Chapter 4-Awareness
Toxic shock is the only words Rachel could use to describe what just had happened. The tingling of her numb lips being the only proof that "it" had even happened. For once, she was clueless and speechless on how to respond. The kiss that had transpired between Finn and her was indescribable. This is was what she had always wanted, needed rather. However, the timing simply sucked.
Rachel had resolved herself into giving up on the idea of them. Basically her heart had fallen enough times to feel like a person climbing a staircase dosed in vegetable oil. The ups and downs of her shattered heart had thrown her right into Jesse's arms. Never in her life, had she wanted another person's touch, kiss, and love like she had wanted Finn. It was very disheartening to think that all she wanted now was to forget.
But, how could she deny what had just happened. Again, he had tore through her defenses, branding her with that mind blowing kiss that he had actually initiated.
Denial aside, it was Finn she thought of when she kissed Jesse and who invaded her dreams at night. She had loved Finn with everything she had but had been torn apart limb by limb.
She forced herself to get focused at the task on hand. Tina and her were going dress shopping for prom. There was only two more weeks to go before prom and Rachel had procrastinated, waiting the last minute to buy a dress. Her only requirements being the dress had to be pink and Berry perfect. Tina was so excited to be going to prom with Artie that it wasn't too hard to chalk up some enthusiasm about going shopping. She couldn't help but wonder if Finn was going to make a show at the event. Of course, her date for prom was Jesse.
…...
In the week that followed, Finn did everything he could to make Rachel aware of him. He made sure that she felt his presence. If he passed her in the hall, he made sure to accidentally brush against her shoulder. When he handed her their sheet music, his hand lingered a few extra seconds. During Glee practice, Finn burned her with intense eye contact. In Spanish class, his long legs made sure to tangle with hers. Rachel being the girl she was tried best to ignore him but if the pinkness of her cheeks was any indication, she was fully aware of what was going on. Even for him, the intensity of their kiss they had shared had blown him away.
He had one last play. It would be dramatic, a play to end all plays. If he were to describe it, it would be a big swoop and surprise attack on the other team. He was taking a big risk; and risks for him did not come easy. Sure, he was competitive, to be quarterback you would have to be. But, what he was planning was major and could have drastic complications. What carried him to continue was that Rachel had not blown his cover with Jesse. She must still care for him if she was still trying to protect him.
Finn, without a doubt, knew now that he was in love with Rachel. It wasn't just physical, although the physical attraction they shared was astronomical. Rachel made him want more in life. With her, he would continue to challenge himself and want to be a better person. He never had that with Quinn, and would never have that with another person. In all of his youth, he did not question or think he was being naive. Love for him had come early. He began to piece out the last big pieces of the puzzle. His last play was going to be dynamite.
