Disclaimer: I don't own glee or the song in this chapter.
Quinn wheeled into the choir room, which was pretty much empty. She was nervous but excited. This could be a disaster of epic proportions but the blonde needed to take the risk. She didn't want to live her life in regret.
The rest of the students gradually filtered in. Quinn observed them. Finn lumbered in looking like someone had killed his dog. Sam and Mercedes sauntered in holding hands. They were so cute together. Then Tina and Mike, Artie - with Sugar in his lap, Rory looking at Sugar longingly, Kurt and Blaine discussing scarves, Puck - who gave Quinn a wink, then Santana and Brittany - who smiled at her encouragingly and sat next to her at the front.
Finally - Rachel, who locked eyes with her as soon as she entered the room. She offered a small smile, then seemed…disappointed almost…that the seats next to Quinn were taken. At least that's what she thought she saw. True until proven otherwise.
Rachel sat at the other end of the front row, next to Rory.
Mr Schue walked in, clapping his hands. "Alright guys! Good weekend?"
A few mumbles. Finn looked at Rachel like she had killed his dog.
"Now, I know it's been a tough few weeks for us, so I'm not gonna pressurise you guys too much with preparing for Nationals…"
"We never prepare for anything" Brittany stated.
"Truth" Artie raised a hand in agreement.
Quinn couldn't help but chuckle.
"Uh…anyway, guys. This will be sort of a freestyle session. Does anyone have anything prepared?"
It's time. Quinn raised her hand. "I do Mr Schue"
"Quinn! Great! I was hoping you had something, we missed your voice."
She made her way to face the club. She chanced a glance at Rachel, who was staring at her with those soulful eyes and a small, but proud smile. Puck got his guitar and stood behind Quinn.
"Um, I would just like to thank all you guys for your support since the…accident. I wouldn't have got through it without you." She chose to look straight at Rachel as she said that, before addressing the rest of the class.
"I've been through a lot this year, more than what most people go through in a lifetime, but the accident has changed me more than any of those other things. Not just physically of course…" she gestured down to her legs, and her little joke earned some sympathetic giggles from her team mates.
"It has also changed the way I see life. It has taught me to live every day as if it were your last, and love with all of your heart." Again, she looked at Rachel, whose expression was indecipherable.
The song she chose was not too obvious, she hoped, but some of the messages were there. She gestured to Puck to begin on his guitar. She took a deep breath, and began to sing.
I thought that things like this get better with time
But I still need you, why is that?
You're the only image in my mind
So I still see you... around
Quinn chose this moment to look directly at Rachel.
I miss you, like everyday
Wanna be with you, but you're away
Said I miss you, missing you insane
But if I got with you, could it feel the same?
Quinn chose this song because it's about wanting to be with someone but also having doubts. She wanted to show Rachel that she understands there will be doubts.
She still couldn't read the expression on Rachel's face. She bore into those brown eyes, trying to convey how she felt as she reached the final verse:
It don't matter who you are
It's so simple, a feeling
But it's everything
No matter who you love
It is so simple, a feeling
But it's everything…
As Puck finished on his guitar, Quinn dipped her head down and took a deep breath. Then she looked back up at Rachel, whose eyes were watering and lips trembling. She didn't look happy, yet she didn't look…
Rachel covered her face with her hands and bolted past Quinn, and out of the choir room.
Finn was glaring at Quinn as if she had killed his whole family.
Quinn felt like her heart had shattered. For the second time in four days.
A/N: I hate being so cruel to Quinn...but I need to keep you guys on your toes ;)
The song used is 'I Miss You' by Beyonce, from the album 4.
The way Beyonce sings the song is too intense for Quinn, but I thought a more stripped down, softer version with a guitar would be nice.
