New Plans

(Santana)

Full house for the opening session; Rachel and Quinn must be proud. Rachel would work from Wednesday through Sunday for at least three months, but Christmas and New Year Day. Rachel said, between one breath and another, the tickets of the opening weekend were sold out and the musical play had already guaranteed full house until the first week of January. Two dress rehearsals were done, but I went to none: I preferred to keep my surprise for the occasion. Initial comments were very complimentary and they were projecting even two or three years in theaters, of course, changing the cast meanwhile.

I talked with Rachel's new agent and he said that the cast could finish the next term gaining twice after the contract renegotiation and that I should be careful with the windows since I helped my sister as a manager. Not officially, of course. I was just taking care to her business for a while because I was the only one who can proper read a contract and knew something about the market, but the truth is that even Rachel and Mike should start thinking about hiring professionals because I couldn't play it for longer. What I could do was look the process as a vigilante to avoid them of being stolen.

The lights flickered announcing that the play would begin in five minutes and people should be accommodated. I was in the fourth row center stage beside Johnny (Mike was staging his play himself) and an empty chair next to me should be occupied by Quinn. Papi and Shelby couldn't come to the premiere, but they would spend the holidays with us and then have the opportunity to see my sister on a Broadway stage. People had something with the front row, an issue that was pure nonsense. Depending on the theater, the first row gave torticollis and you would be spat all the time.

Quinn came from the backstage with red face and twisted clothes. She sat down beside me with a creep smile on her face. Without even asked, I offered some gum. It would be unpleasant stay an hour and a half beside her smelling Rachel. Of course they were having a quickie.

"She is calmer now and started to warm up her voice." She took the gum. "I'm sure she will nail it."

"I have no doubt!"

The lights dimmed, the curtains opened and the play began with a monologue by Steve Zappa who played Jude and was the great star: the only one in the cast that had already received a Tony nomination. What followed then was an exciting spectacle of color, dance, music and interpretations. Besides the seven main actors, there was a group of dancers and minor actors who were there solely to make the compositions of the scene and any corals. Rachel? Not that I was being a proud sister, but she was the best actress. She was definitely the best singer. I think she just didn't get Lucy part because Heather Zuthon was cast and she is much more known since she was on one of Disney TV series. Zappa had respect in the Broadway community, besides being beautiful, and Zuthon had a lot of pre-teens and teens fans. These actors were perfect gimmick for advertising to sell out a play on an 800-seat theater.

On the other hand, I've always thought that my sister's identification for Sadie was bigger, so she could work much better this way, since Rachel was rather a still inexperienced actress and her character sang more in the theatrical adaptation than in the movie. Something that was done just to make better use of her qualities. "Across The Universe" made me see how a well-done production could enhance or, at least, not ruin Beatles' classics. I remembered ashamed of our attempts to sing Beatles in New Directions. I was glad that we'd never dare to take this forward in a competition.

Rachel drew tears in her "For No One" solo. The first time I heard her sing that acapella, I had already found it beautiful. But with the involvement of the story, the lights, the band, the scenery... the drama was ten times bigger. It was a moment that Quinn grabbed my hand tightly. She stared at Rachel with pride on her face and tears. Rachel also made a wonderful interpretation of "A Day in The Life" with Steve. The duet with Luke Hibbs (Jojo) on "Oh Darling" was cool, but "Don't Let Me Down" won epic airs. I just thought that Rachel's performance in "Helter Skelter" was below. She was unable to give the necessary fury, something like Janis Joplin could do, or even the original movie actress. It was a complicated song even that didn't fit well in her sweet voice. But if it had a consolation, Bono was also a fiasco when he tried "Helter Skelter" in that album. For the rest of the songs, or Rachel attended the scene, or did the choir or some solo lines.

I didn't find anything spectacular on the kissing scene with Sarah Kleist, the Prudence. My sister made a hotter scene with Lucas Hibbs during an insinuated sex scene. I still think that Quinn's jealousy Quinn, who mumbled into the kiss, was because Sarah is a woman. Rachel commented many things behind the scenes of the play, but she didn't talk much about Sarah specifically, and that was because of Quinn. I didn't believe she had entered into character more than she should. For me it was Quinn who was seeing too much.

"Across The Universe" had some daring accordingly: the scene of Rachel and Lucas was full of passion, almost explosive, but there was no nudity. This happened partly between Steve and Heather in a love scene between Jude and Lucy. It was a sensual moment, but tasteful and the story made sense. "Across The Universe", the play, had an epic ending with "All You Need Is Love" with Steve, Rachel, Sarah and Lucas, in splicing followed by "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". Yeah, that was a good play. I loved it. Very enjoyable, you know all the songs, the new versions were respectful with the original ones.

The audience burst of applause. I was thrilled for Rachel, for a well-made play, for the very positive reaction of the audience throughout the story. I was glad for Quinn, who was part of the production team, despite having to do other jobs during the process. Ten minutes after the successful premiere, Quinn, Johnny and I went to the dressing rooms. We found the cast, crew and other people opening bottles of champagne in enthusiastic celebration. Rachel, still in costume, was embraced by all while trying to balance the champagne in her glass. Johnny and I were over in the corner, just watching. It was a glorious day for everyone there. When things calmed down, Johnny and I approached. My friend received a very warm hug and a grateful, sincere smile.

"You weren't so bad. Nice job, hobbit." I said while hugging my sister.

"I'm glad I haven't bored you."

I took the opportunity to whisper in her ear.

"You're the most amazing person in the world, Ray. Thanks for being in my life."

"I love you so much ..." She also said in my ear and turn away with tears in our eyes.

…

The spring term and classes resumed after a good recess we had between Christmas and New Year Day. New York was white, but it was nice to have my new classes and almost all routine reestablished. I decided to listen to Rachel and stepped on the brakes a little more for my second semester of Columbia. I slowed down a bit to get set a new agenda with healthier activities such as going to a gym and getting time to sign up for the Columbia's Community Glee Club. I missed singing and put into practice my artistic side. The Columbia choir was famous for making really cool presentations during breaks of games, along with some cheerleaders. So, it's good. Not such a loser thing, like in McKinley High.

At lunch time, Izabella asked me to stop by her apartment. There was no sexual motives behind: she and Lucy organized a meeting with close friends to celebrate the new term. It would be just a normal celebration, with few people, some beer, a little weed and maybe dancing. I accepted the invitation.

At the end of the last class of the day, I met Andrew and we went together to the apartment that Izabella now shared with Lucy and Patricia, another girl from Ecology. Imagine: a stripper who want to do her major on Women Studies living together with a goth who want to be a lawyer, and a eco crazy girl.

The party's atmosphere was relaxed. I sat next to Andrew, who became my BFF in Columbia, especially after the malaise with Matt. We talk with some few friends and drank some beer. Lucy lit a joint that circulated. I smoked a little, and also Andrew, but just enough to have a good time. I didn't want to get stoned to forget things and let myself go.

Someone played Rihanna and I pulled Andrew and Izabella to dance with me. Izabella was a sensual goddess who could dance almost as well as Brittany. Although Brittany was unsurpassed since she became a pro. Andrew was clumsy, but he knew to have fun for a nerd. I admit he was an adorable one with curly hair growing up, square glasses and always smooth face. Andrew wasn't appealing as Matt, but he was cute and we have fun with each other.

"Are you going to fuck him too?" Matt asked in particular when I went to get a beer.

"What?"

"You and Andrew were so close lately. So, are you going to fuck him? You've already fucked Bella and I, so Andrew should be your next target. Or is it Lucy?"

"You're an stoned asshole. Go fuck yourself."

"I am no longer scrotum than you, my dear. At least I'm sincere."

"What's the matter, Matthew? We had a great one night stand and that was it. I've never promised you everlasting love, then why don't you get off my back and go live your life?"

"Maybe I want to prove a point."

"What point?"

"That even a rebel like you want to be tamed."

"You really are an asshole." For me, it was a rapist conversation and I didn't know what Matt was capable of. The truth was: he was getting creepier and creepier with this obsession.

I went back next to Andrew and acted normal. Then the unexpected happened: Matt showed a card with LSD. He pointed out a piece and put it in the language of Patricia. Lucy entered the queue and also proved.

"We should go." Andrew held my hand. "It's a kind of fun that won't worth it, San. And we already had our fun."

I looked at my friends, who seemed amused, and then to Andrew. As bizarre as it might seem, it was as if I had seen Rachel and Daddy behind my BFF. I didn't know if it was the weed or my consciousness screaming me to go with Andrew, even if outside were doing 14°F. God of the sky, the temptation of staying was great, especially because the alcohol and the marijuana tried to rid my conscience to do crazy things. But part of me was still in place. I took my coat and left the party with Andrew.

At the freezing afternoon in Manhattan, even a little stoned, I felt happy.

"Who knew that a girl like me and a guy like you could make a good team?" I shoot to laugh.

"Did you see Lucy's plateau face?"

"Wednesday Adams hallucinating!" I laughed again.

"We were supposed to get drunk to celebrate now."

"Your false identity is better than mine. You buy the booze."

My phone vibrated. It was a text message from Brittany.

"S, I'm going to NY with Cia next month. Isn't cool?" – Britt Britt

I couldn't help but smiling. My Brittany is coming again.

…

(Quinn)

I used to come home on Thursdays and find anyone. Mike and Rachel were working in their respective plays and Santana had her Columbia's Glee Club. I saw that the mail box was full, which was a surprise since we had agreed to pay a post office box to receive the correspondence, and one of us checked it every week, usually that one was me. The only thing that came in the apartment mailbox accounts were the condo. Amid such propaganda, there was a letter to Santana from the landlady. I was curious. We never delayed the rent, we didn't damage the apartment beyond normal, our neighbors have never complained about the noise or things like that, we pay all bills on time. So what our landlady would possibly want in a letter?

Fortunately Santana didn't take long to go home. She, as usual, dropped the bag on the table and threw herself on the couch to take off her shoes. This mess was kind of annoying. It seemed like just me and Rachel had provision for the organization in that house. Mike wasn't all bad. What irritated me must was that he used to bring a different strange woman to our apartment every week. Some of them didn't have any vocal control and sometimes forced us to leave. Rachel and I, for example, owned ourselves when we knew that Mike or Santana were at home. And one thing I couldn't speak bad of Santana: she never brought anyone to sleep in our house.

"Our landlady sent this letter." Santana took the envelope and examined it quickly before opening on the appropriate place to tear the content. It was a single paper with a short message with a signature and a stamp. "So?" I was curious.

"We're being evicted."

"What? Why? By any chance did you fail to pay our rent?"

"Me? Why are you accusing me? Our rent and all the bills are paid on time, thank you."

"Then why?"

"She wants the apartment back because her son is moving to New York and she will give it to him. She said there is another two bedroom apartment in Jamaica, Queens, if we want. Well… if her son wants this one, imagine the other one?"

"But we signed a two years contract!"

"And that both we and the landlady can break it at any time for a fair reason. There is a clause in the contract. She can't rent it for another person without our will till the end of the lease, but she can ask us to leave to grant the real state for a relative, as her son."

Suddenly, I was floored. Although everything, I was so used to that apartment and I called it home without hesitation. I sat next to Santana.

"When will we be evicted?"

"She gave us two months."

"Really? That much?"

"She might be following her son's agenda. At least we have some time to search for another place." Santana closed her eyes and sneezed. "Sorry... but I think all this snow finally left me cold. I felt chills and sneezed all day."

"I don't know what will make your sister freak out more: the apartment or your flu." I jumped away from Santana. "Besides, you were the one here who didn't take the annual vaccine. Rachel is going to freak out even more."

"I had no time, ok? Then, I rarely get sick."

"Maybe the amount of marijuana that you are smoking lately with your college friends has contributed to your low immunity."

Santana didn't argue with me. She just got up and went to the bedroom. As much as I tried to fulfill my promise to Rachel to not get myself in trouble with Santana, sometimes I had to speak my position. I had nothing against parties and I sometimes went to some on NYU. That's why I was very aware of what happened at some of these parties and meetings: marijuana, cocaine, speed and other chemical drugs. They could circulate as much as they want that I didn't care because I had no curiosity to try. Santana's marijuana was the least worst, but I also knew that it was the gateway to other drugs. I didn't know how much she is strong to resist, so she is kind of a time bomb. I'd rather to make her stop in the beginning.

Rachel arrived a few hours later. She checked on Santana, who was getting really sick. I had to go to the drugstore and buy a syrup remedies to relieve the symptoms while Rachel made a tea of lemon and garlic to her sister. Santana was feverish and Rachel was there taking care of her but with a mask on her face, which was a touch of comedy.

"Have you packed your bed?" Rachel asked.

"Will you sleep with me... in my room? On my narrow bed?"

"Why the surprise? I won't sleep in the same room where my sister is filling with germs. I can't get sick, Quinn. I have a musical to play and a voice to take care."

"So if you will sleep with me, really sleep all night irrespective of sex, this time, please, do not complain that my single bed doesn't have space enough to you stretch before getting up, or move in your sleep. Just accept that I'm your big spoon." And a kissed my girlfriend.

"Two people on a single bed it is an uncomfortable situation. Your mattress sucks, and my back and neck huts because I can't move. It was nice to sleep with you all night on my old bedroom in Lima."

"Of course! You have a double bed!"

"Exactly! At least we know that this situation will necessarily change soon."

In the meantime, we were interrupted by Mike, who introduced us quickly to a woman before dragging her to his room. Not long after, the noises began.

"This letter was a sign." Rachel confessed. "For some time now, this apartment bothers me. It's a very small narrow three bedroom place. It's kind of tight. Our furnishings are still those old from the beginning. It will always have a disorganized ugly appearance, no matter how much we clean and organize everything. My sister did a great job at first, but I think it's time to improve things in other place."

"Are you saying you've thought about moving out?" My attention was totally focused on Rachel, despite the moans coming from Mike's room.

"I want a better place: one in which we could organize our things, we could invite our friends without getting embarrassed. Taking Mike, no one brings friends here. Only Johnny and my parents came here. Have you noticed it? I don't bring my cast fellows here, you don't invite your friends from NYU, and even Santana don't bring anyone from Columbia. I want a place spacious enough to fit our queen size bed, that Santana can have her own room where she can study in peace and even bring a boyfriend or girlfriend without feeling obliged to fulfill a deal. The good news was that we have money for that. If I can pay the rent of a fine apartment by myself right now, imagine the three of us?"

"And Mike?"

"Mike can find another place to have his sex life. You know it is for the best."

"Let me get this straight: you want to take this opportunity to look for an apartment where we can share a room. Us: me and you. And Santana can have a room for herself. And we can sell all the furniture to buy others in which the sofa can harmonize with the chairs?"

"Basically."

"I accept, my love." I hugged and kissed Rachel.

True be told: I felt bad to not include Mike. We were like D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers in New York all this time. But Rachel had an irrefutable point: Mike's behavior bringing all these women here was kind of out of control, even though he cooked like a pro chef. And it's not like we won't be friends anymore. We would still be like D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers with more comfort.