Chapter 12

Shelby and Rachel were inseparable. They did everything together. Sunday evenings were movie night. They watched everything from Mama Mia and Phantom of the Opera to the Indiana Jones and James Bond films. Mondays were play a card game night. Rachel's favorites were Hearts and Blackjack. They had something different to do every night. The bond between them grew stronger every week. Elizabeth was growing like a weed and Rachel grew to love her little sister. However, although everyone had grown used to the routine, Rachel could sense some tension between her dads and Shelby.

"Mom, can you and Elizabeth meet me at the auditorium Friday evening?" she asked.

"Sure, honey. What's going on?" Shelby asked.

"It's a surprise." Rachel said.

Rachel was driven to her dads' house and asked them the same thing. They both agreed to drive Rachel over to the auditorium after dinner. Mr. Schuester agreed to make sure that the auditorium was unlocked for them.

"I'll give you the key on one condition. It goes straight back to me after you're done. I'll be waiting in my office." He said.

Rachel promised and thanked him for his help. Friday finally arrived. Rachel had the sheet music printed and ready to go. The accompanist was waiting outside the door for her. While her dads parked the car, Mr. Schue unlocked the door to the auditorium. He gave Rachel the key to lock up and walked to his office. When Shelby, Elizabeth and her dads arrived and had taken their seats, Rachel walked up to the stage.

"I dedicate this song to all of you. I'll explain why after the song."

Rachel took a deep breath and nodded towards the accompanist. The music began.

Everybody needs inspiration. Everybody needs a song. A beautiful melody when the night's so long. 'Cause there is no guarantee that this life is easy. When my world is falling apart, when there's no light to break up the dark, that's when I…I…I look at you. When the waves are flooding the shore and I can't find my way home anymore, that's when I…I…I look at you.

Rachel's voice rang loud and clear through the auditorium. Shelby, Hiram and Leroy were amazed at the talent of their daughter.

You appear just like a dream to me. Rachel finished.

"I can sense tension between the three of you. Something happened to cause it and I think it started when mom said she wanted to adopt me. I just want to let you know that I need all three of you. There's no need to be mad at each other. I just want everyone to be happy." Rachel said.

Shelby walked onto the stage and hugged her daughter with her free hand. Elizabeth squealed with joy. Leroy and Hiram came up next. Then all of them ended up in a group hug. Rachel knew then that everything would be all right between Shelby and her dads. A smile plastered itself onto her face as she dropped off the key with Mr. Schue and walked out to meet her parents.

Everything will be all right now. All tension is gone. I can feel it. She thought. And that was good enough for her.

This has been such a fun story to write. What did you guys think?