A/U First off: Thank you all for you're reviews, I love each and every one! They motivated me into writing this next chapter! I just hope it meets up to your expectations :)
LeicesterRed thank you for pointing out my spelling mistake!
"Yeah I know. I'll narrow it down to a few by tonight. I don't think so. I'm just going to stay in. Would you stop?" she chuckled "You know what never mind; Bye Santana!"
The other girl could be heard protesting but Quinn ended the phone call very amused.
Sunday's were her day for absolute relaxation. It was around nine in the morning and she was already making mental notes of the things she wanted to do. First, get something from Starbucks.
She jumped in the shower, threw on a pair of skinny jeans, a top, and jacket. She could hear the sound of her own footsteps as she walked steadily down the hallway but there was an additional tap she could tell wasn't in sync with her movements. Her pace slowed before completely halting. The light taps she'd been hearing echoed through her home once more.
She continued on hesitantly wholly aware that she was getting closer to the source.
And there it was. The girl from the night before was standing on her balcony waving enthusiastically at the blonde. Frightened Quinn tripped over her end table, fortunately catching herself before experiencing what would've been a painful face plant.
"Damn it" she grumbled rubbing her knee.
Quinn had no idea what to make of the girl who'd randomly shown up. She assumed the night before was nothing more than a dream but there she was again. She glanced up and saw the girl's waving continue.
"I should just turn around a leave" she whispered.
Her head was reeling with thoughts of all the possible scenarios that could take place. An endless list of why we're taught not to talk to strangers flooded her.
She grabbed her keys and bag slowly then bolted for the door. She glimpsed back and saw the brunette starring daggers into her, arms crossed, and foot tapping against the ground.
Quinn locked her front door and exhaled a breath of relief as she made her way to the elevator.
"Can I please get a tall White Mocha?"
"Will that be all?"
"Yes"
"That'll be 3.67"
"Here you go" she handed her debit card to the cashier who handed it back quickly
"Thank you" she smiled
It wasn't long before Quinn had the warm drink she ordered clenched between her hands. She stepped outside and took a sip but was startled at the voice so close to her ear.
"That was very rude you know"
Her eyes widened at the sight before her; "You're really starting to freak me out"
"Yes well, I'm certainly not on my way of being your fan either."
Quinn shook her head, "Do you make it a habit of stalking people?"
"Do you make it a habit of walking out on your guests?"
"Guest?" Quinn asked bemused "I don't even know you!"
She turned around and began walking away.
Rachel considered what Quinn had just told her, "Well what do you want to know?" she called out
"Nothing"
"Why not?" Rachel asked intriguingly, now standing next to her
Quinn looked behind her then at the girl "How did you?"
"What?" she asked innocently
"Forget it" She took a few steps forward and felt a clash against her body. Her drink fell beside an auburn haired woman. Her mouth gaped, "I'm so sorry!"
Quinn crouched down to help her pick up anything she might've dropped.
"It's okay" the woman grinned "accidents happen"
"I didn't get any of that…" she pointed at her drink "on you, did I?"
"I don't think so…" she replied "At least I hope not, would you mind looking for me?"
They both stood up. Quinn eyed the woman up and down, her eyes lingering a little longer than they should have.
Taking notice of the attention the lady smirked, "Anything?"
"Nothing at all"
Quinn offered her a smile.
"I'm Vanessa"
"Quinn"
Rachel had been observing the interaction taking place in front of her.
"Quinn now is not the time for random introductions. I need to talk to you."
"Shh…"
"What?" Vanessa questioned
"Huh? Oh no, not you" Quinn recovered "Sorry again for what happened"
"It's okay really, you never know who life is gonna introduce you too" she answered observing Quinn from head to toe.
"I sincerely hope you aren't easily swayed by lines such as those Quinn. It would really change my perspective on you" Rachel pitched in
"Can you please leave?"
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing, I…"
Rachel zoned out of their conversation and instead followed Quinn's gaze. She could tell her eyes would subtly roam over the woman's short cocktail dress and understood what she had to do.
"So that's what it takes to get your attention?" she whispered.
She looked at her own dress and walked a few blocks down into a store. When she returned she saw Vanessa and Quinn still talking.
She grabbed the pair of scissors she'd retrieved from the store and began cutting her dress slightly above her knees before ripping off the undesired fabric to a more revealing length. By the time she was done Vanessa had begun walking away.
Rachel seductively posed against the wall of a building, waiting for Quinn to spot her. When she finally did she just looked confused by Rachel's actions.
"What are you doing? Are you okay?"
"I-"Rachel looked down at herself "Forget it. I would very much appreciate if you'd take a minute of your time to listen to what I have to say"
"Don't you have friends you can talk too? Or plans for your weekend?"
"Not really, no"
Quinn felt sympathetic for the girl however she was completely unaware of the fact that passerby's were staring at how worriedly.
"Well what is it that you…"
Her phone began to ring cutting off what she was going to say.
"Hello? Of course. I'll be there in about half an hour. Is that okay? Perfect. See you then."
"What was it that you wanted to tell me?"
Rachel was gone.
She groaned and made her way home to pick up her photography equipment.
"Thank you so much for heading over here Quinn."
"It's really no problem" she replied "I have fun doing this and I'm sure the play will be great."
"I hope so"
They continued down the Julliard corridors. Quinn's NYU mentor was actively involved with Julliard's programs and would call her down from time to time to help with the promotional stills of any upcoming school productions. She was an authority figure Quinn had come to admire.
"How are the wedding plans for Brittany and Santana coming along?"
"I actually just helped shoot the pictures for their announcement yesterday." Quinn stated proudly "They want to send it to everyone back home who they haven't seen in a while but you know Santana; impatient as always"
"Oh dear, yes she is. She always gave me a run for my money." She chuckled
They reached her office and sat down.
Quinn looked around at all the pictures and awards her mentor had received in all the years she had spent teaching. She always found it impressive.
"I've been thinking" Dr. Mays spoke up "And it's time for me to retire…"
"What!"
"Don't get me wrong, I love working with everyone here but I've reached that point where I know it's the right thing to do" she lifted up one of the frames on her desk "I've met some extremely talented students whom I will always remember but I'm seventy-two I'd like to enjoy the rest of my life doing the smaller things that make me happy."
Quinn considered her mentor's point view. "I understand"
She eyed the frame her teacher was so intently staring at. When she finally set it down she couldn't help but notice the all too familiar girl in the picture.
"Dr.; who is that?"
"Who?"
"The girl in that photo."
"Oh, she was by far one of the most extraordinary students I had ever met." She took a deep breath "Her dream was to be on Broadway and she came exceptionally close but life had other plans for her."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh dear, I'm sure there are more cheerful topics we can discuss"
"If it's okay with you; I'd really like to know what happened."
"Well it was winter break; everyone had left to visit their families. You know how that goes." She paused "She had decided to hop on a plane from Jersey back here when break was over but that plane never made it back... If I recall correctly, that was the same day of the New Jersey transit accident."
Quinn sat there taking in what had just been explained to her. It wasn't possible.
"I'm sorry but uh what was her name?"
Her mentor smiled; "Rachel Berry"
