4 days lonely in Manhattan...
Quinn was pretty sure she was having Berry with drawls, though She wasn't the only one. Beth was constantly asking when Rachel would be home or how much she missed her. Some times they spoke about how fun the weekend was and all the funny stuff that happened. They sounded a little obsessed, actually but could you blame them. Rachel Berry brought life back into there two person family. Quinn sighs in sadness.
Ever since she fell asleep in the Diva's arms over the weekend, she can't sleep any more. She falls asleep for an hour, than wakes only to realize she's in her rundown apartment with an absent brunette, and only the cold night to keep her company. Not that Beth isn't amazing company but more like adult companionship. She can't sleep after she wakes, so to say she looks like death would be putting it lightly. She's at work and her shift is almost over. Her back aches from the springs of her mattress and working all day. Her feet are killing her and she hasn't eaten breakfast or lunch. She can say the weekend with Rachel has definitely spoiled she and Beth. The bottom of her shoes have holes and are on the verge of breaking. She keeps getting little rock pebbles stuck in her shoe and her socks turn black from the contact on concrete. She thanks Rachel in her head everyday for trusting her with her car, because it has been a blessing. She forgot how just having something as simple as a car makes everything 10 times easier.
Neither she nor Beth have been late to work or school. They get to have an easy morning when they get up, because they don't have to rush to make it to the bus. It also means they get to sleep in later, well, Beth does. They don't have to get up two hours earlier, because the bus leaves them 6 blocks from the school. So, no walking but the Best part of it is. When they get to the school. They get to sit in the car with the heat on. Before they would have to stand out in the cold because there schedule made them an hour early to school, when they were actually on time to be there. It is also a silent relief for Quinn, because when the bell rings she runs across the street with Beth. They say there good byes for the day and she rushes back to the car without running into Mr. Turner. So, she has not seen him since that unfortunate night. She prays beyond anything that he let the situation go but for now only time would tell. Quinn was brought out of her musing when she heard a voice behind her.
"Oh my god, mija! I came as fast as I could. Are you ok? I'm so sorry!" Marisol spoke quietly but quickly. Gathering the blonde in her arms to give as much love and comfort as she could. "Do you need me to watch Beth, while you go?" Marisol ask.
"Marisol, what are you talking about? Why would you need to watch Bet-"Quinn began asking in confusion.
"Aye, mija you don't know?" Marisol ask with surprise and remorse in her eyes. Quinn shook her head no.
"It's been all over the news this morning." Marisol spoke quietly. She pulled her cell phone out and googled what she spoke of and than handed the phone to Quinn. Quinn's eyes filled with tears as her heart constricted. Her breathing became erratic. She looked at Marisol in shock.
"Whe- where is she?! What hospital?!" Quinn ask frantically, rushing to the back of the restaurant only to come face to face with the TV that her boss has hanging from the ceiling. The news was on and the story was being discussed. She froze as the name Rachel Berry flashed across the screen. A picture of Rachel performing was shown as they spoke.
"-The star is said to be in critical condition. Sources say she was brought to St. Lukes hospital while others say she is being cared for at Presbyterian. It is unclear at the time. The Brunette sensation was air lifted because as we were told moments ago. Time.. is of the essence. Her mana-" The TV was shut off breaking Quinn from her shock.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING JUST STANDING BACK HERE?! GET YOUR SWEET ASSES BA-" Larry started to yell but was cut off by a very pissed off HBIC.
"Shut the fuck up! I am so sick of hearing your annoying, whiny bitch ass voice. I have let you talk shit and boss every one around and allow disgusting men out there, to put there hands on your female employees for your own personal gain! When really we could sue your ass for sexual harassment! Not to mention the verbal and physical abuse towards your cooks! I am sick and tired of working for you and I am pressing charges against you and this establishment!" Quinn yelled and the more she screams the more Larry turns pale because with every word out her mouth, her face transformed slowly as she takes in her prey. hands raising to her hips and chin held with confidence. Eyes sharp with no remorse as she belittled him with big words he wouldn't understand. It was magnificent to watch, the rest of the employees stared in shock at the usual quiet reserved mother. "NOW, STEP THE FUCK OFF! BEFORE I DO SOMETHING YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO FEEL! Quinn shouted her last words with finality. Watching the man child jump in fear at her voice.
"Mija! There's some one out here asking for you!" Marisol calls to Quinn from the entrance door. As soon as Larry starting yelling Marisol walked away assuming Quinn was behind her. She didn't get to see what just transpired.
Quinn stared him down, nostrils flairing in anger. She wanted to punch him in the face for all the years of uncomfortable situations he put her in. For all the men who sexually harassed her but she knew the smart thing to do was walk away, she is a mother after all and after everything that happened with Mr. Turner she didn't want to push her luck. She turned on her heel, grabbed her belongings and stormed out the door. Marisol guided her to a red haired, grey eyed woman who looked no older than 26.
"Are you Quinn Fabray?" The woman ask.
"Yes, that's me." Quinn answered nervously. Oh god this is it. He called social services! There going to take my baby away from me. Her eyes filled with unshed tears.
"May I see some form of identification, please?" The woman ask
"Sure." Quinn fumbled with her purse hands trembling. After the woman looked at the name she smiled.
"I apologize for coming here unannounced but it is an emergency. May we step outside for privacy?" Quinn nodded.
The women step outside and the red head looked around to be sure no one was near or could hear. She spoke very quietly.
"It's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name, though, I wish under different circumstances. I'm Alison waters, I'm Ms. Berry's assistant and I need you to come with me." The woman says sweetly.
"Oh god! Is she alright?" Quinn's chest seized.
"Honestly, right now, her condition is still unknown. I received the call this morning, I made fake calls all morning so the media would be confused over which hospital she'd been flown to but we don't have much time. We need to get to the hospital before they find out which one she's receiving care from." Alison finished. Quinn nodded her acceptance. "Do you need to go back in to let your boss know?" Alison ask.
"Honestly, the second I heard. I was watching the news and he tried to turn it off but.. I gave him a piece of my mind. So, I'm pretty sure I'm fired." Quinn replied.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Alison said
"But I will need to pick my daughter up from school.. If you don't mind waiting for me just a moment, the woman that you spoke to when you came in. I'll ask her if she could pick her." Quinn said. Alison nodded and Quinn ran inside to ask Marisol to babysit. She came back in a rush eager to see Rachel.
"Are you fired?" Alison ask hesitantly.
"It's ok, right now, Rachel's more important." Quinn replied with conviction. Alison smiled knowing if Rachel heard that she'd probably Squeal like a school girl. Alison wasn't a fool when the brunette first became reconnected with the blonde. Rachel would not shut up about it. She would smile so brightly and her eyes would shine as she talked about the former Head cheerleader. She also told Alison about high school and how she had the hugest crush on Quinn. Her boss never spoke about anything from her past or personal life. That is until Danielle came into the picture followed by Quinn and her daughter. Alison knew how much trouble Danielle would be, when she first heard the news of her and she knew how much help Quinn would be in her bosses life, it was already showing. Rachel has been the happiest she's ever seen her. Rachel doesn't let anyone drag her to after parties or clubs, anymore. If she's correct Rachel hasn't had any one night stands either, though that one could be Danielle's doing and now she was renovating her home to make room for her favorite blondes. Secretly, Alison was rooting for them and if she could help make it happen, she would but the only issue she saw standing in there way was Danielle. Especially, when Quinn finds out the truth.
They were in the town car, driving across Manhattan. They past Presbyterian and Quinn's jaw dropped at the sight. There were news reporters, paps and screaming fans every where taking up the entire block. The police were doing there best to hold them back and let the ambulance in with the new comers. It was like a circus, Quinn couldn't wrap her head around it. She new Rachel was famous but god that was scary just looking at it. They kept driving, she could only imagine what St. Lukes looked like.
"How did you know where I worked?" Quinn ask.
"Well, Rachel spoke about you enough. She told me the name and where it was. We had a good laugh about it, because we past that diner 1000 times over the past couple of years and she's never stopped in. It's crazy to think you two could have been reacquainted a long time ago." Alison shook her head with a fond smile.
"Really?" Quinn ask in shock.
"Yes. She used to walk that way because her hairstylist lived in a neighborhood 3 blocks over. When she first got in contact with you, she was so blown away by it." Alison replied.
"Why did you come get me, though? I'm not family and we both know they won't give any information to me because of that fact." Quinn ask honestly, though she wanted to kick herself because this woman could easily ask her to leave the car.
"You want the truth?" Alison ask. Quinn nodded. So, Alison Began to tell her everything that occurred that morning. She knew why she had to pick up Quinn. For one thing she knows Rachel would murder anyone if they didn't. She told Quinn about Alex, Rachel's manager and Angela ,Rachel's publicist. Alex refused to call Rachel's father's and mother because he said it would be a burden and they don't have time to fly two queers and a lonely school teacher first class. Angela agreed with him. That one pissed Alison off because she herself is gay but also she knows from Rachel just how much her parents mean to her. He also said as her manager since she can't speak for herself, he makes all the decisions and how they are going to spin the story in there favor, to boost the brand, if Rachel passes. "Think of all the millions we'll get in remorse! Her merchandise would set us up for life!" Angela agreed stating." Think of the clientel we'd acquire because so many new up and comers idolize her, our business would expand beyond our reach." They spoke in slight visible happiness. Alison was furious and so was the rest of Rachel's team. She told them about Quinn and Beth, So they all agreed on a plan that Alison herself came up with. Alison put Quinn down as Rachel's emergency contact and Rachel's lawyer agreed to say that Rachel Said Quinn has final say in all things related Rachel, Though it's not legally documented but with everyone agreeing to back up the story. Alex and Angela won't know any better and Michael, Rachel's lawyers is drawing up a fake contract as they speak. So if Quinn agrees all decisions will be made by her. Quinn was pissed and disgusted for Rachel.
She was also blown away. She didn't think she would ever be in this predicament. "How do you all know if I could be trusted. You don't know me at all. What if I'm some crazy high school psycho trying to steal all of Rachel's money? What if Rachel loses everything because of me? What if I ruin everything she's worked for? She would never forgive me? Not that I wouldn't do it. I would do anything and everything in my power to protect her and do right by her. She means so much to me but what if I ruin everything?" Quinn ask seriously.
"That right there is why? The first question out of your mouth was not what do I have to do? You were more concern with how can we trust you. What if you mess with Rachel's life and her forgiving you, if you did. Not to mention how shaken up you were when I got to your job. You look like you lost a significant other rather than a friend in a hospital and last but not least two weeks after you and Rachel reconnected we were going over some of Rachels will. Because we added the house and land. She told Michael and I that if anything happen to her that I was to contact you immediately and you and your daughter were to be taken care of as if you are royalty. You and Beth are now in her will. She said she trust you with her life." Alison finished as she watched Quinn's eyes fill with tears. The blonde began to cry again. Quinn nodded silently.
"So, do you agree to help us protect, Rachel?" Alison ask.
"Yes, anything she needs, I'll do." Quinn replied with conviction.
Alison smiled. "Well, the first thing she needs you to be is strong. Alex and Angela can smell a weak person a mile away." Alison began briefing Quinn on everything Alex and Angela. Who they were as individuals and together. How they prey on people using gossip, guilt, blackmail and anything else they can think of to make you back down. How Rachel wanted to visit her fathers but was denied. How Rachel's parents called repeatedly but were told Rachel wasn't available. How they forged Rachel's signature for movies and TV shows without her consent, forcing her to work more to the point of exhaustion. How Michael recently found out they had been stealing money from Rachel and trying to add there names to any all business, Rachel was planning to do while on hiatus. So, both would have rights and say over everything she chose. Threatening to fire Michael if he didn't concede. By the time they pulled up to mount Sinai hospital Quinn's tears were gone and fury took it's place. Alison and the rest of Rachel's main staff had proof to back up the story and would be showing Quinn. They wanted Alex and Angela gone but trying to get rid of them would get them fired and since Alex and Angela had so much pull the entire team would be blacklisted. They wouldn't be able to find work anywhere. Before stepping out of the car she turned to Alison with a small smile.
"Thank you for coming to get me. I promise you I will do my best to not only protect Rachel but to protect all of you." Quinn said resolutely. Alison smiled with unshed tears. She cared about Rachel as a friend and a boss. When she first applied for the job She was going to college part time. Her parents had no money and she was on scholarship. 5 years in and she was struggling bad. Sharing an apartment with 4 other loud college kids whose parents paid there full ride. She would lose sleep because of them and her grades started to sleep. Eventually, she lost her scholarship, on top of that Angela had fired her. When Rachel found out, she went straight to Alison's apartment and spoke with her. Alison was a mess and didn't see her future getting any better. Needless to say Rachel swooped in and saved the day. Not only did she rehire Alison but she bought a studio apartment in a building 2 blocks from Alison's school. She paid Alison's tuition in full and told Alison when she graduated to let her know so she has proper time for a replacement. Alison cried like a baby and hugged her thanking over and over again with her parents doing the same. Angela was furious and tried to convince Rachel that Alison wasn't worth it with Alex backing her up. What they didn't know is that, this wasn't the first time Rachel helped her staff. She's been helping for years without any expectations of anything in return. She didn't want anyone to know she helped either and made sure to swear them to secrecy. So, having Alex and Angela pull this, has the rest of Rachel's staff in protection mode. What Quinn is doing means the world to them.
"Thank you." Alison replied, pulling the blonde into a hug she didn't expect but was happy to receive because they both needed it. As soon as Quinn stepped out of the car. She was greeted by 4 unfamiliar faces. "Quinn this is the rest of Rachel's immediate team." Alison spoke. "This is Michael her lawyer." The tall brunette man stepped forward shaking her hand with a "It's nice to meet you." Quinn smiled and returned his shake firmly. He was impressed already. "This is Alicia Reyes, her hair and make up artist." Alicia still sniffling in silent tears stepped forward to shake her hand in the same manner as Michael. "This is Leo Castel, Her wardrobe stylist" Leo stepped forward trying to smile but was still crying. you could clearly see they all had. "This is Timothy Hamm Rachel's personal driver." He stepped forward and greeted her quietly. "They all wanted to meet you and we all agreed to meet privately, so Alex and Angela won't be the wiser of our plan. We have to be extremely careful." Alison said
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Thank you for caring about Rachel enough to do this. I promise you all as I've promised Alison, to protect every single one of you and I'll try my best to not let any of you down." Quinn said sincerely.
They thanked her and than told her what she would be facing when she went in to see Rachel. All the staff members including Alison had to go in first and Quinn would go to the cafeteria grab something to eat with the money Alison argued with her to take, while she waits 45 minutes to go up, to prevent any suspicion. Quinn was given the information she needed as well as what to say when she reached said floor. With that everyone went there ways. Quinn sat in the cafeteria building her courage and rehearsing what she needed to say in her head. She thought about Rachel and prayed that she would be ok. She couldn't imagine a world where the brunette didn't exist.
ALISON AND THE CREW...
Alison was doing her best to remain calm. The crew just stepped into the elevator and she could see all of them were dealing with the brunettes accident silently. Alison still couldn't wrap her head around it. It was so sudden, one minute she was on the phone with Rachel discussing color schemes for Beth's new room, than she heard Rachel scream than the phone cut off. She tried to call back but all she got was Rachel's voicemail. An hour later she received the phone call with the news. She was the first they contacted because apparently Angela, without Rachel's consent had removed all members of Rachel's family for emergency contact. She was furious over it but she was thankful that she was the last number contacted by Rachel which is why she was chosen as emergency contact but since she wasn't blood related she couldn't receive any information but she knew if Angela did what she did than that meant Angela was Rachel's emergency contact or possibly Alex. She wasn't sure but if those two had any say in what happens, they would bleed Rachel dry of all her money and brand. If there is life support she knows they wouldn't even blink before pulling the plug. So, Alison decided to spring into action and call the crew who she knew deep down genuinely cared for Rachel and came up with the plan and she is very glad she did because when they reached there designated waiting area, there were two unexpected and unwanted visitors who have yet to notice them and it was bad, extremely bad.
The two visitors had there backs to the entryway as the doctor was writing in his chart calmly.
"THIS IS REDICULOUS! I AM HER MANAGER! WE HAVE A RIGHT TO OUR CLIENTS INFORMATION! YOU CANNOT -" Alex was cut of by the annoyed but calm doctor
"As I've said Mr. McMahon I can not give unauthori-" Alex cut the doctor off angrily.
"LIKE I SAID! I DON'T GIVE A DAM ABOUT YOUR POLICY! I WILL SUE THIS HOSPITAL SO FAST, YOU WON'T KNOW IT HIT YOU UNTIL YOUR FIRED ON YOUR ASS!" He spat.
"Look obviously there has been a mix up. There is no one on our staff or in Rachel's family with that name. You must be mistaken. Now we need to know what our next plan of action is but we can't do that because you are with holding information that is crucial to our company. Give us what we ask or you will be dealt with! am I clear?" Angela spoke heatedly and threateningly.
"As I've already explained. I cannot give any information without permission from Lucy Q. Fabray. So please let -"The doctor spoke.
"ONCE AGAIN I DON'T CARE!" Alex shouted. Angela touched his shoulder to get his attention. He looked at her with anger but nodded to affirm he was listening. Angela turned a wicked smile on the doctor.
"You said they had to be blood related or a spouse?" The doctor nodded in agreement tiredly. "Well, than will the mother of her child do?" Angela ask and Alex's smile brightened. Alison froze as fear set in. In all her planning she forgot about one of her biggest obstacles. There was no way she'd be able to present Quinn in the light that she had hoped, they'd eat her alive especially with no real proof that she and Rachel were dating. Quinn's background and job don't correlate with Rachel's. She knew if they were going to do this, Quinn had to not only play the part but look it. In Alex and Angela's eyes Quinn would be nothing but a peasant after what they hope to gain and Danielle, well.. She wouldn't be intimidated by a waitress and she'd wouldn't take Quinn seriously. She stepped back from the entryway before they could be seen. The entire crew followed they made there way to the stairs to get away before they were seen as soon as possible. On the way back to the lobby she told the crew what the new plan was now that Alex and Angela decided to bring Danielle into the mix. They all agreed on the new plan. As soon as they made it to the ground floor, they went in search for Quinn. Alison spotted her stepping into the elevator.
"QUINN!" Alison shouted as loud as she could. People turned to stare at her, Quinn stared back in confusion as the elevator doors began to close. The blonde reached out to stop it from closing and then she step forward exiting it. Alison and the crew rushed over and pulled her to the side. As soon as Alison opened her mouth to speak another voice rang out loud and obnoxious. The crew pulled Quinn to the side shielding themselves from view but watching and listening to everything transpiring.
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT WHERE YOU ARE! WE ARE SENDING THE CAR BE READY! IF YOUR NOT, YOUR OUT OF THE PAY CUT! SO WADDLE YOUR WHALE ASS DOWN HERE ASAP! Alex disconnected the call.
"Is she on her way?" Angela ask.
"Yes, though she's demanding more money for her part but she isn't getting anything else." Alex replied with snoot.
"Let her think what she wants but Rachel's money and the brand will belong to us. I've already got my guy on the financials working to make sure we get everything. I do want to know who this Lucy Fabray is. She could be a problem if what he said was true. If she is sole beneficiary than we would have to take it to court." Angela said with irritation.
"That's if she finds out remember there isn't any contact information, just a name. So, as long as she doesn't show up or is contacted we're in the clear." Alex replied with a smirk.
"Well, I'd still like to be prepared. If all goes well with Danielle than you and I will be more informed and it will show we care. It will look good in court if she doesn't show to the last minute." Angela spoke lowly as they began to walk away. Quinn and the crew couldn't believe there ears. They now knew what they could be up against and Quinn for her part was a little worried.
Alison took in the almost terrified looks on there faces. She couldn't have them falling apart right now when they haven't even had a chance to fight, yet. Every moment counts and right now she had to pull them together for Rachel. "Okay, I know that sounded bad but are we really going to let those two get away with hurting Rachel?" Alison ask confidently. At the reminder of Rachel, Quinn's worried expression transformed into a cold, calculated scowl as she tracked the two scheming people as they made there exit out of the hospital. Her stance straightened as she made eye contact with Alison.
"No, we're not. I'm still in. All the way in." Quinn said with finality. The rest of the crew felt her confidence in waves and pulled strength from the fact, the blonde wasn't giving up.
"Great, now Quinn we've been talking and I know we already told you the plan. However; we came up with a better one but we can't do it without your consent." Alison said. Quinn's face softened in slight sadness. The blonde gripped her jacket to close it. Crossing her arms over her chest and looking down self consciously.
"Oh.. okay. I- you can do whatever you need to do. Anything to help Rachel. I'm sorry I wasted your time. I hope your plan works." Quinn spoke as she began to walk backwards away from the crew. "Please, let me know how she is and how everything turns out." Alison and the crew watched her in confusion as she began to close in on her self. Her confidence disappeared instantly.
"Quinn, what are you talki-" Alison tried but the blonde cut her off.
"No, it's fine I understand. You don't have to explain your new plan. I get it, I wouldn't work. I mean who would believe Rachel and I were even on the same level. Don't worry about it, I'm fin-" Quinn was cut off by Alison grabbing her by the shoulders. Halting her embarrassed escape.
"Quinn, that's not what I was saying. You are part of the plan. In fact, the same plan is still in motion. However, it is tweaked just a bit. Because the person they just called is as ruthless as they are." Alison spoke quietly.
"Really?" Quinn ask not able to make eye contact.
"Yes, really. We just want to change a few things up, to better secure everyone's safety in all this. Especially, yours." Alison finished with a smile. She thought Quinn was absolutely adorable.
"Then why do you need my permission, if you already have your plan figured out?" Quinn ask finally making eye contact. It wasn't lost on Quinn how Alicia and Leo were grinning like fools her way. She could feel there excitement in waves.
"Because silly, you don't go to war without your armor." Alison said with a smirk. Quinn looked confused still. "Okay, I'll just say it. We want to give you a complete makeover but unless you agree we won't do anything." Alison said reassuringly when Quinn's eyes bulged out there sockets. Honestly the blondes reaction was comical, if the situation were under different circumstances, she's sure they all would be on the floor laughing hysterically.
"Wh- wha- why? Why would I- I- I- mean I haven't- I don't even remember how to- I-" Quinn fumbled with her words like a fish out of water. Alison took her hand helping her to take calming breathes.
"It's okay, your okay, we just know if we presented you like you are, no offence. You wouldn't make it past any of them to see Rachel." At the mention of Rachel's name. Again, the blondes head shot up and her confidence came back full force and determination shined in her eyes.
"What do I have to do?" Quinn ask seriously, which was over shadow by squealing and jumping from Alicia and Leo. The two immediately went into work mode. Assuring Quinn she had nothing to worry about, to leave it all to them as they dragged her away. If Alison didn't know any better. It look as if Quinn looked fearful. She chuckled slightly at the two fashionista's and there innocent project as they dragged her away. Michael and Timothy stepped on each side of her.
"You think she can really pull this off?" Michael ask.
"That women right there made Rachel Berry fall in love without even trying. In my book, she's super women. She can do anything." Alison said with a smile. Timothy and Michael chuckled thinking about there boss and her many conquests they had to remove from her premises. "Now that her appearance is being taking care of, that leaves the business aspect. Knowing Angela she's going to want to run a background check on Quinn. So, we have to intercept it. At least right now they only have her name and nothing else. We need to get Quinn a new cell phone and a new job that she's had for the last couple of years but without it being on paper. It will be difficult to get but we could make it happen." Alison spoke as her mind raced trying to find a solution.
"My uncle, he's doing Rachel's house right now and you know how he adores her. Maybe we could get him to agree to say Quinn's been working for him all this time and that would help with the reconnecting of the friendship story, without anyone knowing." Michael said raising his eyebrow in question.
"That's a genius idea! okay you go speak to him and remember everything is on the hush and need to know basis. Make sure he agrees to help Rachel before you tell him everything and he has to sign a disclosure agreement. I'm sorry, I love your uncle but if anyone of those three find out about everything. It's over for us all and I don't want to let Rachel, Quinn or any of you down." Alison said genuinely.
"Don't worry you won't and I understand. I'll call you in a couple of hours to let you know how it goes, than we'll take it from there." Michael said before departing with assurances to both of them, all will work out.
"Okay, Tim your with me. We need to make Quinn into a boss on paper. We also need to set up a plan for Beth as well." Alison said
"You got this, Al. If anyone can help pull this off it's you." Tim said with a smile.
"That's a lot of confidence you just threw. It's a little intimidating but thank you." Alison said with a small but worried smile.
"No worries, kid you got this." Tim smiled at her warmly.
"I hope so..." She muttered under her breath as they made there way to the car. Wondering not for the first time, if Rachel would have only listened to her to begin with when she suggested, Rachel, to call Tim to drive her to her next appointment instead of taking that dam cab. Maybe just maybe things would have been different but they weren't and all they had was the here and now but the here and now could turn into the end for everyone involved.