Hey everyone! Here is chapter eleven, which is also past my record because I usually do novels up to chapter ten. Anyways, this novel will have seventeen chapters so yay! Uhm yeah this is the first part of the gala, second part has lots of drama but enjoy the first part! I hope you like it!

Chapter Eleven:

The Gala Part 1

"Rachel! Come out your date's here!"

Rachel fiddled nervously at the sound of Quinn calling her name, and she didn't know if it was because of the second date nerves or the fact that Jesse was standing in the same room as Kurt. She sighed heavily, looking at herself once more in the mirror before stepping out of her bedroom, into the main hallway of their apartment.

Jesse smiled widely at her as made her way towards her friends at the front door, ignoring Puck's look of despise while Jesse kissed her gently on the cheek. "You look nice," he whispered lowly in her ear. She gulped harshly, nodding her head in thanks. Rachel turned towards the rest of the people behind her, feeling thick as she met Kurt's haunted gaze.

"So," she murmured, forcing a fake grin on her face, "you guys ready to go?" Kurt directed himself towards Blaine, who was tensing beside him. He ducked his head to the level of Blaine's ear, small whispers of words being heard throughout the room. Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand tightly, tilting his head to the door. "We're taking our own car to the gala, we'll meet you guys there."

Rachel looked conflicted. "What? No, Kurt this is your night and w-we rented a limo, you can't take your Volvo," she rambled, shaking her head in disagreement. Jesse said nothing, as insults threatened to escape his shut mouth.

"No Rachel, it's fine, I'm just going to go a little bit earlier to meet with my boss, I'll see you there." He gripped Blaine's hand reassuringly as he stepped towards the front door, opening it swiftly. "Kurt, I'm – "

Before Rachel could finish, the front door slammed shut, leaving the cold and thick atmosphere of just Rachel, Jesse, Puck and Quinn. She let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding; tears stinging at the back of her eyes. "Alright," she whispered, attempting to relax her tight muscles. "Uhm, I guess we should be going then," she looked up at Puck and Quinn, confused by their knowing glare. Puck wrapped his arm around Quinn's waist protectively, pulling her to the front exit of the small apartment. Rachel looked up at Jesse, smiling uneasily as he smirked down at her, wiggling his sculptured eyebrows.

Puck opened the door for them, and they all filed out, Rachel following behind them quickly. As she reached the outside of the apartment, Puck shut the door behind him, pulling her against him harshly. Rachel gasped in shock, and his strong grip on her loosened. "You really screwed up this time Rachel," he whispered lowly in her ear. She looked up at him horrifically as he removed his fingers from her redden skins, leaving her alone at the doorway in a conflicted and despaired daze.

The car ride was tense once Rachel finally climbed in from her delay caused by Puck's words. She sat next to Jesse rigidly, avoiding Quinn and Puck's gaze from in front of her in the large limo. Her eyes wandered sightlessly along the rim of the car, falling on Jesse's face, Puck's words echoing throughout her mind. You really screwed up this time, the words hushed painfully in her head, you really screwed up.

"We arrived at your destination!" the limo driver exclaimed as he swiftly opened their back door, revealing the shinning lights and paparazzi of the important event. Rachel gasped slightly at the sensation of bright illumination the flashes of the camera provided, her eyes blinded by the scene. Jesse grabbed her hand tightly, pulling her out of the sparkling car. "Come on superstar, I'm used to this stuff, I'll help you through it," he whispered lowly in near her sizzling skin. She beamed at him, allowing him to push their way through the crowd, Quinn and Puck following behind at her own pace.

They entered the grand hall in appreciation, Rachel staring at the amount of people and caterers surrounding the room. She smiled widely as she noticed a large stage at the front of the hall, right below the large chandelier, dangling with crystals above them. "Wow," Rachel rasped in awe, "this is absolutely breathtaking."

"I'll say," Quinn said as she came with Puck beside her, her head leaning on Puck's polished shoulder pad. She turned to Rachel slowly. "Puck and I are just going to get a drink and then are going to find Kurt, do you want anything when we get back?" she asked sweetly. Rachel shook her head firmly, looking at Jesse for his answer. "No thank you, but you can go tell the fag bag to – "

"Fuck you," Quinn interrupted before he could finish his insult. She gripped Puck's arm, clutching him closer to her as they stalked towards the bar of the hall. Rachel turned to Jesse slowly, looking at him in disgust as she backed away from him. "You're an ass Jesse, stop talking like that or I swear to God I will – "

A small tap on the shoulder broke her rant as she turned toward the source of the contact, her eyes frozen wide in shock at the duo in front of her.

Finn's mouth dropped slightly as he stared at Rachel, her petite body dressed perfectly in a small, black dress, wounding around her frame. The clothing ended right above her kneecap, showing her slender and sculptured calves posing on her silver heels. His eyes trailed dreamily along her pale face, her light eye makeup illumining her deep, brown, chocolate eyes.

Their eyes locked in an enchanting gaze, the need of each other's comfort over the past few days lingering through the thickened air. Santana nudged him slightly in the ribs, breaking their never-ending stare. She sighed heavily, looking at Rachel sweetly. "I just wanted to tell you that you look absolutely stunning tonight Rachel, the ghost of Grace Kelly."

Rachel seemed shocked at her words, glaring at her idly. "Thanks Santana," she overlooked the Latina's dress, "you dress up nice." Santana smirked, twirling lightly in her red gown. She turned to Finn happily. "Don't you think Rachel looks pretty Finny?"

Rachel felt her heart accelerate painfully at their loving contact, her gaze trailing at the way Santana wrapped his arms dreamily around Finn's waist. Finn brushed her off gently, turning his head towards Rachel, preparing to say the first words they've ever spoken to each other in four days. "You look beautiful," he whispered through unmoving lips.

Their eyes locked again, her plump lips twitching into a small frown at his words. Her heart beating frantically at his compliment, and she tore her eyes away from his own, the heat of their contact burning through her skin.

Jesse coughed reluctantly beside her, and Finn snapped his head towards him in disbelief. He hasn't even noticed the man's presence until now, and he looked between Rachel and Jesse, his head aching at the relation. "I don't think we've met, I'm Jesse, Rachel's boyfriend." He extended his hand towards Santana, who shook it knowingly, and turned to Finn. He stared at his hand in front of him, his eyes burning with rage.

Rachel breathed out heavily, noticing Finn's tense form. "I, uhm, I'm sorry, Finn, I guess I haven't introduced you two before, I must have forgotten." Finn's face hardened at her comment, staring at her brokenly. "Rach, I'm sor – "

Music suddenly echoed throughout the stereos of the hall, blasting its harmony along the crowded room. Rachel recognized the lyrics immediately, her blood freezing thick as the song mimicked her and Finn's favorite song. "Come on Finny," Santana slithered, pulling him to the dance floor. "Let's go show these people how we move . . . see you later, Rachel!"

Jesse turned Rachel towards him, picking up her chin with the hook of his finger. "Do you want to dance with me baby?" She nodded against his skin, smiling sadly at him with her drooping features. He kissed her forehead gently before pulling her to the dance floor as well, positioning themselves from across Finn and Rachel, who were swaying softly to the beat of the music.

They say that the road ain't no place to start a family, right down the line it's been you and me. Rachel wrapped her arms woundingly around Jesse's neck, and he placed his hands lightly on her waist, pulling her to the closeness of his chest.

And loving a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be, girl, you stand by me.

Rachel leaned her chin at the edge of Jesse's shoulder, breathing in his healthy scent as they swayed softly to the music. She clutched her arms tightly around him, exhaling deeply.

Wondering where I am lost without you, and being a part ain't easy on this love affair, two strangers learn to fall in love again. Rachel's eyes flickered to Finn's dancing frame from across her at the known lyrics, her heart fluttering in her chest when she was met with Finn's mutual gaze. They stared at each other knowingly from across the dance floor, his head tilting to the side to get a better look at her.

I'm forever yours . . . faithfully.

Jesse tugged on Rachel's shoulder, pulling her back to look at her face. She tore her eyes away from Finn's, staring at Jesse in confusion. "I'm just going to go get a drink, you want something?" he asked, brushing her stray hair from her face. She shook her in declination, smiling as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I'll be right back," he whispered, and left her alone on the dance floor.

Rachel fidgeted with the length of her dress, standing coldly on the crowded floor as she waited for Jesse to return. She breathed out heavily, empty by the loss of company she had. A fast beat tempo replaced the slow song as it blasted over the stereo, interacted couples quickly breaking apart and going wild on the dance floor.

"Hey."

She hesitantly turned around to the raspy tone of the familiar voice, her heart beating dramatically in her chest as she saw Finn standing in front of her, charming in his tuxedo. Her lungs strained as he extended a hand towards her, curling his finger for her to come forward. Her eyes widened at his motion, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry Finn, I can't do this," she choked out as she slowly turned away from him.

His iron hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her forwards. She squealed in surprise as she felt herself twirling towards Finn's waiting arms, crashing into his chest harshly. She picked her head up from Finn's pumped muscle to look at him thoroughly, shaking her head in bewilderment. "No, Finn, please I – "

He simply placed his hand lightly over her mouth, interrupting her complaint.

"Come on Rach," he whispered lowly, gripping her hand firmly, "take a chance on me."

Jesse stalked towards the bar of the grand hall, adjusting his tuxedo willingly as he made his way through the bunch of people. "Excuse me," he said to the surrounding crowd. They parted slightly for him, and he smiled at them sarcastically. "Don't you love these shoes though? I've bought them at Macy's for fifty-percent off, I was honestly so proud."

Jesse's eyes darted to the voice of those heard words, smirking widely as he saw Kurt and Blaine sharing a stool at the bar counter. He walked up to them chirpily, placing himself between them and wrapping his arms around both their shoulders. "Did they give you fifty-percent off because they felt bad for thinking you were a girl?"

Blaine removed himself from Jesse's embrace, pushing him lightly. "Leave us alone Jesse, we don't want your homophobic insults right now," he hissed, turning back towards the bar. Jesse chuckled, shaking his head in disagreement. He walked up to a free space beside Kurt, nudging him playfully. "Where'd you get your tuxedo? Gays R Us?"

Kurt said nothing as he turned his head towards Blaine, trying to block Jesse's face from his sight. "I'm sorry," Jesse growled as he pulled Kurt back to face him, "I don't remember the part where you feel the need to cut me off from my insults. I'm just getting started."

"Just go away Jesse," Kurt whispered, his eyes closing to look away from him. Blaine gripped Jesse's hand tightly, removing his fingers from Kurt's arm. "Don't make me tell you again St. James, get your ass away from us," he barked, shoving against him once more.

Jesse giggled, shrugging his pumped shoulders. "And if I don't?"

Rachel laughed aloud as Finn finished the last of his dance moves to the fast tempo, waving his hands in the air in accomplishment. She shook her head, signaling his false achievement. "That was horrible," she gasped between giggles, as the song slowly came to a close.

Finn wiggled his eyebrows at her. "As bad as you when we went to the club last year?" he teased. Rachel's mouth dropped in horror, remembering the messy night. "I was drunk and tired," she tried to explain, but it didn't stop Finn from chuckling at the memory. She smiled at him, God she missed him so much.

Her heart accelerated as a second slow song memorized across the dance floor, pulling young couples together in an original sway. She looked up at Finn in speculation, and he smiled warmly at her, raising his arm, his fingers outstretched towards her.

Rachel hesitantly reached forward, taking his hand in hers. He softly twirled her towards him, bringing her to the comfort of his chest. She pulled her hand away from his, locking her arms securely around his neck. Finn trailed his fingers along the sides of her core, stopping at the rim of her waist, encircling his pumped arms around her.

Will we ever say the words we're feeling, deep down underneath it, tear down all the walls. Will we ever have a happy ending, or will we forever only be pretending. Her eyes flickered up to his, dazing as she locked with his enchanted gaze, staring back at her. "Where's Santana?" she mumbled, not really wanting to know the answer. He shrugged around her, rolling his eyes. "Ditched me for her friends, don't know where she ran off to."

They swayed peacefully to the melody of the music, their eyes never leaving each other's. "Can you explain something to me?" he asked lowly, brushing a stray piece of hair from her face.

Her skin blazed at his touch, and she nodded her head at his question. He breathed out heavily, looking down at their moving feet. "Are we friends again?" he wondered, gazing back at her. Rachel's mouth dropped slightly at his unexpected words, gulping harshly unknowingly. She said nothing, but stared up at him his question went on repeat in her head.

Imagine that I am good enough, if we can choose the ones we love. But I love on, I stay strong, wondering if we still belong. Finn tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as he noticed her silence. "I want you back in my life, Rach."

She looked down, her fingers playing subconsciously with the hair on the back of his neck. "You lied to me," she mumbled.

"I didn't want to hurt you," he whispered. His finger hooked under her chin, tilting her face up so that she was looking at him directly. "I knew you were going through a rough time, with relationships and all . . ."

"The only relationship I needed to fix was ours, Finn."

Every move we make seems like no where's safe to go. And it's such a shame, cause if you feel the same, how am I supposed to know. He stared at her idly, his eyes analyzing her expression as she finally confessed the feelings she was dying to tell him all week. His eyes fluttered slightly, as his gaze fell upon her parted lips.

"I don't know what's going on between us, but all I know is that I want my best friend back Finn. My best friend, can you do that for me?"

He shook his head slowly in declination. Rachel looked at him in confusion, loosening her grip on him. She pushed back from her chest, surprised as she felt him pull her back towards him; her hands limp on his pumped muscles. Finn cupped her cheeks softly, grazing over the skin with his thumb. "What are you doing to me . . ."

She leaned forward into his embrace, her breath quickening as she felt his breath tickle against her lips. His eyes flickered from hers to her mouth, as he leaned in closer, his lips twitching in anticipation . . .

Will we always be pretending . . .

A girlish shriek echoed throughout the ballroom, breaking their magical enchantment as they broke apart form each other, their heads whipping to the source of the sound.

"Stop! Get off of him, you're hurting him!"

Finn turned to Rachel in confusion, confliction written clearly on his face. He grabbed her hand protectively, pulling her with him towards the direction of the sound. "I think it was coming from the bar," she told him as they rushed over to the area of crowded people.

Finn pushed through the surrounding by standers, dragging Rachel with him along the crowd. They broke free from the human cage, standing in shock at the scene in front of them. Rachel froze at what she saw.

Ouuu! Cliffhanger! What do you think they're so shocked by? Find out at part two of the gala! ALSO, STORY ALERT, I have been planning my next finchel novel, and let me tell you, it's very dark, and very, very thick. Not a happy and hopeful novel, it is very different from the rest that I've written. Haha, I'll let you guys guess at what I'm writing, give more deets next chapter!

And yes, next chapter, the final part of the gala is very good! Not going to give out any spoilers because I really don't want to give too much away, but I can tell you that you'll love it.

Anyways, hope you loved this chapter! Love ya and please review! Xoxo

PS: DID ANYONE ELSE HEAR THAT SAM IS A STRIPPER? WHOA.