"The Fabray family...They took me in with open arms, I gotta say..."
Lima, Ohio. Also known as a little place Artie liked to call home. Los Angeles was great and all, but something about Lima just filled him with nostalgia and…love. And, well, his family was also there. He hadn't been back to Lima in a little over a year, but today he and Quinn sat in a taxi on their way to stay the week with her family. When the week was up, they'd be going across town to stay with the Abramses. He was excited to show Quinn the way of the Abrams Family, since well, she was going to become a part of it in a year or so.
"Babe, are you listening?" Quinn gave his knee a nudge. Sometimes she did that, forgetting that he couldn't really feel it. Except this time, Artie felt the faintest of touches ghost across his knee. But Quinn didn't need to know that….not just yet.
"Yeah, yeah, um…" he shook his head from his deep thought, ",What?"
Quinn gave a laugh. "Okay. Repeat what I just told you." She challenged. Artie wracked his brain for what they had been discussing- um, um…her family. Right. She was giving him trivia about her family so he would be prepared when they got there.
"Uhhh, your mom is three years sober." But he already knew that. "Your sister Frannie is married to Ethan Caraway and they have a daughter, Bayleigh."
"Bay for short." Quinn chimed in.
"Right." Artie chuckled. "And though you don't plan on running into your dad, if you do, he's married to your stepmother, Kayla and I should try not to let her cleavage distract me from her snakebites and tattoos." His fiancé gave a laugh, and then leaned in to peck him on the lips.
"Good job." Quinn looked a bit nervous at the mention of her father. She'd told Artie that every time she came home to Lima, she tried to avoid him at all costs. He didn't really approve of the way she was so distant from him (even though he kicked her out when she was pregnant, she said he was trying to make up for it), but Quinn insisted that she didn't even want him at their wedding.
Artie reached out and took her hand. "Think they'll like me?" he asked quietly, even though he was confident that they would.
She rolled her eyes in response. "My mom already adores you. You just have to get past Frannie…and she's tough, but fair." They sat in silence for the rest of the cab drive, their hands laced together. Then, finally, the taxi stopped at the front of the Fabray household. Artie had never been there before, since all the times he met Judy Fabray, she'd come out to Yale or LA. The house was two stories high, expensive-looking. It blew his family's little brick house out of the water. By the time he and Quinn got out of the taxi with their bags, Judy Fabray was already running down the front lawn.
"Where is my little bride?" she squealed. Her arms were open wide, and she nearly toppled over on the front lawn. Three years sober…? Artie couldn't help but wonder. But maybe she was just high on life. He watched as she took Quinn in her arms, and held out her hand to admire the ring. The way Quinn's face lit up at her mother's excitement, Artie had to admit was really stinkin' adorable. The two blondes stood there gushing, speaking faster than was recognizable as English. Judy then turned her attention to Artie, a smile on her delighted face.
"Oh, Artie, I didn't even bother to say anything to you." She reached her arms out once more and took Artie's cheeks into her hands…Now he knew where Quinn got it from. "I still can't believe my daughter is marrying such a fantastic guy. I mean, I knew she had good taste, but…" her voice trailed off into a large smooch on Artie's cheek. "Oh, you two are going to be so happy." Judy stood and turned to Quinn, taking her into another hug.
"Mom," Quinn whined, "You promised me you wouldn't cry until the actual day of the wedding." Artie knew why- because Quinn would start crying, too.
Judy pulled back and examined the two of them. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm a mess. When is the big day, by the way?" Her eyes narrowed as Artie shared a glance with his fiancé.
"Well, you see, um…." He began, but Quinn cut him off.
"Sometime next year." She shrugged.
Judy didn't even attempt to hide her disappointed expression. "Well. That gives us more time to plan then, doesn't it?" she smiled to the both of them. Artie noticed how her eyes wrinkled at the corners, but that never took away from her aged beauty. He could see Quinn looking just like that when she got older. Though, he knew he'd love her even if she was as wrinkled as a prune. He'd love every wrinkle on her body. "Um, your sister's here, but she's inside putting Bay down for a nap." Judy remarked to Quinn. Then, as if on cue, a petite little girl came frolicking down the front yard, her cotton dress and brown curls flapping in the early autumn wind. She looked about four, but a tiny four.
"Auntie! Auntie! Auntie!" she was shouting. Artie gave a laugh as he watched Quinn kneel down to the girl's level with open arms. She was hardly ever this affectionate to anyone but him.
"Bay! Oh, how I've missed you!" she beamed as the girl plunged into her arms. The smile on Quinn's face, the warmness in her eyes…Artie had to remind himself that they weren't even married yet. But…just the way she lit up with a child in her arms….
A blonde woman, a bit shorter than Quinn, but definitely older, with a defined jaw and purposeful look behind her smile came not far behind. Artie guessed Frannie- tough but fair. "We tried to put her down for a nap but as soon as she saw the cab out the window she just had to come see you."
"Now, Frances Marie Fabray, is that any way to greet your movie star sister?" Quinn gave an exaggerated red carpet pose, her hands on her hips and her lips poking out. Since the movie premiered and hit theatres, the two had been on cloud nine. Their names were credited in a big blockbuster film. It actually did pretty well in theatres to be an adaptation of a Broadway show- not like, Chicago well, but more like…Mamma Mia! well. And they were content.
Artie watched as Frannie's expression softened with her smile widening, to reveal a slight gap in her teeth. "Lucille Quinn Fabray, I see no movie star. All I see is my baby sister playing pretend. Except this time it's not in mom's jewelry box, and actually on the red carpet." Artie watched as the two exchanged sisterly glances before moving in for a hug of epic proportions. Little Bay began tugging on the hem of Quinn's dress.
"Auntie Quinn, did you bring me anything from Los Angel-ies?"
Quinn turned, crouched down to the girl, and gave her signature mysterious smirk. Even toddlers weren't immune to it. "Mmmmaybe." She remarked. "But you have to go say hi to my fiancé before I tell you what it is." Bay's head whipped over to Artie, as if she hadn't even noticed him there before. Then, taken aback by his wheelchair, she recoiled into Quinn's waist.
"I'm sorry." Frannie apologized for her daughter, "She doesn't get out much just yet." Artie couldn't help but chuckle. Spending most of his life in the chair, sure, it was frustrating, but one thing he had to get used to- Not every parent educates their kids about people with disabilities. And while they should, they don't. No use getting bitter or angry about it. Artie merely gave a shrug, and a dismissive smile.
"No problem. She's just gotta get used to it, is all." He turned to the little girl with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Bay, I'm Artie." Artie held out his hand for a shake.
Cautiously, Bay held out her tiny manicured hand and shook. "You're Auntie Quinn's fi-nancy?" she whispered. The family gave an uncomfortable laugh, afraid of what she may say next, but Artie and Quinn remained completely unfazed.
"Mmhmm." Quinn answered, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders. "That's called a wheelchair. And if everything works out the way we've planned," she glanced up and gave Artie a knowing glance, ",he won't have to use it for much longer." The family was silent for a few awkward seconds until Judy finally broke it with a clap.
"Well, I've got dinner ready in the kitchen, and I hope Artie likes mac and cheese." She began escorting the group up the driveway and toward the large brick house.
Artie gave a laugh. "Of course I do, Judy."
She turned to him with a smile and put a hand on his shoulder. "Might wanna get used to calling me Mom." With that, his chest tightened- holy cow, these were his future in-laws. As he wheeled up the driveway with Bay stealing glances at his chair, Artie felt Frannie accosting him from the left.
"I'm sorry; I didn't even bother to introduce myself. Hi, Artie, I'm Frances." She held a hand out to Artie's, nails painted the same exact color as her daughter's. He took a second to shake her outstretched hand and sent her a smile.
"Well, if we're gonna be in-laws," Artie gave a smirk, "I guess I oughta start calling you Frannie, huh?" She smiled, albeit condescendingly.
"Frances is good." And with that, Frannie- Frances - picked up her daughter and increased her pace into the house. Artie had to shut his eyes and reflect on that for a second…Tough but fair, he kept repeating in his mind. With a sister who had been through as much as Quinn, he could see why she'd be protective over her, no matter how independent he had become. Though, he knew for a fact that as long as he had Quinn's heart in his hands and that ring on her finger, she'd be safe from anything that Frannie could possibly be worried about.
It took Artie a few seconds to realize Quinn had trailed back and was now walking next to him. "Don't let Frannie get to you. This is all a test." She whispered. It wasn't exactly like Artie needed her "approval"…But it would be nice to be comfortable around his in-laws for, oh, the rest of his life. He made a mental note that within this week he would gain Frannie's approval.
"I've always done pretty well in tests…" Artie chuckled; high school nerd humor. "…Think I'll pass this one?" Quinn placed her hands on his shoulders and gave them a squeeze.
"I know you will." She placed a kiss on his cheek and ushered him across the front porch and into the house. He was taken aback- the house was even bigger inside. Spotless white walls, marble, baby pictures of the girls placed sporadically about. A redheaded, bespectacled Lucy Quinn Fabray stared back at him. Quinn noticed him staring at the picture- she had been awfully cute, no matter how much she didn't want to admit it. Sometimes she wore her glasses around the apartment, and Artie believed she was just as beautiful, if not more- something about those black-framed rectangle lenses that screamed confidence. He looked up at the Quinn he was engaged to, then back down at Lucy.
Artie took her by the hand. "Gorgeous then, gorgeous now." He smirked. Quinn rolled her eyes at his compliment, but she didn't need to say that it meant a lot for him to know it did.
"Okay, time for dinner!" Judy exclaimed. "I've set the table, so….dig in." Quinn tugged Artie's hand and pulled him into the lavish dining room. He felt like he'd be dining with royalty by the look of the china and chandelier. And he supposed that in a way, he was. Artie maneuvered himself into a seat at the dinner table and pushed his chair behind him. Quinn sat to his left, and Judy sat across from them. Frannie sat to Judy's left, and a tall man with large, dopey ears and neatly coiffed hair sat next to her. Artie figured that was Ethan Caraway, Frannie's husband…Perhaps he could get a few words in with him about what it's like to be an in-law to the Fabray family. And lastly, little Bay sat herself at the head of the table. Oh, she definitely had her aunt's confidence.
The family sat in comfortable silence until everyone was comfortable and seated. When they were, Judy stood with her glass of Coca Cola. She even drank soda out of a wine glass. Artie felt Quinn squeeze his hand under the table, snapping him out of his thoughts. He squeezed back, and the two shared a glance. He watched as her mouth curled up into a sly, secretive smile. He gave her one of his own. Then, Judy began speaking.
"Well…" she began, glancing around the dinner table. "…I'm glad to have my two beautiful daughters here with the loves of their lives. I made this speech three years ago at Frannie's wedding, so I'll spare you two." Artie remembered that speech, since he had been Quinn's date to that wedding. But of course, then they were only friends and he wasn't getting the third degree from her sister. "We're here to celebrate Quinnie's engagement. This family has had its ups and downs..." Judy looked down at the table, then back up with a brighter, happier expression. "…But as of now, we are perfect. Frannie has started her own beautiful family. Quinnie is getting married, and hopefully babies won't be too far away." Artie felt Quinn tense up next to him. "And me? Well I, Judith Mae Henderson am three years sober from a long struggle with alcoholism. And while I'm single with an empty nest in this huge house, I'm happy…Because my daughters are happy, and they have very bright futures ahead. Here's to the future." He noticed that she'd reverted back to her maiden name since the divorce. She held up her glass, and everyone held theirs up in return.
"To the future." He heard Quinn repeat quietly, before squeezing his hand under the table once more. Over the next half hour or so, the family ate and discussed just what Judy's speech was about- the future. Mostly the wedding. It was then did Artie truly notice how much the wedding meant to the bride. When Judy asked Quinn what kind of napkins she planned on getting, Artie's mind automatically went to "Who cares?" but the three blonde women in the room had a heated debate between cotton and cotton-linen blend. It was kind of cute, actually, seeing Quinn be so passionate and invested in the event. Every once in a while, Artie would catch an exasperated glance from her…She was quickly becoming overwhelmed, but the best kind of overwhelmed.
After dinner, they all went their separate ways- Judy, Frannie, and Quinn in the dining room flipping through scrapbooks, and while Artie wanted to stay by Quinn's side, she insisted he go watch a football game with Ethan- that he didn't want to hear all the "girl talk".
He took a seat in a loveseat next to the sofa where Ethan sat. The two boys- okay, Artie had to get used to calling himself a man- sat in silence until Ethan spoke. "So…Excited to become a part of the family?" His question had a hint of sarcasm in it.
"Excited…terrified…" Artie chuckled. "Any idea how to get on your wife's good side? Q tells me she likes to test her sister's suitors." He watched as Ethan exploded with laughter.
"Sounds like Frannie." He rolled his eyes. "Don't let her scare you."
Artie gave a nod, then dared ask the question. "…So…what's it like? Being married? Especially to a Fabray?"
Ethan's mouth twisted as he searched the ceiling for answers. "Well- married life is awesome…To me, at least. I guess it's different for everyone. And as for being married into this family…Well," he lowered his tone, ",it never stops being intimidating. But after a while, you'll fit right in, I guarantee." Artie gave a nod, a sigh, and a smile. That gave him a nice little boost- he wanted nothing more than to feel like a part of this family for Quinn. He grew up with his mother being hated by his father's side of the family, and Artie never wanted to feel that way, especially with the love of his life.
Out of the corner of his eye, Artie saw Frannie in the doorway. "Ethan, Bay just woke up from her nap and refuses to go back down. Could you…?" He watched as Ethan sprung up from the sofa and nearly jogged upstairs. Artie had no doubt that this was Frannie's way of getting alone time with him. He tried to pretend that she didn't terrify him to the core as she made her way across the room and sat where her husband once sat. Her eyes- a dark green compared to Quinn's light hazel- were intent on him. She didn't say anything, and Artie wondered if she was attempting to read his mind or set him on fire or do something paranormal. But maybe that was just his inner Stephen King speaking.
"My little sister has been through a lot of shit." She said. Artie gave a nod. He knew that. He and Quinn often lay in bed together, sharing their darkest times and just…listening. He truly believed he knew her innermost vulnerabilities. But he couldn't bring himself to admit that to Frannie. Maybe that was her superpower- the power of intimidation. "Heartbreak, giving up her child for adoption, our dad…She doesn't need to add another broken heart to this list." Her eyes narrowed.
Slowly, Artie brought himself to say, "….I know. And I would…never break her heart. I wouldn't dream of it." Frannie examined him once more, and then gave a small chuckle. Her facial expression softened visibly before she turned back to him.
"You really love her, don't you?" she smiled. "…And she loves you to no end. She wouldn't shut up about Artie Abrams the Fantastic." Artie gave an uncomfortable laugh, not able to tell if Frannie had been putting on a tough girl front this entire time or if she was extremely bipolar. "I'm sorry I gave you the third-degree. I'm just really protective over her, and I was kind of hoping to crack this little perfect mold that you've got going on, but…I guess I can't. I'm glad Quinn is marrying someone like you. If that girl brought home another brainless jock, I don't know what I would have done."
Artie was taken aback by her sudden friendliness, but figured he should have been happy- did this mean he passed her test? "Well, scrawny little nerd over here." Artie played it up, adjusting his glasses, even though Quinn insisted that the muscles in his arms were to die for. The nerdier he appeared to Frannie, the better, he assumed. "And I promise that I will never break your sister's heart. You can hold me to that."
Frannie gave a nod and a smile. "I'm glad we had this talk. Expect the most emotional, tearful Maid of Honor speech at your wedding reception, Brother-in-Law." She stood from the sofa and exited the room. And for what felt like the first time in hours, Artie exhaled. He passed.
That night, Artie found himself in Quinn's old bedroom. Judy hadn't changed a thing since she went off to college, so the pink and green teenage girl décor was scattered about. Oh, how he'd dreamt of being in this room all of high school. Quinn came into the room in her nightgown and sat next to him on the bed.
"So…are you willing to risk your sanity to become a part of this family?" she challenged, her head on his shoulder. Artie gave a chuckle.
"I'm already risking my sanity by marrying a woman completely out of my league, aren't I?" he smirked. Quinn gave his leg a swat (that he could feel ever-so-slightly. But she still didn't need to know…not just yet.)
"Untrue." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "They love you, you know." She said quietly.
Artie gave a gratified sigh. "…I know." He smiled.