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âTaking over the New Directions?â Quinn repeated, quirking one of her eyebrows. The Rachel Berry she knew wouldnât be settling for some lousy show choir job in Lima. Rachel had always been the one who was aiming for the best she could possibly get. And sure, they all knew about her less than graceful fall from the top, but she didnât peg the other woman as a quitter. Still, she knew that she wasnât in the right to be judging. She was doing the same thing in theory, except that she knew the Cheerios could win.Â
âWhy?â she finally asked. âThis place, itâs not as glamorous as New York. I thought everything you ever wanted was out there.â She paused. âAnd what about Mr. Schue?â Their former Glee leader was probably off with his family, or pursuing his other dreams. Quinn was fairly certain one could only handle coaching a group of singing teens for so long before the drama got to be too much to handle and the students started boycotting when heâd suggest a Journey song.
âMe? Iâm.. Iâm the new coach of the Cheerios,â she told her. âCoach Sylvester is taking time away to be with her kid, and she asked me to step it. I figured I might as well. The Cheerios were at their prime when I was their captain, surely I can lead them to victory.âÂ
Licking her lips slowly, Quinn took a few steps closer. âDoes this mean we need to hate each other again? Maybe Iâll have to fight for the budget to get cut, or make up lies to get you fired. I could leak your setlist, if thatâs more appealing. Thatâs what Sue would do,â she said, pursing her lips. âIâm kidding, by the way. Iâm not that cruel.â
Was it slightly discouraging picking up on the judgment lingering in Quinnâs tone? Perhaps, but Rachel was extremely confident that she was on the right path. Maybe trading in her centre stage spot to stand in the wings as a high school show choir director seemed unorthodox to some of her former peers and supporters, but whether it was her ultimate destiny or just a stepping stone for something greater, Rachel felt a sense of belonging and purpose for the first time in months. Nobody could take that away from her.Â
âIt was indeed, but it doesnât feel like that anymore Iâm afraid,â Rachel explained simply, refusing to get choked up when she reflected on all the loss she experienced in the city she once called home. âLook, I know it may seem crazy. Iâve been talking about seeing my name in lights for as long as I can remember. Itâs been said my first words were literally âstarâ and âBarbraâ, although; I do think my dads may have embellished that childhood tale a little. Nevertheless, it was a dream of mine but sometimes dreams are meant to be outgrown. Could you imagine wanting all the same things you wanted for yourself when you were sixteen?â
âMr. Schue is actually working with Vocal Adrenaline.â She waited a few beats after dropping that bomb since she knew the thought of their beloved and well-respected Mr. Schue committing what could be best described as âshow choir treasonâ was a lot to take in. It certainly was for Rachel. âItâs really not as outlandish as it sounds. We may be competitors but weâve still managed to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship as former teacher and student. Mr. Schue has actually given me a lot of helpful pointers.âÂ
Now it was Rachelâs turn to be shocked out of her skull. âQuinn? Are you serious? Thatâs wonderful!â Maybe it was slightly out of line but Rachel couldnât fight the impulse to envelope her in a celebratory embrace. When Quinn joked about picking up where Sue had left off though, her face immediately dropped. âDonât scare me like that Quinn. I know youâre hyper aware of what kind of trauma that scenario would plague me with,â She scoffed, trying to keep it playful but realistically, she was still catching her breath. âBut really, this is tremendous news for both you and the Cheerios! Youâre bound to inspire a legion of smart, confident and fearless young women, much like yourself!âÂ
Rachelâs elated expression was replaced by one of minor confusion when she realized she had surely missed a few chapters. She was about to blast Quinn with borderline invasive questions in pursuit of receiving a life update when she figured sheâd do her one better. âAre you busy right now? Glee rehearsalâs finished for the day and Iâd love to catch up over coffee. I know you were never particularly fond of the Lima Beanâs subpar espresso quality but theyâve really widened their selection since our high school years.â
















