A/N – I don't own Glee or the characters

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or its characters; everyone not on the show is from my imagination. I'm so sorry I've been gone for so long. I am going to update this story at least every week or two until it's finished. Thanks for all the reviews, PM's, and kind words on Tumblr.

Chapter 25

Quinn sat in the waiting room of her new lawyer's office with Rachel and Mack sitting on both sides of her holding her hands. She was nervously waiting for her parents to show up, her counselor Janie, Reina, and Puck. Her leg was bouncing anxiously, and she felt like she was going to throw up. All her doubts and insecurities were in the forefront of her mind boiling down to one single thought that kept running through her brain for the last two weeks, 'am I doing the right thing?' As if they could read her mind, she felt Rachel squeeze her hand supportively, and Mack place her hand lovingly on her thigh and rub it gently. She looked up and smiled at them both. The last two weeks had been amazing between her and her younger sister and her new girlfriend. Quinn felt so loved and supported, it was often overwhelming, but she hadn't felt the urge to cut at all. It had been a very stressful time, but she hadn't been tempted to hurt herself at all; she had people she could turn to. She still hadn't talked about it with her parents, and it felt dishonest but Quinn rationalized they all had more than enough to worry about lately. She would come clean when things settled down. She heard Reina and Puck before she saw them. They were arguing about something in a friendly competitive way. The small group had bonded into a close extended family unit with everything that happened, and Quinn loved her tight, little family unit more than she could say. She and Rachel had always had loving parents, but it was a new experience for Mack and Puck.

Mack looked at her soon to be adoptive mother, and rolled her eyes, "Puck taught Mom how to play the X-Box. They argue constantly about it now."

Quinn nearly snorted out loud, "That's actually kinda funny," she loved that her girlfriend was calling Reina 'Mom' now. Mack deserved a loving family, and Quinn was happy she had one now.

"Yeah, not really," Mack said disdainfully, "asshole used to come over to hang out, and play X-Box with me. Then Mom got curious, he taught her how to play, and now I can never even get on my own console."

"Aw, sweetie I'm sorry," Quinn put her head on Mack's shoulder missing the brunette's face turn beet red from the PDA, "but you being jealous of Puck taking your time with Reina is adorable."

"Whatever, bitch," Mack smiled and shrugged, "At least she's not watching me like a hawk now. Since my little adventure, she has an aneurism every time I'm two minutes late. Puck is keeping her occupied and out of my hair."

Rachel laughed musically, "I wouldn't count on that, Lauren. Ask Quinn, our parents have eyes in the back of their head. Especially when it comes to catching us doing something wrong."

Quinn nodded in agreement, "Good parents have radar, like spidey senses. You better stay out of trouble, Mack. You get grounded again, I'm going to kill you. I have big date plans for when this all gets put behind us."

Reina walked up and kissed Mack, Quinn, and Rachel and took a seat across from them, "I just talked to Santana. They are on their way, she got held up in court. Britt said you weren't answering your texts."

Quinn breathed a sigh of relief. She was worried when her parents weren't the first ones at the lawyer's office. She dug her phone out of her purse, "I turned it to vibrate. I was going to put it in my pocket and forgot about it," she saw a few missed messages from both her moms and her counselor, Janie, "Janie got held up, she's on her way too."

"See I told you it was all going to be ok," Mack leaned over and kissed her on the temple, "I knew no one was going to abandon you today. You'r96582-+e such a worry wart," she teased gently.

Rachel laughed again when Puck leaned over her and smirked at Mack, "did you just say, worry wart? Love is turning you into a lame ass!"

He grunted when Reina smacked him upside the back of his head, "Ow, what the hell?" he grumbled as Reina smacked him again. Rachel kissed him gently, "language," she scolded gently, "especially in front of ladies." Puck met Mack's amused smirk, and watched as Q raised in eyebrow as if challenging him to contradict Rachel. He sighed, "Geez, a dude doesn't stand a chance with all these ladies present," he said using air quotes around the word ladies. This time he ducked to avoid Reina's smack, and banged his head on the back of his chair. He moaned and rubbed his head, "Crap, I can't win today." Everyone burst out laughing when Mack told him it was karma.

Quinn felt a warmth burning inside her being surrounded by so much love and support. She looked up when the elevator dinged and saw Janie rushing out looking slightly harassed. It was funny because her counselor always looked so calm and zen-like. Quinn waved when Janie looked around for her. The woman nodded and rushed over. Quinn got up and met her halfway so she could talk privately for a few minutes.

"Quinn, I'm so sorry I'm late. I got pulled into a consult at the hospital. I was so worried I would miss your appointment after I gave you my word."

The blonde teen put her hand on Janie's bicep gently, "Thanks, Janie. It's just a preliminary hearing with my lawyer. Finn's lawyer isn't going to be here for it. I'm just nervous and wanted your support. If an emergency comes up, I understand. I know I'm not your only client," she looked away towards the elevator, "my moms' are running late too. Reina said mom got stuck in court, but they are on their way."

"You sound upset, are you alright?" Janie took in Quinn's stiff body language.

Quinn looked back at her with tears shimmering in her gold-green eyes, "I know I'm doing the right thing, but then I start to doubt myself and I get scared. What if I set him loose on the world, and he hurts another girl like he did me and Rachel? What if he kills someone next time? How will that not be my fault?"

Janie looked into Quinn's eyes, and tried to convey reassurance, "It won't be your fault because you are NOT responsible for Finn Hudson or his actions. We are going to make counseling and anger management a condition of his sentencing. If he chooses not to get help, that is not your fault, Quinn. You are trying to move on with your life, past the trauma, past the abuse and violence. You have the right to do that without guilt or shame," she watched the unsure teen worry her bottom lip with her teeth. She knew from working with other victims that whether or not to go to court was a tough choice for a young woman. Sadly the victims often were attacked and victimized for a second time. It wasn't justice, and it made Janie angry for her clients who deserved to have their pain and trauma acknowledged and affirmed. She had seen the evidence in Quinn's case, and while she believed her client 100% it was not enough to put Finn Hudson in jail for rape. It was sadly a he said-she said case, and a good looking, clean cut, high school or college kid was always going to get the benefit of the doubt, "Don't forget, Quinn. He still has to answer for what he did to Rachel as well. He will go to jail for that, and it will bring justice and closure to both you and your sister."

"I know, and that is a relief. I just have a bad feeling about all of this. I just want it to be over," Quinn whispered painfully.

"How are you doing personally? I know this time period has been pretty overwhelming. Are you still journaling?"

Quinn choked back a laugh, "What you really mean is am I cutting?"

Janie looked at her pointedly, "Of course that concerns me, but if that's what I wanted to know about cutting, I would have asked about cutting," she was pleased when she saw look Quinn look slightly chastened.

"I'm sorry, Janie. I get a little sarcastic and snippy when I get like this, out of control you know? I'm as good as I can be, I guess. I've got so much support, it's amazing and everyone has been so loving. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm working on it. I journal all the time, Mack teases me that I should have it welded to my hand."

They both shared a smile at that. They both knew Mack was a source of constant love and support for Quinn, "I haven't even had the urge to cut with everyone being so great."

"I'm glad to hear that, Quinn. I'm proud of you, it's a very difficult time for you, and I would completely understand if you had the urges or even acted on them. I just want to remind you that we still have a deal in place. You call before you cut, right?" Janie said seriously, "have you given anymore thought to talking to your parents about the cutting?"

"Of course I've thought about it, it's always in the back of my mind," Quinn looked at her counselor plaintively, "I just don't think I can stand to disappoint them again. I haven't exactly been a model daughter this past year. I know the longer I wait the more pissed off my mom is going to be, like really pissed that I kept it a secret for so long."

"Well, the wonderful thing about parents is the unconditional love part. Yes, they may be disappointed and even upset that you kept it a secret for so long, but they will understand. You are not the only survivor of rape who has turned to cutting, and you are making great strides in finding new healthy ways to handle your feelings. It will be fine, but it is up to you when you want to talk to them. I just know from experience, the longer you put off doing something hard and painful the more difficult it is to actually do it. I'm here for you whenever you decide you're ready. Just don't forget that you are a very strong young woman, Quinn and you have a lot of people who are very proud of you."

"Thanks, Janie," Quinn looked up towards the elevator when she heard it open again, "There's my moms'. I'm going to go talk to them for a minute. Thanks for being here today, it means a lot to me. I'll think about telling them about cutting, and let you know," Quinn stood up and smiled then headed towards her smiling mothers'. She walked halfway there before picking up speed and launching herself straight into her tall, blonde mother's waiting arms. She was sobbing before she even had her arms around her neck. Brittany rubbed her warm hand up and down her oldest daughter's back, and cooed softly in her ear. She looked over Quinn's shoulder to her wife who shook her head in confusion. Quinn was exactly like her Latina mother; she hardly ever cried, she rarely showed emotions outside of the immediate family, and she never cried in public. Santana looked confused and upset.

"Mija, what's wrong," she came close and whispered in Quinn's ear, "I'm so sorry I was late, baby. Your mama and I would never forget you at a time like this." Brittany softly murmured her agreement.

Quinn sniffed a few times, and Brittany smirked when she felt her daughter wipe her nose on her shoulder; they never outgrew that, especially when they were upset. She continued to comfort her daughter, knowing she would talk when she was ready. Brittany smiled and nodded at Santana, silently telling her it would be alright, and they would get an answer to Quinn's mood shortly. She watched Santana instantly calm down and rub the back of their daughter's neck. It was what Santana always did to calm Quinn down when she was a little girl. Brittany felt the blonde teen start to relax in her arms. If they weren't careful she would be asleep soon in her mama's arms. She always did nap after a much needed, good, long cry. Brittany pulled away from Quinn just slightly, and lowered her head so she was eye level with her daughter, "What's going on, baby girl? I don't think it's because we were late is it?" she whispered so no one else in the room would hear. Brittany had to lean closer since her daughter spoke even more softly.

"No, I'm just scared that I'm not doing the right thing with the plea bargain," Quinn whispered against her taller mother's shoulder feeling that by saying it out loud it was a betrayal of her own needs.

Brittany threw a stricken look over her daughter's shoulder and straight into her wife's onyx eyes, and thereby her soul. Santana felt a crushing pain in her chest that acknowledged that both her wife and daughter were hurting. As usual her protective nature took charge, "The damn meeting can wait, come on we need to find a private room to talk in." She gently took Britt's elbow and guided them to an unused room. She could feel all their friends' eyes on them, so she smiled at them reassuringly before quietly shutting the door, and twisting the blinds shut for more privacy. Santana the professional was now in the house. Pulling out a chair for Brittany she watched as her wife disentangled herself from her daughter's grasp and reluctantly sat down. Santana then carefully maneuvered her blonde daughter into the seat next to her mother. She leaned against the table facing her favorite blondes. Crossing then uncrossing her arms nervously, she didn't want to appear harsh or disappointed when Quinn was this upset. She knew it would only make her daughter angry and defensive, after all that's how she would react and Quinn was just like her. Rubbing her palms against the thighs of her skirt she started, "Ok, baby girl. What's got you this upset?" Her voice was kind, calm, but no-nonsense, "nothing is finalized here, and you can change your mind if you are uncomfortable with this. Your mama and I only want what's best for you, sweetheart. You're not locked into any decision, and no one will be angry or disappointed in you, I promise." She leaned over and grabbed a few Kleenex out of the box in the middle of the table, and handed some to her wife and daughter. Quinn was already in tears, and Britt looked close to joining her. Santana watched affectionately as her wife and daughter blew their noses and wiped them in unison. She fell just a little deeper in love with both it was so adorable. Giving them both a moment to pull themselves together, she waited patiently. Her heart ached as she watched Quinn square her shoulders, and sit up straighter. It killed Santana that her daughter had to deal with rape, lawyers, courts, perpetrators; things no adult woman should have to face let alone a teenager. She should be dating, and staying up too late on the cell phone, and sneaking off to the mall; not dealing with all this painful drama. Neither of her daughters should have to deal with the likes of Finn Hudson or Azimio Adams, it was unbearable to her as their mother and protector.

Quinn finally met her mother's eyes, and shrugged self-deprecatingly, "Sorry for my nervous breakdown. I'm not sure what happened exactly."

Santana leaned forward making them eyelevel to each other, "Please don't act tough with me, it's not necessary. I can't even imagine how hard this is for you. Honestly? I'd be more worried than I am now if you didn't have a breakdown or two."

The blonde teen flushed red and smiled painfully, "Thanks, mommy. I am sure of the plea bargain but I just am so afraid I'm being selfish and doing the wrong thing. I don't want to be responsible for setting him free to hurt other young women like he tried to do with Rachel."

Santana heard Brittany gasp softly, but she swallowed all her emotions and crossed her arms projecting her prosecutor professionalism, "I can certainly understand that. There have been so many times as a prosecutor that I've made plea bargains that just made me sick. I hated the idea of letting the bastards go free," she let Quinn absorb her admission ignoring the teen's look of shock, "at the same time, I accept that I'm not God. I can only do the best I can with what I'm given, the rest is not up to me and not my responsibility. Finn Hudson raped you, he nearly assaulted Mack, he kidnapped and would have raped Rachel; his family knows he has anger and control issues. That is not on you, Quinn. We can make sure he is forced to go to counseling for his issues, and I honestly can't see how he can avoid jail time in Rachel's case. Sweetie, it's not selfish to factor your feelings into your decision. It's a huge decision, Quinn but just make sure whatever you choose is something you can live with. Remember, no matter what you choose, you will have your entire family's love and support."

Quinn smiled shakily, "I want to move on with my life. I'm so ready to let this go. Counseling has to be part of the deal, some form of probation and community service, and he HAS to admit to assaulting me. He doesn't have to say he raped me, because I know he won't ever admit that, but he needs to say out loud that what he did was wrong," she finished forcefully.

Brittany snaked her hand over, and held her daughter's hand supportively. Quinn squeezed back in acknowledgment of the support offered. Santana smiled at the gestures, "We'll make the offer, what Hudson and his lawyers choose to do with it is up to them. Who knows the arrogant ass might not realize he's getting a gift here and force us to go to trial," she mumbled disgustedly.

"He won't, mom. He's all about image. Being the varsity quarterback and big man on campus at school is what's most import to him. Puck told me that girls were avoiding him, and his teammates were ignoring him and Adams. He will want to go back to being popular, and he's stupid enough to see the plea bargain as a win.

"I'm going to insist on a restraining order to keep him away from you and Rachel especially if you want to go back to school," Santana interjected thoughtfully.

"Good, I want to go back to school. I'm sick of acting like I did something wrong, or I have something to be ashamed of. I didn't and I want to finish school with my class."

Santana stood up and offered her hand to Brittany, "Ok, I'll go see if your lawyer is ready for us, you take a moment to collect yourself. Let's go get this done." Brittany kissed her daughter's cheek, and followed her wife out of the small office. She stopped after shutting the door behind her, and pulled Santana close to her rewarding her with a deep passionate kiss.

Santana pulled back breathlessly, "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

The tall blonde gazed lustfully into charcoal eyes, "Because you are an amazing mother, and it is so damned sexy. I love that you know exactly what to say to Quinn to make it right again. We are all so lucky to have you, babe and I'm going to reward you later tonight to show you how grateful I am to have you as my wife."

The Latina smirked, "So what you're saying is that we're all going to get lucky today?"

Brittany giggled and slapped her arm, "Don't be so cocky. Come on, let's go get this over with," she held her wife's hand as they walked to the secretary to check in.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Santana sat back and contemplated Quinn's attorney as her daughter signed the plea bargain paperwork. He was young and not overly experienced but he was smart, sensitive, and thorough and he related to Quinn well. She had been nervous about a man representing Quinn in a rape trial, but he had more than proved himself worthy. Most importantly, Quinn trusted him and Brittany like him and that was all she needed to know. She watched her daughter stand up after signing the papers, and it looked like a thousand pound weight had dropped from her shoulders. Quinn actually smiled genuinely when she shook her lawyer's hand.

"So you'll call us when we have news from Hudson's camp?" Santana lingered as Quinn and Brittany headed out to the waiting room.

"Of course, I'll call you the minute I hear a thing. It's a good deal, his lawyer will make him see the benefit of accepting the deal," Craig Thomas smiled and shook Santana Lopez's hand. He admired her as a prosecutor, and his heart went out to her family. He was appalled by Finn Hudson's actions and wanted to see justice done for them, "I know this is hard. I have a one year old daughter, and I would want to kill anyone who touched her but this deal is good for Quinn. She can move forward with her life now."

"Thank you," Santana cleared her throat and swallowed the unexpected lump of emotion she found there, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for my family. I owe you one and I always honor my debts."

"Thank you, but you don't owe me anything. I only want justice for young women like Quinn. There is far too much justice against women in the world, and if we can change that one case at a time, I'm happy to be a small part of that," the two attorneys shook hands with Craig promising again to call as soon as he heard anything.

Santana walked out into the waiting room and found everyone surrounding Quinn and Brittany all talking at once. She walked over and put her arm around her wife's waist, "Let's all go out and grab some pizza, my treat."

Quinn walked ahead of her parents, holding hands with Mack. She leaned over jokingly to Mack, "and a few pitchers of beer?" Quinn jumped when a sharp and very loud smack landed on her skirt clad backside. She looked over her shoulder to find a stern faced Brittany glaring at her. "Jeez mama, I was just kidding," the blonde teen pouted while her brunette girlfriend smirked at her and shook her head.

"Some things are just not funny, Quinn Cordelia Lopez-Pierce!" Brittany lectured.

Santana watched her daughter rubbing her backside and pouting and leaned over to whisper to her wife, "I don't know, I kinda thought that was funny."

"Behave yourself, or you won't be getting lucky later on after all," the tall blonde teased her smiling wife. She leaned over and kissed Santana's nose, "but there's still time to redeem yourself."

Santana watched the ragtag group of people that she considered her family walk out of the lawyer's office. She felt so blessed to have them, and knew Quinn and Rachel both would need all the love and support they could provide in the weeks and months to come. They had Quinn's court hearing if Hudson accepted the deal, and then the trials against Hudson and Azimio Adams for what they did to Rachel. After that hopefully they could all go back to being a normal family, and her kids go back to being normal teenagers. Santana wasn't the eternal optimist her wife was, but she had hope that they were nearing the end of all the trauma of the last year. It would be nice to get back to some normalcy. It would be nice to see her daughters go back to being normal teens again.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

To be continued… next up is Hudson's reaction to the plea bargain and Quinn's court hearing. Plus the new couple (Quinn and Mack / Quack?! LOL) have their first fight and makeup session.

I will be updating this story every week or every other week until it's finished. It only has a few more chapters to go until completion. Thanks for all the reviews and kind words during my really awful year of 2013.

If you like what you have read, drop me a review. It's very nice to hear what you all think! Thanks so much.