**Hello, Lovelies! I apologize for skipping last week's update (I typically add a new chapter weekly, every Monday). I had a temporary writer's block that was preventing me from channeling the Super Geek characters, so I took a short break; hope you don't mind. I am back, now; and I'm ready to entertain…
RECAP:
"Rachel, I like Quinn; she's cute and funny and is super crazy sweet; but she's like really dumb."
"Exactly!" Santana jumps in.
I'm sure I look as confused as I feel, at hearing Brittany say that about Quinn. "Quinn is not dumb; she's a genius, with a beautiful mind."
"Rachel, I don't mean dumb like school-dumb…I mean she's girl-dumb. She's like a boy…in a relationship; she doesn't understand that when you tell her that you're "letting her go" that you really mean "please hurry up and see that I'm much more awesome than Harmony, so we can hold hands and you can be my somebody to love.""
I'm stunned for a moment and I oddly understand what Brittany is saying, but I don't want to do things that way, I don't want to have to spell it out for Quinn. She should just know…"No, I don't want to trick her into breaking up with Harmony," I counter. "I already gave Harmony my word that I will stop trying to steal Quinn back…I just need to get over it. Now excuse me, I'm hungry." I shove past them and enter the lunchroom; and the first thing I see is Finn chasing Quinn around the lunch tables.
"Oh…my…God…"
CHAPTER 10: The Lamb to Your Mary
My first instinct is to tackle the large boy, but I know it would only aggravate him more, plus who am I kidding? No way will I be able to physically capable of restraining him. "FINN!" I yell across the lunch room, but my squeal is drowned out by the swarm of apes that are waving their arms around and bouncing about as the cat and mouse scene intensifies.
Why Quinn is running around in circles is beyond me; you'd think she'd run in another direction. As if to show me why, Quinn tries to squeeze past the wall of jocks and other kids who are circled around her and Finn, but they just shove her back…forcing her to fight to the death. I look around at the lunch servers and cooks, and they seem just as engrossed in the whole thing; in other words, no one is attempting to give a shit and call some authority figure.
"Brittany, go get Mr. Figgins, or Coach Sylvester, or Mr. Shue, or anybody!" I tell the tall girl, when I hear her and Santana behind me, gasping at the spectacle before us. It's literally like watching a scrawny baby deer getting chased by a fat, angry bear…oh, and there's an army of carnivorous chimps screeching and drooling in anticipation, waiting for the first drop of deer blood.
When I hear Brittany's footsteps fade away, I start to make my way over to the ring of death. I see Sam and Mercedes on the outer edge of it all.
"What the hell happened? !" I shout, while turning Mercedes around by her shoulder, as she and her boyfriend try and push through the stubborn crowd.
"Finn!" She answers, clearly frightened by the situation.
"More deets, Aretha!" Santana barks.
"He just stomped over to us, while we were getting food and he shoved Quinn around until she shoved her Jello in his face; then…this happened," Sam explains for his distraught girlfriend; and then goes back to trying to get through the swaying mob.
"Come here, you little twerp!" I hear Finn, but can no longer see him…or Quinn; and that scares the shit out of me.
"Move!" I push Sam aside and kneel down, crawling through the legs of everyone who is keeping me away from saving Quinn. Never in my life have I been more grateful for my petite, miniature stature; it allows me to zig and zag through the obstacle of feet, much quicker and with less difficulty. I am however stalled by Noah Puckerman's giant combat boots, which have somehow managed to step on one of my shoelaces, preventing me from crawling any further.
"I'm sorry!" I hear Quinn shout, as I see her big Converse shoes skidding around the corner of a table…Finn's Frankenstein feet clomping after her.
"You're dead!" He yells back, drawing a loud and riotous "yeahhhh!" from the apes. I can feel the primal energy seeping out of these barbaric death voyeurs.
My heart beats rapidly, pounding against my ribcage, threatening to break through at any moment. I try not to picture Quinn's bloody body on the floor, with Finn on top, smothering her with his fists, but my dramatic and vivid imagination is making it impossible. I tug my foot, but Noah is still unmoved, so instead I release the tension on the shoelace and slip the entire shoe off my foot. A brief moment of victory runs through me, but it is short lived when I can no longer see Finn's feet. A loud creaking is heard, which I assume is the lunch table that Finn is standing on.
"No, no, no!" Quinn and I say at the same time.
An adrenaline rush bursts inside me, as I crawl past everyone else's legs and scramble to my feet just in time to see Finn leap off the table and lunge at Quinn.
I scream and cover my eyes, simultaneously praying that she doesn't die on impact. I'm deafened by the sound of my heart drumming in my ears, but I can feel the animalistic energy, that was surrounding me, come to a sudden drop. It scares me and I'm almost fine with just staying blind to what it behind the hands covering my face, but I know my Quinn is on the other side and I can't…
I pull my hands away and my mouth drops open at the sight before me…and the whole lunchroom. Finn is on the floor and looking up at Quinn, who he somehow missed when he tried to attack her with his flying-squirrel trick, but he must have gripped onto her enough to snap her suspenders off and pulling her pants…and Justice League boxers…down with him. Quinn is standing with her arms over her entire head, trembling, probably in shock, and seems completely unaware that her…fairly large…super dick – I mean penis!...is hanging freely for everyone to see.
"Quinn?" I breathe out, shakily making my way toward her. She peeks out from between her arms and makes eye contact with me. I point to her nether region and she immediately drops her arms.
"Oh my!" She bends down and pulls up her boxers and fumbles with her pants, already bright red with embarrassment.
I rush toward her, stepping over Finn, who has yet to move from his position on the floor. Upon seeing me, he jumps up and tries to get in Quinn's face. I push him back, as I shield Quinn, while she clumsily tries to button her jeans; I can see her eyes misting over and her mouth is deeply frowned. I reach a hand out to touch her cheek, but she flinches and emits a small whine through her pressed lips, as the first tears fall. My heart breaks and my soul dies…and they quickly rematerialize and join forces as a merciless, cruel entity, whose sole purpose is to avenge its love.
"That's what you get for being a little-" the object of my wrath starts, before I turn around and interrupt by pulling his pants and briefs down.
"Dick!" I finish for him, as I turn him around for everyone to see his much smaller member…It's actually mini, compared to Quinn's.
The apes burst into a manic laughter, upon seeing the little ammo of their so-called leader, who is quick to pull up his pants. He turns back around, away from the crowd that pushes him back to endure more slow-motion pointing and laughing. His eyes meet mine and I can see the anger and humiliation in his face. He opens his mouth to say something to me, most likely a string of obscenities, but I stop him with my own.
"Don't even fucking say a Goddamn word, Finn!" I say shoving him with my jittery hands, full of the rage pumping through my veins. "You deserved this! You deserve to be exposed for the pathetic little dick that you are! I'm tired of you stomping around like a goddamn gorilla, pissed off at Quinn because she finally decided to stop taking the crap you throw at her! And believe me, it sucks! I would know because I wasn't very nice to her either…nobody here has been!" I point out to the entire lunchroom, as they fall silent. "But you ALL better believe that if anyone even touches Quinn, even fucking looks at her, with any kind of bad intention, I swear to God I will expose you just like I exposed this asshole!" I glare at the apes that are quickly transforming back to cowering classmates. "Don't you forget who I am," I add, in case these idiots have their heads so far up their asses that they can't see properly. "I'm Rachel Fucking Barbra Berry."
"And I'm Santana Goddamn Lopez!" My best friend says, shoving past the minions, and entering the circle. She pretends to throw a fist at Finn, causing him to flinch. "I second everything that this here Cherrio Captain just said…that means, it's fucking Mckinley Law, now. Got it?" She takes the wave of head nods as a yes and smirks evilly at them. "Now, get the Hell out of, here…Finn just proved that there's nothing to see." She jokes, making reference to his small package.
"Hey, fuc-" Finn doesn't get to finish his "fuck you" before Santana punches him, right in his other eye…the eye that isn't black like the other one that Quinn elbowed.
At that thought, I spin back around to where Quinn is standing behind me, but she's gone. I do a few 180's, in search of the blonde and come up short of finding her. I glance at Santana, who is talking to Brittany, as the ditzy girl explains how she came back empty-handed…she got lost.
"Hey, I'm going to go find Quinn." I interrupt, as Santana soothes her own blonde. The Latina just nods and I head out, not failing to notice the people who practically dive to get out of my way. That's right; part like the damn Red Sea...Rachel Fucking Barbra Berry is coming through!
The first place I search is the nearest restroom, but no Quinn is to be found. I march down the halls looking into every room I pass by and nothing. I finally make it to Figgins' office and I burst through the see-through glass door, ready to unleash a wild and lengthy speech about how miserable this school is and how the faculty is completely useless and should have no business running this insane asylum. As soon as I open my mouth he puts his hand up to silence me.
"I'm already on it, Ms. Berry." He says as he sorts through some student files.
"Did you even see what happ-"
"Ms. Berry, I have it all under control; now, please calm down and have a seat." He points to the empty seat next to Sam.
"Oh my God, Sam! I didn't see you there." I explain, feeling slightly silly for just bombarding whatever business was going on prior to my invasion. He gives me a small, sad smile as I sit in the available chair.
"Samuel explained what happened and I sent Quinn Fabray home." Mr. Figgins' explains.
"What? ! Why? !" I yell, the force brings me out of my seat. "She didn't do anything!" I defend, with my fists flailing about.
Mr. Figgins' rubs his forehead and sighs, "Berry! She's not in trouble; she just wanted to go home. I couldn't deny her that request after what I've been told what happened in the cafeteria. She needs recovery time. Now, sit…please."
I quickly shut my mouth and slowly sit back down, trying to ignore the fact that I just freaked out.
"Now, I understand that you retaliated on Mr. Finn Hudson, correct?"
I glance at Sam and he sinks a little lower in his chair, before looking away.
"Yes." I answer, glaring holes into the side of the boy's lemon juiced head.
"I'm not going to suspend you, but you will have a week's detention."
"But I have Cheerios practice!" I shout. "Coach Sylvester will kill me!"
"Great! I'll just have her deal you your detention, then." He says, happy to have me suffer Sue's wrath.
I shouldn't have said anything…I'm already dreading having to run the suicides Coach will definitely have me run when she finds out about this. I shoot another glare at Sam.
"Consider yourself lucky, Ms. Berry. Samuel told me you were doing it to stop Hudson, otherwise I would've just suspended you for a week and it would have gone on your permanent record." He says "permanent record" with a low taunting voice and squinty eyes.
I look at Sam and give him an apologetic smile and a silent "thank you." He smiles back, happy that I'm not mad at him.
"What about Finn Dudson?" Quinn's blonde ally questions, as he suddenly gets angry.
"I'll deal with him in private, but don't worry; he'll be no threat to anyone. Now, you two can go because I have to call some parents."
Sam and I nod and get out of our chairs, making our way out of the office and into the hall.
"Is she okay?" I ask before we're completely outside. "I'm worried about her; she was so upset…I didn't get a chance to see if she was alright." The words rush out in a string of concerns.
"She'll be okay…I'm sure she just wants to be alone for a while." He shrugs and looks down at his shoes. I can tell something is bothering him or that he wants to say something, at the very least. I clear my throat and he looks back up.
"What's wrong?" I meet his gaze and he sighs and wipes his palms on his jeans.
"I know you like Quinn, Rachel." He says flatly. "And I know she likes you back…you know she likes you back…Heck, everyone knows!" His arms fly up at the rise in his speaking voice.
Why is he telling me this? It's not like it makes a difference…not with Har-. Wait, where is Harmony? "Why are you telling me this, Sam? Quinn is with Harmony and that pretty much puts an end to anything between Quinn and I, so-"
"No! Look, Rachel. I know you're like popular and all that; and you and Quinn have this weird bonding type connection and whatever, but it's more than that…" He moves a little closer and he glances around the empty hall, nervously. "As Quinn's best friend, I need to know if you're serious about her…or if this is just happening because you're jealous that she's not giving you as much attention, anymore?"
I can see the seriousness in his eyes, yet his face is sad like he's afraid that I'm going to tell him that I'm not really all that into Quinn. This hurts me, a little, but I know he has every right to not believe that my feelings are sincere…especially after I've been teasingly flirting with his best friend for years. He's not doing this to be mean or to throw it in my face; in fact, he doesn't have to do this, at all…but he is, which means that he cares about Quinn and likes me enough to have hope for Team Faberry.
"Sam, when I met Quinn we were in third grade; I was too young to understand what a crush was, so of course Quinn threw me off with all her wooing and weird little charming ways. She would always share her snacks with me and tell me that she liked my dresses and my hair bows and she would make me pictures of us or write me little notes saying how pretty I am. She even told the other kids and even the teachers to be quiet when they told me to stop singing whenever I broke into song."
Sam chuckles, but quickly covers it with a fake cough when I eye him, pointedly.
"It was flattering; especially sense no one appreciated my obvious talent…even at a young age I shone much brighter than others; but Quinn was the only one to see that.
By the time fifth grade rolled around, I understood what Quinn was doing and how she felt, but I was confused as to why she felt that way about me…I'm a girl and she's a girl, back then I thought I should be liked by a boy; so all the tension that built up and my secret fondness for Quinn…it scared me. That's why Santana and I teased her enough to tell her "no," but not enough to keep her away. I knew that I liked her, she's always been so sweet and adorable and nerdy, but come Middle school I had to play the part. I grew up, hit puberty quite early and before I knew it, boys were asking me out to school dances, I was peer-pressured into being a cheerleader, I was popular and there was Quinn…all scrawny and geeky and cute as a button in her weird clothes. She's been the only steady thing in my life; the only solid rock that no matter how far I threw it, it always found its way back to me, without a chip or crack. High school is no different, except for the fact that everyone found out about her…not so girly parts…and now, everyone saw those not so girly parts." I run a hand through my hair, replaying the lunchroom scene in my head, again. "I know I've been selfish and immature and vain; I've pushed aside Quinn for so long, yet she's still loyal…after all these years, she's never set her big hazel eyes on anyone else; and I needed that. I'm not going to lie, Sam; I needed to know that she would always be my Quinn because deep down, no matter what giant oaf I dated, no matter how far up the cheer pyramid I got, no matter what social status I had, I was Quinn's. I am Quinn's; and I'm not afraid to say it out loud, anymore! I don't care anymore! I don't, Sam!" I pause for a second, as I wipe my face.
"Rachel, I-"
"Wait, I know you're going to say that it's not too late, but it is…It's too late to return the feelings, regardless if Quinn still likes me, or not; but it's not too late for me to stand up for her like she's always done for me and it's not too late to be her friend…if she'll let me." I sniff and rub at my eyes, "I'll do that for her, without a doubt…I would do anything for Quinn, but I won't ruin her relationship with Harmony; I just won't." I look directly at the boy, as if to show how serious I am.
He nods after several long seconds, "Okay…that's very cool of you; you know? Being the bigger person and stepping out of the ring…but don't forget that you're a fighter…and as "scrawny" and "geeky" as Quinn is, she's a fighter, too." He smiles and pats my shoulder when I laugh at his air quotes.
A buzzing interrupts our chat, and Sam checks his phone. "Gotta go; Mercedes is waiting for me," he explains, his smile much bigger at the mention of his girlfriend.
I nod and wave goodbye, as he hurries down the hall.
"Oh, by the way…" he turns back around with a grin on his face, "Quinn loves bacon…especially when she's upset!" He shouts and runs off, leaving me puzzled. What is that supposed to mean? I sigh and shrug, as I make my way to my locker…dreading the rest of the school day.
"Ninety-eight…Ninety-nine…One hundred!"
I instantly hunch over and grab the ice cold water bottle that Coach gives me; and I run it over my red, sweaty face.
"Not bad, Berry." She says, checking her watch. I sit on the gym floor and catch my breath between gulps of water. "You still got time to be a base."
"What?" I ask, spitting out some water.
"Hey, say it; don't spray it!" Coach scolds, tossing a towel at me. I wipe the water off the court and use the other side to wipe my face.
"I just ran one hundred suicides…I can't be a base, right now." I whine, looking up at the tall cheer coach.
"Too bad, Missy. You should have thought about that before you got detention." She says with a disappointed look. "I don't know what's gotten into you, Berry, but if it has to do with that pipsqueak I'm going to have her running laps for the rest of the week." She states, staring off into nowhere, with her arms crossed.
"It wasn't her fault!" I snap and jump to my feet, throwing the towel down, and crushing the empty water bottle in my hand.
Coach immediately turns her head and gives me a challenging expression. "It's both her fault and yours…until you work out whatever stupid games you two are playing." She whispers harshly, so the nosey cheerleaders across the gym can't hear. She's mad, but not angry, just…disappointed. I think I rather have her be angry with me. I frown and look away; she sighs, uncrossing her arms. "Just fix it…in the meantime, you're doing suicides before practice and your little Super Geek is running laps. And don't give me any sass, because you can handle it…and it's actually better if she runs laps; it'll keep everyone else from kicking her scrawny ass. Now, move it, Captain." She throws a nod at the rest of the squad.
I groan, dramatically, but give her a small smile…grateful that she's pushing me to fix things with Quinn. It's nice to know that she cares enough to give me some tough love.
After an hour of being Santana's base, Coach ends practice.
"Geez, Lopez, what'd you eat at lunch? A cow?" I ask, rolling my shoulders and rubbing my sore arms.
"Shut it, Hobbit!" She barks, while flipping me off.
"You did eat a hamburger, San." Brittany points out much to the Latina's dismay.
"I don't like you two teaming up against me," Santana whines, "first you punishing me, and now you're both calling me fat!" She pouts and Brittany quickly kisses her cheek.
"Okay, okay! No more punishment," the tall blonde revokes, as she links their pinkies.
I roll my eyes, but smirk, "notice how she didn't take back the fat comment?" I stick my tongue out and laugh when Santana scowls. Brittany laughs, too, and scoops up her small girlfriend and cradles her like the baby that she is acting like.
"Put me down!" She half-heartedly yells, through her giggling, as Brittany carries her into the locker room.
Once we're all showered, I finally ask Santana what I've been wondering since the beginning of practice. "Where's Harmony?"
The Latina shrugs, "Hell if I know; why?" She asks, looking at me as we walk to my locker, after going to theirs first.
"I haven't seen her since this morning, that's all. I was wondering why she wasn't there to help Quinn, earlier." In all honesty, I was hoping to talk to her and tell her that I told Quinn I was backing off; that why she would know that I was serious about my promise.
"Well good thing you were there, huh," Santana comments, as I work on opening my locker.
"I guess so." I huff out, while I rattle the metal door before it pops open. A note slips out and I catch it before it floats to the floor.
Hey,
I figured I should give you Quinn's cell number and address, in case you needed to give her any notes or handouts she missed getting in class. I know she bailed on Spanish…so maybe you can call or stop by her place. Anyway, Harmony is spending the night at Mercedes, so…yeah, the coast is clear. Hint, Hint.
P.S. She prefers her bacon in sandwiches!
-Sam
"So I guess Mr. Sam-I-am isn't so stupid after all, huh?" Santana cracks.
I smile, not at her remark, but at the fact that I have Quinn's cell number and home address. I mean, I always kind of knew where she lived, but I've never visited her before. I quickly grab my Spanish notes and shut my locker, gripping the paper with her information on it.
"Should I go?" I ask, almost to myself.
"Go where?" Brittany says, confused.
"Fuck yes! Obviously, Harmony doesn't care that everyone just saw her girlfriend's schlong; she's stupid."
"Maybe she doesn't know what happened," I say, surprising myself that I'm defending Harmony's actions.
"Rach…She's friends with Mercedes; trust me…she knows! Shit, if Quinn was my girlfriend and everyone saw what she's working with, I'd be stuck like fucking glue to her…just to make sure that the sluts stay away from her and her dick because seriously…" Santana's eyes widen, as she gapes at Brittany and I, "…did you see what I saw? I mean, Goddamn; and I'm a total pussy lover-"
"Gross, Santana!" I say, appalled by her bluntness.
"but I'd totally like to get ALLLLL up on-"
"Santana!" Brittany and I shout and push her.
She laughs and shakes her head at her own nonsense. "I'm just keeping it real, right Britt-Britt."
The said blonde nods and kisses the Latina's waiting lips. "I didn't get to see Quinn's magic wand, but I'd still totally do her." Her and Santana rub noses and giggle.
"Knock it off! Stop talking about her like she's some piece of meat!" I scold, getting very possessive over Quinn.
"Ooo, somebody doesn't want to share," my brunette friend teases.
"Shut up!" I shove her, again and walk down the hall.
"Tell Quinn if she ever wants to have a threesome, Britt-Britt and I are available!"
I don't even bother saying anything back; I just turn around and flip them both off, as they laugh at how easily they got me riled up. I know they're just joking and trying to tease me, but I am really worried that Santana is right…What if other people start to notice Quinn, now? I can't deal with more competition and more importantly Quinn can barely deal with Harmony's horny ass; how would she be able to handle anyone else trying to get in her pants? Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt for Quinn. I'm sure she's embarrassed. I remember how shy and almost ashamed she was talking about her "condition" the other day; she's probably freaking out, right now.
Next thing I know, I'm on my way to Quinn's house…I'm not going to leave her hanging this time.
I'm about to walk back to my car, when the massive front door swings open, revealing a older man in his mid-forties.
"For the love of God! Quinn isn't taking visitors!" He looks very angry and annoyed, but he doesn't slam the door in my face…yet, anyway.
"Sir, I'm a classmate of Quinn's. I have some homework and notes for her." My voice comes out weak and scared. There is something about this man that is very rough and mean.
"Is this some prank?" He asks, tightening his jaw and narrowing his eyes. "You're the third cheerleader, and fifth girl, who has come by in the past two hours. What are you all up to? What do you want with Quinn?" It's clear that he is a no-nonsense kind of man; and it's clear that Santana was right about "sluts" suddenly taking interest in Quinn, now that everyone knows how well-endowed she is.
"Sir, I have no ill-intentions with Quinn. I really do have notes that I want to give her," I pull out my notebook to show him. "See."
His dark green eyes shift between the book and my face, studying my expression for any signs of falsity. After several seconds, he sighs and steps back, "What's your name?"
"Berry…Rachel Berry." I say, relieved that he trusts me. I take in the house and it's very spacious living room. There are two large sofas and one loveseat, a fancy coffee table, a huge flat screen TV, a beautiful fireplace, several glass display cases of expensive-looking antique figurines, and a fully-stocked bookshelf. I look to my left and see a dining room that leads to the kitchen. I try not to appear too nosey, as I crane my neck to take a peek into the cooking area…I'm a sucker for kitchens; and by the looks of this house, so far, I can tell it has an amazing kitchen. I smile and look back at the man, I assume is Mr. Fabray. "You have a lovely ho-"
"Rachel Berry?" he repeats, cutting me off, as if he didn't hear me correctly several seconds ago.
"Yes, Sir. My name is Rachel Berry." I answer, feeling confused and nervous, again.
His face falls and he looks like he wants to say something, his mouth opening and closing in indecision. Finally, he just blinks and shakes his head, trying to gain control of his reaction, and yells, "Quinn!" There's a loud thump from upstairs and a second later the sound of a door opening is heard. "Yes, Dad?" It's Quinn's voice, but it doesn't have its usual sweetness or cute little nasally squeak; instead it's dull and tired.
"You have a visitor."
"I don't want to see anyone," she responds, still invisible as she hides upstairs.
"It's a classmate from Spanish." He offers, trying to hint without being obvious, but sighs again when the sound of her door being closed it heard.
All of a sudden an older blonde walks in from the kitchen. She's rather striking, in an older woman kind of way. Obviously she is Quinn's mother…they have the same soft features, except Quinn is just so adorably nerdy, while this woman is clearly high-maintenance.
"Russell, honey…Who's here, now?" She inquires as she sets her eyes on me. "Oh, hello, dear! Are you here to see Quinnie?'
I smile at the cute nickname she has for the younger blonde. "Yes, Ma'am; my name is Rachel Berry." I hold my hand out for her to shake.
"Oh my!" She gasps and looks quickly to her husband, who gives her a look as if he wants her to do something. "Right, it's nice to meet you, Rachel." She gives me a genuine smile and shakes my waiting hand. She's very gentle and I automatically prefer her over Mr. Fabray. She lets go of my hand when Russell clears his throat, but she still has her eyes on me, as though I am something that she has been waiting for.
"Judy, stop staring." Russell says, rolling his eyes, obviously not aware that not too long ago he was doing the same thing…but in a much more intimidating way.
"Oh, I'm sorry; it's just-" she stops herself and smiles at me once more before turning her head and calling Quinn. "Quinnie, come down, please! Ms. Rachel Berry is here to see you!" The older woman's voice is full of giddiness and excitement, as she beams at me, again.
A thud and an "Ow!" are audible and soon Quinn's head pops out from the hallway upstairs. Her big hazel eyes glance over her parents and finally rest on me. She gasps, just like her mother, and sticks her head back into the hallway. "Just a second!" There's a scurrying of feet coming from her room, as Russell shakes his head and walks into the living room, leaving me with Quinn's mom.
I smile at her and try not to laugh at how excited she is.
"So, Rachel…" she starts, her voice entirely happy, "you've been a schoolmate of Quinnie's for a while now, right?" She asks, "Since grade school?"
"That's correct, Ma'am." I nod.
"Oh, sweetie, call me Judy, please." She laughs a whisper of a laugh and her eyes brighten. "I remember you in all the little school plays; you always stole the show with your talent," she compliments. "Of course, my Quinnie is quite the shining star, as well. She made a wonderful little lamb in that nursery rhyme play. I recall her being very thrilled to be the lamb to your Mary; she was always a fan of your singing."
I blush at that, and then giggle when I remember how Quinn looked in that little lamb costume. I'd die to see her wearing it, again; I'd be the one following her, instead of the other way around. I'm torn away from my thoughts, when Quinn flies down the stairs, almost tripping and falling on her face.
"Hi," She announces herself, as she brushes imaginary dust off her shirt and looking back at the stair she tripped on, as if she's wondering how that thing got there.
I try to keep my smile small, but she's so silly that I can't stop the Rachel Berry 1,000-watt smile from spreading across my face. Quinn's own face lights up upon seeing mine.
"Quinnie, why don't you show Rachel to your room, she has some notes to share with you. I'll call you back down when it's time for dinner." Mrs. Fabray suggests.
Quinn looks at me and I nod. "Okay," she says, as she leads me up the stairs. When we reach the door to her room she abruptly stops. "Don't laugh." She says, looking at me worriedly.
"Why would I laugh?" I ask, trying to soothe her worry. "I'm sure your room is amazing," I pat her shoulder to assure her that I'm not going to judge her or make fun.
"Okay, it's just that…I collect a lot of…stuff that most people think is stupid or-"
"Quinn," I deadpan the rambling girl, "Just open the door, already." I smirk and lightly poke her ribs until she snorts and opens the barrier to her room.
The first thing I see is her bed. It's fairly large and is draped in simple red and blue sheets and comforter. Then I look around at the walls: two red and two blue. There are two large bookcases, fully stocked with a variety of novels. I trace over the spines and read some of the titles, most are unfamiliar. Then I see crates stacked on top of each other and they are packed with comics.
"Those are all organized, first by Publication Company, then by hero name and their title series and one-shots, which is obviously numerically in order by the date they came into print. For instance, these crates are DC comics, only. You know DC, right?" She asks, not really giving me a chance to answer, "The company was founded in 1834 and it has been the largest and most successful in history. Well, some will argue that Marvel, based on its gross earnings between movies and book sales, is greater; but they always fail to mention that DC's characters are obtain a longevity that Marvel characters, such as Spiderman," she says, scrunching her nose cutely, "will never live up to…In other words, DC totally kicks Marvel's ass, any day." She snorts at her own little conclusion and pats the crates proudly. "Don't get me wrong; Marvel has its shining moments. I'm fond of Captain America and the ever villainous Mr. Doom, so I do have a random collection of those two and several others." Her fingers swipes over the contents of the crates, as her eyes take in her massive comic book anthology.
"Wow," is all I can offer, mostly amazed at how geeky she is.
"I know, right!" She squeaks, excitedly. "Of course, I don't keep the gems in these old dusty crates, I keep the classics framed and hung…after I carefully read them, of course." Her smile is almost cocky as she points to the wall, where all her frame-worthy books are hanging, proudly. "I hung this one up, as soon as I got home."
I follow her line of sight and I see the comic I gave her on display. There's no stopping the giant grin and bashful blush that appears on my face.
"I really can't thank you enough, Rachel."
I shake my head and turn to her, "I told you that I gave it to you because you deserved it, Quinn. I just wanted to make you happy." I giggle when she beams, again. "Oh! That reminds me," I take off my shoulder bag and dig out a wrapped up sandwich. "I heard you like BLTs when you're feeling down, so I got you this." I hand her the food item and she gives me a hug. Geez, Sam wasn't kidding. I laugh when she lets go and takes the sandwich, quickly stripping it of its wrapper. "Thank you; I mean, you didn't have to," she takes a bite, moaning around the mouthful, "but thanks."
"You're welcome," I say, using my thumb to brush a few bread crumbs off her face. "So, I guess you're feeling better, now. You're not too upset about what happened?" I ask, seeing the huge shift in her mood.
Her face falls, a little, as she swallows the food in her mouth. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that…" she sits on the carpeted floor and gestures for me to sit on the desk chair beside her. "You kind of distracted me from it." She laughs a small laugh and takes another bite.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to upset you, again. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I mean, I can't imagine how you must feel." I ramble and I wince at my stupidity. "We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to. As long as you know I'm here to listen, it's alright with me."
Quinn doesn't really do anything else, but chew and swallow, while staring blankly at the floor.
"Do you want me to leave?" I ask, not wanting to have to go so soon.
"No!" She quickly blurts, "I mean, no…you can stay…if you want."
I nod; she smiles and sets her sandwich down of the desk, before standing up and digging something out from under her bed. I take the time to examine the walls of her room, some more; and I finally notice the entire room is lined with a long shelf that acts like a top border…and it's filled with toys and collectors memorabilia. Most of it is Superman related, but there is also plenty of other characters, decorating the long shelf.
"Your room is amazing, Quinn." I comment, more as a thought spoken out loud.
"Really?" She pops her cute blonde head out from under her bed and looks back at me. "You think so?" Her are eyes bright and hopeful.
I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing at her and I nod and hum a "mmhm."
"Cool, thanks," she flashes me a sweet little smirk then continues rummaging under her bed. I watch her butt wiggle as she leans further under her bed and finally pulls out a shoe box. "Got it!" Flipping the lid off, she sits back up and motions for me to join her on the floor. I waste no time and practically jump her when I sit beside her, my shoulder touching hers and leaning my head dangerously close to hers. Once I see what's in the box, a squeal explodes from within me and rings into her ear. Quinn leans back at the high-pitched sound and laughs when I grip her arm, vibrating with happiness and joy and glee!
"Is this all from elementary? !" I ask through my giddy giggles. She simply nods and smiles, too enthralled by my excitement. "Aww, Quinn, let me see!" I ruffle her hair and tickle her side until she squeaks and gives up the box; and I pull her down with me, as I lay on the floor to examine the contents in a more comfortable position. I'm lying on my stomach with my elbows propped up, while Quinn is flat on her back, right next to me, smiling and watching me look through the box. "Oh my God!" I pull out several strips of paper and flip through them. "These are the little comics you made me, aren't they?" I feel my heart pound obnoxiously loud and hard, as if it's screaming "I'm swooning, woman!"
"My mom suggested that I make copies of them before I gave them to you…since they were for me, as well as for you." She answers, looking at the strips as my gaze caresses their small pictures and messy font…as if I'm seeing them for the first time, when I just saw them yesterday. Yes, yesterday…I, too, have a shoe box full of Quinn memories, but she doesn't need to know that, yet.
"Your mom knew about these?" I ask, looking down at her, from my propped up position and with a small smile curling my lips.
She nods, "She was always more supportive than my dad." Her face is somewhat serious, again, until she blinks and tells me to keep looking through the box.
"Oh, how embarrassing!" I shout when I find the school pictures, Quinn begged me for, every year in grade school. "I'm taking these horrible pictures back!" I insist as my cheeks turn a bright red.
"What? No! You gave them to me!" She laughs, as she reaches up to grab them out of my hand, but I tickle her to keep her from getting an advantage. "No fair!" She squeaks when I find an extra ticklish rib, trying to distract her from the pictures. "Okay! Okay! You can keep them!"
"Thank you," I say smugly, giving her one last poke and waving the photos in her face, victoriously. Before I can stuff them in my book bag, she snatches them out of my hand and tries to get away, as she teases me.
"Aww! Look at how cute you were with all those missing teeth!" She mocks and rolls over on her stomach to prevent me from reaching her ribs.
"Give 'em!" I half-heartedly yell, laughing along with her.
"And look at this one!" She holds up my fourth grade photo; the one where my dads made me wear that ridiculous, giant, pink bow on my head…and my ears are sticking out like big satellites. "You look like Minnie Mou-"
I don't let her finish that comment because I straddle her and tickle up and down her back. I laugh when she yelps and descends into a fit of giggles, throwing the photos into the air.
"Not so funny, now, huh?" I tease, leaning down and whispering in her ear. God, she really is ticklish; even my breath makes her squeak and squirm…I love it. "I thought Kryptonite was your weakness," I say, gently against her ear, again. She trembles beneath me and lets out a little whimper. "It's okay; I won't take advantage of your true weakness, Super Geek." I say in a playful mocking voice and ruffle her hair, before getting off her back, leaving her defeated on the floor, face down. I giggle at her dramatics, "little baby," I flick her arm and continue looking through the box. There are old play bills from the school plays we were in, with a hand-drawn star and heart next to every one of my names. I glance at the blonde, who is starting to roll back over on her back.
"Not cool, Kryptonite…not cool," she mutters, while shaking off the lingering sensations.
I playfully roll my eyes and throw a play bill at her. It's the one her mother mentioned to me, downstairs. "Your mom told me that you were way too excited for someone who was stuck playing a lamb," I tease.
Her eyes widen in a brief moment of embarrassment, but she recovers with a shrug, "Can you blame me? It was my dream role, as long as you were Mary," We both laugh at that. "Did you know, the teacher made me try-out for that part?" She asks in renewed disbelief, as if it happened just yesterday.
"You're kidding? !" I ask, amused that she had to audition to be dressed up in a lamb costume.
"Nope! All because stupid Jacob Ben Israel wanted the part, too," she says Jacob's name, much the same way as she did Spiderman's.
"Ugh! Thank God, she gave you the role!" I say, relieved that I was spared having to see Jacob Ben Israel's creepy face on a lamb's body.
"Hey! She didn't give me the role…I earned it!" She exclaims, proudly. "I'll have you know, I was the best darn lamb that ever was."
I laugh and roll on top of her, resting my head on her shoulder. "Yes, you were, Quinn. I wouldn't have shared the stage with anything, but the cutest little lamb, ever." It's just as a shock to me, as it is to Quinn, when I mindlessly finish my sentence with a soft, yet intimate kiss to her smooth neck. We both shoot up off the floor, like lightning just struck us.
"Uh!" Quinn squeaks out first.
"Sorry!" I squeak out second.
"No, it's okay. No problem. Don't worry about it." The blonde says, rushing the words out like she's trying to convince herself that it's not a big deal that I just kissed her and it literally felt like a spark was lit between my lips and her beautiful, long, sexy neck.
"I should go!" I manage to formulate, after Quinn and I stare at each other for several long seconds. I don't wait for a reply; as I make haste, I lean down to pick up my book bag…which Quinn grabs for me.
"Wait! I uh…" Her eyes rapidly look everywhere, but at me, as she rubs the back of her neck with her free hand. "I – We – Thank you…Rachel." She looks at me, nervously.
"For what?" I ask, studying the way she's squirming under my gaze.
"For…standing up for me…In the cafeteria." Her eyes meet mine for a short moment, but she panics and looks away. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there…It would have been so much worse." Her cheeks are bright pink and a shiny glaze is coming over her eyes, causing my heart to hurt, again.
"Hey," I step toward her, pull her hand away from her neck and making her let go of my book bag, so I can hold her trembling hands. "You don't have to go through this alone, Quinn. I should have stood up for you a long time ago; I'm sorry I took so long to feel comfortable enough to admit that I care about you. I do, Quinn…so much. I swear I will never let anything like that happen to you, again." I lift our hands up and I gently run my knuckles over her cheeks, wiping her tears on the back of my hand.
"I don't want to go back to school," she says in a heart-breaking tone. "Everyone saw my thing; I can't go back. They're going to laugh at me…some girls are already coming by just to make fun of me! They don't even care if they do it in front of my parents…my dad, who already hates that I didn't get the surgery; and – and…" she stammers.
"Quinn, shhh." I wrap my arms around her and let her cry on my shoulder. "Nobody is going to laugh at you; believe me."
"How do you know?" She questions between hiccups.
"Just trust me…and those girls…" I pause, not sure if I should tell her what they were really here for. "Those girls…they…I promise they didn't come all the way over here to make fun of you; okay?"
"Then why did they keep showing up?"
Why does Quinn being so humble and oblivious make her more desirable? "They just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"Why do they care? They're popular; they've never said a word to me before." She counters, pulling away from me, now that she has calmed down, a little.
Good point. I crinkle my brow and try to find the best way to tell her, without being crude. "Well, to put it as gently as possible…those girls just wanted to show you a good time."
Her eyes widen and her mouth drops open. "Those girls?" She points aimlessly, as if they're in the room somewhere. I nod. "You mean, those girls…the popular ones…they wanted to-" she stops and blushes all over, again. "Why?"
A rush of jealousy comes over me, as I picture the stupid girls that came over her just to try and get in her pants. Sure, seeing her "package" gives me another reason to want to jump her bones, but at least I have the emotional attraction to not make me seem like a slut. I sigh and smooth out her Justice League tie. "Forgive me for being blunt, Quinn, but your geeky-ness is not the only thing about you that's super ..." I let the word hang in the air between us. I see her throat tighten as she gulps and lets out a little whimper. "You have a super…big…heart." I pat her chest and step back, smiling at how light-headed she looks. "That's why I will always care about you. You're very special, Quinn."
She stands motionless for a few seconds; she's even cuter when she's rendered speechless. I reach for my bag and she finally snaps out of her stunned state, "I'll walk you out," she offers, as she picks up the bag for me and escorts me downstairs to the door.
I notice her father is nowhere to be seen, but I can see Mrs. Fabray busying herself in the kitchen. "Can I say goodbye to your mom?" I ask Quinn, who rolls her eyes playfully and nods.
"If you must," she scoffs; and I smack her arm at her antics, before she leads me to the kitchen…excuse me, the beautiful kitchen. It's amazing; it's huge; it's super.
"Quinnie, Rachel; dinner is almost ready." The older blonde announces, "Oo, Rachel, sweetie…would you like to stay; we're having vegetable casserole and mashed potatoes...It's vegan-friendly," she adds.
I smile, slightly confused, "How did you know I'm ve-"
"Quinnie." She deadpans, pointing at her blushing daughter. "She mentioned it once…or twice…or a million."
"MOM!" Quinnie – I mean, Quinn yells. "You're so embarrassing!" She squeaks and I laugh at the smaller blonde's adorableness.
"I'd love to, Mrs. Fa- I mean Judy." I say with a big smile, which she returns. "Let me just call my fathers and let them know where I'm at."
"Excellent!" Judy exclaims, and continues with the cooking.
Quinn follows me out of the kitchen and into the entry way, "I left my phone in my car, I have to go get it."
"Okay, I'm going to help my mom and try to convince her not to embarrass me anymore, tonight," Quinn jokes, showing off her cute half-smile.
"Nerd," I tease, "I'll be right back." I push her playfully and run out the door giggling, as she chases me, equally happy.
She catches up before I reach my car and she wraps her arms around me, lifting me up and spinning. We're laughing and I couldn't feel more comfortable than I am, right now…being held by Super Geek. After a few spins she gently sets me back down and I reluctantly allow her to let me go.
"Quinnie!" interrupts our staring contest, as Mrs. Fabray shouts for her daughter.
We both smile at that snicker at the older woman's nickname for her, before I push her toward the house, "Your mommy is calling you, Quinnie," I tease.
"Jerk," she mumbles and sticks her tongue out at me, before running back inside, leaving me to retrieve my phone from my car.
When I jump back out and lock the doors, I look up and see Harmony pulling up behind me. She doesn't notice me, right away, but she looks rushed and frantic. She hops out and slams her door shut in a hurry, before finally seeing me standing by my own car.
"Rachel?" She asks taken aback. "What are you doing, here?" She's not mad, she's genuinely confused.
"Um, I came by to drop off some Spanish notes." I manage to say, without appearing too guilty.
She furrows her brow and for a split second I think she's going to call me a liar and raise Hell, but she walks towards me and gives me a hug.
"Thank you for doing what you did for Quinn, during lunch."
I'm shocked and totally unprepared for this hug and those words. "Um, no problem," I say when she lets go and steps a step back.
"I was in the library when it happened; I told Quinn I would meet up with her, Mercedes, and Sam, but I was running late because my new student ID wasn't working, so I had to wait to check out my books. I had no idea what happened, until Mercedes told me, just right now…like ten minutes ago. I guess, Quinn made her promise not to tell me because she didn't want me to worry and ugh! I'm mad at her for trying to hide this from me, but I'm mainly just worried about her." She lets out a heavy breath after that long speech.
"Is she okay? This is her house, right? Mercedes didn't give me the wrong address?" she doesn't wait for an answer. "Quinn!" She shouts, making her way to the open front door. I quickly follow, not sure of what else to do.
Quinn walks out of the kitchen with some utensils and sets them on the dining room table, before she looks up and sees Harmony and I standing in her entry way. Mrs. Fabray walks in carrying the casserole and Mr. Fabray reappears with a bowl of mashed potatoes.
"Oh, hello…are you a friend of Quinnie's?" Mrs. Fabray asks, before Mr. Fabray can scowl at the new girl.
"Yes…sort of," Harmony glances at Quinn, who looks shocked. "I'm Harmony…your daughter's girlfriend."She introduces herself, since Quinn is too speechless to do so.
Everyone looks to the geeky girl. "Quinnie?" Her mother asks, looking puzzled.
"Harmony! Hi!" The younger Fabray squeaks, "Mom…Dad…This is Harmony…" Quinn nervously steps toward the other cheerleader in the house. Her parents do double-takes between Harmony and I.
"Harmony is your girlfriend?" Mrs. Fabray asks, sounding slightly disappointed, as she looks at me and then back to the young couple.
"Yes…Yes, she is." Quinn confirms.
Mr. Fabray coughs behind his hand and when he moves his masking fist, he has a big grin on his face, as he busies himself with the table. "I'll get another place setting," he says, patting his daughter's back on the way back into the kitchen. Mrs. Fabray and Harmony didn't see it, but I saw that proud "Way-to-go-Quinn" look that he gave the shorter blonde…and I saw the nervous twitch on Quinn's face.
This is going to be a long night.
/END CHAPTER\
**Okay, so those of you who were asking for a longer chapter…I'm not trying to impress you or anything ;) but this chapter is 9,019 words long (not including the recap and author notes) so…yeah! Being that it's really lengthy…I'm not sure if I got all the typos, grammar mistakes, messed up words, etc. so forgive me if you come across a sentence and you're like "WTF!"
Anyway, I hope I didn't disappoint, I mean, a lot of stuff happened and I kind of want some feedback on this one, because I think it's an important chapter, so please review, ask questions, let me know how you feel/think about the characters and their relationships, tell me if your eyes hurt after reading this, whatever. I'd love to read your thoughts, Lovelies! Thanks for stopping by :)
