Sorry for the wait. Although I hope to be quicker, let's just plan on new chapters every other week.

Chapter 15: Runaway Train

"Rachel? Rachel are you here?" Kurt called out as soon as he walked into the apartment.

"Why are you yelling? She's not here."

"Have you seen Rachel?" Kurt asked Santana when he saw her.

"No… What's going on?"

He didn't want to say it, didn't want to have to be the one to tell her because, as standoffish as she appeared, she was also very protective.

"What is it, Kurt? That face you're making… Not good."

"This uh… this photo was sent to me from a classmate."

Kurt reluctantly passed over his phone with a frown and cringe upon his face. Santana took the phone and stilled as soon as she saw the picture.

"Fuck! That's Rachel."

She looked over to see him nodding. There was a caption on the photo. Someone added, "Berry got picked" with a bunch of emojis. She quickly exited out of the message. She didn't want to see that.

"That's sick. Who the hell sent this?"

"It was passed around at school."

"What?"

"It gets worse, Santana."

"How?"

"The rumor mill at school is that there was one poster of that photo hanging in the classroom Rachel was supposed to be in. They say she came, saw it, and ran. I was hoping she was here, but…"

"Shit. She hasn't been home all day. When did this happen?"

"Hours ago. I was in class. We were doing… It doesn't matter, but I wasn't allowed to have my phone on me. I… I don't know who did it."

"It had to be that fuck head who has been harassing her."

"What? Who? When? What?"

"I guess we need to talk… And we need to find Rachel."

Santana didn't feel right giving away intimate details of Rachel's life – a true testament to how their relationship grew over the years – but it felt necessary here. Bits and pieces were missing, but the outline was all there, and Kurt was horrified.

"Why didn't she tell me? Why didn't she say anything?"

His best friend had been harassed for weeks and said nothing…

"She was scared and maybe embarrassed. I still don't think she's told me everything. I think she's a little in denial."

"No wonder she has been such a mess. What do we do?"

"We find her. Where do you think she would go?"

"Honestly, she hasn't been going many places beside school, work, and here. She's not here or school, and she's not scheduled to work tonight. Should we try Shelby?"

Santana cringed, but knew they had to.

"Yeah. Let's check in with her and take it from there," she agreed.

Santana was worried. Kurt was worried. Now they had to reach out to Shelby and undoubtedly worry her, too.

"You want to call or should I?"

"Rock, paper, scissors?"

Santana held out her hand. Kurt followed. He threw paper. She threw rock. She was making the call.

"You owe me," she hissed before going to grab her phone.

The call went through and rang and rang and rang until she was sent to voicemail.

"Pick up your goddamn phone," she yelled before hanging up and trying again.

This time, after several rings, Shelby answered.

"Santana?" she questioned.

"Do you always ignore important phone calls? Christ. Your daughter has been on the verge for weeks now and you want to ignore her friend's phone calls to you… Like they happen all the time."

Sighing and not looking to argue, Shelby asked, "Is everything ok, Santana?"

"No it very well isn't. Have you seen Rachel?"

"Seen Rachel? Like today?"

"Yes today."

"No. Last time we spoke was when she was over the other day. I sent her a text this morning, but she hasn't responded… What's going on?"

"So you haven't heard anything from her today?"

"No, Santana. What's going on?"

"We're just looking for her. We need to find her."

"Santana," she said, voice both firm and pleading.

"Look, I won't go into all the details, but she's not ok. We need to find her. She shouldn't be alone right now. She's not at home, school, or work, and she's not answering our calls."

Concerned, Shelby asked, "Is she in danger?"

Santana didn't know the answer to that and simply stated, "I don't know. She's just not in a good place right now. That's all. We need to find her."

"Let me help," Shelby said. "Tell me where I should look. We can split up and check everywhere."

"Santana… Maybe we should tell her everything," Kurt whispered.

"No."

"Yes."

"I can hear you both, you know," Shelby interrupted. "And now I think you have to tell me everything so we can help Rachel."

"Are you going to help us find Rachel or not? Because I really don't have time for this," Santana griped.

"This conversation isn't over. I want to know what's happening, but you're right. Let's find her."

Shelby could hear the sincere worry in Santana's voice and that made her push everything aside and take this very seriously. Something happened and she needed to help.

"Where should I look?"

The three made a plan to split up and search some local haunts. Kurt was taking the area by NYADA, Santana was taking the area by the apartment and work, while Shelby would clear the main city areas where Rachel might frequent… Anything music/performing related as well as parks.

Plan was in motion.

But they wouldn't find Rachel in any of those places.

For the life of her, Rachel couldn't fathom why she chose to show up there. She ran from school until she found a safe place to do her breathing exercises – which turned out to be the bathroom stall in a subway station, all the while feeling like she was slowly dying.

Shame painted every corner of her being.

Not ok, but breathing, she made the decision to take the subway to Grand Central and hop on the next train. She needed away from this city and the pain… Away from school and all the people there laughing at her misery. She didn't want anyone to know where she was or how to find her, but she didn't want to be alone either.

Her life felt over, and her thoughts were too dark to want to be alone.

So she took the train to New Haven thinking about the last place she felt… ok, welcomed and cared for maybe. She cried the whole way, thankful the train car she was in was mostly empty. She just couldn't stop the feelings. She was angry and scared and sad and embarrassed and everything in between. There was no containing that kind of emotion.

And it all felt like a double hit because that picture… It wasn't a fun, tasteful image she sent a lover, but the embodiment of her shame… of her lowest moment. It was like throwing salt on her gapping stab wound while others laughed as it happened.

She couldn't stand it. She couldn't bear to be around it. She just needed an escape.

When she arrived in New Haven, not really doing any better than she did in New York, she initially thought it would be better to hide out at Quinn's, but that didn't feel right. Someone was bound to call her and, honestly, she didn't think her subconscious brought her there for Quinn.

Instead, she took a car to her grandparents' house hoping for the best. Jack had been, honestly, the only person who hasn't forced her to answer any questions or seemed to expect something from her, and she hoped he would let her just, well, be.

That was where they found her, two hours later, sitting on their front porch, knees curled up to her chest and head down, unrecognizable from where they stood.

"Jack, there's someone on our porch," Maggie said.

"Who is it? Are they ok?"

They both saw the figure, eyes narrowed as they tried to make out who it was or what was going on.

"I don't know."

"Wait here," he told her, slowly walking toward the porch.

The closer he got, the louder the sniffling became. A head of dark hair and the woman's small stature became clear.

"Rachel?" he asked, slowly leaning down and putting a hand on her shoulder.

Rachel jumped, whole body tensing. Wide, wet eyes looked up to see who it was.

"Are you ok?" he tried again.

"Jack? Who is it?" Maggie asked.

"It's Rachel, honey, hang on."

He turned back to Rachel and asked her again if she was ok. She couldn't make herself speak, so just shook her head no. No, she really wasn't ok. Not at all. Not ever again.

"Ok, sweetie. You must be freezing. How long have you been out here?"

She didn't respond. Now Maggie was right beside him, nervously watching the scene.

"Let's get you inside, alright? I'm going to help you up."

Maggie and Jack both held out a hand for Rachel to take.

"We got you, sweetheart," Maggie whispered, pulling the scared, fragile looking girl against her. "Whatever it is, you'll be ok."

"I won't," she mumbled.

Maggie and Jack shared a questioning look as they ushered Rachel into their home. In a flurry, they wrapped her up in a blanket and set her by the fireplace. It was like they were moving around her in rapid succession, but she was in slow motion, just watching but not really there, not really seeing.

Jack lit the fire and really looked at Rachel. Maggie was sitting beside her, rubbing her back and warming her up. The poor girl looked knackered – just so tired and sad. Her face was red and puffy, undoubtedly from both the crying and the cold air.

Maggie carefully asked, "Rachel, honey, are you ok?"

She shook her head.

"Physically? Are you hurt? Do you need a hospital?"

She shook her head again.

"Can you talk to us? Tell us what's going on?" Jack asked.

"I'm sorry," Rachel mumbled. "I'm sorry."

"Hey now. None of that. What do you have to be sorry for?"

In a hiccupping, nearly gagging mess of sobs, Rachel managed to apologize for showing up like she did. "Didn't know where else to go."

"Rachel, I meant it when I said you're always welcome here. I just wish it was under better circumstances," Jack told her.

Jack motioned for Maggie to fetch a cup of water for Rachel who seemed on the verge of hyperventilating.

"Deep breaths, sweetie. Everything will be ok."

"No it won't. No it won't," she repeated, breathing coming in quicker and more strained.

When Maggie returned, Rachel had worked herself up again. Her hand was over her chest, and she swore to herself that she was dying. This was where she was going to meet her end… And that thought didn't scare her, which, in turn, did scare her… Ultimately making the whole situation worse.

"Help," Jack pled with his wife.

Maggie jumped into action, quickly getting behind Rachel, and wrapping her arms around Rachel's middle, squeezing. Rachel panicked for a moment. Her first instinct was to fight, squirming and trying to escape, but eventually calmed.

She felt herself mentally slow, breathing regulate, and the instinct to fight die down.

"In and out," she heard her grandmother tell her, whispering into her ear as she rocked her back and forth.

"Is she ok?" Jack asked his wife.

Maggie nodded, but just continued directing Rachel to breath in and out until she seemed to regulate further.

"Do you think you're ok now?" Maggie asked Rachel.

The girl just nodded.

"Can you talk? Tell me you're ok?"

"I'm… fine."

"Good. Now, honestly. Are you ok? What do you need?"

"I… I don't know," she answered.

Immediately, thoughts of what happened started working her up again, but she was already so wiped out. She couldn't let her mind drift. She couldn't think. She couldn't…

"No. Hey, no. You're alright. You don't have to tell us what happened. We don't have to talk about it. We just want to make sure that you're doing alright. What can we do for you?"

Just barely holding it together, Rachel looked at her grandparents and asked, "Can I… Can I stay here for a little while? I… You can say no… It's ok. I'll go…"

She moved to get up, but Jack stopped her.

"You can stay as long as you need, Rachel. You're safe here and always welcome. I told you that, and I meant it. Let us take care of you. Are you hungry?"

She shook her head no.

"What about something warm to drink? You must be freezing. Coffee? Tea? Cocoa?"

"Tea, please," she said, voice a little hoarse.

"Lemon and honey?"

She offered a weak smile and nodded.

"Ok. I'll get that for you. You stay here bundled up alright. Try to keep warm. Maggie will stay with you."

The two women were left alone and stayed in silence for a bit. Maggie rubbed against Rachel's blanket covered back and simply watched her granddaughter. She tried to stay silent, but it wasn't in her nature.

"Rachel, how long were you waiting?"

She shrugged, "Maybe a few hours."

"Why didn't you call?"

"I wasn't thinking. I just… I needed to be away. I needed to not be there."

"There being… Home? Did something happen?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Ok. You don't need to. You're safe here, and like Jack said, you're free to stay as long as you want. Do your roommates know you're here?"

She responded with a quick yes, a clear lie to Maggie. She was about to call Rachel out on it, but she could see the weariness and fatigue all over Rachel's face. She was in no place to have a deep conversation or confront whatever was going on. What Maggie thought she needed was for her to just go along with it.

"You look tired. When grandpa comes back with your tea, why don't you take it upstairs and get some rest?"

"Really?"

"Yes. Rest. We'll be here when you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Sounds like I have perfect timing," Jack said, coming in with a steaming mug of tea. "Here you go. And off you go. You can use the same room you used at Christmas. Remember where it is?"

She nodded.

"Need any help getting there?"

"I'm ok. Thanks."

"Call us if you need us."

She nodded and took her leave. The grandparents waited for her to be completely out of hearing range before communicating.

"Do you think she's alright?"

"Jack… Did she look alright to you?"

"No… I wish she would have told us what was wrong. Whatever it was had her hoping on a train and taking a taxi to come here spur of the moment."

"Whatever it was, it obviously wasn't good, but I'm happy she felt safe enough to come here."

"Me too. I think I'm going to call Shelby," Jack said.

Maggie nodded.

"Tell her to call Rachel's roommates so they don't worry about her. I'm sure they'll think to look for her at some point."

Jack pulled out his phone and hit Shelby's contact, waiting for an answer. The phone range and rang until he was sent to voicemail. Rather than leave a message, he immediately called again. Same result. This time he tried a text.

Call me back. It's important.

A few minutes later, his phone rang.

"Shelby, why didn't you answer me?"

"Hello, Dad. Sorry. I was… In the middle of something. Is everything ok? Is it mom?"

"Shelby… When your mom and I came home today, Rachel was at the door waiting for us."

"What?"

Relief was what he heard.

"So she's safe in Connecticut with you?" She was desperate for more confirmation.

"She was just a mess, Shelly. She must've been there for hours waiting for us. Said she needed to get away."

"But she's ok?"

"Yes. She's upstairs resting right now."

"Oh, thank God. We've been looking for her all day. Guys," she called out to Santana and Kurt who were currently brainstorming on her couch, trying to figure out where to check next. "She's ok. I know where she is."

Jack listened patiently to the conversation happening on the other side of the phone call.

"Where is she?" Kurt asked.

"How do you know she's ok? Is that her?"

"It's my dad, Santana. She's in Connecticut with my parents."

"Did she say anything? What happened?"

"Dad? Is she really ok? We've… We've been worried about her. Something happened at school today."

"I wouldn't really describe her as alright, Shelby. She was in a real state when we found her, but she's safe and resting now."

"Good. That's good. Do you have room for a few more? I need to see her and I think her roommates need to as well."

"Of course, Shelby. Get here safely. We'll take care of her."

"If anything changes…"

"I'll call you."

"Thanks, Dad. We'll see you soon."

After hanging up, she looked to her current guests and saw the impatient stares.

"I don't know much more than you already heard. She's in Connecticut with my parents. They say she is… Calm and resting now."

"We need to go there. See her," Kurt said, panic still in his voice.

He had been on edge all day. Santana wasn't much better, she just masked it more than he did.

"We are. I'm going to pick Beth up and then we're going to drive there. Alright? Do you two want to go home and get a bag. My parents are going to make up a room for you so we can all stay there. Maybe grab some things for Rachel?"

"Yeah… Yeah, we can do that."

"Alright. I want to get on the road as soon as possible. I'll meet you at your apartment to pick you up."

They worked out a plan, now they had to go see how Rachel was actually doing.

Shelby was debating whether she should call Hiram and Leroy. They had been exchanging texts here and there. She did let them know that Rachel was going through some things and that she suspected the men were getting divorced, but she didn't want to violate Rachel's privacy more than she already had. If there was any chance at a future of them, she couldn't tell everything to her fathers.

So, she decided against it. Her loyalty was to her daughter, and she needed to show Rachel that.

Shelby tried not to think too much about her daughter's state of mind, simply focusing on the tasks at hand. She threw together a bag for her and Beth before rushing out to pick up Beth.

"Why are we running, Mommy?" Beth asked as Shelby held her hand and speed walked back to the car.

"We're going to pick up Rachel's friends and then go see Grandma and Grandpa. Rachel will be there too."

"We are? But why? I thought Grandpa and Grandma were coming here."

"Well… Plans changed a bit. We'll figure it out. Ok?"

"Okay."

She didn't ask any more questions about the sudden change of plans, not even when Kurt and Santana hopped in their car and they started to long drive to Connecticut. But now that Shelby had them trapped with her, Santana riding shotgun, she wasn't going to let them escape her questions.

Shelby needed to know what happened to cause Rachel to run away and them to worry so much.

"Beth, sweets, put on one of your shows. Use your headphones please."

Kurt, in the back, helped her set up the tablet and once she was set up, made sure the volume was up loud enough to block whatever conversation he sensed coming.

"Good. Now. I need you to tell me everything," Shelby told Santana and Kurt. "Start from the beginning."