Oka, here it is! I got done early since I'll be out of town this weekend! And we are not going back to the present yet. Enjoy my lovely readers, and don't forget to review!

Six months ago…

After learning about Noah and Quinn, Rachel avoided spending time with the couple. She only spent time with Noah when Quinn was out of town on business. And she avoided talking about Quinn with Noah. And surprisingly, he never brought her up. It made everything so much easier. They would meet for lunch, sometimes even dinner. He still came to her shows, and she still went to his gigs. He had also taken her to a movie a couple of times.

But every time Quinn came back to town, Noah would practically disappear. Sure, he would text her and sometimes even call her, but that was about it. It made her feel used, betrayed, and angry. She couldn't believe he would do such a thing after their talk. But she was also at fault for allowing him to treat her this way. She just couldn't help it. She loved him too much to not see him. Sometimes she wished she loved him a little less.

She had been so frustrated and mad at him, and herself, that she called him one day. She had started off with polite conversation, but it didn't last long. When he told her Quinn was leaving town and they should hang out, she kind of blew up on him. At first, she told him no and he kept asking her why she was blowing him off. She snapped at him saying he was one to talk. He'd been blowing her off whenever Quinn was home. That he was using her, and she wasn't going to allow it any longer. After a terse goodbye, she hung up on him and turned her phone off. They didn't speak to each other for a week.

Not until he finally came over to her place and managed to get her to forgive him. He was always good at that. Part of her resented him for it. But he promised to change, and he did. Kind of. He called her every other day even when Quinn was in town, and he would take her to lunch once a week. She was glad for the change, and yet it still hurt when it wasn't her he was coming home to. It wasn't her he held in his arms at night. It wasn't her he gave his kisses and touches too.

Soon enough, it was coming close to Thanksgiving. Last year, Rachel had had Thanksgiving at her apartment. But, it seemed that Kurt, one of her best friends from high school and college, was going to have Thanksgiving at his place. And Thanksgiving was in just a few days. So that meant Rachel needed to start planning her desserts.

On Monday, she bought decorations with Kurt and went to his house in Brooklyn. Actually, it was more like a mansion. They pulled up to his massive home of white beams and floor to ceiling windows. Kurt hopped out of the driver seat of the white BMW and grinned as he grabbed bags with Rachel. "This is going to be great."

Rachel smiled as closed her door and headed to the front door of his home. "Yes it is. I can't wait to start decorating with you!"

They entered the large home and headed straight towards the living room. They had about seven bags fill with decorations. They would decorate the dining room, the living room, and the stair case. There were fake leaves of many sizes in red, orange and yellow colors. Rachel had picked up a small turkey made out of copper wiring and planned on using it as the centerpiece of the dining table.

Rachel set the turkey on the table and smiled, saying, "I knew it would be perfect."

Kurt stood beside her and grinned. "Nice job. Now, help me hang the leaves on the staircase."

Grabbing leaves, string, and scissors, they headed for the staircase and began to decorate it. Halfway through, Rachel glanced at Kurt and asked, "Do you know who's coming?"

Kurt didn't stop working on his masterpiece as he said, "Yes. Santana and Finn, Tina and Mike, Mercedes and her date, you and your date."

Rachel smiled and said, "It will be nice to see Mike and Tina again…" She blinked. "Wait, what? What date? I don't have a date."

He snipped away some excess string. "You do now."

She blinked again then looked at Kurt. "You got me a date?"

He smiled at her and patted her hand softly, saying, "There, there. I know it shocks you that I found someone for you that isn't Puck."

She sighed softly and shook her head. "Kurt, I don't want a date. I'm perfectly fine coming by myself."

He laughed softly and said, "Rachel, you are not coming without a date. Everyone is bringing a date. Even Mercedes is bringing someone."

She huffed softly. "I don't see why I have to bring a date."

Kurt let out a frustrated sigh and turned to Rachel and said, "Look Rachel. Puck is moving on whether you realize it or not. He is with Quinn now. You can't throw away a second chance at love because you love him."

Rachel glared at Kurt and replied, "I'm not throwing away a second chance at love. I just haven't found anyone yet."

He shook his head and sighed, "When was your last date?"

She paused and blinked. Well, that wasn't good. She hadn't been on a date since…

"You haven't been on a date since your date with Puck two years ago." Kurt taped the string to the top of the banister.

She hadn't even realized it had been that long. She always went to the premier parties for the shows she was in. There was always a male cast member, or even someone she didn't work with, asking her if she wanted to do dinner sometime. She had always said no, in the hopes of Noah asking her out again…

"You can't rely on him leaving Quinn, Rachel."

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She hadn't realized she was speaking out loud. "He might though."

Kurt shook his head and took her hands in his. "I love you, and I want you to be happy. But waiting around for Puck isn't making you happy."

She lowered her eyes and looked away. He was right.

He squeezed her hands and smiled softly. "I'll tell you what. You meet your date, you dance and talk with him. If you don't like him for any reason, and you really want to keep waiting for Puck, I won't discuss it ever again."

She narrowed her eyes on him. "You promise?"

"Of course!"

She stared at him through narrowed, calculating eyes. "Swear on your new fashion line."

Kurt gasped, jerking his hands away. "Diva! But-!"

"Swear it Kurt!"

He glared at her and grumbled a little before saying," Fine! I swear on my new fashion line!"

Rachel grinned brightly and skipped down the stairs to get more leaves.

Kurt watched after her and murmured, "I knew she was the devil in a disguise…"

On Tuesday, she went to the local food market to get her ingredients for her desserts for Thanksgiving. She planned on making a few pies and a carrot cake. She always made everything from scratch, including the pie crust. On her way to the checkout line, she grabbed a pint of strawberry ice cream. She knew she shouldn't, but she had been craving strawberry ice cream for a few days.

Once she got home, she began to put away her items. All the while, she kept thinking about what Kurt had said. She knew he was right, but it wasn't that easy to just walk away from Puck. She had been in love with him since they were kids. When he finally asked her on a date a couple of years ago, she had been ecstatic. She had thought their date went pretty well. They had gone to dinner and dancing. He took her home and gave her a long, sweet kiss in front of her door. And he left her there wanting more.

The next day, he told her he didn't want to lose her if they broke up, so he wanted to remain friends. She was devastated. Didn't he know how much he meant to her? But, she wanted him to be happy, so if friendship was all he wanted, she was okay with that.

But now that he had Quinn, Rachel wasn't so sure she would be okay just being friends anymore. She knew she couldn't keep waiting for Puck to see what was in front of him. So, she texted Kurt, asking for a picture of her date and some info. She stared at the picture, blinking every now and then.

The text message read, 'His name is Sam Evans. He owns a music shop in Brooklyn, and a jazz club as well. He's 27, and rich. Royal family in his bloodline, so it's old money. I already gave him your picture and info. He can't wait to meet you. Enjoy the picture! ;-).'

She smiled and clicked open the picture. Her jaw dropped. Staring back at her was a handsome blonde hair and blue eyed man. The corner of his mouth was tilted up in a smile, and he was playing the guitar. Her mouth went dry as she just stared at the picture. Maybe she could move on.

Just as she was thinking about her date, her phone began to vibrate and Noah's face popped up. He was calling her. She glanced at the time and noticed it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon. He usually didn't call until later. Thinking something might be wrong, she swiped her finger along the answer button and brought the phone to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey Rach."

She smiled at the sound of his voice. "How are you, Noah? It's been a few days since we last spoke."

A sigh came from his end as he said, "Yea. I've been busy. How are you?"

She sat back and pulled her knees up to her chest. "I'm okay. I helped Kurt decorate his home for Thanksgiving yesterday. Today I went and got everything I needed to make the desserts."

"Are you making Banana Crème Pie?"

She smiled. "Of course. It's your favorite."

He chuckled softly and said, "You're amazing, you know that?"

A blush stained her cheeks and she smiled. "Thank you."

There was a pause and then Noah cleared his throat. "You know you're important to me, right?"

Rachel blinked. What? "Yes. I do."

"Good. I don't want you to forget that."

She chuckled softly and said, "Noah, are you okay?"

"No. I'm not. I'm amazing, Rach. I've got some news. Are you sitting down?"

She giggled and nodded. "Yes. What's going on?"

"You're so important to me. I mean, we've been friends since we were kids. I don't know where I would be if you weren't here to whip my ass into shape with school, and my job. I have something I need to tell you, and I can't wait anymore."

Her heartbeat stopped, then quickened. This was it. The moment she had been waiting for. He was going to tell her Quinn was gone and he wanted to be with her. He was going to tell her he loved her. She just knew it.

"God, I just can't believe I'm saying this. Me, the Puckerone!"

She laid back on the couch and closed her eyes, waiting to hear the words she had been waiting for.

"Quinn and I are getting married."

Wait…What?

She sat up and coughed for a moment then asked, "I'm sorry. I think you broke out a little bit. What did you say?"

He chuckled and said, "I asked Quinn to marry me and she said yes."

Well…that wasn't what she wanted to hear. She stayed silent as he kept talking.

"I was so nervous, Rach. We were at one of her work's parties, and we were dancing. I got up the nerve and dropped to my knee and asked. I was so afraid she would say no, but she said yes. I couldn't believe it… Rach?"

She couldn't bring words to form. She was just dumbfounded over the whole thing. Puck and Quinn…getting married?

"Rach, you still there?"

She blinked then cleared her throat. It had suddenly gone tight, and her chest was on fire. "I'm here."

"Well…? You're not saying anything."

She blinked again and a watery smile came to her lips as tears filled her eyes. "Sorry, just shocked. That's awesome, Noah. Congratulations."

"Thanks. You okay? You sound…different."

She coughed a little bit and quickly wiped at her eyes. "Oh, just some dust. I'm cleaning. Listen, I've got to go. I'll see you Thursday."

"Okay. Thanks Rach, for being there for me."

She gripped the phone tightly. "Good bye."

She hung up quickly and dropped the phone on the couch. She placed her hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She was trying very hard not to bawl, but she was starting to fail. She stood up and slowly made her way to her room. She went inside and closed the door behind her. She leaned back against the door, trying to breathe. She walked over and laid on her bed, burying her face into her pillow. And she cried for the love she would never have…

Cursing in Spanish could be heard from the bedroom of Finn and Santana.

"Finn, have you seen my heels?"

"You're wearing them."

Santana came out of their bedroom and glared at the back of his head. "I mean my black ones."

He turned to glance over the back of the couch and looked at her feet. "You're wearing them."

She huffed and stomped her foot and said, "Not these black ones! The one with the straps!"

He gave her a blank stare and shrugged.

She screeched in frustration and went back into their room. They were going on to the new jazz club that just opened up a few blocks from their house. She was already wearing a red dress that flared out at the waist when she twirled. A cry of triumph sounded from the room. She found her heels.

On the couch, Finn smiled and shook his head. Women and their shoes. All guys cared about was color. They could care less about straps and ribbons and gems. He was wearing grey slacks and a blue button up shirt, and a grey vest. His shoes were simple black dress shoes. He turned back to the TV and shut it off just as his phone began to ring. He pulled his cell phone out and saw that it was Puck. He answered the phone.

"Hey Puck."

"Yo. Whatcha doin'?"

Finn shrugged and stood up. "Santana and I are about to check out this new club. What about you?"

"I actually had something I wanted to tell you. I already called Rachel, and you were my next call."

Finn sat down again and groaned, "This isn't another one of those 'You guys are in danger because this girl just won't leave me alone and she's physco,' is it?"

Puck laughed and shook his head. "No, man. This is good news."

Finn grinned and sat back. "Okay. Let's hear it then."

"Quinn and I are getting married."

Finn was silent for a moment then laughed softly. "Nice joke. But seriously, why did you call?"

"Dude, I'm serious! I proposed a few days ago and she said yes!"

Finn frowned and sat forward. "You're serious?"

"Yea, man!"

Finn coughed for a moment then said, "Well congratulations…?"

"I'm starting to think everyone is lying to me. Rachel acted really weird, now you are too. This took a lot of balls, man. So I'd appreciate it if you were actually happy for me."

Finn chuckled nervously and said, "Dude, I am. I mean if this is what you want. It's just a shock. Ya know, because you're the Puckerone!"

Puck laughed and replied, "I know! I'm pretty surprised myself. But, I also want you to be the Best Man."

Finn let out a soft groan that Puck couldn't hear. Santana was going to be pissed. "Yea dude. Hey, did you say you already called Rachel and told her?"

"Yea, I talked to her an hour or so ago. Hey, I'll text you later. Gotta head to Quinn's. Later." Puck hung up before Finn could reply.

Finn groaned again and buried his face into his hands. What in the hell happened?

Santana came out of the room, grinning. "Alright, let's go Hudson." She slipped her coat on and grabbed her clutch. But, she noticed Finn wasn't moving. She rolled her eyes and walked over to him. She tapped his shoulder. "Finn."

He looked up at her then sat back against the couch again. "Santana, I just got a phone call from Puck."

She rolled her eyes and said, "Yea, well tell me on the way to the club."

He grabbed her hand as she was walking off. "No. This can't wait."

She turned to him with worried eyes and sat beside him. "Finn, what's going on?"

He squeezed her hand and stared at her as he said, "Puck and Quinn are engaged."

She stared back at him and asked, "As in their getting married?"

He nodded.

"As in there will be a wedding with Puck as the groom, and Quinn as the bride?"

He nodded again.

She glared at him and began to yell, "As in I'm going to kill Puck!" She stood up and grabbed her phone out of her clutch and began to angrily dial Puck's phone number.

Finn quickly stood and grabbed the phone from her. "Babe, no!"

She tried to snatch it back, but he was still taller than her. He held it out of her reach and had a hand pressed against her shoulder. "Hudson, give me the phone."

He shook his head no and tossed it on to the couch then grabbed both of her shoulders. "Listen to me first."

She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him through narrowed eyes.

He sighed and shook his head. "I wasn't his first phone call, Santana. I was his second."

Her eyes went wide with shock, then understanding. She dived for her phone in desperation and quickly dialed a number. She pressed the phone to her ear, but it just kept ringing and ringing. It finally went to voicemail, but Santana hung up. She grabbed her clutch and grabbed Finn by the hand as she headed towards the door. "Change of plans."

They both went out the door and headed straight for Rachel's.

Sitting in the cab, Finn pulled Santana closed as she sighed in defeat. "I thought for sure he would break up with Quinn… I mean, doesn't he know how Rachel feels?"

Finn kissed the top of her head and stared out the window saying, "No. He doesn't know and probably never will now."

She looked up at him and a small tear fell down her cheek. "Oh Finn, she must be devastated. What are we going to do?"

He turned to her and wiped her tear away. "We're gonna be there for her as much as possible."

She nodded and laid her cheek against his vest, sniffling. Poor Rachel. Santana knew what it was like to love someone who didn't love you in return. It was hard. She just happened to fall in love with Finn when she was beginning to move on. Rachel hadn't moved on yet. Hopefully now she would move on and find someone new.

It seemed like it was hours later when Rachel finally managed to calm herself enough to get a glass of water. She sipped from the glass, walking back into her room. She closed the door and made her way to her bed. Sitting down, she set the glass on to her night stand and just sat there for a few moments, steadying her breath.

Finally, she picked up the little ukulele that Noah had gotten her for her birthday last year. She had learned to play it and loved the simple tunes she could play and sing using the ukulele. She ran her finger tips along the frets, then turned it over. There was an inscription on the back that Noah had done for her. It read, 'Now you have something your small hands can play. Love, Noah.' She sniffled and brushed her fingers over the inscription. Days before, she had complained that she couldn't get the hang of playing the guitar because her hands were so small. So, he got her a ukulele. He gave her some lessons, and she enjoyed playing with him. She cherished every moment she spent with Noah.

She strummed the strings and let a small, sad smile come to her lips. It was out of tune, but it had been a while since she had played it. After tuning it, she began to strum a few chords, and then she started to hum. Music always soothed her when she was upset. She was hoping it would work this time, but it didn't seem to be. She sighed softly and set the ukulele on her bed.

She laid beside it and stared at the ceiling as a song came to mind. She began to sing without even realizing it. Her voice was soft, but still full as she sang.

I want your loving more and more
I want your kisses that's for sure.
I die each time I hear this sound,
They say, 'Here she comes, that's Cathy's clown.'

She rolled on to her side as a few more tears fell from her eyes on to her pillow. She wish the pain would stop, that he would see how much she loved him. Why were boys so stupid?

You know I've got to stand tall
You know a girl can't crawl.
And when I let you tell me lies,
And I let 'em pass me by,
I'm not strong at all.

She reached across the bed to a picture of Noah and her on her night stand. She stroked his face lovingly, longing for him to see what was standing right in front of him. It was a picture from her show before she learned about Quinn, the night they shared that passionate kiss.

Don't want to love you anymore,
Don't want your kisses that's for sure.
Why do I let you put me down,
and let 'em call me Cathy's clown?

She laid the picture down so she couldn't see it anymore. Tears continued to spill down her cheeks as she turned away, lying on her other side. She curled around the ukulele without realizing it.

When they see me shed a tear,
Then they know that I'm sincere.
They just think it's kinda sad,
that you're treating me so bad,
And I'm the only one who cares.

She closed her eyes as she clutched the ukulele close. Her heart just kept breaking at the thought of never having Noah for her own.

Don't want your love anymore.
Don't want your kisses that's for sure.
I die each time I hear the sound,
'Here she comes, that's Cathy's clown.
I'm Cathy's clown.
I'm Cathy's clown…

The bed dipped as someone sat beside her, and a gentle hand laid on her shoulder. She knew who it was before she even opened her eyes. "Oh niña."

Rachel whimpered, letting go of the ukulele, and rolled over to bury her face into Santana's shoulder as the Latina held her close. She stroked her fingers over Rachel's back and murmured to the crying brunette. Santana shifted them so she was reclined against the headboard and pillows.

Rachel sobbed in her shoulder, "How could he?! I love him! How could he, Tana?"

Tears filled Santana's eyes as she rubbed Rachel's back. "It's gonna be okay. I promise. It's alright."

That only made the brunette sob harder. Finn watched from the doorway, frowning. Their best friend was heartbroken, and he felt pretty helpless. And he knew Santana felt the same way. He cleared his throat as Santana looked at him. "I'm gonna make some coffee." He headed to the kitchen, leaving Santana to comfort Rachel.

The Latina just kept rubbing Rachel's back, murmuring to her that it was okay. That she understood and it would get better. They stayed that way for a while. Finn drank coffee in the kitchen, and the girls stayed in the bedroom.

Eventually, Santana came out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind her. The brunette had cried herself to sleep. Santana sighed and walked into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. But, Finn had already made her one, holding it out to her. She smiled gratefully and took it, taking a sip before glancing at the time. It was already 9pm. She had been comforting the diva for a couple of hours.

She sat down on one of the bar stools, exhausted. Finn came up behind her and began to rub her shoulders. They remained silent, neither of them had any words. They didn't know what to do for their friend besides be there for him. Santana wanted to go and beat the crap out of Puck. Finn wanted to go and talk with Puck, try to make him see what he was going to lose if he marries Quinn. But they both knew it wouldn't solve anything.

Sanatana sighed in exhaustion and leaned her head back against Finn's chest. "I'm going to stay here tonight. You can go home if you want to."

He kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'll run home and grab us a change of clothes and shoes. But I'll be back."

She turned to face him then buried her face into his chest as tears began to fall once more. "You're a great guy, Hudson."

He smiled softly and held her close, saying, "You're not too bad yourself, Lopez."

She sniffled and murmured, "I'm gonna kill Puckerman."

He chuckled softly then squeezed her for a moment then stepped back. "I'll go get our stuff. I'll be back in an hour." He kissed her softly, and picked up his keys from the counter. He walked to the door and opened it. He glanced back at her and gave her a small, sad smile before turning and walking out the door, closing it behind him.

Santana turned back to her cup of coffee, staring into the black liquid. How could Puck do this? How stupid could he be? Well, she knew he was stupid, but she didn't think he was that stupid. Does he not realize how much he hurt Rachel? As Santana thought about her heartbroken friend, she pushed the coffee away, buried her face into her arms on the bar, and began to weep for the brunette sleeping down the hallway.

*sniffles* Poor Rachel. Being in love sucks...

Next chapter will be up in a week or so. Hope you enjoyed! Especially since I update a lot earlier than I thought I would. Have a great week!

MistressNikki