The List

Loving and Caring

Cory and Lea were on the private plane. They were sitting next to each other talking when Lea stood up and went to the bathroom. Cory got worried, but didn't want to pry. He wanted to help her out if her could.

Lea came back out and she was looking pale. Cory asked, "Are you okay, Lee?"

Lea said, "I think I have food poisoning. This is terrible timing. I tried out the new deli down the street from the studio and now I am paying for it. I am so sorry. I hope I don't ruin anything. I hate that this is happening."

"Come here, Lee. Let me help. I am sorry you are feeling so ill."

"Thanks, Cor." Lea walked over and sat down where she had been sitting. She curled up to Cory's side and rested her head on his shoulder.

Cory ran his hand over her forehead and said, "You are a little warm. When we get to mom's I'll go to the store and get you some Sprite. You have to get something in your system. I don't want you to go dehydrated on me. I just want to make you feel better."

"You are so sweet. You are amazing. Thank you so much for everything. You are the best. Why are you so perfect? I don't see why a guy like you doesn't have a girlfriend. Any girl would be lucky to have you."

"Thanks, Lee. I just can't get the girl that I want no matter how hard I try."

"I don't see why not. You are so caring. You put others ahead of yourself way more than you should. I mean look at you now taking care of me. You really don't have to. I'm sure you have to rehearse tonight. You don't need to be worrying about and caring for me."

Cory smiled. "I only worry about the ones I care about. I can't help it. Lea, thank you for coming with me. I really appreciate it. Mom and Shaun are going to be so happy to meet you. Don't be surprised if they say they have heard all about you. I can't keep my mouth shut on the phone some times and you are the topic of conversation a lot of times."

"I am?"

"Of course you are. You are my best friend. I'm glad they get to meet you."

"I'm glad I get to meet them, too. I get to meet this famous niece of yours, too, right?"

"I sure hope so. I miss the little munchkin. Her name is Layla. I call her Laylee. She is my favorite member of my family. I just can't tell anyone else that. I think my mom would be upset. I think when you meet her you will be able to understand though."

"If she is anything like her uncle I am sure she is hard to not love. I can't wait to meet your family. It will be interesting to learn more about Monteith, the man of mystery."

Cory laughed. "Oh yeah. I'm so mysterious."

They laughed together and then Lea ran off to the bathroom again. Cory followed her and held her hair back as she emptied her stomach. He wished her could make her feel better.

Cory carried Lea into his mother's house. Ann, Shaun and Layla were all waiting for him.

Layla came running and exclaimed, "Uncle Cory!"

Cory whispered, "Hey munchkin. Shh... My friend isn't feeling very well. It's been a long ride here. I'm going to go put her down in my old room and let her rest. Then I'll be all yours to love and squeeze all over soon."

Cory took Lea up to his old bedroom. He kissed her softly on the forehead. He couldn't stop himself. He quietly walked out of the room and down the stairs.

Shaun stopped him before Layla could get to him. He said, "She is just a friend, huh?"

Cory sighed. "I'm in love with her, okay. It is a long story, but I am in the process of winning her heart. She had a list of her dream guy she made with some of the girls on set. Mark and I found it. I have been going out of my way to show her that I am all the things on her list."

"Why didn't you just ask her out? I'm sure that would be a lot easier."

"That would take away the thrill."

"Whatever. You are a strange one, dear brother. I hope things work out for you. She is attractive."

Ann came in with Layla following on her heels. She said, "Baby, I'm so glad you are home."

"Mom, I'm almost 30. I'm not so much of a baby anymore."

"You will always be my baby. Don't you forget that. So that is Lea. I can't wait to meet her. You were saying that she isn't feeling well?"

"Yes. She tried a new restaurant and got food poisoning."

"The poor dear. I hope she gets to feeling better and you can both enjoy your trip. I really can't wait to meet her and get to know here."

"You will love her."

"You love her, don't you?"

"Yeah. I'm trying to get her to see me as a person as more than a friend."

"You are going to end up with her. I just know it because of the way you walked in here holding her."

Layla stomped her foot and said, "Uncle Cory, can I have my hug now or are you going to keep talking?"

Cory laughed and picked Layla up swiftly in his arms. He tickled her and said, "I am so sorry, Miss. Laylee. How are you doing? How is kindergarten treating you, big girl?"

Layla smiled. "I like it. I have lots of friends. I miss you bunches."

"I miss you, too. You know you can call me anytime you want to. My phone is always on for my favorite munchkin."

Lea came walking down the stairs and said, "Cory Monteith, I can't believe you did that. Your family has to think that I am so rude."

They all looked up at Lea. Lea blushed and said, "I am so sorry."

Cory put Layla down and told Lea, "You needed to rest and I know you aren't feeling the best. I wanted you to get some rest before I went to see if you wanted to come with me to the rehearsal."

Lea bit her bottom lip and said, "I'm so sorry. I'm a terrible guest. I'm Lea Michele."

Ann walked over and pulled her into a hug, "We know who you are, sweetheart. I don't miss an episode of Cory's show. What kind of mother would I be if I did? It is so nice to meet you. The two of you look even better in person than you do on television."

Lea blushed. "Thank you, Mrs. Monteith."

"Call me Ann. Anyone important to Cory is important to us."

Shaun said, "Hi. I'm Cory's older and awesome brother, Shaun."

"It's nice to meet you."

Lea got down in front of Layla and said, "You must be Layla. Your Uncle Cory brags about you all the time. It's nice to meet you."

Layla smiled and hugged Lea. She told her, "You are pretty. You and Uncle Cory should date."

Cory kind of chuckled. He had to admit the kid was awesome. He always knew she was his favorite for a reason.

Lea was feeling better so she decided to go with Cory to the rehearsal. Layla had begged and pleaded to go with them. Cory couldn't say no to her. Lea offered to watch her while he practiced with the band. When he had two girls pouting at him and his mother and brother snickering in the background he couldn't say no.

Lea had Layla sitting on her lap. Layla looked up at her and said, "Can you be my Aunt Lea? I have a mommy and daddy, but I don't have an aunt? Uncle Cory really needs a girl. That is what daddy says all the time. You know he is awesome. He is my favorite. Don't tell daddy."

Lea smiled. "Your secret is safe with me. If you ever need anything, just call Uncle Cory. Make him let you talk to me. Layla I can see why your uncle thinks so highly of you. You are a lot like him. I would be very lucky to be an aunt to a little girl like you. I just hope that one day I get the chance."

"You will. I think Uncle Cory likes you a lot."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. His eyes sparkle when he sees you. It's like he is looking at Cinderella."

"You sure do lay it on thick, kid. You are awesome."

The band started playing and the two girls squealed as loud as they could for Cory. He had his own little cheering section. All he could do was smile.