I want to apologize for the long delay. I'm currently on a Leave of Absence from my job due to the pain in my back and down my leg. An MRI showed three protruding discs in my lower spine, one of them being severe. Which would explain why I'm having numbness and burning sensations down my leg when I'm standing for more than 5 minutes. I'm currently waiting for an appointment with a Spinal Surgeon... for further evaluation... So right now, I have plenty of time at home... yes... but I have such a hard time sitting at my computer for long periods of time. So I spend a lot of time writing on paper and typing it up in chunks until it's finished.

Thank you for such a huge amount of love you all have been showing this story. I was considering another little twist involving Rachel, but I may end up surpassing that twist to just focus on a sweet story (for once).

Help Me Help You
Chapter 11

Rachel was beyond frustrated by the time Friday came along. She barely talked to Quinn, which, honestly, she'd started to become used to. No, what had her frustrated, was Finn. Even after her explaining countless to him that she had plans Friday evening, he persisted on taking her on a date to rekindle their relationship.

"We belong together Rach." He pleaded with her at her locker.

It was the end of the school day on Friday, and Rachel was in a hurry to get home and get ready for her date with Quinn. She was nervous, but didn't really understand why though. Through their time as friends, they had gone out for meals several times. But, never as a date though. She decided that that's why she was so nervous. Plus, Quinn had told her they were traveling to Fort Wayne, an hour away.

"No, we do not belong together Finn. I'm ashamed of myself for not realizing it sooner. Now please, I need to hurry home for I have plans this evening and need to be ready by 5."

"Why, what do you have that's so important?"

"I already told you Finn, I have plans tonight. I am not obligated to tell you what my plans are." Rachel grabbed her keys out of her purse before walking away from him. She hated that he kept pace with her and stayed right beside her as she exited the building.

Finn grabbed her hand, causing her to stop suddenly and jerk it out of his grasp. "What are you doing tonight? Why won't you tell me?"

"Because it is none of your damn business!" Rachel nearly yelled at him. The fact that she cursed at him shocked everybody who was within earshot. The diva was usually talkative, yes, but hardly ever yelled at anybody. Rachel grumbled in frustration at her ex-boyfriend. "Just leave me alone Finn. I'm done with you!"

"Rachel, wait, just give me a chance. I'll change, I swear." He continued to plead with the brunette.

"Just stop Finn." She shook her head at him before turning to go to her car. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Quinn watching her. Just moments later, she heard her phone beep with a new text message. Rachel waited until she was safely in her car before looking at her phone.

Quinn: Are you okay?

A small smile overtook Rachel's face as she looked out the window toward where she'd seen Quinn standing. She lifted her hand to wave at her friend before looking down at her phone to type out a response.

Rachel: Yes, I am fine. He just can't get it through his overly thick head

She looked out the window again just in time to see Quinn laugh softly while she looked at her own phone. Rachel took a moment to admire the blonde. She was still attempting to wrap her head around the idea that she had a date with a girl who was once the most popular person in school. Even more popular than Finn ever was.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Santana suddenly appeared in front of her window. After she recovered from her near heart attack, she turned her keys some to be able to wind down her window. "How can I help you Santana?"

"First off, I'm so not sorry for blocking your view of Q," she smirked as a hint of red tint appeared on Rachel's cheeks, "second, bravo on tell Finn off. Half the student body was impressed by your little outburst."

Rachel sighed softly. "I just wish he would stop. The more time I've had away from him, the more I've realized that I never actually loved him."

The Latina's smirk turned into a full blown smile. "Good, now you can fully focus on Quinn. Listen, what I wanted to talk to you about, was Quinn. She's scared she's gonna get hurt."

"I'd never hurt her."

"I know, but she's still scared. You gotta prove it to her that you're not gonna hurt her." Santana took a step away from Rachel's car, "and besides, you hurt her… I'll kill you."

Rachel laughed softly. "Understood. But there's no need to worry." She waved by to her friend before starting her car to head home and get ready for her date.

Once Rachel got home, she hurried inside, kicked her shoes off at the door, and rushed upstairs to her room. The minute she opened her close, she realized that she had no idea what kind of restaurant Quinn was taking her to. She grabbed her phone and sat down on the edge of her bed to send a text to the blonde.

Rachel: How should I dress?

While she waited for a response, Rachel decided to go ahead and take her shower. She took her phone into the bathroom with her and placed it on the counter. During her shower, she heard her phone beep with a new text. After rinsing the conditioner out of her hair, she shut off the water and climbed out of the shower.

Quinn: Nice but not elegant

Rachel: Alright. I'll see you soon

She wrapped a towel around her body while she used another towel to dry her hair. Once she was done towel drying her hair, she glanced at her phone again. Rachel couldn't help the million dollar smile that overtook her face at the message she'd received from Quinn.

Quinn: Though, I'm sure you'd look wonderful in anything

With a new found confidence, she went back into her room to pick out the perfect outfit. She searched for something flattering, and that would definitely keep Quinn's attention all evening.

"You better be good for Santana tonight." Quinn turned to look at her daughter, who was sitting on the edge of the older blonde's bed. When the girl nodded, Quinn looked back at her mirror to get her earrings in.

"She'll be good, or no pizza for dinner or Finding Nemo tonight for movie time." Santana walked into her friend's room. "Look good Q." She smirked when a bit of pinkish hue covered Quinn's cheeks. "Don't go getting all flustered on me now." Santana sat beside Beth on Quinn's bed. "Doesn't mommy look good?"

"Uh huh," Beth nodded.

"Well, tell you."

"You look beautiful mommy."

Quinn smiled at her daughter. "Thank you honey." She bent at her waist to kiss the top of the girl's head.

"I don't get a kiss? I said it first." Santana smirked. She cracked up laughing, though, when Quinn smacked her arm. "I feel the love."

"As you should." Quinn went back to her mirror to apply a small amount of make-up. "I need to leave soon." She heard Santana make a sound of acknowledgement before she continued, "I'm nervous."

"Don't be Q. She won't hurt you. Besides… if she does, I'll kill her."

"I saw you talking to her earlier." Quinn reached for her perfume and applied a few sprays. "What I'm really worried about is the fact that she's my friend and I don't want to lose that if nothing works out."

The Latina rolled her eyes. "I felt like that with Brittany. You can't live your life without taking chances Quinn. Rachel loves you, and I know you love her. It'll work."

"You do spend a lot of time around Rachel." The blonde smirked at the disgusted face her friend made. "You're being all philosophical again."

"Oh shut it." She stood up and picked up Beth. "You wanna go to the park for a little bit? Then we'll stop for pizza on the way home?"

The little girl's face lit up. "Yes! Please? Can we go Santy?"

"Of course, I just have to get your car seat from mommy's car."

"Come on." Quinn led the pair out of her bedroom after sliding on her sandals. She grabbed a light jacket before picking up her purse and walking out of her apartment, Santana and Beth following right behind her.

She took a moment to get the car seat out of her car before helping Santana get it into hers. "Have fun Q." Santana smiled at her friend. "Just relax. Remember, it's just Rachel. You know her. The reality of it is that it's no different from all the other times you've had dinner with her." Santana reached in to place Beth in her seat and strap her in. "So just breathe, don't panic."

"Easy for you to say. You got your girl." Quinn gave Santana a tight hug and whispered against her ear, "thank you though."

"You're welcome." She placed a friendly kiss on Quinn's cheek before stepping aside to let the girl in to say bye to her daughter.

"You be good for Santana. I'm going to get a full report when I get home." Quinn leaned down to give Beth a kiss on the forehead. "I'll see you in the morning. You'll be asleep by the time I get home."

"No I won't, I stay up and wait for you."

Quinn shook her head, a smile on her face. "Go ahead and try, but you won't make it." Beth pouted. "I love you honey."

"Love you more mommy."

"I'll see you tonight Santana. You grabbed the extra apartment key right?" Her friend nodded. "Okay…" Quinn took a deep breath before going to her car. "Thanks again Santana."

"Why are you so dressed up honey?" Leroy asked his daughter when she came downstairs. "Going out tonight?"

Rachel bit her lip shyly before speaking, "I have a date…"

Leroy's eyebrows lifted to his hairline as he examined her for a moment. "A date huh? It's not with that boy Finn is it?"

"No, it's not." Rachel sat on the sofa beside her father to put a pair of solid black heels on.

"Who is it with? Do I know him?" He muted the television to better hear his daughter.

"Yes you do… you know her."

"Her?" Leroy was now smirking. "Well, this is news to me."

"Daddy, you've always known I liked girls too." She crossed her left leg over her right leg and pulled out her phone to take a glance at it.

Quinn: I'm about to leave. See you soon

"What are you smiling about?"

"She's on her way to pick me up."

"So, who is this girl that's taking my baby on a date tonight?" He shifted in his spot to read his daughter's facial expression. "You really like this girl don't you?" His smirk turned into a full-fledged smile.

Rachel returned his smile with one of her own. "Yes, I do. And as far as who she is, you will find out when she gets here." As if on cue, the doorbell rang. At that moment, Rachel felt her heart leap into her throat. She wished she wasn't so nervous. It was just Quinn. A girl she'd had several meals with before, but never an actual 'date.'

She placed her phone on the sofa's armrest and hurried to the front door. When she opened it, it felt as though she forgot how to breathe. Quinn's hair was curled slightly, framing her face perfectly. She wore a red floral dress with a white cardigan over it. To Rachel, she was beautiful, as she always was. Little did she know, Quinn was feeling the same way as she just stood there appraising Rachel's attire. "Hi Rach."

Rachel wore a pastel yellow blouse that was tucked into a form fitting black skirt. "You look amazing."

Quinn blushed at the words, but smiled despite her own nervousness. "As do you… are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I just have to grab my phone and purse." She stepped away from the door to go into the living room. "We're leaving daddy."

Leroy tilted his head to the side to look at the front door. He was shocked when he saw Quinn standing in the doorway. "Quinn?" He looked back at his daughter and nodded. It was a silent communication to her that he approved. He always did like the blonde girl and suspected for a couple of months that there was something more than just a friendship between the two girls. He was happy to know that his daughter would be happy again. "You two be careful. Don't stay out too late Rachel."

"I'll take good care of her Leroy." Quinn had made her way into the living room and smiled at the older man. She then offered her hand to Rachel and felt her heart flutter when the brunette took it.

"You girls have fun."

"We will. Don't wait up daddy." Rachel grabbed her purse on the way out the front door. "Where are we going?" She looked up at Quinn as they walked down the steps and toward the blonde's car.

"I already told you that we're going to Fort Wayne." Quinn opened up the passenger door for her date. "I'm sure you'll love it. Mom and Russell always took me there for my birthdays growing up."

The diva sighed but smiled anyway as she looked up into Quinn's eyes for a moment. "Okay, I trust you." She pulled her hand away from Quinn's but placed it against the blonde's cheek for a moment before getting into the car.

"Reservation under Fabray." Quinn spoke to the host once they were inside of the restaurant.

"I've got you right here, table for two?" She looked up and smiled at the girls in front of her. "Right this way ladies." The older woman grabbed two menus and led the way into the restaurant.

Both girls followed right behind her, hand in hand the entire way. Quinn, for the most part, was thankful for the darker lighting in the restaurant. It made it harder for the patrons to see that she was holding the hand of another girl. Her choice for dinner came mostly from the fear of what people would think if they were seen out together by someone they knew.

"Here we go." The older woman motioned to a booth near the back of the restaurant. "Can I get you ladies anything to drink?"

"Sweet tea for me." Quinn looked up at the woman after she took her seat. She then looked across the table to Rachel.

"Water."

"Alright, your waiter this evening is Edward, he will be with you shortly." She placed the menus on the table before going toward the back to get the drinks.

"You really came here all the time when you were younger?" Quinn nodded. "I never would have guessed you to be much into Vegan food." Rachel picked up her menu and was quite surprised to see the large selection of entrees she had to choose from.

Quinn laughed softly as she reached for her own menu. "Mom grew up in Fort Wayne. Apparently this restaurant has been here since she was a kid. This was my first introduction to Vegan food. I actually prefer it over the other options whenever I come here." She opened up the menu and skipped right to the pastas. Her personal favorite of the small establishment.

"Tell me then, do you recommend anything in particular?"

The blonde leaned across the table to take Rachel's menu from her, smiling as their fingers brushed in the process. "Honestly, this Lemon Pesto Pasta is delicious." She pointed to it on the menu before glancing back at her date. Gorgeous. Quinn blushed at her thoughts before clearing her throat and completely sitting back down on her side of the table.

"That does look good." Rachel leaned over some to look at what Quinn had pointed out. Through her eyelashes, she watched the blonde thumb through her own menu. A smile came to her lips as she examined the other girl's features. "You're beautiful." She spoke soft enough for just Quinn to hear her.

Quinn's eyes lifted off of the menu to meet Rachel's. She made no attempt to hide her blush as she smiled. "As are you Rachel." It was Rachel that time to initiate the contact. The brunette reached across the table to grab the young mother's hand. She took a moment to caress the back of her hand before interlocking their fingers. "Even though it was Santana to ask you, I'm glad you agreed to coming out with me tonight."

Neither bothered to separate their hands as their drinks were brought to them. The host simply smiled at them before going back toward the front door. "I'm glad that I did too Quinn."

"I'll be honest with you Rachel… I'm scared. I'm scared of this not working, of it messing up our friendship. I'm scared of what everybody in Lima will think if they were to find out about us." She could see a smile slowly taking over Rachel's face as she spoke. "Why on Earth are you smiling?"

"Because of what you're saying… From what I'm getting, you want there to be more dinners."

"Would you?"

Rachel's head tilted to the side to make it appear as though she had to think about it. "I'll let you know when this date is done." She winked, causing Quinn to crack up laughing.

"I'm sorry to interrupt ladies. My name is Edward and I'll be your waiter this evening. Have you had enough time to look over your menus?" The girls nodded. "Alright, would you like to start off with an appetizer this evening?"

Quinn nodded her head toward Rachel to go first. The brunette smiled at the gesture before placing her order for a small salad and the lemon pesto pasta that Quinn had recommended to her. Once Edward wrote down her order, Quinn gave her own. Starting off with a similar salad, but going for a pasta with butternut squash. Edward nodded to them before picking up their menus to leave them alone.

"So I have to wait until I take you home to find out if I can take you on another date?" Quinn smirked. If Rachel could play, so could she.

"I'll really have to think about it Miss Fabray. But, I can already tell you that this is turning out to be better than any other date I've ever been on." Though, she didn't have many to compare her current date to, she already knew that it would be better, simply because it was with Quinn.

"Hopefully I won't mess anything up then."

Rachel shook her head. "I doubt that, it's usually me who messes something up during a date."

Quinn laughed softly, until she realized that Rachel was being serious. "How are you the one to mess something up?" She paused for a moment. "I doubt you could do that with me, because to me, you're perfect." Quinn's sharp intake of breath was sign that she hadn't meant to say that. But the words were already out of her mouth before she'd realized it.

Rachel was just as shocked as Quinn was at the words. Nobody had ever called her perfect before. Except her fathers. Yet, in a situation like this, it was different. Hearing her one best friend, and potential girlfriend, calling her perfect, sent a chill down her spine. It was at that moment, she knew she made the right decision by accepting Santana's offer on Quinn's behalf for a date. Rachel regretted nothing.

I'll probably end up skipping the actual meal portion for the next chapter and go to the car ride home and from there.

Let me know what you all think. I'm going to go and work on chapter 12 now.

See ya next time :)