"Where do you think you're going little girl?"
Quinn pauses at the front door. The wooden floor squeaks under her feet as she takes a step back. Mary is sitting in her favorite spot on the couch. She's muted the TV and is now staring directly at Quinn.
"Um…to hang out with some friends?" Quinn hates how her response comes out like a question. Mary has a way of making Quinn revert back to a little kid with just a look. When it comes to her grandmother, Quinn will always be just a little stuttering girl.
"Not today you aren't." Mary shakes her head and points to the recliner to the left of her. "Come sit down and watch TV. You've been spending too much time with those friends of yours. Give it a break."
Quinn stands frozen at the door. Rachel and Mercedes are expecting her at any minute. They've made plans to go pick Santana up and then go to the mall to hangout. And yeah it doesn't sound like anything important but to Quinn it is. It's more time with her friends. More time with Rachel. And plus if she stays here all she'll end up doing is going to her room to read a book or stare at that ugly light yellow walls of her room.
"Grandmother I…"
"I said sit down Lucy Quinn." And there it is. Anytime her grandmother calls her Lucy Quinn that means there is no point in arguing. Her grandmother has made up her mind and anything she says or does will only make it worse.
Quinn walks slowly into the living room and flops down into the recliner. She sits there and stares at the TV before pulling out her phone and texting Mercedes to let her know that she won't be joining them tonight. Mercedes texts a sad face back.
"Stop pouting Quinn." Mary rolls her eyes at the blonde. "Your mother use to love staying in and watching TV with me." Quinn sits up straighter when Mary mentions her mother. Mary hardly ever talks about Quinn's parents.
"Did she? W-what else d-did she like t-to do." Quinn asks anxiously, stutter coming back full force. But she doesn't care. She wants to learn more about her mother.
Mary frowns at her once the sentence is out. Quinn thinks she messed up her chance of knowing more because she stuttered. But then, "Read. Judy loved her books just like you." Mary nods at her words. "She loved going to the library every Friday afternoon."
"W-what was…" Quinn pauses and tries to collect her thoughts. She had been doing so well with not stuttering. But once again, Mary has that way about making Quinn act like her child self. "What was her favorite book?"
"I don't know child." Mary frowns and waves her hand. "The girl liked many books."
"Was…"
"Quinn, I'm trying to watch my program." Her grandmother points at the TV. "If you want to talk, go up stairs."This time Quinn frowns.
"There's no one to talk to upstairs. Can I go over my friends?"
"No."
"Why?"
"It's nasty outside. You can see your friends tomorrow." Quinn rolls her eyes. The January weather is still going to be there tomorrow. "Now hush and watch the program."
Quinn does as her grandmother says and turns her attention towards the TV. Well at least her head is facing the TV, her thoughts is filing away this new information she has about her mother.
# $%^&^%
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland!" Quinn squeals.
"What?" Mercedes frowns at Quinn.
The group of girls is all sitting at Santana's kitchen table. Mercedes, Quinn, and Rachel all came over to do homework with Santana. Santana is not allowed to leave the house until all of her homework is done. Her dad, Carlos, says that she's been slacking and needs to get her priorities straight. So being the good friends that they are, the girls sometimes join Santana in her homework hour.
"Nothing." Quinn blushes. "I was just thinking about something my mom use to say." All of the girls stay quiet, waiting on Quinn to continue. "My grandmother told me the other day that my mom liked to read. Like me. Um…she didn't know what my mom's favorite book was though."
"So? What does Alice have to do with anything?" Santana asks.
"My mom use to sometime call me her little Alice." Quinn smiles at the memory. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of the books I still have from when I lived in California with my parents."
Everyone stays quiet. They all know how important this moment is for Quinn. Quinn only remembers a handful of stuff about her life before she moved to Ohio and she hardly ever talks about her parents. So the face that she's sharing such private and emotional information with them is big. Plus the girls just don't know what to say to her. They all still have their parents, so it's hard to know what they should and shouldn't say to someone who doesn't.
After a few minutes they go back to studying and Santana goes back to joking around. When they finish their homework they all go up stairs to laze around in Santana's room.
"Hey tomorrows Friday!" Santana sits up in bed. "Let's go to the movies."Mercedes nods, Rachel shrugs and Quinn shakes her head in the negative. "Why not Q? Your grandmothers being a bitch again?"
"San!" Rachel gasps. "Don't call her grandmother that." Rachel hits Santana on the arm.
Quinn giggles and shakes her head. "Its okay, Rach. I'll give you a pass for that one, San."
Santana sticks her tongue out at Rachel and then looks at Quinn expectantly. "So?"
"Um…" Quinn blushes and looks over at the Bob Marley poster on Santana's wall. "I kind of…"
"Spit it out Q-babe."
"I got that job I applied for." Quinn grins when the girl's starts to applauded for her.
Mercedes saw that the local library was hiring and told Quinn about it. Mercedes knows that Quinn has been talking about getting a job so she could stop leaning on her grandmother so much for cash. Quinn wants to be able to treat her best friends to lunch or to the movies every now and then. So getting a job would be great.
Quinn has also been getting better with her social life. Her speech has gotten a lot better since Santana has been helping her work on it. Of course she stills gets nervous and starts to stutter every now and then. She just can't help it. But over all she's been doing better. Quinn's school life has improved since people know now that she can actually put a whole sentence together without stuttering.
Working in a library should be good for her. It's not really a job where there is a lot of talking. It's a great start for Quinn.
"That's great Quinn!" Rachel cross's the room and pulls Quinn from her spot on the bed. All the girls take turns hugging and congratulating her.
"Good job, loser, even though I still don't see why you would want to work." Santana shrugs.
"You wouldn't lazy ass." Rachel says making the girls laugh.
#$%^&^%$
It's now April and Quinn has been working at the library for two months now.
Quinn loves working at the local library. It's a small, one floor building, with loads of books. Quinn's job mostly consist of her putting books back on the shelf and making sure her assigned area stays clean. She only works three days out of the week right now and every other Saturday. Her schedule will change once school lets out for summer. Quinn loves the little money that she is making but her studies always comes first.
That's another thing. Making sure she has time for everything. Every now and then Quinn's had to cancel her Wednesday's hang out time with Rachel, because work or studying has gotten in the way. But Rachel always understands, education is important to the little brunette as well. Quinn has had to work hard on dividing up her time, especially with this new friend in her life.
Quinn met a girl. A smart, shy, gorgeous girl.
Stacy.
Stacy Jackson works at the library as well. Stacy is a seventeen year old high school senior who has been working at the library for two years now. Just like Quinn, she loves books. Another thing they have in common is their sexuality.
Stacy doesn't hide the fact that she loves women. Quinn's first week at work, Stacy would flirt with her whenever she could. They had to stock books together and during that time they got to know each other. They shared stories about their family and friends and also talked about relationships. When Stacy, without hesitation, told her that she likes girls, Quinn decided to make Stacy the first person she'd come out to who wasn't a friend. Quinn made sure to inform Stacy that only a few people know and that she's not ready for everyone to know yet. Stacy understood completely.
"Oh Fabray, did I tell you how much I'm loving you in those jeans." Stacy teases as Quinn walks pass to go get her stuff from the office in the back of the library.
"Shut up." Quinn smiles and continues her journey. When she returns with her book bag and purse, Stacy is leaning against a table smirking. "C-can I walk you to your car?" Quinn offers shyly.
"I'd love nothing more." Stacy beams. "Well," She frowns a little. "Accept maybe holding your hand." Quinn rolls her eyes and walks passed the teasing girl.
"So who's picking you up tonight? Old school or Mercedes?" Stacy asks as they make their way across the lamp lit parking lot.
Mercedes usually drops Quinn off to work after school and her grandmother picks her up. And on the days that Mary has plans, Mercedes picks her up.
"Neither actually." Quinn doesn't pull away when Stacy reaches over for her hand. "My friend Santana is giving me a ride tonight. I'm staying at her place tonight."
"Oh girlfriend?" Stacy raises an eyebrow.
"Friend." Quinn blushes. "One of my best."
"Good." Stacy stops next to her car. "I still have a chance than." Quinn's cheeks get even redder.
Stacy smiles and leans back against her car. Quinn standing in front of her. "You are so cute, you know that?"
"Stop." Quinn ducks her head shyly.
Quinn has had guys flirt with her plenty of times. But Stacy is the first girl to show her this much attention. Quinn kinds of likes it. Stacy just doesn't stare at her butt or say rude comments. She compliments Quinn's brilliance, she holds doors for her, and she always has the sweets things to say. Stacy also listens when Quinn talks.
The only thing…well person keeping Quinn from giving in to Stacy Jackson, is Rachel Berry.
Rachel Berry who is also sweet, caring, a good listener and loves Quinn's mind.
Rachel Berry who also has no clue that Quinn has the biggest crush on her.
"When are you going to let me take you on a date?" Stacy asks with her head cocked to the side.
"Stacy." Quinn smiles and shakes her head. "My rides here." Quinn is saved from answering that question when she sees Santana car pull into the parking lot.
"Well at least give me a hug." Stacy opens her arms and Quinn steps into the them. The hug last longer than a normal hug between friends should. "Goodnight." Stacy presses a kiss to Quinn's cheek before pulling back and getting into her car. Quinn waves and jogs over to Santana's car.
"Damn Q-babe," Santana grins when Quinn's butt hit the passenger seat. "Who was that? Chick was all over you!" Quinn blushes, turning her face to look out of the window.
"That's Stacy."
Stacy has only ever met Mercedes before. Santana and Rachel know about her friendship with Stacy but they've never hung out with the girl. Quinn has hung out with Stacy and Stacy friends a couple of times before but she's never invited Stacy out with her friends. Mainly because Quinn didn't tell Santana or Rachel about how she and Stacy flirt. Santana would make a big deal about it and try to get Quinn to kiss Stacy and Rachel…well Quinn's not sure what Rachel would say or do.
"Okay," Santana nods. "Okay cool, but when did Stacy become your girlfriend?"
"She's not!" Quinn heads whips around real fast. "We're friends."
"Whatever." Santana disregards Quinn words. "She looks pretty hot. We might have to add her to your bucket list."
"Shut up."
#$%^&*&^
Rachel tackles Quinn when Quinn and Santana walk into Santana's bedroom.
"Whoa," Quinn laughs at Rachel's enthusiasm. "Hi." Quinn hugs the shorter girl back.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in years." Rachel admits, still in Quinn's arms.
It has been awhile since Rachel and Quinn hung out. This past Wednesday Quinn had to cancel because of work and they only saw each other on Monday for like an hour because Mary was on a cleaning spree and wanted Quinn to clean the basement with her.
"I know," Quinn sighs when Rachel leaves her arms to sit down on the bed. "I'm sorry."
Rachel rolls her eyes and pats the spot on the bed next to her. "Don't be sorry for working, Quinn."
"Um…yeah you should." Santana huffs and kicks Quinn's bag that was in her walking path. "You got a job and a girl and dropped us like a hot potato."
"Hot potato?" Quinn laughs. "I think that is the lamest thing you've ever said San."
"Girl?" Rachel jumps in. "What girl?" She looks to Santana for the answer.
"When I pulled into the parking lot, this girl was basically humping Quinn's leg." Santana exaggerates. "That same girl that she's been ditching us for."
"I have not! Stop saying that?" Quinn pouts.
"Quinn!" Rachel pushes Quinn shoulder. "You're cheating on me." Rachel tease.
Rachel and Quinn friendship has grown stronger and stronger as the months pass. Well…all of Quinn's friendship has grown. Since she's come out, she feels closer than ever with Mercedes. Santana continues to be a strong supporter of everything Quinn does. But Rachel.
Rachel.
Quinn and Rachel spend whatever free time they have together. Since they live down the street from each other they can just walk to each other's house. When they are not having their Wednesday's together, they spend some evenings at Rachel's house whenever Quinn doesn't have to work or Rachel isn't busy. They have their own little inside jokes and just enjoy each other's company. Rachel sometimes likes to call Quinn her girlfriend when they are just joking around. The first time Rachel called her that Quinn almost passed out. Oh how much she wishes it was true. Now anytime Rachel feels like Quinn is doing her wrong or lying about something, she'll call her out and throw the girlfriend title onto the end.
"No. Stacy's just a friend." Quinn glares at Santana.
"Stacy wants in them jeans." Santana teases. "You can't say she doesn't Quinn. She was hanging all over you. And staring like crazy,"
"Shut up. You're embarrassing me." Quinn shakes her head. "We're just friends."
"Does she like you though?" Rachel joins into the conversation.
Quinn shrugs. "I mean….yeah, okay. But…"
"But what? The girls hot. You should totally give her a chance." Santana joins the girls on the bed. "Invite her to the movies tomorrow." Santana suggests.
"No. You'll just embarrass me some more."
"True. Oh so true, but only because you're so damn easy." Quinn lightly punches Santana on the leg.
"Do you not like her?" Rachel asks as Quinn and Santana play fight next to her on the bed.
"No. I mean…she's nice." Quinn laughs when Santana yells because she's one shove away from falling off of the bed. "I'm n-not looking for a girlfriend." Quinn decides is the best thing to say. It's not like she can say that she's only into Rachel right now. "I have you, right?"
"I don't know," Rachel reaches over and pinches Quinn in the arm. "You've been talking to other girls behind my back."
Santana switches their positions and shoves Quinn off of the bed. "That's for cheating on my cousin, loser."
"San!" Rachel jumps up when Quinn hits the floor a little harder then Santana anticipated.
"Shit," Santana also moves to Quinn's side. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to push you so hard."
"I'm okay guys." Quinn leans back on her hands. "But just for that," She pushes Santana. "You're paying for me to get into the movies."
$%^&**&^
Usually on Saturdays Quinn would be itching to get out of the house and go hangout with her friends. If she didn't have plans with her three close friends, then Quinn would usually spend her Saturdays down the street at Rachel's house. Even if Rachel wasn't there, Quinn would hangout and watch TV with one of the Berry man. That's how comfortable and how much she likes being at Rachel's house.
But not this Saturday. This Saturday, Quinn actually is having a nice time helping her grandmother clean out the pantry. They are straightening up shelves and looking for can goods that they can donate. Mary is actually being pleasant. She's not bossing Quinn around or complaining about anything. Mary even told Quinn a story about how Judy, Quinn's late mother, loved to go volunteer at shelters and the community center. That's what really made Quinn's day.
"You know," Mary pauses to put some canned greens into the box that they're packing to donate. "You're a lot like your mom Quinn." Quinn looks up from her own packing.
"Am I?"
"Yes." Her grandmother nods. "Very soft spoken and smart. Yes, Judy loved to read."
"A-and my dad?" Quinn starts. "Am I like him also?"
"I didn't know your father to well." Mary frowns. "He just one day was there sweet talking my Judy and the next thing I know they were married and moving across the States." Mary puts her last can away and hands the box over to Quinn. "I can't think much on the topic of Russell right now, Lucy. But if something about him crosses my mind I'll let you know."Quinn nods and takes the box Mary just handed her out to the Buick.
Later in the day, Quinn finds herself blushing down at her phone. Stacy has been texting her for the past hour about random stuff with some flirting thrown in there also. In the last text, the one that has Quinn's cheeks coloring, Stacy explained how sexy she finds Quinn.
Quinn is in the middle of texting Stacy back when her phone rings. "Hello?"
"Hey gorgeous," Stacy's flirty voice filters through the phone.
"Um hi." Quinn responses quietly.
"So I was thinking," Stacy starts. "I'm bored and would really like your company. Would it be okay if I came over for a little?"
Quinn has to pause and give thought to that question. Stacy has never been inside her house but she's met Mary before and Mary seems to like the girl okay. Now it's just the thought of having Stacy in her room that worries her, but Stacy has been nothing but a good friend so why not let her into Quinn's little world?
"Um…sure. That's fine."
Thirty minutes later, Quinn is letting a very excited Stacy into her home.
"Good evening, Mrs. Carter." Stacy greets Quinn's grandmother when they walk into the living room.
"Oh hello, Stacy," Mary smiles at the young lady. "You girls have fun; just don't make too much noise. I'm trying to watch my programs."
Quinn and Stacy agree to be quiet and climb the stairs to Quinn's room.
"Wow." Stacy says as she walks over to the book shelve. "You weren't kidding when you said that you love books." Stacy teases as she runs her hands over some books. Quinn has added many books to her collection over the years of living with her grandmother.
"Yeah," Is the only thing Quinn can think to reply with, instead of a long explanation, she just sits on her bed and watches Stacy look around.
"Oh, who are these babes?" Stacy pulls a picture frame from Quinn's desk.
"My friends," Stacy moves closer with the picture. It's a picture of all four girls girl posing for Leroy in the Berry's living room. Quinn points out each girl. "That's Santana. She picked me up from work last week, remember?"
"Cute." Stacy hums. "Sure she's not your girlfriend?" Quinn just rolls her eyes. "I know Mercedes. Who's the other girl?"
"Rachel." Quinn sits up a little straighter. "That's Rachel. R-rachel and Santana a-aare cousins." Quinn doesn't know why she adds that last little bit. Stacy hums once again and puts the picture back where she found it.
Stacy continues to look around the room. She asks questions about the two posters posted on the ugly light yellow walls. One of Kate Beckinsale and one of Sanya Richards-Ross. Quinn explains how Santana bought her the Underworld poster after finding out that Quinn has a crush on the actress. And then Quinn spends ten minutes explaining how and why Sanya Richards-Ross is her favorite athlete.
After Stacy finishes interrogating Quinn about stuff in her room, they sit down to watch a movie. Halfway through the move, Mary calls the girls down for dinner.
"So, tell me about yourself little girl." Mary demands of Stacy. Stacy doesn't even hesitate to talk about her studies and how she's planning to attend an Ivy League college after this year of high school. When Mary mentions how Quinn sometimes tutors some of the church youth, Stacy also talks about her church activities.
"Tomorrow, after service, the church is going over onto Lakeview to donate food and clothes. You should join us young lady."Quinn's eyes go wide at her grandmother's invitation.
Quinn's grandmother has never invited one of her friends to do anything with them. Hell, most of the time, Mary is rude to Quinn's friends. But Quinn can't be that surprised by Mary's like of Stacy. Stacy fits perfectly into the type of people Mary associates herself with. Stacy's very into education, a blonde headed white girl who attends church. What more could Mary want in a friend of Quinn's?
"That sounds great," Stacy beams. "count me in."
When Stacy leaves that night, Mary makes sure to mention how nice of a girl Stacy is and how Quinn should surround herself with more people like Stacy.
%^&*(*&^%^&*(
"Seriously Quinn," Rachel huffs, "What do you think of this skirt?"
"I said it was fine, Rachel." Quinn sighs.
It's Wednesday and instead of staying in the house in watching moves, Rachel dragged Quinn out of the house to the mall. Rachel is going to New York soon with her dads so they can check out that program Rachel's been begging them to let her go to this coming summer. So Rachel wants to spend their Wednesday together shopping for her trip and hangout at the mall. Quinn agreed because she really doesn't care what they do as long as she's with Rachel.
"Fine? Fine…" Rachel hangs the skirt back up and starts looking through more on the rake. "I'm not looking for just fine. This is New York, Quinn," Rachel angrily pushes the clothes around. "I need better then fine, Quinn. You could be of more help."
"Why d-didn't you just bring Santana along? You k-know I don't like s-shopp-ping."
"Because it's Wednesday," Rachel simply says. "It's our day and I want your help, not hers."
"But I-I don't –kkknow nothing about…fashion."
"Yes you do," Rachel stops looking through the clothes and gives Quinn her full attention. "I love your dresses and Santana would only pick out things that make me look hot. I need to be professional."
Quinn just shrugs. "I'll try to b-be of more help."
"Hey," Rachel moves closer and grabs Quinn free hand. Quinn's other hand is occupied with a few other bags of clothes that Rachel has already purchased. "Take a deep breath. It's okay. I'm sorry for going all crazy Rachel on you." Rachel teases. Quinn just smiles in thanks. Quinn knows that Rachel is trying to get her to calm down so she would stop stuttering. Rachel knows that Quinn starts to have problems when she feels under attack or just anxious. And Rachel just made her feel both of those things.
After Quinn calms down, she is able to help Rachel pick out some more outfits. Rachel even talks Quinn into getting a few things. When they are finished shopping they head over to the food court where Rachel pays for both of them to eat.
"Quinn!" Quinn is in the middle of munching on a fry when she hears her name being called. When she looks towards the voice, she sees Stacy walking towards their table.
"Hi!" Quinn stands up to greet Stacy with a hug.
"What's up?" Stacy puts her shopping bags in the empty chair at the table. "Hey!" She notices Rachel sitting at the table. "Rachel, right?"
Rachel makes a confused face but nods anyway. "Yes."
"Stacy." Stacy offers the confused girl her hand. Rachel shakes it.
"I work with Stacy, Rach." Quinn finally jumps in. "Remember I told you about Stacy." Quinn tries to help the girl remember.
"Oh." Rachel looks like she's thinking. "Oh Stacy!" She exclaims when she remembers joking around with Santana about Quinn having a girlfriend. "Nice to meet you."
"You too." Stacy smiles and turns her attention back to Quinn. "I just wanted to stop by in say hi. We haven't worked together this week so I haven't seen you since Sunday."
"Yeah. Crazy schedules." Quinn shrugs.
"Yeah, did you tell your grandmother thanks again for me? I had fun last Sunday."
"Yeah. She said to not be a stranger." Quinn smiles and cast a glance at Rachel. Rachel is playing with her straw and following the girl's conversation.
"I don't plan on it. Maybe we can hangout this Friday after work? Maybe go to the movies or something." Stacy grins. "Or maybe watch Underworld. That poster in your room defiantly makes it look interesting.
"Um. Maybe." Quinn doesn't commit. Friday's usually the day that she hangs out with Mercedes, Santana and Rachel. The four of them usually go to the movies. Quinn doesn't know how they would feel if she just invited someone else to join them without talking to them first.
"Okay, cool." Stacy grabs her bags and sends Quinn and Rachel another smile. "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah." Quinn waves and watches Stacy walk away.
"So that's Stacy." Rachel says after they go back to eating.
"Yeah."
"So what happened last Sunday?"
"Church. Stacy went to church with me and Mary and then we all went to donate some stuff." Quinn shrugs.
"Your grandmother has taken a liking to Stacy?" Rachel quietly asks.
"Kind of. Yes." Quinn frowns. Rachel is being all quiet and has been giving her weird looks ever since Stacy's left. "Are you okay?"
"Fine." Rachel gets up to throw away her trash. "Are you ready to go?"
"Um…sure."
The rest of the evening is awkward between the two friends. Rachel is usually very talkative and excited. But now, as they sit in Quinn's room, Rachel is quiet and hasn't really commented on the show they are watching like she usually does.
"It's almost seven. I should go." Rachel stands up and starts to collect her stuff. Whenever they spend their Wednesday at Quinn house, Rachel always makes sure to leave before Mary get home. This way she doesn't have to deal with the rude old lady nor does she have to lie about her parents. Rachel's pretty sure Quinn still hasn't told her grandmother much about Rachel or Santana.
"Okay." Quinn follows Rachel downstairs. "Hey," Quinn stops Rachel from opening the front door. "Are you okay?"
"Fine." Rachel steps away from the door and into Quinn's personal space. "I'm just tired." Rachel puts her arms on Quinn's shoulders and Quinn rest her hands on the smaller girl's waist. "I'm sorry for being bad company. Just tired." They share a lingering hug. "Walk me home?" Rachel asks after pulling away from Quinn.
"Of course."
%^&*&^%$
It's been a few weeks since Stacy has met Quinn's grandmother. Stacy and Quinn have been spending more time together outside of work. Stacy brings Quinn home on the nights that they work together and Stacy has hung out around the house a few times.
Stacy has continued to flirt with Quinn. She's flirted so much that Quinn has finally gave in and agreed to go on a date with Stacy.
Right now it is currently Friday and Quinn is sitting up in Santana's room freaking out and trying to tell Santana and Mercedes about her date.
"I don't-what do I wear." Quinn passes in front of Santana and Mercedes who are sitting on the bed. "I d-don't know what I'm doing!"
"Clearly, little virgin girl." Santana stands up and pushes Quinn down onto the bean bag chair in her room. "Stay still. You're giving me a headache."
"So when is this date?" Mercedes asks at the same time that Santana's bedroom door opens.
"Who's going on a date?" Rachel asks dropping her overnight bag next to the door.
"Q-tip." Santana says kicking Rachel's bag out of the way so she can shut the bedroom door.
"Don't kick my stuff!" Rachel smacks Santana in the arm.
"Watch yourself midget." Santana rubs her arm and glares at Rachel.
"Whatever." Rachel smiles at Mercedes and then looks over at Quinn. "What's this date business about? I don't remember you asking me out." Quinn stomach does flips at Rachel's teasing voice.
Quinn loves and hates the way Rachel acts like they are a couple. Quinn lights up when Rachel jokes about being her girlfriend. Like if Rachel wants Quinn to do something for her she calls her girlfriend or say something suggestive. Quinn loves it because she wishes Rachel was really her girlfriend. And she hates it because she feels like she'll never really have a chance with Rachel and Rachel doesn't even realize the hold she has on her.
"She's going out with that Stacy chick." Santana jumps in before Quinn could say anything. "So you're officially her sideline ho."Rachel glares and sits down next to Mercedes. "By the way, I don't think it's fair that everyone in this room has met this girl, but me. I have to meet her before this date happens."
"I don't know. The date is tomorrow and Mary will get irritated if I have too many people over at once." Quinn frowns.
"Whoa I didn't say anything about going over to your house. I don't want to see the dragon lady." Santana jokes.
"San!" Rachel frowns.
"Shut up little girl. Quinn knows her grandmother breath's fire." Everyone in the room laughs but Rachel. "Anyway…invite her to the movies tonight."
"No." This time it's Rachel that cuts Quinn off. '
"Why not?" Mercedes asks. "Pass me my bag, Quinn." Mercedes hold her hand out for her purse. Her big purse.
"Because this is our night. They have a date tomorrow."
"So?" Mercedes pulls out some lip gloss out of her purse and starts to apply it. "We can't just have our Quinn going out with anybody."
Rachel huffs in looks to Quinn. "What do you want to do?"
Quinn just stares at Rachel for a second. "I don't know."
Really Quinn wouldn't mind inviting Stacy to hangout with them. But at the same time she doesn't want Stacy to come and not feel welcome. Rachel defiantly doesn't seem like she's in a friendly mood.
"Maybe you can meet her tomorrow. You can drop me off to my date and I'll introduce you guys." Quinn tries to think of away to make everyone happy.
"Fine." Santana sighs.
The rest of the evening goes okay. The movie they went to see was funny. The only problem was that Rachel didn't really speak that much to Quinn. They always sit right next to each other so they can comment on different scene or just talk during the boring parts of the movie. But tonight Rachel was once again withdrawn. Even on the ride back to Santana's house when everyone was joking around, Rachel only join in every now and then. She didn't seem excited or anything.
"What's up?" Quinn leans against the open bathroom door. Rachel was staring in the mirror. She had just gotten done brushing her teeth. This was the only time that presented itself for Quinn to catch Rachel alone.
"Nothing. I think I'm getting a pimple." Rachel frowns and pokes at the little bump starting to form on her right cheek.
"Stop m-messing with it." Quinn steps into the bathroom and pulls Rachel's hands away from her face. "Are you mad at me?" Quinn just blurts out.
Quinn has been dying to ask Rachel that question for the past few hours. Rachel's usually very affectionate with her. They would usually be joking around, maybe fake wrestling or gossiping with Mercedes or annoying Santana, around this time on a Friday. But instead, Rachel has been closed off and not really communicating at all with Quinn.
"No." Rachel sighs.
"Be honest, Rach." Quinn frowns. She feels like Rachel is lying to her. "Y-you've been kind of d-distant with me tt-tonight."
"Calm down, Quinn."
"I-I can't." Quinn shakes her head. "D-don't lie to m-mme."
Rachel sighs and pulls on Quinn t-shirt to get her further into the bathroom. Once Quinn's inside, she closes and locks the bathroom door.
"I'm not mad at you." Quinn rolls her eyes. "I'm jealous." Quinn frowns.
She has no idea what Rachel could possibly be jealous of.
"Stacy." Rachel quietly let slips out between her lips.
"What? Why?"
Rachel closes the toilet lid and sits down. "Your grandmother hates me. But she loves Stacy. She's even invited Stacy to go to church with her."
"You're Jewish." Quinn says completely missing the point.
Rachel just shakes her head and continues. "Your grandmother doesn't even know about my dad's. And I always have to leave your house before your grandmother gets home. Or at least you prefer that I do."
"I don't want her to be rude to you. That's the only reason why I thought it was better for you to leave earlier."
"Sure. But I'd rather her be rude then to feel like your secret."
"Rachel,"
"Mercedes, Santana and I have been your friends for far longer than Stacy yet she gets the family dinners and…" Rachel stops and closes her eyes. "I'm just frustrated and annoyed."
"I'm—Rachel," Quinn sits on the end of the tub closer to Rachel. She grabs the brunette's hand. "I'm not t-trying," Rachel squeezes Quinn's hand that's holding hers. Quinn takes a few calming breathes before trying again. "I'm sorry. Mary's never going to change how she feels about you guys," Quinn is referring to Rachel, Mercedes and Santana. "She's an old lady that's stuck in her ways. Believe me; I would love to have my best friends come over for dinner. But that's not going to happen."
"Yeah," Rachel sighs and looks away.
"I don't know what to say to make you feel better." Quinn shrugs. "I don't value Stacy's friendship anymore then I value your friendship. They're different. They work differently. I know that sucks but…"
"I know," Rachel turns to face Quinn. Their knees bump. "I'm sorry for getting all emotional on you.'
"It's okay," Quinn shrugs. "You've always been a needy girlfriend." Quinn jokes.
"True." Rachel hums. "You always support me too, so I guess I can get over myself and wish you luck on your date tomorrow."
"Thank you."Quinn blushes and looks away. "I'm going to need all the luck I can get."
"Nonsense." Rachel waves Quinn's words away. "Your very charming, Lucy. I'm sure she'll love you by the end of the night."
They share a smile before a banging on the bathroom door breaks their concentration.
"What the fuck are you doing in there, Rach!" Santana's voice carries through the door. "And have you seen Quinn? I think she ran away because you've been a bitch to her all night. Jealousy does not look cute on you."
"Shut up." Rachel opens the door and pushes Santana out of the way. "Quinn and I are fine."
"Quinn," Santana frowns when she sees Quinn standing in the bathroom. "Did she try to drawn you?"
"Oh just…come on Quinn." Rachel smacks Santana upside the head and leads Quinn back into Santana's bedroom. "Get Mercedes up. Let's mess up some of Santana's stuff."
TBC