Summary - Emma loves all of the little girls like they were her own, but they won't be little forever. From age eight and up, she watches and helps them to grow into young women. Some come, others go, but they never leave without knowing that Emma loved them, and that she was always there.
Loosely inspired by the movies Madeline and Matilda. Also, by the song "I Will Be There" by "Odessa"
A/N - For those of you reading other stories I'm writing, don't worry. Me starting this one doesn't mean I'm giving up on the others. Also, those of you who don't know, I have two added characters in all my Glee fics. Two of them are in this one. Their names are Jade Price and Alyson Anders. If you want Jade's face claim, look up Emzee Lynn. Alyson is me, but I'm not sharing my picture. So, any questions, just ask me.
"Judy...you're dragging your feet, could you hurry up?"
Russell Fabray was persistent. He was bold, brash and a man who got what he wanted. Above all, the man was impatient, and that was obvious upon meeting him for the first time. As him and his wife approached the newly renovated brownstone in Harlem that afternoon, a wide eyed, red head patiently waited on the steps.
"Coming dear", answered Judy Fabray, as she looked up.
"Hello...", was the greeting, from the first step up." My name is Emma Pillsbury. You must be the Fabrays." She stepped down on onto the sidewalk, and extended her hand." Welcome."
"Ms. Pillsbury, Hi. Russell." He shook her hand, with a firm, and dominant grip, before turning to left." My wife, Judy."
"It's nice to meet you", said Judy, with a smile, as she shook the woman's hand.
"It's very nice to meet you as well, Judy", said Emma." Thank you for coming to see me this evening."
"No, thank you", said Judy." We know this is very short notice, so we're both very appreciative for this meeting."
"Honestly, it's my pleasure. Would you care to join me inside?"
"Of course", said Russell, with authority." Let's get this meeting started, shall we?"
Just a few short minutes later, the three of them were seated inside.
"I have to say, I believe that you've made an excellent choice considering my school, Mr. and Mrs. Fabray. Also, I can't tell you just how much it means to me to have you here right now", Emma stated.
"Well, even though there are some concerns, Ms. Pillsbury, we're interested to hear about your program", said Russell Fabray. Him and his wife, Judy were sitting side by side in front of a desk." We have put a very large effort into finding an appropriate private school for our daughter. This place seems to be one of the best."
"As we strive to be, Mr. Fabray", answered the petite, ginger haired woman." You won't find another private school like this one, not in New York anyway." Although her demeanor was calm, she was actually very nervous. Not that it was ever noticeable, but interviews with parents of prospective students always chewed away on her nerves a bit. Nobody would blame her. Russell Fabray was a rather intimidating man. Emma couldn't help but notice how small the man's wife looked sitting next to him. She wasn't quite as scary as her husband. It was refreshing how soft spoken she was.
"Like my husband said, there are just a few concerns", she said with a warm smile.
"I would be worried if you didn't have concerns, Mrs. Fabray. Why don't you go ahead and lay them out for me, and I'll do my best to talk you through them."
"This being a private school, as well as a place where the girls live, I'm a little worried about how much attention my daughter will get."
"Judy, please", scoffed Russell." Quinn doesn't need any extra attention. That's dumb thing to be worrying about."
Emma waited a minute. She assumed Judy was going to continue, or at the very least defend herself. Once she realized that she had assumed wrong, she smiled at the blond woman." Something tells me that you didn't really mean extra attention."
The woman gave a slow and simple shake of her head.
"Well, what exactly did you mean", asked Russell, as if his wife was somehow trying his patience.
Emma cleared her throat a bit." If I may, I believe I can clarify."
"You may", he said.
She was a little annoyed with the man. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he thought he was above the female gender somehow. Annoyed or not, she had to be professional, as she always was." It's true, I am responsible for multiple girls, and in the past, it's proven to be a bit too much for me to handle. This is my third class of girls, but the very first class to be starting at a younger age. My first class consisted of twelve girls, and they all began at the grade eleven level. They were here two years. My second class consisted of ten girls, they began at the grade level ten, and remand here for three years."
"That sounds like a lot of girls", said Judy, in shock.
"I loved every minute of teaching those girls, but it was very hard work. That's why I only accept eight girls at a time now. Also, it's not just me. I'm primarily in charge of things, yes. However, there are two other adult woman that reside here with me. First is Susan Sylvester. She's in charge of cooking all of the meals, doing the house keeping, and she's in charge when I'm not able to be here for whatever reason. Second is Holly Holiday. She's in charge of the girl's physical fitness, as well as instructing art class. You'll be meeting with both woman in just a little while."
"They're qualified professionals", questioned the father.
"Just as qualified as I am, I assure you. I'd be very lost without them", smiled Emma.
"I see", said Judy." Well, that makes me feel much better. It's very smart of you to have a limit to the amount of girls you have. Now, may I ask, what do you do when you get a girl in the middle of the school year? Or a girl who's a different age than the rest?"
"That's a very good question. You see, I believe that it's important for these girls to be exposed to each other as though they were family. When they learn together, they grow together. Living with each other teaches them to be tolerant and sensitive towards others. When they bond as sisters, it teaches them to use their hearts as well as their brains." She always loved exploring the dynamic of her school." Now, if a space becomes available, I could only accept a student who's the same age, or at the very least, in the same year as the other girls. That's one reason this school is such a rare opportunity."
"Yes, because it's limited. Exclusive in a way. Fantastic", laughed Russell." It just goes to show you, there are times when women making things more difficult can get results."
Emma took a deep breath, as her fake smile grew wider." I assure you, Mr. Fabray, it's not my intention to make things difficult at all. I simply don't want the confuse things for the girls. The age requirement is eight, because our curriculum begins at the second grade level. Even though a typical school year doesn't begin until September, my students are required to be here in the third week of August. I like the girls to get to know each other, and the house before the school year begins."
"Wow", giggled Judy." Eight really seems to be the lucky number at this place. Eight girls, all age eight, and they start in the eighth month of the year. That's very clever."
Emma smiled." You know something, that wasn't planned. You are the very first person to bring that to my attention, thank you for that."
"You're welcome."
"Anyways", said Russell, loudly." Can we hear more about this residence?"
"Absolutely. You will be getting a tour, but I can let you in a few facts before we do that. This brownstone is four stories. It's been in my family for generations. I am the first family member to actually do something constructive with it. Now, the first level is this very office, the kitchen, the dining room, the indoor garden, the library, and one bathroom. The second level is the classroom, the dance studio, the music room, and a few single bathrooms. The third level is primarily living quarters. One large bedroom with a bed and dresser for each girl, and a large walk in closet for them to share. One large bathroom with eight individual sinks, showers, and four stalls. Then there are three master bedrooms, belonging to Susan, Holly and myself. Finally, the forth level is mainly for recreation purposes. It's where the girls can watch movies, play board games, things like that."
"My God", said Russell." You've really outdone yourself, clearly. I guess there's a reason why this place costs as much as it does."
"Trust me when I say, a lot of work was put into this place, and for good reason. Especially in the last few months."
"I trust you", smiled Judy." From what I understand, you taking our Quinny now would be making an exception, correct?"
"Yes, that's right. The other girls have already been here for a little while. However, there are only seven girls, your daughter will make eight, and the class will be full."
Russell smirked." It works out perfectly, and if you need me to shoot a little extra cash your way for the trouble, say the word."
"Thank you, but I must respectfully decline, Mr. Fabray. It's no trouble at all. I'm just thankful that you're considering leaving your daughter in my hands."
"I'm sure they're very capable hands, dear", smiled Judy.
Meanwhile, in a hotel room not too far away from the school, eight year old Quinn Fabray sat in her older sister's lap. They were watching a movie, while the oldest sister brushed the younger one's hair." Did I do something wrong?"
"What, Quinny?"
"I must have done something to make them mad."
"Mom and Dad?"
"Yeah. My new school is far away from home. I even gotta' sleep in it. Did I do something that made them wanna' get rid of me?"
Chelsea sighed. She felt so bad for her little sister, and hated the things that she was thinking." No. It's my fault that you're going to a new school far away. I'm sorry, I didn't think my choices would effect your life this way. Not at all."
"What?"
Chelsea muted the TV, picked up her little sister's body, and turned her around to face her. She smiled, warmly, and grabbed her hand." You know what's in here?" She placed her hand on her belly.
"A baby?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"How did it get in there?"
Chelsea couldn't help but laugh a little at the question, and she wasn't about to be honest about it either." Trust me, that's something you'll learn about, but it's too soon. It was a little too soon for me to learn about it too in a way."
Quinn lightly rubbed her big sister's belly" When is it gonna' come out?"
"In four more months."
The younger blond looked up." Will I get to see it?"
"Of course you will, Q Bean. I'll send you a picture."
"Do you promise?"
"Yes, I do. I owe you that much." She moved her hair from her face." See, Daddy thinks that if you go to a new school, away from home and...away from me, that you'll be happier."
Quinn frowned." But...you're my big sister, you do make me happy."
"You make me happy too, Q Bean, you always have. But, I'm not gonna' lie to you, I'm glad that you won't be around Daddy for a little while. I know he makes you sad."
"But, what about you? He makes you sad. Not just me. And Mommy too. Can't you tell Daddy to let me stay?"
"No, Quinn. I'm sorry, I can't do that. Plus, there is no changing his mind about this, he thinks that I'm a bad influence on you."
"You're not bad anything to me, Chels...", she whined, tears filling her eyes." I don't wanna' leave you."
Having her little sister crying in her lap, on the last night she would see her for a long time, was killing the teenager. Only, she knew being honest with her was for the best in that moment." Everything is gonna' be alright. You'll be safe, I know they wouldn't send you away to a place that wasn't safe. That's why they are there right now." She didn't blame Quinn for being so upset, she wouldn't. All she knew is that she had to switch schools, move away from her friends and family, all because of her parents being upset with her sister. Any eight year old would be upset in that situation." When Mom found out about your new school, she let me help her do some research. We went online, and found out lots of stuff. You know what?"
"What", she sniffled.
"There are weekends when family can come visit, and on Holidays, you get to visit home."
"Chelsea...I'm not gonna' know anybody", she sobbed." What if nobody likes me, and I end up having no friends?"
"That's never gonna' happen, you are an amazing little girl, with a great personality. The other girls at this place are so lucky that they are getting a chance to be your friend."
"Do you really think that?"
"I know it. I also know that I am lucky, because I have the best little sister in the world, and nothing can change it." She kissed her on the forehead, and pulled her as close as she could without squishing her belly. She wanted to stay strong, but she didn't bother trying to keep her own tears from falling." I'm really gonna' miss you, Q Bean."
"I'm gonna' miss you too", she sobbed.
By the time Russell and Judy returned, the sisters had finished their talk, and Quinn was a little calmer. It was decided that Russell would be taking Quinn back to the school that night, so they could leave. Judy was bothered, like any wife and mother would have been. After all, the only reason he chose to take their youngest daughter that night, was so they would leave, and be back home by the next morning. Her husband was selfish, and down right cruel at times, but she didn't dare argue. Not ever.
The man stood very impatiently by the door, while his wife and older daughter said goodbye to the youngest Fabray.
"It's a wonderful place, Quinny. You'll be just fine", Judy was saying." You'll adore your teacher, she's very sweet, and she can't wait to meet you."
Quinn just nodded slowly, as she looked up at her mother, and lunged into her arms. "I'm really gonna' miss you, Mommy."
"I know, baby. I'll miss you more than ever." She hugged her tight for a minute or two, before kissing her on the forehead, and moving aside. Chelsea wasted no time, kneeling down, and pulling her sister close.
"You'll be alright. Just remember everything we talked about."
"Chelsea, wrap it up, would you", said Russell." She's already late, she'll be getting there after all the other girls go to bed."
"Sorry, Dad", she sobbed." I love you, Q Bean. Be good."
"I love you too."
Once Russell had finally taken Quinn, the room was quiet. Too quiet. So quiet, that Chelsea had to walk out onto the balcony. Only seconds had passed before Judy joined her. She stood directly in front of her daughter, and wasn't surprised when she didn't get any eye contact." I know you're blaming yourself for this, sweetheart. Your father is wrong, this isn't your fault."
"Isn't it", she said, her voice breaking." If I wouldn't have gotten pregnant, we wouldn't even be here right now."
"No, if your Father wasn't so controlling, we wouldn't be here right now. Chelsea, this is not your fault."
"You know what, that doesn't even matter", she spat." You know why, because she's still gone!"
"I didn't want this, I promise you that."
"Than why didn't you stop him" she cried." Why can't you just stand up to him?"
"I can't do that, Chelsea...you know damn well that I can't, and you know exactly why that is!"
"No, you can...you always could, but you just chose not to. You've had so many years to stand up to him, and to leave, but you never do! I love you to death, Mom, I do...but I wish you weren't such a damn coward."
"Chelsea Rose Fabray...stop this...please", she begged through her tears." Why are you saying these things?"
"I just lost my little sister, and once my baby is born, I'll be loosing a child, all because of that man!"
"Now, I know that you don't want to give your baby up, but keep in mind, that man you're referring to is your Father!"
"Yeah, and this is a building, we're standing outside. You're wearing a green sweater, and I'm five months pregnant. Anything else obvious you feel like pointing out, Mother?"
Judy stared at her daughter, eyes wide, tears streaming down her face." Why are you acting like this? What in the world has gotten into you?"
She was starting to feel bad for how she was speaking to Mother, but she couldn't help it. Things in her life were changing so fast, and so much that she felt like she wasn't in control of her own brain anymore." Mom...", she sobbed." He's a monster, he's not a Father, he's not a husband...he's a monster, and he is ruining our lives." She moved closer, and placed her hands on either side of Judy's face." I wouldn't care if I never existed as long as it meant you never met and married that man."
"Don't you dare say that to me", she sobbed." I wouldn't have a purpose in this world without you and Quinny...don't you dare say that-"
"I mean it. I'm sorry, but I do...and I'm not taking it back."
Judy was devastated more than she was angry." You don't have to be sorry", she sobbed, wiping her daughter's tears away." I understand, baby...I do. I'm just so sorry that you feel that way, because there isn't a damn thing I can do about it now."
"Yes there is...you can still leave him. Mom, you don't need him...and neither do I. Neither did Quinn. Her being sent to this place sucks so bad, and it hurts...but you and I both know that she's better off. She needs this. This is her chance to grow up away from all the Hell. You and I, we can have chance too."
Judy smiled sadly though her tears, and shook her head." Don't worry...we'll be just fine."
It was at that exact moment that Chelsea realized that her Mother wasn't on board with her. She wasn't mad at her for, but she was disappointed. The truth was, she had already made up her mind about what she was going to do. She just hoped with all of her heart that her Mother would be right there with her." Okay, Mom. Yeah...you're right. Everything is gonna' be...fine."
Meanwhile, Quinn was standing in the foyer of her new home. Russell kneeling down in front of her." Daddy, are you mad at me?"
"No, I'm not mad at you, not at all. You're my little girl, and always will be", he smiled.
"If that's true, why are you making me stay here", she sobbed." Whatever I did, I can fix it, I promise I'll try harder to be a good girl."
"Quinn, this isn't your fault. This is your sister's fault."
"But why?"
"She's made some very big mistakes in her life. She's selfish, and doesn't care how her actions effect our family. You need better influence in your life, and you being here is going to help that."
"But...Daddy...I-"
"Now...", he said, with a tone of warning." If you really mean what you said about trying to be a good girl, you'll do what you're told, and stay here. You also need to be a big girl, do you understand?"
She sniffled a little, and wiped some of her tears away." Yes, Daddy. I understand."
"See, that's my good girl", as he stood up.
She knew he was about to leave, but she wouldn't be making a fuss. All she did, was lean forward, and hug him." I'll miss you, Daddy."
"I'll miss you too. Now you behave." With that, he nodded towards Emma, who had been standing nearby. Once she nodded back, and took a few steps forward, Russell turned towards the exit." Bye, Quinn."
"Bye...", she sobbed, in almost a whisper, as she watched him walk out of the door, and close it behind him.
All she could do was stand, and stare at the door. In that moment, what her sister had said, what her own parents had said, was on the back line. All she knew was that her Daddy had just left her in a place that she didn't know. With a person that she didn't know. If not for the hand that on her shoulder, that had suddenly pulled her from her daze, she would have broken down. She turned around, and was met with the most beautiful, comforting pair of eyes that she had ever seen. Emma was kneeling down in front of her, and hadn't taken her hand away. It didn't matter that she had only met the woman a few minutes before, or that she was sad about not seeing her family for a while. Somebody was there, and she wasn't about to hold back on how she felt." Why did he leave me?"
Emma smiled sadly, and lightly squeezed the little blonde's shoulder. Sure, she had met the girl's parents, and was officially in charge of caring for, and teaching the child that stood before her. It was another student, but to her, that wasn't all Quinn was. Little did the tiny blond know just how much her older sister had done for her.
Five minutes before Russell Fabray had shown up with his daughter, Emma had received an email. She wasn't expecting it, but it didn't make it any less important, and once she had finished reading it, she wanted to cry.
"Ms. Pillsbury, my name is Chelsea Rose Fabray. Tonight, my little sister will be showing up at your school. Her name is Quinn, and she's the best little girl in this world. There's something that I need you to understand. My sister means the world to me. She always has, and she always will. She's special, and deserves so much more than what she gets. If I had my way, she wouldn't be leaving, and going off to that place, but I don't have my way. I'm loosing her, and it's because of me. So this is what you will do. You will take care of my little sister. You will make sure nothing bad happens to her, and you will protect her with your life. I don't want this to be a threat, but it might be. I trust your school but the day I stop trusting your school, well that means problems for you. Teach her good things, and make sure that she learns everything that she can. If you don't, you'll deal with me. I'm risking so much just by sending this email to you, but I'm willing, because Quinn means the world to me. So keep this email address, and keep me updated. Do that without my parents knowing about it. If you can take care of my sister, and keep me in the loop, I'll be forever thankful. "
Emma was smiling at the little girl, even knowing that she wasn't happy. She couldn't help it. She had known that Quinn was special, even before she had read Chelsea's email." Quinn, your Father leaving you wasn't a goodbye forever. It was just a goodbye for now. He'll be back, and until he does come back, I'm here to take care of you, I promise, I will take care of you. See, I know that you're a very special little girl, and that means that you deserve to be loved, and taken care of."
"I do", she sniffled.
"Yes, you do. Quinn, welcome to Pillsbury's School for Girls. Welcome to your new home."
Alright, so there it is. I hope you guys liked it, don't forget to review. Reviews are love, but I don't respond to the negative stuff, so don't bother.