Quinn left the hotel in complete shock. She had nearly kissed Rachel. She really hadn't meant to do. She was pretty sure that Rachel was the one to make this first move. That couldn't have happened, it must have been wishful thinking and adrenalin running through her veins. What was she thinking? This wasn't how she expected things to play out.
Quinn made her way across town and found herself on Tracey's door step. Her friend wasn't too pleased to see her at first but Quinn had begged for forgiveness and told her what was going on; everything from the birth of Beth to leaving New Haven to get away from her feelings for Rachel. She confessed to Tracey the whole messed up history that she shared with Rachel - the bullying, the slushies, the pornographic pictures, the name calling, the boyfriend stealing, the car crash, the friendship and the heartbreak.
Tracey had been shocked and teased her for a while before Quinn had broken down in tears. Then Tracey had quickly changed to best friend mode and had hugged and reassured her that everything was going to be ok. Once Quinn had stopped crying Tracey tried to get confirmation of what was going on.
"So what's going to happen between you and Helena now?" she gave the blonde a reassuring look.
"I'm not sure. I should speak to her. I've not heard from her today and I thought I'd give her some time. She doesn't know that I loved Rachel. She just thinks I walked out on my best friend. I don't really know what to say to her. I don't want to hurt her."
"I walked in on her and Rachel hugging yesterday. I gave her a gentle warning. I thought she was cheating on you! Now I feel a bit stupid. I mean if anyone's gonna try to get into Rachel's knickers it's you!" Quinn flushed at the other women's comment.
"Trace please don't. I feel awful. They're really good friends. I hope they remain that way I don't want to ruin their friendship."
"Do you love her?"
"Of course I do. I told her I was trying my best to get over her, but I've been trying to get over her for years. I finally thought I was moving on with Helena but now I've seen her again I just can't help the way I feel. I can't believe I actually told her!"
"I meant Helena!" she professed.
"Oh… well, I'm not sure. I care about her. I think one day maybe I could. I want too. I just, she's not Rachel, and she'll never be Rachel. I didn't think it mattered until I saw Rachel again. I thought that I could move on and start off fresh with Helena. I know Rachel will never want me in that way I want her and Helena does and she's perfect for me. We could be good and now I've messed everything up. I wish I could just stop the feeling I have for Rachel but I can't."
The duo sat and talked for the rest of the afternoon. Quinn congratulated Tracey on her big break and told her how proud she was of her. However in all honesty she barely noticed Tracey on the stage she couldn't keep her eyes off of Rachel.
When Tracey had left for work Quinn had wandered back to Piccadilly Circus and sat watching the world go by.
It was time to go and see Beth before she knew it. She made her way to the rainforest cafe restaurant and waited for the Corcoran's to arrive.
Once Shelby and her daughter arrived they all exchanged quick hugs before their waiter arrived and took them to be seated. Beth had asked to sit by an elephant which the waiter accommodated. It felt good being in their presence. They made Quinn feel welcome. It was a strange experience for the blonde but a happy one. Shelby and Beth had happily invited her into their world with open arms and Quinn was very grateful for that. The first half an hour was very light conversation. Quinn filled Beth and Shelby in on her life since New York. Beth happily told Quinn about all her favourite things in the world. Quinn soon realised that Rachel was very high up on the list of Beth's favourites. "My favour film is Funny Girl, Rachel and I watch it all the time!", "I love strawberry vegan ice cream that's mine and Rachel's favourite!"
"My ballet teacher thinks I'm very good. That's because Rachel gives me extra lessons at home."
Quinn wasn't sure who she was jealous of more, Rachel for spending so much time with Beth or Beth for spending so much time with Rachel. But she knew without a doubt that she would be eternally grateful that they had one another. Beth adored Rachel, and of all the people her daughter could choose as a role model, Rachel Berry was the ideal candidate.
"You really love Rachel don't you?" she confirmed.
"I do Rachel is my favourite!" she said proudly with a big smiile.
Did you enjoy seeing Rachel in wicked Beth?" Quinn asked with a megawatt smile.
"It was the best thing ever! Wicked is my favourite musical and Rachel is my favourite star. She was wonderful!" the child beamed.
"What song was your favourite?"
"I really like defying gravity... It really highlights Rachel's vocal range." she stated matter of factly.
Quinn couldn't help but laugh. Her daughter had turned into a mini Rachel Berry.
"I asked Rachel about you the other day..." Beth confessed.
"You did huh?" Quinn was intrigued.
"I was worried that you might not be a nice person." Shelby looked shocked at Beth's words. Where would she get such an idea from? Shelby shot Quinn a reassuring glance. Although really she was slightly concerned about what Beth was referring too.
"Oh we'll that's..."
"You aren't though, just like Rachel said. I was just scared because I heard mommy tell grandma C that you made Rachie sad and I didn't want to be your friend if you did. Because I love Rachie."
Shelby mouthed a silent sorry to Quinn.
"Beth Hunnie I'm sorry that I hurt Rachel too. I really didn't mean to. She is an amazing person and I love her too! And I'm going to do my best to make it up to Rachel."
"Well that's good then. Maybe in the future we can all be friends."
Quinn smiled at the child's words. Her baby was so grown up and so much like Rachel.
"I'd like that too." She said hopefully.
The conversation flowed effortlessly between the trio. Quinn was mesmerised by the 5 year old. She was so grateful to Shelby for giving her an amazing life. Beth was healthy, happy and loved, what more could she want for her daughter.
"How long are you in town for?" Quinn addressed Shelby.
"We are here until next Sunday, then we have to get back to New York."
"Would it be ok if I see you both again while your both still in town?" Quinn asked Shelby.
"Of course that would be super" a smiley tiny blonde answered drawing Quinn's attention to her.
Shelby smiled at the child's eagerness and Quinn looked back to Shelby for confirmation. "Of course Quinn. That would be lovely. Leroy and Hiram are also arranging a meal for our last night here maybe you could come to that too. I'm sure Rachel would like it. "
"I'll check with Rachel but if she agrees that sounds great."
"She won't mind. She told me you're friends again. I like when my friends come round for dinner."
Over the next hour the trio enjoyed their dinner. Afterwards, Quinn asked if she could buy Beth a gift from the gift shop which Shelby agreed too. Beth chose a necklace with a monkey on it. When it was time to leave Quinn took it out of the bag and placed it around Beth's neck.
"Thank you Quinn I love it, it's so pretty." the child smiled.
"Why did you choose the monkey Beth?" Quinn asks.
"Monkeys are really cool. They are just like humans, but they don't talk and climb trees a lot. Mommy says I'm just like a monkey sometimes."
"Correction, sometimes I wish you were a monkey and give your mouth a break." they all laughed.
Quinn walked the Corcoran's back to their hotel before giving both women a hug. Beth saw Hiram and Leroy in the foyer and quickly said goodbye before running to greet them.
"Quinn thanks you for a lovely evening."
"Thank you Shelby... for everything. You are an amazing mother. Thank you for being her mom. It means a lot to me. Knowing she's safe and happy and loved so very much."
"Thank you Quinn for giving me the most beautiful child. She completes my world. I can't imagine my life without her. She's incredible. You should be so proud to have created such an amazing child."
"It doesn't take much to create a child. But it takes a wonderful mother to raise one so well." Quinn said sincerely.
"Thank you for saying that Quinn. I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job. I was wondering if you'd maybe want to keep in contact? Even after we leave. It's ok if not. I'd understand."
"Of course. I would love that. The only reason I was hesitant before was because I was afraid she would reject me. I didn't think I could deal with that. Now I know that's not an issue I'd very much like to be a part of Beth's life. I'd love to get to know her ."
"I'm glad you feel like that. I'd love for that too and I know Beth would. Do you think you'd like to spend some time with her alone while we are in town?"
"I would love to if that would be ok with you and with Beth?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes I think it would be good for you and her. I know she's only 5 but she's got a big heart. I think when I'm around she'll hold back with you a little. She doesn't want to hurt me by being with you."
"Shelby I'm sorry I didn't think." Quinn confesses guiltily.
"No need to apologise. I'm not hurt. When Rachel was little I wasn't able to see her and that was hard. I think in the long run it hurt me and Rachel greatly. I don't want that for Beth and you. I want her to know you."
Quinn pulled Shelby into her arms
"Thank you. Thank you so much!"
After a tearfully goodbye, Shelby promised to text Quinn to arrange another meet up. Quinn was excited and nervous about spending time with Beth on her own but more so excited. She vowed to see as much as her as she could while she was in town.
Quinn got home showered and got into bed she had no energy to do much else. She was tired from no sleep the night before but also emotional drained from the day's events.
As she lay in bed she couldn't help but smile as she played the day's events over in her mind. Rachel had not rejected her at her confession. They could still have a friendship. She had the girl back in her life and she was determined to keep it that way. Beth and Shelby had welcomed her with open arms. She couldn't have asked for a better day. She knew she shouldn't but couldn't fight the urge to send Rachel a message.
'Good night super star. Sweet dreams. Q x'
'Hope tonight went well with Beth. Sweet dreams to you too. R x' she got a kiss now that was progress on yesterday's messages.
'It went really well. She is incredible. She didn't stop talking about you all evening she adores you! Must be in those Fabray genes. Q x'
There was no denying that now she was shamelessly flirting with the brunette. She quickly sent another message to follow:
'I'm sorry if that was out of line. Q'
She promptly received a reply.
'No need to apologise. I adore her too. She's special to me… must be those Fabray genes! Sweet Dreams Quinn. R'
Quinn was a little shocked by the message. If she didn't know better than to think that Rachel was flirting back with her. She couldn't lie to herself she loved it.
Another message followed. She grabbed her phone eagerly excited to see what Rachel had to say. But she soon realised that the message wasn't from Rachel.
"Hi Q. How are you? I miss you. Are you free this week? H x'
Helena message brought her out of her Rachel Berry daze.
She needed to see Helena soon and talk about what was happening. Explain about Beth and Rachel. She just didn't know how to tell her girlfriend that she was in love with her best friend. Did she tell her even or did she give her a milder version of the truth. Either way she needed to get it over with.
'Hi H I'm sorry for not being on touch sooner. Had a mental day. Could we meet tomorrow day? I'm working in the evening but would like to see you. We need to talk.'
'yes I'm free until later afternoon. Will call by around 11.'
'ok fine. See you then. Good night.'
Tomorrow was going to be another interesting day that was for sure.