take me back to the start

Chapter 4: Made for Each Other

August, 2012.

Rachel stared at the television in total and complete shock. One moment, she had been flipping tv channels looking for something to pass the time, and the next she was watching a glorious singing Finn Hudson on the tv screen, yes, her Finn Hudson (the surprise had been strong enough to make her forget the "never mention his name again" rule).

"We're breaking free

we're soaring, flying

there's not a star in heaven that we can't reach

if we're trying

yeah we're breaking freeee."

It took her another ten minutes to pick her jaw up off the floor. Since when had this happened? And why had nobody bothered to tell her? Hadn't she and Mercedes talked yesterday (Rachel had wanted to wish her luck on her American Idol audition) and didn't she and Kurt, Finn's step brother for Moses's sake, see each other at least twice a week?

She ran to her computer and googled 'Finn Hudson', feeling like an alcoholic bingeing on vodka after years of AA.

Her jaw was back on the floor when she saw there were almost a million hits. Clicking on the first interview she saw, Rachel rapidly scanned through the article.

Finn Hudson, the break-out star of the surprise Disney Channel summer phenomenon, My School Musical, went from Midwestern jock to A-lister in a matter of months. After being discovered by the director Jeremiah Ritter at an amateur production of Oklahoma at USC, Hudson has been taking Hollywood by storm with his classic good looks, charming smile, and irresistible singing voice. Many critics speculate that much of the My School Musical's groundbreaking success is rooted in Mr. Hudson's charismatic star presence, boyish appeal to the tween generation, and refreshing vocal talents. And not only is the 19 year old signed to reprise his role in the big screen sequel to My School Musical, but he's also rumored to have secured the role of Higgins in the revamped (and very hyped) teenage adaptation of My Fair Lady. We predict a bright future for this rising young talent.

Rachel spent the next five hours alternating between watching the full film online and researching Finn's newfound stardom, fuming silently the entire time. She was unconsciously glad that her compulsive need to always be the best was overshadowing the unpleasant feelings that were reviving within her, because she knew that if she thought about it too much, she'd realize the reason she felt like vomiting was because the boy she thought had been her one true love was living a life entirely independent from hers.

Of course.. This would happen to Finn.

The boy who had been the object of the affections of half the glee club with the uncanny knack forbewitching people into loving him would luck out and get the biggest break ever... I mean, do they even let boys that tall in Hollywood?

This was utter and complete bogus.

Okay Rachel slow down, deep breaths.. So what? He's the clear winner of this round but you're not doing too shabby yourself. You just received a certificate of completion with honors from the best performing arts school in New York. You've recently been promoted to understudy for the lead female role of a Broadway musical that was nominated for 11 tonies. Not only that, but you've performed on Broadway in front of a live audience two times already! Remember the stage.. remember the attention.. remember the applause.. that's what you're living for. Plus you're next in line to play Wendla once Katerina Johnson moves on to something else (and let's be honest, your voice is far superior to hers anyways). And you're only 19! These are serious accomplishments that should not be taken lightly. So what if Finn has paparazzi following him and three online fan websites.. That movie was comic fluff and he'll probably end up some washed up teen starlet anyways while the immutable foundations you've built for yourself will ensure a long and successful career.