you belong with me

chapter 17

"Good morning, Rachel," Leroy greeted Rachel Monday morning as she entered the kitchen to join them for breakfast.

"Good morning, daddy," Rachel replied. She put some fruit in a bowl and poured herself some juice before she sat down next to Hiram, who was munching on some eggs and toast. "Good morning, Dad."

"Morning, Rachel," Hiram replied smiling towards his daughter.

"We didn't see you much yesterday to be able to ask you how the dance went," Leroy said, taking the seat on the other side of Rachel. "Did Noah treat you well?"

"We had a great time," Rachel replied, smiling brightly at Leroy. "Noah was a perfect gentleman, you don't need to be worried. I'm not sure if things will be working out with us as far as a relationship goes, but I'm sure we will continue to be friends."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear things aren't working out. I'm glad that you still want to be friends though. He was always a good friend to you," Leroy replied. "And I'm sorry we weren't up when you got home that night. Your father and I aren't as young as we used to be. We just can't stay up that late anymore!"

Rachel laughed, "It's alright. I understand."

"You're such a good daughter," Leroy said, patting her shoulder. He picked up his briefcase and car keys. "I suppose I should get going to work. I'll see the two of you this evening."

"Goodbye," Hiram and Rachel said together as Leroy waved goodbye and left the house.

As soon as Leroy was out the door Hiram turned to Rachel and put his hands together. "So, why don't you tell me how the dance really went?"

Rachel sighed, wishing her dad didn't know her so well. Although she knew Hiram would be much more understanding of the whole situation that Leroy would. "It didn't go exactly how I just described it." Rachel started off lightly, wanting to ease into things. "Noah kind of got kicked out because he spiked the punch bowl. I didn't drink anything and I disagreed with his actions completely. And yes, he's being punished. After Noah left I ran into Finn outside. We talked just like we used to, and it was great. I finally felt as happy as I used to, before we left for California."

"Besides Noah's actions, it doesn't sound like it was a bad evening at all," Hiram replied, standing up to put his dirty dishes in the sink. "What's with the long face?"

"Well, I think things might be happening between Finn and I, a more than friends thing, but Noah still thinks that we are dating. I'm not sure what to say when I see him today," Rachel said.

"I see," Hiram said, sitting back down in his chair next to Rachel. "Things are finally working out with Finn, but you don't want to ruin your friendship with Noah. Rachel, you're just going to have to be honest with him. If Noah's really your friend, he'll come around."

"Thanks, Dad," Rachel said, allowing his advice to sink in. "I guess I should head off to school before I'm late. Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck," Hiram said, standing up with his daughter, "everything will work out just fine."

"I hope you're right," Rachel said, grabbing her car keys. "I'll see you this evening."

Rachel's frown was turned upside down when she saw Finn waiting for her when she got to school that morning. He wore a big smile on his face as he stood next to the main entrance of the school building.

"You look happy," Rachel commented as she reached him. She scanned the halls for Puck, and when she couldn't find him, she planted a kiss on his lips as a greeting.

"Of course I'm happy, I'm standing next to the most gorgeous girl in the world," Finn said, kissing her again.

"Aww," Rachel said, pulling him along so they could walk to her locker. "So, come on, why are you happy? The real reason."