The next morning, as the sun began to rise, Rachel remained nestled under her covers, oblivious to the insistent beeping of her alarm clock. Just then, Cassie entered the room, pulling back the heavy curtains to let the golden sunlight flood in, illuminating the space with a warm glow. She approached Rachel's bed, the soft rustling of the sheets barely cutting through the morning stillness, and gently shook her awake.
Ugh," Rachel groaned softly, her voice barely escaping the thick veil of sleep. "I don't feel well," she murmured, her eyelids still heavy. Cassie, her brow furrowing with concern, reached out to touch Rachel's forehead. The coolness of her skin reassured Cassie that there was no fever, a small relief in the morning haze.
"Honestly, Cassie, I really don't want to go to therapy with Dr. Alderson today," Rachel confessed, her eyes now glistening with uncertainty.
"But Shells and Tiger said that Dr. Alderson is really nice and welcoming," Cassie replied, her voice tinged with confusion as she searched for the right words to comfort her daughter.
"She is," Rachel admitted, her voice small. "But what if therapy doesn't help me?" Fear crept into her tone, wrapping around her words like a thick fog.
"Oh, Rach," Cassie sighed, wrapping her maternal arms around the petite brunette, drawing her close in a warm embrace. "We will keep searching until we find someone who can help you. And don't worry about the money—we're doing well," she reassured her gently, trying to instill a sense of hope.
Rachel felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you for your honesty, Cassie. That puts my mind at ease," she said, finally sitting up. She leaned in to hug her mother tightly, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek, grateful for the warmth of her support. With a renewed sense of purpose, she left the comforting cocoon of her bed, ready to get dressed for school, as Cassie exited the room, her heart swelling with love for her daughter.
After breakfast, Cassie took Quinn Kitty and Santana to school while Shelby drove Rachel.
In the school hallway, Cassie caught up with Quinn, noticing how quiet she had been that morning. "Are you okay? Are you having boy trouble?" she asked with concern.
"It's neither of those, Mama. It just feels like you and Mom are focusing more on San and Rachel because they have more issues than me and Kit," Quinn replied with a sigh.
"I didn't realize we were neglecting you and Kit. We love all four of you girls very much," Cassie said with warmth. "You and I will spend some quality time together this weekend."
Quinn offered a slight smile, her interest piqued. "What do you have in mind, Mama?"
"We can go see that musical movie you've been dying to watch this weekend together," Cassie suggested cheerfully.
"Yes, Mama! I can't wait, thank you!" Quinn exclaimed, hugging her mother happily before rushing off to her classroom.
At William McKinley High School, Rachel confided in her friend Mercedes about a recent development in her life. "Shelby's got me going to therapy because she thinks I'm crazy," Rachel said, her voice tinged with frustration and vulnerability.
Mercedes, ever the supportive friend, offered a comforting smile. "I don't think Mrs. Corcoran believes you're crazy, Rachel. She's just worried about your current state of mind. I really think therapy could help you," she reassured her, sincerity shining in her eyes.
Rachel sighed, contemplating Mercedes' words. "Maybe you're right. Let's just go to class," she replied, her shoulders slumping slightly as they made their way to Spanish class. As the school bell rang, echoing through the hallways, they exchanged knowing glances.
After school, Shelby decided to cut Vocal Adrenaline practice short by an hour, knowing that she needed to take Rachel to her therapy session. The atmosphere in the car was thick with silence as they made their way through the bustling streets. Shelby glanced at Rachel, hoping to engage her in conversation, but Rachel continued to stare out the window, seemingly lost in her own thoughts.
Upon arriving at Dr. Alderson's office, they stepped inside and took their seats in the waiting area, the faint sound of a clock ticking punctuating the quiet. After a few moments, Dr. Alderson appeared, her warm demeanor instantly putting Rachel at ease.
"Are you still upset with me about not letting you go with Kurt?" Shelby asked gently, trying to breach the gap between them.
"Maybe," Rachel replied, her eyes still averted, filled with lingering hurt.
Just then, Dr. Alderson gestured for Rachel to come in. With a reluctant sigh, Rachel followed her down the corridor to the therapist's office, leaving Shelby behind with a heart full of concern.
"How are you doing today, Miss Berry?" Dr. Alderson asked, her voice warm and inviting, radiating genuine concern.
"I'm doing well, as expected. However, could you call me Miss Corcoran for the time being?" Rachel answered, her tone reflecting a mix of resolve and vulnerability.
Dr. Alderson smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with encouragement. "That's good to hear. But can I ask why you feel the need to change your last name, Miss Corcoran?"
Rachel took a deep breath, her expression earnest. "I don't want to be associated with my former parents, who weren't ever really there for me. I've found a place where I truly belong, and I feel loved there," she confessed, her voice steady despite the emotion behind her words.
Dr. Alderson jotted down notes with a focused intensity. "That's completely understandable. But how have things been since our last session?" she inquired thoughtfully, her gaze steady and attentive.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster," Rachel replied quietly, her eyes reflecting a flicker of pain.
Dr. Alderson noted this before continuing gently, "Have you noticed any changes in your behavior or any mood swings?"
"Not really, Doctor," Rachel said with a slight shake of her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Have you had a chance to try any of the strategies we discussed last time? If so, how did that go?" Dr. Alderson asked, her tone balancing professionalism with genuine care.
"Not really. I didn't because Santana thinks she's better than everyone else," Rachel admitted, frustration creeping into her voice.
Dr. Alderson made another note, her brow furrowing slightly in concern. "Can you elaborate on what happened that upset you? It's perfectly fine if you don't want to discuss it today," she offered compassionately.
Rachel sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Let's just say she likes to stick her nose in everyone's business. When I'm talking to someone, she just jumps in, and we end up arguing until our parents have to separate us," she explained, her tone laced with exasperation.
Dr. Alderson carefully noted this before asking, "How have your relationships with your family and friends been since our last session?"
"Well, my relationships with my friends are a bit tumultuous. I get along well with my grandmothers, and I have a decent relationship with Quinn most of the time. But lately, my interactions with my parents, as well as with Kitty and Santana, have been filled with arguments," Rachel confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and frustration.
Dr. Alderson continued to write, her brow furrowing slightly as she absorbed every word. "Have you been taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally?" she inquired, concern evident in her voice.
"Yes," Rachel answered, her tone firmer now, a flicker of determination igniting in her eyes.
"I'm glad to hear you've been taking care of yourself. However, we won't dive into communication techniques today. I know you've been through a lot with your former parents, and we'll address that at your next appointment next week. For now, I'd like you to have this golden journal," Dr. Alderson said, handing Rachel a beautifully bound journal. "I encourage you to write down your feelings in it and share those reflections with your parents."
"Thank you, Dr. Alderson," Rachel said, a smile breaking through her earlier tension as she accepted the journal. After the session, she stood to leave, feeling a glimmer of hope, and she walked out of the office as Shelby scheduled their next appointment for the upcoming Tuesday.
As Shelby driving Rachel home after Rachel's therapy session, an oppressive silence enveloped the car, thick with unspoken words. Rachel sat motionless, her gaze directed out the window, lost in a tempest of her own thoughts, deliberately avoiding any connection with Shelby. The moment they arrived in their driveway, Rachel flung the car door open with a sudden burst of pent-up energy and dashed inside their house, leaving Shelby in a state of bewilderment.
Confusion swirled in Shelby's mind as she sat there for a few moments, trying to grasp the reason behind Rachel's abrupt exit. Eventually, she gathered herself and stepped out of the car, her heart heavy with worry. Upon entering the house, she found Cassie standing by the kitchen door, her expression a mixture of concern and empathy. As Shelby approached her, Cassie gently shook her head in disbelief, understanding the weight of the moment.
In a tender embrace, Cassie wrapped her arms around Shelby, offering solace and support as the emotional toll of the day began to settle heavily on their shoulders. "Everything is going to be alright, babe," Cassie whispered softly, her words a fragile promise in the thickening air.
Rachel sat in her cozy bedroom, immersed in the soothing melodies of music that filled the air. With a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, she sang along passionately to "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood , her voice rising in harmony with the notes. In her mind, she imagined herself performing in front of her fellow Glee club members, New Directions, conveying every emotion as she poured her heart into the song.
{RACHEL}
Loving you isn't the right thing to do,
How can I ever change the feelings I conceal?
If I could, I'd willingly offer you my world,
Yet how can I, when you refuse to take it from me?
{RACHEL with NEW DIRECTIONS}
(You can go your own way) Go your own way,
(You can call it another lonely day)* Another lonely day,
(You can go your own way) Go your own way.
{RACHEL}
Tell me why everything turned upside down?
Packing up, shacking up—it's all you seem to want to do.
If I could, love, I'd give you my world,
Open your heart, for everything is waiting for you.
Ohh!
{RACHEL with NEW DIRECTIONS}
(You can go your own way) Go your own way,
(You can call it another lonely day) Another lonely day,
(You can go your own way) Go your own way.
{RACHEL}
Oooohh-heey!
{RACHEL with NEW DIRECTIONS}
(You can go your own way) Go your own way,
(You can call it another lonely day) Another lonely day,
(You can go your own way)Go your own way,
(You can call it another lonely day)
{RACHEL}
Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!
{RACHEL with NEW DIRECTIONS}
Ooh!
You can go, you can go—
Ooh! (You can call it another lonely day)
Call it another lonely day, yeah (You can go your own way)
Go your own way.
As Rachel sang, she felt every note resonate within her, each lyric a reflection of her own hopes and struggles, connecting her with the vibrant essence of her dreams.
After Rachel finished her captivating song, Quinn gently knocked on her bedroom door, announcing that dinner was ready. With smiles on their faces, they made their way to the dining room, where the family talk and ate the delicious meal together.
Once dinner was over, Rachel and Quinn tackled their chore of cleaning up together, chatting and laughing as they organized the plates and utensils. After their work was done, Rachel retreated back to her cozy bedroom, where she settled down to tackle her Spanish homework. She thoughtfully left her notebook on the kitchen counter for Shelby to check later, ensuring it would be ready for review. Finally, after a long day, she prepared for bed, reflecting on the events of the evening as she drifted off to sleep.