It's almost too much to bear, but it's something she has to do for herself. For her baby. Quinn slips into the back of the church on Christmas Eve and stands at the back, hoping she won't be noticed. A few people turn around, but she doesn't remember them and there's not even a glimmer of recognition playing across their faces. Scanning the congregation she sees her mother, father, sister, and brother-in-law in the second pew. Quinn hardens her heart before the feeling of missing them, or the want of a real family at Christmas can reach her.
The church had always given her the role of the angel in the pageant, ever since she was five years old. She suspected her dad had something to do with that. It never mattered that this whole thing was a little "lame" or that she was far too old to be in a children's Christmas play. It was all worth it for the look in her daddy's eyes when everyone could see Quinn for what she was. A beautiful, perfect, innocent angel. Hah.
This year, the role was given to a disgustingly adorable eight year old. She skipped down the aisle, carefree and light to a room of smiles looking back at her. I remember that. I was like that once too. Quinn thought.
During the lighting of the candles (which she had always found beautiful, all the candles lighting up the entire chapel and people's faces) the woman next to her lights her candle and murmurs "Merry Christmas, Quinn."
She should be startled, but she merely says "Thank you."
When the service ends and everyone stands to leave, she tries her best to slip out quickly and get to her car before anyone she knows sees her. But her father's gaze is faster than her feet and he catches her eye. Somehow she gets caught in the throng of people ambling through the entryway and by the time she escapes, her family has accidentally caught up to her.
She looks her dad straight in the eye. "Merry Christmas."
He says nothing, just leads his family away in silence. But suddenly her sister's husband stops and walks back to Quinn.
"Quinn…I know we've never been close. But if you need somewhere to go, Allison and I always have our door open for you. Remember that." He hands her a piece of paper with an address and walks away back to the smile of her sister and stunned expression of her parents.
She realizes he just basically blew any chance of a nice, easy Christmas he and Allie might have had with her parents. But he still did what was right.
Christmas day, she wakes up at the Hudson house to find that she had presents from Finn, Mrs. Hudson, and Finn's little sister Anna. She is so touched she almost starts to cry. Mrs. Hudson gives her a hug and rubs her back. Later, Quinn slips out and drives to the address Kyle handed her last night. Allison answers the door and gives her sister a hug.
"They don't mean it…they really miss you Quinn. You should talk to them."
She shakes her head. She can't imagine going back, at least not yet. Kyle comes in and gives her a slightly awkward hug, but she appreciates that he's trying. The three spend the afternoon together playing board games, eating candy and watching Christmas specials (who knew The Incredibles was a Christmas movie?), until it's time for Kyle and Allison to go to Christmas dinner at the Fabray's. They ask Quinn to go with them, but she refuses. She sends a note instead.
Mom and Dad
I'm sorry we aren't together today in person. I wish I could take back my mistake, but I can't. I still love you both more than you will know and I wish you nothing but the best. Merry Christmas.
Love,
Your daughter Quinn.
It's the sign off, that last part where she's written "Love your daughter Quinn," that almost makes her father cry.