𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 | s. lopez + b. pierce

The Rhodes Not Taken

"Rachel, you can't quit."

"It's not up for discussion, Jayden Bernadette," Rachel said as she closed her locker.

The younger girl rolled her eyes at the way her sister decided to use her middle name, something she usually only did when she was being stern about something.

"But I don't want to go without you," Jayden whined. "Do you have any idea what Santana is gonna do to me if you're not there?"

"Santana isn't going to lay a finger on you," the older girl said, placing a reassuring hand on her little sister's shoulders. "Sit with Kurt if it'll make you feel better."

"And become an even bigger target?" the smaller girl scoffed. "No way."

"Well, it's not like you can sit with Finn since he's with Quinn, and they always sit with Puck the rest of the Unholy Trinity," Rachel shrugged. "You're only other options are the rest of the OG Glee Clubbers. Just stick with Tina and Artie, and do what you do best: stay invisible."

"Was that supposed to be a pep talk?"

"Look, you have nothing to worry about," the taller girl reassured. "You're gonna be just fine. I have to go, but I'll see you later."

Rachel gave her sister a quick hug before heading off down the hallway. Jayden sighed and made her way to the choir room. She could feel Santana's eyes on her as she sat down next to Artie and Tina.

She glanced over out of the corner of her eye and made eye contact with Brittany, who smiled at her. Santana's cold stare turned into a deathly glare, and Jayden turned back to the front of the room.

Mr. Schuester came in and told them to get up to run through Don't Stop Believin'.

Even while they performed, Jayden could feel Santana's hard stare watching her every move. She just knew the Latina would have her head if she looked at Brittany the wrong way. She didn't even know what it was that she had done that made her think that she had feelings for the blonde, but it was probably better not to interact with her at all for the sake of her own safety.

It's not that Jayden was opposed to the thought of dating a girl, in fact, she has thought about it. She grew up in a very open-minded household, and her two gay dads always made sure to let her know that they love and accept her no matter what.

The brunette was pulled from her thoughts as Quinn placed a hand to her mouth and ran out of the room. The music stopped, and everyone turned to see the door close behind the head cheerleader.

"I think she just had a bad breakfast burrito," Finn said as Jayden and Tina exchanged a doubtful look.

"Can we please talk about the giant elephant in the room?" Kurt asked.

"Jayden's sexuality?" Santana asked, smirking when the younger girl glared at her. "You better be careful, tater tot. This is Ohio. You'll get eaten alive if anyone finds out."

"Rachel," Kurt said, sensing Jayden's uncomfort and trying to bring the focus off of her. "We can't do it without her."

"That's not true," said Mr. Schue. "We may have to layer Santana or Mercedes over Quinn's solo, but we'll be fine."

"Maybe for the invitationals, but not for the sectionals," Artie spoke up. "And definitely not for the regionals."

"Wheelchair kid's right," said Puck. "That Rachel chick makes me wanna light myself on fire, and I can't believe short stack over here hasn't committed suicide yet just from being related to her, but she can sing."

"Th-that's really r-rude," Tina scoffed, placing a comforting hand on Jayden's shoulder. "D-don't listen to him, Jay."

"I guess it's national bully Jayden day," the brunette mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest and shuffling her feet uncomfortably.