Rachel's Turn

Chapter 42

***** Sorry it took so long. Summer vacation and increased work. Thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts on this chapter and the story as a whole so far!!! Luv you guys!!****

Three days had passed since Rachel confronted Cole in the choir room, and they managed to talk only when necessary to the other since. While talking to Ryan last night, she decided to only see the positives and concentrate on the incredible experience of singing at the Opry. She was determined to have a great weekend and have some fun as Amy demanded.

The day crept like a turtle in molasses, but finally the final choir practice was ending. The choir director gave her last words. "I want everyone to get a good night's rest and remember to hydrate and not stress your voices. I have your agenda, car and room assignments in the envelopes with your names. Some of you have parent's permission to leave after the show or stay the extra night but I want everyone to take care of each other and check out with me before you leave. We will have to adjust the rides back a little. There will not be any changes to these assignments." 

There were groans from about half the seniors. "Don't give me that, I know you all are basically adults but Nashville is not home and guys, I want you to take care of the girls. We will meet in here in the choir room at 9:00 am sharp and we will be caravanning together. No one passes the lead car, understand? Do you all understand me? I am so proud of each of you so lets give the best performance and have some fun!"

The excitement was palpable as everyone cheered and smiled. What a way to end the senior year. We knew we were going to knock their socks off at the benefit. Rachel gathered her bag and made her way to the table to grab her envelope and make her way to her car. All she could think about was who she would be riding with and prayed that her request to not ride with Cole had been granted. 

Getting into her car, she paused to open her envelope and skimmed the paper for the car assignment. Rachel Taylor: Car 3 Cole Baker. Great. Ryan's really going to be pissed! I have to ride in a care with Cole for almost 4 hours? How am I going to explain this to Ryan?

Rachel called Amy to seek advice. "Hey girl, where are you? I need to talk."

"I am pulling into TCBY. I will order your favorite and see you here in 5minutes." Amy had been waiting to talk to Rachel all week about this trip. Sure they spoke briefly about the hot military boys that would be there but Rachel kept everything light. Amy did not push her friend all week but was glad to have reaching out to her.

As usual, Amy sat on the patio under the pink umbrella and waited for Rachel. Amy ordered Rachel the large Cookie Dough Shiver since she had a feeling the extra comfort was needed. "Thanks Amy. You always know what I need."

"That's what best friends are for my dear. So, what is up? Nervous about this weekend?" Amy inquired as she took a spoonful of her Banana Split Shiver."

"Not nervous to sing, but nervous for the ride. I made my request to not ride with Cole but look at this." Rachel handed the paper to Amy so she could read it for herself. Rachel Taylor: Car 3 Cole Baker. Her head shook back in forth as she swallowed a spoonful of her dessert and looked to the table.

Amy needed to diffuse Rachel's anxiety or her friend was going to be miserable the entire weekend of this once in a lifetime experience. "Ok. I get it. I cannot believe you did not get to switch, but just because you are in the same car does not mean that you have to even talk to him. There will be others in the car right?"

"Might as well be because the only other one in the car is Randy and he will have his headphones glued to his ears like he always does. I am going to let him sit shotgun so maybe I can listen to my music too and ignore Cole." Rachel had decided to make the best of it.