It was Saturday morning before they knew it. Skyler stood in line to wait her turn, doing her best not to let her nerves show. The line was long. Girls of various heights and sizes were patiently waiting to try out. The Cheerios were known nation-wide and while her cheer squad in New York had been good, they never placed first. The Cheerios had ranked number one for 15 years straight under Sue sylvesters reign. Skyler not only wanted it because being a Cheerio was one of her dreams. It would also look amazing on her college applications. She wasn't like her mother and didn't have any real extra curricuar activities other than science club and AV club back in New York. Yes, she was, in fact, a nerd for those two specifically. If you handed her a 800 page book, she'd die of boredom because she hates English and loathes History but science and a little Math were her deal for sure. The only sport she found any pleasure in was cheerleading. Anything else was irrelevant. She was also a major geek for video games and comics and collected what her mother referred to as her toys, when they were actually collector edition figures

So far they where taking girls in 6 at a time. A girl named Britney was to do a routine cheer and you had to keep up and repeat every action without falter. If you even showed a slither of weakness you were cut. The line had been longer than what it is now and so far out the 132 girls who came to try out, none had been chosen to carry on. There were still 63 girls left.

Skylers group was next. No parents were allowed. It was a closed try out, so no one else could see the complicated routine they had to mimic. The routine started and Skyler was in her zone. She mimicked Britney perfectly almost like a shadow. Her body moved fluidly but she knows Rachel would have decimated her performance because Rachel from what she remembered moved with a skill level as advanced as this Britney girl and possibly better. Britney watched in the mirror getting even more excited at Skyler's ability. The blonde picked up the pace and Skyler kept up but the other's didn't have much luck. The music stopped and they were to face the panel that gave them no expression of what they thought.

At the table was Sue Sylvester front and center. Than there was a latina to left. Skyler heard of the girl. Apparently, she was a raging bitch and was warned not to piss her off by some guy named Sam that she ran into on the way there, when she was looking for directions to the gym. Granted he didn't call the girl a raging bitch but he did say she had a wicked temper and to be very careful when dealing with her. To Sue's right was Quinn Fabray. The first ever freshmen to be chosen as head cheerio two years earlier. She had come up with a routine so amazing that they had won nationals. Quinn is known nationwide for her poise, grace, leadership and kindness. Everyone wants her or wants to be her. Yes, Skyler did her homework on the girl. To the right of Quinn was.. Skyler's mouth dried up and she felt her heart pound erratically. 'Who is that?..' She thought to herself. The girl looked like Quinn but somehow didn't. She had ice blue eyes and a tint darker blonde hair. Almost sandy. Her complexion was the same as Quinns. 'They're twins.' Skyler thought to herself.

Ice blue eyes captured Skyler's green ones and Skyler felt like her world had stopped. They stared at each other as Skyler stood in a line with the rest, as Sue examined them physically, circling the group.

"You! You have weak ankles, get out of my sight!" One girl down 5 to go.

"You! Your thighs were slapping together so loud I couldn't enjoy the music! Out!" The girl ran out crying. 4 to go.

"You! I can't even concentrate with the fumes of your sweaty chunks of meat suffocating me!" Sue just pointed to the door in silent answer. The girl was gone. 3 to go.

"I'm not even going to say it! Gone!" Sue said. 2 left.

"Do you see yourself? Panting like the oink that you are! Scram back to the barn!" 1 left.

Skyler was so captivated by the blue eyed blonde, she hadn't noticed that she was the only one left. It seemed the blonde had no problem holding eye contact because she hadn't looked away either. A hand clapped onto Skyler's shoulder and she was startled back to reality. Britney was sending her on her way. Skyler was devastated. Did she really suck that badly. The brunette took one final look at the closed auditorium room door and sighed. She'd blown it. She didn't even hear the reason why because she was too caught up in the blonde. Skyler walked the halls back toward the school parking lot.

Charlie stared at the brunette as she walked confused, escorted by Britney out the door. Sound came back to the blonde when the brunette disappeared from her view. Charlie looked around as if she just realized where she was. She swallowed thickly, hoping no one noticed her stare down with the brunette. She didn't need any of those questions thrown at her. Not that she'd want to answer them, let alone acknowledge them. She knew what she was and it was her most sacred secret. The only people that knew were her brother and sister. God forbid her daddy found out. He'd murder her before any word was said. She took a deep shuttering breath causing Quinn to look at her with a silent raised eyebrow questioning in concern. Charlie just communicated with a small negative shake of her head. 'it's nothing.' She said silently. Quinn nodded. They knew better than to talk during try outs. Charlie knew it was over for her. She was a goner. Though, she knew what she was. She had never had anyone spark something in her. 'Skyler Corcoran... you have no one idea what you've just done.' She thought to herself. She looked down at her clipboard with the girls name and felt butterflies for the first time in her life.

Sam was just leaving Football try outs, though he was already secured a spot he still had to be there. When a sad looking Skyler was walking past. He looked back and forth noticing they were the only two in the hall. He had ran into the girl that morning when try outs had begun. She had asked for directions because she was new to the school.

"Hey, how'd it go?" Sam ask with a smile. Skyler startled not realizing he was there.

"Oh.. Hey." She said doing her best to smile politely but couldn't muster it up.

"That bad, huh?" Sam ask with a bummed look.

"I wouldn't know, actually." Skyler replied, at his look of confusion she elaborated.

"I was distracted by someo-something and I didn't hear whether I made the cut or not. A girl named Britney escorted me out." She explained and Sam was doing his best not to smile. She saw through him though and punched him in the arm.

"Shut up!" She blushed in embarrassment.

"I didn't say anything!" Sam laughed back.

"You didn't have to!" Skyler laughed. Down the hall to the oblivious duo was Charlie. She had been watching there interaction since they starting talking. She had excused herself to the rest room but really she wanted to introduce herself to the brunette. Now, She had a forlone look on her face because she could see the brunette had eyes for someone else. She walked back to the auditorium looking unaffected but inside she was feeling dejected.

"So, did you just move here from another town or state?" Sam asked as they casually strolled to the main entrance.

"From New York." Skyler replied.

"Your from New York?!" He asked excitedly. His green eyes shining like a puppy. He looked adorably innocent to her but obviously in the platonic sense.

"Yes, have you been?" She asked.

"No, never. Actually my family's never been out of Lima. Well, with the execption of my dad. He travels for business and stuff." Sam said.

"You mean you've literally never stepped a foot out of this town? As in not even into other towns of Ohio?" Skyler ask to be sure she was understanding him correctly.

"Never." Sam replied with a sigh.

"Wow.. That's insane. How have you not died of boredom?" Skyler ask. "Please tell me you watch TV or play video games?" Skyler asked.

"You play video games?!" Sam asked in awe.

"Duh.. " Skyler chuckled wth a roll of her eyes.

"I'm so jealous. My dad never allows me to play games." Sam said in a irritated tone. "He says video games are for idiots. The only way I get to play is when I tell him I have partnered projects for school. Than I go to my friend Mikes house and he let's me play but even his dad limits his choice in games and how long we get to play. Are your parents the same?" Sam asked and Skyler was staring at him as if he was a foriegn creature. Sam became slightly uncomfortable.

"What the hell is wrong with this town? I thought it was weird when we got here but Jeez are you people weird. No, my mom let's me do what I want as long as it's not illegal, drugs or gang related. I get to go to bed when I want as long as I get up for school and my grades don't slip, I'm good." Skyler said and Sam was staring at her with his mouth agape as if she was now the foriegn creature.

"That's so cool.." He whispered in awe. Skyler smirked.

"Yeah, I know. My mom's awesome like that. Hey! Do you want to come over and play? I've got the new Farcry." Skyler said and Sam's eyes lit up like a christmas tree. He gave her a wide eye 'Are you serious?! Hell Yes!' look. Skyler laughed. "Last one the car's a rotten egg!" Skyler shouted before taking off down the hallway Sam hot on her heel. They bolted out of the school just as Santana, Britney, Quinn and Charlie rounded the corner from the field having just left Sue's office. They watched them run to Skyler's Ferrari. There jaws hit the floor at the sight of the candy apple red vehicle. It was obvious that Skyler came from money. Good money.

"That Skyler chick moves fast." Santana Said with a smirk.

"They make a cute couple." Britney supplied. Quinn and Charlie just stared at the ferrari that was peeling out of the parking lot. Charlie's chest tightened and her mood became even more foul.

"I'm out." Charlie said tonelessly immediately proving Quinn's theory that something was wrong but Quinn knew better than to try to talk in front of their friends though Santana and Britney were more like family. They still kept things just between them, sibling to sibling. "Quinn catch a ride with San." With that Charlie hopped into her red bettle and drove off in the opposite direction that Skyler did.

"What the hell was that about?" Santana asked. Quinn sighed.

"Can you take me home now, please." Quinn said not in the mood to talk. She wanted to lock herself in her room before her father got home.

Sam had called his dad leaving a voicemail saying he and Mike where going to study at the library for a little while for there upcoming test. Of course he called Mike before hand and asked him to cover for him. Mike agreed and said he'd hang out at his girlfriend Tina's house until Sam called to say he was leaving. Getting them both home in time to make it believable. Sam had covered for him plenty of times. He had been to Mikes house before and Mikes house wasn't as oppressive as his own but it was very strict and quiet. His father was a native from there actual country and held high regard for respect and honor. He only let Mike have one game system and that was the first ever console of Playstation. He was only allowed 3 games. yeah it was outdated but they weren't going to complain because hey! It was a game period and that's more than Sam had.

Walking into Skyler's house was something other worldly. He felt a sense of warmth and comfort. Though they weren't completely unpacked. You could feel how freeing it felt to be there. He followed Skyler through the house.

"Um... Are your parents home?" Sam ask nervously.

"No." Skyler said toeing off her shoe's as she continued to walk forward but noticed Sam wasn't following. " What are you waiting for? Come on." Skyler said and Sam's eyes looked around nervously.

He swallowed thickly. "Um.. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. I don't want your parents coming home thinking we were-you know.." Sam gestured with his hands between the two of them. Skyler was doing her best not to crack up in laughter. She bit her lip taking in the boy before her with curiosity. He was obviously gorgeous and you could tell he was fit. He was the running back of the football team and every straight girls wet dream but here he was nervous and unsure. Respectful and kind. He was worried that her mother would assume something because they were a boy and a girl in a house alone. Definitely adorable.

What Sam didn't know was that this was a test of his character. Her mother had told her that you could tell a lot about a person's character when you presented them with an opportunity. So, on the way there, she had stopped by a gas station and gave Sam her credit card and asked him to pay for gas inside and if he could get her a water. She had done this before and countless times the person would come back with there own stuff on her dime and would either forget the water or remember it but they would always say 'Hope you don't mind me getting myself something.' or something else along those lines. Sam did exactly as she asked. Bottled water:Check gas:Check anything for himself:nothing. while he was in the store, she had called her mother to inform her of the recent developments. Her mom was already home in her study right across from the living room. The door was open a crack. She was waiting and listening to their conversation, should Sam try something. Her mother had an ear for deception and an eye for disguise. Anyone she called a bad seed that couldn't be helped, she was right about.

"It's cool, now come on! your holding up game time." Skyler said with an innocent giggle. They walked into the living and Sam was rigid. "Hey, relax. It's just us, my mom shouldn't be home for another 6 hours. She works late." Skyler said as she plopped down onto the couch. Sam didn't move an inch. still didn't relax and Skyler thought it was odd. Normally boys salivated at the thought of being alone with her. "Hey, you want a beer?" Skyler asked.

"No, Thank you." Sam replied politely. His palms were sweating.

"Oh, you like the harder stuff. Cool. My mom has grey goose in her liquor cabinet. I know where she keeps her key." Skyler said standing from the couch getting ready to get it.

"I don't drink." Sam said.

"Do you smoke? Drugs? Anything? Because I could get yo-" Skyler began only to be surprised by Sam.

"No, alright. I thought you said you didn't do that kind of stuff. Look I know it sounds lame to you but I don't need that stuff to hang out and if that's what your into, I'm sorry but we can't be friends. Especially, if you see me as some dumb jock, only looking to score with you and to be honest your not my type. I honestly came here with the intention of playing video games and I feel really offended right now that you would assume that's what I do. I'm more than my looks, Letterman and name." Sam shook his head and glanced at Skyler in disappointment. Skyler felt it hit her square in the chest. "I'm sorry but I'm going to go. I think it's best if we aren't friends." Sam said as he began to walk out. Skyler was floored and Shelby was impressed. She walked out from her study.

"That was some speech, kid." Shelby said seriously. Sam's eyes widened as he turned back around.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I'm so sorry for intruding on your home, like this. I honestly did not mean to disrespect your house or your daughter, in anyway. We didn't do anything, I swear! We were just going to play video games." Sam said staring wide eyed at the intimidating woman. Shelby nodded.

"Yeah, well you passed." Shelby said and Sam stared at her in confusion.

"Excuse me?" He asked.

"It was a test, Sam. I had to make sure you weren't another douchbag trying to get into my pants." Skyler said and Sam's eyes widened more. "I don't know anyone here and you were the first person to speak to me. So I had to make sure you were genuine. That's why I sent you into the store to get gas, so I could call my mom and tell her. Now, that I know what an awesome guy you are and hopefully I haven't offended you too badly, I would love to be your friend." Skyler finished with a smile.

"You were testing me?" Skyler and Shelby nodded. "To make sure I wasn't using you?" They nodded again. "Goodness, I should do that whenever my sister's meet potential partners." Sam said. Skyler and Shelby watched him. He still spoke like a normal teenage boy but there was something about the way he carried himself and said certain things like the word 'Goodness' for example. It was very proper and formal not to mention weird as fuck to be seen used by a teen.

"Sooo.. Does that mean your staying and gaming with me?" Skyler asked.

"Only if your mother's ok with me being here, than yes." Skyler grinned in approval. Shelby wasn't showing anything. She was just staring at him. Though, inside she was curious and intrigued with his manners. He reminded her of someone but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Of course. " Shelby said. "My name is Shelby Corcoran." She held out her hand to shake his.

"Samuel Evan Fabray." He replied cordially. He noticed her eyes widen a fraction but she said nothing else.

"Skyler, I bought take out because I have to get some work done, so I'm not cooking tonight. Serve your guest a plate. Nice meeting you, Samuel." Shelby said with a hint of a smile.

"Nice to meet you, too. Mrs. Corcoran." Sam replied.

"It's Ms. I'm not married." Shelby said walking away trying not to laugh as Sam spluttered out an apology.

"Chill, Sam. My mom's not offended. Trust me. Now, come on, we wasted enough time." Skyler said. Sam's eyes lit up again as she show cased all of her consoles and games. Sam was in heaven. He would get to play video games and relax for the next 4 hours.

THE RIVER COURT..

Charlie jumped shooting the ball, watching it swoosh through the hoop. She was down by the river. She played alone in silence at what obviously use to be an old basket ball court. The markings were faded but you could still see the former white lines. The old fence along with a tree on the ground covering most of the court area. It had one lone hoop still standing though. When Charlie first found the place she had to attach a new rim. She only had a few feet to play with but it was worth it. This place was her secret spot to play the one sport she truely loved. Basketball. She had been coming here for the last 4 years just to take the edge off from her pressured and stressful life. Only Sam and Quinn knew she came here just in case she ever went missing, at least they knew if she wasn't there than yes, she was definitely missing. It was a concrete court, the river was still down a small hill but you still got the great view of the water. she refers to it as the river court.

Charlie froze from shooting when she heard a sneeze in the distance. She cautiously walked to the edge of the hill and saw a lone figure sat in baggy thick sweats and a hoodie. The person was sat on the grass indian style staring out at the river and looked as if they didn't want to be bothered and to be honest Charlie didn't want to be either. Whoever the boy was, he was tiny, so Charlie didn't feel threatened and she continued to play.

Quinn had been cooped up in her room reading. It was almost 30 minutes to 6 o'clock and her father would be home soon. She hoped her siblings were home by now. She didn't want them to get into trouble. The last thing they needed was to piss him off. Lord knows Quinn does that by just breathing. Quinn was at the top of her class. She had a 6.0 GPA because along with all her AP classes, she was taking college prep classes. She was captain of the cheerios and celibacy club as well as the head of the christ crusaders. She was dating the quaterback of the football team, the most popular girl in school but still could not for the life of her please her father.

QUINN.

She did everything that was expected of her and never missed a beat. Though, she absolutely loved cheerleading, that wasn't all she was about. She loved books. Reading had always been her mental escape along with photography. She had discovered her love for it in 9th grade when it was one of 3 electives to choose from. Her father didn't want her in in any of the other two so he allowed photography for that year, by the end of it she was obsessed. She was so upset when she wasn't allowed to take it the next year. The other two things she was gifted at was poetry and art, her hands were steady and calm. She could sketch anything or anyone. Her paintings her teacher raved about along with her sculpting. She loved to play the piano and did so when she had free period at school in the auditorium. She wished she could just enjoy her life and be herself but that wasn't an option. She sighed to her self when she looked at the time. it was time to go down stairs and act as perfect as can be.

THE RIVER COURT..

Rachel sat on the grass staring out at the river. It didn't matter what time it was. It didn't matter that her stomach growled in hunger. It also didn't matter that it was chilly. Nothing mattered. Life sure as hell didn't matter. All Rachel could do was stare in silence as her mind tortured her slowly. Never releasing it's death grip of painful memories.

THE FABRAY MANOR..

They were sat at the dinner table and the oppressive silence was thick in the air once again. Russell Fabray sat at the head of the table. Judy kept her eyes on her plate knowing her husband would slap the hell out of her if she dared made any eye contact. The triplets knew this as well. That's why no one was allowed to speak unless he spoke to you.

"So, tell me son. How was football try outs?" Russell ask and Sam tensed slightly.

"It went great, sir. Coach beiste says I'm doing even better than last year." Sam said with respect doing his best not to show any fear or he'd pay for not speaking like a man

"They still have that shemale! As your coach?! It's no wonder that team never wins a damn game. They have that thing coaching! I should have a word with the principal considering I've donated to that school several times! Don't worry I'll get that disgusting excuse of a coach fired." Russell growled. Sam just nodded with a small 'Thank you, sir' because he knew his father expected him to be grateful.

Russell turned to Charlie and she too tensed a little. "Charlotte, How is cheerleading going for you?" Russell ask. "Did you make head cheerleader, yet? Or do they still have that abomination of filth as captian?" Russell ask and everyone at the table knew what he wanted to hear even though they all knew she didn't want to say it. Charlie swallowed thickly feeling her heart clench for her sister.

"No, daddy. I didn't make Head Cheerio." Charlie replied and he leaned closer.

"Who is Head Cheerio, than?" He said waiting to hear the words he knows will hurt the one person at that table that it's meant to.

"Qui-" Charlie began to say Quinn's name when a heavy fist slammed down on the kitchen table so hard the table shook, causing everyone at the table to startle in fear.

"WHO IS HEAD CHEERIO?!" He snarled at her. Charlie lowered her head as she felt tears begin to prick at the back of her eyes but knew that if she cried he would see it as weak and lord knows what he would do after that. She lifted her head and her face slipped into a sneer and her voice came out strong and disgusted.

"That abomination of filth is still the Head Cheerio." Charlie replied. She could see Quinns hand trembling in her lap a little under the table beside her but other than that there was no sign that Quinn was affected by him, their father chuckled darkly.

"Don't worry princess. One day that will be your spot, you'll see." He said and the table fell silent as he chugged down another glass of Whisky. He stared across the table at a stoic looking Quinn as if everything he said had no affect on her. He stared hard.

"Everyone go to your rooms." He said seriously. Everyone began to slowly stand as to not make sudden movements. "Not you." He said with finalty. All of them knew he was referring to Quinn. "Sit back down and wait there." He stood up and began shuffling everyone to their rooms even Judy. He locked all of their doors from the outside and walked back down to find Quinn where he had left her. He rounded the table and stared at her while downing another glass of his drink. "You think I don't know what your doing?" He said irritated. "I don't like you, never have. You sit here at my dinner table and act like your better than me! Like what I'm saying doesn't matter!" His voice began to rise.

Quinn stood completely still. She knew what was coming. There was no point in trying to stop it. "ANSWER ME! YOU DISGUSTING UGLY DOG! YOU THINK YOUR BETTER THAN ME DON'T YOU?! I'LL SHOW YOU WHOSE BETTER! YOU DISRESPECTFUL PIECE OF SHIT!" before Quinn could shield herself he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her into a standing position before punching her full force in the gut, wrenching the breath from her lungs. the next 48 minutes were nothing but cries and shouts coming from the blondes bedroom after he had dragged her up there to beat her. Sam, Charlie and Judy were locked in their rooms, none of them could get out. Judy was banging on the door begging him to stop as Sam and Charlie did the same but it was no use. By the time he was done he was breathing heavy with blood on his hands and shirt. "You should think twice next time before you disrespect me." He said than slammed and locked the door behind him.

30 minutes after Quinn's beating. Rachel was walking through the sleeping nieghborhoods and didn't feel a slither of fear. Quinn was staring out her window unable to sleep because her body ached from her fathers blows. The blonde watched as the tiny hooded figure in sweats walked by but thought nothing of it except that it was odd that such a small kid would be out and about at this time. The blonde watched the lone figure walk the block until it walked out of sight. She sighed in sorrow, if only she could do that.