NEW YORK part 3

(Rachel)

Good thing we were third in the first round: the position allowed the New Directions to perform in the second block of the second round, which would start on seven P.M. The primetime was a form to awarding the best of the previous day. Another good thing was that we could sleep all morning. Santana got ill at dawn. She vomited and had to take some more pills and water. I helped her as quietly as possible to not wake up the other girls. Unfortunately Quinn was there watching everything. It seemed she was light sleeper and she woke up with Santana's noises, but I signaled her to continue lying. If she tried to help, maybe Santana would scold her again and I hadn't the heart to bear these things.

"Rachel, I'm not sick anymore!" Santana grumbled. Within a few hours, our team would leave the hotel and go to the theater. I decided to take the time to make my sister drink tea and honey I brought in my luggage.

"I'm not taking care of you, only your throat, or did you forget you will do the high notes today? Oh, of course you forgot! You drank as hell yesterday."

"Alcohol softens the vocal cords."

"If you don't drink this stuff in five minutes, I swear I will cover your nose and shove it right down your throat." After my threat, she drank the tea.

I didn't follow the first block of the playoffs. I understand that under the circumstances it was better to rest and concentrate as best as I could. I was worried for our group showing signs of abating. Noah was silent. He had approached me earlier, explaining to me that he wouldn't let anything happen to Santana. I countered that nothing would happen to her on someone else's bed: only on his. Sam was also embarrassed because of the drunkenness. Mike felt a little discomfort in his calf, Finn was confused because I hadn't allowed him to kiss me on the lips, and Artie seemed about to explode with nervous. We wore our costumes: elegant black and white clothes like that one when we performed "Toxic". Schuester gave us a motivating sermon ten minutes before our entry, but my greatest encouragement had been given when I saw the message on the phone: my father was in the audience. I was so glad that he made it.

Our presentation began with Mike and Brittany dancing into a strong and accelerated beat coming from the pick-ups. They would be a couple in sexy situation. Artie enters the left side of the stage and our Act 2 begins: "Hey girl/ is he everything you wanted in a man?/ you know i gave you the world/ you had me in the palm of your hand/ so, why the love went away?/ i Just can't seem to understand/ thought it was me and you, baby/ me and you until the end/ but i guess i was wrong."

Mercedes enter on the other side of the stage to harmonize with Artie. "Don't wanna think about it/ don't wanna talk about it/ i'm Just sick about it/ i can't believe it's ending this way/ Just so confused about it/ i Just can't do without ya/ tell me is this fair." Mercedes takes the vocals. "Is this the way it's really going down? Is this how we say goodbye?/ should've know better/ when you come around/ that you were gonna make me cry/ it's breaking my heart to watch you run around/ cause i know that you're living a lie/ but that's ok baby/ cause in time you Will find."

And it was our turn to sing with strength even behind the curtains. "What goes around, goes around, goes around/ comes all the way back around." After the chorus of Justin Timberlake's song, the curtain rises revealing the New Directions. Mike, Brittany, Mercedes and Artie took up new positions on the stage. The lighting remains purposely low as the audience came down due to a number of sensational and sexy dancing, but tasteful. The new arrangement that the jazz boys made was simply incredible and jazzy

We started to vocalize "Toxic" with some adjustments regarding our first performance in school that ended in an embarrassing way. Instead of Schuester, Noah Puckerman, just because he had what the music requires: sex appeal. The audience kept coming down while I, Noah and Brittany did our solo lines with Santana harmonizing with us all the time. My sister did the high notes with unbelievable precision; neither seemed she spent the day with some hoarseness. Again the audience burst into applause.

We blew at backstage so excited that I even cared to see the New York's team. We barely reminded that downed group in the early afternoon, and we decided to stay together until the organization announces the five finalists. Finn was holding my hand and I've never been so excited in my life. I thought about Quinn and I found her on my left side, next to Tina. She looks at me with a frown and I answered with a smile. I was so hers.

The organizers called the teams: in fifth place was Vocal Adrenaline and once again they didn't leave the stage satisfied. The Lived Kennedys, Idaho, also attended the grand final in fourth place, and that was a good sign for us. Third was the New York's team. The Texan choir recovered from the first day and nailed the second round. There was only room for one more and my heart was almost out of my mouth. I grabbed someone's hand and squeezed – it was Kurt's. When the presenter announced the New Directions, then yes, I was sure that my heart had gone out through the mouth. The whole group hugged and jumped up on stage. How good was winning sometimes.

My fellows celebrated like crazy at the backstage. Amid this confusion, I pulled Quinn into an empty dressing room and closed the door. She leaned me against the wall and we kissed passionately.

…

After many hugs and tears of joy, Santana found me in the midst of so many people and pulled me out to the hall so we could go to meet our father. He had booked a table at Felidia Ristorante, one of the fine Italian restaurants in NYC. When we met him, surprise: Shelby was also there. I exchanged glances with Santana. Not that we didn't like our mother's company, but we weren't expecting her presence in New York. We hugged our father first and then I hugged Shelby. Santana, as always, was colder and just gave a quick kiss on her face, like those Brazilians compliments.

"What are you doing here? Where's Beth?" Santana was little harsh.

"I came to cheer for you." Shelby smiled at me. "And the nigh isn't suitable for a baby, don't you think? Beth stayed at the hotel with my mother."

We ever knew our maternal grandmother, or even heard stories about her. We knew she was alive and lived in Findlay, Ohio, a city near Lima. That was all. I looked at Santana, and she moved her shoulders as a sign of "whatever". We got into the taxi toward 58th street where we observed better the interaction between my father and Shelby, as if they were old friends. Santana crossed her arms and squinted. Something told me that dinner would be remarkable.

The restaurant was wonderful. Besides the traditional Italian food, it still offered a vast menu for vegetarians – not vegans. I had to forego my principles for a night to eat ingredients derived from milk and eggs, but this was the only exception I've being made all these years. The vegetarian lasagna was spectacular and was even better with a nice conversation between me, Shelby and my father.

"Your technique has improved a lot, Santana. I'm proud." Shelby tried to bring my sister to the conversation.

"It's because you didn't see her in our performance yesterday. She was our main player." My compliment was sincere. "We got third in 15 strong teams because of Santana."

"Rachel annoyed me for two weeks to do that damn voice exercises." And that was the first thing that Santana spoke at the table.

"Doing exercises is the key, kid." Shelby said.

"I agree!" I complement. "I even dedicate a few minutes of my day to do this kind of exercise. Sometimes even at breakfast. So my technique is advanced in comparison."

"Why are you here?" Santana cut me off and I stopped eating apprehensive. "I mean, honestly?"

"Santana!" My father warned. "That's not the way you should talk to your mother. She's here as my guest to honor your two and I demand respect."

"Are you having an affair?" She shot and my father thumped the table, calling the attention of others around us. It seemed like everyone stopped breathing.

"If we have, it's none of your business. Didn't you make me sign your emancipation? If legally nothing that you do now is my business, I demand the same rights. Finish. Eating. Now."

We sat in silence and the fit of cutlery on the plate was deafening. It turns out that Santana had a point here. The presence of Shelby itself was no big deal. But the way she interacted with my father showed a considerable degree of intimacy. They played quietly, but they did unnecessary gestures for normal friends, as if they seek any excuse to touch each other.

"Papa." I took courage to speak. "Don't get like I want to meddle your or my mother's life, but if by chance you are... seeing each other... I think Santana and I deserve to know. And if you're here only as friends, I don't see a reason for this war atmosphere."

Shelby, who was beside me, looked at my dad and he breathed with an expression of "I don't believe this is happening." Then he just shrugged his shoulders as a sign of "whatever", just like Santana usually do.

"Your father and I are going out, sometimes, on dates."

That was a standard answer to: we're having sex without compromise for now. It was my turn to be upset. In normal situations, I think any kid would be happy to know that the parents are dating. Our case was very different. My father was widowed five months ago of a man we all love unconditionally. And Shelby, however she was our biological mother, was still almost a stranger in our family life. From my point of view, my father's bed even got cold enough to make him want somebody else right there.

"Please just tell me that we born after an insemination." Santana dropped the bomb and I just closed my eyes waiting for the impact.

My father angrily threw his napkin on the table and went out to get some air. I was sure he would slap Santana if he had stayed at that moment. Shelby looked at my sister, making it clear that she wouldn't allow her to win.

"What can I say, Santana? I think only one egg was fertilized artificially. I had some doubts about the other one because there is a possibility that it was cracked by a sperm after a long run. You know… these things that happen after a delightful love night!" Santana blushed. My face was too hot with rage and shame. Then Shelby put on her angry face. "Juan and I aren't doing anything wrong!" Her voice was firm. "Juan is not cheating Hiram and I know your daddy would want Juan to move on. That's exactly what your father is trying to do. We are responsible and independent adults. Yes, we have generated two daughters in a special situation 18 years ago, but we always had other things in common. I don't need your approve of our relationship, but I hope you respect it."

"He's gay, Corcoran..." After a killer look, Santana corrected herself. "Shelby… mother…"

"Your father is bisexual, much like you, I heard." I swear to God I heard my sister growl. "Again, Santana, I'm an adult and I know where I stand."

"I think we just need to get used to the idea." I said after a long time. "You will agree that this situation hasn't been well introduced."

Our hunger disappeared and Shelby asked for the bill. My father called a cab for me and Santana and he paid it in advance. He ensured that he and Shelby would be watching the grand final and I know he would fulfill his word.

"That's disgusting!" Santana stormed in the cab. "Shelby is dangerous. Didn't papi see it?"

"She is our mother... and perhaps this relationship will be good to our father."

"You're naive, Rachel. I don't buy that story, not in a million years!"

"I just think we have to give the benefit of the doubt to Shelby. She has struggled."

"Struggling in what? Seep into our home because of papi and maybe hook up with for his money?"

"Papa isn't rich! Neither was Daddy. The inheritance he had left for us is enough to pay the college! That's it!"

Santana was silent for the rest of the way. In the hotel, I could see the North Carolina's team was now more at ease. Some of them went out, enjoying a bit of New York's nightlife now it was no longer in the competition. In contrast, the New Directions was collected in concentration. Santana took clean clothes and went straight to the bathroom. She didn't speak to anyone about what happened. Quinn stared at me as if to have a telepathic conversation and I signed for us to talk outside.

"What happened?" Quinn asked as soon as we got to the roof. She was dressed in pajamas and a thick winter coat.

"My mother and papa are dating. Santana freaked out. It wasn't pretty."

"Oh…" She kissed me lightly and hugged me, trying to get me involved by her winter coat.

I let myself enjoy the warm of that beautiful body embracing me.

"Beth is in town?" She asked abruptly.

"Yes, apparently she is the hotel with her grandmother... my grandmother... the one I've never met."

Quinn saw Beth for the last time after a quick visit at Christmas. She was satisfied with the terms established by Shelby for visits, and yes, they were fair. The next meeting with her biological daughter was booked to Beth's one year birthday party. Quinn didn't comment, but I bet that she was more excited by this event than the grand final.

"I'm sorry that your dinner was hard."

"Don't be. It's just… I've never figured that papa could date again so soon. God, they've dating on my and Santana's back!"

"Well, they aren't the only ones…"

"May I ask what that means?" I was still warmed by her arms.

"That we are dating?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. It just isn't official yet, but you are my girlfriend, Rachel Berry-Lopez."

"Yes I will… But first I need to break up with Finn and it won't be so simple."

"Are you sure? Because it seemed simple enough when he broke up with you twice."

"I'm not him."

"You're not. You're better than him and you care. That's why it's hard for you."

"I think its better get back to the room."

Quinn nodded and released me from her arms. I immediately felt emptiness, a desire to run for it again, but I kept my composure back to our room. The grand final wouldn't be easy and I had other things on my mind to absorb.

…

The entire team was nervous about the finals. We stayed in the hotel most of the time until we had to go to the theater. We made a strength circle in the way and all things the guys said that would help. The theater was crowded and it was safe to say that was our greatest audience. Quinn started complaining about her stomach, I was sweating cold, Mike complained again about his calf (he wouldn't have to dance like the second day), Mercedes showed calmness and Santana spent the whole day distracted, without speaking to anyone. I'd be more worried about my sister, but that was the time to shine.

We wore our costumes. All with jeans, converse and T-shirts with rock band's stamps that represent your style and preferences. Mine was Madonna. The order of presentations followed the classification of the previous day, ie, the Vocal Adrenaline would open the performances and we would be the last. As the theater was crowded, we hadn't had reserved seats, but we could watch the other groups in the two cabins reserved by the organization.

Vocal Adrenaline tried a smart move to make a potpourri of themes from James Bond's movies, since Pierce Brosnan was the sworn-celebrity. Again, the voice of Sunshine Corazon was perfect, especially in "Goldfinger", but her presence was strange, even with all the dancing, scenery and clean performance. The applause was strong but not enthusiastic.

Lived Kennedys was the first to perform popular pop-rock. They chose Coldplay and Muse. The reception was almost identical to the Vocal Adrenaline. The New Yorkers made a beautiful arrangement of "No Woman No Cry" who moved between the original version interspersed with Jay Z's songs. They received the first standing ovation. The Texan group also surprised making a country show.

The bell sounded. It was the signal for us to get out the waiting room. The impression I had was a hole in my stomach. After Santana, Mercedes and Artie, the responsibility was now in my hands. The choir stood. Quinn and I purposely stayed last. She held my hand and squeezed it before positioning herself among the others. I smiled. Act 3: rock'n'roll.

The New Directions was presented by the announcer, the curtains parted and I walked in silence till the center of the stage. Still in silence, I walked from side to side, making my performance. The crowd began to get tense with no beginning. Then I started acapella. "She's got a smile That It seems to me / reminds of childhood memories / where everything was as fresh / as the bright blue sky." Quinn comes on stage and harmonized with me evolving a small choreography. "Now and then when i see her face / she takes me away to that special place / and if i stere too long / I'd probably break down and cry." The others came snapping their fingers and harmonizing while Quinn and I were still making our duet. "Ohh sweet child o'mine / ohh! Sweet Love of' mine'". The choir continued the work of snap my fingers and move while making vocalization arrangements. The audience also began to snap the fingers in rhythm.

Our version was well produced, the lights were perfect and I used to gain confidence after singing the first verse. The choreography had a positive impact. We were the second group of the night to get a standing ovation and it wasn't over yet. The lights got brighter, the band played strong, loud, and we started to jump on stage like a crazy. We hear screams from the audience that recognized the initial riffs of our potpourri. The boys remembered "Should I Stay or Should I Go", Mercedes and the girls sang a few lines of "Cherry Bomb," Puck sang "I Wanna Be Sedated" and then the boys once again sang some lines of Offspring's "The Kids Are not All Right". All the songs involved sex, drugs and the passion of the rock and roll.

The guitar riff moved to the introduction of the last classic. People recognized and roared. I went to front stage when the guitarist strummed. And I sang with all the aggressiveness I had. "Load up on guns and bring your friends / it's fun to lose and to pretend / she's over bored and self assured / Oh, no, i know a dirty word."

The band increased the aggressiveness on the beat and we sang with all the energy we had with my voice leading the choir. "With the lights out it's less dangerous / here we are now entertain us / I feel stupid and contagious / here we are now entertain us / a mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido / Yeah! Yay!"

I continued to play the best I could in the last sequence. "And I forget Just why i test / oh yeah, i guess it makes me smile / i found it hard, it's hard to find / oh well, whatever, nevermind." The team mouthed "hello, hello, hello, how low..." Before exploding into the chorus for the last time, screaming at the end "the denial". The audience burst into applause and I was sure if the ceiling was lower, it would have one or two hanging on it like crazy. It was so delight to be cheered by the third day in a row. We were technically perfect in the first song and epic chaotic during the following ones.

The jurors had 20 minutes for give the grades and account them. The organization took the time to put a small podium on the stage. Meanwhile, we were isolated at the dressing room. Schuester said a few words of praise, that regardless of the outcome, he was proud of the work and so on. I sat on the couch next to Kurt and Mike and held their hands, remaining still until being advised to go to the stage for the final result.

Pierce Brosnan was in charge of announcing the winners and deliver trophies. In fifth place was the Lived Kennedys. It was more or less what we expected. So the first result slightly challenged by the public: the Texan group just won fourth place and it caused some commotion. In third was Vocal Adrenaline, a bad result for them, but that was still impressive.

That left us and the New York group. I should be happy to have already secured the vice-championship, which would be historic. We made a winning campaign with concept and coherence. We always marked the top three in all stages. It would be our righteousness. Brosnan made suspense, the audience also seemed apprehensive. They would prefer the chaotic and visceral performance, or the full of feelings and urban one?

"The winner is…" More suspense. "The New Directions from Lima, Ohio!" Shouted Brosnan.

Applause, recognition. The underdogs won. I cried. We all cried.

…

Half an hour after the final announcement, when things were calmer, some men began to circulate in the backstage, handing out cards for specific people. A man about his 40's addressed me with a card in hand.

"You were impressive, miss..." He looked at the programming sheet. "Rachel Lopez."

"Berry-Lopez" I corrected him. "And thank you sir..." I read the name on the card. "Roger Benz? Roger Benz, the producer of R & J?"

"So you've heard of us?"

"Of course! You produce the best plays for young adult audience on Broadway."

"That was what the New York Times said. Anyway, we are auditioning for an original play that will test and reveal new faces. If you're interested, the auditions are on Wednesday morning. You can get more details by phone. Ask about the Songbook audition."

"Really?" I was amazed.

"You own a great voice, Rachel Berry-Lopez. You should invest on it."

"Thank you." I was a little perplexed.

As soon as the producer turned his back, Quinn approached.

"Who's the guy?" She asked suspiciously.

"Someone that can change my plans radically."