The last bell rang and Rachel Berry made her way to the nurses' office with a determination. She wanted so badly to make everything right. But mostly, to none of her conscious minds knowledge, she wanted to help to please Quinn. She entered the office slowly and quietly, unsure if Brittany was asleep behind the white curtains. The nurse, who was sitting at her desk, looked up at Rachel with a questioning look. Rachel just tilted her shoulders and pointed to the white curtain as if to ask permission. The nurse looked back down at her work and waved her hand at Rachel. In response Rachel quietly nodded a 'thank you' and made her way to the curtains. She pushed the curtain aside and silently walked in.
Quinn had been correct. Brittany was still there. Rachel couldn't help but frown upon seeing the blonde. Brittany was curled into a tight ball with her back to Rachel. This made it very difficult for Rachel to tell if she were awake or not. She carefully made her way around the bed and leaned forward to peek at the silent girl's face. She was surprised to see Brittany's eyes open. Rachel put on a smile and waved as she sat in the seat directly across from her. Brittany, however, just kept staring into space. Occasionally she would sniffle but for the most part she was silent. Not knowing what to say she just watched Brittany. Her eyes were red and there were traces of now dry tears along the edges of her nose and cheeks. After a good ten minutes Rachel thought it would be best to just try and take her home.
"Brittany. Sweetie. I am here to take you home now okay?" Rachel announced in as calm and soothing a voice she could. When Brittany didn't move right away Rachel got up and tried to help her. She managed to get her to stand up and led her out of the school and to her car. She helped Brittany get in and carefully closed the door. When she turned to walk to the driver's side she bumped into someone tall. She looked up and saw Finn looking down at her puzzled.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm taking Brittany home," Rachel replied quickly.
"Oh. I thought you were going to stay and watch me practice."
Rachel looked up at him to see if he was serious.
"Finn, I need to help a friend out. I can watch you practice tomorrow."
Finn scrunched up his face in anger.
"But I'm your boyfriend. Shouldn't I come first? Besides why would you help Brittany? She doesn't do anything when Santana makes jokes about you."
Rachel gave him a challenging look.
"Seriously? She just broke up with her girlfriend and is hurting. I need to help her." She pushed passed him and walked around her car to the driver's door. "And besides neither do you," she pointed out as she opened the door and looked at Finn one more time.
"I never thought you could be so selfish." Rachel got in the car and drove off leaving a dumbfounded Finn in her rearview mirror. She drove uneasy to Brittany's house. She couldn't help but look over at the heartbroken girl.
"I'm sorry about Finn. He normally isn't like that." She watched as Brittany just stared out the window in silence. She stopped at a red light and looked over again.
"Yea he is. You just never see it," Brittany said, breaking her silence while still looking out the window. Rachel looked forward then back at her surprised that she was speaking. She wasn't expecting an answer so it took a while for what the blonde said to sink in.
"What do you mean? He isn't... He's a good guy."
Brittany finally looked over to Rachel with a blank expression.
"He's an ass hole. Everyone knows it but you," she said bluntly.
Rachel suddenly felt defensive.
"No he isn't. He is sweet and caring and you have no right to call him that. Especially when Santana is such a bitch."
"Yes, Santana can be a bitch. But at least she acknowledges it and doesn't pretend to be the hero. And she isn't selfish. She thinks of me and supports me and does whatever she can to make me happy," she paused, thinking back to the day's events, "Today's actions aside. But Finn mocks you. He expects you to drop everything for him. When he sleeps with someone else; it is okay. You kiss someone else; you're a horrible person. He doesn't defend his friends or you. He sits around playing the victim. He whines about how much of a loser he is and does nothing to change it. He complains for sympathy and when he gets it isn't enough. He doesn't appreciate you. He only wants what he can't have. He cheats on Quinn with you then manipulates her to cheat on Sam. He wants you to drop your dreams for him and he outed Santana to all of Ohio. But sorry. You're right. He isn't an asshole," Brittany said sarcastically before looking out the window again. Rachel looked forward speechless. The light turned green and she continued to drive. They stayed silent as Rachel took in all that Brittany had said.
"Either way, I love him," Rachel said more to convince herself than Brittany.
"No you don't. But he is the safe pick and familiar so you stay with him none the less." Brittany didn't look at her. She just watched the pavement as they drove on. After a minute or so Brittany turned back to Rachel.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have said that about someone you are dating," she apologized.
Rachel shook her head.
"No, it's fine. I probably would have done the same if the roles were reversed. Besides you made me think. So thank you."
Brittany smiled a tight lip smiled as they passed Santana's street.
"Oh, I forgot. Do you mind taking me to Santana's instead? I left my car there."
Rachel looked at the road and back at Brittany. She bit her lip unsure.
"Is that really a good idea?"
Brittany nodded her head.
"I know things are bad now but they'll get better." Brittany gave Rachel a sincere look.
"How do you know?"
"Because I have known Santana for ten years now. I know her better than I know myself. She feels betrayed and her pride was hurt. But I love her and I have to believe she loves me too. So I know she'll come around eventually. What I did was horrible. But she'll forgive me."
Rachel saw her look forward as a tear fell from her eye.
"How can you be so sure?" Rachel asked needing to know the answer. To hear it out loud. Not just for Brittany's sake but for her own as well.
Brittany turned and smiled her first real smile since Rachel saw her this morning.
"Because I have to believe it to be true. If I didn't, I wouldn't know what I'd do next. So this is the only option." Brittany shrugged. Rachel thought about it before making a U-turn. She drove for a bit before turning onto Santana's street. She made her way down the block till she was directly in front of the house.
"Are you sure you'll be fine to drive home?" Rachel asked as Brittany opened the door.
"I'll be fine. Thanks Rach. For everything." Brittany leaned in and gave a Rachel a hug.
"It was nice talking with you some. Believe it or not. You know you're a lot smarter than I thought you were." Rachel smiled sweetly.
"And you aren't as annoying as I thought you were." Brittany got out of the car and Rachel watched as she got into her own. She turned around and drove off seeing Brittany follow her in the rear view mirror. When she got to the end of the street instead of turning left to go to her house, she found herself turning right. She wasn't sure why exactly but for some reason she had a sudden urge to go see Quinn.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Quinn heard a knock on her door from where she was sitting on the couch. She got up and made her way over to answer it. She opened the door and was shocked to see Rachel standing there.
"Um... Hey Rach. What are you doing here?"
Rachel smiled and shrugged.
"I um, I came to tell you that I took Brittany home. Well I was but then she had me take her to Santana's to get her car. But now she is home. I think. Oh my goodness. I am a horrible friend. I didn't even make sure she got home safely. What is wrong with me?" Rachel began to babble in a panic.
"Rachel, Rachel. Calm down. Breathe. I am sure she is fine. Brittany can get home by herself. Give her some credit. She's not a helpless idiot."
Rachel calmed down and looked to the side.
"Yeah, I figured that out while talking to her."
There was an awkward silence before Quinn realized they were still standing at the door.
"I'm sorry. I'm being rude. Would you like to come in?" she offered. Rachel nodded her head as a 'thank you' and walked in. She looked around curiously.
"I've never been to your house before. It's beautiful."
Quinn closed the door and turned to face her.
"Thank you. So, would you like something to drink?" she offered nervously.
"Yes please."
Quinn made her way to the kitchen as Rachel followed. She walked over to the fridge and opened it.
"We have soy milk, orange juice, apple juice, sprite, mineral water, ice tea, and lemonade. What would you like?" She looked over to Rachel.
"Oh, um. Water is fine, thank you." Rachel smiled politely. Quinn grabbed two bottles of mineral water and handed one to Rachel. They became silent again. Quinn took a drink of her water not sure what to say.
"Quinn do you think I'm in love with Finn?" Rachel asked suddenly.
Quinn almost choked on her water when she heard the question.
"Um... I... I don't.. How would I know?" Quinn stumbled on her words.
"Please, I need an honest answer."
"I... I think you love certain things about him."
"That's not what I asked." Rachel placed her water on the counter and crossed her arms, frustrated.
Quinn sighed about to answer when she was beaten by the sound of water running upstairs and footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Quinn, I'm about to shower. Do you want to join me?" Valeria's voice was heard as the footsteps got closer and Valeria turned the corner into the doorway of the kitchen wearing nothing but a purple pair of laced panties.
"Rachel!" Valeria exclaimed in shock as she quickly tried to cover herself with the door frame.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here." Valeria blushed, and Quinn mentally smacked her own head.
'Of course. This would be happening to me.,' Quinn thought to herself embarrassed.
"Oh, um no. I came unannounced. It is my fault for intruding. But I was just leaving. Quinn." Rachel gave her a slight nod before turning to Valeria. "Valeria, I'll see you two tomorrow." She put her hand to cover her side view as she made her way to the door and left.
"I am so sorry. I had no idea I swear. I wouldn't have-" Quinn raised her hand to stop her.
"What's done is done. Besides she came to talk about Finn. That is something I cannot handle right now." Quinn walked passed Valeria and up the stairs.
"Come on, let's take that shower," Quinn called over her shoulder. Quinn made her way to her room and began stripping her clothes as she walked to her bathroom. When Valeria followed her in Quinn quickly pulled her into the shower and began to kiss her. Quinn let herself go as her kisses became wilder and harder. She deepened the kiss as her tongue made its way around Valeria's while she ran her hand through the brunette's now wet hair. She grabbed on and pulled slightly causing Valeria to bite onto her lower lip like she wanted. Valeria's hands wrapped around to her back and Quinn moaned when the brunette dug her fingernails in. Quinn separated their lips and went straight for Valeria's neck.
"You're very eager today," Valeria teased and then let out a whimpered moan when Quinn grabbed onto her right breast and squeezed. Quinn kissed down her neck, nibbling periodically on her way down. She continued down until she reached her cleavage. She bit down and sucked on the top of her left breast causing the girl to moan again. Quinn could feel Valeria's heart beat faster. She felt the water that splashed off of Valeria sprinkle onto her back giving her goose bumps. She loved the feeling. The chills that went down her spine. She made her way down further and stopped at Valeria's navel. Valeria tangled her hands into Quinn's hair as she lightly tried to push her down more. Quinn smiled mischievously as she looked up at Valeria.
"You care about me, right?" Quinn asked suddenly. Valeria looked done at her with a questioning look.
"What? Of course I do," Valeria answered seriously.
Quinn nodded satisfied as she kissed Valeria's navel and made her way lower. She kissed the inner part of her thighs and grinned when she felt Valeria's body tremble. She opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue to eat away at Valeria's core. She heard Valeria moan in pleasure and she sped up her pace.
'No, I can't fix you. But I can help. I'll send you into the arms of someone who can. I may not be loved. But at least I'm cared for. And for now that's all I need from you,' Quinn thought to herself as she felt Valeria reach her peak. Quinn got up and kissed Valeria again allowing her to taste herself. She felt Valeria slow the kiss to a stop and she pulled back confused.
"What?"
"Now, who is making a habit out of this?"
Quinn didn't respond. Instead she reached around Valeria to grab the shampoo. She began to lather it into her hair as Valeria frowned. Quinn traded places with Valeria and began to rinse the shampoo from her hair. Valeria remained silent as she grabbed the bottle and began to scrub her hair.
It took a good forty minutes for both of them to finish, dry their hair and get dress. They lay on Quinn's bed Quinn with her head in Valeria's lap as Valeria played with her hair.
"When you were younger and were scared, did your mother ever say any words to make things better?" Valeria broke the silence. Quinn shook her head.
"The only time my mother has ever said anything serious or emotional to me was last year after Nationals when I cut my hair. But believe me it wasn't something to make me better."
"What did she say?" Valeria asked as she ran her fingers lightly through Quinn's short blonde hair.
"We were eating dinner. She told me my dad was sick. When I didn't respond, she asked if I even cared. I told her an honest no and she looked at me for the first time with fear in her eyes. All she did was look me straight in the eyes and ask 'Did you become a monster trying to be like me?' It was strange. And then she got up from the table and went to bed. We didn't say anything else about it after that," Quinn explained remembering that night. Her dad got better of course. But some part of Quinn wished he never did.
"You hurt a lot, don't you?" Valeria stated. Quinn just stayed silent.
"Santana says you're too pretty for your own good. That's why you destroy everything you touch." Quinn thought about what Valeria had just said before answering.
"And what do you think?"
"I think she is wrong. I think there is something deeper to you. Something sadder. I can feel it when you kiss me. When you kiss me it feels like you just want to be loved."
Quinn stared into the distance, thinking.
'You have held on to her for too long. It's time to let her go. It's time to let it all go.' She closed her eyes, choosing her next words carefully.
"I think it's time for you to leave."
"What?" Quinn got up and walked over to her vanity to brush out her hair.
"I said it's time for you to leave. You are of no use to me anymore. Go." Quinn kept her eyes cold as she watched her own reflection. Valeria got up and walked to the door.
"Fine, but you can't keep pushing everyone away. And I expect you to keep your end of the deal. I told Brittany. It's your turn." And with that Valeria made her way out the door. Quinn looked at herself again and began to cry.
'Why not tell Rachel? Everything else has gone to hell so why not add one more thing,' she thought as she got up and went back to her bed where she waited for the day to end.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Valeria ended up walking home. It took her two hours to get there by foot. The sun had just gone down and Valeria was relieved to see her sister's car wasn't home. She walked in and saw her mom sitting on the couch watching her novela.
"Mija is that you?" Her mother turned and smiled when she saw Valeria.
"Hola Mami. Como fue tu día?" Valeria put on a smile.
"Buen, come sit with me." Her mom patted the spot next to her.
"I'd love to Mami but I'm just picking up some clothes. I have a project due so I am staying the night with Armina again to finish it," Valeria lied. She didn't want her mother to worry any more than she already did.
"Alright. But at least wait till your sister gets home before you leave."
"I'm kind of in a hurry Mami. I really need to get this done." She walked up the stairs and grabbed her backpack. She put some clothes in it and made her way back down stairs.
"Bye Mami, I love you." She quickly kissed her mother's cheek before making her way out of the house and running across the street. She knocked on the door and smiled when Armina answered.
"Hey. Can I stay here for a bit?" Valeria smiled innocently. Armina sighed but opened the door wider letting her in. They headed upstairs and stayed silent as Valeria sat on Armina's bed. Armina went back to typing an essay at her desk.
"It's quiet," Valeria said, finally breaks the silence.
"Yeah, Ruben is at a friend's, Gilbert is at his girlfriends, and Anthony is on an overnight fieldtrip or something," Armina answered before going back to her computer.
"Do you see Marcelo anymore?" Valeria asked about Armina's oldest brother.
"Yeah from time to time. Him and Ociel came by last weekend actually."
"Oh that's nice. How is Oso?" Valeria asked about Ociel, Marcelo's girlfriend.
"She's good," Armina answered not up for small talk. Instead of talking, she began thinking about Ociel and couldn't help but smile. Ociel was the youngest of six girls. Her dad really wanted a boy so when she came out a girl he named her after his dad anyway and raised her like the boy he never got. Armina remembered when Ociel met Valeria for the first time. She knew right away of Armina's feelings towards Valeria. Ociel had always been a big help when it came to talking about feelings. And Armina was thankful for her. The day Valeria and Ociel met was the day everyone was home at once so Armina's mother decided to make a dinner to celebrate. She remembered that night three years ago when Ociel had confronted her after watching all through dinner.
Armina heard a knock on her door. She looked up from her work,
"Come in." She answered. Seconds later Ociel had opened the door slowly and walked in a smile on her face.
"Hey, how's it going?"
"Good. Doing some homework." Armina answered picking up her text book as if to prove her statement.
"That's cool. So where did your friend go?" Ociel asked entering the room complete and sitting on the edge of Armina's bed.
"She went home." Armina looked back down and back to her work.
"So.. Does she know?" Ociel gave her a curious smile.
"Know what?" Armina looked back up at her confused.
"Oh come on. You haven't told her?"
"Told her what?" Armina shrugged not understanding a thing Ociel was saying.
"How could she not have figured it out? I mean you are so obvious." Ociel giggled.
"Are you going to tell me what it is we are talking about here? Because if not I have things to do." Armina sighed frustrated as she pointed back down to her work.
"That you are in love with her silly."
Armina's eyes went wide with shock.
"What. How. Who told you?" Armina asked nervously.
"No one had to tell me. It's written all over your face. Seriously you really need to watch your leering problem." Ociel laughed.
Armina looked down ashamed.
"She doesn't know does she?"
Armina shook her head no.
"She doesn't see me that way." Armina tried holding back the tear that was threatening to fall.
"You never know till you try." Ociel smiled leaning down to try and get Armina to look at her.
"When you finally do tell her. I want to hear all about it. Until then I'll be rooting for you." Ociel lifted her head when Armina finally looked up at her.
"Thanks." Armina gave her a tight lip smile.
"For sure. Now if you'll excuse me I have to take your brother home before he gets cranky." Ociel joked and Armina couldn't help but giggle.
"So... Are you still mad at me?" Valeria interrupted Armina's thoughts. Armina shut her computer and got up.
"No I'm not mad. Now scoot over," she demanded as she got into the bed next to Valeria.
Valeria had a huge grin on her face as she did what she was told. Armina turned out her side lamp and rolled over hugging her blanket.
"Thanks Minny. For letting me stay." Armina blushed as Valeria used her old childhood nickname she gave her.
She closed her eyes and whispered a 'you're welcome' before going to sleep.
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So I hoped you liked it. And in case you didn't know, Oso means bear in Spanish. Not really relevant but still a fun fact. Leave reviews and let me know what you think