Chapter 29: Maims and Pains

1 message received from Will: Quinn, are you okay?

2 messages received from Will:

Quinn, just tell me if you're okay or if something's going on. You haven't said a word to me since that "I've arrived" text when you got back to New Haven.

Quinn. Please.

Quinn took a deep breath as she put her phone down on her bed. Will has been texting her all day but she has no idea what to say. After arriving from Lima yesterday, she has been busy with getting back to her life in New Haven—her studies, fixing her apartment, everything that could take her mind off Will, Lima...and Puck.

She still couldn't get over the fact that she broke his heart. That she always breaks people's hearts. That she's still the same messed up sixteen year old; the same old Quinn. No matter how far she ran, her past always caught up with her.

1 message received from Rachel: Quinn. Will keeps on texting me. Is everything ok?

Quinn pressed reply, "i'm okay, Rach."

Rachel: Then why don't you text him? Quinn, is something going on? I mean, I know Puck left and all but...is this about that?

Quinn: I just...it just can't be this way anymore.

Rachel: What do you mean?

Quinn: I love Will. U know I do. It's just that...I don't think this is the right time for us. We need to...we need to really get to know ourselves first. I need to get to know myself first.

Rachel: then talk to him. Quinn, he deserves to know that.

Quinn: I will. I just...I'm gathering my courage.

Rachel: you'll be ok. just make sure that this is really what you want.

Quinn: i know. i will. thanks, Rach.

Rachel: btw...Finn called.

Quinn: really? he did?

Rachel: Right after New Year's.

Quinn: And?

Rachel: And? that's it, Quinn. I said I needed time. He just can't flit in and out of my life. I love him, I always will, but...I guess you're right. We need to know ourselves first.

Quinn: Well, I'm proud of you, though.

Rachel: You'll be okay, Quinn. Don't worry. Oh well, I gtg, rehearsals. Holler if anything, ok?

Quinn: I will. thanks, Rach.

Rachel: no problem. tty soon, Quinn!

Quinn: u too, Rach! x

Quinn turned to the pieces of papers that she was working on. She's been trying to write an essay but she couldn't finish anything. She knew that she had to talk to Will. She had to tell him how she felt. She had to be a grown-up, once and for all.

But before she could call or say anything to Will, her phone rang.

And yes, it was Will.

She took a deep breath and picked it up.

'Will," She said softly.

"Quinn!" He said, "Finally! What's going on? Why aren't you answering my calls? My texts? Did I do something wrong?"

"It's not you,"

"Are you really using that line on me?"

"Please," she muttered, "Just...I'll see you over the weekend, okay?"

"Quinn,"

"Please," She said, already about to cry.

He sighed, "Okay," he said, "I love you, Quinn."

"I love you, too," She said, "So much," she added silently, "that I have to do this."

xx