a/n: wow, I really do suck. Its been so long since I updated this fic.
Forgive me?
So I know I said I was going to change Regionals, I have done but not too much. The only thing I've changed is Quinn singing Rachel's parts (you'll find out in this part)
The reason I've done it is because this song is so what Quinn/Finn should be. Dont get me wrong, I'm totally for Quinn/Emmett but I think the Q/F relationship is an integral part of Glee, or should be if Ryan Murphy wasn't so Quinn-scene-aphobic, hmph.
So yeah, thats the only major change - No Rachel at regionals.
I have no problem with her, just fits in better to my storyline.
TicTacToe21 - I'm confused. All I explained was Quinn and Puck sleeping together when she got drunk on winecoolers, which is what happened. I may have been a bit off on how long they were together for (I was under the assumption they were childhood sweethearts) but all-n-all, I've stuck with the story as much as I could. Thanks for your reviews by the way, greatly appreciated :)
n2aabmmummy - Riley from Eclipse is very yummy. He'd have been a second choice. I'm so taken by him after watching the film I may even start a Riley fic. Desperate times... And Edward and Jasper will be great with Quinn in other ways. I think right now I'm trying to establish the connection between her and the different members of the family, and I realised she hasn't really bonded with Jasper yet, so expect plenty of Jasper to come...
imagleek, lola, aliciainwonderlandx, tiwhardgirl, ktsm10 and pixiestixs and GleekAnna - thank you so much for your reviews. It's so great to know you're all still reading. Hopefully I'll be more frequent with my updates now. Ha!
I love you all. Here's the next part for you...
Quinn
"Quit messing about with that! You'll ruin it."
Quinn shot a glare towards Mercedes and carried on playing nervously with the summer plaits Santana had put into her hair just a hour earlier. Here she was three weeks after her big return to McKinley, and she was backstage waiting to go on stage for Regional's. She'd be lying if she didn't think it had gone ridiculously fast for her. It had gone like a whirlwind. She'd spent the last of her spare time between juggling the Cullen's' and rehearsing for her dreaded solo with Finn.
She sighed and stood up, "I may leave..."
"No you won't. We need you."
"Oh yeah sure. I believe that."
"Finn's pretty psyched over the solo. Imagine his horror if you let him down... again." Santana shot her a quick smirk and she rolled her eyes. She hadn't fully forgiven her for setting her up with Edward just yet, so any excuse to have a dig at her was just perfect for the raven haired vixen.
"Uh, delivery for Ms. Fabray..."
Mercedes jumped up, rushing to the door and grabbing the basket, "Chocolates... who's this from?"
Quinn smiled knowingly and took it, taking out the card:
For my leading girl,
Knock them out.
E x
"Girl, you've got a grin the size of a Cheshire cat... I'm guessing this 'E' guy is pretty significant." Mercedes smirked as she sat down next to her, helping herself to one of the carefully wrapped chocolates Emmett had packed in the basket for her. Emmett – sweet, lovely Emmett. Her boyfriend. She couldn't help but allow a coy smile to spread across her lips as she thought that. Boyfriend.
And then a horrifying thought came to her.
Emmett was there.
Which meant Alice had told him.
Which meant Alice had told the whole family (and probably some more people)
Crap.
All of a sudden, she felt overcome with queasiness.
There was no way she could perform with the Cullen's watching her. If she screwed up she'd never be able to look at them again.
And of course, little miss bitchface would only be too happy about that. Sitting there gloating with her perfect hair and her perfect teeth and her perfect vampireness.
Focus Quinn. This isn't the time for pettiness.
Oh god, I'm guna puke.
"Hey it's my girl."
"Alice..." Quinn breathed heavily, "What are you- oh, and Jasper. Wow... you're all here."
"Hardly Quinn. It's just the two of us. The others are getting their seats." Alice babbled, "This is so exciting... are you excited? I bet you're excited. I wish it was me-" She was cut off by Jasper placing his hand on her shoulder, "Quinn, are you feeling okay?"
"I-" As if a button had been pressed Quinn felt herself rushing towards the bathroom and hurling the contents of her stomach up in the toilet bowl. She let out a groan and pressed her head against the cubicle door. Footsteps approached but she didn't care. She allowed a few soft tears to cascade down her face as she let out a small cry of despair.
"Is she okay?"
"She's crying..."
"She's not having another baby, is she?"
"Shut it Santana."
"Maybe we should."
"Let me."
"Him?" She heard Santana snort, "Is she doing all three brothers now?"
"Quinn," Jasper's soft voice made her jump and she looked up at him in fright. He stroked her shoulder, "its okay. It's just me – Jasper."
"I can't do it Jasper," She croaked, "I'm so scared. What if they see me and they laugh at me... and I suck. I don't wanna suck. I've never sucked. What if I do?"
"Quinn," He lifted her chin with his forefinger and looked deep into her eyes, "You're not going to suck."
Immediately, she felt relaxation wash over her whole body. Gradually, she slumped down against the wall and he nodded slightly, "Right?"
"R-Right," She stuttered, "Okay."
"Repeat it after me. 'I'm Quinn Fabray and I'm awesome'"
"I'm Quinn Fabray and I'm awesome."
"Say it again... louder."
"I'm Quinn Fabray and I'm awesome." This time she allowed a little laugh to escape her mouth before she placed a hand over it. He smiled at her knowingly and she returned the gratitude before frowning in realisation, "Oh no... You used it on me."
"I don't know WHAT you're talking about," He replied, an evident twinkle in his eye. She raised an eyebrow at him, "Come on... before Alice starts to freak out."
***
The backstage area after the rest of GC had left was hauntingly quiet. She sat down, swaying slightly awaiting Finn's arrival. The last time she'd seen him was when he was saying goodbye to an ill Rachel (who unfortunately had come down with laryngitis just before the final cast call). She had to feel for her. Performing at Regional's had been what had got her through the school year, and now it had been snatched away from her. That topped with her boy drama with Jesse had been enough to make her feel for her. Perhaps she should make more of an effort with her in future.
"Hey," Finn smiled shyly as he walked through. Quinn nodded and offered him a small nod, "Nervous?"
"I don't get nervous," She scoffed and he laughed, "Yeah... heaps."
"If either of us messes up, we've always got Mike's break dancing to fall back on, right?"
"Right," She smiled wider and looked down, allowing a small chuckle to escape her mouth. He looked at her in observation and she looked up consciously, "What?"
"It's just been so long since I've seen you smile, that's all," Finn replied, "I kinda missed it."
She nodded, "Me too."
"Guys, you're on."
"This is it," Finn smiled, giving her a quick, awkwardly social hug before dashing towards his entrance. She walked to the opposite and closed her eyes.
"Highway run into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round you're on my mind."
The harmony engulfed her and she felt herself once again taken in by her ex-boyfriend's voice. She'd always enjoyed hearing him sing the most, even before Glee Club started. Sometimes, when they'd just been Quinn and Finn, he'd sing to her in order to get her to sleep – whether it was down the phone or after a stressful day at school. He looked towards her and gave her a small smile and she opened her mouth to sing:
"Restless hearts sleep alone tonight,
sending all my love along the wire."
"They say that the road
ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line it's been you and me
And loving a music man
ain't always what it's supposed to be."
"Oh boy you stand by me
I'm forever yours faithfully."
She walked down the stairs carefully as they sung. With a quick glance around the auditorium she found Alice grinning at her. Immediately the small girl gave her a subtle thumbs-up.
"Circus life under the big top world
We all need the clowns to make us smile
ooooh through space and time (through space and time)
Always another show wondering where I am lost without you."
The stage had seemed like a million miles away but finally, and somehow, she managed to reach it without falling or tripping once. Infact, she was quite proud she'd managed to be so elegant about it... Alice would be proud.
"And being a part ain't easy on this love affair
two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you."
"Oh girl you stand by me
I'm forever yours faithfully."
No sooner had they finished had the auditorium exploded into grateful applause. She breathed in relief as she saw her 'friends' make their way onto the stage. Within seconds, they had broke into a rendition of 'Anyway You Want It/Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin''. Luckily, she retreated to the back of the stage this time, taking solace next to Santana.
"You did good Fabray... maybe you're not such a lost cause after all." She gave her a quick wink and Quinn simply smirked. If only she knew...
***
The dressing room was full of sounds of triumph and cheer. Following their successful set, the remaining members (bar Finn and an ill Rachel) had decided upon a celebratory toast. Mr. Schuester headed the group, proposing a toast to Glee Club, past and present ("and future" Kurt had boldly announced, "There's no way they can beat that. We have it in the bag.")
"To us," Tina announced excitedly, "And to Quinn and Finn who totally nailed it."
"I'll toast to that," Mercedes replied, giving Quinn a reassuring nudge, "Speaking of the devil... where is Finn?"
"Last I saw of him he was trying to calm Rachel down, something's happened I think," Puck replied, "I didn't quite understand that. I think it's something to do with the Jesse dude and her mom."
"Maybe we should check their okay?" Mercedes suggested, "This should be Rachel's night too, right?"
"That's a good idea," Mr. Schue nodded, "Maybe one of us should go out to check."
"I'll do it," Quinn announced, acquiring odd looks, "What?"
"Uh, not to put a downer on things but... I don't really think YOU would be the best person to go and check on her right now," Kurt spoke cynically, "I mean... considering your history."
"Exactly, which is why I should go," Quinn nodded.
***
It had taken a while to persuade everyone she should go and see Rachel. It was as if they were all expecting her to kill a kitten infront of her or something... She wasn't THAT horrible.
She found her sat outside, openly wailing – and even she had to feel for her. This went far past anything to do with the boy issues. She knew immediately it was to do with her mother.
"Rachel?"
Immediately, the wailing stopped and she watched as the brunette wiped her eyes clean and turned to her sharply, "What is it? I'll be gone soon."
"Are you okay?"
Rachel in took breath and looked at her strangely, "You're asking ME if I'm okay?"
"Yeah,"
"I thought you hated me."
"Things change, I guess," Quinn laughed nervously as she took a seat on the step next to her, "Is it your mother?"
"She told me she didn't want to be a part of my life," Rachel replied with a sniff, "She said she wanted to start afresh... start a new family. She said she'd missed too much of my life to even try and distinguish a connection with me – as if being her daughter isn't enough for her."
Quinn breathed out heavily. Rachel then took in a shaky breath, "I told her she should come to McKinley and co-coach with Mr. Schue. I put myself out there for her, and she told me it was a bad idea. She blew me off. My mother blew me off." She watched as a tear cascaded down her face and she felt her own heart ache. Slowly, she placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Rachel..." She breathed in anticipation, "What did you expect?"
"I don't know," Rachel didn't blink before allowing a bittersweet smile to overtake her features, "I guess I just wanted to know what it felt like, having a mother. All my friends are so close with theirs. Finn has the best mother to walk the planet... Mercedes' mother has come to every single show of hers and- I just wanted to meet someone who- I just wanted someone who can show me what it's like to have a mother."
Quinn nodded with a grimace, "Trust me, their not all that great."
Rachel looked towards her, wide-eyed, "I'm sorry. I totally forgot-"
She shook her head, "It's fine. I'm getting over it. okay, so I'll never get over it but- it's their loss, right? If they were willing to turn their back on me at the first sign of trouble – well, they're obviously not that great, are you?"
Rachel shook her head gently.
"On the other hand, I know two very lovely men who are," She added with a small smile as an afterthought, "...and who are proud of you no matter what you do."
Rachel smiled and nodded, "They are, aren't they?" Quinn nodded briskly, "Thanks Quinn. Wow, I never thought I'd say that without saying 'wow, a strawberry flavoured slushie – my favourite' or 'I didn't need my gym clothes' after it."
Quinn smirked, "Don't get used to it."
"Scouts honour," Rachel replied with a smile,
"Great... so, we should really get back before they send out a search party," Quinn jumped up offering her a hand, "For some reason they were adamant that I come to talk to you. Imagine that."
"I can't imagine why," Rachel let out a small snort, "You know, you're not too bad."
"Don't get soppy."
"Sorry. I won't knit our friendship sweaters just yet, then?"
Quinn scoffed, "Sweaters? Jeez Berry..."
"Kidding."
A/N2: So, there it is...
I don't own the songs... their Glee/Journey.
For Rachel and Finn's awesome cover of 'Faithfully' check it out on I-Tunes,
Once again, to Rachel fans - I have no problem with her. I actually like her. I just feel there was some seriously unfinished business between Quinn and Finn in the season finale and it didn't make me happy at all.
So yeah, I promise... more Emmett in the next chapter... as well as an unexpected guest *du du duuuuuh*
Go on guess, I dare you...