A/N: I'm not sure about this chapter honestly.

It was the beginning of her sophomore year and Rachel was ready for it. She'd already mastered being a loser and had over the summer come up with several ideas on how she could change her social status. Step 1: acquire a suitable leading man. Obviously Noah won't do as I have heard he's only gotten more aggressive and more sex crazed since hanging around with those Neanderthal jocks. Although perhaps I should focus on a football player. Despite their terrible record they do seem to be rather popular. I saw the quarterback the other day he seems simple but awfully sweet. Also he's never thrown a slushie at me. Finn. That's his name. where did I see him? Can he even sing though because if he can't then he won't work.

As she thought about it she realized exactly where she'd seen the boy before because he was walking in her direction right at that moment,on the arm of Quinn. Rachel sighed because of course he was Quinn's boyfriend. It made sense she was the head cheerleader and he was the quarterback really the couldn't be more perfect for each other. at least not on the outside. Rachel watched from her locker as Quinn gave Finn a chaste kiss and sent the taller boy on his way.

"What are you staring at, RuPaul?" Quinn sneered.

Rachel dropped her gaze but only for a moment before she looked back up with a polite smile. just because she's cruel to you doesn't mean you have to stoop to her level. "I was just thinking what an attractive couple you two make. It makes perfect sense really, The most popular guy in school with the most popular girl. It's like something out of a story. I was also thinking he must feel very lucky to have such a pretty girlfriend." Rachel's cheeks turned a very light shade of pink She turned her face to the ground hoping the other girl didn't notice her blush.

Quinn seemed surprised by the compliment but only for a second. "Whatever, loser." Quinn rolled her eyes as she turned away.

Rachel let out a sigh of relief and hurried off to Spanish class with Mr. Schuster. She was mostly unimpressed with the man but she didn't let it show especially since she'd heard that he was trying to take over the glee enough the next day Mr. Schuster put up an auditions sheet and although her name wasn't the first one on the list it was the biggest and brightest of the bunch. Not that it was too difficult an accomplishment give how few names that were there. She hoped that more people would sign up.

Rachel was confident in her abilities as a vocalist so at the end of her audition she couldn't help but ask when rehearsals started. Of course when rehearsals did start she found she was extremely disappointed. She was by far the best singer in the group of five and neither of the two males could really match her vocally. So much for that idea. "I'm sorry Mr. Schuster. While I admire what you're trying to do here I simply don't see this working out very well. No offense but Artie simple can't keep up with me vocally and without that leading man quality this club is doomed to fail." Before the teacher could disagree with her Rachel was already out the door.

Nothing is going as planned, Rachel thought miserably. How am I ever going to get away from this town. At this rate I'll be a Lima Loser forever.

As Rachel moped on the bleacher she didn't notice Santana walking towards her. so when the Latina sat down next to her she yelped and Santana laughed. "That wasn't funny Santana. what are you doing here? I thought you were to cool for me now that you're a Cheerio."

Santana looked away, feeling ashamed of herself. "I saw that you joined the glee club." she said quietly. "You know if you stick with that things will just get worse. Puck and I... " she frowned. "We can't protect you... not if we want..." she trailed off and stared at the empty football field.

"Why does it matter what everyone else thinks?" Rachel snapped. She was furious with the other girl.

"You know why. I don't have your voice Rachel. I'm not getting out of Lima without something to give me an edge. The Cheerios are winners. If I stick with them then maybe I'll be able to get a scholarship and get out of this dump."

Rachel knew that Santana hated Lima. for as long as she'd known the girl her only thought had been how to get out. Lima wasn't a good place to be different. Rachel had learned that at a very young age when she was being teased about her dads. When Santana realized she liked girls she called Rachel and Noah in a panic because she had no idea how to deal with it. Rachel realized neither of them had spoken for several minutes. "But why do you have to torture me to get out of here?" She finally asked. "What good does the bullying do?"

"It keeps me on the team" Santana groaned. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

Rachel sighed. "So what do you want to talk about? We haven't talked in forever"

"I met a girl."

"What?! Santana that's wonderful. Who is she?" Rachel couldn't help the excitement.

"I don't know if I am allowed to say. I mean neither of us are exactly out yet and you know how this stupid town is" Santana grumbled.

"You know I won't tell anyone" Rachel promised.

"It's Brittany." Santana sad softly. "she's sunshine personified"

Rachel grinned. "I thought I saw you looking at her with that dopey love-sick grin"

Santana lightly bumped Rachel's shoulder with her own. "I've missed this"

"I haven't gone anywhere."

Santana sighed again. "Maybe we can hang out outside of school. Maybe I can talk Quinn into being nicer to you."

Rachel considered the girl next to her. she was my best friend, maybe she can be again. "I'll think about forgiving you. you were awful to me last year. I might have an easier time forgiving you if you joined glee. I've heard you sing. your voice is amazing."

Santana frowned. "Quinn would never allow it. And we both know she's in charge."

"Well then I suppose we'll have to figure out a way to change her mind" Rachel gave a smirk

"What have you got in mind Berry?"

"I was thinking early how I needed a leading man. And I might have an idea of where to get one."

A/N: I thought about keeping with canon and having Rachel be interested in Finn in a romantic sense but I can't make it feel natural so I gave up. Rachel intends to get her way any way she can.

I think I might have the next chapter from someone elses perspective