Chapter 2

Wow the response to this fan-fiction was amazing! I am so overwhelmed...You inspired me to continue even though most of this was written late at night because of a demanding work/rehearsal schedule, I hope it satisfies your wants nevertheless and keeps you wanting more because I am thoroughly enjoying writing it :D

Enough of the chit-chat lets get down to business.

Note: Sadly I do not own the characters...they belong to GLEE and FOX

Rachel sat there in silence as the young boy trudged through the door, emerald coloured suitcase in one hand and a khaki print stuffed bear in the other. He had dishevelled hair, lightly freckled cheeks and a light frown that seemed like a permanent feature on his face. His hazel eyes scanned the room lifelessly as his social worker said her goodbye's and left him standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

"Snotty nosed orphans...this is Finn Hudson!" Mrs Coldstone announced from her place behind the kitchen bench. Finn's head dropped to the floor at the mention of his name and he scuffed his worn shoe against the hard, stone floor.

"Well he's boring!" Jack, another orphan yelled out from behind Rachel and she automatically turned and elbowed him in the ribs, causing him to wince. "Ouch!" Rachel looked back towards Finn and noticed his eyes staring straight at her as a half smirk graced his features. He had seen what she had done to Jack and although Jack still writhed in pain behind her she was glad she could make this poor boy smile, at least once.

"Well, get back to work! You've had your holiday for the year. And don't tell me I never give you nothin'" Mrs Coldstone barked as they scrambled to find a scrubbing brush and bucket "And you, new kid! Put your stuff in the room over there and get scrubbing too. You will soon learn the rules of this place, don't want to find out the hard way now do ya?" Finn shyly shook his head.

Finn trudged quietly down the hall before he found the boys room and threw his stuff half-heartedly onto the nearest bed, grabbing a spare bucket and brush. Walking over to the far wall in the dining room he threw himself to the ground and started to grumpily brush away at the perfectly clean tiles.

Rachel, making sure not to be seen by Mrs Coldstone, quietly crawled along the ground over to the wall where Finn was slowly cleaning

"Hey..."she whispered quietly, trying to gain his attention. He either didn't seem to notice or was blatantly ignoring her.

"Finn..."she whispered slightly louder, causing him to drop his brush and turn around angrily.

Rachel immediately backed off as she saw the rage that flooded his eyes, but as soon as they met with hers they softened and he picked up his brush and started scrubbing once more. Rachel just sat back in silence, crossing her legs as she started on a new patch of wall. Maybe he just wasn't the talking type.

A week passed and Finn hadn't spoken one word to anyone. Snow stuck to the window frame as Rachel shut the bedroom door behind her, sitting down quietly on the bed. The other kids were enjoying their free time bouncing a ball around the dining room, laughter echoing down the corridor. Rachel was disinterested in their childish idea's of games and had a different idea of entertainment all together. She quickly checked around the room, making sure no-one could see her as she reached underneath the bed and pulled out a small golden box. The words Rachel Barbra Berry sparkled in the dim light as she carefully removed the dusty lid.

Inside the box lay her most prized possession in the world, her own pair of pink, ribbon ballet shoes. Slipping on the shoes she carefully entwined the ribbon around her legs and admired the beauty of this coveted object. Her toes may have been slightly curled in the ends but she was determined that she would never grow out of them, they were tailored for her, they would grow with her.

Standing up from the bed she ran her fingers through her hair and tyed it up into a ballerina bun with an old elastic she had found in the kitchen. Looking at her reflection in the fogged window she felt like a star. Positioning herself in the centre of the room she started to hum out a soft melody as she let her body float to the music, prancing around the bedroom she eventually started to sing out the words of 'On My Own', feeling an electric happiness pulsate through her.

Finishing the dance with a pirouette she could hear the faint sound of applause. At first she believed the echo of clapping to be her imagination trying to fulfil her experience but as she turned to face the entrance of the room, leaning up against the wooden door frame was Finn. He had a soft smile on his face as his hands let out a melodious applause. Rachel curtsied out of sheer happiness as she sat down on her bed to return her shoes to their secret hiding place.

"Finn, please, don't leave. Talk to me." Rachel beckoned when she saw him turn away from the door. He stopped suddenly, turning on his heel and staring her in the eye. Slowly shaking his head a frown once again took over his features as his gaze moved to the floor. Rachel quickly stood up and

walked towards him, leaning down and taking one of his hands in hers.

"There is no need to be afraid." She comforted him, rubbing soft circles around the inside of his palm. "I miss my Mummy and Daddy too." A glimmer of hope flickered across Finn's eyes, maybe he wasn't the only one here who missed his parents.

Finn had been feeling lost. Not only was this place cold, dark and miserable but he felt as if he should feel normal here. Like this was just where he was meant to be. He had been feeling guilty for wanting to have his parents back when all of these kids seemed so content with their lives.

Rachel didn't miss the way his eyes lit up and she smiled softly and closed the door, gesturing for him to sit down. As their small backs leaned up against the dark wooden door frame, Rachel turned to Finn with questioning eyes, "So, Finn. Tell me a bit about yourself."

Another Chapter Complete :D What did you think of this one... not my favourite but most of it was written late at night so I have to be fairly happy with myself. What will Rachel find out about Finn and will they get along or will their past uncover too many differences?! Will they be stuck in this orphanage forever?! Keep Reading to find out.

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