Born In Pain
The salty tang of the sea splattered the air around Quinn as she stared wide eyed into the sandy beach stretching into the horizon. How did I get here? She sighed as she traced the edges of the man sized bluish-white corundum crystals in the distance with eyes. It's more of the insanity of yesterday. It's not like after a day of dealing with Rachel, her family, Puck and Jewish traditions that I had enough? The frown faded quickly as pinks and greens made their appearance as well. The whole beach looked as if a giant shook a salt shaker over it.Running a hand through the warm white grains, peddles of corundum rained down in a rainbow kaleidoscope. The only good thing was meeting Jen. But then she didn't fulfill her promise. Or did she? I had that crazy dream where I was someone else. Yet now I am here. Is Rachel my friend again?
She walked around, the sand seeping between her toes. Turning around she saw the sea and sky. Deep cobalt, it appeared cloudless yet huge black boulders stream through it, splashing into the cerulean sea. Turbulence draws them in, hiding them in its deep blue vastness. Waves churn and foam crashing incessantly, upon the rainbow shore. Spray rose up peppering the shore. Yet beyond the sound of crashing waves there was silence. She appeared alone. "Where did it all go wrong?" she mused.
"That's a valid question, Quinn," the blond girl with dark piercing eyes asked. Flaxen strands of hair were whisked away by a small hand with unpainted nails. Her small lips, a bold pink, pursed in thought as her jade eyes regarded her. Those hands patted down her golden lace bodice dress. Bending down to pick a ruby from her tan Michael Kors® 'Angie' Suede Lace-Up Peep-Toe Ankle Boots, she rose back up to the same height as Quinn. "And as of last night, you don't like the answers I gave." Suddenly her gaze grew hard. "Why are you wearing a Forest Hills Wolverettes uniform?"
"I go there. That's what you decided." A sense of loss echoed in her voice as well as an uncommon weariness.
Pity echoed in Jen's eyes. "No, Gwen does. You don't. Nothing changed. Nothing will change. I couldn't do anything because you are carrying a child. And neither of us will end her life."
A dark pall cloaked Quinn's face. "So nothing changed."
"I can't kill an innocent child and retain my position and power. So I did the quantum leap thing."
Quinn's frown grew deeper. I was dumped in to her and her in to me? My sister liked that show but it never made sense. "That's it?"
"Yes, it is. Your life is like your erstwhile BFFs. You and her are actually tied together in a way even I didn't see. It's a good thing. But know this, you broke your friendship with her. You have to repair the breach." Jen blew out a heavy breath, looking up. "Where are you?"
"I don't know. You brought me here." Quinn snapped, instantly regretting it. I have to quit that. She is helping.
"I brought you nowhere. I found you here. I am amazed and amused you are here. This plane is known by many names. Primarily it is the 'Sea of Forgetfulness'."
Quinn watched the meteors slam into the roiling sea like rain. "Aren't you my guardian angel?" she looked at her, morose. "All I wanted was a friend, my friend back. Why can't I have that?"
"You can. But you spent a year hating on her, you know the result. If you want to survive and come out of this, you have to change Quinn. You took the right steps at first but you stopped. Pay the piper for your actions and recover. You know how." Jen smiled at her, rested her hand on her shoulder as she stared at her.
"She took him from me!" Quinn spat darkly.
"He would have left anyway the way you were treating him. You were breaking his spirit. Rachel strengthens his. You know who lifts you up, who you belong with. You are carrying his child." The look of pity reflected the look of horror on her face. "When you realize this and accept it, come find me. You know where to look. I live in your world." And suddenly the world was filled with white.
Finn held the bedroom window open as Puck climbed in. "She is still going to kill you," he whispered, amusement on his lips as he boosted the guitar case Puck carried in with him. Puck sat it down, it leaning against the vast cherry wood trophy case. Puck took hold of the window as Finn crawled in. The walls were hard to see in the moonlight, being a light purple with the flowery prints on the walls. The high plush carpet shone midnight blue as the streetlight hit it through the open curtain. Puck shut the window as he smiled perversely at Finn. "It's going to be magical."
"What if we get caught?"
"Nothing will go wrong. I've played this low before. Besides what could go wrong?"
Finn handed him the bag and he pulled out audio and video micro recorders. Walking over to her desktop computer setting alone and humming in a corner, he shook his head a sardonic smile plastered on. It was still on, so he plugged in USB connectors before padding back over to Finn. "Can you make sure it's recorded?"
Finn stared at him. "You're crazy!"
"This from the guy who stood outside Rachel's window, holding up a stereo playing 'In you eyes'?" He quipped, his eyes drawn to her angelic glow as she slept. She clutched the blood red silk pillow as she breathed softly. Puck looked over at Finn, serious. "Are you ok with me dating her?"
Finn stared into the darkness. "If she lets you. But yes, it's ok. Unless she's pregnant."
Puck flashed an odd look as he went to get his guitar. He sat it down by her computer chair; red gold padded chair with flowery trim. He then leaned over to set the speakers on the aged golden stained headboard.
Finn shook his head at the elaborate set up. Looking over at her trophy case, he smiled. Each of her trophies was proudly displayed under soft illumination in order of year, including last year's nationals' victory with the Cheerios.
"Finn!" Puck whispered sharply, glaring. "Dude, I'm ready. It's just trophies. You act like its porn photos of her." Finn turned sharply, annoyed.
"Hey, she's not like that." Where are the tiaras? She has about as many as she does trophies.
"Please! Like you know where everything in her room is supposed to be. You are ruining my moment. Now come over." He pointed to the computer with his free hand, cradling the guitar with the other. He had the screen turned to the wall so it wouldn't shine on her.
Creeping to the computer, he stood at an angle so he could activate the web camera as well as Puck's gear. "Go."
Puck waited as the electronic tinkle of the chimes rippled around him. Beeps and other soft sounds filled the room as he softly strummed the guitar. Finn looked over at the door leading to the hallway and sighed in relief. At least she is still at the end of the hall. Her parents won't hear this.
"Dream weaver….
I've just closed my eyes again
Climbed aboard the dream weaver train
Driver, take away my worries of today
And leave tomorrow behind
Ooh, dream weaver
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh, dream weaver
I believe we can reach the morning light."
Finn noticed a video as he moused around called 'Sarah Darri – jar of hearts'. Curious, he clicked it. On the window below the recording window stood Rachel in the atrium of Forest Hills dressed in a white lacy dress singing. Stopping it, he glanced over at Puck, then grabbed the spare USB stick he had gave him, and transferred it. Odd name for a Rachel mini-concert. Wish I was there. Looks amazing.
"Fly me high through the starry skies
Maybe to an astral plane
Cross the highways of fantasy
Help me to forget today's pain."
"Ooh, dream weaver….
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh, dream weaver….
I believe we can reach the morning light."
Quinn rolled over, stretched and smiled. Finn sighed. Underneath such beauty is such mess. You had to be a hot mess. At least Rachel isn't. She's shorter than you. Talks a lot but wants me for me. It would be so much easier if she was popular here. If you'd let her be that here. He frowned. But then you wouldn't be you, the brave, eternal princess.
"Though the dawn may be coming soon
There still may be some time;
Fly me away to the bright side of the moon
And meet me on the other side"
"Ooh, dream weaver….
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh, dream weaver….
I believe we can reach the morning light
Dream weaver….
Dream weaver….
Dream weaver."
Finn rose as Puck finished. Setting down the guitar, he leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Sweet dreams, my eternal deep princess," he spoke with gentle warmth after he pecked her.
She rolled over to face him, bleary eyed. "I ought to kill but I won't."
Finn frowned, shaking his head. I am insane. That's it.
Quinn heard soft strumming as light around her faded to black. Then she realized Puck voice was intermixed. Soft whispers feather dusted her conscience as she grasped reality. I have a recording of him? Or did she leave one? Then she felt warmth and pressure. "Sweet dreams, my eternal deep princess," he said is a light whisper. How romantic, he came to serenade me. Then reality sucker punched her. He's in my room! Dad will call the police and I will never hear the end. If he doesn't kill him first.
Opening her eyes, she saw him staring at her. "I ought to kill but I won't."
He shot a sardonic smile as he pulled back. "Good thing. I'm a bitch to clean up."
"How did you – nevermind, Finn told you, didn't he?" She slurred irritated. "You have to go."
He looked into the darkness toward her computer and then saw him. She jolted up, the ruched, ombre-dyed cotton duvet impressed with a full spectrum of cotton candy and grass colored plants falling away to reveal her peachy cami and matching lacy boy shorts. "Finn, he's going to come up here and then he's going to snap and I don't want to think…" She plopped back down on the bed staring at them both.
"I left the ladder by the window," Puck replied, smart.
"Leave," she pointed at them both, "now."
"We need to talk later. Meet at Studio 8 around 10." He looked at her clock radio as he passed. "Make it noon." He looked serious. He knows. He knows! Please don't tell Puck. "I'll be there. And who knows Berry might be good," she quipped with a fake smile.
"She makes me want to light my hair on fire," Puck remarked as he climbed out the window. A chuckle ripped from her as she watched him disappear. Finn followed after Puck was outside. "I took the video. Can you handle me the guitar?" he pointed to it. "You can give me the gear when you come."
She padded over hesitantly, guitar held by the neck. "What video? And why where you on my computer?" Angry hazel eyes held him to the ledge.
"Recording the song for you. It was on the desktop called 'Sarah Darri – Jar of Hearts'" He held a pleading glance. Puck shouted something.
"Go! I'll explain when I see you next," she whispered harshly, desperately hiding the shock as she handed him the guitar. Staring out the window, she watched him slide down the ladder and dive into his car. He and Puck vanished just as the police arrived. She shook her head furious and touched. Jen, why?
Walking to her closet, she threw the door open and tugged on the light switch. The bland golden wood paneled closet hadn't changed but it did have an addition. A well-worn, all-star Forrest Hills Wolverettes uniform with the Gwen Breton id clipped to the skirt. The duffle sat below it. A long sigh echoed of frustration and confusion. Why is that even here? I don't go there. They would kill me where I stood if I showed up. Still, it would be great for recon.
Pausing at the second door, she turned the ornate flowery handle, opening it to reveal another closets of shelves. Only these shelves contained blood red pillows that held jeweled crowns and tiaras. There were 16 crowns; one for each of her years. They ranged from an Ultimate Grand Supreme thru Southern Celebrity Ohio to Miss Teen Ohio 2009. 5th runner up in Miss Teen USA. Shame I can't do it this year. I just have to hide it until October 23th. And I can! It was an awesome year until now. My platform during my reign was responsible tanning and the health benefits gained from moderate exposure to UV rays. How is that not important? She sighed, glancing over that the pegs that held the sashes. Why does he want her? I might not be perfect but I am a princess. And I have the crowns to prove it. What does she have?
Walking out of the closet, she grabbed a soft rose terry robe. Then she walked out into the dark hallway. Russell approached her in his smoking jacket, relief on his face. "You ok?"
"Yes, what is going on?"
"911 reported a burglar trying to break in. There was even a ladder on the house when police got here. They didn't find anyone though. Officer said it was closest to your window."
Quinn's relief washed over her. "I just woke up. There was nothing going on."
"OK. Night, honey." Russell said as he walked down the stairs to officer standing silently at the front door.
Retreating back to the room, she flipped on the pole light beside her computer. Sitting down, she noticed the video Puck took of her sleeping while he played. He really is charming when he tries. Shame he's nothing but a Lima loser. Saving the video, her mouse popped open the still running Firefox tab. Sports Illustrated chatted about current American Gymnastics 2009 national champion, Kelly Parker. Your face is just like hers, Jen. Round face, dark mascara on eyes, button nose. Only she has brown hair and brown eyes. I have an excellent way to solve this. And Dad will even let me do it. Printing off the image of the cover, she turned everything off. If she is Kelly then maybe I can get some answers. Of course, the dress fitting! That is the perfect reason to go to Denver. I have to have a unique dress for my final pageant before homecoming. And as she sank back into sleep, the dreams were of beating Rachel at her own game; because success and fame are double edged swords.
Silence enveloped Quinn as she waited on a hard vinyl chair in the center of the lower level of Port Columbus International airport. Russell, her father, sat beside her reading the paper. Francine, her older sister who lived in Oxford, was at the Group welcome center asking if the flight was delayed due to the cloud cover. The snaking black belt of U.S. Airways Baggage retrieval was at the end of the empty row she sat in. In near visual distance was a shiny steel escalator that occasionally spat up a worker. People milled about with various looks of stress and calm. Some paced across the stormy blue floor. Other stood close by staring at the LED flight board flashing 'delayed'. The mustard Yellow 2 held by the steel surfboard pillars was being polished.
I wonder; what did he want to talk to me about? She sighed heavily.
"Care to share, honey?" Russell asked, concerned.
Quinn shifted in the black chair, looking over at him with a pensive frown. Standing, she yawned. "I'm fine. Just too much happened and I need to process."
"Well, I can't help if you don't let me in," he remarked, looking over at her patiently as he rested the paper on the seat beside him.
She glanced at Francine and her red gold hair wiggling in curls by her shoulders as she flattered the airport ambassador. Quinn sighed heavily, pasting on a dour smile. Softly she said, "Its Rachel again."
Francine sashayed over, her blood red scoop neckline A-line dress with cross back straps fluttering and turning heads. She let her hair with her wedding band sparkle in the light as heads turned. Her frustration was evident on a face similar to Quinn's. "You can't put her in her place?"
"You forgot about the ruined cake I had to pay for!" Russell growled in a low, dark tone. Quinn's expression echoed her dad's. That is almost unforgivable.
"Her dads are high power people. Leroy is a VC and Hiram is a partner in Darc, Berry, Hart & Flynn. You don't cross either of them. I wouldn't put it past Leroy to be a part of the consortium that is engaging in the hostile takeover of Lasker Parks Incorporated." He frowned at that.
Quinn looked away to roll her eyes. Francine just stared in irritated wonder. "That explains the talk in Dobler's. Of course, no one at CRU ever knows anything about what happens in Oxford until it hits them over the head."
Quinn began to pace again. Francine looked over at her, folding her arms under her ample bust. "You're frigging Miss Teen Ohio 2009. That has to count for something."
Quinn looked back, halting. "I mention that and she will hate me more. I don't want to get rid of the glee club or Rachel. I just want her to go back to being her old self, focused on her music and herself. But she seems glued to Finn suddenly." She sighed. "It made last year's fight that much worse."
Francine stared at her bemused. "I seem to remember you posting snarky remarks on her YouTube and MySpace pages. Hateful comments. Almost Everytime she posted a video until recently, you posted something harsh."
"She called me a sellout. And when I pointed out Coach Sylvester's winning streak, she called me the eternal shallow queen. It's been bad ever since. Until now." Quinn pirouetted around slowly, glancing at everything. The baggage tenders, the airport ambassadors the assembled milling crowds. She dropped her voice to a whisper.
"She let me into this exclusive function after they told her not to. Then she defended me to them." Confusion echoed. "It was nice, like old times. And I couldn't tell her." Dejection gripped her expression. "She never does anything without a selfish motive. I can't figure it out."
A dark cloud flashed across Russell's face, dropping the newspaper again. Francine frowned deeply. A gentleman of average height and build tanned copper walked by, took another look and approached. With his sharp nose and deep grey eyes framed by chestnut hair, he smiled like he had just won the lottery. "You're Quinn Fabray, Miss Teen Ohio, aren't you?" He said exhilarated, slightly bouncing.
"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you," Quinn chirped with a broad, plastic smile.
"Can I have your autograph? I never thought while I was waiting for my brother I would meet a local celebrity. You are so beautiful. It's no wonder you won." He grinned as the words spilled out of his mouth.
Grabbing her Fossil® jasmine bucket orange canvas hobo bag, she dug out an official glossy and signed it. "You are?" she looked up at him while Francine shared a private look of amusement with Russell.
"Doug, Doug Sanders." He clenched a fist in delight.
As she handed the picture to him, he stared at her joyfully. "Oh, thanks! You have no idea what this means!" he remarked as he walked off, clutching the photo like it was a gold bar.
"What did you write this time?" Francine asked.
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever," she grinned wickedly.
"Vain much?"
"A little. Enough to win. Which is my problem," she finished, the smiled faded. Russell looked up, from reading his smartphone. "She stole that eight grand you worked hard for. You know dangerous a stunt that was. You have a contract with Trump®. That was a public appearance!"
Quinn sighed. "It fell under cheerleader, so no, it wasn't. I checked." She walked over to him as the people began to pause more as they shuffled by. "I shouldn't have done it. I wanted Finn back. Killing glee would have done that. He was railroaded into being there anyway. Dakota was that way. He failed. And she didn't steal the money, dad. We raised it for the glee club. I gave it to her to pay Dakota. Her agent had an exchange with her and envelopes were exchanged. He was paid for all the 5 minutes he was there with his stupid menus and song ideas inside. I'm still amazed the coach of Vocal Adrenaline hired him." She dropped in the seat, worn. "And I'm back to square one. We hate each other and she had my boyfriend in her grasp."
"I told you last year how to handle that. Acceptable Loses. We all have them. Sweep it under the carpet and move on. Rachel can't be the only girl like you at McKinley." He said gently.
Yet as she went to retort, soft warmth wrapped her in the scent of myrrh and cinnamon. In a still, small voice words rose in the back of her mind. That's not true. Forgiveness begins the journey friendship follows home.
"You were going to say something?" Russell asked, trying to read her blankness. It morphed in a resigned need. "No, its girls stuff."
An older guy in a blue Port Columbus Airport Ambassador's vest walked over to Francine. He introduced himself and was about to continue when he noticed Quinn. A flash of recognition then he excused himself. "I will be back in a moment," he remarked, politely before hustling back to the Group information center desk, and grabbing a phone.
Francine rolled her eyes and walked to a nearby Coke® machine. Quinn rolled her eyes. "What?" Russell groused, yet curious.
"It leeches the calcium from your bones," she pronounced with a petulant aire. Russell frowned in confusion, his brow furrowed until Francine walked back with the Coke®.
"Oh," he remarked blandly, returning to texting on his smartphone.
Quinn rose and walked to the info board above the bag belt and stared. Nothing! Still delayed. Now, I am going to miss Finn at Studio 8 which means she gets her claws in deeper into him. It could get to a point where he wouldn't believe me and say no. Then what? She clenched a fist, blowing out a hard breath. Of everyone she could have feel in love with, why him? He's mine. Was mine until he broke up. And I hate doing this but I need him. And I need to figure out if Jen really is Kelly Parker. "Why are you so late!" she barked at the screen, frustrated. I NEED MY FRIEND TO HASH THIS OUT!
Suddenly, her smartphone chirped. With a deft scoop, she scanned the tweets of love and cuteness. The annoying ones that Rachel kept posting of her songs and how she never got enough solos. Or the ones where life wasn't fair, why the cafeteria had a slushie machine and how wonderful Forest Hills was.
Yet the chirp was from three texts. First was the personal invite from Rachel to the recording. How odd. She definitely up to something. Ok, I'll play along. Then she noticed the time stamp was from when she was with Jen; two hours after the transference. Well, it was the warm fuzzies. Still…
Second was from Finn stamped ten minutes ago when she was signing the autograph. 'The record producer that Mark is flying in to do Rachel's album is delayed so they aren't doing it until Monday. Rachel took the week off because it's all high holy days. Sorry. See you at dinner with RB at Breadstix? My treat.'
Why me? She moaned softly. Some days I just want to punch him! Then it dawned on her. That's perfect. I can campaign for Homecoming queen without her interfering. I am still owed that crown. Still, I will go to the recording. I need to know if she is real about repairing our friendship or this is a ploy to get Finn away and get me back for all the cruelty I've done. A sigh left her lips as she wondered if Rachel would ever be that cruel. And Vanessa might talk some sense into her, too.
The third text was a thing of beauty. It was from Miss Universe Organization. 'Greeting Ms. Fabray. As reigning Miss Teen Ohio USA and our 5th runner up in the Miss Teen USA pageant, it's our delight to invite you to this final photo-shoot. Cassie and Alex Meraz of Twilight are doing a video for her latest album. And they wanted the top five runners up. The meeting is 12 noon Sunday in Boulder, Colorado at the St. Julien Hotel and spa and the shoot is Monday. Everything is covered as this is a mandatory shoot to fulfill your contract. The travel money has been deposited into your account. See you there!'
Covering her mouth, she stared at the text, excitement dripping off her. Looking over at her dad, he smiled at her then answered the phone. The smile vanished replaced with pleasure and concern. "Miss Fabray?" A voice from behind her asked politely. Looking around her surprised, she noticed it was the same Port Columbus airport ambassador. "Yes, that's me."
"You are the reigning Miss Teen Ohio?" he asked politely.
Reigning always makes me smile. It's royal. A plastic smile flashed at him. "Yes."
"Good, that's what I told my friend in the tower. Your plane is landing now."
Surprise widened her eyes as she grasped what he said. "My plane?"
"The one your sister was chatting about; U.S. Airways 3385 from LaGuardia. It was originally 12th in the queue due to its late departure. However, Brent. My friend in the tower owes me one so I got him to bump it up to next. It should have landed by now." He grinned. "Can you sign this?"
He produced an 8"x10" glossy of her from the Miss Teen USA 2009 competition. Unlike her tousled hair hid under a buttery weaved summer hat with a pink bow about the band, her hair was slicked back and she wore pearl earrings in the photo. At least it was a Bagley Mischka® original. She looked at her double dipped neckline, black backed, poppy floral frock with a frown. They always find me in my worst clothes.
Still it was the Spring Festival. It was a Black tie affair that I drug Finn too. Our second date and first kiss. She looked wistful as she glanced up at him taking the picture. "I would love too. To Brent?"
"Yes, please. And I do really wish you had won. You are incredibly beautiful and poised." He smiled at her, his eyes dancing.
A chuckle left her lips before she bit it back. "Thanks." She handed the photo back along with the proffered sharpie®. He walked away, seemingly happier. It was then that he spotted a CC SKYE Large Bamboo Hoop Earrings bedecked, corkscrew hair flying, latte-colored skin and hazel eyes shining woman of equal height running towards her. "Quinn!" She shouted as she approached. "You look excellent!"
"Vanessa!" Quinn sang back as they hugged tightly. "I'm so happy you are here."
"As am I," Rachel said as she appeared from behind her. Quinn's face dropped.
Vanessa smiled cheerfully, a brow raised. "I found her waiting alone. Seriously?"
Why is it that every time I get a reward or gift I get punched? "Yes." Looking at Rachel in her cheery indigo silk script print dress with gold note buckle and purple leggings. And of course her Rick Owens black textured leather ankle boots with a concealed wedge heel. "Although, thank you for yesterday."
Rachel stared at her, her cheery delight fading as fast as the luggage arrived on the belt.
Rachel blinked, staring at her. That's it? "You're welcome." She looked to Vanessa for some sympathy, anything. Vanessa brushed a hair from her eyes, with a hand with purple fingernails with gold asterisks. American Eagle® skinny jeans hung from her hips covered by a mustard tank top and a satin varsity letterman jacket from a movie shoot she couldn't place. And then there were the neon pink high-tops.
Vanessa beheld her, shook her head. "The war still rages. I guess being here at the same time is a plus." She grinned and hugged her, pulling Quinn. "I miss us. It's been forever since we hung out. What, summer before last?" Rachel caught the seriousness in her eyes as she let go. "Yes," Rachel said, staring at Quinn, watching her. "It was two weeks before freshman cheerleading tryouts." Quinn frowned deeply, patting down her Anthropologie Color-Dipped Dress. The redux jacket shifted and she smoothed it as well.
Vanessa's face turned serious. "I know what you two are doing. But I am only here until Monday. Dad won't cover anymore and neither will Ruby."
Quinn relaxed then frowned again. Rachel looked at her sharply. What is up with you? You never do anything on the weekend anymore but sleep, shop and go to church. I've seen your tweets and Facebook posts.
"That's good because I have great news!" she glanced at Rachel, the frown replaced with an exuberant smile. Yet worry sat in her eyes. "I was -" she stopped when Finn walked up, circles under his eyes in a Def Leppard 'Pyromania' t-shirt and Levi's®. He carried two heavy black with metal edged cases. Behind him was Mark Connors, Rachel's agent and manager, in a black leisure suit without a tie. His short blond hair was nearly coiffed. Beside him walked a stocky older man in worn Levi's® and a crisp white dress shirt. His toast toned hair frizzed and spiraled out past his shoulders. A small tan leather carryon bag was on his shoulder.
Yet it was Vanessa who noticed him first. "Funny, we meet again," she remarked jovially to him.
He smiled. "V" Quinn asked, her eyes glaring at Finn then Rachel.
She beheld Quinn amused. "Relax, Q. Meet Mutt Lange. We sat together on the plane from New York." He nodded.
"Mutt meet Quinn Fabray, reigning Miss Teen Ohio USA and Rachel Berry, siren extraordinaire."
He grinned genuinely and shook Quinn's hand as she beamed. Rachel sighed, hiding her annoyance. Shaking his hand gently, she delightfully chirped, "Thanks for flying out for me."
"So you are Mark's protégée? I didn't think it was possible for anyone to do as well as Journey on 'Don't Stop Believing'. Yet both of you did." He smiled at Finn who seemed enamored. Rachel scooted over to him, concern in her eyes. Why is Mutt important? What kind of name is Mutt anyway?
Finn looked down at her with a half-smile. "Relax, he's a rock god."
She looked up with a mixture of disappointment and horror. Quinn looked aghast. Vanessa chuckled softly, watching the interplay with one eye while keeping a lookout for her luggage. Mark laughed.
"Agreed, sort of. I can't throw lightning and I don't own capes," Mutt remarked amused.
Rachel pivoted, staring at him. "There is no God but Ha'shem."
Quinn looked over to her irritated yet proud. "And Jesus, his son."
Vanessa shook her head. Then looking at Finn who held them both in shock and awe, she slid over. "Walk with me, I need my luggage."
He nodded. As she moved the 50 ft. to the actual now almost empty baggage line, she said softly. "I take it you've never seen them together where there wasn't hair pulling and scratching?" She grinned as she grabbed the first of her paisley suitcases.
Finn shook his head. "No. Vanessa? You are the friend Quinn spoke about a lot."
She grinned brighter. "And you are with Rachel?" She just missed the second one as it tumbled by.
"Sort of. Long story. So what happened, Vanessa?"
"Call me V," she said as she caught the second. "They weren't always like this." She answered calmly, as they walked back. "There were friends since I met them 5 years ago."
"So what happened?" Finn asked again, softly.
Rachel stared at them as they walked back, hiding her irritation. Of course she would tell him. Now I have to explain what happened. The only good thing is that Quinn does to. "Sue."
"Coach Sylvester," Quinn interjected. Francine looked over at Quinn, frowning and waving. She walked to her briefly. Rachel watched, raising her hand for Mark to quiet so she could hear of the other airport sounds.
"I got the call. You are good to go." Russell said with a mixture of delight and worry. "Here's the credit card. It's got $1500 on it. Be safe, be careful and I will see you Monday morning. Unless you planned on driving back first."
Quinn looked back at everyone. "No." She looked around. "Where's Arlo?"
"At the rental counter. He said she can go if she wants, but she'll have to pay her way." Russell frowned and shrugged.
Quinn nodded. She looked at Francine. "I'll bring you something back." She hugged her. "We never get to see each other anymore."
"How true," Francine replied sadly. "I have to drive back tonight."
She hugged her dad. "Thanks for trusting me."
"Don't steer me wrong," he mock chastised.
As she broke off, she saw Vanessa walk over. "Come on. They want to go."
Quinn met up with her. "He got his luggage?"
"Yes," Vanessa said as they returned to the group. Mutt now had his luggage, all one new midnight blue Swiss suitcase.
"So we back on schedule?" Mark asked Rachel.
"Yes." She looked at Quinn, curious. "Where you going and what are is your great news."
That elicted a growl from Quinn, she stared darkly. "You can't be patient. It's going to –" she froze the stopped. "Sorry." Hesitation washed over her. "I'll tell you at Breadstix. There is one here in Columbus?" She stared at him, concerned and brave. "You did say you would take us out."
Finn's face turned red, as Rachel stared at him shocked. "You did?"
"I thought the album recording isn't until tomorrow," he defended himself, staring at the ground. She gripped his hand. "Thanks."
Mark coughed. Everyone looked at him. "I don't see why it can't be tonight. We have the studio for the week so unless a better thing happens, its waiting."
Mutt whispered. "Typical 24hr window?"
Mark nodded. "They will refund all days but one."
"Good. I'd hate to waste your money," he replied, concerned.
"She will record, trust me." Mark remarked.
"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here," he remarked, amused.
Mark looked at the ladies and Finn. "So we all will meet at the Breadstix at noon. It's about a mile and a ½ from here along International Gateway in the center of the hotel cluster along I-670."
"Agreed." Vanessa said. "I can get my car in Lima if I need to."
Quinn smiled. "Ok. We need to talk." She looked at Rachel with this sharp, toughness. "I'm taking Vanessa."
"We'll meet you there," Rachel responded, desperately trying not to take the bait. What just happened? And what are you hiding?
Finn stared at her now that they were alone. "You OK?"
"What went wrong?" she asked staring at him, worry across her face.
"You included Quinn," Finn said sadly.
"V is my friend. My only real friend other than you." And the ladies of Forest Hills.
"Then we go to Breadstix." He said flatly.
"We go to Breadstix," Rachel agreed. The question is do I want V restore my friendship with Quinn or do I want my career. I thought it was an easy choice. Why is everything so hard?