Title: Beeping Monitors

Fandom: Glee

Characters: Quinn Fabray

Disclaimer: Not mine, though I can dream right? The spelling and grammar mistakes on the other hand are mine.

Summary: Short fic set after 3x14

Spoilers: 3x14 – On My Way

A/N: So many feelings after the episode that I had to write something even though writing fan fiction is my worst skill – sorry in advance for any errors.


When Karofsky did it she didn't understand. She'd stand by her statement that giving up her daughter at sixteen was one of the lowest moments of her life; and despite Kurt's opinion nothing would change her mind on that. But she'd never wanted to end it all. She'd distracted herself with cheerleading and making her way back to the top of the social pyramid, anything to try and bury the pain just a little deeper.

Right now, lying in a hospital bed, looking at the ceiling, listening to the beeping of monitors with nothing but her own thoughts for company...she's starting to get it.

The obvious injuries are healing. The bruises are all but gone and the stitches are due to be removed from her forehead in a couple of days.

The not so obvious injuries were a different story.

When the doctor had informed her of the damage to her spinal cord it had been her mother that had sobbed.

When the Glee club found out Artie had been the first to visit. She expected it. Expected him to tell her that her life wasn't over and she'd adapt. He'd had the best intentions, but after visiting her every other day for two weeks and being met by nothing but silence and his good intentions quickly faded away.

When Santana and Brittany visited it was just like normal – just like her life hadn't been turned upside down and her dreams ripped away. The two would gossip about school and Glee club just like normal – like nothing was out of the ordinary. It didn't matter if she wasn't contributing to the conversation. Focusing on their pointless chatter would often be the highlight of her day.

Mr Schuster didn't say much. Mostly made mindless and painful small talk. Ms Pillsbury left a pamphlet. The others would drop in from time to time. Her silence and blank stares made them uncomfortable and they never stayed long.

The only time she was distracted from her own thoughts and the beeping of monitors was when Rachel visited. Rachel, who visited every day, brought fresh Gardenias every week and stayed just as silent as she did. The Rachel who one day stopped wearing her engagement ring and started holding her hand.

Now she understands why Karofsky did it.

She understands why she probably never will.

She keeps going from one day to another. Holding on for the moment when Rachel will hold her hand again.