Present
Quinn parked her car to the side of the road, turning on the alarms, to check the address once again.
24th and 7th, number 46
She was at the right address and now she pulled her car on the road again, driving slowly to find the number 46. Where is it? The numbers were increasing. 7, 14, 23, 38... Oh, here it is 46. Quinn parked her car once again on the side of the road and turned off the engine. She got out of the car and she couldn't believe what she saw. It was a bookshop with her name on a big sign.
Quinn's corner
She froze... She couldn't stop watching that sign. But wait, that's it? That's the best name she could think of? It didn't matter actually, because it was her dream to open a bookshop when she would grow up. She always wanted to write books and share her world with others, but mostly with Rachel. Does that mean that she made it? Is that bookshop hers? It looks like it is, but she can only find out for sure if she enters...
"Hey Quinn. Where have you been? It was the first time l saw your bookshop closed for so many days. I really missed coming here and read. I see it's open now, did you open it again?", an old man said to Quinn.
"I'm sorry sir, but l don't remember you. I, uhm, l had an accident and don't remember much... That's why l came here actually", Quinn said back to the old man.
Quinn should remember Earl, she should remember... Earl was at his mid sixties, he was taller than Quinn and had gray hair, like most of the men that were at the same age. Earl is the number one customer Quinn has, he visited Quinn's bookshop every single day to read and buy books that Quinn had written, because these stories reminded him of the relationship he had with his wife who passed away some years ago. He didn't have any family left, except for Quinn, he could see Quinn as his granddaughter and Quinn could see him as the grandpa she never had.
"I'm glad you are okay and l hope everything will work out for you kid. You will find yourself if you read some of your books in there. Good luck", Earl told Quinn, hugged her briefly and left without saying anything else.
"Some of my books? What? I've written books? What kind of books?", Quinn said, firing question after question.
Earl ignored her and continued walking. He smirked and didn't look back, Quinn needed to find out by herself, like that character on her book... What was her name again? Was it Shannon? That must be her. She needs to find that book, maybe it will help her.
Earl, always had faith in that girl and now Quinn had to have faith in herself too. She walked to the door and opened it, entering in a small bookshop that looked like a magic land that only existed in fairy tales. A small bookshop, HER small bookshop, her small heaven... She doesn't remember it though, but that's why Rachel was there. Rachel would help her remember everything and complete her wedding vow.
"I'm here Rachel, l want to remember everything", Quinn admitted.
"Take a look around, do what you do best... Read. Wait, did you called me Rachel?", Rachel said.
"Yeah, isn't that your name?", Quinn said.
"It is, but you never called me by my name", Rachel said and started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?", Quinn said completely serious.
"Dejavu. Now, go on, take a look around", Rachel said when she stopped laughing.
Quinn was taking her time, looking around the place. There were shelves full of books, everywhere, and a small corner with a only a lamp and a sofa.
"Why is there a sofa here? Isn't it a bookshop?", Quinn asked confused.
"It is, but you put that sofa here for you and mister Earl. You two spend so many hours here, reading, that you need to sit too", Rachel explained to Quinn.
"Hmmm, l see. Do you read too?", Quinn said and continued walking.
"Sometimes, l come here to have a date with my wife. l love visiting her world and l love it when she reads to me. It-it just makes me feel special", Rachel said, following Quinn.
"I like it here. It's so peaceful and quiet. Why is that bookshelf colorful and the rest not?", Quinn said when she noticed a bookshelf different than the rest.
She walked closer to that bookshelf. She felt like it was somehow pulling her close to it and she couldn't resist.
"Because honey, this part of the shop has only your books", Rachel pointed out and placed her arm on Quinn's shoulder.
"But how? There are so many... How is that even possible?", Quinn asked and took a book at her hands.
"What can l say, you had a good muse apparently", Rachel said and blushed.
The book Quinn took at her hands was called 'The human who held a star'. The cover was dark blue and she could see a girl on a grassy hill who raised her hands, trying to reach the stars. The title was written in silver and Quinn felt mesmerized, she just couldn't stop looking at it. Rachel on the other hand was very nervous, she wanted Quinn to open the book and read.
"Are you going to open it?", Rachel asked hesitantly.
"l don't know. Should l?", Quinn said nervous.
"Aren't you here to remember?", Rachel stated.
"You are right. Do you want to read to me?", Quinn asked, looking hesitantly to Rachel's eyes.
That damn sparkle was there again. But wait, Quinn didn't feel awkward this time. She actually liked that sparkle and the only thing she could do now was to stare at the little brunette in front of her. Oh, she missed that sparkle so much that she just couldn't get enough of it now.
"I would love to, Quinn", Rachel said and held Quinn's free hand.
They walked back to the sofa and they just stood there. No one was sitting first. How would they sit? Quinn would sit and Rachel would sit on the arm of the sofa? The other way around? Maybe Rachel could sit on Quinn's lap like she always did. But Quinn doesn't remember that or does she?
"Go on, sit. It's your spot anyway. I'll sit on the arm", Rachel said and Quinn obeyed.
Quinn sit on the sofa and Rachel on the arm, as she said. Quinn felt a warmth coming her way from Rachel, she felt so relaxed and leaned her head to Rachel's arm. Rachel felt like a teenager again, nervous because of Quinn. Good nervous though, she moved the arm that Quinn had her head and placed it around Quinn.
"Can you feel that warmth I'm feeling?", Rachel asked curious.
"I-l actually can. It's cozy and makes me feel very comfortable", Quinn responded and blushed.
Here is that mole blush again. Only this time, Quinn didn't care, because she started liking Rachel again. In fact she missed her, she missed calling her names, but she wouldn't do that, would she?
"l missed you, but my tour isn't over yet. I still have a couple of months", Rachel stated sad.
"l know... l actually came to the airport to stop you from leaving. You know, like in the movies... But l, uhm, l wasn't on time", Quinn admitted honestly.
"Quinn Fabray-Be... Fabray, not on time, that's a new one", Rachel said, a smile forming on her face.
"Can you read now?", Quinn said and Rachel opened the book on a random page.
"At the beginning, the human thought 'there are so many stars up there, how can you be the brightest one?'. Of course she never got an answer... All the human could do was to watch the star she adored from far away. The human was happy whenever she saw her bright star and then sad, because she knew that it would disappear in the morning. So, she always raised her hands, trying to reach it, thinking 'l wish l could take you from the sky so you wouldn't disappear in the morning'. The thing that human didn't know was that the star was for ever with her, watching her from up there. Every night the human wished for the star to come down, just for a moment, so she could have a closer look... 'You are so beautiful l wish l could hold you. Even a single moment would be enough for me'. The star could see the sadness in the human's eyes, wishing itself it could appear in human's arms. Nights came and left and then one night the star thought 'this is it' and that was it, it was time for the star to go... It was time for the star to go to its human's arms. Human, once again raised her hands to reach the star and then a soft breeze told to human 'l'm so happy you were with me every night. The rest of the stars don't like me, because l'm brighter. You were my only friend and l always heard your wish. Now, l'm ready to fulfill it' and the star fell from the sky. Human got scared that her star would turn into dust and disappear for once and for all, but the star tried its best and it made it... It made it to human's hands...", Rachel read and then stopped.
Quinn felt something inside her lit up, she felt like the human in that book. Okay, so, if she was the human who was the... Rachel was the star. It makes sense though, because Quinn always thought that Rachel would shine more than everyone.
"Why did you stop?", Quinn questioned.
"Oh my God, l know how to make you remember everything", Rachel said and the sparkle appeared at her eyes.
Rachel got up, leaving a confused Quinn behind her. She walked over to a wooden door, which led to the bookshop's basement. The door was painted, it was bright blue on the top and you could see clouds everywhere. Both sides were green, showing two grassy hills, one at each side and in the middle there was a dirt road that led... No one knew where that road led, except for Quinn and now Rachel. She finally understood that it led to Quinn's heart, the dirt road which got distant and distant the deeper you were watching that door, it led to Quinn's world.
"Where are you going?", Quinn asked.
"I'm taking a trip to your heart. Join me?", Rachel said simply.
"You what? I don't understand what you're saying, but l will join you", Quinn said and got up herself, following Rachel.
Rachel opened the lights and started descending the stairs. Quinn followed without saying anything.
"Every step l make further into the basement l feel like l'm taking a step closer to bring you back", Rachel admitted happily.
"What are we doing here?", Quinn asked completely unaware of what was going on.
"We are here to read", Rachel told Quinn and took a book from a shelf.
"But we were reading upstairs. Why do we have to read down here?", Quinn asked confused.
"This book is your last book. You were working on it before your accident. It must be finished or else it wouldn't be here, right?", Rachel pointed out.
The whole book was brown and the title was written in silver.
Never Forget...
That's exactly what Quinn have done, she forgot... But Rachel was always so optimistic, she thought that Quinn haven't forgot her. Actually, she knew that Quinn haven't forgot her.
Never Forget...
How could she forget all their moments? Every touch, every hug and every kiss they shared.
Never Forget...
How could she forget all the dates they had? Their wedding day, everything they've been through together.
Rachel opened the book on the first page, where there was a handwritten dedication from Quinn.
l dedicate this book to my wonderful wife, Rachel... The brightest star of them all, in case l forget.
"This is my handwriting", Quinn said almost shocked.
"It is. Oh, so this must be a handwritten book", Rachel said and she turned some pages.
"You think?", Quinn said as if it wasn't obvious.
"Hmmm, you always write in codes. You never leave anything on its own luck", Rachel said and looked Quinn, trying to read her eyes.
"What are you looking at?", Quinn asked, but she didn't took her gaze away from Rachel.
"l'm trying to get my wife back", Rachel said.
"Good luck with that. Can we go back upstairs at least?", Quinn told Rachel and they got upstairs again after Rachel nodded.
Quinn always wrote in codes. It was her way of noting dates and explaining why every word mattered where it would be written. She, once, explained that to Rachel, but it didn't make sense for her back then. Well, it seems that now it will be very helpful, or at least that's what Rachel thought.
"Page 26... Page 26. Oh, here it is", Rachel said excited.
"What's with that page?", Quinn asked, but she already knew the answer.
"This is what happened on 26th of May", Rachel said.
Rachel held Quinn's right hand and showed the ring to Quinn. Wait, Quinn was still wearing her wedding ring.
"l see you are still wearing it", Rachel said and turned her attention back to the book.
"l-l, yeah, l wear it", Quinn said.
She didn't have anything better to say. The most obvious thing in the world was all she managed to tell Rachel. It's okay though, because Rachel wasn't expecting an answer to what she said. There wasn't even a question to be honest.
"You are the prettiest bride l have ever seen", Rachel read.
Her mind went back to their wedding day. That day was the greatest moment of her life, of their lives.
"Hey, l remember saying that", Quinn pointed out.
"Do you believe we are married now?", Rachel asked excited.
"No, it just was in a dream l had", Quinn explained.
"It was a memory, but we can have it your way for now", Rachel said and rolled her eyes.
"You don't take 'no' as an answer, do you?", Quinn said and crossed her hands in front of her chest.
"I do not. If l did, we wouldn't be here now, having this conversation", Rachel admitted proudly.
Rachel turned on a random page and started reading again.
"It hurts. Damn it, it hurts so bad...", Rachel read and then paused.
She was looking at the page in shock. What could she possibly read that caused her to look that page in shock? Quinn looked one time at Rachel and one at the page... And then again, one at Rachel and one at the page. She was trying to figure out what Rachel have read.
"Why did you stop? What did you read?", Quinn asked, but Rachel only managed to open and close her mouth multiple times in shock, without saying anything.
"Rachel", Quinn said worried and lifted Rachel's chin, so their gazes would connect.
Rachel looked at Quinn's beautiful hazel eyes and she seemed lost. She was still in shock and Quinn didn't know what to do, or maybe she did. Quinn took Rachel's hands in her own and stroke them gently with her thumbs.
"Deep breaths Rach... Deep breaths", Quinn said without stopping what she did.
Rachel heard Quinn and started taking deep breaths. Eventually she relaxed, but this wasn't the first time that happened and back then it kind of saved their relationship.
Senior year of high school
By this point Rachel knew that Quinn was stubborn, but so was her. She actually didn't know though what Quinn wanted to talk to her about at the auditorium, but of course she would go to find out, because she had to say some things herself. She walked as fast as she could and reached the auditorium's doors, which she always opens with confidence. Quinn was sitting at the piano, hitting stray notes.
"You're late", Quinn said coldly.
"We are girlfriends, right?", Rachel asked although she knew the answer.
"Yes, we are. What's your point?", Quinn asked.
"My point is-is that... l know we haven't spent a lot of time lately-", Rachel started to say, but Quinn cut her off.
"No, Rachel hear me out", Quinn demanded and got up, walking towards Rachel.
Quinn have seen for years all this potential that Rachel had. She believed that she was the one who was holding her back, because Rachel was ready to drop everything so she could move in with Quinn. Quinn didn't want Rachel to waste her dreams just because she wanted to be with her. Quinn was determined to let Rachel go. She wouldn't forgive herself if Rachel wouldn't explore all her potential, ever.
"Do you want to know how this story plays out?", Quinn said sad with her angelic voice and Rachel nodded.
"We both get heartbroken. And then l stay here and you go to New York. l'll become a successful real estate agent and you will book the role of Fanny and make your dreams a reality", Quinn said and Rachel was looking at her with widened eyes.
"l can book the role even if you are with me. Quinn please, don't do this", Rachel pleaded.
"You don't belong here, Rachel and you can't hate me for helping to send you on your way", Quinn said and her voice was breaking more and more at every word that came out of her mouth.
"l'm not giving up on you. lt's not over between us", Rachel said and held one of Quinn's hands.
"Yes, it is", Quinn yelled.
Quinn have never yelled to Rachel, even when she was calling her names. What's with her attitude suddenly? Rachel didn't know how to react anymore, she was in shock.
"You're so frustrating... Rachel, if you keep looking for that happy ending, then you are never going to get it", Quinn said, almost ready to break down.
Rachel opened and closed her mouth multiple times, without knowing what to say. This couldn't be the end of their relationship, they deserved better and they both knew that. Quinn was just standing there, tears streaming down her cheeks. Rachel on the other hand was in shock... She was breathing really hard and Quinn noticed immediately.
"Deep breaths Rach... Deep breaths", Quinn said and held Rachel's hands, stroking them with her thumbs.
Quinn led Rachel to sit on the edge of the stage that the auditorium had and she sat next to her, never leaving her hand.
"Why are you pushing me away?", Rachel asked when she finally relaxed.
"l want you to explore fully your potential. The last thing l want is to keep you back from doing that. Do you understand?", Quinn said looking at Rachel.
"l will do that only if l have you by my side. We've been through a lot lately. You complete me, Quinn. l-l can't stand losing you. Don't you get it? You are the one who makes me do my best at every single performance l have", Rachel admitted and took a tear away from Quinn's cheek with her thumb.
"That-That doesn't make any sense Rach... We all were born complete. Even if we were born half, how is it even possible for you to be half? l mean you are nothing but perfect. You are the brightest star of them all and l see it clearly now, that's why l want to let you shine", Quinn explained.
"Quinn, l only shine because l have you. Now, stop trying to break up with me, because you are the best that l deserve and just kiss me, you dummy", Rachel said with her adorable voice, that only saved for Quinn.
"You are the best that l deserve too. l'm sorry", Quinn said, blushing.
Relationship is about two people who share the distance between them. lt's about taking that trip together, hand in hand. Oh, and they knew how to do that... They learnt it in such a short time, because Quinn walked half the distance of their relationship and Rachel the other half. So, they leaned towards each other, sharing the distance and they gently kissed. They closed their eyes, so they would feel everything that this kiss would offer them. Quinn placed gently her hands on Rachel's waist. Rachel reached Quinn's cheeks and held them dearly in her hands, trying to make Quinn understand that she was the only thing that Rachel wanted to hold. Their lips were waltzing softly against each other, but that wasn't enough... Quinn pulled Rachel as close as she could. When air became a necessity they broke apart.
"l love you. You're my ground", Quinn said softly and pecked Rachel's lips one more time.
"l love you more. You're my sky", Rachel said back and hugged Quinn, never letting her go.
Present
"Will you tell me what did you read?", Quinn asked once again.
"This is all your fault. Every time I remember something with you in it, l suffer...", Rachel read with widened eyes.
"But that-that happened when we went to the park and talked, didn't it?", Quinn said, but she couldn't believe that it actually had happened.
"Read from the beginning", Quinn said and Rachel turned on the first page.
"Are you Eleanor? The wife?", Rachel read and remembered the man that called her when Quinn was in the Hospital.
"Oh my God, this is exactly what happened. You wrote a book that says exactly what we are living now", Rachel said upset.
"l-l did?", Quinn said surprised.
"You apparently did. It's so creepy", Rachel admitted.
"Then we need to-", Quinn said and Rachel cut her off.
"We need to see how the story ends", Rachel said and turned the pages quickly so she could find the last one.
Of course, they both want to know how the story ends. It could totally help them solve this mystery or whatever this is and get back their happy ending. It was completely up to Quinn... Well, the past Quinn.
"What does it say?", Quinn asked when she saw Rachel staring blankly on the last page.
"Uhm, it-it doesn't say anything. It's just a white page", Rachel said disappointed.
"Maybe it doesn't say anything because it's the last one... Try a couple of pages back", Quinn suggested and Rachel did that.
"White again", Rachel said disappointed once again.
"Okay, uhm, then try to find the last thing I've written", Quinn said and Rachel started going back again.
"Oh my God, Quinn. The last thing you've written is that Shannon went to her book shop and Eleanor was there to help her remember.
"What kind of joke is this?", Quinn said upset.
"It's-lt's not a joke at all. This is so creepy, look for yourself if you don't trust me", Rachel said and handed the book to Quinn.
"No, uhm, it's okay. I trust you", Quinn admitted shyly and stroked Rachel's hand.
They were staring at each other's eyes for so long. Quinn's eyes were always so mesmerizing for Rachel... These hazel eyes were Rachel's heaven, she could stare at them forever. Actually forever wasn't enough for her. She really missed her soulmate, her wife and she haven't kissed Quinn for almost a year. It was so much for her, just so much... Quinn on other hand lost herself into Rachel's eyes. Although Rachel's eyes were chocolate, which is a common color, she always thought that Rachel had the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen and she thought that Rachel's gaze was so expressive. Their smiles though, they were always smiling when they were watching each other. It was inevitable. First, they were staring and then they were smiling at each other, like lovestruck puppies.
"You know, when we look at each other and then smile... I... You just have such a cute smile", Quinn said, without taking her eyes away from Rachel.
"Me? You have those perfect eyes, which look at me intensely", Rachel said instantly.
"Yeah, because these perfect eyes look at that perfect smile of yours", Quinn said, blushing.
"Yeah, well, this perfect smile appears because l look at those perfect eyes", Rachel admitted and her eyes lit up even more.
"So, uhm, what-what do we do now?", Quinn said, still looking at Rachel.
"Ooooh, l know", Rachel said and run to her bag.
Rachel was always carrying a photo of Quinn and her from when they were in college. She loved that photo, because they were so young. She doesn't remember anything that happened that night, but Quinn explained her. She walked back to Quinn and handed her the photo.
"What's that?", Quinn asked, without waiting for an answer.
"Santana took this picture...", Rachel started saying and Quinn was listening to her carefully.
Second year of college
"Sanny and l will sit there", Brittany said and sat on the couch at Quinn's and Rachel's new apartment.
"You can sit wherever you like guys. Get comfy so you can enjoy the movie", Quinn said and Santana sat on Brittany's lap.
Quinn sat on the couch while Rachel brought some snacks from the kitchen for the movie. She placed them on the small table they had in the middle of their tiny living room.
"Are you guys ready?", Rachel said and lied on the couch, her head on Quinn's lap.
"Yes, my bright star", Quinn said, leaned and kissed Rachel's head.
"Yes, my bright star", Santana said with a silly voice, making fun of Quinn.
Quinn rolled her eyes and Rachel pressed the start button for the movie to start. They were all enjoying the movie. Brittany were holding Santana, but in the middle of the movie they started making out and they just were in their own world. On the other hand, Quinn was stroking Rachel's hair and after a few minutes Rachel fell asleep on Quinn. Quinn didn't mind that though, because she knew that Rachel had a long day and she deserved to rest. She was the one who made her fall asleep anyway.
"l'm gonna take her to bed", Quinn whispered and paused the movie.
"Hey, we were watching that", Santana said.
"Are you kidding me? You were making out for almost a quarter now", Quinn stated.
Quinn got up carefully, putting a pillow under Rachel's head. She walked in the bedroom that they were sharing and put the blanket aside. Then, she returned to the living room and took Rachel on her hands, carrying her bridal style. Santana saw the way Quinn was standing there with Rachel in her arms and looking at her so peacefully, like she was holding her whole world.
"Britt pass me my phone, quickly", Santana whispered to Brittany.
Brittany gave the phone to Santana and Santana quickly took a picture of her friends. Santana could recognize true love, because she have felt it and she have seen it in Brittany's eyes and that was exactly what their friends had.
"We are going Q. It's late and my Britt is tired as well", Santana said, but the didn't get an answer from Quinn, who was still staring at Rachel in awe.
Santana and Brittany left and Quinn took Rachel in the bedroom, laying her carefully, so she wouldn't wake her up, on the bed.
"Hey, what happened?", Rachel said, opening her eyes.
"Shhhh, go back to sleep", Quinn said and stroke Rachel's head.
"Where are you going?", Rachel said and closed her eyes, sensing Quinn's touch.
"l'm going to close the TV", Quinn explained.
"Yeah, but you're coming back to me then right?", Rachel said almost worried.
"Always", Quinn said and kissed Rachel's head.
Present
Every word Rachel described to Quinn made her starting to remember, but her head was spinning again.
"l can't take it", Quinn said holding her head.
"They're your memories Quinn, they're coming back slowly", Rachel pointed out and hugged Quinn, stroking her back so she would calm down.
After a while, Quinn finally relaxed, but this time she didn't blame Rachel for what was happening to her. Instead, she hugged Rachel back and wasn't letting her go, not any time soon at least. Rachel took notice of Quinn not breaking the hug and there was a big comfortable silence between them... They were just enjoying their hug and each other's warmth.
"So, what are we gonna do now?", Quinn asked when she broke the hug.
"Want to go home with me?", Rachel asked hesitantly, because she was testing Quinn's limits.
"Sure, there must be stuff to remind me more of you", Quinn said and blushed once again.
"Let's go", Rachel said and offered gently her hand to Quinn.