I DON'T OWN THE CHARACTERS OR THE SONG! THE SONG IS OWNED BY Miranda Lambert I DO HOWEVER OWN NETFLIX AND GET TO WATCH THE VAMPIRE DIARIES WHENEVER I WANT. I ALSO OWN THE STORYLINE, I LOVE WHERE I'M GOING WITH THE STORYLINE.
Day 4 Rachel's Pov
The last few days were probably the worst ones I've had in a long time. Not as hard as losing my dad but still it wasn't easy at all to listen to all my friends talk about last few months. And now in about five minutes I was going to be forced to relive every last detail of my post painful memories. "Rachel?" I turned to see Finn watching me nervously. "I know this is about to be really hard but know I have your back baby. After this trial we'll be home free baby." I believed him more than anything. After everything we've been through I just needed this to be the last big hurtle before we could really move on. "Look when the trial is done I want to talk to you about the day I was in New York."
Ah yes the event we still hadn't discussed. I didn't know how to deal with him coming to New York without telling me twice "Just give me time Finn. I just need to worry about one thing… And that's the trial." Nodding he and I slowly walk into the court and sat down next to my dad and all of our friends.
"All Rise for Judge Everdeen." Everyone quickly rose then sat back down.
"Ms. Summers, you have your witness then I will allow the defense theirs then we will hear closing statements. After in which I will release the jury and give them time to decide on Ms. Pacheco's fate. Please be advised both of you, Mr. Snow and Ms. Summers, I will not allow the crazy outbursts that have been happening these last few days. I'm tired of the bickering between you two and if you both decide to continue the fighting I will hold you both in Contempt of this court. And just a note my fines are pretty high so let's have a day of normality."
Both nodded as Ms. Summers got up and fixed her skirt. "My last Witness is Ms. Rachel Berry." Before I got up I quickly squeezed Finn's hand. Once steadying myself I was sworn in then quickly relaxed into the witness stand. "Ms. Berry for the record will you please state your full name?"
Nodding I faced the courtroom "Rachel Barbara Berry."
"I know this is difficult but can you tell me what you remember exactly about the day of the car accident?" One thing I loved about Buffy Summers was the fact that she actually did care a lot about me. All she wanted was for us to be honest and comfortable.
Flashback
Making our way down the street my daddy LeRoy was driving while my other dad Hiram was sitting in the passenger seat "Guys, I think after today I want to go back to New York…" I look up at both of them, part of me knew they wanted me to stay, but I knew deep down I couldn't. It was beyond hard to stay here with the constant reminder of Finn and I knowing there wasn't much I could do to fix it.
"You can't continue to hide Rachel, You need to talk to Finn and deal with everything before you really think of leaving. You don't want to regret your decision anymore. I know it's hard, but you know more than anyone what it feels like to lose out on a certain love, maybe it's time to really think about staying here a bit longer." Nodding I could tell my daddy LeRoy was speaking of a place of Love as we continued to drive.
"Rachel dear, Dad's right. You don't know if you'll ever get this chance again. When life happens it's not always fair to you Rach." My dad smiled before facing the front of the car. Once we got to the hillside I couldn't help but relax knowing we weren't far from Quinn and Puck's new home. I loved that everyone was going to be together even if they lock me and Finn in a room, doesn't discount how happy I was to see everyone. "Rachel, why don't you text everyone and let them know we're not too far."
Nodding I quickly got out my phone. I hadn't gotten through a small portion of my text when my dad Hiram yelled "LeRoy watch out!" looking up I saw a small deer standing in the middle of the road. My daddy quickly avoided the deer and swerved so that we'd still be safe. Sitting in a ditch both my dad's checked on me and themselves. All of us breathed a sigh of relief, "That was a close one…" It wasn't till my dad looked up and saw a car's high beams flashing at us. Looking where his eyes were looking I noticed the bright lights were now coming for us faster than any of us could get out of the car. I felt it hit us t-boning into mine and the driver's side.
Slowly as I began to hear voices around me I started opening my eyes. One voice stuck out more in the sea of screams. "Rachel! Rachel!" Trying to look up I couldn't place the voice exactly to the blurry face. "Rachel honey it's Carol, I called the ambulances they'll be here soon. I need you to talk to me." I felt her stroke my hair I quickly tried to look around for my dads. "Sweetie, please stay still I don't know where it hurts so I need you to stay calm."
"What happened?" I could barely register my own voice in this moment.
"You and your dads were in a car accident, someone is helping your dads as we speak, but you need to stay perfectly still sweetheart." She began to stroke my hair again.
Ignoring my ex's mom I moved my head to the left and saw someone working on my dad Hiram, but the sight that killed me the most was seeing my daddy LeRoy bleeding everywhere. "My dads…." I reached for them only to cry out in pain. In that moment everything else went black.
End Flashback.
I must have been crying because I could see Finn's eyes torn between pain and sadness, I hadn't told anyone but Kurt that Carol was there. I didn't know how Finn would react to knowing his mom was at the scene. Looking up I saw the judge have two little tears falling down her face slowly. Looking at the jury then back at Buffy I let out a heavy sigh. "Next thing I remember is waking up three days later to the news that my father was dead and no one knew who had done this to my family." My voice dripping with sadness so much that I barely can look at anyone.
"I'm so sorry Rachel…I know this is hard for you." My eyes met with hers, I could see the same old look that everyone gave me when I talk about my daddy dying.
"It sucks, the worst part of the whole thing is knowing my father will never see his grandchildren or watch me do the things he'd wished for me." I couldn't hold it in anymore. The tears escaped and I felt a deep pain in my chest.
"Rachel do you need a break?" Buffy asked sadly
Trying to keep a strong face the judge looked at the court than me. "We'll continue the questioning after an hour recess." Banging the gavel Finn quickly rushed over to me and held me as we exited the courtroom. I couldn't stop crying even as we went into an empty room and everyone left Finn and I alone. "Shhh… I got you baby, I got you." He continued to reassure me as he began to rub my back. After a few minutes I could feel myself begin to calm down.
"How long was I up there crying?" I asked rubbing a tissue across my eyes.
"The minute you were talking about your dads. As soon as you started I saw the tears. I should've warned Buffy about it, I knew talking about that day would break you."
I looked at him finally my sobs had stopped, but my tears were still falling. "Why did she wait till I was home? Why didn't she just act out her plan while I was in New York? What did my father have to do with this?"
"Rachel, we may never know why, but you have to push through this. Will knowing really make you feel better, will it take the pain away from losing your dad? No it won't it's just a chance for Bree to finally win at something." Closing my eyes I felt Finn brush his hand against my cheek. "Rachel, you are one of the strongest people I know. This will not defeat you, I won't let it." When I finally opened my eyes I saw so much love in his eyes. "No matter what I love you more and more every day and I'll spend forever making up for all the lost times."
That's when I felt it again…That spark I felt years ago. I felt it again; he touched me and made the pain so easily go away. I knew in this moment that we'd be okay, somehow some way, we'd be okay. "Have I've ever told you that you're my rock and hero? That I love you?"
"A few times, but then again I love when you tell me that you still love me." Finn's half smirk was always my weakness. "Are you going to be able to go in there?"
Nodding I took his hand and we walked out to where everyone one was waiting. "Ready for this Rachel?" Buffy smiled softly asking. Nodding we all walked into the court. Sighing I sat back on the witness stand and awaited the rest of the trial. "Ms. Berry Can you explain why you walked into the choir room with the defendant?"
"She'd threaten to shoot everyone I cared about if I didn't go with her and make everyone hate me by saying cruel things. She wanted me to go with Brody. If I showed any type of resistance, she'd kill Finn first and I couldn't risk it knowing I was pregnant."
"Motion to strike the last sentence; it's unfair to Ms. Pacheco that the jury hears this." Mr. Snow jumped up glaring at me.
"Motion denied, continue Ms. Summers."
"Rachel, tell us what did the doctor say caused your miscarriage?"
Taking a deep breath I could feel tightness in my chest as I looked at Finn for strength. "She says because of the stress of the whole situation as well as the weight of my best friend pushing me onto the floor caused the miscarriage. He said the likely hood that anything else caused it is 0 to none."
"Before I let you go, can I ask a simple question, and how did you come to know about Ms. Pacheco's involved in your dad's death?"
"She bragged about it as she pointed the gun at my stomach. She… she said it was the best part of her plan."
"Thank you Ms. Berry…Your witness Mr. Snow." Buffy watched me as Mr. Snow approached me. "Ms. Berry first I'm so sorry for your father's death, but I don't see how you have any proof about my clients involvement since you barely remember much from the crash. What if you thought you saw the other car, maybe you all had too much to drink…Maybe"
I panic as I look for my friends as Mr. Snow got closer to the stand. I could feel my heart race as I looked at Finn. I could see he was close to losing his temper. "Objection, He's badgering the witness, he needs to move on she's obviously having trouble remembering and doesn't need to be crucified for not remembering it. I'm also disgusted that he would even say he was regretful of the death of one LeRoy Berry then go and slander his character to his grieving family!"
"But this jury can pass judgment on my client, she's gotten slandered by this court!" He yelled back.
I began to panic and watch as Bree smirked probably hoping to create a miss trial. "Rachel please breath." I looked at the judge then Buffy.
"My dads were sober, both don't drink especially if they drive. I know it was her, because I can't forget seeing her custom Red and white car. I remember it from high school; it wasn't till I saw it today while walking in that I remembered seeing it before. Its fuzzy but I do remember that car, I can never forget the car that stole my dad away from me…Your defendant killed my dad, she took my baby, but I feel sorry for you Bree…"
Mr. Snow quickly ended his questioning and I was allowed to sit back down with Finn. Sitting in his arms I held it together for a little bit wanting to watch the rest of the trial. "My client wishes to take the stand at this time."
Her eyes looked evil, it reflected her real personality. Sitting on the stand she looked at me then back at her lawyer. "Ms. Pacheco please tell the court in your own words what happened the day you and Mr. Weston came to the high school?"
Grabbing a tissue she patted her fake tears falling down. "Brody was so intent on getting pay back on Rachel for leaving him that he drove himself mad. I just wanted to make him happy. And what made him happy was killing Rachel. But when we got there I saw the fear in everyone 's eyes and knew I had to kill Mr. Weston, I just wanted to protect them and make sure they didn't get hurt."
"So you deny any kind of thoughts on killing Ms. Berry?" he asked her.
"Oh never, I would never hurt a soul that's why I was hurt to hear that I was being charged with LeRoy's death. I could not even begin to think about losing my father."
"Your witness Ms. Summers."
Nodding Buffy walked up and looked at Bree. "So you say Brody pushed you into this? Made you attack these people?" Buffy asked nodding her head towards all of us.
"Yes ma'am."
"Okay so if that's true then…" She walked over to her table then handed the clerk and Mr. Snow papers. "Exhibit 6 the conversation between Ms. Pacheco and Mr. Weston."
"Objection, we knew nothing of this evidence!"
"Overruled she presented it to both you and I here now….Please continue…"
Nodding Buffy walked over to Bree, "Please read the highlighted section." She smiled looking at a scared Bree.
"Brody it has to be done…Rachel doesn't deserve you, they took her away and now we have to make her pay." Bree's voice began to shake. "I-I already did my end of the deal…I now need you to fufill your end."
Buffy smiled softly, "please continue Ms. Pacheco."
"Bree I don't think I can do it. Let's just drop it…"
"Now my question to you Ms. Pacheco, does that sound anything like someone who forced you into killing Ms. Berry?"
"No but—"
"There are no buts Ms. Pacheco, the truth is you planned the whole thing, and the poor obsessed Brody Weston was just a plot in a grander scheme you had to take the life of Ms. Rachel Berry in order to finally get what you thought you had the right to have."
Mr. Snow jumped up glaring at Buffy. "Objection, There was no question in any of Ms. Summers rant. Motion to strike from the record." My heart was slowly dropping as he jumped up angrily.
"The jury will disregard the statement." Judge Everdeen hit her gavel swiftly on her desk before looking at the young lawyer. "Watch it Ms. Summers you're now treading on ice as well."
"Yes your honor. I'm done with questions."
As she walked off the stand Bree looked right at me with the most devilish smile a person could have. "Mr. Snow, please begin with your closing statement."
Standing up Mr. Snow leaned against the podium while staring right at the jury. "I'll admit this whole tragedy is that of a sad one. I'll admit that Ms. Summers has convinced me of a few things, maybe even made me consider different ways to look at the law, but the one thing she has yet to convince me about is my client's guilt in any of the charges. Yes she wrote letters to the decease but where does it say that she killed Mr. Berry, nor does she admit to planning any sort of scheme to kill Ms. Berry. We've proven that there isn't much proof on the guilt of my client and I hope you all see the innocence and set the record straight. Thank you."
After Mr. Snow sat down I watched as Buffy walked to the same podium. "I knew Mr. Berry, he was a kind soul who took care of everyone he loved. As you have heard, this town was pretty shocked and hurt when we all found out that it was no accident that killed LeRoy Berry, but the fact that it was someone from our town, someone who went out of their way to kill someone is probably the hardest part for all of us to digest. I'm not asking for much people of the jury, I'm asking for justice for all that were affected by this travesty. Even if Brody Weston wasn't innocent in all of this mess, but there was no reason for Bree to shoot him, she had no reason to do what she did; this caused Ms. Berry to lose not only her father but the unborn baby that she was then carrying. So I'm asking you people of the jury to comeback with a guilty on all three counts. Thank you for your time."
It had been only a few hours since we'd left the court room and now we were being called back. Sitting there I glanced at Finn. My heart was racing, unsure of the outcome of the whole thing. If she was found not guilty I don't know how I'd react to the news. It would basically the unsettling unknown. As judge Everdeen sat down in her seat she took a deep breath before addressing us. "Before I ask to hear the verdict I wanted to take time and say that this is the first time I've ever been lost for words. MY heart breaks for you and your family Ms. Berry; I hope no matter the outcome of the trial, you'll be able to find the strength to keep going in whatever you decide to do. This court and I have known you're father for years and he was an amazing lawyer and we lost a good friend last year. SO no matter the outcome I leave you with love and encouragement to never give up on what you want in this life." Tears were streaming down her face as well as mine. "Please stand." She sternly watches as Bree rises. "Ladies and Gentleman you've been given the task of deciding this woman's fate. Breana Selena Gulf-Pacheco please rise…You have been charged with one count of first degree murder in the death of LeRoy Berry, I have chosen to bump Brody Weston's murder down to voluntary manslaughter due to the extent of his death, as well as one count of involuntary manslaughter due to the death of the 5 week old baby, lastly one count of kidnapping. Now people of the jury have you reached a decision?" She asked as we all looked up at her nervously.
"No we're dead lock on two out of the 4 charges."
"Which two?" She asked. I suddenly went numb; my heart raced. I don't see how they could not come out without saying guilty.
"The charges of first degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, no one seems to want to budge."
"How say you on the other two?" her eyes I could tell were avoiding mine.
"We find the defendant guilty for voluntary manslaughter as well as kidnapping." Nodding he sat down and everyone looked at judge Everdeen.
"We will have sentencing on Friday, thank you people of the jury you are excused."
Once court was over we all went to Finn's house, everyone seemed to be in this cheery denial phase, but in all honesty I was just numb. She planned to hurt me and I can't accept what she's done. Moving out of the room I went to Finn's room. My heart was breaking, I didn't understand how everyone seemed so whatever about the fact they couldn't find her guilty of killing my dad. Tears rapidly fell down my face even when I felt arms engulfing me, I still felt so defeated. "How could anyone be so cruel to not finding her guilty Finn? She killed my dad Finn, she took him away; how could they not see that."
"Rachel, I know this is hard, but Buffy says she's going to refile charges against her souly focusing on your father's murder. She will not get away with this Rachel; I will do anything I can to make sure she doesn't get away with it." Touching my face he made me focus on his eyes as we sat there on his (or if you ask him our bed.) "Rachel, I love you and we'll get through this. We've been through everything, what's one more thing to make us stronger than before."
"Is this the moment you're going to kiss me?" I asked looking at his tear stained eyes.
His smile radiant through both our tears. "I was hoping to." I smiled nodding as we both leaned for each other. Our kiss started out simple; quickly passion flowed between us as his tongue slipped into mine. My heart raced as he held me closer to his body. Breaking apart we both needed air to breathe. "I love you Rachel, I just need you to see that it's time to see pass all. When you do see that it'll be better for us baby." He stroked my hair as I laid my head on his chest. In that moment I knew that it'll be okay.
The following Monday (Third person POV)
It was official Bree was going to jail for about 2 years, but thankfully the judge had granted Rachel and Finn with an order of protection when Bree returned to Lima. Things have changed here and there, in a week Rachel had been talking more to Finn and a therapist on what happened. Rachel was now in a better place than a week ago. For now Finn was counting his blessings. More and more it was becoming easier for him to leave Rachel alone without the fear that she'll freak out or even call him up crying. It was a simple blessing.
Looking at his watch Finn noticed it was already lunch time, getting up he walked to the cheerio room in search of Santana. "Hey Sans, I need your help."
Santana relaxed comfortably in her former mentor's seat. Her feet up on the desk, her body extended so she was stretched out between the chair and table as she filed her nails. "What can I do for you Hudson?"
"You've wanted to do that for a while huh?" he asked trying to hold back a smile.
"Oh my friend you have no idea how long I've wanted to do this. But still that doesn't answer my question, what can I do for you Finn?"
"This year our anniversary is on the November 28th thanksgiving and I want to uh…Propose to Rachel. I just know you and I are in a good place so I was wondering if you'd come with me to pick up a ring for her."
"It feels like senior year all over again, tell me I don't have to sing Santa Baby again to get you a ring. I mean I enjoy the attention, but I'm hoping you can afford it this time." She laughed as she sat up to face Finn who was now sitting down. "So you have like what…three months till the big day. Do you think you can wait till then?"
"Guess will have to see huh?" Smiling he looked at her. "Can we go now just for a look?" He asked softly.
"Don't you have lunch plans with Rachel?" Every day since last week Finn had eaten lunch with Rachel at their home. Both loved spending time together and it was a great bonding experience for them.
"She's visiting LeRoy today, she asked to go alone."
"Okay I can go for a little brake. You're driving though." Nodding the two teachers walked to the car.
Graveyard
Rachel walked through the deep graveyard. She stayed to herself as she passed other mourners. Today she felt it was time to let go and finally move on to the point that she was hopeful to try again for a baby with Finn. Once at her dad's grave her heart stopped a bit. She felt tears flickering down her face. "Weather man said it's gonna snow, By now I should be used to the cold. Mid-February shouldn't be so scary. It was only December I still remember the presents, the tree, you and me."
Sitting down next to his grave Rachel knew deep down inside she needed this more than anything else in this world. "But you went away, How dare you? I miss you. They say I'll be OK, but I'm not going to ever get over you."
Looking around Rachel hoped no one really was focusing on her. This was the only way for her to really let go of all the baggage that she's felt over the last few months.
Living alone here in this place. I think of you, and I'm not afraid. Your favorite records make me feel better, cause you sing along with every song…I know you didn't mean to give them to me. But you went away, How dare you? I miss you. They say I'll be OK, but I'm not going to ever get over you."
"It really sinks in, you know, when I see it in stone" slowly she touched the grave letters. Tears streaming down her face. Pain seeping into her chest. Cause you went away…How dare you? I miss you, they say I'll be OK, but I'm not going to ever get over you…." A the note was sung she noticed she wasn't alone anymore.
"Hey do you need a tissue?" The woman asked, Rachel nodded as the woman gave her a tissue, "I'm Brittany by the way."
"Rachel…Thank you…" Rachel sat back and looked back at Brittany. "I'm sorry if I disturbed you."
"Nope you didn't I was just stopping by to see my grandfather. I was missing him so I decided to stop by."
"I'm sorry for your loss. I just lost my dad last year, I felt the same to come here…" Rachel looked at the girl again. "How long ago has your grandfather been gone?"
"A year, it's been pretty rough, he was a huge impact in my life. It wasn't easy to say goodbye. He was in so much pain so it's probably best he left here. It doesn't make it easier, but I'm hopeful he's in a better place." Rachel nodded staring out into space for a bit. "You know, I personally think Bree should've gotten more than 2 years, and I was pissed when the jury couldn't get to a verdict when it came to your dad."
"You knew about the whole thing. How?"
"Besides being all over the news, I was there every day in the court room. I felt like it was the right place to be. I felt for you Rachel. I could never have gone through this."
"Yeah, I didn't think it was possible, but I had Finn there holding my hand through the whole thing. He was and is everything to me. I'm just having trouble dealing with everything and moving on…I don't think I can."
Shaking her head Brittany looks up at the sky. "Years ago I lost my cousin, I thought there was no way I could survive losing her. She was my best friend, my little angel…I never thought I could have the joy and happiness in my life that she brought, but I found a way…I made friends and I found my soul mate. He brought me back to life, he took away the pain. It wasn't just a momentary thing, it is a forever thing. He made me see that I could get through everything and anything if I believed in myself and could see the light. Little did I know he was my light." A small smile rose across both of their lips. "Finn, he's your light, you just have to be strong and leave every ounce of darkness out of your mind. You'll get through it Rachel, I know you will." Standing up she looked down at Rachel. "I should get going, my fiancé will be sad I came here without him he loves to visit my grandfather and my cousin. If You need anything Rachel…" Taking a piece of paper out of her small bag, Brittany writes down her number. "Call me anytime."
Smiling Rachel got up and hugged her new friend before she was gone. Turning she took one more look at her father's stone. "You're always working your magic huh?" Smiling she bent down and kissed the stone before returning to her car, she really wanted to see Finn. Driving she made her way to the high school, the first place she looked was in auditorium and when she saw he wasn't there she went to his office again he wasn't there. Sighing she bit her lip as she walked into the choir room, this was the first time since the shooting earlier in the summer. It looked good as new as she stood there. "Baby?" Turning she saw Finn standing in the door. "Hey you, why are you sitting in here…it can't be easy."
"Actually, I'm okay it's not bad. I think it's time to bury the past and move past all of this…a little angel said in order to be happy I need to push on from the darkness." And that was exactly what Rachel wanted to do, especially with Finn.
So were finally winding down with this part of the story...I was wondering if you'd guys like a sequel. If so please tell me or else I need to end it somehow...But if you guys will read a sequel i will make it! As always Read and Review! Enjoy Everyone!