Settling down into class was a relief. It seemed like Quinn was finally in the right place, and the feeling of belonging was more reassuring than ever. The morning was off to a tricky start, her previous meeting with Damon left her confused and unsettled. The idea that she could finally just concentrate on something else besides her life was a blessing. She didn't mind history either, that was until she remembered who her teacher was. She thought she could manage to slip in unnoticed, but it seemed like the students of Mystic Falls high school weren't too great at punctuality. Scanning the empty classroom a little nervously, disappointed by the baron desks, she hovered by the door way. Finding a seat near the back, not too obviously away from the desk but far enough not to make awkward eye contact, the blonde dropped her bags and placed her books neatly on the plastic wood. Pausing for a moment she hesitated before making her way out of the class, a trip to the bathroom was the perfect place to stall. Just as she made her way to the door a figure turned to come in, elbowing her to the side as they collided. The air was filled with the smell of warm coffee, unfortunately for Quinn though it seemed to mostly be coming from her dress. She cursed under her breathe before being drawn back into the moment as her eyes flashed up to look at the man in front of her. He was rugged looking, unshaven but it kind of suited him. He was dressed well at least, from what she could see teachers sort of had to. His shirt was nice and his hair made him look a little younger than his wrinkles suggested. So maybe they weren't wrinkles, but he definitely needed a good nights sleep. The only thing more distracting than the bags under his eyes was the huge ring that laced one of his fingers, it looked almost medieval, and for some reason it made Quinn feel uneasy in the pit of her stomach. She pushed the feeling aside, since the guy was already apologizing profusely, somehow going on a tangent about how he shouldn't have been up late marking papers. Quinn again decided not to dwell on the fact she was pretty sure it was an excuse. Luckily she couldn't smell any alcohol on his breathe which was a pleasant change from Judy's last boyfriend.
"Sorry, I should've watched where I was goin-" she began with pursed lips, it was hard to get a word in since the teacher kept on mumbling apologies. Having quickly shoved his stuff and now half empty coffee mug on the desk he was back in front of her awkwardly dabbing where he could without being inappropriate. She pulled away with an apologetic smile, hoping that the actions would stop his rambles. Did he seriously not recognize her? It was justified that they hadn't actually met, and she wasn't one of those weirdly identical to their parents kind of kid, but surely her mom must've shown a picture? Surely he cared? "I'll just go wash it off, Mr Saltzman" finishing her sentence he looked up, Quinn felt a little proud at the subtle slip in of his name. She'd never really seen a guy blush before, but the look of embarrassment on the unshaven teachers face was the closest Quinn thought she'd ever get.
"Quinn" he emphasized her name, again it sounded apologetic. Placing an awkward hand on her shoulder he continued "God I'm sorry, you probably think I'm a total dick" ok. So he was trying to go with the whole casual attitude, the kind that says maybe we can be friends because I curse too. She locked her jaw tightly and gave a polite nod. She really didn't want to have this conversation and her dress was staining. This made two very good reasons for her to leave. He sighed silently, it was husky though and he gave a shrug of defeat. "Maybe we could have an introduction session another time" the look of desperation and hopefulness in his eyes was too sad to deny, he looked like one of those puppy dogs. Quinn didn't answer out of sympathy or kindness, she answered through politeness, because all new boyfriends start like this. if he could say this after a week then maybe she'd listen.
"Sure" she replied softly, to which Mr Saltzman looked relieved to hear. Just as she was about to head to the girls bathroom she caught her breathe, she didn't actually know where they were. Again she felt uncomfortable, but perhaps asking was better than carrying around one of those unbearingly cliché maps. Her mind drifted to better days where she'd walk the corridors of McKinley high with such power. But those were just memories now. She made conversation with the first girl to walk through the door. It's funny that out of everyone she chose her, she was so blind to the role that this stranger would have to play in later days to come. Maybe it was fate, or maybe it was destiny, but Quinn never thought that the normal looking brunette could ever try to kill her. That was the beauty of the future, everyone was completely ignorant to it.
"Hey sorry, which way is the bathroom?" she asked confidently, her eyebrows arching a little bit as she did. The girl smiled back and looked at the girls dress sympathetically, it was almost with delight though. There was something so fake behind those brown glossed eyes.
"Oh it's just down the hall to the left. You're Quinn right, the new girl?" she asked enthusiastically. Quinn just nodded, it seemed a little odd to start a conversation with someone who might be desperate for the toilet, unfortunately the stain must've given away her intentions. The girl didn't go, and neither did her smile. "I'm Elena Gilbert."
"Nice to meet you Elena" Quinn turned on her heel after giving an equally radiant smile, she was ashamed to say that she was better than this Elena girl at faking smiles. She'd had plenty of practice that was for sure. The smile had helped the blonde through her darkest days, days she didn't think she could survive. Days when she had no one, days when she got dirty looks for being a pregnant teen, and days like this. she just wanted it to end. Just like this conversation. But Elena definitely had other ideas.
"-I saw you talking to Damon" she said with a nod, at least the smile had toned down a little bit. Something about the one that replaced it was more suspicious, she almost missed the old one, at least she knew what it meant.
"You know him?" Quinn found herself asking. Why did she care? Why could she not stop thinking about him? Luckily none of this came through her expression. However Elena looked like she was about to scoff. So they slept together, big whoop. Quinn stopped the thought before it could grow.
"You could say so" people started walking past them into the class, she looked like a good girl, so Quinn wondered why was she wasting valuable class time talking to her, and more importantly, what was the history between her and Damon."He's a little different than most people around here. I'd be careful if I were you." Elena said trying to sound as least smug as possible. Quinn thought it'd be nice to introduce the girl to Noah Puckerman, maybe then she'd get a real feel for what a bad boy was. But the idea that Damon was worse was riveting.
"Thanks for the advice, if it makes any difference – he came to me" Quinn shrugged remaining composed. Clearly this statement caught Elena off guard; actually it more like threw her. The smile crashed and she couldn't help but look shocked. "Sorry, I don't want to be late for class" Quinn continued. Excusing herself from the brunette she turned away and walked down the corridor. She walked with confidence, and that memory of better days seemed to be relived. She could feel Elena staring at her as she left. But she didn't really care. Clearly Damon didn't just talk to anyone. And either way, that made Quinn feel just a little bit better.
She wasn't anyone. She was one of a kind. But just like the future, she had no idea about that either.
