Chapter 9

Mandy's POV

Things have been so weird lately. I just feel like Finn isn't all the way in this relationship, or at least what I think is a relationship. That's the thing, I don't really know what to call it. One minute we're hooking up, then he's denying me in front of Rebecca or whatever her name is, then he's all over me at the bar and standing up for me, and then he just leaves me in an empty room full of strangers I don't even know. And the worst part, he never came back. It was awkward to the point where I just excused myself.

I know what most of you are thinking, I'm not the most perfect girl on the earth and that I'll probably hurt Finn. But you're wrong. I want things to work out with Finn. I really do. I'm like already 28 years old, and I still don't have the fairytale I told myself I would have when I was 14 years old. I want nothing more than the perfect love story. Finn would make the perfect husband, and let's face it, our kids would be so adorable considering our perfect genes.

I know I can come off as a complete bitch most of the time, and maybe that's just because I had a rough home life, I don't know, I just want things and in order to get the things you want in life, you sometimes have to be impatient and bitchy if someone gets in the way. That someone being midget girl.

There's just something about her that intimidates me so much. The other day at Finn's house, his mother was going on and on about how long Finn and her were best friends and how close they were. I know I shouldn't have anything to worry about, I mean look at me, but she's really pretty too. I'm just scared that Finn likes her more than me. And if that is true, I don't think I can handle it. I need a plan to make a little space between the two of them.

I got it.. Midget girl, you have no idea what's coming towards you.

There was something about the way you felt once you knew for sure that you'd saved the person's life on the operating table. So, when they made the last suture to close up the patient, Rachel felt the relief boil over her.

They had been working on the same case for over a month now, and thanks to this final surgery, the little girl, Abby, was going to be able to leave the hospital for good. She couldn't forget the excitement and relief she had seen on the mother of the child's face the day that doctor Reynolds told them the news. It was an amazing day.

It was now 4:15 in the morning, and Rachel was exhausted. She had been working now for 8 hours and her shift would be over after she made her final rounds. Once she did that, Rachel finally left the hospital and got home to her bed, which she really missed. By the time she woke up from her bed, it was already 11:30 am and she was on her phone, she had no new messages as well as her pager. Getting up, she fixed the coffee she had been living on for the past few days.

Once she was done, with a large cup in hand, Rachel made her way over to the couch to see if she could catch up on Pretty Little Liars on Netflix. By the time she got to the episode she left off on, she was hooked.

The next time Rachel checked the clock it was 3:45, so she agreed to make it another unproductive day and to just order in. She was feeling Chinese, but then again, pizza was calling her name loudly. She would have to make a decision before it got too late. She would think about it when the time came.

After another few hours, it was already 9:45 and something was killing Rachel. It wasn't the fact that she was alone at the moment, because somehow the quietness soothed her after a full day of being stressed to the point that she had no idea what she was doing.

Lately her thoughts had been keeping her up at night. Maybe that's why she was so tired this morning. She couldn't get that much sleep the night before. Her thoughts had gotten to her again at the last moment. And those thoughts were the exact things that were killing her right now.

Ever since her birthday, she couldn't stop playing scenarios in her head. The way he acted that day towards her. It was almost like she wasn't alone with her feelings. Was it possible that he had feelings towards her? Rachel never thought it could be true, but what she witnessed that day. There may be a possibility that he may be feeling the same way. That would explain the romantic date-like day spent with him, how sometimes he looked like he was spacing out as they walked through Central Park, him wrapping his arm around her in the carriage. He bought her a diamond necklace for Pete's sake. Those were the thoughts that were eating away at her lately.

What if there was a possibility that Finn Hudson, her very best friend, was madly in love with her as well? She couldn't sit here and wonder any longer. Getting up from the couch, in her pajamas and bunny slippers, she grabbed her coat and wallet, and made her way downstairs to the nearest taxi. She wouldn't wait any longer. She would get the final answer she had been waiting for. Tonight, Rachel Berry would tell Finn Hudson that she was in love with him.

Mandy's POV

The plan is genius really. I still can't believe that I could've came up with it, but I did. The idea was really based on an episode of 90210, but I like to think that I was clever enough to watch it and actually pick up on it. So here's the game plan. I know for a fact that Finn is not in his apartment right now. How do I know that? Because I saw him getting into a cab about 10 minutes ago. Good thing I came at this time. I also know how to get myself in. He always hides his key behind the picture hanging across from his door, in the hallway.

So once I got up to his apartment, I found the key in it's usual spot and got it. All of his lights were still on. Silly him, he must have a bad record with memory. Oh well, once we're married he won't have that problem anymore.

Anyways, once I got in, I set my bags on his kitchen counter. I had everything in the bags that I needed, champagne and candles to set by the door. Once I got into the bathroom, I found Finn's bathrobe. I decided that my plan would go more smoothly if I put it on. So, that's exactly what I did. Once I had on only his bathrobe, I took my shoes and clothes and placed it by the door. After, I went into Finn's room, messed up his bed, and took some clothes from his closet and put them by my clothes, making a trail to the bedroom.

After, I lit the candles by the door, opened the champagne and found a glass in the kitchen to pour it into. After that was all finished with, I went back into the bathroom and turned on the shower, placing my hair under the faucet to make the scene look more realistic.

When I was finished setting this all up, I heard something ring. Walking into the kitchen, I was more than delighted to know that Finn left his cell phone on the counter. Looking at it, I got absolutely pissed to see that it was a text from Rachel. Of course.

Sliding the lock, I was relieved. He didn't have a password on his phone. Reading the text, I knew that this was my only chance to lure her in to my plan. So, I tok action.

Rachel: We need to talk. Are you home?

Finn: Yes. Come over.

Rachel: I'll be there in 10.

Finn: Can't wait. :)

As I finished typing, I placed his phone down and got ready for what was about to happen. I was finally going to win, and I couldn't be more than thrilled.

By the time the cab pulled up to Finn's building, Rachel's hands were shaking uncontrollably. She really didn't know what she was going to say or how she was going to say it. She couldn't just come out and say, "Hey, Finn. The reason I want to talk is because I love you and I have been in love with you since high school". It could be like ripping off a band aid, getting straight to the point. But, Rachel knew that Finn deserved better than that. He needed a long explanation of the way she felt and that's exactly what she would give him.

Getting out of the cab, Rachel paced back and forth, trying to waste time. She finally just got anxious and made her way to the elevator. By the time she got to his floor, she froze. How could she do this? Would they sit down and have a beer like old times? Watch a football game while catching up? No. He would suspect that something was up. She was in her pajamas. Things would never be the same after tonight, she knew that for a fact. She just didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Holding out her shaking knuckle, she slammed it into the door 3 times, and waited for everything to happen.

Knock, Knock, Knock

Placing down her tea on the kitchen table, Santana looked at Quinn and Brittany with confused eyes. They had all been sitting at the table for the past few hours while they gossiped about the latest news. And of course, Santana and Brittany just had to see little Jeremy again.

"Who is that at 9:00?" Quinn asked, feeling scared. It was New York City, 9:00 at night, and there was someone knocking on their door.

"Relax, Quinn. It's probably just Rachel." Santana said getting up from the table to answer the door. Once she got to the door, she looked through the peep hole to see who it was.

"Quinn, put the knife down. It's Frankenteen." She said, unlocking the door for Finn.

"Hey, Santana. I'm sorry it's so late, I just really need someone to talk to right now." he said, walking in and seeing the other girls sitting at the table. "Is this a bad time? I can come later on if you want." he said and turned to leave.

"Don't be ridiculous. Come sit." she gestured for him to follow her back to the table.

As he joined the girls at the table, Santana asked him if he wanted anything to drink.

"Tea's fine." he smiled, as the other two girls stared at him with confusion.

"What are you doing here at 9:00, Finn?" Brittany asked.

"Well, I was sitting at my house, watching a game on TV, and then the silence got the best of me. I need someone to let my conscience out on." he explained, taking the cup from Santana, before she sat down beside him.

"Well, where's Rachel?" Quinn asked, "Can't you talk to her about it?"

"That's why I came here to talk to you guys. She wouldn't understand..." he sighed, rubbing his forehead with his hands.

"What are you talking about?" Santana asked.

"I'm gonna tell you guys this. But, you have to swear that you will never tell anyone else, okay?" he told them, a bit of worry on his face. Like, whatever he was about to say would change him, or possibly, change everyone around him.

"We promise. Now spill, Hudson." Santana answered.

"My mind has been running wild lately. I've had these feelings forever, I just never felt the need to bring them to surface. But, lately I feel like if I don't tell someone, i'm just gonna explode. It's been eating away at me, so I need to tell someone. So, brace yourselves..." he told them. They all looked like they were about to fall of their seats. "I'm in love with Rachel." he finally admitted. It felt good to get it off his chest. Maybe it would feel that way if he told her.

"I knew it!" Santana exclaimed and clapped her hands together.

"Wait, like love, love? Like, couple, love?" Quinn asked. "Like you see Rachel as your soul mate?"

"Yes. I know more than anything that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. So, if that's what love feels like, than I love her way too much." he smiled at the thought of her.

"Aww, she's got Finnegan smiling." Santana said, ruffling his hair.

"You guys can't tell anyone. Please. At least for right now." he begged.

"Don't worry, Frankenteen. We won't tell Rachel that you want to marry and have babies with her." Santana laughed.

Rolling his eyes, he laughed with them.

"Does this make me girly? Coming to you guys for advice? I thought of going to Puck and Sam but for some reason I didn't think they would get it. You guys get it, right?" he asked.

"Finn, you have nothing to be ashamed about. I think you are a real man for coming to us for advice, instead of making a dick move like most guys usually do. And trust me, you did the right thing coming to us. Sam and Puck probably would have talked you out of it. And trust me, we get it." Quinn smiled warmly. "But, you have to tell her. You can't keep this from her forever, or else she might move on."

"Thank you guys for understanding." he smiled at all of them. " And I will."

For the rest of the night, the five of them stayed at that table talking. Sometimes about the day they had, the gossip in their lives, but most of all, Rachel.

Standing in front of his door, Rachel waited to see the person who she need to see all day. She knew the moment that he would answer that door, he would make her day better.

As the door swung open, Rachel's heart fell to her toes and her face went frozen. It wasn't Finn at all. It was the person she despised the most, Mandy. She hated the image in front of her. Her long blonde locks were soaked, pulled up into a high bun, much like Rachel's when she had a rough day at work. There were candles by the door, and Finn's clothes were on the floor, she was even holding a glass of what looked like champagne. But that wasn't what bothered her most. She really wasn't bothered with the sound of the shower running in the background, which was probably where Finn was. What bothered her the most was that she was wearing his bathrobe. Finn was very protective when it came to that robe. It was his father's. He once got mad at Rachel for washing it without asking permission. And now, she was just walking around it, like no big deal.

How could she be so stupid to think that he actually had feelings for her? He never loved her and now she knew it for a fact. He had just been acting so weird lately. Did everything that happened the night on her birthday mean nothing to him? It probably was just some stupid friendship thing again. She couldn't believe she was going to tell him she loved him tonight. Now, she felt like a big fool. Especially being the girl standing in the doorway witnessing another one of Finn's one night stands. She felt like a love struck idiot who just found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. But Finn wasn't even her boyfriend. She thought he wanted to be, but it turns out looks and actions could be very deceiving.

She couldn't keep standing there. If she did she would break down and become defeated. After everything, she would not let Mandy see her cry.

"Oh hey Rachel. Finn's in the shower.. Do you want to wait for him to get out? Or I could tell him you stopped by." she asked.

"Umm actually, could you just give him a message for me?" Rachel asked.

"Sure.. Anything." she replied, smiling down at Rachel.

"Tell him that I never want to see him again and that I hope the two of you live happily together." and with that, Rachel was running towards the elevator.

"Okay. You have a nice night Rachel!" she heard Mandy call behind her, but she just ignored it.

That night she went home and cried her eyes out. She couldn't get pass the fact that this was a reality. The next day at work, she was looked at like she was a leper. Her eyes were swollen from the crying and she didn't feel like putting much effort into her appearance. Her hair was in a messy ponytail. Finn broke her heart, before she even knew he could. She felt depressed. Which, she had no reason to. He was her best friend and It was her fault to even to think that they could be more. It was really her fault, for hopeless dreaming. She shouldn't be mad at Finn, if anything she should be mad at her own self.

Once her shift was over, she really couldn't handle going home alone. She would just cry her eyes out again. She needed someone to talk to.

After Finn finally got home that night from Santana and Brittany's apartment, he was just ready to crash. When he walked through the front door, things seemed a little off. First things first, his front door was unlocked. He thought he remembered that he locked the door and kept the key behind the picture frame. Looking behind the frame, the key was there, so maybe he just forgot to lock it. The lights were on, he remembered they'd been left on. But once he walked through the front door, he knew something was up. There were candles lit by the doorway, and he knew for sure that he didn't light any candles before he left. Someone was definitely in his house.

Walking further, he heard the shower running, but that wasn't what stopped him. His good suit and shoes were spread across the floor with clothes that didn't belong to him. They were girl's clothes.

"Is anyone here?" he called out.

Walking into the kitchen, Mandy was sitting at the counter drinking a glass of champagne. He instantly became pissed, not only because she broke into his house, but because she was wearing his father's robe.

"Hey Finn." she smiled, walking towards him. "What do you think? I thought I would surprise you." she chuckled.

"Why is my good shoes and suit spread out across the floor?" he asked.

"The maid must've dropped it while she was cleaning." she replied.

He knew she was lying. His maid didn't come today.

"Why are you wearing my bathrobe?" he asked, anger boiling up in his tone.

"Oh yeah. Don't I look cute in it? It fits perfect on me doesn't it?" she asked, standing up to model around in it.

"Take it off." he growled.

"What?" she asked, shocked with his tone.

"You heard me. Take it off. And, get the hell out of my house!" he yelled.

"Why are you being so mean to me? I just wanted to surprise you!" she said, getting up and grabbed her clothes off the floor.

"This isn't surprising. This is breaking and entering. Get your clothes, change, and get the hell out of my house or else I will call the police."

"Fine." she cried, slamming the bathroom door behind her.

Once she was out of the bathroom, fully dressed, she tried to make her case.

"Look, i'm sorry. I just really love you." she told him.

"I don't feel that way about you, Mandy. I'm sorry. Just, get out of my house before I get a restraining order." he said, pushing her away as she tried to hug him.

"Fine. But, you'll pay for this." she said, before she exited his front door.

Why did this night have to be so difficult for him. It was already 2:30 in the morning, and he came home to a psycho chick in his home, wearing his special robe that was his father's. Rachel would've never done that. He wished he could just go over to Rachel's house and tell her about what happened and what he feels for her. But, she was probably sleeping right now and he didn't want to bother her right now. So, he just went to sleep.

It was 5:00 in the afternoon and Rachel was scared to go home to just cry her eyes out again. So, she went to the only place she knew where she could just let it all out.

As Santana answered the door, Rachel walked straight into the house crashing on the couch. Quinn was there again with Sam and Jeremy. Puck was also there, which she had no idea why. She sometimes wondered why she wasn't invited to these little hangouts. It was probably because she always had to work, but at this point, she really didn't care.

As she laid her head down on the couch, she felt her own tears. They were all standing around her now, probably because they heard the sobs but she didn't care, she just let it out. As Santana sat on the side of her, she rubbed her back and pulled her hair out of her face.

"I'm done. I'm just done." Rachel choked out.

"What's wrong, Rachel?" Quinn asked, sitting beside her.

"I went by Finn's house last night to tell him how I felt and M-M-Mandy was there and she was wearing his robe and he was in the shower and I felt like an idiot. I'm d-d-done with l-love." she explained while she coughed on her own tears.

"Wait... When was this?" Santana asked, with an eyebrow raised.

"Last night." Rachel replied.

"No, what time?" she asked.

"I don't know. Around 10. Why?" she asked, as loose tears fell down her calmed face. She was now at the point where she was trying to catch her breath from her tears.

"That's impossible, Rachel. Finn was over here most of the night." Quinn said.

"W-what?" she asked.

"He came at around 9 and he left at like 2. Finn wasn't home when you went, if you went at 10." Santana explained.

"But that's impossible. Mandy was in his house. There were candles. His close were on the floor." she explained like they didn't believe her.

"She was messing with you Rachel. Finn was over here." Brittany told her.

"But why was he here?" she asked.

"He told us not to tell you." Quinn said.

"Quinn! Way to give it away. Now she's gonna be suspicious." Santana exclaimed.

"Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Rachel yelled.

"Rachel, the feeling's mutual..." Santana finally confessed.

"Am I supposed to know what that means?" Rachel asked, looking at all of them.

"Finn wasn't home last night because he came over here to tell us that he was in love with you." Santana told her.

"I have to go." Rachel jumped up.

"Wait, Rach.. We weren't supposed to tell you!" Santana called after her, but it was too late, she was already on her way.

Once Finn got home from work the next day, all he wanted to do was shower, plop down on his couch and watch ESPN. But he knew that wasn't going to be a possibility once he heard the loud knocking on the door. Getting up, he paused the TV and walked to the front door. When he opened it, he was surprised at who it was. It was Rachel, she was in her scrubs with a coat over it, her hair was messy, her eyes were swollen and she seemed to be crying. Looking at her, Finn felt as confused as to what was going on with her.

"Rachel? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"We need to talk."