Hi Guys Another Day, Another Chapter
With this being Episode 8, how about 8 reviews for it :)
Guest #1 - I agree Rachel does what she wants and Finn just wants her to be happy, although I promise it all works out
Vickstick - Thank You :) Xx
Bev Beltz - Thank You, I'm glad you think so - don't worry I like happy ending just with a few steep bumps along the way.
Noro - Thank you for always reviewing :) I love it
Guest #2 - I agree on both points, Finn and Puck are the underrated friendship of this story and Finn, in my unbiased opinion, is the best person in this story :) - Thank you for your review
Once Again Happy Reading - See you again tomorrow
2x08
Mercedes' Apartment – Brooklyn – Thursday Afternoon
"So, that happened again" Mercedes stated as she looked over at Sam. The two were laid in Mercedes bed after once again spending the night together. Sam's shoot had been extended and instead of staying at his hotel, Sam had stayed at Mercedes. Mercedes had thought it was a good idea at the time but as she continued to watch Sam, she was slowly changing her mind. Mercedes mind was all over the place. She wanted to be with Sam but she also knew what it would mean once he left.
Sam nodded "Yeah it did"
"I have to go; I'm meeting the girls and I can't be late again" Mercedes said as she got out of bed. She quickly took off her pyjamas and threw on her jeans while Sam watched her from the bed.
"Do you want to talk about it" Sam asked. Mercedes was racing around her room, getting ready but she still turned to Sam and shook her head.
"I'm not sure there is anything to talk about, you still going back to LA next week" Mercedes reasoned. She knew she was being slightly childish by not talking to Sam but at that moment Mercedes didn't know what to say that would make their situation any better.
"I know but I still think we should talk" Sam argued, he flung back the comforter and got up to step in front of Mercedes before she could walk away from hm.
"Yeah, we should" Mercedes agreed, reluctantly before looking down at her watch "I have to go but I'll call you later"
The Diner – Park Avenue – Thursday Afternoon
Half an hour later Mercedes walked into the Diner, twenty minutes late, to see the others were already there, sat at their usual table and they already had drinks. Mercedes walked over to them and took a seat next to Rachel.
"And look who's finally rolled in, we do have jobs to get back to, you know. We can't be delayed because of your sex life" Santana quipped, giving Mercedes an unamused look as Mercedes shrugged off her jacket then grabbed a menu.
"How do you know I was having sex" Mercedes wondered, not meeting Santana's eyes.
"You missed a button" Quinn whispered leaning over the table and eyeing the middle button on Mercedes shirt. The others smirked at her as Mercedes straightened herself up as the waitress came over to take their order.
"So, Sam's still in town" Rachel stated once the waitress had taken their orders. As far as they all knew Sam was supposed only be in town for a week and should have been gone by now.
"His shoot got extended, he leaves next week" Mercedes said. She knew her friends would want more answers but she wasn't in the mood to give them any, especially when she didn't even really know herself.
"And what happens then" Santana wondered.
"Guys we talked about this. We are just enjoying each other's company nothing more" Mercedes argued. Rachel and Quinn shared a look, sensing Mercedes tone but Santana didn't care. She thought Mercedes needed to own up to her decisions whether she wanted to or not.
"You can't really think that we believe that" Santana said, rolling her eyes.
"It's true" Mercedes snipped. They girls stopped talking for a second when they waitress came over to their table with their drinks. As if sensing the tense atmosphere, the waitress put the drinks down quickly and rushed away.
"Mercedes, you didn't get out of bed for three weeks the last time he left" Rachel said, seriously once the waitress was far enough away.
"I told you I'm fine" Mercedes exclaimed. She didn't want to relive the last time Sam had left her because even after a year it was still painful to think about, luckily for her Rachel's phone started to ring before any more could be said.
"One second" Rachel said before answering her phone "Tina I'm just at lunch with the girls... what, Right now?" Rachel sighed "Okay I'm setting off now"
"Everything okay?" Quinn asked as Rachel got up from the table and started putting her coat. Rachel wasn't too worried about the phone call but she knew Tina wouldn't interrupt her lunch without a good reason.
"Yeah Tina said I have to get back to the office straight away" Rachel explained, she put her phone in her bag then slung it over her shoulder "I better go, I'll talk to you guys later"
Rachel gave each other them a quick hug before she started to leave, before she walked away she glanced over at Mercedes and pointed her finger at her.
"This doesn't mean this conversation is over"
Rachel's Office – Broadway Star Offices – Thursday Afternoon
"Okay Tina, what was so important it couldn't wait until the end of my lunch" Rachel asked, frustrated as she walked into her office to see Tina sat on the sofa, excitedly waiting for her. Rachel dumped her bag and coat on the glass table then looked over at Tina.
"So, do you remember the interview Barbara Streisand was going to grant one magazine to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Funny Girl on Broadway" Tina explained getting more excited although Rachel didn't notice.
"I do remember, so who did she pick" Rachel asked, distracted as she looked through her mail.
"She picked us, she picked Broadway Star" Tina declared. Rachel span around to face her excited assistant.
"I'm sorry what?" Rachel gasped. Rachel had put in a call with Streisand people to talk about the cover and interview but in her wildest dreams she didn't think they would pick her magazine because Barbara Streisand as very particular about who she gave interviews to and Rachel thought she would pick a higher grossing magazine or one with a lot more followers.
"She wanted it to be a Broadway magazine. She's going to give us a full interview and photoshoot" Tina exclaimed, growing more excited with each word. She rushed over to Rachel who was frozen in shock.
"Are you telling me Barbara Streisand is going to do be on the cover of my magazine" Rachel gulped, she grabbed Tina's arms to steady herself as Tina nodded her head earnestly.
"Hmmm her people are going to call later today to set everything up" Tina concluded with a large smile.
"I'm going to be very unprofessional right now" Rachel beamed, before she started jumping up and down, clapping her hands, excited "Ahhhhh, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT"
Rachel jumped up and down for a few seconds while Tina looked on amused, she was susprised none of the staff had rushed in to see what all the noise was.
"Tina get in here" Rachel shouted, gesturing her hand to Tina. Tina grabbed her hand and the two began jumping and screaming in the middle of Rachel's office.
"Ahhhhhhh"
Finn's Classroom – Dalton School – Thursday Afternoon
"So, what do you think is the main symbolism in To Kill A Mockingbird" Finn lectured to his freshman class. The class had just begun reading the classic novel and Finn had yet to get them excited about it. He hoped them knowing they would get to watch the movie version, they would perk up a little.
"Extra points if you don't give me the answer that's already written on the board" Finn added when almost every hand went up. Almost all of then went back down and Finn tried his best not to roll his eyes. Before Finn could pick one of the few students who still had their hand up Principal Grant knocked on Finn's classroom door.
"Mr Hudson, can I have a word" Principal Grant asked. Finn nodded at the principal then looked back to his class.
"Okay kids I want at least four examples of symbolism when I get back" Finn told them before he followed Grant out of his classroom. They two walked for a few moments then stooped in front of a row of lockers.
"Is everything okay Principal Grant" Finn asked, trying to think of anything her had done to provoke a mid-day chart with the principal.
"Yeah, sorry I pulled you from your class Finn but I have to head to a school board meeting and I wanted to talk to you first" Grant explained.
"Okay?"
"Mr Duggers is retiring at the end of the month so we will need to find a new vice principal" Grant added, before smiling at Finn and clapping his hands together "And I think that should be you Finn"
"Really? I'm sure Mr Fields or Mrs Benson have more experience" Finn argued. He was shocked at the offer, Finn had always hoped one day he would be Vice-Principal and then Principal but he didn't think it would happen so soon for him and he knew they were other teachers who probably thought they would be in the running before him.
"Maybe so but nobody has a passion for this job like you do Finn, you don't have to say yes but I really think you should" Grant acknowledged
"Are you sure sir"
"I wouldn't offer if I wasn't" Grant shrugged, happily
"Can I think about it" Finn asked. While Finn was excited about the new position but he also wanted to think about if he was really ready for the position. Finn loved teaching but he knew he wouldn't have time for it if he was Vice-Principal.
"Of course, I'll need an answer by the end of the week though"
"I can do that" Finn nodded.
"Okay good, I'll let you get back to your class" Grant concluded, he slapped Finn on the shoulder then walked away, leaving the baffled teacher in his wake.
Rachel's Office – Broadway Star Offices – Thursday Evening
Later that evening Rachel and the rest of her executive staff were in Rachel's office going over ideas for the cover shoot with Barbara Streisand. The whole office was abuzz with excitement at such a big name being on the front of the magazine but nobody was more excited than Rachel. Funny Girl and Barbara Streisand were the reason Rachel fell in love with Broadway.
"We should have a full concept by tomorrow and we already have calls into Dior and Chanel for the clothes" Tina explained to Rachel. The two were sat at Rachel desk while other staff members were looking over rails of clothes to pick for the over photo, and photos from previous Barbara Streisand cover shoots.
"Okay I want everything run by me before any decisions are made" Rachel said. Tina nodded her heads slowly, she knew Rachel was going to be anal until everything was sorted.
"You got it"
"Hey guys" Finn said walking into Rachel's office, he looked around the office confused that people were still busy working when everyone had usually gone by 6'0clock.
"Finn? what time is it" Rachel asked looking up from her work to see Finn walk over to her desk. He took a seat across from her and Tina.
"It's 7, you ready to go to dinner"
"Finn you're not going to believe this. Barbara Streisand is going to do a cover shoot and interview with Broadway Star" Rachel exclaimed, she got up from her desk and rushed over to Finn who had jumped up from his chair and pulled Rachel into a tight hug.
"That's amazing baby" Finn cheered, he lifted Rachel off her feet and gave her a searing kiss. Finn had heard all about the Barbara Streisand interview when Rachel made her bid for it but when Finn didn't hear anything else he assumed Rachel's magazine hadn't been picked.
"I'm going to be here a while; we have to get the concept for the shoot perfect" Rachel added once Finn had put her down and walked back over to her side of the desk.
"Yeah course babe, I'll go out and get you all some food"
"You're the best" Rachel beamed, she watched Finn walk out of her office then remembered that Finn had text her earlier to say he had some good news to share with her.
"Wait what did you have to tell me" Rachel asked, she walked over to Finn who shook his head.
"It doesn't matter right now" Finn waved off.
"Tell me" Rachel demanded lightly, smiling up at Finn. She took his hand and stared him down, she wasn't going to let go until her told her. Finn chuckled at her.
"Mr Duggers is retiring and they want me to take the vice principal job" Finn replied, happily.
"Finn that's amazing!" Rachel praised, she threw her arms around him and gave him a quick kiss "I'm so proud of you, you're going to accept aren't you"
"I was thinking about it"
"You have to do it; you'll be amazing" Rachel affirmed, Rachel ignored all her staff slyly watching them as she gave Finn another hug.
"So, will you"
"We are pretty amazing aren't we" Rachel smirked, slightly before leaning up to join Finn's lips in a intense kiss.
169 Bar – Lower East Side – Thursday Evening
That same evening Santana had met up with Mercedes at the end of her at the bar to have a drink together. They had invited Rachel and Quinn but Rachel was busy at the magazine and Quinn was home with NJ. Santana thought it was the perfect opportunity to talk to Mercedes about Sam without having Quinn or Rachel telling her she was being too mean. Santana was a true believer that sometimes people needed some tough love.
"Crazy about Finn and Rachel isn't it, they are amazing them two" Mercedes said as she put another drink down in front of Santana then moved around the bar to sit next to her. Rachel had text all of them to let them know the good news about herself and Finn but at that moment Santana was more concerned with talking about Sam and Mercedes.
"Hmmm, so, no lover boy tonight?" Santana asked, before taking a drink of her Gin and Tonic.
"He had some launch party to go to"
"He didn't invite you"
"I'm not his girlfriend" Mercedes argued. She was already regretting inviting Santana for a drink. She glanced around the bar instead of at Santana who was giving her an unamused look.
"Exactly so why are you doing this again" Santana asked, sarcastically.
"Santana, I thought that if any one understood this, it would be you" Mercedes sighed, heavily. She took a big drink of her Budweiser then ran her hands through her hair. Santana looked at her confused.
"Why exactly?"
"Because there are some people we just can't let go of no matter how hard we try"
"You're not trying that hard" Santana argued, shaking her head "And besides I let Brittany go when I realised in the long run that we were both going to get hurt"
"Well maybe I'm not as evolved as you" Mercedes grumbled, crossing her arms. She had hoped if any would understand it would be Santana but she could see the opposite was happening.
Santana rolled her eyes "Cut the crap Mercedes. You're not a teenager. You're a grown adult who knows that you shouldn't be doing this. You let Sam go because you knew your lives were heading in different directions"
"Well maybe that's changed now" Mercedes stated, before reaching for her phone when her alert went off saying she had a new text message "Its Sam, he wants me to meet him"
"Go, we both know you want to" Santana sighed, before taking another drink of her beer.
Rachel and Finn's House – West Village – Thursday Night
After three hours of going over design concepts with her staff while Finn served them all Indian take out, Rachel and Finn tiredly walked through their front door both ready to fall asleep after the long day they had had. They left the lights off as the shrugged off their coats then slowly walked up stairs, going straight to their bedroom.
"The girls want to go for a drink to celebrate, all of us – Puck, Kitty and Joe as well" Rachel explained as she started taking off her work clothes. She threw them onto her dressing table chair as she was too tired to put them away.
"I'm sure that won't be awkward at all" Finn quipped. He threw himself down on their bed and closed his eyes.
"I'm all for a night where they want to celebrate me" Rachel beamed. She was in just her underwear as she walked over to her husband, who still had his eyes closed.
"Uh me as well"
"Of, course"
"So, do you wanna have our own celebration right now" Rachel smiled seductively. She climbed onto their bed and straddled Finn, who started softly rubbing his hands up Rachel's bare legs.
Finn nodded his head, earnestly "Absolutely"
Rachel's Office – Broadway Star Offices – Friday Morning
The next day Rachel was in her office going over the questions she needed to confirm for her features editor's interview with Barbara Streisand. Rachel wanted to do the interview herself but after talking to Finn, she knew she had to share the special moment with all her hardworking staff which was why almost of them were somehow involved in the cover shoot and interview.
Rachel looked away from her computer, and the email her editor had sent her when her phone started to ring with an incoming call from a number Rachel didn't recognise.
"Rachel Berry"
"Hi Rachel, this is Anita, I'm Mrs Streisand assistant. I'm calling to schedule the photo shoot and interview" Anita explained. Rachel composed herself for a moment before she spoke again.
"Yeah of course"
For the next few minutes Rachel listened to Anita go over the details of when Barbara Streisand would be available for they cover shoot and interview and what she would need with her for the shoot. Rachel said yes and no in the right places as she took careful notes all the while trying not to scream out in excitement.
"Mrs Streisand is looking forward to it, she's been a fan of your magazine for years" Anita praised. Rachel threw her hands up in the air in silent glee before going back to the phone call.
"I know this might not sound professionally but that's the best thing I've ever heard"
"She gets that a lot" Anita laughed, Rachel was glad she hadn't sounded too weird "We will see you next week Mrs Hudson"
"See you then" Rachel concluded. She said goodbye, put her phone down then threw her arms up and starting shouting in glee.
"Ahhhhhhh"
"Rachel! Is everything okay?" Tina gasped rushing into her boss's office when she heard the shouting, although Tina should have been used to the strange behaviour after so long working with Rachel.
Rachel nodded happily "I think I just realised I'm going to meet Barbara Streisand"
Finn's New Office – Dalton School – Friday Morning
Around the same time, Finn was being shown his new office by Linda, Principal Grants assistant. Finn had officially accepted the job that morning. It would be a big step up for Finn but after talking to Rachel he knew it was a step he was ready for. Finn loved his job and knew as vice principal he could make a real change in his students lives.
"And this is your new office" Linda explained as she opened the office door and let Finn inside "What do you think"
"It's great"
Finn looked around his new office, it had a large dark wood desk with a black leather chair. There were two chairs facing the desk and metal cabinets lining one side of the wall. It was devoid of any personal affects or artwork on the wall but Finn knew that would happen over time when he felt more comfortable in the office.
"Claire Hastings will be your new secretary and Miss Fields is going to take over your freshman and sophomore classes" Linda explained. Finn stopped looking around the room and turned back to Linda.
"Really why?"
"You won't have time Finn" Linda replied, with a kind smile "You'll be busy with school board meeting, budget meetings. Things like that"
"Yeah, I suppose I will, I hadn't really thought about it"
Finn knew he would have to give up some of his classes but the freshman and sophomore classes were usually Finn's favourite because that's where he got to know the students and which ones would really benefit from his class.
"Well I'll let you get settled" Linda said, handing Finn some papers "I'll see you at the board meeting later"
Finn glanced at the papers in his hand then back over at Linda "See you then"
The Raine Room – Manhattan – Friday Evening
That same evening, everyone and their partners were at the Raine Room waiting for Rachel and Finn to arrive so they could celebrate their great news. While these were awkward between Sam and Mercedes and even Quinn and Puck and their partners, nobody said anything instead they just made small talk waiting for the guests of honour to arrive.
"Look its Vice Principal Hudson" Santana cheered, holding up her drink when she saw Finn and Rachel enter the bar "And the woman who got Barbara Streisand on the cover of her magazine, don't you too ever get sick of being so good"
"That's Santana's way of saying congratulations to both of you" Quinn added, with a large smile as Puck handed them both a drink. Finn and Rachel took a seat at the table after giving everyone a quick hello. Rachel sent Santana and Quinn a look when she noticed Sam was among the group.
"Cheers to the Power couple" Puck declared, loudly holding up his drink. Finn blushed slightly embarrassed when they attracted the attention of the other people in the bar.
"Cheers!" Everyone cheered together, while Finn and Rachel shared a kiss.
XoXo
"So how long do you think the blonde Adonis is going to be back in our lives" Santana complained as she watched Sam and Mercedes get cosy in the corner of the bar. Santana, Rachel, and Quinn were at the bar getting everyone a drink while the guys and Kitty made small talk together at the table.
"I knew he was in New York; I was really hoping that Mercedes wouldn't see him and we wouldn't have to deal with all this" Rachel sighed.
"How did you know he was back?" Quinn asked. As far as Quinn and Santana knew Rachel had found out about Sam being in town the same way they had, when Mercedes had seen them on the street.
"He and Finn still talk, he mentioned to him he was coming. He was only supposed to be here two weeks"
"And then we'll have another 6 months of her refusing to get out of bed" Santana groaned. She shook her head as she continued to watch Mercedes and Sam. She might not show it in the same way Rachel and Quinn did but Santana was worried about her friend and didn't want to see her get hurt again, especially by something that Santana thought was easily avoidable, Mercedes had to stay away from Sam
"It might be different this time she knows this always had to end" Quinn argued, always trying to keep the peace. Rachel put her arm around Quinn in amusement and sympathy.
"I don't think she'll ever be able to let him go" Santana stated.
"Well it's not like we don't all have that one person we can't let go, lucky for me I married mine" Rachel acknowledged smirking at her two friends who looked at her confused.
"And who's mine?" Santana asked, slightly annoyed.
"And mine" Quinn added.
"Please yours is Brittany a part of you will always love her despite what you try to tell yourself and you" Rachel explained to Santana before looking over at Quinn "An you got so worked up about Noah dating because you need him there for when you're ready to admit your feelings"
"Objection" Santana called, slapping her hand on the bar.
"Over ruled" Rachel replied, smirking at them both "let's go back"
Rachel walked over to Finn who was playing pool with Puck and Joe while Quinn and Santana remained standing at the bar.
"Oh, she's annoying" Santana moaned, as she glared at Rachel's retreating body.
Quinn nodded "Agreed"
The two had a drink of their cocktails watching their friends by the pool table, then Quinn looked over at Santana.
"She's not, right is she?" Quinn wondered, nervous
Santana shook her head "No… absolutely not"
XoXo
Finn glanced over when he saw Mercedes leave Sam's side to go to the restroom. Finn jumped up from his seat and walked over to his friend. Finn hadn't had a real chance to talk to Sam for most of the night so without Mercedes next to him Finn knew it would be his only chance.
"Hey man" Sam started, giving Finn a brief hug "Congrats"
"Thanks, I'm glad you could make it" Finn replied, he walked over to the bar and gestured for Sam to follow him so that nobody could hear their conversation.
"Sam, I don't wanna get involved because you and Mercedes are adults and you my friend as well…." Finn trailed off but Sam wanted him to finish his sentence. He had a feeling he knew what Finn was going to say, Sam had been expected all night.
Sam gestured at Finn with his hand "But…"
"But it broke her heart the last time you left and I don't want to see that happen again. So, whatever you are doing all I ask is that you be careful with her" Finn concluded before taking a drink of his beer. Finn always told himself he wouldn't get involved when it came to Rachel's friends love lives but when it also involved someone that Finn called a friend, he couldn't help himself.
"I will do, I promise Finn" Sam stated, seriously. Finn knew that Sam meant it and he didn't want to hurt Mercedes but Finn could see that it might already be out of Sam's control.
Finn nodded "Good"
Sam nodded at Finn then walked back over to the groups table, where Mercedes was now sat, as Rachel who had been watching from the side-lines, walked over to Finn.
"Thank you, husband," Rachel said leaning up to give Finn a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm not sure it made much difference" Finn argued as he looked over at Sam and Mercedes who were leaned close together whispering to each other "Sam and Mercedes are going to do whatever they want"
Rachel nodded in agreement "At least we've done what we can"
Rachel and Finn's House – West Village – Friday Night
"Can't keep drinking like this when you become Vice Principal" Rachel joked as she helped Finn walk into their bedroom four hours later. Finn fell onto the bed and Rachel started helping him undress – starting with his shoes.
"Let's enjoy while we can then" Finn cheered then yawned loudly. Rachel finished taking off Finn's shoes then laid down on the bed next to Finn.
"You know it's a good thing we decided to take a break from the whole kid thing" Rachel acknowledged.
"You really think so" Finn wondered. He turned so he was facing Rachel.
"Yeah it means you've got time for your new promotion and I can concentrate on the magazine. we have to do the things we want" Rachel explained as Finn lightly stroked down her arm.
Finn nodded, half-heartedly "I guess so"
"This is a good thing; this is enough" Rachel stated but Finn wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him or herself. The two hadn't spoken about Rachel's decision to take a break from having a child in over two weeks and Finn was surprised Rachel was bringing it up.
"Rachel"
"Hmmm"
"I love you, anything we have together is enough for me" Finn declared, smiling softly at Rachel. She leaned over softly moved Finn's hair from his head.
"Me too" Rachel agreed, she gave Finn a chaste kiss "Mr Vice Principal"
"Oh, I do like the sound of that"