After getting a standing ovation
In her mind, it all leads to the same thing. But there are three different versions.
1.
After getting a standing ovation, she walks off the (Broadway) stage and makes her way to her dressing room.
She's tired, because she gave it her all. She knows it was a great show, but now all she wants is to get home and soak her feet in some hot water, drink something warm for her vocal chords, and lay out on the couch, curled up in a warm blanket, and rest.
She walks into the dressing room and closes the door behind her. She sits in front of the mirror and starts wiping off her make-up. Outside, she hears talks and giggles and a name of a pub, but no one knocks on her door to invite her to come along.
She gathers her stuff and quietly leaves, keeping her head down on the way out of the theater. A 15 minute walk (exercise) and she's home. She walks in, turns on the lights and checks the fridge. Note to self: groceries needed. She sinks into the (very comfortable) couch and grabs the remote. It's a great night for American Idol, and she judges them all.
2.
After getting a standing ovation, she walks off the (Broadway) stage and makes her way to her dressing room.
Someone says "great show" and she smiles, thankful.
One of co-stars walks with her, smiling brightly, and Rachel wonders. When they get there and walk in, her co-star (friend?) squeals. "It's gorgeous!"
A huge bouquet of the most beautiful flowers is waiting for her.
"I saw them bring it in," her friend whispers, and Rachel walks over to admire the flowers from up close. They're colorful, and big, and there's a card. She smiles and opens it.
"To my favorite Tony nominee," it says, and at the bottom "Love, Jesse".
She melts.
3.
After getting a standing ovation, she walks off the (Broadway) stage and makes her way to her dressing room.
Quickly she cleans her face and changes her clothes to make herself presentable. She runs a hand through her hair, brushing it with her fingers and letting it loose.
She makes her way out the stage door and gets blinded for a while by the flashes. She gets handed posters and playbills and arms and people are calling her name but she keeps her ears open for other voices.
It's after she signs and takes pictures and thanks and smiles that she finally hears them, calling out her name cheerfully and then hugging her, passing her around from one to the other (11 overall).
They take her to a little coffee place they found (she already knows it) and they all get milkshakes (there aren't slushies) and french fries. They gather around and then it's all talks and laughs.
Kurt stands up and clears his throat. "I just want to say, Rachel, your show was phenomenal and I'm so proud of you," (she chokes back the tears) "and to all of you, I hope it's not another 5 years before we're all in the same room again".
They all clap and Puck high fives Matt, Mercedes gives Mike a quick hug, Finn steals a glance while chatting with Brittany, Kurt steals a fry from Santana, Artie and Tina kiss, and Quinn raises her glass at her.
She wonders how she even lived before they were her friends.