Part 11

Rachel tried so hard to listen to what the teacher was saying but her mind was an absolute mess. She can't believe that just 24 hours ago, her world wasn't revolved around that pretty blonde cheerleader, but now she's all Rachel can think about. It was exactly what she's afraid of, that she would fall for Quinn completely and has her world shattered down just as easily. Somehow Quinn managed to do it even when they're not anything yet.

Her mind was reeling; she thought about everything that happened from the moment Quinn said "Hey beautiful" to her yesterday. No, her mind took her back even further, to the moment that Quinn walked into her life. She tried to recall all the moments that they've shared and all the tense verbal sparring. Then she thought about the talk they had at the auditorium when Quinn admitted that she's dating Finn. She remembered how Quinn looked like during that moment, how her voice was quivering and her eyes were watery. Quinn was pushing her to follow her dream. Of course at that time, she thought that Quinn was just trying to keep her away from Finn, but now that she thought about it sensibly, she saw that moment in a new light. Could it be that Quinn has genuine feelings towards her? Or at least care enough about her future? Rachel tried to convince herself that it wasn't the wish that made Quinn felt something for her, that it was always there but hidden underneath Quinn's thick wall. But every time she tried to convince herself, there's another voice that's telling her that it's impossible for someone like Quinn to fall for someone like her, that Quinn must have felt disgusted with things that happened between them … especially that kiss.

The bell rang to mark the end of the fourth period and the beginning of her lunch period. She walked to her locker in a dazed. She's just glad that she hasn't bumped into Kurt yet, she's in no mood to talk. But now that lunch period has started, she had no choice but to face Kurt.

Rachel closed her locker and turned around and had to take a step back because Quinn was standing there. She had her patented annoyed face with her arms crossed across her chest.

"We need to talk," Quinn said sternly.

"I thought you don't have time," Rachel replied sarcastically. Quinn tilted her head and gave her 'are you kidding me?' look, so Rachel rolled her eyes and said, "Fine."

"Follow me."

Rachel followed Quinn to the bathroom at the end of the hall, and since half of the school kids were either at lunch or in class, the bathroom was empty. Quinn stood by the door to make sure that no one else can enter and Rachel stood in the middle of the bathroom. Rachel crossed her arms and decided to strike first; she figured it would hurt less.

"Look, I know that the spell is broken somehow, so that's good. You can go back to your life and I can go back to mine. You don't have to worry about anything, I won't tell anyone about … well, about … whatever that happened between us. In fact, there is no us. So, you know … you can keep your status and your pride. You can go back to ignoring me, although I would very much appreciate it if you stop calling me names."

Quinn raised her right eyebrow, but apart from that, she showed no emotions. Rachel felt even more nervous; she started pacing and continued,

"I guess you're angry and annoyed and disgusted and all those things because of the things that you did yesterday and …" Rachel thought about the kiss and shook her head, it's not the right time to be thinking about that, "today," she said it quietly, "and you have all the rights to feel that way. You weren't in control of your actions, so it's not your fault -"

"And whose fault is it?" Quinn asked accusingly.

Rachel stopped pacing, "Well, I wouldn't say mine considering that I didn't specifically asked for that to happen to you. I already said I'm sorry and I can't apologize enough and …"

It's hard for Rachel to form coherent sentences because Quinn's eyes were fixed on her the whole time. How much she wished that it was the same look that she received this morning. But this, she didn't know what that look meant; it's completely lack of emotions. She's just thankful that it wasn't the look of loathing.

"… I truly am sorry for … things that happened -"

"Are you?"

"What? Of course I am. What, you think I get enjoyment for putting you in that position?"

Quinn just raised her eyebrows.

"Erm … let me rephrase that. You know what; I don't even know what to say anymore." Rachel was a bit frantic by now, "What important is that I'm sure no one else noticed your out-of-the-ordinary behaviour yesterday. I saw the interview you did with Jacob and your answers were really convincing. I'm sure he believes you and there wouldn't be any gossip to tell. I haven't heard anyone talking about it anyway, so you're safe. And I'm sure the video didn't show anything much."

"I've deleted the original."

"Oh, that's good then. There's no evidence," Rachel laughed nervously. "So I guess you managed to track the boy. I hope he's still alive," Rachel tried to joke about it because she felt really tense, but Quinn didn't respond. Rachel gulped, "So …"

Quinn gave no reaction. She's still standing in the same spot. Her face was still a complete blank. She occasionally raised her eyebrows or pursed her lips, and it was beginning to grate Rachel.

"Don't you have anything to say?" Rachel raised her voice.

"You sure talk too much."

"Well, thank you for your astute observation," Rachel was irritated, "If you have nothing to say, then can you please let me go so that I can make use of what ever time I have left for lunch?"

Rachel moved to open the door but Quinn blocked it with her hand. They were standing close, and both were looking angrily at each other.

"Can you please move?" Rachel's voice was strained.

"I still need a ride home."

Rachel looked at Quinn disbelievingly and scoffed, "I'll wait at the parking lot at 4."

Quinn moved to the side so that Rachel can go through the door. Once she's out of the bathroom, she quickly made her way to the auditorium. She knew the place would be empty. She can't bear to talk to anyone else because right now she just wanted to cry.