Thank you so much for the reviews! And the alerts and favorites too! They really motivate me to write. Here is a new chapter! Long by my standars xD.
"Kurt?"
"Why are you talking so low?"
"I just don't want to bother Quinn right now. She is in the next room."
"Why? Did you two have a fight? Do you need an extraction plan? Because I can come up with..."
"Kurt, this is serious."
Kurt noticed the urgent tone in his friend's voice and immediately stopped his antics. "Sorry. What's wrong, Rachel?"
"Quinn's dad is dead. Her mom called her and we are going back to Lima. I have asked for a few days off the play because I won't leave her alone in a moment like this. They put some resistance but I didn't care. She is my priority right now."
"Oh, wow. Is she okay? I know the man was practically non-existent in her life but it must have affected her somehow. He was his father after all."
"I don't know how she is. She has barely said a word since she found out and it's freaking me out a bit."
"Well, it's Quinn, honey. She bottles everything up. Just don't try to push her and simply be there for her. When she feels like opening up, she will. She always does with you. Don't worry. Can I do something for you in the meantime?"
"You are already doing it, Kurt. Thank you."
"That's what friends do."
"I have to go, Kurt, we are leaving right now to the airport."
"Okay, call me if you need anything at all. I'm here for you, guys."
"I love you Kurt."
"Love you too."
Rachel hung up the phone and went back to the bedroom to check on Quinn who was finishing packing the suitcase for them. She was completely focused on her task and didn't hear Rachel approaching her at the foot of the bed. Rachel cleared her throat in order to not startle her girlfriend, who seemed to be in really deep thought. Quinn looked up and gave her a tight smile.
"Hey. I'm done here. We can go." She shouldered their bag and waited for Rachel to move but the brunette only stepped forward and cupped her face in her hands with a soft expression in her eyes.
"Are you okay, Quinn?"
"You have asked me that three times already, I'm fine," she responded more harshly that she intended. Cursing her outburst, she closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before she opened them again. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I know you are only worried about me. But there is no need. I can assure you I'm really okay."
Rachel scrutinized her for a few more seconds before nodding slowly. She was going to take Kurt's advice and not force Quinn to talk about how she was really feeling right now. She knew it had to be complicated after everything that happened with Russell. "Let's go then."
The flight was mostly quiet. Quinn spent most of the time looking out of the window with her look lost while Rachel couldn't help but glance her way at every chance. Quinn was in a closed off mode and she was feeling helpless at the moment. When Quinn would catch her staring she would force a smile and would give a comforting squeeze to Rachel's hand to let her know that everything was okay.
They finally arrived at the Fabray house and Quinn stopped her steps in the driveway to turn to Rachel and take her hand.
"Thank you for doing this with me."
"You don't have to thank me. Where else I would be?"
Quinn smiled genuinely for the first time in hours and after kissing Rachel's knuckles softly, she opened the door and entered her former house, never letting go of the brunette's hand,
"Mom?"
"In the kitchen!" Quinn and Rachel heard Judy's voice loud and clear from the kitchen where she was probably killing time cooking something. Judy looked up as soon as she heard movement in the doorway and swiftly cleaned her hands with a cloth to greet her daughter like she deserved. She smiled widely when Quinn entered the kitchen and walked quickly to engulf her in a hug. She missed Quinn every day and she was happy to have her at home even if it were in this circumstances. Since Quinn went to Yale, visits were sporadic but who was she to blame her. Her girl was an adult now.
"Sweetheart," she whispered in her ear while she caressed her hair fondly. "I'm so glad you are here." She pulled apart to take a good look at her daughter. "You look fantastic. New York really suits you."
"Thanks, mom. I'm happy to see you too."
Judy then looked behind Quinn where a nervous Rachel was wringing her hands together. "Hi, Rachel. It's so good to see you. Come here, give me a hug."
Rachel smiled at Judy's words and hugged her for a moment before letting go. "I'm sorry it had to be this way. It was supposed to be a happy reunion."
"I know, right? But what can we do? It's life."
"Are you okay mom? I know you two didn't end up well, but he was your husband for many years. It has to be hard for you."
"I'm doing well, honey. I'm sorry he is gone now but honestly, I have been missing the man I married for a long time now. How are you?"
"I'm good. Has Frannie not arrived yet?"
"Her flight was delayed, but she should be here soon."
"Okay, well, we are going to put our things upstairs."
"Make yourselves at home, darling. We can talk about the funeral and some others things later."
Quinn swallowed tightly and nodded imperceptibly before turning around and walking out.
Judy, Quinn and Rachel were in the couch catching up and talking about their lives when Frannie finally showed up.
"I'm home!"
The trio stood up at the same time looking at the hallway where Frannie and her husband made their appearance before a little whirlwind bolted through the living room aiming towards Quinn, who barely had a second to react before the little girl was jumping in her arms giggling. Quinn gasped at the impact but she beamed at her niece once she recovered from her shock.
"What do we have here? Who are you, miss? Because you can't be my niece. She was a lot shorter the last time I saw her."
"Auntie Quinn! It's me! Phoebe!"
"Really? I don't believe you!" She scooped her up higher in the air and took a closer look while making exaggerated faces which made Phoebe laughed heartily. "Oh. I see it now. It's true! You are my favorite niece in the world!"
"I'm your only niece, auntie."
"That's doesn't matter! I have missed you so much, kid." She pulled the little girl closer to her and kissed her sloppily in the cheeks while Phoebe scrunched up her face. Quinn knew that she hated when people did that, so it was only funny for her.
"She was dying to see you, sis," Frannie spoke looking fondly at the pair. She moved forward to give her sister a one arm-hug. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good, thanks. Hi, David."
He smiled charmingly at her. "Quinn. Judy. As pretty as always."
"You are shameless," Judy commented laughingly and he just shrugged.
Quinn looked at Rachel, who had remained silent watching the interaction between them since the family entered the household. Before she could say a word, Phoebe won her to it pointing at the brunette. "Who is she?"
"I'm Rachel," she responded at the little girl softly.
"Yeah, she is my..." She looked at Frannie in doubt of what to say but her sister only watched on with amused eyes at her sister's trouble. "She is my special friend," she settled.
"Cool."
Quinn chuckled. "Very cool, indeed," she agreed looking at Rachel. She dropped the girl down on the floor cautiously because her back was starting to make strange noises and she wasn't about to risk it. Phoebe pouted and Quinn tossed her hair. "Sorry, kiddo, but you are growing up really fast and I'm not that strong anymore."
Frannie snorted. "God, you are such an old lady." Quinn glared at her and Frannie turned to Rachel. "I'm glad to see you again, Rachel. I don't think you have met my husband, David."
"I haven't. It's a pleasure to meet you." They shook hands and Phoebe, bored with the adult conversation already, pulled on Quinn's sleeve persistently.
"Quinn!"
"Yes?"
"I want to play!"
"I..." She looked around her for help because she didn't want to disappoint her niece but they needed to talk about Russell now that they were all here. "Why don't you go ahead and I'll come later on? I need to talk some things with your mom and grandma." Phoebe frowned, not really pleased with the answer. Then an idea came to her mind. "You know what, I'm sure Rachel will be delighted to play with you. Why don't you show her your toys?"
Rachel's eyes widened comically not having expected that, and whispered in her ear frenetically. "She doesn't know me, Quinn. And the only experience I have is with Beth."
"Nonsense. You'll do great." Quinn pushed her lightly towards Phoebe, which earned her a mocking glare from Rachel and laughs from everyone else. "Have fun you two. I'll be there soon."
When the two of them disappeared into the next room, Quinn turned around to address the rest. "I guess we should talk about his funeral."
The three women took a seat on the couch and David chose to leave them alone while he went to the kitchen to read some papers from work.
"It's going to be a simple service. Nothing fancy."
"Didn't he have anyone to take care of this?"
"No, apparently he has been alone for quite a while now. And we were his family whether we like it or not, Frannie. It's on us," Judy stated.
"I know. I just hate... all this stuff."
"Almost everything is planned already. But you two are going to say a few words or...?"
"Are you serious?," Quinn growled.
"I'm sorry but I have to ask. You are his daughters. People are expecting it. But I'm not going to force you to do anything, honey. It's your decision."
"I'm not going to stand up and spew things I don't feel, mom."
"Okay. I understand. What about you, Frannie?"
"I..." She looked apprehensively at her sister. "Maybe I can say a little something. If it's okay with you Quinn."
"Whatever."
Frannie and Judy shared a sad look while Quinn looked stubbornly at the floor. Judy sighed and took something out of her pocket. She swallowed tightly afraid of how her daughter would react to the news. Quinn wasn't in the best mood and she didn't want to upset her anymore. She knew how hard this must be. "This is for you."
Quinn examined the letter in her mom's hand and scowled. "What is that?"
"He left you a letter. They brought me some things this morning before you came and this was with it. It's from your father." She extended her arm for Quinn to take it, but the blonde only looked at it dumbfounded. "Quinn, take it. It's yours. What you do with it, it's only up to you."
Quinn slowly took it between her fingers and glanced at the characteristic handwritten from Russell. She inhaled overwhelmed with everything that was going on and stood up to look up for Rachel. She needed the brunette. She was her anchor right now.
When Quinn opened quietly the door, she stopped in her tracks at the doorway to watch Phoebe and Rachel playing. Phoebe was nodding at something Rachel was saying while Rachel had a doll in her hands and seemed to be speaking very seriously. She raised an eyebrow to the display before her.
"Please, tell me you are not giving her a lecture about dolls or something like that."
Rachel looked up at Quinn with an indignant expression on her face. "Who do you think I am?"
Quinn chuckled. "I was just teasing." She approached them and sat down on the floor between them before kissing Rachel's cheek softly. She turned to Phoebe, who was watching them with wide eyes. "So, did you two had fun?"
"Yes! Rachel knows a lot of stories and makes funny voices."
"Really?" Quinn looked at her out of the corner of her eye, and noticed her girlfriend blushing.
"Well, you know me. I can do what I want with my voice. It's that awesome."
"Very true."
Rachel examined Quinn's face and noticed that something was off. "If I ask you if you are okay, are you going to snap at me?," she asked teasingly without any trace of accusation in her voice.
"Funny," Quinn replied narrowing her eyes. She took Rachel's hand and intertwined their fingers. "He left me a letter," she confessed.
"Oh. Are you going to read it?"
"I don't know. I still haven't made up my mind."
"Well, I'm here, okay? To hold your hand while you read it or if you need help burning it."
"I'll keep that in mind," she remarked gratefully.
"I was gonna go see my dads, a quick visit, but if you want me to stay here, I can pull it off until later."
"Oh. No, it's fine. Do you want me to go with you?"
"I think it's better if you stay here playing with her, making up for lost time."
"Okay. Well, maybe when it's all over, we can all meet."
"Sure." She stood up and kissed Quinn's head before walking towards the door but Phoebe's voice stopped her.
"Are you leaving?," she whined.
Rachel's eyebrows shot in surprise. The girl was completely adorable. She smiled in reassurance. "Yes, but I'll be back before you know it. I promise."
"Okay." She turned back around and kept playing while Quinn looked lovingly at Rachel.
"She already loves you," she mouthed.
Rachel beamed and blew her a kiss before walking out with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
Quinn could barely sleep that night. She was turning and tossing all night. Too many thoughts in her head. When she finally gave up, she just stared at the ceiling thinking about the life she had in Lima back then, remembering certain moments with her father. Thinking about where everything went wrong. He wasn't always terrible with her, at least when she was just a kid. Everything began to fall apart when she started growing up. He just became a different man. One that didn't tolerate any mistakes and that expected her daughter to be perfect and a good Christian girl. He stopped being her daddy and became a man she couldn't recognize.
She went through hell when she was Lucy and her dad, instead of accepting her and supporting her, allowed her to get a nose job and change everything about her. Instead of telling her that there was nothing wrong with her, that he loved her as she was, he encouraged her to kill that part of her. He made her feel like she was worthless. And, she, being the daddy's girl that she was, let him. Because she wanted him to love her no matter the cost.
But once she became Quinn, things remained the same. She had changed her appearance but she was the same girl inside. She was beautiful now, but that wasn't still enough. His dad, always asking for more, always demanding more than he should. Always finding faults. Quinn was living such a lie back then. A façade all around. His father never got to know her real self because he never made her feel like she could be herself in that suffocating environment. And he showed his true face when he kicked her out like a dog that fateful night.
Quinn sighed in the darkness of the room and looked at Rachel, who was snoring softly next to her. The funeral was the next morning and she kept wondering what the point on all this was. She wished to be in New York, blissfully happy, doing whatever with Rachel, not here trapped in the past once again.
The service was simple and more people than they had imagined attended to say goodbye to Russell. Quinn remained stoic during the whole service and politely accepted the condolences received. She had to repress several eye rolls when some people started praising the good father that Russell was. Did they even know the man? Did they forget what he did to her and his family? The whole experience felt surreal to her. It was like she was there, but not really. The only thing grounding her was Rachel, who remained by her side at her request.
When it was over and they were back to the house, Quinn retired to her bedroom to be alone for a while until Rachel came up to ask her if she wanted something to eat. But she didn't have a chance to even open her mouth.
"All this is bullshit."
"What do you mean?"
"I lost my father a long time ago. I'm not going to pretend like he was the best father ever and praise his virtues. You should have heard some comments today. I mean, do they live under a rock or under some fantasy? Did they forget everything he did or they just don't care? I have showed him my respects because it was the right thing to do, but that's it. He doesn't deserve my tears and he will not have them."
"Quinn."
"I can't believe I'm feeling like this. It's not fair," she brokenly admitted.
"How?
"Guilty."
"Why would you feel guilty?"
"Because I didn't give him a chance to make amends. The couple of times we talked on the phone I ended up blowing up and saying vindictive things to him. He failed me when I needed him the most and I hated him for it. I just... it's over. He is gone and I'm left feeling like the bad guy here, you know? Because maybe I should have been more receptive and more understanding and maybe he would have been able to win my confidence and love back. Maybe he had changed for the better. I don't know Maybe he would have been able to be a part of my life if we would just have talked. If he would have just genuinely apologized I.. I... don't know. This is just a mess. He is gone and there is nothing I can do about it now. Maybe he was just scared to come see me, maybe he couldn't find the right words. Maybe he regretted everything and didn't know how to get us all back. God. I can't breathe."
Quinn bolted out of the bedroom and Rachel jumped when she heard the front door slamming closed moments late leaving her shocked. She made a move to run after her girlfriend but Judy, who had been witness to the scene, stopped her.
"Let her go, Rachel. I think she needs to be alone right now. It's all too much for her right now."
"I just wish I could help her more," she admitted dejected.
"Your presence is enough for her. Trust me. Do you want to get downstairs and drink some tea? I'm sure it will do us soem good."
Rachel gazed sadly at the floor for an instant before nodding. She followed Judy to the kitchen, and once the tea was done, they settled in the kitchen table.
"I'm really happy you are with my daughter, Rachel. She knows how to choose women."
Rachel released an awkward laugh. "Thanks, Judy. It took me a lot of time to get here, but I can't imagine my life without Quinn by my side."
"I was suffering for her, you know? I knew how she felt, even before she told me. The way she spoke about you, the light that brightened her eyes at the mention of your name... All these years that you didn't return her feelings, I was hurting for her. But well, here we are."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, sweetie."
"Did you and Russell kept some type of relationship since you two split up?"
"Not really. Once we got divorced, we went our separate ways and I wasn't interested in keeping him around after all he did. I wanted a new start. I needed it. I had become someone I couldn't recognize. I looked at myself in the mirror and I couldn't believe that was me. I lost my vitality and excitement over the years without me realizing. He just subdued me. I was like a shadow. It wasn't until I found out about him cheating and Quinn came back home that I started feeling like myself again. It was like I got out of a black hole. I started doing things for myself. Quinn really helped me. It wasn't easy at the beginning between us. I was so ashamed of my behavior and she was still angry with me. I didn't do anything to prevent Russell from kicking her out. I just stood there! But I told myself that I would prove her how much I loved her and how sorry I was. I wanted to be her mom again. And we made it eventually. Step by step."
"I'm really glad that she has you."
"You know. Russell wasn't always bad. The first few years of marriage were great. I felt so cherished and loved. He was what I had always dreamt about. He was good to them when they were really little girls but something changed along the years. He changed so dramatically. He became overbearing, inflexible and his religious beliefs were so strict. He demanded perfection. There was no room for mistakes. Appearances were the most important. Fabrays don't fail. The girls were always trying to impress him, to make him feel proud of them. But nothing was enough. They had a lot of pressure. He was hard especially on Quinn. He just lost his way and the price was to lose his family at the end. He ended up alone."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too."
Quinn walked aimlessly through the streets of Lima for a while. She just needed to escape for a bit. Her house was like strangling her and she had such a mix of feelings that it was getting harder to breathe. She was at a loss of how she was supposed to react at her father's death. Should she be crying for what could have been and wasn't? Should she just leave and continue on with her life like it didn't happen? His father, like she told Rachel not long ago, was not a part of her life anymore. Not for years. Her life would be the same once she got back to New York.
She didn't owe him anything. She was only here because of her mom. Or because she was looking for something else? She guessed she was looking for the man who would do anything to make her smile when she was a little kid, who would buy her any toy she asked. She was looking for her daddy. But he disappeared when she started getting older and the man who replaced him was gone too. She was left without answers or comfort of any kind.
She looked ahead and recognized the red house that stood up among the others. She didn't hesitate in marching towards the door and ringing the bell. She was sure that this was going to be an unexpected visit. The door flew open a few seconds later, and Quinn barely repressed her smirk at the stare she was receiving from the other end.
"Well, well, well. Look who is at my door. The former captain of the cheerios-pregnant teen-punk rebel-cripple-student of Yale-next J. , Quinn Fabray. Did I miss anything? Because your multiple personalities were astounding."
"Hello to you too, Coach."
"It's funny you still call me Coach, when it's been years since I was your winner and charismatic Coach. But I guess some titles just stick with you."
"Would you rather I call you Sue?," she asked amused.
"Don't say any more blasphemies and get in, kiddo." Quinn chuckled at the frown in Sue's face and entered the house. Sue led her to what it seemed the living room, where all the trophies and medals conquered for Sue were in display to rub it in everyone's faces. She took a sit on the couch and Sue did the same next to her. "I would offer you a cup of tea or coffee like all the housewives do, but I'm Sue Sylvester and that it's not going to happen. But you can help yourself if you like."
"I think I'm good."
"Great. I would ask you about your life but I pretty much know everything about it."
Quinn's eyebrows shot up at the comment. "How is that even possible? We haven't seen each other in years that I know of."
"Oh, Fabray. You really shouldn't underestimate me. I have power, I have money, and I have resources. But mostly, I have one thing called Facebook where I can stalk whoever I want. And you are on my list."
Quinn couldn't help but laugh. "Too much free time, Coach?"
"Yes. Let me tell you something, Fabray. Since you and your little group graduated, school has become really boring. Where is the drama? They all seem Mary Sues. What the hell? It reminds me of that TV show where they replaced the original cast with bland I-don't-really-care-what-happens-with-them characters. No wonder they sunk. And this is the same. I need new challenges, Q. Maybe I should run for president of the United States. Can you imagine?"
"Better not. What about your plots to end the Glee club? You always had fun with that."
"Yeah, but it got old. Actually, William and I are kind of friends right now. I keep insulting his butt chin and his horrible vests but I have learned to appreciate the man even if his crazy wife gets on my nerves sometimes. So tell me. Is it really true that you are dating the singing smurf and my eyes haven't deceived me?"
"I... yes. I'm with Rachel. But she is not a smurf. She is not even blue."
"Details. So that's another personality we have to add. Repressed lesbian."
"Oh my God."
"I can't say I'm shocked. You two had a vibe back then. I notice things. But Berry was always mooning over Hudson."
"Well, we found our way to each other."
"You know what. I'm happy for you. Even if you are going to end up married with baby Streisand and having kids that will never shut up."
"Thank you. I think."
"Now... I have to say that I know why you are Lima. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I... not really. I'm here because I couldn't stand it anymore, actually. I just ran away."
"I see."
There was several moments of silence until Quinn felt compelled to speak. "He left me a letter."
Sue hummed thoughtfully. "Did you open it?"
"I couldn't. I'm just scared of what it's inside."
"I know what you had to endure as a teenager. I was right there in first row. And I know what that man did to you. But... when my sister died I would have given anything to have one more conversation with her. One more moment. Just one second. It would have been enough. I know it's not the same situation because she and I were very close but what I'm saying is that once that person is gone, that's it. No more conversations or opportunities to say the things you couldn't say or solve unfinished business. It's possible that that letter is the closure you are craving with him. I think you need to read it. For your own good. What is the worst that can happen?"
"I don't know. I just don't think I could bear it if what it says it's bad."
"I think it would be worse if you never know because the uncertainty will eat you away."
"You have a point."
"And that's how Sue sees it."
After Quinn came back, she wasn't sure if Rachel would be mad at her for the way she ran but her girlfriend proved once more how understanding she was and didn't say a word when she saw her. She just hugged her and kissed her softly and Quinn fell more in love with her if that was even possible. She was so grateful for Rachel right now. She didn't know what she would without her, and she really appreciated the fact that she left everything in New York for a few days to be with her.
She received several texts from her friends like Santana, Puck and Sarah. All telling her that they were there for her. It amazed her how she was surrounded by so much love and support. She knew she was a lucky person.
Frannie, David and Phoebe were supposed to leave the next day after the funeral but Phoebe complained about it and threw a big tantrum trying to convince her parents to stay a little more with Quinn and Rachel, who were leaving Tuesday morning. And it worked. They couldn't resist the pleas from the little girl. All of them spent a wonderful day and Judy was thrilled to have the whole family with her. It didn't occur very often and she loved having the house full. So much silence could be daunting sometimes.
"Honey, what do you think about inviting the Berrys tonight? I know it's not what we had planned but it would be a good opportunity for a casual dinner."
Quinn looked at Rachel for an answer. "I'm sure my dads would be up for it."
"Then, why not? Call them and let them know."
Rachel nodded before walking out of the kitchen. Quinn watched her go biting her lip and looked down at the newspaper once she disappeared. "Oh, sweetie, Rachel is so good to you."
Quinn tried to smother a smile but failed. "I know, mom."
"None would guess that you two haven't been dating for long. You two are like an old married couple. And I say that in a good way."
"Yeah, it feels like we have been together for a long time."
"Are you two living together?"
"Mom!"
"What? It's a legitimate question. I'm sure you two have... sex," she whispered the last word. "You live near each other. I'm sure you spend a lot of time in each other's house. It's not reaching."
"This is... mom... why?," she spluttered. "I'm not talking about my sex life with you! And we are not living together yet. It's too soon."
"I don't know why you are blushing so hard. Can't a mother show interest in her daughter's life?"
"I'm going to find Rachel," she quickly announced before running out of the kitchen leaving a pleased and amused Judy behind.
Quinn had been staring non-stop at the letter for a while now. Rachel, Judy and Frannie were downstairs getting everything ready for dinner. She didn't know why she was acting this way, there was still such a turmoil in her head. She reasoned that the only way to end it was to open the letter once and for all and forget about it afterwards, but she was physically incapable. She didn't know why her dad left her and only her a letter and she was not sure she was ready for it.
The sound of the doorbell snapped her out of her musings and she tucked the letter in her pocket. She didn't have to do it now, there was time. Now, it was time to focus on the Fabray-Berry reunion. She took a deep breath and walked downstairs where the Berrys were greeting Judy and Frannie with Rachel crushed between them. Everyone looked up at hearing her steps and she smiled at them.
"Look, Leroy. That's the girl who wants to steal our little girl."
"She will have to run over us," he joked.
Quinn saw Rachel shake her head at her dads's antics but she just smiled. She loved the men. They had the ability to put her at easy with a few simple words.
"Hiram. Leroy. Good to see you."
"Come give us a hug." Rachel thankfully slipped to a side before she could be crushed and the men enveloped Quinn in a big hug which left her breathless. They let her go after a few seconds and beamed at her.
"We never thought this day would come. We can finally say we like Rachel's partner! So thank you."
"Yes, Quinn. Finally, Rachel stepped up her game."
"Excuse you?," Rachel exclaimed offended.
Quinn slipped her arm around Rachel's waist and pulled her closer to her kissing her temple to appease her. "They are just messing with you, baby. I mean, they are right, but they are just messing with you."
Rachel pouted while everyone in the room laughed. "Oh, Quinn. I wouldn't push it," Frannie remarked. "Privileges can be removed."
"Okay!," Hiram interjected. "I don't want to hear about privileges right now. Judy, the house looks is wonderful."
"Thank you. I made some changes recently. It's more colorful and vivid now and I'm really glad I did it. It was a great project."
"Excellent taste," Leroy stated looking around.
"Well, gentleman, let's move to the living room. Dinner should be ready soon. But get comfortable in the meanwhile. I'm going to check the food. We don't want it to get burn."
"Do you need help, mom?," Frannie asked.
"No, no. Stay here. It's all practically done."
Judy disappeared into the kitchen and the rest walked into the living room where they took a seat in the couch and loveseats available.
"I thought your husband and daughter were going to be here...?", Leroy asked.
"Oh, yes. They'll be here any minute now. She was getting restless and David took her out. She is a little ball of energy."
"I can't wait to meet her. Rachel didn't stop gushing about her when she came to visit us the other day."
"Really?," Frannie raised her eyebrow at Rachel and the brunette wondered if the eyebrow thing was a family trait.
"She is adorable! And she likes me!"
"Two good points," Frannie admitted.
"So... Quinn. When is your book going to come out?"
"Hopefully soon. My editor told me that it takes a few months since the editing part is finished."
"We are expecting a signed copy."
"Of course. Don't worry."
"But I'll be the first one, right honey?"
"Of course, darling."
"Aren't you two the cutest?," Frannie mocked.
"Shut up," Quinn groaned.
"Oh, Quinnie is getting mad?"
"Do you see what I have to put up with?," Quinn asked rolling her eyes to the rest while they just laughed. "Anyway. I'm ignoring you Frannie. How are you doing? Busy as always?"
"Yes, very. You know how hectic a hospital is. It's like Grey's Anatomy but without everyone making out."
"Good description honey. My job is more calm, thank Goodness."
"Yeah, because it's boring."
"I happen to enjoy it very much."
"Good for you."
"Okay!", Rachel interrupted her dads in case they would keep up arguing. "Everyone is happy with their jobs. End of it. "
"Our daughter the pacifist."
"So, Quinn, tell us. Is Rachel being good to you?"
"What? Shouldn't you be asking that to Quinn? You are my dads! What is this? This is a betrayal!"
Quinn repressed her smile. "She is being great so far. She has her endearing tantrums once in a while but nothing I can't deal with," she joked.
"Quinn Fabray!"
"What?"
"You are playing with fire."
Quinn leaned forward to kiss those pouty lips she loved so much and pulled away to add puppy eyes for good measure. "Come on, I was joking. Forgive me?"
Rachel hummed evasively and Frannie snorted. "I think the question of who wears the pants in this relationship is not necessary."
Rachel was getting impatient. Quinn had left the table ten minutes ago supposedly to go to the bathroom and Rachel didn't know if she should check on her or wait. She decided that sitting here was a waste of time and got up to find her girlfriend. Dinner had been going great. They had shared a lot of laughs and funny stories and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Quinn wasn't giving any sign that anything was wrong. Judy had mentioned Russell a couple of times though, so it was possible that that triggered Quinn to leave the table for some reason.
The door of the bathroom downstairs was ajar and she poked her head inside to find it empty. She decided to check upstairs and that's when she saw the light on in Quinn's bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door to warn Quinn of her presence and stepped inside. Quinn was near her desk with her back to Rachel holding a piece of paper. Rachel frowned at the sight and took a few more steps realizing what Quinn was doing.
"Quinn?" The blonde didn't answer. Her eyes were still in the letter. "I was worried about you."
"I read it."
"Do you want to tell me what it said?"
"Everything that I wanted to hear when he was alive. He apologizes for not being the father I deserved. He says that his biggest regret was to turn his back on me. He was scared to face me because he couldn't ever forgive himself for what he did and in that case, how would I forgive him? He is sorry that he was such a coward and he never said a lot of things to me. He knows that he made a lot of mistakes. He says that he understands it if I hate him, but that he loves me and always will. He always did, but he never knew how to show it."
"That's... good. Right?"
"I... why couldn't he just do this in person?"
"He was probably afraid you wouldn't let him."
"Yeah. I don't blame him. I have spent so much time hating him..."
"Honey, you had all the right in the world to feel that way and he knew it."
"I know. But it doesn't make it any easier." Quinn finally turned around and Rachel's heart shattered at the anguish look on her face. She didn't think it twice before she quickly crossed the room and embraced Quinn trying to comfort her. "What do I do now?"
"That's up to you. But, and this is only my opinion, perhaps you should think about making peace with all of it. You have been harboring so much rage, hate and pain. It's not worth it anymore. You deserve to move on and not be stuck in the past with those destructive feelings. Just let it go and look forward. Not for him. For you."
Quinn rested her head in Rachel shoulder trying to keep her tears at bay. She exhaled shakily. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." She rubbed her back comfortably and they stayed like that, in each's other arms for a few minutes, before Rachel spoke up. "What do you say if we go downstairs with our crazy families?"
"That would be nice."
"Come on." Rachel kissed Quinn's cheek softly and pulled her along to join the rest again. Everyone's eyes turned to them when they saw them enter.
"Are you okay, dear?" Judy asked with concern.
"Yes, actually. I'm great ," she stated honestly. She felt lighter now.
"What were you talking about?", Rachel asked lightly once they took their seats again.
"Well," Leroy began, "we were telling everyone about that time when you were a little girl and spent hours jumping and belting out song after song in the living room. The neighbors were not very happy, do you remember, Hiram? I think that was our first complaint."
Rachel blushed and glared at her fathers. "I think I told you that embarrassing stories were off the table," she gritted.
"I think it's adorable," Judy remarked. Rachel looked at Quinn with widened eyes for help but the blonde just shrugged. "Quinnie here was more quiet and withdrawn than Rachel. She would sit in a corner and just read. But sometimes she would love to recreate what she read. Didn't you dress up like Hermione Granger one time and pretended that you were in Hogwarts? That was so cute. I think I have some pictures."
"Oh my God," Quinn covered her face mortified while everyone tried not to laugh. Quinn looked at Rachel and the brunette just shrugged like the blonde had done before with a smirk.
"I'm so glad we decided to stay. If I had missed this... Thanks, honey, for convincing us to stay," she said to her daughter happily who just giggled.
"Frannie, be good to your sister," Judy scolded.
"I am!"
"In what world?," Quinn asked rolling her eyes.
"In this one? O do you believe in other worlds?"
"Oh, sisters," David cut in.
"We mess with each other. It's the way we show our love," Frannie remarked.
"I want a sister!," Phoebe exclaimed and her parents looked at her bewildered.
"Really?"
"Yes!," answered excited.
Quinn snorted. "Look what you have done. Now you just will have to get on with it." Rachel slapped her in the shoulder but Quinn just smirked.
"We'll see," Frannie finally said.
Judy suddenly clinked the glass to hold everyone's attention and they turned their heads to her with curiosity written in their faces. "I just wanted to say something and this is the perfect opportunity. I'm so happy that we got together tonight. I missed having so many people under my roof and it's so nice to have you here. All of you. And I couldn't be happier that Rachel, Hiram and Leroy are now part of our family too. I hope this wonderful scene repeats over the years because I can't imagine anything better." She raised her glass in front of her. "To family"
"To family," everyone echoed with big smiles on her faces.
After saying goodnight to everyone, Rachel and Quinn got ready for bed. It was their last night in Lima. Rachel had taken enough days off, and she didn't want to create a conflict with the producers of the show. Who knew what her understudy was doing. The play had given her so much, it was only fair she returned the favor.
They both laid side by side and stared at the ceiling. They were exhausted from the events of these days. Rachel turned to her side and squinted at Quinn in the darkness of the room.
"You can stay here for a few more days if you want," she whispered.
Quinn turned her body and stretched her arm to slip it around Rachel's waist. "It's okay. I want to go back to New York with you and go on with our normal lives."
"Okay. At least we finally had the family dinner."
Quinn snorted. "Yeah, my mom was the most excited. She just loves to cook for a lot of people. She could have been an excellent chef if she had put her mind to it."
"Agreed," she replied smiling. "And I loved I got to meet Phoebe. She is so adorable. I loved seeing how good you are with her. You are really great with kids."
"Well, she makes it easy. Like Beth. How can you not melt with them?"
"You are going to be a great mom someday."
"So are you. I mean, five minutes with Rachel Berry, and the girl is already fascinated with you."
Rachel chuckled. "What can I say. I have charm. They fall for me." Rachel bit her lip before asking. "Do you think about the future? About us? Where we'll be in five years from now?"
"Uh, oh, trap question." She laughed and Rachel slapped her lightly in the shoulder. "Okay, okay. Of course I do. A lot. I have envisioned it."
"Then, tell me."
"Rachel, I don't want to freak you out."
"That's impossible. Come on, tell me, tell me!"
Quinn smiled at Rachel's persistence. She shouldn't even bother in fighting her. "Well... in five years we'll be married if I have something to say about it. Living in a nice homey house. You will have more success than you could have hoped for and I'll be writing my fourth book or so because I'm a successful writer. And... maybe talking about kids? Or having one already?" She frowned. "Maybe it's too soon. I don't know!, she desperately exclaimed and Rachel just chuckled.
"How many kids do you want?"
"I don't know. I think two or three would be fine."
"Agreed. I mean, I loved having all the attention from my dads but I would have liked a sibling."
"Then you couldn't have written the brilliantly song that is Only Child. And the world would have been deprived of that wonder. It wouldn't have been fair."
"Only child! Only child! Only child! The only Berry on the family tree!," she sang wholeheartedly and they laughed after Rachel finished the last note.
"You're going to wake up the whole house!"
"Come on, that song was gold!"
"I'm not arguing with you on that. It should be your first single when you release an album. And the second one should be My headband."
Rachel let out a melodious laugh and enveloped Quinn in her arms. "Back to topic, that sounds like a dream."
"Impossible? Crazy?"
"Of course not. Have you met us? In five years we are going to be so happy. That's my prediction. Well, add everything you said too because I liked it very much."
"Done."
"But you forgot something."
"Really? What?"
"Where is our dog?"
Please, leave a review! (if you want of course, no pressure xD.) If you have any suggestions or anything you are free to let me know. Hope you keep enjoying the story. :D