Chapter 11

I know, I know, I haven't posted in a bit, but that's because school got in the way. Had a day off today, so I've been working on this. Not crazy long, but more than the previous, and this if finally getting to that big bang we've all been waiting for! Happy reading!

"So remind me why this movie is your favorite movie?" he asked, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Because, Finn Hudson, they end up together. They have a funny journey together, all the way to the end of the movie, which is the start of something amazing. Romantic comedy, duh," she said, munching on the popcorn, her eyes never once leaving the TV screen.

He was staring at the screen as well, trying to figure out the whole point of the movie. He wasn't much into movies, and when he did watch them, it was usually stuff like Iron Man or the Fast and Furious films. Action. Guy films. Never tried chick flicks.

There was a guy who was going to end up with one of three girls. And that would only be revealed at the end. Who his true love was.

Who knew Rachel was such a romantic? It never seemed to him that she would be, considering what kind of films she made.

Finn decided that he loved the fact that Rachel had hope for romance. That she liked that her boyfriend was romantic, and sweet, and kind. That she was hoping for a future of sorts with him. It was a comforting thought.

Scooping her up in his arms, he held her close. "Do you wish your life was like one of these movies?"

She turned her head to look at him and studied his face. Then, she shook her head slowly. "No, because then I wouldn't end up with you."

Biting his lip to keep from grinning too widely, he kissed her softly, nudging his nose with hers. "I love you. And besides, you know we'll end up together. We're meant for each other." And it gave him great pride to say it, too.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the universe throws our way," she replied simply, but with a smile upon her lips.

"We'll conquer it all. Every obstacle. Whatever it takes."

He was so innocent, so sincere, that it almost made her heart hurt a bit. He was determined to end up with her. To make her his one and done. And if she was honest with him and told him that she knew it wouldn't happen, then maybe he wouldn't be so hopeful. She was terrible for getting his hopes up high, but she felt so much for him. She couldn't let him go. She couldn't live without him.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Leaning forward, she kissed him again, then wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him close. Her heart was beating fast, but she thought it would burst from the emotions she was experiencing. She loved him. So much that she didn't know what to do.

She wanted to end up with him. To marry him someday, maybe have a baby with him. He would make an amazing husband and father, she knew. She knew he'd love her forever, and would make sure nothing would come between them. He was a wonderful man, and he deserved the world.

Unfortunately, she couldn't give him that.

All she could think about was what he'd said to her. That she needed to see herself through his eyes. The way he saw her. And once she did that, they could be together. Well, he hadn't told her that last part, but she knew that's what he meant.

And he said it as if he was doing her a favor. Of course he would want her to see herself differently. Everyone would want her to see herself differently. She had been a whore for most of her adult life. And she was paid for it, too. She'd enjoyed it. But now? Now she just felt disgusted by it. She couldn't even think about anything sex-related without feeling sick to her stomach.

She was glad she had quit. She didn't want that life. She'd hurt the man she loves because of that life, and was too stupid to do it while they were still together.

There was one good thing in her life now, and it was her music. Her new song, and her piano skills. Her voice. She loved to sing. It was what kept her going. Her publicist booked her a few events, and she was thrilled to know that people in Beverly Hills wanted her to perform at their weddings, birthdays, and other parties. They wanted her voice. Not her body.

And that fact made her see herself in a different light. It was almost as if they respected her. And that, in turn, made her want to respect herself. It was quite the different feeling from what she felt every time she thought of Finn, but it was a very good, very warm feeling inside.

Her new song was nearly finished. She just needed to add in another few lines before going back to revising some of the chorus lines. But those were just minor fix-ups.

The sound of her phone ringing brought her back to the café she was sitting in, taking very small sips of her coffee and with a pen in hand.

"Hello?"

"Rachel, sweetheart, listen! Very good news!"

Carl always made her smile, no matter what. He had that sense of humor that was always positive and uplifting. Just what she always needed. "What is it this time, Carl?" Any gig booked was amazing.

"Your name's been traveling all over the place, and phone calls have been bouncing around, and…I got a phone call regarding the Grammy's. Hugh Jackman said he wouldn't do the final number, so your name came up. Don't know who brought it up. But the board thought it would be absolutely wonderful if Rachel Berry's new song would close the Grammy's. What do you say?"

At first, she couldn't move. Hell, she couldn't breathe. Her heart stopped. They wanted her to perform at the one of the greatest awards shows ever. She would be all the way up there with legends like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. Her. Rachel Berry. They wanted her.

"Rachel, baby?"

She finally managed to find her voice. "Yes?"

"I need to give them an answer by the end of the hour."

"Yes," she breathed.

"What?"

"Tell them yes. I'll do it."

"Perfect! Better prepare for the full on diva, babe, because you'll be walking the red carpet!"

This never happened. Not to anyone. Not for a long time, anyway. How could Rachel Berry have gotten so famous in just a matter of weeks? And from a little youtube video, too? This was insane.

"Th-thank you, Carl. Thank you so much."

After she hung up, she noticed her hand was shaking. She was nervous, excited, and anxious all at the same time. The call hadn't been a figment of her imagination. Nor had it been a dream. She check her call log just to be sure.

Nope. Her publicist had called her just minutes ago.

She, Rachel Berry, would be making her debut at the Grammy Awards.

"The Grammy's?"

"Yup. They asked for you, specifically. Said Finn Hudson."

"You're sure?"

"Kid, I wouldn't be calling you right now if I wasn't sure. They love your camerawork, and really wanted a fresh face to plaster on that page."

"Did they want the red carpet event, too, and the after party?"

"Yes, yes, all of it. Well, at least some of the after party, anyway. Didn't need all of it. They want your angles."

He took a deep breath. He was finally getting recognized for his talent. And he was good at what he did, too. Finally, someone was appreciating his skills. And to film at the Grammy's was an amazing start to what could soon become film directing. This was his big break.

"Tell them to write me down. I'm in."

"Splendid! You'll get your cut when the tapes are reviewed, as you know it always works. And you'll be paid by the hour, and by the quality."

He nodded, even though his publicist couldn't see. "I know, I know. You are awesome, man. Thanks a lot."

"You are so very welcome, kid."

Does anyone else here picks up on what's really going on here? Plan's in motion!