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Quinn P.O.V.
I laughed as Artie spun his chair around in circles with Brittany dancing around him, both of them smiling happily and dancing like they didn't have a care in the world. Beside them, Mike was gliding around Tina who was giggling like a little girl while Kurt shimmed against his date, Blaine who'd we met early. Santana was grinding against Puck in the corner while Mercedes and Sam had snuck off somewhere to make out.
I held Rachel close to me and rocked her back and forth to the beat, it was pretty much the only dancing she could do at seven months pregnant, but that really didn't matter to either of us. As long as we were together and she was in my arms, I was happy.
I spun her around and pulled her closer, smiling as she laughed loudly and placed her hands on my shoulders. I grabbed both of her hands in mine and looked into her bright, shining eyes. "Are you happy, baby?" I asked.
She beamed, exposing two rows of perfectly straight white teeth. "I don't think I've ever been happier. Everything's just so perfect, it's everything I've ever imagined it to be."
"Good." I said, spinning her around so her back was pressed against my front. I rested my head on her shoulder and swayed our bodies back and forth, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her neck.
"How could I not be happy? I'm surrounded by the people I love and they're all having fun, although I'm not too sure about Kurt's date, did you know he's a Warbler?" she rambled.
I chuckled and placed my hands over her bump. "He seemed perfectly fine to me, baby. You're just mad because he didn't tell you about him before and just look how happy Kurt is. When's the last time you saw him laugh like that?" I asked.
"I guess you're right." She sighed as she relaxed against me. The music slowed its pace and changed into a slow song as couples rushed to the dance floor and began making out in the dim lighting of the gym.
"I think Audrey's happy too." I giggled as I felt out baby girl's soft thumps beneath my fingertips.
"She's dancing." She said, as she placed her hands on top of mine. "Our little girl is going to be so talented, I can see it now. She'll be the most beautiful girl in the world, next to you of course."
I laughed. "She'll probably sing before she talks and dance before she walks."
She sighed as the song ended, our swaying slowing until we were standing still in the middle of the dance floor. I grabbed her chin with my hand and forced our lips together, moaning as my body began to quiver under her touch. I could never quite describe the feeling I got when I was with Rachel, but I loved it. Never had I had anyone who knew me as well as she did or loved me as much as she did. She swiped her tongue against my bottom lip and I was just about to open my mouth to let her inside when we were interrupted by a loud screaming voice.
"What hell, Brittany? I was gone for five seconds and you're making out with Santana? I can't believe you would do this to me! How could you cheat on me after everything we've been through?" Artie yelled.
Santana stood beside Brittany, her arm around her waist and her lips pressed together in a smirk.
"What're you talking about, Artie? I didn't cheat, Santana's a girl, we have the same plumbing and she said it doesn't count, right?" she asked cluelessly.
"And you believed her? Can't you see that she only said that so she will get you to break up with me?" he asked, tears pooling in his blue eyes.
"I wouldn't break up with you, I love you and if Santana says we can still have sweet lady kisses without cheating then I don't see the problem." Brittany said.
"GOD, BRITANY, HOW CAN YOU BE SO STUPID?" he yelled. Brittany jumped back as if she'd physically been slapped.
Rachel gasped, her heart breaking for her friend, teats pooling in her eyes as her hormones got the better of her. "You were the only one who never called me that." Brittany cried as she ran from the gym sobbing.
"Way to go, Wheels." Santana smirked as she headed in the direction Brittany had gone.
"Not so fast, San." I said, detaching myself from Rachel and placing my hand over her chest to stop her. "I think you've done enough, don't you?"
She scoffed as she pushed past me, but I grabbed her arm. "I mean it, Santana! If you go after her, I'll ruin you." I snapped, making her jump to attention. No matter how much of a badass she claimed to be, she always seemed to forget that I knew the real Santana, the one who'd became my best friend back in middle school because we were both the ugly ducklings. No matter how tough she claimed to be, she was still my second in command and I'd rather let hell freeze over before she overstepped me.
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes and squeezed her way back onto the dance floor.
I sighed and shook my head, leave it to Santana to cause drama at prom. "Are you okay?" Rachel asked, her small hand slipping into mine.
I squeezed it lightly and pressed a kiss to her palm. "Can you go find, Brittany?" I asked, knowing that if she were to listen to anyone, it would be Rachel.
"Of course" she smiled sadly as she waddled off to find the distressed blonde.
As soon as I saw she made it out of the doors, I pushed my way through the crowd to find Santana grinding against some freshman football player.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I snapped as I grabbed her arm, dragging her away.
"What the fuck, Q? I'm trying to get my dance on." She growled.
"Why San? Why did you to that to Brittany and Artie? Everyone was happy until you had to go and ruin it." I said once we were in the privacy of the hallway.
"Don't I deserve to be happy too? Everyone else has someone besides me, Quinn. Do you know how much it hurts to see her with him when I know she should be with me? He doesn't deserve her or love her the way I do. He doesn't understand her the way I do." She cried.
I pulled her into my arms and held her as she cried into my chest. "I'm sorry, San, I really am."
She sniffled. "I just don't get it, I don't understand why she doesn't love me the way I love her."
I sighed as I stroked her hair, her sobs turning into hiccups and then nothing at all. "You know that you're special in your own way right?" I asked. "And you don't need Brittany or anyone else for that matter to tell you that. You're one of the strongest and most independent people I know, San. I need you to be strong, I need you to be a role model for my little girl because I want her to be just like her Auntie San." I smiled as she smirked, her eyebrow rose suspiciously. "Okay, maybe not exactly like you." I laughed, thinking of how much trouble a young Santana probably got in to.
"You're lucky, Fabray. You have someone that loves you more than they life itself, not even Barbra Streisand could keep the midget away from you. I know that you knocking her up wasn't really part of the plan" she laughed as I paled, realizing what she had just said "but you and Rachel are going to be great parents. Hopefully the kid takes after you though, I don't think I can tolerate another hobbit roaming around, wreaking havoc on everyone's poor innocent eardrums."
"Santana" I swallowed thickly. "D-do you know?"
"Know what?" she asked as she fluffed her perfectly curled hair.
"A-About me? About my. . .um my condition. That I'm the one who actually got Rachel pregnant." I stammered.
She stopped combing her hair and turned to look at me, her dark eyes piercing mine. She took in a deep breath and grabbed my hands. "You're my best friend, Q. We've been through hell and back together. I know we don't always see eye to eye on some things and we're constantly at each other's throats half of the time, but I know you. Maybe not as well as Rachel knows you, but I do know you and I've known for a while about your little friend." She giggled as I twitched.
I knew Santana had her suspicions about my condition. She'd made several references to me about having male genitalia and me being Rachel's 'baby daddy', but I always brushed them off with a nervous blush and let her think whatever she wanted. Besides, Santana wasn't the type of person to read too much into things like that and I knew that if I told her the truth, she wouldn't look at me any differently.
"I-I can explain, I'm not like a girl stuck in a guy's body or anything weird like that, I-I just. . .I don't know how to explain it, I was born with it and when I met Rachel I just-"
"Stop." She said, cutting me off. "You don't have to explain anything to me and honestly I'd be happy if you didn't."
"Thanks." I breathed in relief.
"You're still you, Quinn. Gender, race, none of that matters when it comes to our friendship. I find the whole chick with a dick thing kinda hot now that I think about it. Didn't know Yentle was into that sort of thing" She smirked. "Wanky."
I rolled my eyes. "You're unbelievable."
"So they say. If you and Corcoran are ever up for a little ménage átrois action, let me know. Rachel may be annoying and loud as fuck, but there's no denying the fact that she's got a tight little body even though she's pregnant and what not, she's still pretty hot." She smiled as I growled. "Easy there mama bear, I'm not after your girl and now that I think about it, you're not so bad yourself, Fabray. You could use a little tan though, maybe even a haircut, but I give you an 8 outta ten."
"That's enough, let's go." I snapped playfully. "I came here to dance, not to get al sappy with you."
"Aye-aye, captain." She saluted as we headed back into the crowded gymnasium.
Rachel P.O.V.
I huffed as I made my way towards the bathroom at the far end of the school. The hallway was dark and there wasn't a soul around, it was quiet except for the dull thrum of the music coming from the gymnasium.
I waddled my way around the corner, one hand on my swollen belly and the other one my sore back. I smiled as Audrey's kicks matched perfectly with the faint beat of the drum traveling down the hallway. She wasn't even born and she already had a passion for music.
"Brittany?" I called out as I got to the end of the hall.
A muffled noise pierced the air in response and I jumped back in fear. "Britt-Britt, is that you?"
Again another muffle followed by a loud thump and I felt my heart jump into my throat. Out of instinct, both of my arms wrapped their way around my middle, protecting my unborn child.
"H-hello?" I whimpered as I slowly crept around the dark corner.
A loud scream pierced the air and I jumped in shock, my heart threatening to pound right out of my chest. "Rachel? What the hell are you doing?" a voice yelled from the darkness.
"Mercedes?" I asked breathlessly, leaning against the wall for support.
"Damn girl, who else would it be?" she snapped.
"God, you scared me half to death. What are you doing out here?" I asked as I forced myself to calm down.
"I could ask you the same question." She said, stepping into the light where I could finally see her. Her hair was slightly mused, her makeup smeared, her dress was rumpled, and she was panting through her red and swollen lips.
I smiled as realization washed over me. "You haven't seen Brittany have you?"
"She went that way." Sam said pointing towards the opposite hallway, his appearance looking just as disheveled as Mercedes'.
"Thanks." I smirked, heading in the direction he pointed. "Don't forget, they're announcing prom queen in a few minutes, I'll need your support when Quinn and I win."
"Sure." Sam smiled cheekily.
"We'll be there." Mercedes said, pushing Sam back into the dark corner they'd come from, a sly smile playing across her face.
I laughed and shook my head remembering how Kurt and I both cornered Mercedes in the bathroom the other day, questioning her about her relationship with Sam and how she swore up and down that they were 'just friends'. After this, there'd be no more denying their attraction for each other, I made a mental note to let Kurt know that an emergency convention had to be held to discuss the status of their relationship as well as his and Blaine's.
I continued down the dark hallway towards the bathroom that all the Cheerios used. I only had a few minutes to find Brittany, console her, and convince her to come back with me before they announced the winners for prom queen.
"Britt, are you in here honey?" I asked as I gingerly pushed open the door.
"Rachie?" Brittany sniffled from her place on the floor. She was sitting against with her back against the wall, her legs sprawled out carelessly in front of her with her bright green dress rumpled around her knees. Her makeup had run down her face and her shoes were kicked to the side, little balls of tissues clutched in her fists as tears poured down her face.
"Oh Brittany, I'm so sorry!" I sobbed waddling as fast as I could towards her. The combination of my hormones being out of control and seeing someone as innocent as Brittany crying broke my heart and I felt the tears spring to my eyes.
Brittany chuckled as I hobbled over to her lowering myself to the ground as slowly and carefully as possible. "What're you doing here, Rachie? Shouldn't you be dancing with Quinn?"
"I was worried about you Britt-Britt, you looked so upset when you ran off and I had to come check on you." I said, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.
"Why? You probably think I'm stupid just like everybody else does." She said sadly.
"I don't think you're stupid, in fact you're one of the smartest people I know." I smiled.
"R-really?" she asked as she wiped away a few stray tears.
"Of course." I nodded as I leaned against the wall, placing my hands on my belly. "Every time I'm sad or feeling blue, you always know what to say to cheer me up. You're an amazing dancer and a great friend, Brittany, just because you may not be book smart doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you have other talents. You're not afraid of what others think of you and you're so confident. Remember when Quinn and I first told everyone that we were having a baby?" I asked as she nodded. "You were the very first one to say that it was going to be a girl and you were right."
"But that doesn't mean anything, Rachel. Artie called me stupid and that hurt my feelings, I don't know if I can forgive him." She sighed.
"I don't think he really meant it, Britt, I think he was just upset. And I think you should forgive him, everyone deserves a second chance, right?" I asked as I swallowed thickly. I couldn't help but wonder where I would be if I hadn't given Shelby a second chance and I was so thankful that I had, there was no way I'd be able to make it through this pregnancy without her. Quinn was great, she was so caring and protective of Audrey and me. It seemed like she'd matured overnight, becoming a responsible woman with a job to support her family.
"I guess, but I don't think I want to be his girlfriend anymore." She said.
"Why?"
"I don't think I love him, Rachie." She whispered. I blinked in shock, but didn't say anything. "Do you get butterflies in your tummy when you and Quinn hold hands?"
"Yes." I nodded. "All the time."
"That's because you love her, right?" she asked, her blue eyes wide with curiosity.
"I suppose so."
"I don't get those butterflies when I'm with Artie. Not even when we kiss or have sexy times." She said.
"So if you don't get them with Artie, then who do you get them with?" I asked nervously.
She blushed, a small smile creeping upon her face. "San."
I smiled as I grabbed her hand. "Then I think you have your answer, Brittany. Maybe you and Artie are better off as friends, but I still think you should forgive him."
"I guess you're right, even if he was being mean, he's still my friend. I'll forgive him, it'll just take some time." She whispered sadly.
"You'll be alright, Britt, you're strong. Come on, we've got to get back so we can see who's going to win prom queen." I said, pushing her shoulder so she'd stand up.
She shook her head. "I don't wanna go back, Rachie. I don't have anyone to dance with."
"I'll be your dance partner, you'll have two dance partners." I said, rubbing my belly.
"Yay!" she squealed as she jumped up from the floor. "I'm the luckiest girl, I get two pretty girls to dance with, you and Ducky." She smiled.
"She has been waiting to dance with her Auntie Brittany all night." I smiled.
"Okay." She said excitedly, straightening out her dress and fluffing her hair. "I'm ready."
She turned towards the door and started to make her way back to the gym when I called out. "Um, Brittany. Do you think you could maybe help me up?" I asked as I struggled to sit up.
"Oh." She giggled as I rolled to the side in a pathetic attempt to stand, scowling as my dress touched the floor. Who knew what sorts of germs there were in here? "It must be hard for you to walk around with your big beach ball belly, you're so tiny, but your tummy is so big!"
I sighed. A few weeks ago, a joke like this would have sent me into hysterics, now I just laughed along with her. Yes, my belly was a pain and it prevented me from ever finding a comfortable position to lie in, but I loved it. I loved the soft feeling of the round flesh beneath my fingertips, knowing that just beneath a few layers of skin was my baby girl, my angel. At first it freaked me out, the idea that someone else had invaded my body and demanded that I take care of them, but now I couldn't imagine my life without her. It sounded so cliché, but I honestly never thought I could love anything as much as I love my baby. She was nothing but a black and white blob on the screen at my ultrasound when I first saw her and she already had my heart and everything I could possibly give.
"Up you go!" Brittany exclaimed as she grabbed my arms as pulled me to my feet. I winced as my back screamed in protest and my feet ached from dancing. "Are you okay, Rachie?" she asked, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"I'm fine, just a little sore that's all." I smiled weakly.
"We don't have to dance if you don't want, I can always dance with Mike or Quinn." She said.
"No, no it's okay." I said, shaking my head. "Why don't you head back to the gym, I'm just going to freshen up before they announce the winners and then we'll have our dance, okay?" I asked.
"Okay!" she said excitedly. "I just know you and Quinnie are gonna win, you're both so pretty and popular." She said as she dashed out the door and back to the dance floor.
I breathed heavily though my nose as a slight cramp ran through my abdomen. Dr. Wu had warned me that this might happen as my pregnancy progressed and that as long as I wasn't in any pain that it was perfectly normal. However, what wasn't normal was the way she seemed to be moving. She'd been in a funny position since I'd woken up that morning, but she hadn't been moving as much as she usually does until now and it was extremely uncomfortable.
"Come on baby girl, relax. I know you're nervous, I'm nervous too. All I want for me and mommy is to win prom queen and I think we have a really good chance, don't you?" I asked as she thumped in response.
I washed my hands and smiled at myself one last time in the mirror, smoothing my hands over my dress. Mercedes had done a wonderful job with the design, my dress was long and flowing and showed off my newfound cleavage and baby bump.
I stepped out into the hallway and immediately received a flurry of movement and kicks from my unborn child. "Oh!" I gasped as I leaned against a row of lockers to catch my breath, my arms instantly wrapping themselves around my stomach.
"What's wrong baby girl?" I asked, stroking my belly as an eerie feeling radiated through me. "Why're you so upset?" I frowned, leaning my head against the lockers, closing my eyes. I relaxed and breathed steadily, relieved when Audrey relaxed as well.
I rested there until her movements subsided and turned into the occasionally nudge every so often. I took a deep breath and slowly open my eyes, taking in my surroundings. The dark hallway seemed to stretch on for miles ahead of me, the uneasy feeling getting stronger and stronger as I realized I had only a few minutes to get back to the gym.
Hesitantly, I pushed myself off of the lockers and began my walk down into the darkness. It was completely quiet except for the soft click of my heels and the low buzz coming from the vents. I knew I was alone, but that didn't take away the nervous feeling I had. I brushed it aside and convinced myself that I was just nervous for the announcements. I focused on getting to the end of the hallway and through the double doors that would lead me straight into the gymnasium.
I walked or rather waddled faster, tempted to start sprinting. My heart started beating faster and faster and my palms begin to sweat. I didn't know why I was so afraid, it wasn't like I was in any danger. I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding when the red doors came into view, the music that was blasting inside vibrated through the hall and I felt my feet speed up almost as if something was dragging me towards the gym.
As I got closer, I could make out the faces of my classmates on the dance floor. The music stopped and Ms. Pillsbury and Principal Figgins took the stage followed by Coach Beiste and Coach Sylvester, each holding a sash and a crown.
I gasped as I forced my tired body to go faster when she picked up the microphone and began tearing at the first envelope. I was so close to the doors, I could practically feel the cool metal beneath my fingertips.
I watched as everyone made their way to the stage, brightly colored dresses and black suits stood in a straight line on stage, each anxiously waiting to see who the winner was. One dress stood out in particular, a white one worn by a tall, muscular girl with a halo of blonde curls piled neatly on her head. Her hazel eyes shown brightly, the green hue standing out more than the gold thanks to the brightly colored ribbon attached to her corsage. She was an angel, a rare gem compared to the rest of them. The way she stood out so exquisitely brought tears to my eyes.
Quinn Fabray, my angel.
"McKinley High's 2012 senior prom king is. . ."
Quinn P.O.V.
I pumped my fist high in the air and shook my head from side to side, smiling as Santana grabbed my other hand and danced around me. I was happy that we were able to work things out and that she'd finally came to an understanding of what and how she was going to work out her issues with Brittany.
Somehow I'd convinced her to tell her family first because if she was honest with them then she could be honest with Brittany. I felt a warm hand grab the one that was in the air for a second before I was spun in a circle and pulled back into a taller body.
"Brittany!" I yelled out the music as the other blonde danced around me, a huge smile on her face.
"Rachel says that you're my dance partner until she and Ducky come back!" she said as she rocked her hips to the beat of the music.
"Where exactly is Rachel?" I asked curiously.
"She's in the bathroom checking her makeup, she said she'll be back in time for the announcements." She said as she wrapped her arms around my neck playfully.
I rolled my eyes, only Rachel would take time to make sure everything was perfect beforehand. A nervous feeling settled in my stomach, we'd planned the night out accordingly, however, there was always a slight chance that we'd lose the campaign and if we did, there was no telling how Rachel would react. Sure she'd promised that she'd be perfectly fine with either, but with the way her hormones had been taking over recently, there was no telling how this night would end up.
"How long did she say she'd be?" I panted as the music cut off as Ms. Pillsbury took the stage. Brittany shrugged and took my hand again, dragging to me the stage to line up with the rest of the member in the court.
My heart pounded as I scanned the gym for Rachel, where could she be? There was no way in hell she would miss this, something had to be wrong. I scanned the crowd one more time noticing Santana who was looking at me skeptically. I nodded my head towards the door and watched as she pushed her way towards the back of the gym and out the door.
Ms. Pillsbury stepped forward and brought the microphone she was holding to her face. She held up a pink envelope and gingerly opened, the silence radiating throughout gym.
She cleared her throat delicately before taking a deep breath. "McKinley High's 2012 senior prom king or rather queen is Quinn Fabray!"
My heart stopped as my name was called out I stood still with my mouth opening and closing in shock.
"Yay Quinnie!" Brittany yelled as a roar of applause followed. I smiled unsurely and stepped forward towards Coach Sylvester who held my crown and sash. She patted me on the back as she draped the much too large sash over my shoulder and the crown on my head. I couldn't help but laugh at how ridicules I looked considering it was meant for a boy to wear.
I stayed in the front waiting for Rachel to step forward, to see her face in the crowd. I stood on my tiptoes, not caring how I looked and search for those big brown eyes that made my heart melt.
Ms. Pillsbury brought the microphone back to her lip, but I wasn't focusing on her. Where was Rachel, was something wrong with her or god forbid the baby? Why wasn't she here? It seemed as if time were standing still and everyone around me no longer existed. I could vaguely make out what the guidance counselor was saying or any of the looks from my classmates.
Suddenly the gym doors burst open and Santana barged through, a look of pure fear written across her face. I couldn't think and I couldn't breathe. I didn't recognize anything around me or register where I even was at the moment, the only thing I knew was that Rachel was in trouble and before I could stop myself I sprinted off stage and out the doors, following a panicked Latina through the halls.
"It's bad, Q. I couldn't find her, but there was blood." She panted as she sprinted ahead of me. "So much blood."
"Did you call the police?" I asked as I caught up to her, my surroundings becoming clearer as reality settled back into my mind.
"They're on their way. I don't know what happened, I was heading towards the bathroom that she always uses and when I walked past her locker there was blood everywhere." She said.
That was all I needed to hear before I turned around and sprinted towards the back hallway, the shortcut I took to get to Rachel's locker. Not many people knew about this part of the school, I'd discovered it purely by accident one day when I got a messages from Rachel telling me to meet her in the Janitor's closet for a quick make-out session before her next class.
"Wait up, Q!" Santana yelled, as she struggled to catch up with me.
"Call Shelby and Schue!" I yelled back as my feet carried me down the hall. I didn't have to focus on where I was going, the way to Rachel's locker had been burned into the back of my mind so fiercely that I could find my way there with my eyes closed.
I dashed down the halls, my thoughts filled with horrific images of my girlfriend lying beaten and bleeding. I pushed faster, my legs turning to liquid as I forced myself forward, my heels clomping noisily as I ran. I hit a corner and tore around it, catching my arm on the edge. Pain radiated through my body and I huffed as I continued my way, swearing at the massive bruise that was forming.
I skidded to a stop as I hit Rachel's locker, my body froze as I took in the trail of blood that laid in front of it. I felt my heart stop as I stood and blinked in shock, my worst fears were coming true before my eyes. Rachel was hurt, there was no denying that now.
I raked my hands through my hair in frustration, a few of the curls falling from the bun on top of my head. My girlfriend, the mother of my child and the love of my life was missing and I had no idea how to find her. I paced the floor angrily, bringing a manicured finger to my mouth, nervously chewing.
I tried to advert my eyes, to keep from looking at the trail of blood. Just the thought of it made me sick, but to know that it was my girlfriend's blood had me clamping a hand over my mouth so I didn't vomit.
I continued pacing back and forth becoming increasingly more aggravated. The second hand on the clock on the wall ticked loudly, reminding me that with each minute something bad was happening to Rachel. What if she were already dead by now? What if she'd bled to death while waiting for me to find her? I shook my head, there had to be another way.
The blood on the floor seemed to get bigger and bigger as if it were teasing me. I studied it closely and realized that is was in a straight line almost as if someone had trailed it behind them. The red sticky liquid began at her locker and lagged down the hallway, stopping at the janitor's closet that Rachel and I always hid out in to have some last minute sexy times.
I swallowed thickly before sprinting towards the closet yanking on the door only to realize it was locked. I yelled, kicking at it in frustration. "Rachel?" I called, pressing my ear against the door. "Baby, are you in there?"
"Please answer me baby, I need to know if you're okay. Open the door, I promise everything will be alright!" I called frantically.
There was no response, but I knew something was wrong. The trail of blood had dragged all the way from her locker and disappeared under the door to the closet. Carefully I reached into my hair, removing one of the millions of bobby pins Shelby had used.
I wiggled the pin into the lock, breathing heavily when it clicked open. Part of me wanted to rush in and find my girl, but the other part was terrified. Who knew what I would find on the other side of this door.
A dead body popped into my mind, cold, grey, and covered in blood. I took a step back as the images kept appearing. The body had long brown hair, Rachel's hair and in its arms was a tiny baby girl, also dead.
I flinched as tears sprung to my eyes, I couldn't believe how much of a coward I was being. Rachel needed me and instead of going to her, I was cowering in fear. I took a deep breath, placing my hand on the door before slowly turning the knob.
I took a step inside the dark room, the smell of blood completely overwhelming my senses. "R-Rachel?" I whispered.
Slowly I reached my shaking hand into my bra and pulled out my cellphone, the light allowing me to see. I looked around the room, nothing was out of place except for the large pile of blood coming from the corner. I shined the light over in that direction and paled with a pair of sparkling silver heels came into view. "Rachel!" I yelled, shining my light up farther, a tanned pair of bloody legs covered a ripped white dress becoming visible.
I stopped, slamming my eyes shut. I wasn't ready for this, I wasn't ready to loose Rachel. After everything I'd been through, everything I'd lost, this was the worst. I didn't believe in god like Rachel and Shelby did, but in the moment I would've given anything to be able to ask him for help, to ask him to not take my Rachel away from me.
Loud gasping noises filled the air and I realized I was sobbing. I walked slowly towards the corner, my whole body shaking in fear. I was halfway there when the door to the closet slammed and I jumped around in shock, coming face to face with an angry, blood-covered Steve clutching a small silver gun in his hand.
Immediately all my fear vanished and was replaced with hatred and anger and before I could stop myself an animalistic growl ripped from my throat as I stalked towards him completely defenseless.
He raised the gun, his index finger placed on the trigger. "You take one more step and I'll shoot." He snarled.
I panicked slightly realizing I had no way out of here, he was blocking the only exit. "Let her go, she never did anything to you. If you let her go, I promise you won't get your ass kicked."
He laughed, a crazed maniacal chuckle that pierced the air making me recoil. It was then that I noticed the gun wasn't pointed at me, but at Rachel. At this point I had no idea whether or not she was alive, but the anger that practically vibrated from him told me she was and he was not happy about it.
"You're pathetic." I snapped, dragging his attention away from Rachel's unmoving body and back to me. "Hitting a little innocent girl, kidnapping her. You're disgusting, men like you don't deserve to live."
"Me?" he roared, the gun still pointed at Rachel, but his gaze locked on mine. I was vibrating in fear, but I wouldn't let him know that. I only had to keep him from hurting Rachel for a few more minutes, just until the police found us and I was sure that Santana would lead them to Rachel's locker and then they'd find us. They had to, it was our only shot at getting out of here. "What about her?" he spat.
"She's a child you sick bastard, an innocent child with an unborn one inside of her. If you've harmed her or my child, I swear that I will not stop until your limbs are ripped from their socket and are on displayed from the public to see!"
"Just shut up!" he yelled, his booming voice making me jump in fear. "You're making an awful amount of threats, sweetheart and just like your little girlfriend here already knows, I don't take kindly to those sorts of things." He smiled as the tears poured down my face.
"Just let her go, you can have me. Do what you want with me, just leave Rachel alone." I begged.
"And why would I do that? I've spent so long trying to figure out a way to get back at her, to make her pay for what she did to me!" he yelled.
I gasped, the crazed look in his eyes and the way his body shook in anger represented something I'd seen or read about in psychology class. A sort of mental disorder that I couldn't remember the name of.
"I think you've got it wrong, Rachel's never done anything to you. You've been abusing her for no reason at all."
"No reason?" he bellowed. "This woman ruined my life, my childhood, my everything! All I ever wanted was to be loved by her, to see her happy and to make her proud, but no. She shoved me to the side like I was a piece of shit on the bottom of her show, she beat me down and made me feel worthless and now she's going to pay."
"B-but Rachel didn't do any of those things!" I stuttered. "She wasn't even alive when you were a child, you're getting her confused with someone else. You have to stop this, just let her go!"
"Shut up!" he yelled, his voice booming like thunder in the small closet, his eyes clenched shut in frustration. It was all I need to jump to attention throwing myself at Rachel's limp body.
A loud shot rang out and a stabbing pain hit my shoulder, but I barely noticed it. My hands were on Rachel's face, shaking her lightly, begging her to open those beautiful brown eyes that made my heart swoon.
"Rachel, baby please wake up. Please, you're okay now I'm here. I won't let him hurt you, I promise." I cried as I rubbed her arms, wincing at the feel of her cool skin beneath mine. She was always so warm, so loud, bubbly, and full of energy. I sniffled, my hand cupping her round belly. She was breathing thank god, but she wasn't moving and her eyes were closed in an unconscious state.
"She deserves to die." He said, raising the gun again. I hovered over her, my body shielding hers as I rubbed her belly.
"Please baby girl, just one kick. Just let me know you're okay." I whispered, my tears clouding my vision.
I heard his footsteps as he approached me, the cool metal of the gun placed at the back of my head. At this point I didn't care whether or not he killed me, I just needed Rachel to be safe.
"Move." He spat, pressing the gun harder against my skull.
I sobbed and threw my arms around Rachel, protecting her any way I could, my dress absorbing her blood and my shoulder throbbing in pain. I wanted to give in, anything to end the fear and pain ripping at my chest.
Suddenly footsteps were heard from outside, bright lights danced across the floor coming from the crack at the bottom of the door and I cried out in relief.
"This is the police!" A man yelled from outside. "Open the door and come out with your hands in the air!"
"What did you do?" he snarled, but I only shook my head, burying it in Rachel's soft curls.
"We'll give you one more chance before we'll take action!" the cop yelled. "Come out with your hands in the air!"
Steve backed away, the gun releasing its pressure on my head. I sobbed loudly as the door was kicked down, two large cops entering the room, both with guns pointed at Steve.
"Drop your weapon!" the taller cop demanded as Steve raised the gun to his temple. I shirked and covered both Rachel's eyes and mine as a loud shot rang out followed by the thud of a body.
I screamed as a hand was placed on my shoulder and I clung to Rachel with every ounce of strength I had left. "Its okay, Miss. Everything's going to be alright."
I shook my head and screamed as a paramedic pulled Rachel out of my arms, her limp body sagging as they lifted her onto the stretcher.
"N-no!" I yelled, swaying as I jump to my feet. "You can't take her from me! Stop it!" I screeched as I chased after them only to be stopped by Mr. Schue.
"It's okay Quinn, its okay. She's going to be alright, they're going to help her." He whispered as he pulled me into his arms.
"She's bleeding a-and the baby, Audrey, she's not kicking. I don't know what happened, I found her that way. They have to help her, they have to save them both." I cried.
"They will, Quinn. Just breathe sweetheart." Shelby cooed as she rubbed my back.
I stood there sobbing in their arms for minutes that seemed to last forever before I looked around. The paramedics had taken Rachel to the hospital and cops were everywhere, snapping pictures and collecting evidence.
"Q?" Santana asked as she, Brittany, and Puck hesitantly approached me.
"She's gonna be okay, right?" I asked, my lip quivering, more sobs threatening to rip from my throat.
"She'll be fine, she's a fighter. She ain't goin' down that easy." Puck said.
"She'll be alright, Quinnie. Her and Ducky and just sleeping, they'll wake up soon and then everything will be okay." She smiled weakly. "Here, I even got this for her." She said handing me the plastic crown and sash. "She'll want it when she wakes up."
I laughed sadly as I hugged them close to me, thanking god that I had them in my life while simultaneously praying for the doctors and nurse keep Rachel alive. "You hang onto it, Britt, make sure no one messes with my girl's crown." I said.
"I'll guard it with my life." Brittany nodded seriously as she pulled me in for another bone crushing hug. "I'm so happy you're okay, Quinnie. You and Rachie scared me so much."
"I know Britt, I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again." I whispered as she held me.
"Miss?" A paramedic asked, as she placed her hand on my arm. I hissed as I pulled away from her, leaning back into Mr. Schue's chest. "We'd like for you to come with us to the hospital and get your shoulder checked out." She said as she gently inspected the wound that had been bleeding down my arm. "It looks like the bullet just grazed you, but it's still pretty bad and you might need some stiches."
"O-okay." I said, grabbing Shelby's hand as I looked into her brown eyes, silently begging her to come with me.
"It's okay Sweetie." She whispered as she kissed my temple and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
We climbed into the back of the EMT, sitting on the bright red seats as the lights from above danced around us, the sirens echoing off of each other making difficult to hear my own thoughts. I squeezed Shelby's hand tighter and she smiled reassuringly, though I could see the fear in her eyes.
I looked back out the window at the crowd that had gathered outside McKinley. News reporters held microphones and tape recorders up to girls in their dresses, making up some story for the media. Lima was a small town, there was no doubt in my mind that people were saying anything they possibly could to get their five minutes of fame.
"Don't worry about them." Shelby whispered as she kissed my temple. "We'll get everything straightened out, the important thing is that you and Rachel are okay."
I nodded as I leaned against her, closing my eyes as we speed off towards the hospital.
I pictured my future with Rachel and our daughter. I was in the kitchen, cooking dinner waiting for my beautiful girls to come home. I stirred the pot carefully making sure not to spill anything when a beautiful little dark haired angel ran in and wrapped her arms around my legs, her huge brown eyes shining up at me as she bounced around excitedly.
I smiled and scooped her into my arms easily, almost as if she were made to fit there. She threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek as I stroked her soft hair.
Another pair of arms wrapped around my waist and a warm body pressed against me. I turned around and saw Rachel, my heart stopping as I took in her beauty. She looked so happy her brown eyes matching out little girl's, wide and excited.
It felt so realistic, almost as if I could feel her soft porcelain skin on my fingertips. I ran my fingers over her little freckled face, smiling as she giggled.
I opened my eyes, tears pouring from the uncontrollably. I was so tired of fighting, so tired of beating myself up over things that were out of my control. All I wanted was Rachel and our little girl, I just wanted to have that future with the two of them.
I ran on autopilot as the nurse stitched up my shoulder with Shelby by my side the entire time. Each time a doctor walked past I would ask about Rachel and the baby, but they kept telling me the same thing, that she was stable and that they were running all the tests they could to figure out what was wrong.
"It's not fair." I sniffled as the nurse finished up, leaving Shelby and I alone in the room.
"I know, Quinn. Neither of you deserved this, it's my entire fault I should have stopped him earlier. I should have been more concerned when the police said they couldn't find him, I should have done more to keep you and Rachel safe." She rambled, tears sliding her face.
"It's not." I said, shaking my head. "It's nobody's fault, Shelby. That bastard was sick, nobody could have known what he was going to do or what he was planning."
"I don't know how you're doing it, how you're staying so strong through all of this." She said in disbelief.
"I-I don't know either. Everything just feels numb now, like I know I'm here and I know I'm breathing, but I can't feel anything." I whispered.
She pulled me into her arms, my face buried in her chest. We sat there in silence for who knows how long, offering each other comfort and solace as we cried. There was a knock on the door, but neither of us moved nor said a word in response. The door opened slowly, a woman in a white coat walking through.
"Ms. Corcoran?" she asked, addressing Shelby.
"Yes, that's me." Shelby nodded. "Do you know anything about Rachel's condition?"
"Yes, if you follow me you can come and see her. She's sleeping now and she'll be out for a while, but we've stopped the bleeding and she's going to make a full recovery." She said as she led us out the door and into the halls.
We stopped in front of a door and when she pushed it open, I sprinted inside the numbness fading as soon as I saw my girlfriend, my angel. She looked so peaceful, lying there on the bed, her skin back to its normal golden brown and her bottom half blood free.
Relief flooded my body when I noticed her belly was still round and full, our baby protected and growing inside her. A small monitor was attached to her and the fast pitter-patter of my little girl's heartbeat echoed throughout the small room.
I was tempted to crawl into bed with her, to throw my arms around her and never ever let go, but I knew I couldn't. I walked over to her bed, sitting in the chair beside her. I reached one arm out and stroked her hair as the other lied in the sling next to my body. My entire left side throbbed in pain, but I didn't care, the only thing that mattered was that Rachel was safe.
I grabbed one of her hands and held it in mine, my thumb stroking over her soft skin. "You're gonna be okay baby, everything's gonna be okay."
Shelby sniffled as she took her place on the other side of Rachel, lacing her fingers together with Rachel's other hand just as the doctor walked in followed by a police officer.
"Ms. Corcoran, the Lima police department is here on behalf of Rachel. Since she's heavily medicated to allow her body to heal, she's not going to wake up for a while, however, they insisted they speak with you." He said as the heavyset man in uniform entered behind him.
Shelby nodded and left the room with the man, leaving me alone with Rachel and the doctor. I gripped her warm hand tighter as the doctor checked over her vitals, scribbling in his notepad as he went.
"Do you know when she'll wake up?" I asked weakly.
"It's hard to say with the amount of trauma she's suffered, it shouldn't be too long, a few days perhaps." He said.
"O-oh." I nodded, a small pain rippling through my chest when I realized I'd have to be without Rachel for more than a few hours. "She's going to be okay right? I mean, her and Audrey, they're going to be alright?"
"They'll be perfectly fine." He said confidently and I sighed in relief. "Her body just could not handle the stress it was under and as a result her body tried to force her into labor, luckily she didn't get very far and we were able to stop it. We've sedated her so that her body can rest, however, when she wakes up she'll need to take it easy. No lifting, running, heavy exercise, or strenuous activities."
I nodded and placed my hand on her soft belly. "Thank you, I'll make sure she gets lots of rest and stays stress-free."
"Good, she's going to need someone to look out for her for the next few months, especially since she's so close to her due date." He said.
"I'll make sure she takes it easy, we've only got a few weeks left of school so after that I'll keep her on bed rest." I yawned, the day's events finally taking effect on me.
"You should go home and get some sleep, we'll let you know if she's made any progress." He smiled as he opened the door.
"No thanks, I can't leave her. Especially now after everything's that's happened, I just need to stay close to her." I said, leaning my head against our joined hands on her bed.
"Technically visiting hours are over and I should have you thrown out, but I'll let it slide. Besides, I can see how much she means to you and I'll be damned if I let myself get in the way of something that special." He smiled as he left.
I relaxed against the bed, finally resting my pounding head. How could a day that was supposed to be meant for fun turn into such a disaster? How had I let things get so out of hand? I sighed, at least it was Friday and I didn't have to work tomorrow. My first day was Monday and I was extremely nervous.
I laughed softly, all I had to do was design some stupid cakes and I was still worried about impressing people. I guess that was the one thing that came along with being a Fabray, the need to impress and be the best was always present no matter what.
I remember when I first joined the Cheerios. I remember the sweat and numerous ice baths I'd had to take to prove that I was worthy of captain, to prove that I was the best. Every night I'd come home and workout until I couldn't move, until I was stronger and better than everyone else on the squad. I get up in the morning and purposely pick out a loser to slushy them so they'd know who was on top, so they'd remember who was better.
I looked back at the person I was and felt sick. How could I have been so shallow and so ignorant? I remember it's because of my parents or rather lack thereof. How I was born into a family who could care less about who you were and more about how successful and popular you could be.
I closed my eyes tightly, splaying my palm over Rachel's bump. "I promise I'll never treat you like an object. I don't care who you are or who you'll become as long as you're happy, baby girl." I whispered to her bump, my lips so close I could feel them brushing against the rough fabric of her hospital gown. "I promise I'll always have your back and I'll support you no matter what. I love you so much, Audrey, I need you to know that. I'll never give up on you baby girl, you and your mommy mean the absolute world to me and no one will ever be able to take that away."
I placed a soft kiss on her belly and laid my head down on the bed, my eyes fluttering closed, my body too tired to keep them open any longer.
I knew that after this Rachel and I would have to get serious about our futures. I knew Kurt had an idea for a nursery and we needed to get started on it sooner rather than later. I didn't know what Rachel's plans for college were yet, I knew she was thinking about Julliard, but recently her and Kurt had been focusing on another school in New York. I'd already applied for NYU, their interior design program was extremely well known and I could even minor in photography if I wanted. It didn't really matter if I got in or not, Rachel and I were going to New York no matter the cost. New York was her dream and I'd let hell freeze over before I kept her from achieving it.
I'd gotten a letter in the mail the other day from my internship. I wanted to wait until Rachel and I were alone to open it together, but it seemed like I'd have to wait even longer for that. It didn't really matter, as long as Rachel and Audrey were safe, everything would be okay.
I knew I needed to step up, to take responsibility and take care of my family. I knew it would be hard and that we'd have many challenges ahead of us, but with Rachel and our little girl by my side anything was possible. Just the idea of us being together with the support of our friends, Mr. Schue, and Shelby, I knew we would make it.
Author's note: So that was the next chapter, so sorry it took so long. I don't even have an excuse as to why I haven't updated, but thank you to those of you who've stuck with this story and haven't given up.
Please review and let me know that people are still reading this.
Thanks to my beta!