" Santana ," Maria turned away from the kitchen counter where she was preparing her world famous enchiladas to look at her daughter ," I know the events of my day are trivial compared to the happenings at school but please stop scowling "

Santana uncrossed her arms, moved to fill two glasses with lemonade , and considered the ramifications of approaching her mother about what was bugging the hell out of her.

Brittany real didn't get it and Matt was such a guy.

It made a lot of sense to just phone her father , lay the facts out for him nice and pretty, let him hand her the cash and sign the papers.

Except she was still pretty pissed at her Dad at the moment .

" I'm not "

Maria rolled her eyes , knowingly, and put the enchiladas in the oven to cook.

" Santana , you own the scowl ," countered a good natured Maria , joining her at the table ," so judging by the scowl and the fact that you aren't gloating, you and Matt didn't win in the Duet off "

" Couple off, " corrected Santana ," and I am still pissed over that. It had to be rigged because Artie and Tina won for their super sappy love song " She made a snorting noise ," It was alright but Matt and I had it going on before my wussy boyfriend decided to inform the whole class about our freaking song .."

" A Whole New World ," realized an understanding Maria ," Honey, that has been your favorite song since you first saw that movie . I think it is lovely that its your song …"

" Whatever ," dismissed Santana ," I am making Matt pay for that little spill "

" Santana , " said a stern Maria ," I wish you wouldn't be so mean ..to your boyfriend . Matt is very good to you …. And I really like him "

" Yeah, he is but your just saying that because you hated when Puck and I were sleeping together " remarked a matter of fact Santana ," but no worries, that's been way over since he impregnated Quinn. I wouldn't want her scraps "

" Santana Maria Lopez, watch your tongue "

She blew out a frustrated breath," Look, Mom, I know we never really talk about my sex life ," said Santana ," and I am cool with that. I'd actually rather not talk about that except that it is kinda pissing me off really bad that I have caught Matt checking out Mercedes rack ..not that I couldn't take her out blindfolded "

" I wouldn't because the girl is clearly still mooning over her ex honey "

" Your worried that Matt would cheat on you ?" inquired Maria , surprised that her usually closed mouthed daughter was confiding in her ," Have you given him any reason to have doubts about your relationship ?"

Santana bowed her head and wished she had never brought the subject up.

She must be out of her mind !

" No ," stated Santana ," Matt is a lot of things and most of them quiet but I know he isn't a cheater . I just don't think he needs to be checking out Effie's boobs when he can touch mine whenever he wants …."

Maria took a deep breath and wished she had poured a mojita instead . She knew that her daughter was sexually active, wasn't keen on the fact, and had given her numerous talks about safe sex but it still shocked her to hear Santana talk so open about it .

" Disregarding the fact ," managed Maria ," I think you should talk with Matt . "

Santana bit her bottom lip and plunged forward ." Mom, I want to get a boob job "

An earthquake couldn't have shocked Maria more as she tried to interpret and register the bomb that had just been dropped upon her .

" Please tell me that is a horrible joke to make me pee my pants "

" No, I'm serious ," informed Santana ," and I have thought about it because I knew you would ask that first, Mother . Look I bit the bullet and killed my whole high school career when I quit the Cheerios ..like you wanted me too "

" You can rejoin if it will take this ludicrous idea out of your head ," countered Maria ," honey, you are 16 years old and so very beautiful just the way that you are "

" Mom," Santana fixed her with a look," I know you are interested in Botox. I heard you and Phoebe discussing it before and really ..this isn't that different "

" Not really ," responded Santana in her own defense ," its you not liking the crows feet and wanting to change them. I don't like the size of my boobs and I want to fix them . See , Mother , same difference "

" Yes, Phoebe and I did discuss it ," Maria amended ," and I chose not to get it done . Honey, you do not need to change anything about you and you are not going to get a boob job or anything else cosmetic unless its teeth whitening "

" I would get more of my swag back ," implored Santana ," I would be way hotter if I had a decent rack like yours, Mom . I would be noticed more ….or like Kim Kardashians . I just need more oomph and I am pretty sure that much cleavage would do the trick "

" If I didn't enjoy the soapiness and the designer clothing , I would ground you from reality TV ," explained Maria ," you are a gorgeous young woman with bravado and courage " She squeezed her daughters hand, gently ," you needn't change anything for popularity . No breast implants and no to anything else that requires fake "

" I could just go and ask Dad , you know he wouldn't have a problem with it "

Maria tensed and reminded herself that she was the adult here ." Yes, I am sure that he would ," replied Maria ," especially since his little girlfriend has them . "

" You want to be more like his mistress ? The little tramp …..all plastic "

" Shit , " swore Santana ," I forgot about the bimbo. Its not about that, Mom. I just really need these ….I mean, doesn't Dad always say that if you see something about yourself that you don't like then change it "

" Yes and your father follows his motto so well, " Venom dripped into Maria 's voice at the mention of her ex husband," I just want to know if you would actually disregard my thoughts on this since I do mean no and just allow your father the say so for the surgery "

" I should have just asked Dad in the first place ," she admitted , making a face," he's real good about throwing his money towards me . "

" Dammit, Mom, I could really work bigger boobs "

" Did Brittany put this idea into your head or is it that your insecure in your relationship with Matt ? "

" Britt has nothing to do with this ," argued Santana ," she thought I was crazy. You know your always talking about the lesser evil and crap and I figured it out . "

" Holy Mary Mother of God "

" That isn't it, Mother ," answered Santana ," it isn't that big of a deal nowadays . Really its actually probably less painful than pushing out a kid or having a nose job "

" Don't test me , young lady "

" Come on, Mom," Santana gave it one last ditch effort ," I even Dvr'd a couple of shows on it . Besides I wouldn't have even asked you if it wasn't something that was important to me ….please "

Maria pressed a kiss to the top of her daughters head .

" I know, sweetheart, but the answer is still going to be no "

" Whatever ," scowled Santana ," I'm going to Britt's to get my brows threaded "

Rachel was on shopping detail at Whole Foods Market since both of her Dads were busy with cases and court this week , leaving her to make sure that they didn't live off yogurt and coffee . Last week had been way too much take out Chinese for her taste so she was determined to put together a good menu .

Finn had been going to help her but something had came up since last night and school .

He had went on a mysterious errand with Puck after glee had gotten over .

Finn had been vague about what it was and Noah had only laughed when she had asked him of their plans . She assumed it involved some violent video game war .

Quinn had only shrugged as she had been busy doodling Homecoming Queen on her notebook which Rachel had found odd .

Homecoming wasn't for a while but then this was Quinn Fabray .

Rachel glanced at her list and decided fruits and vegetables were next.

Some fresh fruit would be nice and perhaps some apples so that she could surprise Finn with a nice apple pie .

" Rachel "

She turned her head and Jesse walked briskly across the floor to her ." Jesse "

" I thought that was you," Jesse flashed her a wide smile ," after some lemons for your tea. I swear it would be cheaper if your parents just invested in having the fresh produce delivered to the house ..a performer needs lemon and honey on hand , always "

" What are you doing here ?' asked Rachel, caught off guard by his appearance ," I didn't think that you liked to grocery shop "

" I don't ," answered a truthful Jesse ," but the cook was offended when Uncle Peter requested the lobster bisque from here . Apparently the woman he dated while I was away bought it here and so I came to purchase a gallon of it "

" How is he doing, Jesse ?" inquired a concerned Rachel as his uncle had never been anything but kind and polite towards her .

" Doing much better today ," Jesse covered her hand with his ," the days of his chemo are rigorous and takes a hideous toll on him as well as me . Yesterday Peter was as fragile as I have ever seen him…it wasn't pretty. However tonight his appetite has returned and he wants the said lobster bisque …."

" I think it is very promising how optimistic he is in this " says Rachel, sweetly .

" He would be perked up considerably more if you were to come with me and visit him, Rachel …." Brought up Jesse, reaching out to place his hand over hers.

She moved her hand from his and planted both hands on the handle of the cart.

" Thank you for the invitation ,' says Rachel, politely ," but I really don't think that would be a good idea. He needs family more than a visit from his nephews ex-girlfriend "

" You just had to put the ex in , eh " said Jesse, sardonically .

" You seem to forget that easily enough " countered Rachel, trying to think of an out .

" Yet I haven't forgotten that we are friends or so you told me " added Jesse

" Friends, yes ," reiterated Rachel, wishing that Kurt had come along with her . He would be able to make Jesse leave her alone and frankly , she wasn't having much luck on that front ," maybe my Dads and I could pay your uncle a visit together "

" Hudson really doesn't trust you " dropped Jesse," I bet he hates the idea of you and I even being civil and friendly to one another, Rachel "

" I don't know why you keep insinuating that Finn and I have trust issues ," Rachel drew herself up to her full height , head held high ," I can reassure you that our relationship is very healthy . Finn trusts me completely "

A sly grin curved around Jesse's mouth. " Then you don't trust yourself to be alone with me, Rachel , and I am quite flattered "

" You shouldn't be ," countered Rachel, " I've no intention of being alone with you, Jesse. If this this..surprise meeting is more than what it is ….might I remind you that my dad is a lawyer and I am sure he would love to press charges against you. "

A satisfied smirk crossed her lips ." Daddy never did get over the fact that you used me and though I don't normally condone violence, I could always look the other way if Finn decided to take care of matters "

" I have always loved your moxie, Rachel "

" Well, I am being quite serious "

" Oh, temper, Rachel ," Jesse reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear ," I do believe that some of Hudson's ugly habits must have rubbed off on you "

" I am done listening to you bad mouth Finn," Rachel wheeled the cart around the opposite direction ," and done listening to you , Jesse "

" My little drama queen .."

Growling in frustration, Rachel pretended not to hear him and headed to check out .

" Here is your lobster bisque ,Mr. .St .James " interrupted the woman behind the counter , a large container in hand .

" That was the girl of my dreams "

WELCOME TO LIMA

On the edge of the town limits , a man in an older dark blue impala stared at the sign with intensity and more trepidation that he cared to admit .

Lima, Ohio.

It had been nearly … what was it 10 years ..or more since the last time he had stepped foot into Loser Ville, USA.

Nothing but a cow town for families and those who didn't bother to dream.

He had tried to be the family man but he just hadn't been cut out for it .

He had been young and wanted to do some traveling and see things , places , not be home by five to the wife and the kids .

Eli glanced up at the corner of his visor , smiling at the torn picture of Noah and Jessica .

Both were so young .

They weren't babies any longer…Noah must be a man by now .

Planning his future ….did he have his old mans wandering eye ?

He had no way of knowing as he hadn't exactly gotten in touch with anyone since the day he had left . Only two weeks ago when he was working as bartender on a gambling boat in Dayton did his gut nag at him that it was time for him to come home .

Dammned if he found himself making the call to his own Ma .

Connie had been praying left and right and rambling so fast he only caught every other word but the word Grandpa had stopped him cold.

Shit ! He was too fucking young to be a grandpa .

Noah had gotten his pretty girlfriend knocked up and they had a sweet , baby girl .

Eli brushed a hand through his hair, grey liberally spread through his temples , and stepped on the pedal, breezing pas the sign and into town .

The streets were quiet for a weeknight and he found himself stopping at the entrance of McKinley and wondered if he could turn back the clock and go back to his carefree days of raising hell with Christopher and being with Mina .

Mina was going to be majorly pissed to see him but she could deal with it .

He was a screw up but truth was that he missed his kids and wanted to see them.

Eli gazed at the picture and felt his chest constrict in pain ..he missed his kids .

His eyes flitted to the football field and wondered if his son played …had too…he was a Puckerman , after all.

Torn between turning the car around and heading anywhere but Lima, Eli decided if he was gonna do this then he needed to see his own mother first.

Connie would forgive him anything .

He knew that he wouldn't be near as lucky when it came to showing up on Mina's doorstep . Might as well be prepared and figure how to handle her .

Eli glanced at the field, flashed back to his own high school glory days , seeing him and Christopher high fiving after the big win against Westerville and Judy .

Those were the days .

Time to put the past behind him, man up, get some fucking courage and visit his family .

Tina was still giddy from her and Artie's win of the couple off even though she was still on the beginning of her grounding , she was determined that it wouldn't bring her good mood down . Except now her boyfriend was stressing over the damn pumpkin patch .

" I mean, its cool and I know how you love the pumpkins , Tee ," said Artie on the speakerphone ," but I don't think they make those mazes for my chair "

" Don't be such a downer, Artie ," said Tina ," we'll make it work. I mean, you can bowl and dance in the chair…a maze cant be that more difficult "

" maybe if I walked ," muttered Artie, woefully ," I think it was a pity win even though we killed it. A maze has Finn written all over it ….not me "

Tina made a face at him, even though he couldn't see her ." Did you get caught up in Kurt's hairspray fog today ? We won, Art, and we are going and having fun "

" If your not forbidden from me by then …" remarked artie , in a tiny voice .

" Artie ," scolded Tina ," we are fine . Your just making assumptions about things that aren't going to happen and I wouldn't let them . "

" I guess I just feel the dislike here from your Mom all the time now and it bugs me "

" Just forget my mother ," told Tina ," I don't care what she says , Artie, it wont change the fact that I love you "

He smiled over the connection." I love you too "

" I was thinking it might be fun if we asked Kurt and Mercedes to go with us "

" That could be fun," agreed Artie ," and Kurt would get bored with the maze so we could hang while you and Mercedes finished up ..good idea "

" Besides which Mercedes needs distracted ," added Tina ," getting over Bo is rough for her right now. I like the guy but him texting her is romantic and all but she cant get over him and move on if he keeps this up and she is starting to get upset "

" Is that why she almost tossed her cell earlier today in health ?" asked a curious artie .

" More or less ," explained Tina ," the girl doesn't want a long distance relationship ."

" Bo defiantly didn't get that trait from April " commented Artie .

Tina laughed at that notion. " Yeah," said Tina ," and I know its killing Mercedes since she barely even mentions his name during glee "

He nodded to himself , straightening his glasses." So, I suppose you cover over here to watch Fame is out tonight ?"

" I don't want to risk it, Art," admitted a leery Tina ," I am just going to gauge moms mood and go from there . I will be so happy when Dad gets back into town "

" I have always liked your Dad " stated Artie , simply.

When Tina grew silent, Artie decided to change tactics. " Who knows, Tee, maybe your Mom will get a fancy promotion because of her smoozing with Mr. Fabray "

He managed a dry cough," Not to mention forget about punishing you and hating me "

Tina twisted her ring around her finger , nervously. " Make a wish "

" I would if I thought it could happen," remarked a sarcastic Artie ," I mean, in real life . Not in, you know, Disney movies or those chic flicks you make me watch "

" Artie ," Catherine Abrams called at the foot of the stairs ," supper "

" Damn ," swore Artie ," Mom's yelling, I've got to go. Love you "

" Tell your Mom hi from me ," smiled Tina," love you too, Artie "

Tina hung up the phone , her lips curving in a happy smile until she noticed her mother leaning against the open door of her bedroom. She was still dressed in one of her power business suits minus the heels meaning she hadn't been home long .

" Hi Mom "

Sandra's lips thinned in a grim line. " You have just literally seen and spent all day with Artie at school ," pointed out Sandra ," how could you possibly have more to talk about ?"

" I keep forgetting that you skipped your sweet sixteen and went straight to 35 "

" We never had the luxury of the cell phones or texting " brought up Sandra

" I don't know how you survived " quipped Tina ," oh right, I forgot you didn't "

" Times were different ," stated Sandra, noticing the items on her daughters vanity and not seeing anything out of place ," your Grandparents were traditional "

" So I have heard a couple hundred times or so " said a bored Tina ," how was work ?"

" The good news is that I have received word that Russell Fabray was quite impressed with my pitch ," gushed Sandra ," despite the embarrassment that my whole family couldn't …wasn't present for my dinner party.. He is a family man ..despite the rumors …"

Tina scoffed ," He kicked his 16 year old pregnant daughter out of the house "

" I am aware of Quinn's situation but one thing hasn't any bearing on the other ," went on Sandra ," I understand the family's faith was shaken to the core by her admission "

" She got pregnant, Mom," said an exasperated Tina," Quinn didn't murder anyone "

" Tina, I have only been home 15 minutes ," replied sandy, " can we please talk about something less…controversial ? "

" Fine ," agreed Tina ," then you need to stop making everything I say controversial "

" Honestly , Tina , you should forget show biz and consider law instead "

Tina made a face at her mother , averting her gaze so she wouldn't get in trouble .

" I'll stick to performing, Mother , but I am happy things worked out for you "

" So since my day was productive ," brought up Sandra , examining one of her daughters sketches of her boyfriend with a careful eye ," I really have no desire to cook anything . I thought I would order us some pizza and a salad from Breadstix …if your game "

" With a side of breadsticks and cheese ?' inquired a hopeful Tina .

" Fine but I don't understand why you like them," said Sandra ," just more bread "

" I think I have my punch card to get a free double order " Tina grabbed her backpack and began riffling through it for the card ," I know it's a nice restaurant but the owner was getting a lot of business from McKinley students . Everyone loves their breadstix then there was that time after Sectionals when Santana and the guys had that contest to see who ate the most ..so, anyway , we all have punch cards "

" Must be one of those strange teenage habits I'm not meant to understand "

" Santana won , in case you were curious ," finished up Tina ," though I still don't know how she eats like she does and not gain a pound . Its disgusting …"

Sandra rolled her eyes, upward. " She has Maria's metabolism "

" I always forget that you went to school with Santana's mom " said Tina ," weird "

" I try to ," told Sandra ," I mean, Maria and I hardly ran in the same clique or anything . In fact I think I might have only actually conversed with her a handful of times since you girls started school together …different classes, dear "

" You were a snob " muttered Tina , under her breath .

" I was not ," defended her mother ," we just never really ..were friends in school "

" So how was school ? Anything new and exciting happen today ?"

" It was the first official Couple Off today in glee ," beamed Tina , happily.

" I swear , it never tends to amaze me the lessons that Mr. Shuester comes up with ," rattled off Sandra ," let alone allow the PDA in his classroom …."

" It was a Couple Off, Mother ," informed a perturbed Tina ," a singing competition between the couples in glee. Its not like we were all having wild sex in the choir room or anything …."

Sandra blanched and the color drained from her face ." Tina , you..you are doing that deliberately to try my patience with you ! Not to mention, young lady, giving me the making of a horrendous headache …."

Why was it all of the sudden difficult to talk to her Mom? It used to be she could rush home and tell her mother everything and it felt great knowing she could always turn to her mom for love and support. This past year it was just a battle between them.

It made Tina feel like crying but that would just make everything worse .

Besides she had decided last year she needed to move past the whole crying at the drop of the hat thing and up until know she had been doing extremely well.

" I wasn't aware that all of your glee club friends were couples " said sandy

" Not everyone is coupled off ," explained Tina," It was against a handful of us. Me and artie, Finn and Rachel, Puck and Quinn, and Santana and Matt "

" Mike didn't perform with that blonde ditz he dates ?" asked a curious Sandra .

" Mike and Brittany didn't want to ," went on Tina , ignoring the crack against her friend and praying this conversation didn't become another dedication to all things Mike Chang ," it was a really tough competition . Finn and Rachel breathe love songs …Puck and Quinn were really good and so were Matt and Santana "

" I see ….." Sandra noticed the scribbling on Tina's notebook ….Tina Cohen-Chang Abrams and frowned ," so, who won this event ?"

" Artie and I did ," gushed Tina, happily ," We sang When You Say Nothing At All . I think Mr. Shue was impressed with our arrangement of the song and it fits us well "

" That is good ," said Sandra ," though I am surprised by the song choice "

" Artie loves some Allison Kraus and the song is us ," pushed forward Tina ," me and him. I know you don't get it but sometimes Art and I don't even need words …."

" Naturally because isn't that romantic " said Sandy, sarcasm evident in her tone .

" Would you want to see our performance ?" asked Tina, with a shred of hope ," The new guy, Sam, he video recorded everyone's numbers and posted them on his face book. I actually was going to add it to mine ..but I haven't gotten around to it yet "

" Maybe later ," answered Sandra , dismissively ," how much homework do you have ?"

Tina frowned at the question. She had two study halls and worked in the office, she very rarely ever had homework these days except for her glee assignment .

" I have to watch another couple episodes of Fame for glee ," told Tina ," but I was planning on doing that later . Unless you wanted to watch them with me ?"

" No," stated Sandy ," and you can do that after we eat. I am going to get changed into more comfortable jeans and a sweatshirt and order us a pizza and salad "

" Mom, do you really not like my boyfriend or are we paranoid ?"

" Arthur is very nice ," replied Sandra, " and he is fine for a first boyfriend but no, I don't especially like him. I believe you can do better than a cripple in a wheelchair and a ..nerd at that "

Turning on her high heels, Sandra left her daughters room," Once you get over this infatuation, you will understand what I am talking about "

" It isn't an infatuation ," cried Tina," I love him "

The Pierce home was three blocks down from Quinn's , near Dudley Road , and close enough to the richy section of town to be considered just so , not that their family cared about such things. They owned nice things and didn't go without much but Brittany's parents were much more casual and laid back than Judy Fabray would ever be considered .

" Tonight , young lady, you are off that sand concoction that Sue has you on ," Phoebe Pierce wagged a fork at her daughter," your eating real food "

" The weigh in is in a few days , Mom " reminded Brittany

" If she isn't happy with you barely weighing 97 pounds then the woman has issues ," said Phoebe ," okay your coach is a psycho nutcase to begin with but I don't like her teaching my daughter its alright to be anorexic "

" I had a salad and tater tots for lunch with Mercedes today " told Brittany , glancing down at her cell phone and the random texts from Santana .

" I really think the world of Mercedes ," expressed phoebe ," beautiful girl "

Brittany's mom was a tall, lithe woman with mid -length blonde curls and a vivacious laugh. She was dressed in a pair of turquoise trousers and a bright yellow blouse .

Feather earrings dangled from her ears.

" She's a good friend " Brittany plopped down in a chair at the dining room table ," so are we eating QVC tonight or did you try cooking with Rachel Ray this week ?"

" QVC this week ," grinned Phoebe ," since my hours are nuts with the salon, Cooking with David makes meals so much easier . Tonight we are having Nathan's all beef hot dogs , Kansas City steak burgers and I thought we could make cheese fries too "

" Sounds yummy " said Brittany, pouring herself a glass of lemonade .

" Now before your father gets home , I want to know all the latest juicy gossip going on in your glee club," urged phoebe, sitting across from her daughter at the kitchen table ," how is that sweet Mercedes adjusting to being solo now ? Is there any potential rebound , you know, lurking around after her ?"

" I think and so does Tina that Mercedes is still pretending to get over Bo ," informed Brittany ," though she is getting better at ignoring his texts. "

" Then you should invite Mercedes and the girls over to the salon ," suggested phoebe, eyes lighting up at the prospect of a girls day out ," I have a whole slew of new skincare products and I just got in three new Mani Pedi chairs …you girls can be my guinea pigs "

She paused ," It could be like teenage spa relief "

" Sure, Mom," smiled Brittany," I'm sure the girls would love that and Kurt "

" I should make Kurt my product tester on a regular basis " commented phoebe, off hand," his recommendations the last time he stopped by earned me some serious dough and a few new regulars. That young man knows his skincare regime …"

" He lives to moisturize "

Phoebe appraised her daughter ." Are you and Santana fighting again ? Honey, I know she is your best friend but you do not always have to agree with everything she does "

" Santana and I aren't fighting ," explained Brittany on a sigh," Mike and I sort of ..are …except I think it was more him than me. Though I guess that San is mad at Matt but that isn't anything odd …."

" You and Mike ," repeated a surprised Phoebe ," I don't think I have ever heard him raise his voice at you, let alone yell. What was the fight about , sweetie ?"

" He's upset because his mother invited all of us to his house for a fancy formal meal ," breathed out Brittany, fighting her tears ," we were fine this morning . Then you sent me the text and I told him …I thought it was a big deal since she hates me "

" Mrs. Chang doesn't hate you " contradicted phoebe, not wanting her to be upset.

" No, she really does, Mom," went on Brittany ," I think it's a conspiracy . Tina's mom who is also a Chang hates Artie ….I cant explain it "

" They aren't related ," Phoebe tried to rein in the conversation before Britt got on another tangent ," and I don't understand that. I like your friend Artie "

" Artie isn't the point ," continued Brittany," I think that Mike is embarrassed by me. "

" Brittany Susan Pierce, don't be silly ," her mother pushed a strand of fine blonde hair from her daughters face," Mike adores you . Besides he has integrity and he is much too polite to be that rude and mean to his girlfriend ….I am sure it has more to do with his own parents than you "

" We have manners , Mom . It's not like we eat with our hands or anything "

" Of course we can and do ," declared Phoebe ," and we have dined with the hoity toity three forks people like the Fabrays before so we can impress the hell out of his folks . You have nothing to be fretting over , young lady "

Brittany managed a smile. " Thanks, Mom, that really helped " She crinkled her brow , reconsidered her mothers words and frowned ," It would have been cool if we could have gone to Forks and ate with Bella and Jacob "

Phoebe shook her head , absently. " Your Dad is working over tonight ," told Phoebe ," so why don't we grab a Oreo Mrs. Prindable apple to share and you can tell me everything else that is going on with all of your friends in glee. You know how I like to keep in the loop …."

" It isn't really all that much, Mom ," said Brittany ," Finn and Rachel are always making out all of the time . That is pretty much normal since they got together . Oh, and did I tell you Sam joined glee ? "

" The cute hottie you girls thought was into Kurt over the summer ?"

" Turns out he isn't gay at all " finished Brittany , " he's been giving Quinn some serious eye sex though. He's lucky that Puck hasn't noticed or it'd be messy "

" I should sponsor New Directions " decided Phoebe , out of the blue ," me and the salon, naturally. Good way to show my support and get free publicity too "

" That would be awesome, Mom,' said Brittany, handing her mother an half of a chocolate Oreo encrusted apple ," So far Kurt's Dads tire shop is are only sponsor and maybe Mercedes church but I'm not sure of that "

" I'll be in touch with Mr. Shuester about this " said Phoebe ," ooh and you kids can hang glee posters in my windows . Whoa , total roll of brilliant I am "

Brittany kissed her cheek. " Thanks , Mom, " replied Brittany," I'm gonna go feed Lord Tubbington his Slim Fast before I have to watch Fame "

" You know this is a total chick thing to do, Hudson " repeated Puck, glancing at his tall best friend out of the corner of his eye as they stood at the door of his moms home.

" I know, dude, but its my job to look after my mom ," replied Finn," make sure I have her best interests at heart. Mina has been her best friend since like forever so if she goes along with my idea then you know that Mom might actually listen for once "

" I thought Burt Hummel is a decent dude " brought up Puck

" He's cool , mostly , but Mom needs to have choices " pointed out Finn," like we did "

" You do know that Mom will probably think this is some sick joke and laugh "

" Mina likes me ," countered Finn ,smugly, " she wouldn't do that to me "

" The woman hasn't been on a date ever since I can remember ," pointed out Puck," maybe the one time nana Connie pissed her off about dad and she went to that bar with your mom . She had too many brandy's and Jess and I found her crying on the kitchen floor watching old Beverly Hills 90210 episodes …"

Finn made a face.' Okay I forgot about that "

Puck knocked on the door and they entered ." Mom, Jessica, its me and Finn "

" Noah , sssh ," Jessica ran out of her bedroom , glaring at him ," Beth is a sleep . Where is Quinn ? I want to tell her that I fed , well, I helped Mom feed Beth and played with her in the car when Mom picked me up from school …"

Puck tugged on his sisters dark hair and noticed her lips had color on them .

" Are you wearing make up ? Your ..too young for that crap . "

His sister rolled her eyes in disgust at him." Its lip-gloss, you dummy, and Quinn gave it to me . It is very light and she said I could wear it ..you just don't understand "

" Your 11, Jess " argued Puck, " does mom know your wearing that stuff ?"

" Yes ," Jessica stuck her tongue out at him," where is your girlfriend ? I thought you and Quinn and Beth were going to have supper with me and Mom tonight "

" Quinn has cheerleading stuff today and since she is on top as captain , " explained Puck," I'll probably have to pick her up pretty late tonight . Finn and I can stay and eat though …."

" Hey Jessica " greeted Finn, flashing the pre-teen a warm smile .

She had always been like the baby sister he had never had and it had been awhile since he had seen her . What with all the baby gate drama and the summer and everything .

" Finn ! " Jessica gave him a hug ," you got hot "

" Jessica , dammit , you don't say shit like that to guys ," exploded an overprotective Puck," and not to Finn. He's like your other brother , girl. Is Mom letting you watch those Dirty little Liars again ? Cause you don't need to be watching crap like that …."

" It's Pretty Little Liars ," corrected his annoyed sister ," and there isn't anything wrong with me telling Finn he is fine. It's the truth .."

" I have a girlfriend, Jess ," blurted out Finn," I love her a lot . I mean, its really cool and flattering and all but your brother is right …girls don't say stuff like that "

" Santana does ," added a knowing Jessica ," I've heard her and she's cool "

" When have you heard Santana talk lately ?" bellowed puck, hands on his hips ," Mom, when has Jess been hanging around Santana ? "

" Santana can be ..sort of mean most ..sometimes " offered up Finn, helpfully .

" You dudes are idiots " retorted Jessica, bored with them .

Mina came into the living room, drying her hands on a dishtowel , and surveyed the two young men arguing heatedly with an eleven year old and sighed , heavily .

" I had to work late last week, " explained a resigned Mina ," Santana was kind enough to keep an eye on Jess for me. She also didn't charge me a fee either though if I hear another swear word, Jessica Lynn Puckerman, you will be grounded for three weeks "

" I wasn't cussing ," she pointed a finger at her brother ," that was Puck head "

" Don't cuss, Noah ," Mina gave him a hug then noticed Finn," that goes for you too, Finn Hudson " she moved to give her sons best friend a hug as well.

" Hi Mina " greeted Finn, returning the hug .

" Jessica, why don't you start homework while I finish supper " suggested Mina

" They never have homework on the shows I watch …" grumbled Jessica, going to her room," I wish I went to Hollywood Hills high instead …."

" Victorious is much better than her other shows ," added Mina , waving the towel about ," don't start on her . Beth was a doll this afternoon , Noah "

" I should go in and check in on her …" replied Puck, " haven't seen her all day "

" Just don't wake her " warned Mina as he headed to the spare bedroom that his mother had turned into the nursery for her granddaughter .

" Hell, Mom, I know better than that ," said puck, under his breath," Beth will be screaming her little head off at midnight if I do that. …."

" I am so proud of how responsible Noah has become " muttered Mina , softly.

" It's pretty cool ," agreed Finn," he is a really good dad "

" Kind of unbelievable isn't it ," mused Mina with a lighthearted laugh," I hope your planning on staying for supper. Jess has been wanting some pasta so I am making a huge amount of spaghetti …."

" I love your spaghetti , Mina " grinned Finn ," thanks "

" How is your Mom," inquired Mina ," Carole and I missed our weekly lunch this month since they put her on that stupid rotation this month. "

" She's alright, I guess ," answered Finn," I mean I've only really seen her in the mornings or when I have to stay late for football practice. She's mainly been griping about how she is too old for the night shift ….."

" Carole isn't old " scoffed Mina, who was a few months younger than her best friend.

" Right ,' picked up Finn," I think Mom is just lonely and all "

Puck rejoined them." Beth is out cold . She didn't even blink an eye or anything "

" She got tuckered out playing with Jessica " told Mina, matter of fact .

Finn stuck his hands in his pockets and deliberated the best approach.

" So, it got me thinking how you and Mom spend all your time working and being moms," forged on Finn," and how your both getting up there so you must get lonely "

Puck chuckled as his mother scowled at Finn . This was good !

" Carole and I aren't old " corrected Mina ," and we have lives that we enjoy "

" Sex and the City marathons and cheap wine " remarked Puck, as his mom slapped his arm with the dish towel. He plopped down on the couch, amused .

" Right and there is that ," went on Finn," and your both still pretty nice looking and everything for your age. Don't hit me, Mina, it's a compliment . "

" What exactly are you getting at, Finn ? Besides the fact that Carole and I are 40 "

" I just think it might be nice if you and Mom got out of the house more ," explained Finn," maybe even sign up for those singles mixers in town. I know you didn't like the one you went to at temple when Puck and I were kids but I talked with Artie and his church is really nice. They have like single dinner meetings and stuff or I could set you up on those things that are on TV all the time so you could date "

Puck cocked a brow. " ..you stepped in it now , Hudson "

" Finn Christopher , your mother is very happy dating Burt Hummel ," stated Mina .

" Yeah , cause she doesn't get around to know how dating works these days " said Finn, defensively ," I mean, its a lot more complicated than it was in the 80's "

" Maybe but that is besides the point ," told Mina ," its …nice that your concerned for your mom s happiness . Not to mention mine as well but I have no intention of wading into the dating pool of hell. I've watched Hitch and let me assure you that I have no desire or intention of speed dating in 2 minutes to find out the jerk sitting across from me is into me or not . Nor do I want to do the You've Got Mail thing because I know for a fact that the liar behind the emails wont be Tom Hanks …."

" You've Got Mail ?"

" Berry made you watch it " smirked Puck," and told you so, dude "

" So maybe since you don't like my idea ," Finn tried one more tact ," could you help me come up with a profile describing Mom and everything ? "

" Honey, I think you need to have a talk with your Mom about this "

" I've tried , Mina ," Finn threw his hands up in the air ," she wont listen "

" Try again," Mina placed a comforting hand on his arm. Finn had always been a sensitive boy and she didn't want to hurt his feelings but she needed to be clear ," and it is very sweet that you would think about Carole and my own love lives . However , this isn't a damn Lifetime movie and we don't want to be set up ..understand ?"

He nodded ," Yes, Mina , but could you maybe talk to Mom ? "

" Finn, do you really have this much trouble with Burt Hummel ?"

" No," answered a hesitant Finn," I mean, I guess not …he's been decent to me . I don't know what it is that pisses me off….it just seems like she is forgetting my dad and they are moving way too fast …."

So it all boiled down to Christopher .

" Maybe I will have a chat with Carole ," decided Mina ," and so should you . Now about Chris, …Finn, its been a long time since your dads been gone and your Mom deserves some love in her own life . Your nearly an adult now …you'll be thinking about college and your future ..and I think it would be selfish if you expected her to not want more "

Finn hung his head, shamed . Mina must have been talking with Rachel.

" I love Mom," spoke up Finn," she's the best. I'm just looking out for her …dad would want me to look out for her "

" Which you always have " Mina kissed his cheek," why don't we table this conversation before it gets too much. Go grab you some tea and a something to eat, Finn, and I will figure out how I can help "

" Thanks, Mina ," Finn hugged his second mom ,' I appreciate it "

He turned and meandered into the kitchen and Mina let out a heavy sigh .

" Carole dating is really setting him off " said Mina, more to herself ," how is it that he decided I needed to be included in this whole dating thing , Noah ?"

Puck raised his hands up as if to protest. " Don't look at me, Ma. It was Finn's idea "

" It's a sweet thought even if I would never allow such a thing ," said Mina," I don't even like to update on Facebook. Do you have much homework tonight , son ?"

" Just glee homework ," answered puck, " and Geography but I can always have Quinn help me with that once she gets home from cheerleading practice "

" Or you could do it here while I watch Beth for you "

" Thanks, Mom, but I want to play with my kid before she goes to sleep again "

Answered puck, with hesitation in his voice," Mom, I know Finn's idea was lame but the dude meant well. He also maybe had a point …at least about you "

" You don't need to weigh in on my love life, young man " countered Mina

" You don't have one, Mom," tossed out Puck, not mincing words," and maybe you should think about getting one. You need to let go of that son of a bitch who left us..he's never coming back. "

" I don't want to talk about your father " stated Mina, fiercely ," just don't "

" Look, the computer dating isn't your thing but I know for a fact that Barry at the bowling alley thinks your nice looking ," went on puck," a date wont kill you, Mom "

" Just go eat, Noah, and I will pretend you didn't just say that to me "

" You need somebody to love too, Mom "

Puck left her with that as he went into the kitchen and she dropped the towel on the couch.

She shook her head , blew out a breath, and decided wine with supper might be good.

Mina glanced briefly at the pictures on the walls, the kids baby pictures, school pictures, the sports pictures from Puck's various teams he had played on, the newer pictures of Puck, Quinn, and Beth .

She loved them .

Then her eyes caught on the one picture she could never make herself take down , it was from her Junior year in high school . Christopher had his arm around a beaming Carole while her younger self clung to Eli's chest .

They all were laughing at the camera and love evident in their eyes.

Despite all the high school drama, they had all been happy and in love.

Mina didn't want to let go of that memory and so the picture remained .

She didn't still love Eli but she held her memories dear to her heart . It didn't mean anything nor did it mean that her teenaged son needed to play matchmaker.

She had the life she wanted and it was enough for her .