Chapter One: Shelby

Shelby pulled into the parking space quickly. Jumping out she hurried to the back to pull out the baby car seat and hook it up to the stroller. Beth had fallen asleep again on their way to the hospital that was right outside of Lima. Shelby hoped she would stay sleep through what she knew was going to be a trying night.

On her way there she passed what she could only guess was the wreckage from the car accident. She spotted two police officers pouring sand over oil to prevent anything worse from happening. There were still ambulances all over the place and what looked to be coroners as well as investigators. By the look of things Shelby couldn't see how anyone could have survived that.

Walking towards the emergency room doors, she saw the glee kids standing around outside, noticing that four of them were absent. They all looked stressed, scared, and tired all at once.

"Ms. Corcoran" stuttered out Brittany as she walked towards her. Puck was right on his feet behind Brittany as he walked over and took a glance at the sleeping Beth without acknowledging Shelby. He sighed deeply, nodded his head and walked away.

Trying to ignore the slight pang she felt inside she addressed Brittany, "How's everything inside?" she asked quietly while nodding her head towards the door.

"I don't know...once they told us the news Sue made us get out…none of us wanted to leave so we've been sitting out her waiting ever since" Brittany rushed out.

"Wait…Sue's here?" questioned Shelby.

Brittany nodded her head yes, "and Ms. Pillsbury" she said quietly. "Most of our parents have come to get us but we're not leaving" she said and instantly paled as she thought about the gravity of her words. Tears begin to well in her eyes and she turned suddenly and went to sit next to Artie while placing her face in her hands.

Looking around she noticed the rest of the kids; Mike was gingerly holding Tina as silent tears ran down her face, Finn was pacing back and forth looking frustrated and hurt, Blaine was standing next to Kurt with his arms crossed both of them with pained expressions, Artie held Brittany's hand as she was bent over and obviously still crying. Puck had a hardened look on his face, while Sam had silent tears running down his cheeks not embarrassed in the least for showing his emotions. Rory, Sugar, and Joe stood a ways off obviously not knowing what to do being the newest members of this eclectic family.

Shelby shook her head from the need to say anything to the group because there was one person inside she knew needed her more than any of them right now. Making her way into the hospital she immediately found the information desk and was told where to go. She walked over to the elevators and got on, pressing the button for the bottom floor of the hospital. She looked down into the stroller to make sure Beth was still asleep. Dinging loudly the elevator doors open and she was immediately in a random waiting room with three familiar faces looking up at her.

"Shelby" Will said quietly standing up. He walked over and helped usher her into the waiting room along with Emma and Sue.

"Where's Rachel and the others?" she asked placing the stroller on the other side of a table in the center of four uncomfortable looking chairs. She sat down taking the chair that wasn't occupied.

"The doctors placed them in a more private setting" replied Emma, "they were quite distraught with the news and honestly I think they are in shock".

"I have to see Rachel" said Shelby standing, "where is she?"

"I'll take you" said Will standing as well. "Emma and Sue can watch the baby" he said as Shelby noticed Sue grimace slightly. She gave a tiny kiss on Beth's forehead disturbing the toddler slightly but not waking her. She followed Will close behind as he began to walk down a long corridor. Making a quick right he walked in long strides towards a door at the end of the hall. It just dawned on Shelby that they were on the bottom floor and they probably still had the girls down here so they could identify the bodies. She shuddered to think of how the girls were going to react to such an emotional task put before them but she knew it had to be done, noting that this was one the reasons Will called her.

Will stopped right in front of the door once they reached it, "You ready?" he asked turning his head back to look at Shelby.

She just nodded, she knew what was waiting on the other side of the door was going to be a lot to deal with but she was ready to take it on no matter what. Will knocked on the door but didn't wait for a response. Opening the door he walked in with Shelby close behind. What she saw literally broke her heart. Mercedes and Santana sat close to one another with their hands clutching each other. Mercedes had a steady stream of tears rolling down her face while Santana stared off into the distance with a rigid expression. Quinn sat by herself with her arms closed over her chest wearing the same expression as Santana. 'They never realized how alike they are' thought Shelby.

Rachel was sitting in a chair with her hands placed in her lap. Devastation was written all over her face while it was clear by her red eyes and tear stained cheeks that she had been crying uncontrollably.

The four girls didn't even notice the presence of two new people, it was clear they were all lost in their own worlds.

"Rachel…" said Shelby moving in front of Will.

Rachel looked up at the sound of her name and shock was clearly evident in her eyes but for a mere second. Shelby then felt the force of a small frame run into her arms.

"Mama" Rachel cried into Shelby's chest. Rachel grasped her hands onto Shelby's shirt like she was holding on for dear life. "Mama" she kept calling out. Shelby instinctively wrapped her arms tight around Rachel as she allowed her daughter to express her inner pain. She kept pulling the younger brunette closer to her as if she was trying to mold their bodies into one. Hearing her daughter so broken was the end of the wall that she was trying to build to contain her emotions, but she soon felt her own tears running down her face as she kept hearing her daughter sob and scream out in agony. She felt her shirt becoming soaked as she continued to try and soothe her first born.

She chanced a glanced over at Quinn and noted that the girl was looking at every direction but the middle of the room where the mother and daughter had reunited. Tears were now flowing down the beautiful blondes face and she felt Will move past her and sit next to Quinn. He tried to hold her hand but she shook her head in defiance and scooted away from him.

Looking over at Mercedes and Santana, she noticed the former had placed her head on Santana's shoulder and had her eyes closed. It was obvious she was trying to contain her own sobs as Rachel's wailing was encasing the room with its loudness. Santana had placed her arm around Mercedes as if she was protecting her but Shelby found it curious that not one tear was falling down the Latina's face, although her eyes looked like they were begging for release.

Shelby kept her tight grip around Rachel for quite some time as Rachel released all the hurt and pain she was in. Eventually her cries died down and now her body was hitching every few seconds as she was trying to calm herself. It was in that moment that Rachel reminded Shelby of Beth and she instinctively started to rub her hand up and down her back and rock the small teen back and forth.

Another small knock broke everyone out of awkward and uncomfortable silence. A tall and handsome black uniformed officer as well as a male nurse proceeded in, "Sorry to disturb you but we need for the family members to identify the bodies. We can understand if you don't want to do this right now, but we have to make confirmations to fill out the proper paper work" said the male nurse, quickly getting to the point.

Shelby felt Rachel tense at the news of having to identify the corpses of her fathers. She noticed the color had drained from Santana's face and Mercedes had buried her own face into Santana's shoulder blade. Quinn's look of being uncomfortable was apparent and her face scrunched up in the thought of having to view her dead mother.

"Guys…" said Will, "You don't have to do this right now."

"No" said Santana shaking her head, "Let's get this done now" she said a little forcefully.

"Yeah" agreed Rachel as she pulled away from Shelby, "I don't want to come back to this place once we leave" she said quietly while wiping her tears.

"Okay, if you will just follow us we can get this done as soon as possible" said the nurse, while the officer nodded in agreement holding the door for everyone to pass through. Shelby instantly grabbed Rachel's hand and pulled her closer to her body so they could walk side by side.

"C'mon Squirt, we have to go" said Santana pulling Mercedes by her arm. Shelby raised her eyebrow but kept quiet as she ushered Rachel out of the room followed by Mercedes and Santana and lastly Quinn and Will. Quinn had her hands around her protectively as Will held his hand on her back gingerly.

They walked pass the waiting room with Emma, Sue, and Beth. Shelby thankfully noticed that Beth was still asleep; she looked behind her to see if Quinn noticed the baby, but she was staring down at her feet.

They walked down another long corridor. The walls were the sickening hospital color cream and the floors were pristine in its cleaning and look. Everything felt so sterile and unwelcoming. 'But honestly who thought death was welcoming, especially when it came so unexpectedly' thought Shelby. The officer opened a door for the unlikely party as the male nurse went towards another door in walked in.

Once everyone was in the room the officer finally said something, "My name is Officer Terry Johnson. I first want to say I am deeply sorry for your loss and I'm even sorrier that we have to do this right now. From the preliminary evidence we gathered at the scene the driver of the van was not responsible for the accident. We still have a lot of evidence and forensics to collect and a whole investigation to complete but I'm saying…off the record of course…another driver was responsible for this tragedy".

Shelby felt Rachel shaking beside her and knew immediately she was crying. She could only assume that one of her dads had been the driver of the fan carrying everyone else. Shelby finally looked around at her surroundings and noted there really wasn't anywhere for them to sit and there was a large window looking down into a room she could only guess is where they held the deceased.

Taking a big breath Officer Johnson continued, "I'll be calling each person's name based on the identification we found on them and if the family member of said person could come to the window and make a positive id that will be all" he said quietly. Officer Johnson looked down to the male nurse and pressed a button that was obviously an intercom system connected to the room, "We're ready" he spoke.

The male nurse nodded then turned to the first body that was under a sheet. He held up a card to Officer Johnson that read Fabray.

Officer Johnson looked down at his hands that held the ID cards, "Judith Fabray" he said quietly. Quinn's head shot up and Shelby noticed her body instantly tense. "It's okay Quinn, I'm right here beside you" said Will. Shelby let go of Rachel and went to stand by Quinn for support, wrapping her arms around Quinn's waste as Will rubbed her back quietly as they guided her to the window. Tears ran down Quinn's face as her body began to tremble at having to identify her mother's body. Quinn and Shelby's relationship has been quite rocky to say the least. I mean the blonde called her a whore for goodness sakes, but Shelby realized that none of that mattered at the current moment. They stood at the window, as Shelby felt Quinn's body making the motions of crying but not showing any signs of such emotions.

"Are you ready?" asked Officer Terry.

Quinn shook her head no but said 'yes' in the softest of voices. The nurse pulled the sheet off the top of body and asked if Quinn knew who the person was. Quinn held her head down refusing to look up at the body as a sob escaped her lips. "Quinn we're right here sweetie" said Shelby into her ear while tightening her grip on the young blondes waist. Quinn took a deep breath and raised her head slowly. She looked down into the room and immediately recognized her mom looking oddly at peace. The sound of her crying increased as tears ran freely down her face.

Rachel turned her body around to face the door as her own crying began again for which felt like the millionth time that night and Santana intensified her grip on Mercedes, refusing to show her emotions to anyone in the room.

"Do you recognize the body?" said Officer Terry gently. He wanted to get this over with for the sake of everyone in the room. Having to identify deceased family members was one of the worse parts of his job.

"Yes" mumbled Quinn, "it's my mom" she choked out.

"What's her name?" he asked softly.

"Judith Anne Fabray" she cried out and ran out of both Will and Shelby's arms and into the hallway. Will followed right behind her as Shelby watched the nurse pull the sheet back over the body and go to the next motionless form on the table. The nurse pulled the sheet down and Shelby instantly recognized it as Hiram. Silent tears immediately fell down her face as she realized Rachel was the next one to go through this horror. The nurse held up a card and Officer Johnson went to the next ID.

"Hiram Berry" he announced.

Shelby watched as Rachel's shoulders drooped when she realized she was next. She turned to face her mom and her body began to show signs of getting even more upset. "Come here baby…I'm right here, we're gonna do this together okay" said Shelby softly walking over and pulling Rachel into a tight embrace. She guided her daughter to the window, just as she had done Quinn. She gave her a tight squeeze as Officer Johnson asked if she recognized the body.

Rachel shook her head yes, and said it was her daddy in a shaky voice.

"Can you say his name please?" said the Officer.

"Hiram Alexander Berry" sobbed out Rachel. Shelby instinctively knew to keep Rachel rooted to the spot. She rubbed soft circles on her back trying to soothe her. The nurse repeated the same procedure as before. Dropping the sheet on the next body, he held up a card and Rachel just said his name out. "That's my dad, Leroy Raynard Berry" she said.

Officer shook his head and signaled for the next. Shelby pulled Rachel away from the window, "You did good baby" she said quietly while placing a kiss on the shaking girls forehead. She pulled her into another embrace and cried along with her daughter at this traumatic loss. She made up in her mind that she would do whatever she had to, to make up for the fact that she's failed Rachel as much as she had.

"Mariana Lopez"

Shelby noticed as Santana looked up without any hesitation and leaned over to Mercedes, "I'll be just a second Squirt" she said and walked over to the window.

"I'll be right back" whispered Shelby to Rachel and walked over to the window to stand next to Santana, somehow knowing not to touch the strong Latina.

"I don't need your help Ms. Corcoran…I'm fine" said Santana without the slightest hint of emotion.

"I know Santana, I'm still here" Shelby replied. Shelby noticed that Santana took a deep breath in irritation, than announced that the woman below was her mother.

"What's her name?" asked the officer.

"Mariana Letti Lopez" said Santana.

The nurse followed the same procedure holding up a card.

"Santiago Lopez" replied Officer Johnson.

"He's my father. Santiago Oscar Lopez" said Santana. She turned suddenly and walked back over to Mercedes intertwining her hands with the upset diva and leaning against the wall. Shelby just looked at the young woman completely flabbergasted as to why she wasn't as upset as the others.

"Mom I don't want to be here" said Rachel.

"I know honey, we're almost done" said Shelby walking back over to her daughter.

"I'm going to wait in the hallway…I can't be here anymore" said Rachel turning suddenly and heading towards the door. She walked out without even a glance back. Shelby took a deep breath and looked over at the officer signaling with her eyes that he needed to continue.

"Marvin Jones" Shelby heard the officer call. Santana pulled Mercedes hand up to her mouth and kissed it tenderly, "You can do this…I'm right here and I promise you I'm not going anywhere" she said quietly but it sound like it filled the room. Shelby walked over to help Mercedes to the window.

She stood on the opposite side of Mercedes and the trio made their way to the window. Mercedes gasped as she saw her dad lying there lifeless, "That's my daddy" she stuttered out.

"Can you please say his name?" replied Officer Jones.

"Marvin Nathaniel Jones" said Mercedes in a shaky voice as tears fell off her cheeks. Shelby watched as Santana squeezed her hand, "you're doing good Squirt" she said quietly.

Officer Johnson looked down at the nurse as he gave him an all too knowing look. He shook his head in understanding and took a deep breath, "I'm so sorry to say this but the next body has to be identified by the rings on the hand" he said.

"What! Why?" said Santana fiercely looking at the officer with daggers.

"There was too much damage to the face ma'am" he responded quietly.

"Oh my God" screamed Mercedes as she almost dropped to her knees, but Shelby and Santana caught her before it happened. "San…I can't do this!" screamed out Mercedes.

"Can I identify them?" said Santana showing the first sign of emotion.

"It's just one person and it has to be family ma'am" he replied.

".Family." she said putting emphasizes on each word angrily.

"I'm sorry but they have to be related by blood" he said quietly.

Shelby still had a tight grip on Mercedes, "Honey we are both right here, we can get through this together" she whispered into Mercedes ears, trying to get through the girls cries and sobs.

"I don't understand why this is happening" she cried out. "Why is this happening?" she questioned to know one in particular.

Shelby felt tears stream down her own face as she saw Santana's eyes water. "Listen Squirt, we just have to get through this part and then we can get out of here okay" said Santana with a shaky voice.

"But they will still be dead. They all will still be dead San" she cried.

"I know honey but I promise you I'm not leaving you and I mean that. I'll still be hear Squirt…I'll still be here" she said.

"And so will I" said Shelby as she wiped some tears off her face. "Mercedes you are a strong and brave girl, and I know you'll get through this but remember you're not alone. Santana is by your side…I know Sam will be and I know you can definitely count on me. We're right here…whenever you're ready" she said, while pulling Mercedes into a hug. Santana looked away from the hugging pair. Shelby could tell Santana was just barely holding on and it would be wise to get this part over with.

The male nurse asked Mercedes to look at a screen that suddenly appeared in the corner of the window. He zoomed in on a hand with a pair of expensive wedding rings on it. "Can you recognize the jewelry?" asked the officer.

"It's my mom's wedding…rings" stuttered out Mercedes, "she just had them cleaned recently". Shelby gave Mercedes a reassuring squeeze as silent tears rolled down her face. She glanced at Santana who took a deep breath and squared her eyes.

"Can you state her name ma'am?"

"Maureen Catherine Jones" replied Mercedes barely above a whisper. She placed her head on Santana's shoulder from the sheer exhaustion of this process.

Shelby looked over at the broken girls. Mercedes' entire family was gone, as well as Santana's. At least Rachel still had her right? And Quinn's father was bound to reappear after this. But these two…she didn't know if they had anyone left. She shook her head trying to imagine losing everyone in your immediate family so suddenly. How would she be able to deal with that type of heartache and pressure? How are these girls going to be able to deal with this? Looking back over at Santana she could tell the fiery Latina was trying to prepare herself for the next person. She didn't understand how this girl could be so emotionless over the death of her own parents but obviously have feelings for a family that technically wasn't hers.

'Okay this is the final one' thought the emotionally exhausted officer looking down at the card the male nurse just showed. "Marcellus Johnson" he announced to the room breaking Shelby out of her thoughts.

The nurse pulled the last sheet off of the lifeless form below. Mercedes instinctively grabbed Shelby's hand and let out a piercing sob, "San" she cried out. Santana finally had tears flowing down her own face Shelby noticed. The more she starred at what Shelby could only assume was Mercedes' brother, the more Santana's face broke down. She hadn't seen this girl be this emotional the entire night.

"Can you identify who this is?"

"San...help" Mercedes cried out so brokenly. Shelby had never felt more helpless than she did right now.

"It's her brother" replied Santana in a surprisingly strong voice, even though her face didn't look that way.

"She has to say it ma'am" replied Officer Johnson apologetically.

"Squirt…you have to do this" cried Santana turning into Mercedes and pulling her into a hug.

"I can't…I can't say it. It will make it real if I do" said Mercedes into Santana's shoulder.

"It's already real Squirt…you can do this" she said as she looked into Shelby's eyes for help with tears streaming down her face. Shelby didn't know what to do but she just grabbed the both of them and rocked them back and forth, "We'll get through this together" she said quietly. Shelby continued to rock them back and forth until Mercedes calmed down enough. Mercedes pulled away from them both and faced the window. She shook her head in pain and Shelby could see the hurt, pain, and realization written all over her face. This was indeed real.

"His name is Marcellus Anthony Johnson. He's my…he was my brother" she said quietly.

"Thank you ma'am" said Officer Johnson. Mercedes turned suddenly and ran into the hallway, Santana hot on her trail.

"Thank You officer for all your help" said Shelby addressing Terry, trying to wipe the tears off her own face.

"No problem ma'am. I'm truly sorry about all of this. This is a bag of all the personal items we found on the victims" he said handing a darkened bag over to Shelby. "If you have any questions about anything don't hesitate to contact me" he said also handing her a card.

Shelby shook her head in acknowledgment and walked out of the room.

Somehow the entire mourning party ended up in the waiting room with Sue, Emma, and Beth. Rachel had reattached herself to Shelby again. Mercedes had her hand clutched to Santana and that hard expression had made its way back onto Santana's face with any evidence of her previous breakdown long gone. Quinn stood by the elevators waiting to exit while staring into space.

"We need to get these girls home, they look exhausted" said Sue quietly to Emma and Will.

"I agree Sue, but where are they going to go? We've got in contact with Shelby for Rachel, but we couldn't get in contact with Santana's grandmother or Quinn's dad…and we're at a loss for Mercedes" said Emma.

"We'll figure something out. Let's just get them out of this hospital" said Will quietly.

Shelby thanked God for the fact that Beth was somehow still sleeping away in her stroller. She knew that this was indeed a small miracle and was forever grateful. Grabbing the handle to the stroller she guided it towards the elevator. Everyone got on and rode to the first level in silence. Shelby looked down at her watch and noticed it was already after seven in the morning. Noting that she wouldn't be getting any rest soon, she had to hurry up and get a cup of coffee to make it through the rest of the day.

The rising of the sun was causing everyone to squint as they walked out of the hospital. Shelby was not in the least surprised that all the kids in New Directions were still there including their parents.

Brittany and Sam immediately rushed over to Santana and Mercedes and engulfed both girls in a hug forcing them to break their hands apart.

"I'm so sorry baby" cried Sam as he strongly held Mercedes into his own body, "I'm so sorry". Shelby watched as Mercedes broke down again.

Brittany didn't say anything; she knew nothing she could say would be able to console Santana. She just kept placing small soft kisses on her lips and cheeks, as Santana allowed her affection to show. She pulled Brittany into her and laid her shoulder on the taller girl, accepting the warmth and familiar smell of the beautiful blonde.

Finn walked up to Rachel and pulled her small frame into his larger one. He had silent tears coming out his eyes as well, shock clearly written on his face. On all their faces she noticed. Puck was trying to comfort Quinn as were some of the other glee members but she wasn't having any of it. She walked off from everyone still having her arms clutched around her body and stood far away.

Will was about to approach her, but Emma grabbed his arm, "Let her have a moment" she said softly.

"Where are the kids going to stay?" asked Burt in a conversational tone while walking up to Will, Emma, Shelby, and Sue. His new wife was right behind him.

"Well Rachel's definitely staying with me" replied Shelby.

"We would offer our house to Mercedes but we're already tapped out of space with Sam being there" said Carole.

"Well Mercedes can stay with me as well" said Shelby. "I recently moved into a three bedroom apartment and I can have Beth stay with me and Mercedes and Rachel in another room".

"That's all fine in well but I can guarantee you that Santana isn't going to want to be away from Mercedes. I would offer my place if I didn't believe it would be extremely uncomfortable for all involved" said Sue matter-of-factly.

"We can't even get in contact with Santana's grandmother" said Will shaking his head.

"I guess Santana will be going with me then" said Shelby. "Sue's right…she's not going to leave Mercedes".

"Well I mean she could stay with the Pierces…that might help so that you're not overwhelmed Shelby. I mean her and Brittany are still dating right?" suggested Emma.

"I'm telling you now she's not going to go for it" said Shelby shaking her head.

"It's worth a shot" Burt said hunching his shoulders.

"What about Quinn?" sighed out Will. "I've tried but her dad isn't picking up the phone and seeing as him and Judy was in the process of divorcing I don't know if we even have the right numbers from him".

Shelby shook her head. She felt the beginnings of a headache coming on and she honestly just wanted to get Rachel and Beth home and in the bed, "Quinn can stay with me also. She's starting to retreat into herself as is and I think its best that all the girls just stay with me" said Shelby.

"Shelby…that's a lot" started Will.

"It's settled. I need to get these girls home and at least lying down. This has been traumatic and they shouldn't still be here" said Shelby getting slightly irritated.

"I still think we should try to get them to stay in separate places" said Emma trying to help Will out.

"Fine…whatever it is you're gonna do, get it done already so I can at least get Rachel and Beth home" said Shelby clearly pissed at this point.

All the adults except for Shelby turned and walked towards the group of glee kids. Brittany still had Santana in an embrace, as well as Sam doing the same to Mercedes. Finn held Rachel while the rest of the kids were standing around them awkwardly. Only Quinn stood off in the distance avoiding everything and everyone.

"Hey kids" started Will awkwardly, "it's been a long and emotional day for all of us". Santana scoffed and rolled her eyes while still laying her head on Brittany's shoulder.

"We really need to get all of you home" continued Will, "Rachel your mom is going to take you back to her place as well as Mercedes" said Will looking at the two girls who will still attached to their significant others. They made no indication that they heard him and he continued to talk.

"Santana we thought you would like to stay with the Pierces if it's okay with them until we can get in contact with your grandmother" he said.

"No!" she said fiercely pulling away from Brittany. "I go where ever Mercedes goes" she said staring down Will.

"We just thought that it would be a lot on Ms. Corcoran" said Emma.

"You can stay with me Santana. I can help you" said Brittany weakly.

"It's not like that Britt…I just…I can't…I'm not leaving Mercedes. If Shelby can't accommodate us than we're gonna have to stay somewhere else Squirt" said Santana turning towards Mercedes who was now slightly apart from Sam.

"Santana I don't have a problem with you staying with me okay…I never did" said Shelby breaking in on the conversation.

"Than what the fuck is the problem!" she yelled beginning to get frustrated. Everyone jumped at her yelling except for Sue who eyed her suspiciously.

"There's no problem" said Shelby walking over to Santana and grabbing her hand. "There's no problem at all honey. You're coming home with us…okay?" she questioned while she rubbed Santana's back in a soothing manner.

"What about Quinn?" questioned Puck trying his best to break the tensed moment.

"She's coming with us" said Shelby resolutely. "In fact it's best if I get everyone home immediately" she said as she walked back over to Beth's stroller and grabbed the handle.

"Rachel honey, are you ready?" she asked looking back at the still hugging couple. Rachel nodded her head yes and pulled away from Finn. Without even uttering a 'goodbye' she hurried over to Shelby and clasped her hand as Shelby began to guide them to the parking lot. Santana grabbed Mercedes hand and began to follow behind Shelby and Rachel.

"Quinn" called out Shelby to the beautiful blonde, "let's go" she said in a tone that left no room for compromise.

Quinn raised her eyebrow at her, which reminded Shelby of Beth in that very instant. The blonde didn't say a word and began to follow behind Shelby.

Once they reached the truck. Shelby began to fix Beth in the car seat. The small girl began to stir slightly in Shelby knew that she would be awake very soon. Rachel went to the other side and hopped in the front seat. The brunette buckled herself, placed her hands in her lap, and proceeded to look out the window. Santana climbed in with Mercedes following as they were sitting in the very back seats. Santana made sure the diva was buckled in before she proceeded to do the same for herself. Shelby was putting the finishing touches on Beth's car seat and witnessed Santana grab Mercedes hand and began to rub small circles on the back of her hand. She found this relationship so confusing. Sure those two had been close during the Trouble Tones, but she didn't know the relationship ran this deep. Quinn hopped in next to Beth's car seat. Putting her own seat belt on her, she glanced over at Shelby than took a look at Beth. Shaking her head she decided to stare out her own window and try to block out the nightmare that these past few hours had been.

Shelby took the stroller to the back of the truck to place it in the trunk. Will was there waiting for her and she could only assume the rest of the glee club and their parents had dispersed.

"Shelby is it okay if I contact you sometime today" he asked. "I'm going to keep trying to get in contact with Quinn and Santana's relatives".

"Yeah that's fine Will; I just need to get them home. They're emotionally spent" she replied, 'and so am I' she thought to herself.

"I know, and I just want to say thank you for stepping up".

Shelby scoffed at this, "Well honestly it didn't look like any of you were…so it is what it is".

"Um Carole Hummel wanted to know if she could have your address?" asked Will choosing to ignore her last statement.

"What for?" she replied.

"The Hummel's are stopping at a Wal-mart to purchase some clothing and toiletries until we can get the girls back into their homes. I'm honestly surprised none of the girls wanted to go home" he said casually.

Shelby looked at him as if he grew two heads out of one neck. "You're surprised they didn't want to go home" she said in a surprisingly low tone. "Their immediate families are dead and they just had to identify the bodies. One of which we couldn't see…it had to be identified by jewelry and you're surprised they didn't want to go home" she whispered yelled while looking at him incredulously.

She saw Will close his eyes, "I'm sorry Shelby I misspoke. We just are trying to help and none of us really know how" he said quietly.

Shelby took a deep breath, while grabbing the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry Will, it's just been a hard night" she said quietly. She gave him her address and phone numbers and they said their goodbye's as she walked towards the driver side door.

"Please be careful" she heard Will say to her and she nodded her head in acknowledgement.

Getting in the car, she saw Rachel's chest moving up and down and knew instantly her daughter was crying again. Looking in the rear view she saw tears running down Mercedes face. She saw that Beth was playing with Quinn's fingers, noting that the toddler must have woken when she was outside talking to Schuester. She had a pacifier in her mouth and Shelby was amazed at the fact she was so quiet. Again she praised God for small miracles and turned on the car.

Looking in the rear view she saw that Santana was still comforting Mercedes, yet not expressing any type of emotion at all.

'How am I supposed to do this?' she thought to herself.

In a matter of hours she went from being responsible for one small child, to having an additional four teenage girls…four girls with stark different personalities and idiosyncrasies. How was she supposed to make sure they didn't kill one another in their hurt and anger? How was she supposed to help plan four different funeral services? How was she supposed to calm that feeling in her gut that things were going to get much worse before they got better for any of those girls? How was she supposed to do this?

She felt Rachel reach over and grab her hand, obviously looking for comfort and then it hit Shelby. The light bulb finally went off in her head.

'The only way I can help them is through love' she thought. She squeezed Rachel's hand in response, hoping she could convey all she thought and felt.