A/N: It's Tuesday. So Chapter 29 as promised. The next update will be soon...
"Quinn just go back outside" Judy tried to usher her out but Quinn didn't move. Russell turned to look at her and sneered.
"Hello Quinnie" she didn't respond "perhaps you should do what your mother says for once"
"I'm not moving"
"Fine this concerns you anyway. I was just telling your mother that it was time she made a decision"
"About what?" Quinn turned to Judy in surprise she didn't know there was any decision to be made.
"It doesn't matter" Judy shook her head at Russell "There is nothing more to say"
"Oh come on Judy. Quinn needs to know that you can solve all her problems in one swoop. I move back in and the money is there for college and since I got my latest promotion well it means New York is within my means, so long as I can sell up my apartment and the alimony stops."
"No way, Mom you can't, not after what he has done. How can we trust him? It's not worth it. You were right, if we take his money we will never be free and…"
Russell slammed his hand down on the coffee table.
"Quinn this is your mother's choice. Once you have gone to New York we can get on with our own lives, the ones we had before you ruined us with your shameful act. You won't be a part of our lives that is the condition I have set your mother at least not while you carry on with that Berry girl."
"You have got to be kidding me" Quinn threw her arms in the air. She couldn't believe she was hearing all this again.
"Rachel Berry is a freak"
"Leave Rachel out of this"
"It's wrong Quinn. When you sort yourself out then you will be welcomed back into this house but not before."
"Rachel is the best thing that ever happened to me and nothing you ever say can change that. I will not make the same mistakes again" she looked to Judy "You don't have to do this Mom. You can't do this, I won't let you" she looked back at her Dad "I choose Rachel. I will always choose Rachel" she felt a hand wrap in hers and looked to see loving brown eyes looking up at her.
"Oh here we go. Lesbian central" Russell scoffed at the show of affection in front of him.
"Just leave Russell" Judy snapped at the man. "I love Quinn and I will not put her through this. I will never kick her out of my home again. You aren't going to blackmail either of us" Judy took a step towards Quinn.
"Judy" Russell closed the distance to his ex-wife "don't ruin your life because of that little bitch."
"How can you say that?" Judy pushed him away but Russell gripped her wrists and held them against the wall. Judy tried to push him off but he was too strong, he always had been.
"Just give in. You know you will come back to me eventually. You can't make it on your own. You can't even give Quinn the chance of a future. I could if you let me"
"I won't. I made a mistake letting you decide last time. I don't love you anymore. You are sick Russell and you need to get some help" he let go of her hand momentarily and slapped her hard across the face. There was a collective gasp in the room.
"Don't you ever talk to me like that again. Do you understand me Judy?" he pushed his body into hers trapping her "I will be moving back into my house next week and you will like it."
Judy was stunned and her face stung. She narrowed her eyes "This is not your house Russell. The courts made it mine and you will never step foot in it ever again."
Russell took her by the shoulders and slammed her into the wall. Quinn ran at him and was met with the back of his hand as he lashed out. Rachel screamed for him to stop and moments later Finn ran into the room, he was swiftly followed by Hiram and Leroy.
"What the hell" Finn took in the scene in front of him before lunging at Russell and tackling him to the ground. Hiram grabbed Judy pulling her out of the way and Rachel picked up Quinn from the floor.
"Get off me boy" Russell spat and Finn slammed his fist into his face. When Russell laughed he hit him again and split his lip.
"You are sick" Finn struggled to keep Russell down before Leroy came to his aid. He picked Russell off the floor and took him by the collar of his shirt.
"If I ever hear that you have touched one of these women ever again I will hunt you down and kill you. Do you understand me Russell" Leroy was stronger than Rachel realised as she watched him drag Russell to the door. "Now get out" Finn opened the door and Leroy pushed Russell out.
"Fine, I'm leaving. Make your own way because that's it. Quinn is 18 and I am not responsible anymore. I wash my hands of you. God will judge you when the time comes."
Finn slammed the door on Russell's retreating figure and looked back at the room.
"Is everyone ok?" Hiram asked
"Yeah I guess so" Judy was still shaking her face was red and slightly swollen, but it would fade away. She gently touched it before looking to Quinn. "Are you ok?"
"I'm just glad he has gone. "
"I hope he doesn't come back, maybe we should call the police?" Rachel looked at them both.
"I think Rachel is right" Finn stood in the doorway. For once glad that his aggression had been of some use.
Leroy patted him on the shoulder "He won't be back but maybe a restraining order would help"
Rachel was still checking Quinn for bruises, her cheek was a little red but she hadn't any serious marks. She cupped her cheeks and placed a kiss on her head "It meant a lot you know, you choosing me"
"Surely you knew that by now"
"I guess I did, but it's still nice to hear it."
"My Dad is ill. Seriously the man has issues, it's not something we need in our lives is it Mom?" Judy wrapped them both in a hug.
"We will never rely on that man for anything ever again. I love you both and I am so happy that you know what you have is worth fighting for. You are lucky. So lucky"
Leroy joined the hug and was soon followed by Hiram. Finn looked on awkwardly before Quinn caught his eye and beckoned him to take part.
"You guys are really strange" Santana said as she walked past them on her way towards the restroom. She just frowned on her way back a few minutes later. Then she saw Judy's face and she turned on Finn.
"What did you do Hudson?"
"Whoa calm. He saved the day" Quinn tried to stop her friend.
"He did?"
"He really did" Quinn beamed at the thought of it "He punched my Dad"
"Oh" Santana found the desire to hug Finn irresistible. "Good work Finn"
"Um thanks" he blushed a little from the unfamiliar praise.
"So I guess it's over" Quinn said to the room. Rachel knew what she really meant, that college was over. She turned to Judy and saw the same look of resignation that Quinn held and she wanted to cry. She wanted to run after the evil man that kept trying to ruin everything for her and Quinn.
She didn't though she just wrapped her arms around Quinn and made her promises of how it would all be ok.
Rachel felt a lump in her throat, only now was she getting a glimpse into the life Quinn had lived for all those years. The thought of it all made her stomach churn.
"So can we at least pretend we are having a party tonight" Judy asked as the others followed her back outside. Rachel cringed a little when Judy and her Dads began dancing but soon relented when Quinn dragged her by the hand towards them. They laughed and danced and Rachel sang, but only for Quinn. It was 2am by the time they settled in the kitchen with hot chocolates. Tired, happy and a little bruised around the edges.
xxx
The next day they enjoyed a lazy breakfast. Judy had covered the marks on her face with makeup. It wasn't the first time but she knew it was definitely the last time she would have to. Santana came over to help but seemed to just be sunbathing as the others picked up the discarded cups.
"It's going to be ok Quinn" Judy rested her hands on her daughter's shoulders as they watched Rachel in the yard.
"How is that possible Mom?" She turned to look at Judy. "It's just disaster after disaster. Is this the price for falling in love?"
"No. This is just a run of bad luck. Things will change. You got the best thing, you got Rachel and now your Father is gone."
"He still lives in Lima. We will struggle to avoid him, how can we live our own lives?"
"You'll be in New York in the Fall"
"Don't make promises you can't keep"
"Just let me keep trying. I have ideas it just not as simple as I'd thought, just have some faith, please?"
"I'm sorry. I just can't keep getting my hopes up"
Judy watched with an ache in her heart as Quinn left her and went to the brunette, she saw the smile on Rachel's face the moment her eyes caught Quinn's and it made her more determined to make their dream come true.
xxx
"Well look at you all. I take it the party sucked." Fran was as pleasant as ever as she returned home.
"I think it's best you don't say another word" Judy walked past her eldest daughter. It had been a slightly more relaxing morning and she just didn't need more hassle.
"You are such failures" Fran said to her remaining audience "Clearly you caused Mom a headache she didn't need to be hosting a gay club party"
"Get over it Fran." Quinn snapped.
"Not until you get over this gay phase"
"I really don't like you Fran" Rachel got up in the girls face "You and your Father have caused nothing but pain for Quinn and your Mom. I think it's time you backed off. Can't you see that you aren't going to win? Quinn and I love each other. How can our happiness be so wrong?"
"It's wrong and I won't ever accept it. So you need to get it into your head Berry that your little lesbian ways aren't welcome here…"
"Enough" Judy shouted from the kitchen "I have had enough of this Fran. I know I said I'd never do it but you have pushed me too far. You can pack your bags and get out of here. Your Father will be more than happy to support you I am sure. You are still welcome to visit but I will not have you speaking to Rachel or Quinn like that under my roof"
"Why are you so naive Mom" Fran followed Judy into the kitchen and Quinn joined them. Rachel watched them from the Hallway. She quickly made her way upstairs and into Fran's room.
In the kitchen the argument was still blazing Fran wouldn't stop and Judy felt like banging her head against the wall.
"She is your sister Francis. She deserves our love"
"She is a failure, a disappointment and a dyke. Really Mom…" Fran turned away and looked out the window when she heard Santana laughing "What the hell?" she screamed and ran out the door. Judy looked at Quinn who shrugged her shoulders as they both followed Fran outside.
"What are you doing you little bitch" Fran was shouting but Quinn couldn't see anyone, then she heard a splash and looked at the pool. It was littered with Fran's shoes, Fran's prize possessions. She looked up to see Rachel at her sister's window about to throw the Jimmy Choo's Fran screamed and Quinn smiled at her girl.
"I am just helping you pack Fran. There won't be enough room for all these shoes at your Dad's place"
"You'll ruin them" Fran jumped into the pool fully clothed frantically trying to rescue the only things she loved in this world more than herself and her Daddy.
"Oh will I? Well I guess someone so evil doesn't deserve such nice things" Rachel threw a pair of Louboutins in and Quinn laughed out loud when she realised they were the pair they rowed about the other day. Judy couldn't help herself, she knew she had to stop Rachel but somehow it felt like justice so she just joined Quinn and Santana and laughed. Rachel didn't throw another pair as she watched the scene below her. Her job was done. Judy and Quinn had some light relief after a nightmare encounter and Fran had at least got her comeuppance. She walked downstairs and joined them at the side of the pool. Fran had just finished fishing out the last of her shoes and was struggling to climb out of the water in all her wet clothes. Once she succeeded she frantically tried to pick all her shoes up and turned towards the three observers.
"Happy now, that is five thousand dollars you just destroyed! I hope you have the funds to pay for this damage" she huffed as she walked past them.
"Rachel owes you nothing" Judy stated and Fran just opened her mouth before closing it again.
She stormed to her room leaving wet footprints behind her.
"I had to do something" Rachel said to them all "she has just been so evil"
"It's ok Rachel. She deserved a whole lot worse" Judy squeezed Rachel into her "I'm just sorry I allowed all this to go on for so long".
xxx
Fran showered and packed her bags, she knew she would have had no trouble getting her Mom to back down and let her stay if she tried but she didn't want Rachel having easy access to her shoes ever again. She heard her door open and close behind her and figured it was her Mom coming to apologise. When she didn't hear a sound she looked up and was startled to see Santana watching her.
"What are you doing in here?" Fran snapped.
Santana walked towards her "I've come to warn you to leave your sister and Rachel alone"
"Really is this house turning into some kind of lesbian colony? Just get out Santana."
Santana grabbed Fran by the shoulders and slammed her into the wall gripping her by the throat. "Stay out of their lives. No one deserves to have someone as evil as you for a sister, I thought I was a bitch but I have got nothing on you."
Fran tried to push Santana off and they ended up falling to the floor. Santana ripped a clump of hair from the blonde as she forced her face into the floor.
"I'll leave her alone" Fran sobbed but Santana didn't relent.
"I don't ever want to see you near either of my girls ever again. If you do I will make sure something worse than having your shoes thrown in the pool happens. Do you understand?"
"I get it ok, please just get off me."
Santana backed off and sat down on Fran's bed she watched her pick up her bags.
"Glad to see the back of you" Santana said as Fran walked out the door. She got no response.
xxx
Fran couldn't help herself when she turned to see Rachel and Quinn talking in the kitchen on her way out "You make me sick" she shouted.
"Like we care what you think" Rachel called back without looking.
"You are a disgusting little lesbian and the sooner my sister figures it out and dumps your ugly short ass the better"
Quinn walked over to Fran and smashed her fist into her older sister's face. "It's about time I did that" she said as she pushed the girl toward the door.
"You bitch I think you broke my nose"
"I don't care. You ever talk about my girlfriend like that again and I will make damn sure it's broke"
"I hate you"
"I don't exactly love you Fran. Don't you have somewhere else to be right now?"
Santana rushed down the stairs at the commotion and Fran looked between the two angry girls in front of her before she turned and left.
"Nice punch Q" Santana patted her on the shoulder.
"I should have done it sooner" Quinn looked at Rachel "I should have" she whispered "after Mom's party."
"She got what she deserved. Let's move on" Rachel took Quinn's hand and pressed an ice pack against the bruised knuckles. "I'm glad you did it though" she smiled as she kissed her hand.
Xxx
Rachel finished cleaning up and walked back into the bedroom to find Quinn face down on the bed.
"Hey it's not that bad baby"
Quinn rolled onto her back "I know it's just knocked me a little. I can't believe my Dad and Fran could be like that. I thought I'd seen the worst of them but when he went for Mom"
"Do you think he'll stay away?"
"I honestly don't know. I wish he wasn't in Lima but I guess it's a good thing I am going to be here next year. I couldn't leave Mom on her own now."
"At least some good comes from all this madness. I will miss seeing you every day" Rachel cupped Quinn's cheek and made her look at her.
"I know. I don't want to think about it just yet. We have a few weeks to go until August bites"
"And we can enjoy our summer. I plan to lounge out at that pool of yours…what?" Rachel saw the look on Quinn's face
"I'll have to get a job I guess. I mean I can't sit around all summer"
"So I can bring you lunch and we can swim at night"
"And have a hell of a lot of sex"
"Sounds good to me"
"But we have to win Nationals first"
"We really do" Rachel smiled and they both lay back on the bed.
Xxx
Two weeks later and Rachel was shaking backstage. They were about to perform and this was their last shot at taking that National title.
"Are you ok?" Quinn asked as she joined her.
"Just a little nervous"
"You are going to be amazing" Quinn squeezed her hand.
"Bitches we are going to kill it" Santana joined them and wrapped an arm around each girls shoulder giving them a quick squeeze before she headed to her mark.
"We go out there and win. You can do this Rachel" Quinn cupped Rachel's face and nearly lost herself in her girlfriends deep brown eyes.
Rachel wrapped herself around Quinn she needed to be as close as she could. To shut out her fears and feel safe.
xxx
Minutes later and it was over, there was nothing more they could do as they waited for the competition to perform. The green room was tense. Rachel chewed on her lip as Quinn drew circles with her thumb on the back of her hand.
She squeezed Quinn's hand and leant into her on the couch.
There wasn't much time left and Finn's pacing was driving them all crazy. Santana looked at him and screamed "Just sit down"
He grinned and threw a pillow at her. She yelped before throwing it back at him and soon the room exploded as the others all joined in the fight all desperate to let out the tension. They stopped dead when the call came out and Rachel took it upon herself to address the group.
"I just want to say that no matter what happens out there we have all won in our hearts. I am so happy that I can call you all my friends. That we have made it this far just shows what an amazing group of exceptionally talented people we all are. Never lose that, whatever life throws at you remember us and this moment right now. We all matter. I love you guys"
They all managed to grip on into a group hug before linking hands and heading back out to the stage. Quinn made sure she was next to Rachel as they waited. She could feel Rachel's breathing quicken and tried to calm her by rubbing her back but her own nerves were beginning to take over. This was the moment. The one thing Rachel needed to complete her High School existence and Quinn was desperate for her to get it.
The Lady with the microphone gave a long speech about how they were all winners. It wasn't as emotive as Rachel's pep talk and no one was really listening to her at this point. She heard Mike mutter "get on with it".
"Placing 2nd are…..Vocal Adrenalin" The lady handed out the trophy and Quinn felt Rachel squeeze harder as she began to bounce up and down.
Quinn didn't know what happened next or what the woman said but she knew they'd done it because she was being lifted in the air by one Rachel Berry and she loved it. Her girlfriend had obviously inherited some of Leroy's strength as she spun the blonde and Quinn cheered. Suddenly they were both in the air. Puck had her on his shoulders and Mike had lifted Rachel. Quinn reached out and took Rachel's hand as the cheers continued. Their eyes met and Quinn felt the pride well inside her. Rachel stopped screaming and smiled. "We did it" she mouthed and Quinn pushed at Puck to let her down. She watched Rachel climb off Mike their eyes still locked together as Rachel moved closer and Quinn took her in her arms.
"I am so proud of you. Of all of us" Quinn grinned.
"It means so much being able to share this with you"
"It's just something else and so much better than all my Cheerio wins"
"Really?"
"Yes really"
Rachel kissed her. It still felt amazing to be kissed like that and as Rachel sought to deepen the kiss Quinn parted her lips and melted into Rachel's arms.
They partied that night with all the others and Mr Schue kept to his promise and bought the drinks. Quinn would occasionally look to see Rachel still in a daze. She knew it was still sinking in for her and some of the others too. They had finally made it, they should have done better before but now the past didn't matter. The New Directions were National Champions no one could take that from the group of misfits.
Santana was openly crying and clinging onto the trophy as if her life depended on it. She only let go when Brittany moved next to her. Quinn took hold of the trophy and walked to Rachel.
"I think this belongs with you for a little bit"
Rachel stared at it and shook her head before smiling.
"I don't need prizes. I have all I could ever want"
xxx
As graduation approached the club was inseparable amongst the Halls of McKinley. They held their heads up high and revelled in their win. Rachel would always find her way to Quinn's side when they were together. They had done a good job at not talking about the reality of Rachel going to New York but at home Rachel couldn't avoid it. She had plans, lots of plans and lists. She had begun packing and colour co-ordinating her books. When Quinn arrived she'd close the closet or shut her drawer. They didn't need to be reminded with what they faced.
The summer passed too quickly. They had commitments that kept them both busy. Sunday's they would spend with Shelby and Beth. Rachel was in awe of the relationship Quinn had managed to build with Beth and it had only helped her develop her own bond with Shelby. Her life had changed so much in the last year and she smiled just thinking about it, leaving all this behind was going to be really hard.
Judy took a holiday the week before Rachel was due to leave and through joint agreement Rachel was allowed to stay over at Quinn's. They had their freedom and a huge house all to themselves. Judy gave them permission to have friends over and it turned out to be the last time the Glee club would all be together in Lima for a long time.
"So what are you going to do to make this all sweet for Quinn?" Santana asked as they poured themselves drinks.
"I have no idea. We have days now and she still doesn't talk about it. I wish Judy hadn't chosen this week to go to San Francisco"
"At least Judy is back before you go because Quinn is going to freak when she wakes up the day after you leave and it finally hits her."
"She'll be ok" Rachel felt her eyes sting.
"She is Quinn. She can do this entire charade now, but when you've gone she is going to fall apart"
"Um thanks Santana really are you trying to make me feel awful?" Rachel asked incredulously. This was the last conversation she wanted to be having right now.
"I didn't. Sorry Rachel I was just thinking out loud"
"Quinn still has me, when you go Rach" Brittany joined them and placed an arm around Rachel's shoulders "I'll take her to the park and get ice cream to make her smile"
"That sounds wonderful" Quinn interrupted them "and Rach you really don't need to feel bad. Santana is just being overdramatic. I am going to miss you, but the first thing I am going to do is plan my first visit to see you"
She wrapped her arms around Rachel from behind and gave Santana a look. She had warned her friend not to put a guilt trip on Rachel and yet here she was.
"Sorry Quinn and really Rach I shouldn't have said it like that. I was just projecting because I am going to miss B"
"I know" Rachel said as she leant back into Quinn. The blonde placed a hot kiss to her neck and it made Rachel close her eyes. She really was going to miss not having her girlfriend to make her feel like that.
"So we can have some fun now?" Brittany asked and when they all nodded she picked up the tequila and they followed her back out to the party.
xxx
Rachel woke the next morning wrapped in Quinn's arms. She watched her girlfriend sleeping, seeing her so content made Rachel feel warm inside. She never imagined they'd be here like this. The night Quinn slapped her changed everything. It hadn't been easy but it really had been worth it. She reached out and ran her fingers slowly down Quinn's face. She watched as Quinn stirred and opened her eyes, blinking rapidly at the light.
"Hey" Quinn whispered.
"You are beautiful Miss Fabray. So beautiful"
"My head hurts" Quinn closed her eyes and grimaced.
"That'll be the tequila shots"
"The tequila? Oh yeah that was hot"
"Very"
"So you want to get some breakfast?"
"Actually I have something planned. You think you can handle a date or is your head too sore?"
Quinn stretched out and rubbed her head "I am just about ok"
"Good because there is this place I wanted to go to once more before I leave Ohio"
"The diner?"
"You know me so well"
"Let me shower quickly"
"We better share. It's getting late"
"It's 7am?"
"So we'll still make breakfast but first I get to shower with my extremely hot girlfriend. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Nope" Quinn skipped to the bathroom with Rachel hot on her heels.
She turned the shower on and looked at Rachel, taking her hand they walked in and closed the door.
Quinn began to wash Rachel. She took the soap and caressed every inch of the bronzed skin. Placing kisses as she went, memorising every single bit of the girl she loved.
At 8.30 they were on the road and heading to the Diner.
It was a just as lovely as the first time. The waitress seated them and soon they were happily eating. Quinn's hangover mixed with morning shower sex had left her with an insatiable appetite.
"When we live in New York we'll be able to go to so many amazing places for breakfast but I genuinely don't think any will come close to this" Rachel sat back in her chair and watched Quinn finish her feast.
"I love the way you talk about us living in New York together, it helps me to know that it will one day be a certainty"
"Can't live without you Quinn so it is most definitely for certain" she gripped Quinn's hand on the table and smiled.
Once they had finished they took a drive around Lima before spending the afternoon curled up on the couch watching old movies. Neither could have asked for a more perfect day together and both knew they'd always cherish it.
Xxx
When the day came to wave Rachel off Quinn felt broken. She couldn't quite face saying goodbye. They had been inseparable for months now and she knew the distance was going to be hard.
"I'll miss you" Rachel said as she ran her hand up and down Quinn's arm.
"You call me everyday"
"I promised that a long time ago"
"Good. Don't ever forget it. I don't care if you read me the grocery list just as long as I hear your voice"
Rachel couldn't stifle the sob that escaped as she looked at Quinn and felt scared.
"I'm sorry. I just…I love you and I don't know how to do this and we said no tears…or Santana told me not to cry…but I am going to miss you. You are my best friend as well as my girlfriend. I think I should stay."
"You have to go. I feel the same and I want you to stay but you have to go. I will join you next year. We are happening Rachel"
"I'll call you every day"
"You better" Quinn pulled her into another hug she looked up to see Leroy watching them impatiently. Reluctantly she pulled back and placed a last kiss to Rachel's lips. "Call me when you get there ok"
"I will" Rachel walked towards the waiting car "and say bye to your Mom. I feel awful that we missed her"
"I'll let her know, it's just typical that her flight would get delayed."
"You are going to be ok when I go?"
"I'm going to Santana's until my Mom gets in as promised. So don't worry I won't be alone"
"I…."
"Don't" Quinn ran towards her and pressed another kiss to Rachel's lips.
Leroy coughed and Rachel nodded to him before pulling away and opening the door.
Quinn watched as Rachel climbed into the car. She watched as it drove down the street and saw Rachel turn in her seat to look at her from the back window. She stood there for a good ten minutes after the car was out of view before she headed back to her own car and her new reality.
