Reading Between the Lines

A Puckleberry fic.

Chapter 1: The Not So New Girl

It was a Friday and everybody was whispering, she knew that much. She couldn't believe after nearly ten years away from this place, she was forced to be back in Lima, Ohio. As Rachel Berry walked down the hallway of McKinley High School, she couldn't help but think about Abigail.

Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest every time she left her alone at a daycare center, especially when Abby didn't know anyone. Hell, even Rachel didn't know anyone.

She knew boys were whistling at her ass, but she couldn't force herself to care. Rachel knew the girls were whispering about her.

"Damn, new girl got ass."

Rachel managed to roll her eyes at the boy as she kept walking. She walked past a poster for Glee club. She snorted, losers. She held her head up high as she smiled flirtatiously at the hot guys. Rachel ignored most of the girl's looks who mostly just looked at her in awe. She smirked to herself; they knew she was hot, just as she did.

Stopping at her locker, Rachel did the combination and opened it. Luckily her books were already in there. She sighed to herself as she thought about Abigail. Her heart ached whenever she thought about him, but she summons up the pride to not cry in the middle of the hallway.

Rachel shook herself slightly. No, she wouldn't turn her thoughts about what had happened over the past couple of years. She was a badass now and that's all the people at McKinley high would ever know.

She sighed for about the millionth time since she woke up that morning. She ran a hand through her hair and got her first period book out of her locker. She shut it quickly and walked towards the Science hallway. It was her first day, but everyone knew that. She took a deep breath and walked through the doors of her Chemistry class.

Rachel never really understood the point of free periods. Not that she was complaining. In her other school, they had them too so it wasn't like it was a brand new experience for her.

She opened her history book, but ended up quickly closing it. She didn't want people to think she was a nerd. Rachel picked up her books and headed towards her locker.

She glanced left, then right. No one was watching her for once that day. She quickly made her way to the choir room. She noticed a poster advertising try-outs for "Cheerios", apparently the cheerleading squad. Rachel stopped and looked at the list. She quickly signed her name and continued on her quest towards the choir room.

She sighed when she saw a piano. She made her way over to it and gently sat on the piano bench. As she closed her eyes, she began to play.

It was two weeks after the day she turned eighteen

All dressed in white

Going to the church that night

She had his box of letters in the passenger seat

Sixpence in a shoe, something borrowed, something blue

And when the church doors opened up wide

She put her veil down

Trying to hide the tears

Oh she just couldn't believe it

She heard trumpets from the military band

And the flowers fell out of her hand

She never noticed several people enter the room quietly, just listening to her sing.

Baby why'd you leave me

Why'd you have to go?

I was counting on forever, now I'll never know

I can't even breathe

It's like I'm looking from a distance

Standing in the background

Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now

This can't be happening to me

This is just a dream

As she took another breath, she opened her eyes and let out a squeal.

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't be in here, but it was empty and I just assumed—" Rachel immediately went apologizing.

"Hey, no big deal. Glee's just meeting in here for a few minutes." The teacher with the unbelievably curly hair said.

Rachel quickly gathered her things and nodded.

"You have an amazing voice, girl." A large girl with her hand on her hips said with a smile.

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Uh—thanks?"

"I haven't seen you around here before.. you new to McKinley?" The teacher asked.

Rachel looked around and saw Quinn and Finn—Woah! Popular? In Glee? Since when?!

"Yeah, just moved back today." Rachel said, looking at the teacher.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm Mr. Shuester. I'm the Spanish teacher for Seniors."

Rachel smiled politely and said, "Nice to meet you. I'm Rachel Berry."

Gasps were heard throughout the choir room.

"Well, if you ever think about joining Glee, we're always open to new members." Mr. Shue said with a smile.

Rachel nodded and smiled back. She couldn't help but look at that boy Finn had introduced to her earlier.. Duck? Puck, that was it. She couldn't help but smile flirtatiously at him, and just before she closed the door, she saw him wink at her.

She walked down the hallway and blushed, blushed. Rachel Berry does not do blushing. Because, duh, It's bad for the reputation.

Rachel could just tell as she walked along to the lunchroom that she'd definitely would have a fun-filled year, especially if Puck hung around.

Next Chapter: Rachel considers joining Glee, Quinn tries to get Rachel to tell her why she left Lima so suddenly 10 years ago.

AN: Sooo… Review! :]