Chapter 2:

Flashback 2013 - 2015

Quinn turned over in bed, smiling even while her eyes were closed, reveling in the feeling of her boyfriend's arms around her. She and Blaine have been together for a year now, since her first year in Harvard. Harvard was a refreshing change from William McKinley High School. During her final two years there, the New Directions had become a tight knit cohesive group and she became best friends with Kurt Hummel and Mercedes Jones, but Quinn still welcomed the chance to reinvent herself. Of the New Directions kids, she was the only one to make it to Harvard. Kurt had been accepted into Yale and Mercedes went to Browns. The rest were scattered all over the States, with only Rachel opting not to further her studies as she'd been offered a part in a play opening soon on Broadway. Even Brittany won a cheerleading scholarship to one of the Mid Western universities.

What was ironic was that though her plans were to remain independent and lead an active single life on campus, fate, kismet, the gods, the powers that be, have their own plans and led her to Blaine Dalton the very first minute she stepped on campus. She literally stepped ON him. She was mortified that she hadn't noticed him sitting on the steps. She'd been too busy ensuring her boxes didn't fall that she'd been oblivious to everything else. Luckily, he had a sense of humor and laughed it off; he ended helping her move her stuff to her dorm room.

Blaine was in his second year, reading law there. Quinn would be a liar if she denied noticing his good looks, flashing smile and charming manners. Even from the beginning, Quinn was attracted to this boy with his friendliness and posh accent. He took her under his wing and showed her around campus, and proceeded to invite her out on a date. The date was magical, to say the least, but even then, Quinn was still unsure about how wise it was to form an attachment to the first boy she met on campus. But, as she was to know later, Blaine, for all his sweetness and charm, was also well known for his persistence.

In his eyes, he had met the perfect girl and he would not on any account let her go without a fight. He managed to chip away steadily at the wall around her heart, and Quinn fell totally in love with him. Relationships in university were totally different from in high school. Here, Quinn felt she had the freedom to express herself freely and not be judged. Sure, you had to conform to some standards and rules, but popularity was not the only basis of status. Blaine has his own apartment, courtesy of his parents, and a year in to the relationship, he invited her to move in with him.

Since she spent most of her free time with him anyway, moving in with Blaine was an easy decision for Quinn to make. Quinn and Blaine both felt that they were more than just an ordinary couple; they felt that they were soul mates, the yin and yang, each completing the other. Therefore, the break up was even more shocking as it was unforeseen, and all over a perceived slight and family loyalty.

Blaine's father, Stephen Dalton, was by any one's standards, not just well off but a millionaire. And his mother, Lady Alyssa Phillips was a blue blood. Blaine had introduced Quinn to his parents and family. Quinn was warmly received by them and she had been to numerous family gatherings. The last family party she attended was held both in honor of Blaine's graduation as well as his grandmother, Lady Felicity Phillips's, whom Quinn had yet to meet, visit. All seemed well during the first few days, until it was proven true, the saying "eavesdroppers hear no good" Quinn hadn't meant to eavesdrop but as she was about to walk into the morning room, she heard Blaine's grandmother's strident voice mention her name.

"Blaine, I understand the young people nowadays think very little of morals, but hasn't it been proven that Quinn Fabray has the morals of an alley cat? An illegitimate child at 16? I hope you are not thinking of a future with her, she'd bring shame to our illustrious family."

Quinn waited to hear Blaine's response, hoping that he'd defend her, but all she heard was his muted agreement. Quinn felt her heart shatter to pieces. She was in love with Blaine, and she had believed he returned her love. She felt that maybe, she had deluded herself, thinking that her misadventure at 16, would not mark her future. Not waiting to hear more, Quinn gathered her things and left the Dalton's home. Back in Blaine's apartment, she proceeded to pack her personal belongings. While she was doing so, Blaine arrived, asking anxiously, "What's wrong Quinn? I saw you leave in the taxi but you didn't leave a word for me? And you never picked up my phone calls. Did something happen?"

"Look Blaine, I heard your talk with your grandmother, " She saw shame etched on Blaine's face," Since we obviously don't have a future together, I don't see why we should be prolonging our relationship. You've graduated and you'll be off to Oxford. So, I'll be on my way." Quinn was in control of her self and didn't shed a single tear. She knew the tears would come later but for now, she needed to leave with her dignity.

"She's my grandmother; I can't .., "Blaine started to explain

"It's all right, Blaine, "Quinn cut in without letting him explain

"I love you, Quinn,"

Quinn looked at him sadly, gathered her things and left. .She felt that there were many of her faults that she could rectify for the better, but however much she'd like to, she just couldn't change her past.

Blaine didn't stop trying to woo her back and trying to explain but Quinn didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore even though she still loved him with her whole being. Then as planned, Blaine moved to England to do his graduate studies at Oxford. He would call her weekly, but Quinn would never pick up his phone calls. She felt it was better for her to cut her losses early on instead of ending up in ashes later on. And then one day, Blaine just stopped calling.