1x14: Being Good Isn't Good Enough

Episode Synopsis: Rachel auditions for Funny Girl after finding out that her audition had been moved up from December, but when the casting director (Peter Facinelli) says that Rachel is "too green" or inexperienced for the role, Finn, Santana and Kurt get her a job at a Broadway diner in order to help her gain experience. Finn, Santana and Kurt also get jobs at the diner with the intent of helping Rachel get back on her feet. Meanwhile, Burt calls Kurt with some news dealing with Finn and Kurt asks Carole for advice, all while Santana and Kurt worry that Finn is taking on a huge workload in order to help him cope with his father drama.

{Scene shows Rachel sitting in a waiting room holding sheet music close to her as she stares at a picture of her, Finn, Santana and Kurt on her phone. She releases a smile then looks up as she nods her head}

Rachel Voice Over:

Don't you hate it when things in life don't go according to plan? I know I do. It's one of those things that makes you question why things happen in your life for a reason, why things have to change. Want to know what I'm talking about? My audition for Funny Girl was supposed to be in December, after my wedding to Finn, just so I could concentrate on that. Instead, I was called in to perform for them today because they had a slot open. Apparently, they want to see if I had potential. I found out about it last night when Finn and I were in the middle of canoodling and watching one of those horrible movies from the 1980's yet they're so invigorating to watch. I'm not quite sure which one is Finn's favorite, yet. I wish I knew.

Anyway, instead of helping Finn run the Glee Club at NYADA, I'm spending my afternoon here, waiting to perform a piece and to convince them that I am worthy of being on Broadway. Broadway has been a dream of mine ever since I saw my first show as an infant. It was what I was destined to do, I was born to be a star. Also, I want to make enough money so that Finn and I never have to worry about being financially stable, but mostly or the acting and for the love I have for the theatre.

You're probably wondering why I'm bringing up financials? Well, my dad's still don't know about the wedding but I know the first thing that they're going to say is that I should have waited. They also would want me to get a job that shows my creative talents. Broadway is what my talents are for, it's where I shine, it's where I belong. To make sure that I killed my audition, I brought a couple things with me for good luck. Santana gave me a piece of her old Cheerio pom-poms from when she was in High School, Kurt gave me his hippo broach which I'm sure should be considered a deadly weapon if you held it too close to you, and Finn, sweet, sweet Finn. He gave me one of his prized red drumsticks, and a kiss for good luck. Only Finn could make you feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Finn was my rock, he was my heart and soul and I don't only want to get this role for myself. I want to get this role because I know that Finn would be so proud, he could say that I was a star on Broadway, and that he was the one that was going to be with me for better or for worse. Finn also could use some good news. Ever since we came home from Lima, Finn had been apprehensive about everything. Every noise that's made kind of puts him on edge and that was pretty much the last thing I wanted to see from him. Sure, his mother came and they talked it out but…Finn's still a little nervous. Carole agreed to stay in New York for a little while in order to make sure Finn was back on his feet and 100%. I think I wanted to do this more for Finn than I wanted to do it for myself. I'm going to make Finn proud, no matter what. Watch out world, because Rachel Berry is coming through…and there is nothing that's going to get in her way.

"Rachel Berry?" Rachel was moved out of her thoughts by the secretary at the front desk. Rachel got up from her seat, smoothing her skirt and walked over to the receptionist. "Mr. Campion will see you now." Rachel nodded her head, heading towards the auditorium, feeling as confident as ever. This was Rachel's time to shine, and there was no one that was going to get in her way.

Rachel entered the auditorium, staring at the casting directors, suddenly feeling butterflies in her stomach. Snap out of it, Rachel, Rachel thought to herself. There's no time to be nervous. This is your time. Rachel made her way to the middle of the auditorium, gazing over at the casting directors.

"Hello there, Rachel." The casting director said, staring at Rachel with a polite smile. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you." Rachel politely answered.

"Where are you from, Rachel?" The casting director asked, giving Rachel's resume a glimpse.

"I'm from Lima, Ohio." Rachel said. "I was in Glee Club for about three years and, well…here I am." Rachel let out an anxious chuckle, something she hoped the casting director wouldn't notice.

"And what are you going to sing for us, today?" If she was nervous, the casting director didn't catch it—or he was just being polite.

"I am going to sing Somewhere from the Broadway Classic West Side Story. It's a personal favorite of mine." Rachel cleared her throat, turning to the band who started to play the music. Rachel felt herself getting lost in the music, and every time she closed her eyes she saw herself and Finn. There was going to be a somewhere for the both of them, Rachel knew it in her heart—she just hoped that she could get through the audition without tanking it. This was her one chance.

{Rachel looks out to the auditorium, releasing a smile as she lets in and out a deep breath. She stares at the director, hoping that he feels the same emotions she does, but he looks unmoved}

[Rachel]

There's a place for us

Somewhere a place for us

Peace and quiet and open air

Wait for us, somewhere

There's a time for us

Somewhere a time for us

Time together with time to spare

Time to learn

Time to care

Someday

Somewhere,

We'll find a new way of living

Oh, oh, we'll find a way of forgiving

Somewhere, somewhere

There's a place for us

A time and a place for us

Hold my hand and we're halfway there

Hold my hand and I'll take you there

Somehow

Someday

Somewhere!

The ending music was cut off, causing Rachel to give the casting director a look of confusion. He simply put his hand up, getting up from his seat while nodding politely at her.

"Thank you Rachel. That was all I needed to hear." The casting director told her. Rachel stood there, shuffling her feet as she gave him a jumbled look. Rachel wasn't sure where it went wrong. She hit every note, her breath control was perfect and she memorized all the words. Was it possible that the casting director didn't like her?

"That's it?" Rachel tried not to sound disappointed, but it was evident in her voice.

"Yep, that's it." The casting director walked away with the folder in his hand, Rachel standing on the stage in slight shock. She was sure she had messed up her chance. She messed up her chance for stardom and Broadway. Rachel started to head to the waiting room in order to leave the building—when she heard the casting director talking to someone that worked closely with him.

"So what did you think of the girl, Rupert?" Rachel heard a woman voice talking to Rupert, Rachel holding her breath.

"She's very charming and she definitely can sing." Rupert told what Rachel believed to be as the assistant.

"But…"

"But I'm not sure that she's seasoned for the role." Rupert revealed. "I'm afraid she's too green. I mean, she's so young and she has no experience. I appreciate that you found someone to bring her in to audition but in the end, I don't think she's right for the part." That was all Rachel needed to hear. She made her way out of the building, walking along the streets, trying her hardest not to cry. Rachel stopped in front of the train, realizing that her hopes were ruined. With her dreams dashed, Rachel boarded the "L" train and took to Bushwick where she would tell her roommates and fiancé the terrible, terrible news.

Rachel entered the loft an hour later, feeling depressed. She couldn't believe that she didn't get the part—or at least they didn't want to give it to her. Fanny was a role made for her, she was ambitious and she was determined to get whatever she wanted. Rachel didn't want to settle for less. Unfortunately, this wasn't a time for Rachel to be picky. She blew her chance at the role she wanted, so she figured what was there to continue living her dreams for? Rachel headed towards her bedroom, just wanting to crawl under the sheets and not come out. On the way there, she heard giggling come from Santana's room, Rachel figuring that Dani had come over to spend time with Santana. Rachel shook her head, continuing her trek to the bedroom. Rachel didn't understand why the directors didn't love her. She was likable, she was amazing, she was talented. Maybe she was just…green…whatever that meant. Rachel entered the bedroom, spotting Finn ironing a shirt that she had never seen before—it looked like a bowling uniform, while he watched television. Rachel put her coat in the closet, not saying a word to Finn, afraid that she was going to lose it and cry. Finn looked up from his shirt, seeing Rachel sitting down on the bed with her hands folded in her lap.

"Hey, you." Finn grinned at her, still ironing his shirt. "How did the audition go? Did they fall in love with you?" Rachel stood quiet, shaking her head sadly. Finn turned off the iron, making his way over to Rachel with a saddened expression. "Rachel, I'm so sorry…" Finn rubbed Rachel's shoulders, seeing that she was just stone faced. "So what did they say about your audition?"

"They said that I was too green…whatever that means." Rachel sighed, looking away from Finn.

"That just means you're inexperienced." Finn explained. Rachel looked back to him, raising her eyebrows up while Finn shrugged his shoulders. "I learned it in Carmen Tibideaux's class. It's actually interesting once you listen in class. Anyway, did they tell you this to your face?"

"Well, no…" Rachel admitted, staring away. "They didn't say it to my face. I overheard them when I was leaving the audition. They did agree that I could sing though."

"Of course you can." Finn let out a playful scoff, putting a hand through Rachel's hair. "You are the best singer I have ever heard. Look, I know it's easy being green…but we just have to get you un-green."

"The Kermit The Frog song, really?" Rachel couldn't help but have a small smile tug at her lips.

"The Kermit The Frog song." Finn laughed, pressing a kiss to Rachel's hand. "Look, I'm un-greening myself as well. I noticed that I needed some extra cash since everyone's so busy and I never actually have money to eat something, so I got a job today."

"You?" Rachel pointed to him, feeling shocked that Finn actually had done something else with his life while Rachel was unsure with hers. "Where did you get a job at? A bowling alley?"

"Nope." Finn shook his head. "Remember that diner I took you to? I got a job there as a kitchen helper. Kurt and Santana have one too, and since you're the only one that doesn't have a job, maybe you could get one there too."

"Finn, you got a job at the diner?" Rachel still was a bit in shock. "What about the Glee Club?"

"Oh, I'm doing the graveyard shift." Finn said. "That way I can have time to work, go to school and run the Glee Club."

"Finn, do you mind if I ask you a serious question?" Rachel pondered.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Well, are you sure that you aren't doing all this just so you can keep your mind off of…he who must not be named?" Rachel didn't feel comfortable mentioning the name to Finn who raised an eyebrow with a muddled expression.

"Who, Lord Voldemort?" Finn wondered.

"No…your dad." Rachel said in a soft tone, just so she wouldn't make Finn upset.

"No, I'm not doing it to keep my mind off him." Finn smiled. "I'm doing it because I want to do something with my life, and my life is really delicate to me, you know? I want to be a great man for you, Rachel…but I know that it's going to take time to get my dream job. In the meantime I can wash dishes and possibly take orders." Rachel forgot all about her audition for the moment, wrapping her arms around Finn's neck, giving him a pleased smile.

"Well then, I am very proud of you Mr. Hudson." Rachel kissed him, Finn responding to the kiss. After some time, Finn parted, looking to her with a grin.

"So are you going to work with me?" Finn questioned. "I can get Santana to get you a job. She said that it was rather easy. I'd rather she work her magic instead."

"Well, if that's the case…" Rachel didn't see the harm in it. Maybe working with Finn to earn a bit of cash would be some fun. "All right then, I'll work with you."

"All right then!" Finn hugged Rachel, Rachel breathing in Finn's scent. She refused to let him go, pulling him on the bed with her as she gazed in his eyes. "As much as I would love to lie in bed with you all night, I have to finish ironing my shirt for work. I'm sure you're going to think I'm sexy in it."

"Do you get your own nametag?" Rachel playfully asked, Finn chuckling as he pressed a kiss to Rachel's lips.

"Of course, that way if you ever forget my name…you can say it by reading my name tag." Rachel giggled at Finn, seeing that he was attempting to get up from his position. "How about you iron my shirt for me while I go talk to Santana about getting you that job?"

"Ooh, that sounds marvelous." Rachel grinned at Finn; however, she kept holding him, engulfing him in a passionate kiss.

"I don't know if this is such a good idea." Rachel said as she, Finn, Santana and Kurt were on the bus on the way to the diner the next evening. "I mean, look at me. I look like a Cheerio threw up on me, and these boots are highly uncomfortable."

"Come on, you are not backing out on this." Santana pointed her finger towards Rachel. "Do you know what I had to show in order to get you and Finn a job? I mean, I swear I think the only reason Finn got one is because the manager is gay on the down-low and thinks Finn is gay too."

"Gee Santana, thanks for prostituting yourself to get us this job." Finn sardonically remarked. Santana rolled her eyes towards Finn, causing Kurt to chuckle.

"Oh come on guys, we get to work together. What could be more fun than that?" Kurt looked to the three of them.

"Let's think that we all live with each other." Santana said. "I mean, I love you guys, don't get me wrong but I think that I could without seeing the three of you for eight hours all night. By the way, how the heck are you even doing this job, Finn? Don't you run the Glee Club at your school or something?"

"Running the Glee Club doesn't pay any money, and I need cash." Finn replied, looking at Santana with a sigh. "Besides, I think that this would be good for me. I can have a job on my resume along with attending school and running a Glee Club. It's heaven."

"Are you sure that you're not doing too many things at once?" Kurt asked his brother. "I mean I noticed ever since we came home to New York, you've been doing so many things at once. I mean I even caught you drinking those five-hour energy drinks in order to keep up with everything. Last time I checked, it didn't work out for you."

Santana, Kurt and Rachel sat on their loft couch, watching a program on MTV, trying to enjoy their lazy afternoon, apparently sure that nothing interesting was going to happen during that day—until Finn came in the room with more energy than the Energizer Bunny.

"Hey guys! Hey guys! Hey! Hey! Hey!" Finn started jumping up and down on the couch causing Kurt and Santana to give Finn a puzzled look. "Hey! It's a beautiful day outside! Let's go play outside! Come on! Let's go to the park and play! Let's go! Let's go! They don't give music on MTV anyway! Not sure why they call it MTV anymore! Let's go guys! Come on! Let's go and play!"

"He drank the energy drink?" Kurt simply asked, not even looking over at Rachel.

"He drank the energy drink," Rachel replied in the same tone. Finn jumped off the couch, grabbing one of the pillows that were on the other couch and looked as if he was going to throw it right at Santana.

"Oh, Finn I wouldn't do that if I were you!" Kurt warned his brother, but of course, hyper-Finn didn't hear a word Kurt said. Finn threw the pillow at Santana's face, Rachel and Kurt holding their breath. Santana kept a calm expression as she turned to Finn or as Rachel and Kurt called it 'the calm before the storm'.

"Finn?" Santana calmly said before attempting to lunge at Finn. "YOU'RE DEAD, HUDSON!"

"NO!" Kurt and Rachel grabbed Santana as Santana started yelling at Finn in Spanish, trying to make her way to Finn so she could claw his eyes out.

"It's not my fault." Finn plainly said, trying to forget the memory. "I thought you could take two of those back to back. I mean five times two is ten, so I thought I'd have energy for ten hours."

"You crashed after the third hour." Kurt chuckled while Rachel and Santana stifled their laughter. Finn's cheeks reddened, trying to hide his face in his hand.

"Yeah, you should really never take those again." Santana hooted, Rachel and Kurt bursting out into laughter.

"All right, all right." Finn stopped their laughing, shaking his head. "Anyway, how did we get this conversation on me?"

"Let's think because you're doing too many things at once." Kurt answered. "Finn, look I know you're trying to distract yourself from all the crap that happened in Lima, but you really need to take a step back, buddy."

"I'm fine." Finn said, noticing that their stop was coming up. "Come on. Manual labor awaits us." Rachel remembered her nerves about working. Rachel gripped Finn's hand tightly, Finn noticing her nervousness. "Come on Rach, you're going to love this. It's a Broadway diner, which means the staff gets to sing. That's what you love to do."

"But if I wasn't good for the Funny Girl audition then what makes you think that I'm good enough for this?" Rachel was uncertain.

"Because you're Rachel Berry." Kurt answered before Finn could say anything. "You're talented, you're amazing and you're special."

"Yeah, what Lady Hummel said." Santana added without looking up at Rachel. Santana's eyes were currently glued to her phone, staring at a picture of her and Brittany from their senior year of High School.

"All right, I think I can do this." Rachel nodded her head as the four of them got off the bus. Santana entered the diner with Kurt, Rachel and Finn in tow, the manager staring at Santana with steely eyes.

"Santana, you're late." The manager said.

"Sorry Gunter." Santana added, putting on her apron and handing Rachel her apron as well. "This is Rachel, Kurt and Finn. You remember them, right?" The manager kept his eyes on Finn, finally making his way to the back as Finn's eyes widened.

"Santana, I think he really thinks I am gay." Finn whispered as Santana gave him and Kurt their aprons.

"Maybe he does, who knows." Santana shrugged her shoulders, having Rachel follow her over to one of the tables. Rachel stared over at Finn, seeing he was grabbing the basket with the dirty dishes, Kurt following in suit. This was it. Showtime.

"I don't know, Santana." Rachel started following Santana around the diner. "I mean, maybe this was all a mistake. I know that I want to make it on my own and become successful but working at a diner?"

"Look Rachel, if Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z can have dead end jobs before their career really started, then so can you." Santana flipped open her notepad. "It's not the end of the world. Besides, this is just so you can get back on your feet. This could be the thing that takes you out of your funk."

"I guess…" Rachel and Santana heard the door behind them opening, seeing Dani entering the room while putting her apron on.

"Hi Rachel, hey Santana." Dani grinned towards them as Santana smiled. "Sorry I'm late; the bus and train ride was really crazy."

"It's all right, we were holding down the fort just fine." Santana laughed slightly, Rachel nodding her head as well.

"So is the whole gang here?" Dani noticed Kurt taking orders from another customer and Finn wiping down the counters. "I never thought of Finn as the Broadway diner type."

"Finn just wants the cash." Santana said, looking over. "I also think that he's here so that he can sneak Rachel some kisses during work and have romps with her in the break room."

"Santana!" Rachel hissed towards her friend. Rachel fixated her gaze to Dani, letting out a nervous chuckle. "He's here for the money. I think he's also here so that he can get me back on my feet. I had what I felt was a really…really bad audition."

"Oh, I'm sure it wasn't that bad." Dani waved her hand dismissively.

"Not that bad?" Rachel's eyes widened. "I mean, the director called me 'green'. I didn't know what 'green' meant and Finn knew! That's how bad it was."

"Rachel, everyone has stinkers of auditions. I'm sure that you'll get back on the right track soon." Dani smiled.

"Right, I don't think so." Rachel sighed. "I mean it's so hard. This was something that I was working for, something that I seriously, really wanted. And now it's all going to hell because I'm green."

"Rachel, everything's going to be fine." Santana assured her. "Now get to work before Gunter fires you." Rachel grabbed her notepad, going over to one of the tables as she started taking orders. This was going to be a long, long day.

Finn wiped down a couple of the cups, staring into his reflection as he let out a smile. His mother had taught him the art in washing dishes and cups, but he was a bit embarrassed to admit to Rachel that he was a pro at it. If she found out, then she'd expect him to do the dishes at home all the time. Finn put the clean cups in one of the bins, carrying it and taking it to the tables. As Finn walked over to the door, someone swung it open, causing Finn to slip backwards and fall on the floor. Finn groaned, looking at the cups that he was going to have to wash again. Finn wanted to know who was the one that had made him trip. He had some words for them. As Finn glared up, he saw none other than—Brody?

"Brody?" Finn looked up at him, getting up from the floor as he started to pick up the cups. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I work here." Brody shook his head, still staring at Finn. "I've been working here for the past five months and…why am I answering your question? What are you doing here?!"

"Me? I work here." Finn pointed to his own chest, both rivals realizing that they worked at the same job. "Oh brother."

"Look, I don't have time for your childish games. I have to go and make a check so I can afford and pay off school. Sorry I don't have a doting mommy to pay my way through college." Brody mocked Finn as he walked past him.

"Last time I checked, you were the one that was playing a childish game." Finn smirked. "You tried to steal Rachel from me…but I know now that you can't, because Rachel's mine."

"Whatever, dude." Brody shrugged his shoulders, obviously pretending that he didn't give a damn about Finn and Rachel's relationship. "Look, just stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours."

"Fine…" Finn shrugged his shoulders, spotting Rachel filling the sugar shakers. Finn walked over to Rachel with Brody watching. Rachel looked up to see Finn staring right at her, but before she could get in a word, Finn pressed a kiss to Rachel's lips. Finn parted, releasing a smile as he grabbed the towel that was on the counter, making his way back to the kitchen. Rachel felt her cheeks redden and had a grin that was so hard to wipe off her face. Finn walked past Brody, emitting a smirk to Brody as he went back to washing the dishes. Brody felt jealousy go through his body, walking away from Finn in haste. Brody had to do something about Finn—even if it meant making Finn's life at work hell.

The night rush was insane, and Rachel was just glad that it was over with. Unfortunately, she had to wait a couple more hours before she could go home. Currently Rachel, Finn, Kurt, Santana and Dani were on their "lunch" break, eating something quickly before getting back to work. Rachel sat with her friends by the counter, but she was too distracted to eat. She was thinking about what went wrong with her audition. Finn noticed Rachel's distraction, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

"Rach. Earth to Rachel." Finn said, causing Rachel to whip her head to him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Rachel lied, looking away from Finn. Finn chuckled, putting a hand in hers.

"No you're not." Finn stared into her eyes. "Come on, are you still thinking about your audition, Rachel?"

"Well…" Rachel thought about whether or not to talk to Finn about it, but she knew that he knew. "I was kind of thinking about it. What if I'm not good enough for even get a callback?"

"Rachel, you are crazy talented." Finn honestly told her. "I love the way you sing and…if they didn't like you then screw them. They're losers and they don't deserve your time." As soon as Finn said those words, the casting director Rupert entered the diner, causing Rachel to release a nervous breath. Finn noticed Rachel's nervousness, grabbing her notepad from her. "I'll take this one."

"No…" Rachel shook her head, slowly taking the book from Finn. "I can do this one." Finn nodded his head, giving her a supportive smile as Rachel got up from her seat, walking over to Rupert. Rupert took one look at Rachel, recognizing her from the audition. "I know what you're thinking." Rachel continued to look at him, shaking her head. "You think that I'm too young and that I'm too green. That I have no experience whatsoever, well I know that I have talent and I know that I'm special and I came to New York because I know that I have what it takes to be…"

"A big huge star!" Rupert said in an over exaggerated voice. Rupert gave Rachel a serious look, his expression softening. "Rachel, everyone in this town thinks that they're a star. What makes you think that you're any different from the person that auditioned before you, or the person that auditioned after you?"

"Fine, you want to know what makes me any different? I'll show you. Hit it, Finn!" Rachel yelled across the room where Finn was standing by the jukebox, pressing a button to play one of the songs. Santana, Dani and Kurt got up from their positions by the counter, joining Rachel in the song, turning what looked to be a simple number into a show time extravaganza.

{Rachel, Santana, Dani and Kurt along with the other servers dance around the restaurant as Finn goes behind the counter to set up cups and pots and pans}

[Rachel]

It's been a hard day's night

And I've been working like a dog

It's been a hard day's night

I should be sleeping like a log

But when I get home to you

I find the things that you do

Will make me feel all right

[Rachel and Kurt]

You know I work all day

To get you money to buy you things

And it's worth it just to hear you say

You're going to give me everything

So why on earth should I moan

Cause when I get you alone

You know I feel okay

[Rachel]

When I'm home

Everything seems to be right

When I'm home

Feeling you holding me tight, tight

[Santana and Dani]

It's been a hard day's night

And I've been working like a dog

It's been a hard day's night

I should be sleeping like a log

[Rachel, Kurt, Santana and Dani]

But when I get home to you

I find the things that you do

You make me feel all right, YEOW!

{Rachel points to Finn who's behind the counter as he starts drumming on the cups, pots and pans with some spoons. He stares at Rachel as he smiles widely at her.}

[Rachel and Kurt]

So why on earth should I moan

Cause I get you alone

You know I feel all right

[Rachel and Dani]

When I'm home

Everything seems to be right

When I'm home

Feeling you holding me tight, tight

[Rachel, Kurt, Santana and Dani with the Dining Staff]

It's been a hard day's night

And I've been working like a dog

It's been a hard day's night

I should be sleeping like a log

But when I get home to you

I find the things that you do

You know I feel all right

You know I feel all right

You know I feel all right!

The patrons in the diner started applauding Rachel, Kurt, Santana and Dani but the only applause Rachel was really searching for was Rupert's. Once again, he looked emotionless as he watched Rachel; she found it a bit hard to read him. Rupert nodded his head to Rachel, picking up his menu as he started scanning through it.

"I'll order now." Rupert simply said. Rachel's heart sank, but she knew that she couldn't cry there. Instead, she took out her notepad, getting ready to write down his order. From far, Finn studied Rachel, feeling his heart sink along with hers. He couldn't help but feel terrible for her. Broadway was what Rachel wanted, and to see her dream crushed right in front of her made him wish that he could do something. Finn stroked his chin, still looking at Rupert, a small smile forming on his face. Maybe there was something Finn could do—he just had to hope that it was going to work.

Finn entered the loft and closed the door behind him, rushing to his room to get the papers for the Glee Club—until he heard the telephone ring in the living room. Finn groaned, walking to pick it up. Finn grabbed the phone, putting it close to his ear.

"Hello?" Finn sounded a bit impatient, staring down at the sheet music.

"Gee, someone sounds like they're in a rush to get somewhere." Finn's mood immediately lightened, holding the phone close to him.

"Burt! Hey!" Finn grinned from ear to ear. "Sorry, it's just that I'm going to be late for class if I don't get a move on, but I have time. I have about ten minutes."

"I was just calling to check up on you." Burt said. "I mean, I just wanted to make sure you were all right after the whole…Christopher drama."

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm slowly getting better." Finn wasn't sure how true that sentence was. He did have a lot of things distracting him at the moment, so he figured he was all right. "So, how have things been in Lima? How are you feeling?"

"Things have been great; I mean I've been here and there, keeping myself busy. It's not easy let me tell you." Burt let out a chuckle through the phone. "I'm just glad you're okay, buddy. I mean I was getting a little worried about you. Did you speak with your mom?"

"Yeah, she's in New York for a bit." Finn answered. "We spoke, everything's going to be fine between us and she's just in the city in case I need someone to talk to and Rachel's not available. Don't worry, she's not staying forever."

"I was hoping she wouldn't be away from Lima forever." Burt cleared his throat, but his voice became more lighthearted. "Hey, is your brother home? I wanted to talk to him since he didn't call me today."

"Sure, he's probably in his room working on some designs for the website." Finn nodded his head, looking out towards the hallway. "Hey Kurt! Dad's on the phone!" Finn wasn't sure what caused him to yell out that Burt was his father…but it really felt that way. Burt was there for him more than his own dad, and when Finn said it, it just felt right.

"Did you just call me, dad?" Burt asked, but his tone was speechless, almost surprised that Finn had considered him that.

"Yes, yes I did." Finn spoke with confidence. "You were there for me more than my father. You're not my birth father…but you're my dad."

"God, I think I'm gonna cry Finn…" Burt slightly teased, but Finn heard Burt's voice crack. Kurt exited the bedroom, looking at his brother standing there.

"Oh, Kurt's here to talk to you." Finn spoke. "I have to run to class but I'll call you when I get a break. With school, Glee Club and now work I'm gonna have to find some time to prioritize."

"All right, just make sure that you find time to eat and take care of yourself." Burt softly said into the phone. "And make sure to call your mom so that she doesn't worry, you promise?"

"I promise, don't worry." Finn held his hand up, releasing a smile.

"All right. I love you, buddy." Burt told him. Finn gripped the phone close to him, now giving a goofy grin.

"I love you too…dad." Finn handed the phone to Kurt, patting his back and heading out the door to head to class. Kurt shook his head with a smile, placing the phone close to his ear.

"So you and Finn are on 'dad' terms now?" Kurt chuckled.

"You're not jealous, are you?" Burt teased his son. "Because you know I consider you and Finn both my boys."

"I'm not jealous." Kurt shook his head. "Finn's my brother, I love the lug."

"I know you do." Burt became serious, letting out a sigh. "Kurt, would you mind sitting down for a minute? There's something I need to talk to you about. It's about Finn."

"Finn? What about Finn?" Kurt sat down on the couch, wondering what his father had to say. "Is something wrong?"

"Well, there is a bit. He's not in trouble but, there's something wrong." Burt took a deep breath, getting what he had to say off his chest. "Finn's biological father was released from jail."

"What? How was he released?!" Kurt got up, pacing around. "He hit and choked Finn and shoved Rachel. Rachel had to smack him a couple times in order to subdue him?! That's battery right there!"

"Well, apparently the cop that arrested Christopher didn't read him his Miranda Rights." Burt sighed. "So that means that he gets to go free."

"That means Finn's in danger, that's what it means!" Kurt shouted. "Dad, we have to do something. We have to warn and tell Finn! This is really serious."

"Kurt, we can't just warn Finn…he'll freak out." Burt instructed. "Finn says he's fine, but I know that he's not. He was a bit hesitant in answering how he was feeling."

"So we're supposed to leave Finn in the dark?" Kurt leaned against the wall of the loft, staring into the phone. "We can't do that. What if Christopher comes to New York and tries to hurt Finn here? Finn thinks Christopher is in jail! What if he sees Christopher and then freaks out? The cops in New York are different from Lima. They'll arrest Christopher and Finn."

"I know, I know." Burt spoke to stop Kurt and his rambling. "But just for now until we can figure out what to do, we need to keep Finn in the dark. This isn't like when I revealed I had cancer and Finn took it fine. Finn only took it fine because it wasn't happening directly to him. This is something happening directly to him."

"I know…but dad…I've never lied to Finn like this before." Kurt thought about his brother while letting out a sigh. "I don't want to hurt him. He'll be really mad."

"I told Finn myself that sometimes it's best if there's things he doesn't know. This is just until I figure out what to do. Please, Kurt…" Kurt heard the urgency in his father's voice. He let out a sigh, nodding his head while holding the phone.

"I'll do it. I'll keep it a secret."

"I'm just so confused…" Kurt sat in a coffee shop an hour later, staring at Carole who was sipping on a cup of coffee herself. "I mean, on one hand Finn has the right to know yet…I'm afraid that Christopher is going to do something drastic. It took a while for the bruise on Finn's face to go away, with the aid of makeup from Rachel. Seriously, Carole what am I going to do? Finn's my brother. I don't want to lie to him. He already can't trust his own birth father; I don't want him to hate me next." Carole listened intently to Kurt, nodding her head slowly.

"Kurt…honey." Carole put a hand on Kurt's shoulder, giving a small smile to him. "I don't think I'm the right person to ask about what to do about this? I mean, if you remembered I was the one that started this whole mess. I didn't tell Finn the truth about his father and see how that turned out."

"So you think I should tell him?" Kurt stared attentively at his stepmother. "You think I should be the one to bruise his heart and tell him the truth about his father?"

"I didn't say that, Kurt." Carole said. "I'm just saying...this is a difficult decision…and I can see why it's tearing you apart. Finn's your brother and you're just looking out for him. However, Burt said that everything's going to be fine. I promise you, things will work out for themselves."

"And what if they don't? What if Finn is held up in a bank or supermarket or somewhere because of Christopher? I thought of every possibility in my mind about this." Kurt's eyes broadened.

"Honey, you're worrying too much. I mean, it's not like Christopher knows where Finn lives. If that's the case then you better buy some extra locks." Carole shrugged. "Kurt, I know you love your brother but you have to do what Burt said for now. Finn has a lot of stress on his plate; we don't want to add to it." Kurt considered Carole's words, finally relenting.

"All right, all right. I'll…I'll keep it a secret for now." Kurt put his finger up. "But if something happens that's beyond our control, I'm telling Finn."

"All right, sounds fair enough." Carole agreed, patting Kurt's hand. "So how is Finn doing really? He tells me he's fine but…I don't know."

"He's all right, I think. I…" Kurt shrugged his shoulders. "He's taking on too many things at once on purpose. He's trying to bury the pain by distracting himself. Work, school, running a Glee Club is a lot for someone like Finn. He's not used to doing so much at the same time. All he had to worry about at school was football and Glee club. It's different now."

"College is a new experience for Finn…but I agree. I think the fact his father is still alive is really bothering him, so he's distracting himself." Carole took out her phone, seeing that Finn was calling. Carole put a finger up to signal for Kurt to hold a thought for a moment as she picked up her cell phone. "Hi baby. Is everything okay?" As Carole spoke with Finn, Kurt was getting a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He knew something was going to happen to Finn if Christopher ever found him…he was just worried that he was going to say something too late.

Rupert had just finished his final audition and he was getting ready to close shop for the day. He needed to find someone that was Fanny Brice for Funny Girl. He needed someone who was polished, talented, had some experience in the theatre. He heard the door open, causing him to look up and spot Finn entering the auditorium. Rupert let out a groan, staring at Finn.

"Sorry, but I'm not casting for Nick Arnstein." Rupert told Finn. Finn shook his head, still looking at the casting director.

"No, no I'm not here to audition for any role." Finn explained. Rupert immediately recognized Finn, pointing to him with a nod.

"I remember you. You're the waiter at the diner who was playing the drums with the utensils." Rupert said.

"Yep, that's me." Finn looked down, then back at Rupert. "But just so we're on a name basis and I'm not known as that waiter, I'm Finn Hudson."

"All right Finn Hudson." Rupert raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you about one of the people that auditioned for Fanny Brice." Finn felt a smile creep on his face as he thought about Rachel. "Her name was Rachel Berry. She was the server that sang to you at the diner. Look, I know you think she's green and she doesn't have enough experience, but she's is superbly talented. She has drive, she has heart and she isa star. I've known her ever since we were in High School…I knew she was made for this…even when she was in Ohio. She made me sit through Funny Girl over one hundred times, and I paid attention for like ninety-eight of those. Watching that movie made me realize that…Rachel is born to be in Funny Girl. She's incredible, she's amazing…and even though she doesn't have the experience, she will bust her ass in order to be ready for Opening Night, no matter what. When she's not trying to prove something…she's very remarkable. Well…I said my piece." Finn nodded his head as he made his way towards the door. "Thank you for your time Mr. Campion." Finn walked out of the auditorium, hoping that he was able to convince Rupert into at least giving Rachel a callback. In Finn's mind, there was no one that deserved this role more than Rachel did, and he knew that she would seriously propel that show into complete stardom.

It was almost the end of Rachel's shift at the diner, and she was currently pouring ketchup into some of the bottles for the morning hours. Rachel focused on each bottle, putting the ketchup in with perfect precision. Rachel didn't have to look up from her work to know that Finn sat down in front of her, gazing right at her. Rachel put down the ketchup bottle, looking up to see Finn's chocolate brown eyes staring right at her. Even after all the crap she had gone through with her audition…Finn was still right there to make everything better. He had been ever since she started obsessing over the role.

"Hey." Finn smiled at her, Rachel still gazing at him. "You okay, babe?" Rachel nodded her head slowly to Finn's question, still smiling at him.

"I am now." Rachel grabbed Finn's hand, her eye contact not faltering. "I still have to fill all of these ketchup bottles, so you can go ahead if you'd like…and by me suggesting…I'm telling you to go. You have to sleep."

"I'm fine." Finn said. "I could just take another one of those five-hour energy drinks."

"Please don't." Rachel and Finn both laughed slightly as Rachel took a deep breath. "I don't need Santana to try to claw your eyes out again. I don't think I can hold her by myself."

"All right, all right." Finn put his hand up in mock defeat, his smile still on his face. "Are you sure you don't want me to wait? I don't mind."

"I'm sure." Rachel nodded her head. "Besides, with no school on a Saturday, you can finally get some rest. Go home. I'll be there soon. Okay?" Finn relented as Rachel leaned in and kissed him softly. Rachel and Finn parted, smiling at one another and Finn quickly pressed another kiss to Rachel's lips. Rachel giggled against his lips as he parted once more, nuzzling her nose with his.

"I love you." Finn said.

"I love you too, Finn." Rachel saw Finn getting up from his seat and making his way out of the diner. Finn turned around and blew Rachel a kiss, Rachel pretending to catch it and placing it on her cheek. Finn smiled as he made his way out of the diner, but as soon as Finn left, Rachel found her smile faltering and her mood dampening. She really was bummed about her audition…she thought she was good…but she figured that just being good…wasn't good enough.

{Rachel walks to the stage that's in the diner and she looks to what she thinks is an empty diner. She puts a hand on her 'Finn' necklace and continues to stare at the empty diner, feeling emotional about how her audition didn't go to plan, and how she wasn't good enough for the role}

[Rachel]

Being good isn't good enough

Being good won't be good enough

When I fly, I must fly extra high

And I'll need special wings, so far to go

From so far below

Should I try?

Am I strong enough

If there's time, have I longed enough

Gotta fly, and if I fall

That's the way it's gotta be

There's no other way for me

Being good just won't be good enough

I'll be the best, or nothing at all

I'll try

Am I strong enough

If there's time, have I long enough

Gotta fly and if I fall

That's the way it's gotta be

There's no other way for me

Being good just won't be good enough

I'll be the best, or nothing at all

{Rachel sadly walks off the stage and leaves the diner, but it reveals on the top level Rupert was watching her sing, taking Finn's advice and seeing Rachel without her guard down. It focuses on him thinking and the scene goes black}

GUEST STARRING

Peter Facinelli as Rupert Campion

Demi Lovato as Dani

Dean Geyer as Brody Weston

Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel

Remy Rosemont as Carole Hudson

SONG(S):

Somewhere (Originally from West Side Story): Performed by Rachel Berry

A Hard Day's Night (Originally by The Beatles): Performed by Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, Santana Lopez and Dani with Finn Hudson and Diner Staff

Being Good Isn't Good Enough (Originally from Hallelujah Baby! [Barbra Streisand Version]): Performed by Rachel Berry