printed photo to Santana. Mercedes leaned over Santana's shoulder to look as well.

"I know I've said this before but just how rich are Finn's parents" Santana marvelled as she looked over the photos, especially the one with the large pool that looked over the Hampton's beach.

"Finn's right, it will be good for you to get away and relax and Puck and Quinn will be there with you as well, I'm almost jealous" Mercedes said, amused.

"You guys could always crash if you wanted" Rachel joked as she packed away some more clothes into her small suitcase.

"I don't think seeing my ex husbands parents is the best way to spend my weekend" Mercedes mused. Matts parents were good friends with Finn's parents so she knew they'd be at the party. "That pool does look nice though"

"I'll send you pictures" Rachel joked. She closed her suitcase and put it with the rest of them. She climbed on the bed and joined her friends.

"Oh just look at this sauna and the tennis court. You guys might not want to come back" Mercedes mused as she jealously looked over the photos again.

"Trust me after three days with Carole and Burt I'll want to come back" Rachel said, she laid down on the bed and Mercedes gently played with her hair.

"This will be good for you though" Mercedes said. Rachel rolled her eyes but neither of them noticed.

"I know you said that already" Rachel said, she got up off the bed and walked over to her vanity.

"Is everything okay Rachel?" Santana asked, concerned as they watched their friend absentmindedly play with the make up on her vanity.

"Yeah everything fine, I'm just going to check on Mason" Rachel replied. She walked out of the bedroom before even of them could say anything else to her.

Outside Finn and Rachel's House

Friday morning

09:00

"Okay that's everything, are you ready to go" Finn asked as he closed the boot of their rental car. He turned to Rachel who securing each of the kids in their car seats, in the back seat. She put a Pixar movie on back seat TV then shut the door.

"Yeah, the movie should occupy them for the trip and I have enough snacks to get me through" Rachel said, grinning at Finn. Finn kissed her quickly then got into the driver's seat. Rachel got into the passenger seat and once they made sure the kids were fine in the back, they set off to the Hamptons.

To Finn's shock, his mother had loved the idea of them staying with her and Burt for the weekend and even thought it was a good idea that Quinn and Puck stayed with them as well so that NJ could spend as much time as possible with Rose, Henry, and Mason. Finn wasn't sure what to make of his mother's positive attitude, but he was glad his plan was working out.

An hour and a half later the family stopped off at a burger joint on the freeway, they all sat in the car eating their burgers and fries and listening to Finding Dory. After finishing her Burger Rachel sat Mason on her knee in the passenger seat so she could feed him his mushed-up peas and carrots. She checked to make sure Rose and Henry were okay before turning back to Finn.

"So, you haven't asked me about the box Malcolm sent me" Rachel said, she had thought Finn would ask her straight away about what was in the box but after two days Rachel was confused why he hadn't said a word.

Finn swallowed what he was eating then looked back at Rachel, nervously "I was going to but I thought it should wait until after the weekend, I didn't want to upset you anymore than you already are. I wanted to give you some time"

"Oh, yeah I guess that makes sense"

"I know that talking about Shelby upsets you and I wanted this weekend to be a chance for you to forget all that and just relax" Finn added, he took another bite of his burger and didn't notice the look on Rachel's face. Every time someone told her she needed to relax she wanted to do anything but. Rachel finished feeding Mason then put him back in his car seat, she screwed up the rubbish from hers and the kid's burgers and threw it out of the window and into the bin.

"We should get going" Rachel said, she crossed her arms over her lap and looked out of the window.

"Is everything okay" Finn asked as he started the engine while throwing his own rubbish away. He glanced over at Rachel wondering what had brought her gloomy mood.

"Yes, just want to get there that's all"

Outside Carole and Burt's House

The Hamptons

11:30

Another hour later the Hudson family finally reached Carole and Burt's new home that Carole called 'The Hudson Compound'. They pulled up on the large gravel driveway and while Rachel took Mason out of his car seat, Finn helped Rose and Henry. Once they all were all of the car they all had the same wondrous expression as they looked at the gigantic house before them.

"It looks the same size as the bloody country club" Rachel noted as she bounced Mason on her hip. Finn nodded and the family started walking to the front door. Before they had a chance to knock, Natalie, the Hudson Family Housekeeper swung open the door and rushed over to them.

"I thought it was you through the window" Natalie cheered as she threw her arms around Finn. Natalie had been the Hudson family's housekeeper for 30 years and Finn had grown up with her as part of the fixture of his childhood.

"It's good to see you Natalie" Finn said, returning her hug. Rose and Henry looked up curiously as they had never seen Natalie before.

"And are these the little ones. They are just as cute as the pictures your mother has all over the house" Natalie said, enthusiastically. She pulled away from Finn to look over each child.

"And of course, Miss Rachel, how are you darling. I'm sorry to hear about your mother" Natalie said hugging Rachel tightly, Rachel pulled back when Mason went to grab Natalie's hair.

"Are my parents here Natalie" Finn rushed out, hoping to avoid the subject of Rachel's mother as he didn't want his wife to be upset.

"Your mother is out back, by the pool. You go, I'll get your bags"

"You don't have to do that Natalie" Rachel replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable with a woman in her late fifties having to handle all their bags.

"Nonsense! You've had a long drive go relax by the pool"

Knowing that Natalie wouldn't let up, Rachel followed Finn through the large reception area then through the huge kitchen and finally out into the back garden which had a large pool and jacuzzi, there was loungers scattered around the pool and pool toys floating in the pool. There was an outside bar with a large patio table and chairs. Carole was by the bar mixing up some drinks. The patio table was already covered in snacks and drinks.

"Hey mom" Finn said once he had stopped Rose and Henry running to the pool. Carole looked up from the bar, with a large smile. She marched over to them with her arms spread open.

"I thought I heard voices, I'm so glad you're all here" Carole gushed, she lent down and kissed Rose and Henry on the cheek then hugged Finn. "You're all looking so good, was the drive in okay?"

"It was fine, the drive from the gate to the house was longer" Finn joked, when he pulled away from her tight hug. Carole grinned at her son before turning to Rachel. She kissed Rachel in each cheek then held her face in her hands.

"How are you Rachel, you look well"

"Oh god, you too" Rachel sighed. She shrugged out of Carole's embrace then put on a tight smile. "I'm fine, thank you"

"Good, Good. Why don't you guy enjoy the food and drinks I've laid out. I have to meet Susan at the club to go over the party details one last time, but you guys should lay out, the kids can play in the pool" Carole explained quickly, she pulled them over to the table and handed Rose and Henry a brownie. "I'll be going be about an hour and I'm going to bring Susan back with me, so she can see Quinn and NJ"

"That sounds like a good idea" Finn glanced down at Rose and Henry "Do you guys want to go in the pool?"

They both nodded their head eagerly, so Finn took them to the room they were staying in and helped them change into their swim wear and put on their floaters. He brought them back into the garden and helped them both into the pool. He had changed into his own swim wear and decided to play with them while Rachel laid out on a lounger with a sleeping Mason curled up next to her, enjoying a cocktail.

Finn noticed Rachel was quiet again and he wounded if it was because Carole and Natalie mentioned Shelby, he had hoped the trip would relax her, but Rachel just seemed quiet and distant to him.

"Mommy! Watch me I can put my head under water" Rose shouted over to Rachel. She waved her arms up when Rachel didn't say anything back. "Mommy!"

Finn glanced over at Rachel too see she had finished off her drink and had fallen asleep on the lounger with Mason.

"You'll have to show her later Rosie, Mommy and Mason are asleep" Finn told his daughter. Rose nodded sadly, she looked away from her mother and instead showed Finn and Henry. After showing Finn three times that she could swim under water Rose looked back at her mother hoping she'd be awake, when she wasn't Rose turned to her father.

"Daddy when will Mommy stop being sad" Rose asked. Finn picked up both his children and held them both tightly.

"Soon Sweetie. I promise"

Burt and Carole's House

Outside by The Pool,

14:00

"Hey guys!" Finn looked up to see Puck, Quinn and NJ walk into the garden. Finn helped Rose and Henry get out of the pool so they could say hello to NJ then Finn walked over to Puck and Quinn.

"Hey guys, did Natalie let you in" Finn asked, he grabbed a towel from the lounger and started towel drying Rose and Henry, they were both itching away from him as they wanted to get back into the pool, now that they could play with NJ.

"Yeah, she did, but my mom called me just as we were pulling in to tell me all the parents were on their way back. So, we have that to look forward to" Quinn said, giving Finn an amused look. The group moved over to the patio table and took a seat. Finn passed each of the kids another brownie while Quinn and Puck helped themselves to a drink.

"Where's Rachel" Quinn asked once she was sat back down at the table with a drink.

"She's upstairs, she was putting Mason down for a nap but she hasn't come back down yet" Finn answered. Rachel had been upstairs for half an hour and it usually didn't take that long for Mason to fall asleep so Finn assumed she'd fallen asleep as well.

"How is she, have your parents been a nightmare" Puck asked. He handed the plate of brownies to the kids when he saw them reaching for them but before any of them could take one Quinn moved it away from them again.

"My mom was surprisingly sweet, she even kissed Rachel on the cheek. I don't think I've ever even see her touch Rachel" Finn commented. Quinn and Puck shared a surprised look, it was no secret how Carole felt about Rachel and they didn't even think the fact Rachel was grieving would change that.

"Other than that, how's she been" Quinn asked. Quinn had called Rachel every day since they had gotten back from Philadelphia, but she had yet to get an honest answer from Rachel when she would ask her how she was.

"She hasn't gone back to work yet, she sort of just mopes around the house and I feel like I'm constantly saying the wrong thing because one minute she seems fine then the next she's not" Finn explained, he ran his hands through his hair frustrated.

"It's probably going to take time Finn, we just have to make sure she has a good weekend" Quinn enthused. Finn nodded his head reluctantly just as Rachel walked back into the garden. She smiled at them all then took a seat next to Finn at the table.

"Hey Rachel, ready for a great weekend" Quinn enthused, smiling widely at Rachel as Finn passed her a drink and a brownie.

Rachel shrugged "Yeah, I guess"

Burt and Carole's House

The Patio Table

19:30

"Oh Carole, I do love it out here. The lights always look so good at night" Susan gushed as she looked around the back garden. The Hudson and Fabray families were having dinner outside on the patio table.

After the parents had got back from the country club they took their grandchildren to the tennis court while Quinn, Puck, Rachel and Finn enjoyed a walk on the beach. Once they were all back they changed their smarter clothes, then sat down at the table to enjoy a 5 course meal made by the Hudson family chef.

"I know, I'm finally happy with how this place looks" Carole grinned, she glanced over at Rachel "What do you think Rachel, you've always had great taste"

Rachel, who was feeding Mason, turned to Carole trying to not look startled that Carole had paid her a compliment "The entire house is lovely Carole, you've done a fabulous job"

Rachel went back to feeding Mason, she noticed the look pass between Puck and Quinn, they were as confused as she was about Carole's behaviour towards her.

"How's the meal everyone" Burt asked, before taking a drink of his third whiskey of the night. Everyone nodded their heads and gave the same gesture of appreciation.

"Do you like it Rachel, I remember Finn saying once that it's your favourite" Carole said.

"Yes, it is thank you" Rachel said, firmly. Quinn could see Rachel needed the conversation off herself.

"So are you excited for tomorrow Carole?" Quinn asked.

"I am yes, your mother has been a massive help with organising everything. And I'm so glad that you could all be here. I can't wait to show off my grandchildren… and of course my daughter in law. I don't think you've meet a lot of them Rachel" Carole explained. Rachel turned back to Carole, unable to keep the surprise off her face. Rachel wasn't sure why but that was the moment she'd had enough, but she knew she needed to leave the table.

"Will you excuse me for a minute" Without another word, Rachel got up from the table and walked back into the house.

"Was it something I said" Carole wondered, watching Rachel leave. She glanced back at Finn who was watching Rachel as well.

"No mom, I think Rachel just needs to be alone that's all" Finn answered, he shared a worried look with Puck and Quinn. "Can you watch the kids, I'm going to check that she's okay" Finn added. Quinn nodded so Finn quickly followed after Rachel.

Finn and Rachel's Room At the Compound

Friday Evening

20:15

Finn walked into the room they were using for the weekend, to see his wife pacing the large room running her hands through her hair. Finn quietly took a seat on the bed because he knew Rachel knew he was there.

"What was that!" Rachel asked waving her hands about frustrated.

"What was what? My mom is just trying to be nice" Finn replied, wondering why Rachel was so upset with his mom when he thought they were having a pleasant evening.

"When has you're mother ever been nice to me. We've been together almost 20 years and I don't think she's ever paid me a compliment before" Rachel ranted. Finn got off the bed and stood in front of Rachel so she would stop pacing.

"Rachel, she understands what you're going through and she just trying to make sure you have a good weekend" Finn said, softly. He hands his hands down Rachel's arms softly but Rachel pulled away from him.

"Nobody understands what I'm going through! Especially you" Rachel argued, she turned away from Finn when she noticed the hurt look in his face. She didn't want to hurt her husband but so far her weekend had not been the relaxing one he had promised her.

"What's that's supposed to mean" Finn asked, confused. Finn had thought he'd been understanding when it came to helping Rachel, he had given her the space she needed and made sure everything was taken care of.

"Just forget it" Rachel waved off. She didn't want to start an argument with Finn and she knew that's where it was leading.

"Rachel I just want to help you" Finn sighed, he moved closer to Rachel but she moved away from them all again. "Tell me what you need"

"I'm going to take a walk, I need to be alone" Rachel said. She felt guilty because she knew Finn was trying to help her but it just wasn't the help she needed.

"Why don't I come with you, Quinn and Puck will watch the kids, I'm sure they'll even let them sleep in their room tonight so we can talk" Finn suggested, Rachel shook her head.

"No it's fine, I just need to think. I'll be back later" Rachel kissed Finn on the cheek then left the room before he could say anything else. Finn decided to do as Rachel asked and leave her alone, so he went back downstairs and joined the rest of his family.

"How's Rachel?" Quinn whispered to him once he was sat back at the table. Finn glanced at the parents, they were having their own conversation so Finn turned back to his friends.

"I have no idea" Finn answered honestly.

Rachel and Finn's Room

Early Saturday Morning

01:00

Rachel stared up at the ceiling unable to sleep. She had been tossing and turning for hours but still couldn't relax enough. She glanced over at Finn who had been sleeping soundly for over two hours. Their children were in Quinn and Pucks room having a sleepover with NJ. Rachel knew Finn had done it hoping she would talk to him once she got back from her walk, but when she did she had told him she was tired and just wanted to sleep and even though he hadn't liked it Finn had agreed and cuddled into bed next to her.

Rachel decided to eat something since she knew she wouldn't get to sleep any time soon. So she got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Once there Rachel found Carole sat at the kitchen counter having a cup of coffee. Before Rachel could leave, Carole noticed her.

"Oh hi Rachel, did I wake you" Carole asked, she was in her pyjamas and dressing gown but she looked just as immaculate as she normally did.

"No I couldn't sleep, I was just going to make you something to eat"

"Sit down, I'll make you something. Natalie bought some lovely scones the other day" Carole put her cup down and went to get up when Rachel stopped her.

"Carole please don't" Rachel said, firmly "Please tell me this is as uncomfortable for you as it is for me. We're not like this and we never have been. I thought if anyone would be normal it would be you. I don't need you to pay me a fake compliment or help me with food. I need you to treat me like a human being and not some fragile flower. I need people to stop thinking anytime my mom is mentioned I'm going to break down. Stop avoiding the issue and just say it. My mom is dead" Rachel choked up and started tearing up "My mom… is … dead"

Rachel collapsed on to one of the breakfast bar stools and wiped away the tears that had fallen. Carole got up from her seat and walked over to Rachel, she nervously put her hand on Rachel's shoulder as Rachel continued to cry.

"I almost threw up when I said I admired your taste, of course I don't. Except your taste in men. My sons a gem" Carole said, only half joking. She squeezed Rachel's shoulder then took a seat next to her, with a slightly amused expression at her own joke.

"I have fabulous taste" Rachel said, amused. She wiped away the last of her tears then looked up at Carole. "You giving me little digs and me pretending not to notice then is our thing and I want things to feel normal"

"Rachel, I don't think anything will feel normal for you at least not for a little while" Carole said, sadly "But I can definitely go back to the little digs. I do enjoy them"

"Me too, it doesn't make me feel guilty when I throw bit of paper in your hair when your not looking" Rachel mused with a teary smile.

Carole smirked at Rachel "I always wondered where they came from, I always thought it was the kids"

"My plan was to always blame it on one of them if you found out" Rachel joked.

Carole got up from her stool then walked over to the bar, she took a bottle of whiskey and 2 glasses and walked back over to Rachel. She poured them both some whiskey then handed on to Rachel. "A toast to your mother. We didn't get along but the one thing we had in common was how fierce she loved her family. You mother loved you Rachel" Carole held up her glass "To Shelby"

"To Shelby" Rachel echoed clicking her glass with Carole's before taking a sip. She wasn't much of a whiskey drinker, but she would drink it for the sake of a small truths with Carole.

"People who have never experienced death or grief never know how to help people who have. When my mother died, Burt bought me a beautiful diamond necklace. He thought it would cheer me up, I ended up throwing it at them. Got him right in the eye" Carole explained, with a smile.

"I know I've been upset but that doesn't mean I don't want to talk about my mom at all. Any time her name is mentioned Finn or my friends change the subject" Rachel said, before taking another sip of whiskey.

"After I threw the necklace at Burt, I told him all I needed was hug so that's what he did. Sometimes men just need to be told. Even men as perfect as my Finny"

"Yeah even your Finny isn't perfect" Rachel joked "Although he comes close"

"Yes he does" Carole agreed, she finished off her whiskey then stood up. "I think that's enough nice for one one night, good night Rachel"

"Good night Carole"

Rachel sat in the kitchen nursing her whiskey for ten minutes before finishing off the whole thing and making her way back upstairs. She walked into the bedroom to see Finn sat up in bed. He had been waiting for her.

"I can't sleep unless your next to me" Finn shrugged. Rachel got into bed, she laid down and took Finn's arms wrapping it around her. Finn cuddled into her and kissed her head.

"Do you wanna talk" Finn asked once they were both comfortable in bed.

Rachel shook her head as she closed her eyes "No right now, I want to sleep"

Burt and Carole's House

The Driveway

Saturday Morning 09:30

The next day while everyone was getting dressed and having breakfast, Finn decided to go for a run on the beach, he wanted to be alone for a bit so he could think about Rachel and how best to help her. Rachel hadn't said anything when she had come back to bed but Finn knew they would have to eventually talk, but for the first time in their marriage Finn wasn't sure what to say. Grief was different for everyone and Finn and Rachel dealt with things differently.

Finn finished off his run and went back to the house, he was stretching out in the driveway just as his mother walked out of the front door.

"Hey mom, you leaving" Finn asked, he walked over to his mother and kissed her cheek, careful not to get any of his sweat on her before she moaned to him.

"Yes, I have to get to the country club to make sure everything is running smoothly, then I have to go to the hairdressers so I probably won't see you again until we have to leave for the party. Everyone is in the dining room having breakfast" Carole explained, she straightened up her coat and bag then looked at her son, she looked to be debating if she should say something to him.

"Okay, mom I'll see you later" Finn smiled at her, before making his way inside.

"Wait Finn, I need to say something to you" Carole stated before Finn could go inside, Finn turned back to looked at him mother "You need to talk to Rachel about her mother. Talking about Shelby doesn't have to be sad, Shelby was a remarkable woman you can talk about that. Don't let Rachel think her mother has just been forgotten because that might be easier"

Finn looked stunned at his mother, while Carole looked uncomfortable, she wasn't one to get involved or give any one in Rachel's family a compliment.

"Wow Mom, thank you. I know that was probably hard for you to say" Finn smiled at his mother, Carole looked away embarrassed.

"It's been a strange weekend" Carole commented, before Finn could say anything else Carole walked to the car waiting for her. Finn watched his mother leave then walked into the house. He walked into the Dining room to see Rachel sat at the large table with their children helping them all with their breakfast.

"Dad look bacon" Henry enthused holding up his plate as Finn took a seat next to Rachel. She handed him a plate of his favourite breakfast food, Finn smiled at her then listened to Henry tell him about what they wanted to do for the day, all the while thinking about what his mother had said to him.

The Hudson County Club

The Ballroom

Saturday Night 19:30

After a day of playing in the pool, then teaching their children how to play tennis the Hudson and Puckerman families walked into the Hudson Country Club for Burt and Carole's Anniversary Party. The Ballroom was expensively decorated and all of Burt and Carole's high profile friends and members were mingling around the large room. Rachel bounced Mason on her hip and gently stroked his head as she looked over at her friends.

"Let's find a table first before you two are whisked away" Rachel suggested. The other nodded so they scouted out for a free table. They knew once they were seen Carole and Susan would pull Quinn and Finn away to talk to their friends, luckily for Puck and Rachel they were usually left alone.

Eventually the group found a table at the back so while Rachel and Quinn settled the children with Finn's iPad playing a Disney film and some activity books at the table, Finn and Puck went to get them all a drink. Rachel took a seat at the table and looked around the large ballroom, she hadn't seen Carole or Burt yet and after her conversation with Carole the night before Rachel was happy for a little distance.

"Here you go ladies, we got enough to last us for a while" Puck said as he handed Rachel a glass of champagne and Quinn a glass of sparklingly orange juice. Finn gave each of the children a bottle of pop but they were all to absorbed their activity books, or in Mason's case his cuddly toy, to notice. Finn took a seat next to Rachel and draped his arm on the back of her chair.

"You know whenever I'm at party like this, I always think about what Shelby would say about everyone here" Finn admitted causally before taking a drink of his beer. Rachel looked at him surprised.

"She always made me laugh, she always just said it how it was" Puck agreed with a laugh.

"I don't think Emma always liked it though" Quinn argued with a small smile. Rachel nodded in agreement. While everyone grew used to Shelby's quips about them, Emma never really did.

"Well by mother did always say, you steal my husband you have to pay the price" Rachel joked, she leaned in closer to Finn and he wrapped his arm around her.

"She certainly was one of a kind" Finn mused "She always told me I was her favourite son in law"

"Hate to break it to you babe, but she said that to Jake to" Rachel laughed, Finn shrugged as he took another drink.

"Yes, but she meant it when she said it to me"

They spent the next twenty minutes taking about their favourite Shelby memories and it was exactly what Rachel needed, listening to the wonderful things other people thought about her mother and sharing her own memories about her childhood made Rachel realise her relationship with her mother wasn't always full of drama or secrets they had some great times as well.

"Let's have a toast" Puck said holding up his beer, everyone else did the same "Shelby Berry, an amazing woman, she may be gone from our lives but never from our hearts"

Rachel wiped away a stray tear as clicked her glass with Finn's "You really are good at those Noah"

Burt and Carole's Compound

The Pool

Saturday Night 21:30

Two hours later Rachel and Finn decided to cut out on the party early and bring their children home. Quinn's mom had guilted Quinn into staying longer because she hadn't seen enough of her grandson. So, while Quinn and Puck were bored at the party Finn and Rachel and changed their children into their swimwear and took them to the pool. Finn turned on the pool and outdoor lights then walked over to his family, he took Mason from Rachel.

"Okay Mommy will jump in first then you can jump and I'll catch you" Rachel told Rose and Henry. They both nodded their head eagerly so Rachel jumped into the pool and let herself been immersed in the water before standing up straight. Rose and Henry were both clapping at her, she playfully splashed some water at them then held up her arms for Henry to jump in the pool then Rose. Once they were happily playing in the pool Finn passed her Mason then jumped into the pool himself to the claps of his family.

The family played in the pool together for the next hour, it was the first-time Rachel had felt truly happy since her mother's passing and Finn noticed as did her children who were happy to see their mother smile again.

"Watch mommy, I can swim underwater" Rose beamed, she straightened her googles then swam under water for a few meters she put her head back up then smiled widely when her family clapped enthusiastically.

"That was so good Rosie" Rachel cheered, Rose swam back to her mother and hugged her tightly. Rachel put Rose on her shoulders then held out her arms when Henry wanted to jump into the pool again. Once he had jumped in the pool and was in his mother's arms, Finn passed Mason to Rachel and she settled him in her other arm with Rose still on her back. Finn jumped out of the pool and grabbed his phone to take some pictures. He took some of Rachel with the kids then Rose and Henry jumping in the pool then took some selfies of all of them even though Mason was asleep in Rachel's arms. After a few more photos Rachel and Finn decided it was time to go back inside but not before they jumped in one last time. Rachel settled Mason on a lounger and then walked to the edge of the pool. The four of them held hands ready to jump in.

"This is so cool" Henry cheered before they all jumped in the pool together.

Burt and Carole's Compound

Rachel and Finn's Room

Saturday Night 12:30

"We should go in the pool every night, its knocked them out" Finn said as he pulled the duvet cover over the three children who were all fast asleep in the middle of Finn and Rachel's bed, once they had gotten them back to the room, cleaned them all up and got them in their pyjamas each of the children had gone straight to sleep.

"I agree, think we'll be able to fit in as well" Rachel mused eyeing the large king sized bed, she climbed in one side while Finn got in at the other, careful not to wake their sleeping children.

"I actually had a good time tonight" Rachel said "Which I never thought I'd say about your mom and dad's house"

"I'm glad, I know things have been strange the last few weeks Rachel and I wanted to say sorry" Finn said, Rachel looked at him confused so he continued "I thought I was helping you by giving you space, and making sure you were relaxed or avoiding the subject when really all you wanted was to talk about your mom"

"I don't think I've helped the situation. You always know what to do and I guess I was waiting for you to know but that wasn't fair, grief is different for everyone and every day is different. One minute I want to be left alone and the next I don't" Rachel admitted. Finn reached over and took Rachel's hand in his.

"How about if it takes me more than twenty minutes to do what you need then tell me and I'll do it and bring you a piece of cheesecake as well" Finn smiled, Rachel leaned over and kissed him on lips.

"You're an amazing husband you know that" Rachel enthused. Finn moved Mason onto his chest so he could move closer to Rachel. "Things might feel strange for a while for me but I know that you're always here for me and I promise to remember that"

Finn leaned over and kissed Rachel, he moved away when Mason squirmed on his chest "Even if you don't, I'll remind you"

Carole and Burt's Compound

The Driveway

Sunday Morning 10:30

The next day Rachel and Finn were ready to go home, so once they were dressed and had some breakfast they were ready to leave. Finn was packing up their cases in the boot of the car while the children said good bye to their grandparents.

"Bye grandma, bye granddad your pool is really cool" Rose enthused, she hugged both her grandparents then ran to the car, Henry did the same and rushed off as well. Burt said a brief goodbye to Rachel, shouted goodbye to Finn then went inside, before she could join her husband Rachel called Carole back.

"I know this is awkward for both of us but thank you for what you said and I have a feeling you said something to Finn, so thank you for that as well" Rachel said, Carole looked away uncomfortable for a second then turned back to Rachel.

"Your welcome, lets never speak of it again" Carole said, firmly. She nodded at Rachel, waved over to Finn then walked back into the house. Rachel walked over to the car just as Finn had all the kids settled in the back seat with another Disney movie already playing.

"You ready to go home?" Finn asked, Rachel nodded so the two of them got into the car and started driving down the long driveway.

"So exactly how long until we come back" Finn wondered, Rachel usually demanded that they have at least six months between visits to his parents.

Rachel smiled over at him "I'm not sure we can keep the kids away from your parent's pool for longer than a month"

Rachel and Finn's House

West Village

Sunday Afternoon 15:00

"Okay is everyone comfortable" Finn asked the kids, they both nodded their heads so Rachel started making the calls. The family were in Rachel's office all sat around Rachel's Mac computer getting ready to face time Rachel's family. Mason was asleep in his room so Rose was sat on Finn's knee while Henry was on Rachel's and they all waited for the face time calls to connect.

"Hey guys can you see us" Marley asked, JJ and Joseph waved at their cousins when they saw them on the computer screen.

"Marley, you ask us this every time, yes we can see you" Rachel laughed, Marley stuck out he tongue just as Will and Emma's call connected.

"Marley, really what way is that to greet people" Will said, shaking his head while Rose, Henry, JJ, and Joseph waved at their grandfather and grandmother.

"THERE HAS IT WORKED, I CAN SEE YOU CAN YOU SEE ME" Malcom shouted through the computer screen, Rachel and Finn smirked at each other when Rose and Henry put her hands over their ears.

"You don't need to yell Malcolm we can hear you" Marley said, smiling at the older man. Malcolm nodded then waved when he saw the children waving at him.

"Will, Finn did you watch the game on Friday" Jake asked before he was immediately shushed by his wife to the amusement of the children watching.

"We are not talking about football right now" Marley snipped.

"Good because I was asking about the basketball game" Jake replied, smirking at his wife. While Finn and Jake launched into a conversation about the Knicks game and the children talked over them telling their cousins all about their other grandparent's cool pool, Rachel watched on smiling. She wasn't fully healed from what had happened with her mother but as she listened to her family members talk over each other, she knew she would get there eventually.