The rest of the semester passed smoothly. Instead of completely buckling under the pressure of schoolwork as I had expected to happen, I actually managed to pass all of my courses with respectable marks. I was pleased, but that soon turned to ecstatic when Rachel treated me to a congratulatory lunch. I was a happy camper that day.
Things with Rachel were great. We had gone out on a few more dates, but nothing as large as our first. We hadn't defined what we were yet, but I was fine with that. What mattered to me was that Rachel was willing to spend time with me without running in the opposite direction. She hadn't kissed me again either, but her hugs were plentiful so I couldn't complain. Spending time with the brunette was both amazing and nerve wracking, but only because I had to resist the urge to attack her with my lips whenever she did that cute little pout. With the tiny diva, that happened a lot.
Heading back to Lima for the holidays was something I wasn't exactly looking forward to. During the time I was gone my father had moved back to Lima. My mother had sent me a letter two weeks ago informing me that he has been spotted around town, and that maybe I should stay back at school for the holidays. Even though the thought of being confronted by Russell scared the crap out of me, I dreadfully missed my mom and sadly enough, I was a little homesick. That's why I was now nestled in my mom's car on the way home from the airport, watching the familiar scenery pass by my eyes.
"So, Quinnie," Judy Fabray started, patting my knee softly, "how was your first semester?"
I sighed softly, the memories from the first few months rushing back. Rachel ignoring me, her having coffee with that random guy, the first time I got a smile out of her cute little lips. My frown curved upwards as we passed by the Berry's house, and I could see that Rachel was already there because of the bite sized snow angel on their yard. "Amazing," I finally answered, smiling over at my mother. She returned the smile before joining in with the radio, singing along with the Christmas carols. By the time we pulled up outside our house we were both in fits of laughter and tears. That was until we both noticed a hunched figure sitting on our porch steps.
"Judy!" a deep voice echoed across our lawn as we stepped out of the car. The hunched figure slowly stood up and made his way towards us. "Judy, I have been waiting all afternoon to talk to you. I need to come back, you have to take me back," my father's loud voice boomed from across the car. I glanced over at my mother and noticed fear cross her features. Suddenly pictures from before their divorce flashed inside my head. My father passed out on the couch, drunk off his ass. My mother silently drinking her pain away as my father yelled at her across the room. Mom's face contorted in agony he beat her. The look on my father's face when he was too drunk to care that he was ripping his family apart. Those imaged shook me, and all of a sudden I was in front of my mother, shielding her from his path.
"Get out of here, dad," I yelled, the HBIC in me making its first appearance in a while. Russell only leered and took another step towards us.
"Quinn, this is none of your business. Yes, you have made some bad decisions in the past and it tore our family apart, but I'm willing to forgive you if your mother will have me back," he spoke calmly, but with no hint of kindness across his features. He then locked eyes with mom and his demeanour changed, "Judy. Listen to the voice of reason. You know you still love me, and we can work together as a loving family to fix our daughter. I love you Judy, and I know that someday I will love our daughter again too. Just take me back, and we can be a family together again," he practically begged. For the first time in my life, it actually looked like my father was remorseful. In fact, he looked god damn pathetic with the way he was looking at my mother. I just hoped she wasn't buying his shit.
I was about to speak up when my mother cut me off.
"I will give you thirty seconds to get off my property before I call the police. You are a bastard, Russell. You have no right to show up at my house and accuse my daughter of hurting our family. You hurt our family, Russell! Quinn wasn't the one who was so drunk out of her mind every night that she passed out. She wasn't the one who flushed all of her dignity down the toilet because she was so fucked up that she felt the need to beat up both her doting wife and gentle daughter," Judy practically yelled, causing repressed memories to pop into my head. I shook them away quickly, focusing back in on what my mother was yelling. "And you know what Russell? My Quinnie is not a fuck up! That's just you. Quinn is going to grow up and be a wonderful performer with a beautiful wife and kids who adore her. Now I repeat, get off my property! And if I see you around here anymore, I will file a restraining order. Do you hear me?" Judy spat, walking around me and standing directly in front of my father, who was now scowling. He looked around her and connected eyes with me, sending cold chills down my spine. It was evident he caught the part about me having a wife, and he was not happy. Fortunately for him, he took my mother's threat as a real possibility and made his way off our property. We watched him cross the road and slip into his black BMW before speeding away. We both let out a tired sigh and started hauling my bags into the house.
Later on I made my way over to the Berry's house. It was shortly after supper time and I thought maybe Rachel would like a surprise. I knocked on her door softly, and waited.
The first thing I saw was a tall silhouette behind the door before it swung open to reveal a dark skinned man. "Good evening, and who might this young lady be?" he questioned kindly, wearing a smile that could rival Rachel's. I grinned, and stuck out my hand. "My name is Quinn Fabray, and I was wondering if I could see Rachel?"
He grinned, and I could see the knowing look behind his eyes that made me know that he knew all about who I was. Thankfully, he moved aside and ushered me inside. He took my jacket, and showed me towards the living room where presumably Rachel was. As I turned the corner into the cozy looking room, I spotted the petite brunette sitting cross-legged by a table, playing monopoly with who I could only assume was her other father.
"Excuse me Rachel, I believe you have a guest," the man who answered the door spoke from behind me. Rachel looked up and I swear she looked shocked to see me standing in her living room, a huge grin plastered on my face. "Quinn!" she squeaked, standing up and walking over to me, "what are you doing here?" I shrugged. Her eyebrows knotted together before she ushered both of the men over. "Quinn, these are my fathers. Leroy," she pointed to the man who had let me in before continuing, "And Hiram." The shorter man waved, looking a little confused at the whole situation before Rachel explained to him who I was. After that he shared the same knowing look as his husband. After a minute of silence, the men excused themselves and left Rachel and I alone.
"So, you told your fathers about me?" I joked, earning a small blush from Rachel. "Does this count as meeting the parents?" I attempted to joke again, gaining a chuckle from the brunette. I smiled, loving the easy going vibe between us. I carried on, "so are you going to Puck's Christmas party? I heard everyone's going, and it would be a great opportunity to see everyone again," I finished, silently wishing she was going.
"I guess I could go. I mean, I know I don't celebrate Christmas, but there is no reason to not celebrate the holiday spirit with old acquaintances…," she rambled on, the thought of seeing everyone again clearly getting to her. I grinned and wrapped an arm loosely around her shoulder in a hug as she spoke. It wasn't something I did a lot because my heart would beat madly out of my chest, but she was just being so adorable that I had to do something to stop myself from kissing her.
After a few minutes I drew back and stood up, removing my coat from the hanger. "I guess I'll go. I just wanted to see if you were going to Pucks," I said as I moved towards the door. She smiled and nodded as she followed me. "Couldn't you have just texted me to ask me that?" she questioned, her smile turning into a smirk. I blushed and nodded, before connecting eyes with her. "I guess I just wanted to see you," I spoke softly before turning around and walking out the door. I could feel her eyes on me as I headed back up the street, smiling like a fool until I found my way back home.
Christmas with my mother was a blast. We woke up early and opened our presents while listening to cheesy Christmas songs. My mother gave me a new iPod, some new clothes and a selection of LGBT friendly books and movies. I gave her a necklace I found in a little shop in New York and the complete Denzel Washington collection. She was so excited about her present that we spent the next six hours watching movies while she drooled over the leading man.
Later on that evening I was in mom's car, on the way to Puck's party. Even though I was in college, and was already knocked up once, I still got the mother talk. "Now Quinn, I don't want you to come stumbling in the house at three am pissed drunk. I am realistic and I know you have probably drank before, and that's fine. I don't mind if you have a few drinks honey, just don't overdo it. Remember your father," and that was all my mother had to say before I nodded, understanding.
She pulled up outside his house and left me with a kiss and a goodbye before she drove off, honking at a few of the neighbourhood kids as she passed by. I chuckled and made my way into the house. I was amazed with how much my mother had changed since her divorce with dad. Gone was the woman who sat by and watched as Russell kicked me out of the house. She was replaced by a strong, confident, fun loving woman who would do anything for her daughter.
"Quinn!" A series of exclaims erupted around the room as several of my old classmates wrapped me up in hugs. I returned them, enjoying seeing everyone again. I slowly made my way through the crowd until I found the group I was looking for. Puck was already drunk and had his arm wrapped around Mercedes, who actually looked pleased with the situation. Santana and Brittany were making out on the couch, deaf to the world. Artie and Mike were chatting idly, watching Tina in the distance making out with who I could only assume to be her new boyfriend. Finn was standing there awkwardly, sipping on a beer. I heard Kurt before I saw him, bitching to Blaine about how his shirt didn't match the rest of his outfit. I giggled however when Blaine silenced his boyfriend by a fierce kiss that apparently knocked the bitch right out of him. My giggle must have alerted the rest of the club to my presence as they all turned to look before some shoot up and wrapped me in more hugs.
"Baby mama, it's great to see you! Now all that's left is my hot Jew and we're all set!" Puck slurred from his spot next to Mercedes. "Have you met my new girl? She's fine," he grinned, wrapping his arm tighter around a giggling Mercedes. I smiled at them both before stiffening as I felt an arm wrap around my waist. Spinning around I came face to face with nothing. It wasn't until I looked down that I noticed Rachel there, grinning up at me. I laughed and let her get her hugs from everyone before pulling her off into the kitchen for drinks.
"You look lovely tonight, Rach," I complimented, setting up two shots. Mom said not to overdo it, but this wasn't overdoing it. I could have a few drinks and still be fine to go home later on. I pushed one of the shots towards Rachel, who eyed it uncertainly. I smiled, "you don't have to drink it if you don't want to. No pressure. I'll have it if you don't want it," I chuckled. She looked contemplative for a second before she picked up the shot and raised it up.
"On the count of three," she said, smirking. My eyebrows shot up and I hastily picked up my own shot, raising it with hers. "One, two, three!" she practically yelled before downing her shot with a sputter. I downed mine easily, grinning before setting up two more. Those ones went down better for her as she grew accustomed to the burn of the alcohol. Deciding that this was enough for the both of us, at least for now, I took her hand and pulled her off towards the living room again.
We spent the better part of the night being teased by Santana and hit on by Puckerman, who was rightfully reprimanded by his girlfriend. Turns out that my show at the end of high school had made its way to everyone's ears, and they all knew about my huge crush on Rachel. This resulted in taunts towards both of us, which in turn had us blushing and giggling like mad. It wasn't until most of the people left just after two am did Rachel and I get to spend some time alone. We were sprawled out on one of the couches in the empty basement, enjoying the quiet after the party.
"Rachel," I slurred, still a little fuzzy from the booze, "do you like me?" Rachel giggled and rested her head on my shoulder, clearly a lot more buzzed then me. "Of course I like you Quinn, why else would I be here if I didn't?" she responded, moving her face a little closer to mine. She buried her face into my neck, sending shivers over my body as I felt her hot breath against me.
"I mean, do you like like me," I breathed out, trying to control the small feeling that was growing in my stomach just from her breath on my skin. Everything was silent for a moment before I felt her place a gently kiss on the crook of my neck. It was soon followed by heavier, sloppier kisses as she made her way up to my mouth. When her lips finally found mine it was like a fire had been lit between us and we were fuelled by the sheer magnetic attracted that appeared the second we came together. Her lips were like silk, and her body moved on top of mine like we were meant to fit together. I was in pure bliss as her hands roamed over my torso, sliding gently under the hem of my blouse. It was like a dream, a dream too good to be true as Finn abruptly walked in on us.
"Oh uh hey, Rach. Hey, Quinn." He said awkwardly, causing both of us to break apart panting. I glared, HBIC coming back for the second time during this trip home. He looked scared and squeaked out some excuse about going to find Puck before he ran out of there. Rachel pulled back, her hazy eyes locking with mine before she shook her head and slid off me. I started to panic, this wasn't good.
"Rachel, wait-" I was cut off by a hand signalling me to stop. She shook her head and moved her hand to her mouth before booting it out of the kitchen, towards the nearest bathroom. Only seconds later I heard the evident splash of vomit as it hit the water. I waited a few minutes before Rachel came back out, quite a lot more sober then she was before.
"I have to go," she said brusquely, ignoring my pleading and attempts to get a hug from the shorter girl. It wasn't until she left did I finally realise what just happened. I held back my tears and said my goodbyes, shooting one last painful glare at Finn before trudging my way back home. Once I was safely inside my house, I let a few tears fall. Slowly but surely I made my way upstairs. I stumbled around my room, changing into my pyjamas as I went. I was going to get into my bed, but at the last minute walked out and ended up standing next to my mother's bed, watching her sleeping form.
"Mom?" I whimpered, not sure if I wanted to wake her. She stirred a little, but settled back down. I tried again, "Mommy? Mommy, I really need a hug," I practically sobbed out. This time she woke up, looking a little confused before she understood what was going on.
"Oh baby, come here," she soothed, scooting over and pulling the blankets back. I slid in and snuggled closer to my mother, finally letting the heart wrenching sobs loose. After all this leading on, and all of our progress, Rachel had rejected me. Once again, I was back to where I started. It wasn't until I had drained every ounce of energy I had left pouring my heart out about Rachel, did I finally fall asleep.
A/N: What do you think? I know you all hate me, I'm sorry! Only about 3-4 chapters left of this story. Let me know what you think in the comments. Sorry if the grammar is bad, I'm so tired and I can't stay awake another second to read it over. Hope you are at least enjoying the story :)
-Alyssa