Will The Real Rachel Berry Please Stand Up?

12

Quinn was inordinately pleased to see Rachel ready to join her on their morning jog as she arrived at the Berry household and after shy hellos they set off.

"I really don't want to go to school today. I'm embarrassed about Glee yesterday," Rachel eventually opened the conversation, eyes fixed ahead after they'd rounded the halfway point of their route.

"You've got nothing to be embarrassed about - it's the rest of us that should be mortified and reluctant to show our faces." Quinn glanced at Rachel and then gently took hold of her arm so they stopped jogging and Rachel faced her.

"I hate myself for how I've treated you and what I've encouraged others to do to you," Quinn said softly watching tears form in Rachel's eyes," I can't change the past but I am trying to be a better person now. Sorry just seems so" she sighed, "inadequate."

Rachel examined her face carefully and Quinn held her gaze. Rachel nodded once at her quickly wiping away her tears..

"What you really need to fear is what one word lesson objective Mr Schue is now going to inflict on us at the next Glee club meeting. Respect? Teamwork? Inclusiveness?" said Quinn trying to lighten the mood.

"Responsibility? Fairness ? DramaQueenery?" Rachel offered hesitantly as Quinn laughed. Rachel's face turned serious," It doesn't matter Quinn; I've decided I'm leaving Glee Club - I think I've had enough. I've had enough of McKinley too."

"it's your decision of course and I totally understand why you might feel that way but enjoy what time you have left in Glee" Quinn started, reaching out for Rachel's other arm as she spoke,"Rach, you're an amazing singer and I think you live to perform. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" she raised her right hand to touch Rachel's nose before gently stroking her cheek to illustrate her point. They gazed intensely at each other.

"Care to elaborate on the amazing singer?" joked Rachel to break the tension.

"You're spell-binding, breath-taking and incredible," replied Quinn noting Rachel rolling her eyes," Seriously. I could listen to you sing all day. In fact.."

She swung her backpack off and found her I-pod, scrolling through her playlists she found the one she wanted and offered the earphones to Rachel.

"I think you're old enough for RB Ear Candy now" Quinn smiled. Rachel looked puzzled as she put the earphones to her ears, her expression quickly changing from surprise to amusement. She began to laugh -' RB, Rachel Berry you idiot' she thought. A playlist of her songs including audio versions of her MySpace videos.

"Wow Quinn I'm impressed. You've been lurking on my MySpace page!" Rachel grinned

"Did I say amazing, I meant awesome" Quinn noted that Rachel had recognised the quote, "I could possibly be your biggest fan" added Quinn, her heart racing as the pair locked eyes again.

"Beyond my parents, you might be my only fan" replied Rachel smiling," Maybe I'll stick with Glee once Schue's contrition? empathy? apology? lesson is over."

They began to jog again. Rachel was trying to get her head around Quinn having a playlist of her singing and Quinn was wondering whether she'd just 'upped her game' or shot herself in the foot.

The early pre-school unofficial emergency Glee club meeting was beginning to annoy Quinn. A nearly full turn out (Finn and Santana were never going to attend and Rachel was uninvited) was currently squabbling over what song to sing to make amends with Rachel - Quinn feared debate on the one word to sum up the theme of their chosen song would be next.

'Sorry seems to be the hardest word' "too mournful"

'You've got a friend in me' "too Disney"

'You've got a friend' "promises more than we're prepared to deliver"