Hey guys, sorry for the late update but I'm an essential worker and have been working overtime. I've been working on this chapter in between and though I'm not satisfied with it myself. I don't think you'd appreciate it if I made you wait any longer. So, hears to you all. May you stay safe and blessed. If there are any mistakes rest assured that I am currently going chapter to chapter editing this entire thing at the same time that I'm writing it. So I will fix it if I missed anything. Until next time. Enjoy!

I don't own glee or anything attached to it.


Rachel Stares at Leroy, her eyes enchanted with disbelief. She couldn't believe he was there in front of her. Just as handsome and strong as she remembers. Her protector.

Leroy's tears are slowly cascading down his face as he too is enchanted. He never thought this day would come.

His baby girl was literally three feet from him. He wanted to reach out and touch her. To hug her and hold her and never let go.

He could see his emotions reflected in Rachel's eyes as could Quinn but the emotions vanished almost instantly as Rachel seemed to back to herself, Brunette's eyes hardened.

Than in a blink of an eye her face went blank and neither could get a read on what exactly Rachel was feeling.

Quinn felt nervous suddenly and instantly filled with worry. She didn't want this to push Rachel over the edge but she truly felt Rachel needed to hear their side of the story.

Quinn knew if she didn't push Rachel a little. The brunette would be headed back to the car any minute now. "Should we take this inside?" The blonde asked as she placed her hand at the base of the brunette's back guiding her forward.

"Oh, of course. Please excuse me. Come in." Leroy replied in a rush, doing his best to wipe his tears that just wouldn't stop flowing.

Rachel stepped forward cautiously as she felt her body coiling and tightening in on it's self the further she walked in.

Leroy led the way. He could feel his heart pound and blood rushing his ears as he did his best to get his emotions in check.

Quinn had warned all of them of the changes their daughter has gone through as a person internally. She no longer easily put her trust in anyone. They were informed she was not to be touched or hugged or anything right away to be safe.

It was best to explain everything than allow Rachel to decide what happens next. Any physical contact had to come from her.

"I'm right here, baby. I'm not going anywhere." Quinn whispered in Rachel's ear and kissed her temple as they followed Leroy.

Rachel nodded stiffly as she squeezed Quinn's hand. Her eyes cast to the ground as she did her best to keep herself moving forward and not haul ass out of that house, like a bat out of hell.

Just than the brunette heard two gasps and her mind came back to focus. She lifted her eyes not realizing they had already reached the living room.

Rachel choked on air at the sight of her mother and father (Hiram) stood before her with trembling lips and flowing tears.

"Rachel.." Hiram whispered in a whimper. He was fighting every instinct in him not to rush forward and gather her in his arms.

He couldn't believe this was happening. She was here. His little diva was standing there looking as beautiful as the day she was born. Hiram couldn't help the unconscious step he took forward.

On instinct Rachel stepped back, bumping into Quinn who wrapped her arms around her waist. The brunette's eyes shut as she took a deep shuddering breath.

Hiram swallowed thickly and stepped back. Leroy shut his eyes as he couldn't bare the hurt shining in Hiram's.

"How about we all have a seat?" Quinn suggested.

"Yes, Let's have a seat." Russell followed and took it upon himself to sit and soon the other's followed their lead.

Quinn and Rachel were sat on the love seat. Leroy, Hiram and, Shelby were sat on the large couch facing them and Russell was sat in the lounge chair between both parties.

An uncomfortable silence engulfed the room. The tension was so thick in the air it was stifling.

Quinn could feel Rachel's body tightly coiled. She cleared her throat and gave Leroy a pointed look. Leroy nodded and licked his dry lips and began nervously anxious.

"I guess, there's no easy way to start this. Um.. We have-"

"You told me you needed time." Rachel cut in with a soft low tone eyes trained on her hands in her lap.

Everyone in the room was surprised that she spoke up without being prompt.

"Excuse me?" Leroy asked gently.

"You told me the attention you all were receiving because of me was too much. That it was best if I didn't contact you for a little while." Rachel spoke her voice two octaves higher with a slight bite to her tone. Her eyes lifting to Leroy, staring so stone cold.

She looked unrecognizable to all of her parents. Never had they ever seen that expression on her face before. Not toward other people either.

She was always soft hearted but the look she was giving them was unforgivable in it's cynicism gaze.

"Rachel I would never-" Leroy tried again.

"BULLSHIT!" Rachel bellowed in anger as she sprang to her feet with pure, unadulterated hatefull fire in her eyes.

Every one in the room jumped out of their skin with wide shocked eyes and slacked jaws.

"Rachel I swear I would never say such a-" Leroy began in a pleading tone but that only pissed Rachel off more.

"STOP LYING TO ME! YOU LEFT ME! YOU ALL LEFT ME TO THEM LIKE-LIKE SOME CASH COW! I WAS 19 FOR FUCKS SAKE!" As Rachel's voice rose in ferocity she began stepping toward the trio sat on the couch until she was standing intimidatingly over them. "I DIDN'T KNOW WHO THEY REALLY WERE AS HUMAN BEINGS! HOW SICK THEY WERE AND YOU JUST LEFT ME WITH THEM! YOU DISAPPEARED AND NOW YOU HAVE THE FUCKING AUDACITY TO ASK ME TO COME HERE AND SPEAK TO YOU AFTER SIX MOTHERFUCKING YEARS?! USING MY FIANCE TO CONVINCE ME?! WELL FUCK YOU, YOU PIECES OF SHIT! I DIDN'T NEED YOU THEN AND SURE AS HELL DON'T NEED YOU NOW BECAUSE I HAVE MY OWN FAMILY! THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE ANY OF YOU! I HATE YOU! I FUCKING HATE ALL OF YOU!" Rachel's face was beet red and her breathing was harsh as she stormed away.

Everyone jumped once more when a door slammed in the opposite direction they entered. Everyone was in their own variation of shock. They hadn't expected that response.

Maybe anger and tears but not the absolute hatred that was shining in Rachel's eyes. The way she towered over her parents in such a threatening manner.

Her words so cutting as she foamed at the mouth. They even felt a little of her spit as she screamed above them.

"Um.." Quinn was so in shock she didn't know what to say. She stood to go after her fiancé but Shelby spoke first standing as well.

"Please, Quinn. Let me."

"Are you sure that's a wise idea?" Quinn asked.

"Yes, believe me. Despite being out of her life. I know my daughter and that right there is my temper. That was her built up thoughts. Things she's been needing to say to us but never got to. That's what happens to me when I build up too much hurt. When I can't hold it in any longer, I lose my head. Now I'm going to go out there and I'm going to stand my ground because that's the only way to get Rachel or myself to listen. So, if any of you hear yelling or screaming please just wait until the end."

Leroy and Hiram nodded then looked to a hesitant Quinn.

"It's true, Quinn. Shelby and Rachel have been doing this since she was a child and would have explosive tantrums." Leroy assured.

"They really are the exact same person in that aspect." Hiram supplied with a watery smile.

Quinn swallowed thickly and sat back down. "Okay, I trust you but Shelby if you hurt her.." Quinn trailed off with a raised eyebrow and coldness in her eyes and tone.

"Your a real keeper, Lucy Boo." Shelby said with a wink and smile but Quinn was having none of it. "I promise not to hurt your fiancé. She's my daughter, I couldn't even if I wanted to." Shelby replied seriously. Quinn nodded.


Alison was sat with Asher reading him a story in a low soft tone. She was so focused on her reading in her seat that she hadn't heard the door open behind her.

She hadn't noticed that she was being watched and jumped out of her skin when a voice spoke up behind her.

"Green eggs and Ham. That's one of my favorites."

Alison's eyes widened in surprise as her heart thudded from being caught off guard. "You scared the crap out of me."

Jade's warm humorous smile was captivating. Her eyes twinkled softly with mirth. Jade's giggle caressed Alison's ears teasingly without effort and Alison felt like a part of her heart just tore it's self in half and ditched her, running straight to Jade.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Jade replied.

Alison licked her suddenly dry lips. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Hmm... Oh just about ten minutes give or take." Jade replied with smirk.

Alison shut her eyes in embarrassment and didn't even understand why she was embarrassed. "Good to know."

"So, your friend Alicia says you've been here since this morning."

"Yeah. Quinn and Rachel left like two hours ago though. So I haven't really been alone too long."

Jade nodded than walked over to the incubator, her eyes shining at her new baby nephew. Alison couldn't help but stare and marvel at her beauty.

"He's so cute!" Jade gushed softly. "Hi, little man." She cooed in a whisper.

Alison didn't know what took over her in that moment and she wanted to face palm for her inappropriate word vomit. "Do you have any? Kids, I mean."

Jade looked up in surprise than her eyes softened with a little sadness. Her eyes gazed back down to Asher as she sighed in resignation. "No.. I don't. Do you?"

"No but I do want some, someday."

"Haven't found the right guy, yet?" Jade asked with a raised eyebrow and smirk.

Alison felt her panties moisten. 'Your such a perv, waters.' The red head pushed her own scolding thoughts to the back of her mind.

"Woman. I haven't found the right women, yet." Alison corrected.

"Jade's eyes lifted to her once more but she didn't look surprised. No, there was something else in her eyes that Alison couldn't get a read on.

A smile slowly formed on Jade's face before she glanced back down at the baby in silence. The silence stretched for one full minute before Jade spoke again.

"Hey, Ali?" Jade called casually.

Alison felt butterflies explode in her belly at the nick name. "Y-Yes?"

"Do you like Japanese?"

"Uh-Yeah, why?"

"Well, I figured we're going to be here. Alone. For maybe a couple of hours depending on Quinn and Rachel. We should order some take out." Jade replied as she lifted her eyes to Alison but Jade's expression was unreadable again.

"Yeah, okay. Um.. I know this really great place on 125th."

"Great." The blonde replied with a broad smile and shining eyes.

Alison swallowed thickly again as she felt her knees go weak at the sight and she was still sitting down. This woman was surely going to be the death of her before the night was up.


Rachel was stood in the yard of the Berry-Corcoran home. She had meant to storm out and leave permanently but misjudged her direction.

Now she was fuming because the only exit from the residents was to go back in and leave through the front door but she was not going to do that.

She didn't want to see any of them. She fumed in anger for her stupidity. Just then she heard a creak of the back door but refused to look.

If it was Quinn she'd come and wrap her arms around her. Rachel would know it's her but if not, she couldn't look at any of them.

Shelby watched her daughter stop pacing and purposely face away from her direction. She took a deep sad breath.

She knew it would be hard to get through to Rachel but she also knew, like herself, Rachel at this point in her anger couldn't be handled with safety gloves.

She needed it ripped off like a band aide. She needed to release all her anger and Shelby was ready to take it. No matter what left her daughters lips.

Shelby shut the door behind her and stepped down the stairs unafraid. "Rachel-"

"Don't!" Rachel replied harshly but still facing away from her mother.

"Don't what? Don't speak to you?"

"Don't stand there and try to feed me bullshit. I don't want to hear it."

"Well that's too damn bad because your going to hear it!" Shelby fired back.

Rachel whirled around and the anger was still evident in her eyes. "Just leave me alone!"

"No, I will not leave you alone. You came here for a reason."

"I came here out of stupidity!"

"You came to know the truth and you know it! So don't sit here and act like you don't care because we both know you do!"

"You don't know anything about me! You lost that right when you left me to them!"

"We didn't leave you by choice, Rachel!

"Oh, of course! How could I forget! The media was just too hard for you all to handle!" Rachel sneered with a condescending tone.

"You know what? You want to be angry be angry, sweetie-"

"Don't call me that!"

But Shelby ignored her and continued. "But don't stand here and think you know anything about the pain we went through in the last six years! Don't talk about something that you know nothing about!"

"Oh please! What do you know about pain?! You've been-"

"IN PRISON FOR THE LAST TWO AND HALF YEARS?!" Shelby bellowed with fury.

Quinn, Leroy, Hiram and, Russell all startled slightly from their places on the couch. They had been sitting silently in their own thoughts when they heard a muffled, voice explode in anger but couldn't make out whether it was from Shelby or Rachel. The worry slowly brewing in the four, just escalated tenfold. Quinn felt her nerves beginning to quake with the need to run to Rachel's rescue but she wanted to trust Shelby and so she stood put.

Rachel eyes widened and her mouth snapped shut for only a second before wariness took over. "What?"

"Yeah, you heard me! I've been locked in a cell thinking about nothing and no one but you! So, you better calm down! Speak to me like the adult we both know you are and give me some respect before I take your skinny ass over my knee because you are acting like a child right now!" Shelby fumed with her mama bear glare on full display.

A chill ran down Rachel's spine and she felt sufficiently chastised. She pouted and bit the inside of her cheek in a tiny bit of defiance.

Silence engulfed them as Shelby stared her down until Rachel's sliver of defiance began ebbing away under her mother's stern stare.

After a minute Shelby took a deep breath to calm down. She ran her hand through her hair with the other hand on her hip. She swallowed as she glanced around to find her words. "I know you have every right to be mad."

Rachel went to speak but Shelby cut her off. "Let me speak and if you don't want to hear anymore when I'm done. Than you can walk away and I will let you but you and I both know you came here because just like your fathers and I. You miss us, just as much as we miss you."

Shelby stared at Rachel daring her daughter to lie.

Rachel couldn't hold her stare. Her gaze dropped to the ground as a child would when scolded. Rachel nodded stiffly and crossed her arms in a self protective manner.

"Like I was saying, I know you have every right to be mad. Believe me, we are just as angry. For the last two and a half years in prison all I wanted to do was break out and come for you again."

Rachel's head shot up in confusion. "Again?"

"Yes, again. I tried almost three years ago, at the Emmy's. We had tried everything else by then but came up empty handed. We were at our wits end. I was so angry because no matter what we tried it seemed like Alex and Angela were always one step ahead of us. Anyway, I had this bright idea that I was sure I could execute. You were nominated that night. So, I called in a favor from a former friend of mine that I worked with on Broadway back in the day. He made a few calls for me and was able to get me an in. I found out when you would be arriving and made sure that I was at least two limo's behind you. So you'd already be a good distance ahead of me and so would Angela and Alex so they wouldn't catch me right away. You looked so beautiful that night." Shelby said with a nostalgic smile and affection.

Rachel's smile softly pulled at the corner of her lips but it was small and sad.

"When I got out of the limo I immediately went to look for you. I tried to be patient and stay as hidden as possible and I did until the moment I spotted you.." Shelby's eyes glazed over as the memory surfaced and Rachel felt her heart begin to race at the sadness beginning to engulf her mother.


Jade and Alison were both sat in their own respected chairs. Jade had her legs tucked beneath her and Alison sat with one leg crossed over the other. They were talking. If you asked Alison talking with Jade was like listening to the soothing sound of early birds singing on a shining summer morning.

"-Imagined going backpacking across Europe. Visiting every restaurant because food is life-"

"Why don't you?" Alison asked cutting the blonde off mid sentence.

Jade took a deep breath. She glance down into her take out box, using her chopsticks to play with her food.

"I couldn't, mom needed me. Besides back then my boyfriend at the time wasn't a fan of backpacking or camping or hiking. Pretty much anything that had to do with outdoors. The one time I mentioned it to him, he looked at me like I was crazy because we had 'real life' jobs." Jade imitated using air quotes when saying 'real life'. "He said I lived in a fantasy world and Europe was terrible anyway."

"Okay but you said ex boyfriend. He's not in the picture anymore."

"Yes but my mother still needed me. After she had her break down, I left L.A to move in and take care of her. Brendon and I broke up because he tried to convince me to put my mother in a mental institution."

Alison scoffed. "Your kidding?"

"No, I'm not. I shouldn't be surprised though. I always make the wrong choice when choosing a partner. They're always so.. I don't, blah." The blonde sighed.

"Blah? What does blah mean?" Alison asked with a small inquisitive smile.

"You know, just.." Jade trailed off unsure of how to describe what she meant.

It was quiet for a moment than Jade turned the tables because she no longer wanted to discuss her own life. She felt especially pathetic when talking about her past relationships.

"So, how about you?"

"What about me?" Alison replied now pulling Jade's move of using her own chopsticks to play with her food.

"When was your last relationship."

"You don't want to hear about that trust me, it boringly sad."

"Oh come on, I told you mine." Jade pouted. (So fucking adorably if you asked Alison.)

Alison sighed. "Well, it was four years ago. "

"Four years?"

"Yes, after it ended I decided to take time to focus on me. I know, pathetic right?"

"No, impressive actually." Jade replied with an impressed smile. Alison looked up in surprise.

"How so?"

"Well, think about it. How long do people usually wait before getting into another relationship? Not long and their never ready for the next one. Usually causing an issue in that one, too. I also think it's awesome that you took time to focus on yourself. I know I wouldn't want to date anyone is recently single."

"How long ago did you break up with your boyfriend?" Alison asked trying to sound casual.

"Almost six years ago?"

"And you haven't dating since?" Alison asked in surprise.

"Nope." The blonde replied with a pop of her 'P' "Not that any one hasn't tried. It's just that they never spark my interest or like anything that I like."

"I get that."

"Okay, enough about me. Tell me what happened."

"Your not going to let this go are you?"

"No, I'm nosey." Jade replied with a charming smile and wink.

"Okay, so her name was Stephanie. We met during our freshman year of college. We were together up until undergrad. I loved her and she loved me or at least I thought she did. At the time I was living with several roommates because I couldn't afford to live on my own yet." Jade listened with rapt attention on the edge of her seat.

"We were at my place one night. She wanted to go to a party one night but I had to study for an upcoming test. Long story short, we got into an argument and she said that I was taking life too seriously. I told her, she doesn't understand what it's like for me because her parents paid her entire tuition but I'm on scholarship. I couldn't afford for my grades to slip, you know."

Jade nodded her understanding and agreement.

"So, we argued some more until I got my books together and left to study at the library. My best friend at the time, Lisa, called asking if I was coming to the party. I said I couldn't and she understood. I studied for hours. The Library closed at nine and so I left. I felt bad about the argument and decided to pick up some flowers and a stuffed monkey with a heart that read 'I'm sorry'.

"Aww, that's so sweet." Jade cooed and Alison nodded.

"I went straight home to change so I could go and surprise her at the party but when I got to my bedroom. I found her and my best friend Lisa having sex in my bed."

Jade gasped in shock. "What? No way."

"Yup."

"So, what happened?"

"Obviously we argued and it was two against one. Lisa said that if stopped worrying so much about studying and paid attention to my girlfriend maybe she wouldn't be fucking her."

Once again Jade gasped. "That bitch."

Alison chuckled at the outraged look on Jade's face and colorful word that spilled from her lips.

"Eh, what can you do. Sometimes even when we think somethings meant to be, it's not."

"Well, that may be true. She still didn't deserve you and neither did that bitch Lisa. It's their loss not yours." Jade said with a soft smile.

Alison flushed a light hue and ducked her head. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me. It's true."


Rachel was standing a few feet from Shelby waiting for her mother to continue. The pain in her eyes was so real and full of agony with a heavy weight of pleading for Rachel to understand.

Shelby licked her lips ready to finally recount her truth to her daughter. "The moment I spotted you all logic left me. I rushed towards you when you were posing for pictures. I was so caught up in the sight of you and how close we were that everything else just.. Faded away." Shelby swallowed thickly.

"I.. I didn't see them. I was no more than fifteen or seventeen feet to your right from you but before I could go any further some bodyguards grabbed me. Pulling me from you. I called for you. I was screaming your name but so were all your fans. You couldn't hear me."

Rachel's eyes widened as a memory hit her. Her mind transporting her back to that specific event.

She remembers hearing her mother's voice that day and how much hope spread through her like wild fire. It was low and strained but she heard it. She heard her mother.

She looked to her right and saw Joe and Steven her security detail for the event struggling with someone but their massive bodies were blocking the person.

That's when Alex grabbed her arm and whispered harshly in her ear for her to face forward and fucking smile. She asked him what was going on and he said a fan got through the gate.

Rachel was pulled from the memory when Shelby continued you. Rachel's eyes were welling rapidly.

"They dragged me to a secluded area and Angela was there.

FLASHBACK:

Shelby thrashed wildly as she screamed. "LET ME GO YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

Just then they rounded the corner and Angela was standing there with her arms crossed and a shit eating smirk firmly in place.

"What a shame." Angela said shaking her head condescendingly. "Did you really think you were going to get away with this?"

"Fuck you!" Shelby growled through gritted teeth.

"Oooh she has claws after all." Angela taunted. "Tell me Shelby, what did you think you going to accomplish here, hmm? What? Did you think you were going to get to Rachel and run away with her? News flash, She's under contract with our company. She's legally bound to us."

"I don't care! She's my daughter and I have a right to be in her life!"

"Oh boohoo, save it for some one cares."

"I swear to god I'm going to-"

"Going to what? Huh, Shelby? What are you going to do? From where I'm standing you and those faggots still are on our hook."

"I'm going to call the authorities and whe-"

Shelby was cut off by Angela's mocking laughter. "Oh that is too funny. Shelby, honey.. You don't seem to be grasping the severity of your actions here. You see, your not going to get anyone to listen to a thing you have to say because as of 10 minutes ago you just did me a huge favor. Now, I don't have to do anything about you specifically at all. Because you my dear just violated your restraining order."

At Angela's words Shelby paled.

"And not only that but you crashed a public event and trespassed on private property."

Shelby's eyes began welling with tears and her anger began to build.

"Oh look at that boys, she's finally using that brain of hers." Angela taunted once and the body guards laughed. Angela walked into Shelby's personal space.

"I want you to remember this moment Shelby and remember it for the rest of your pathetic washed up Broadway life. Because thanks to you and those fairies, your daughter belongs to me an-" Angela didn't get to finish her sentence.

Because Shelby ripped from the bodyguards grasp when she felt him relaxing his grip and punch Angela in the face so hard it knocked her to the ground.

Shelby was on top of her instantly, wrapping her left hand in Angela's hair to hold her steady as she pounded away at her face. Shelby's eyes were a blazed and her tears were coming relentlessly. Her face deeper than beet red on it's way to purple.

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU, BITCH! YOUR DEAD! YOUR FUCKING DEAD!" Shelby screamed hoarsely as she lifted Angela's head and slammed it back into the concrete twice. All while still hitting her.

The bodyguards fought to separate them. Shelby thrashed as she was lifted but got a final kick to Angela's face before she was completely hauled off.

Shelby didn't realize it until later that she still had some of Angela's hair wrapped through her finger because it was torn out when she refused to let the woman go.

Later in court she found out it actually took four bodyguards 11 minute's to get her off of Angela and she doesn't even remember it. To her it felt like five seconds.

Angela laid on the ground moaning in pain as her head swam and blood was pouring from her nose and busted lip and a little in the back of her head. Her face swelling rapidly. She was completely disheveled and missing a shoe.

Soon the police arrived and Shelby was slammed onto the police car than handcuffed all while resisting arrest because she was trying to fight her way back to Angela to continue beating her ass until there wasn't a breath left in the woman's lungs.

END OF FLASHBACK:

"I was arrested for what she said, violating my restraining order, trespassing, resisting arrest and aggravated assault charges. My sentence was originally four years but I was released on good behavior 10 months ago. Now I'm on parole." Shelby finished.

Rachel was full on crying now. She remembers the first time she had saw Angela after the Emmy's. She looked like she had been attacked by a wild animal than hit by a Mack truck.

She had double swollen eyes, one of them being completely shut. Her lip was split and she had to get stitches.

There was a giant bald spot in one corner of her hair that she tried to hid by combing the hair around it, over.

She had a severely swollen jaw and could barely speak. She also had to get two false teeth implanted because they were knocked out. Her neck also had bruises and scratches but you couldn't se them right away because of her neck brace.

But what really shocked Rachel was the splint on her broken nose, her awkward limping and her left wrist in a splint.

"Rachel I-" Shelby was cut off as soon as Rachel barreled into her with force causing them to stumble a little. A sob escaped Rachel and Shelby whimpered as the two brunette's held on to each other as if it were going to be the last time.

"I'm so sorry, mommy." Rachel sobbed out. Her vocal cords quaking uncontrollably.

"No, baby, no.. You didn't do anything, you hear me?" Shelby pulled back slightly to cup Rachel's face with her right hand. "You didn't do anything wrong, this wasn't your fault." Shelby's tears were falling desparately. She was holding her daughter. She was consoling the only life to ever be created by her and she couldn't get enough. No amount of time of hugging, consoling her daughter would ever be enough.

Rachel whimpered as more tears fell. Shelby pulled her back into her arms and Rachel inhaled deeply. It had been so long since she's hugged her mother. Shelby's natural scent and perfume reminded of her of home.

This is all Rachel has ever wanted. Her family.


Alison narrowed her eyes at the blonde sitting across from her. Jade smirked with sparkling eyes. The two were sat on the room floor facing each other cross legged.

"So?" Jade inquired with mirth.

"So." Alison replied guarded.

"This is it."

"Yes, it is."

"Any last words?"

"No, you?"

"None."

"Good."

"Great."

"Let's do this then."

"What are you waiting for?"

Alison hummed. "You seem pretty sure of yourself right now."

"That's because I am."

"Any reason?"

"Wiping the floor with you is an obvious one."

"I don't think so, Fabray."

"I think it's cute how you try for confidence, Waters."

Alison flushed than cleared her throat quickly. "Not trying, flaunting."

"Whatever you believe is alright with me." Jade replied smoothly with an amused smile.

"Anyway, on three?"

"One"

"Two."

"Three!"

Both women slammed down their cards. Instantly Jade threw her hands in the air with clenched fist. "Yes! I am the greatest!" The blonde whispered her cheer. Doing a little shuffle dance while still crossed legged.

Alison tried but couldn't stop her smile from melting at the adorable display across from her. "Alright, alright. Enough."

"Oh what's that? Is that a sore loser, I hear?"

"No."

"Me thinks the lady doth protest too much?"

"No."

"Is that the only word you know?"

"No."

Jade burst into giggles and Alison just knew she was done for. Finally Jade settled down. She sighed warmly and her eyes shined as she gazed at Alison. "Your fun."

"Thank you, I try." Alison replied with a relaxed smile.

"I won."

"You did."

"So you know what that means, don't you?"

"I do."

"So?"

"Sooo?"

"Ali! You promised!" Jade pouted with a pointed finger.

"Fine." Alison grumbled.

The red head stood up and Jade squealed low and adjusted herself against the wall in excitement.

Alison shook her head at the ridiculousness she some how got herself into all because she had to talk about certain skill sets that people don't know about her.

"I can't believe your making me do this."

"Hey, if you had won I would have had to do a cheer, albeit quietly." Jade replied with a smile and raised brow.

Alison nodded her agreement. "You better not tell a soul about this." Alison warned.

Jade put her hands up in surrender. "I won't, I promise."

Alison took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Before they popped own and she began impersonating Elmo from sesame street.

Jade instantly burst into laughter but slapped her hand over her mouth because Asher was still sleeping. Alison began doing a weird Elmo dance and whispering with his exact voice. Jade's face was turning beet red and it only spured Alison on more.


Rachel sat on the couch staring down into the box full to the brim of mail for her.

She and her mother had come back in 30 minute's ago. Rachel had ran to Quinn and burrowed into her for some much needed TLC. Shelby stood back and mouthe to Leroy and Hiram to give Rachel a minute.

Quinn guided Rachel to sit. They gave her a few more minute's to get her wits about her. Before Rachel gave Leroy and Hiram a nod that she was willing to listen.

Once again Leroy started with what happened at the Broadway party when they lost their cell phones and Hiram finished with the box of mail. Like they had explained with Quinn.

Rachel's current state of mind was in utter chaos. There was anger, hatred, despair, sadness, betrayal, happiness, whole fullness, understanding, forgiveness. So much of everything that she was beginning to feel over whelmed.

Alex and Angela had purposely orchestrated this entire thing. They took her family away from her and used and abused her, all for a fucking brand. For money.

Rachel felt sick to her stomach. The fire within her was expanding to her heart. The brunette looked up at her father's.

The two men that loved her without condition. Without fail and she felt so disgusted with herself for the way she had treated then upon her arrival.

Her lips trembled and her body began quaking as she stood on wilting legs. That's how much the truth of everything was affecting her.

She walked toward them and reached for her daddy Hiram first. She gazed into his red swollen, running eyes.

"I.. I'm so.." Rachel tried to speak but her vocal cords at this point couldn't any more.

Hiram shook his head already knowing what she was trying to say. "No.. Babygirl. No. You have nothing to apologize for."

That was all he needed to say to further prove how strong his love is for her. Because he just knew what she needed to say.

A sob escaped the brunette and she leaped into her daddy's arms crying her eyes out with everyone watching the reunion.

Hiram's hold was strong and unrelenting. He couldn't believe he was living this moment. It isn't a dream. His little girl was finally in his arms.

A strong gut wrenching sob was torn from deep within in Hiram as the realization hit him. Leroy, Shelby, And Quinn were in tears. Russell was beaming discreetly wiping a stray tear.

Hiram pulled back and the two gazed at each other with warm loving smiles. "I missed you, honey."

"I missed you too, daddy."

The two giggled together as giddiness filled them with joy. "Your here." Hiram whispered in awe.

"So are you.." Rachel replied in the same manner. The two embraced again as Hiram's happy laughter bellowed from him.

Over his shoulder, Rachel's eyes fell to her dad who had been standing and waiting patiently.

Hiram released her than watched on with everyone else as Rachel walked to her dad with tears falling once more.

Leroy cupped her cheek and wiped her tears. "Look at you.." Leroy spoke softly with a shake of his head. You could hear the quivering of his cords. "Your just as beautiful as I remember. I've been waiting a long time for you, squirt. You've been away too long. Please don't ever leave again."

Rachel's lips trembled into a warm smile. "Never, dad. Never again. I promise you."

Leroy pulled her to his broad strong chest and Rachel shut her eyes breathing in her dad and felt an ache of love for him.

She felt so safe in his arms. She felt seven years old again and terrified of the closet monster because she had listened to Noah tell her a stupid story in temple.

She remembers she couldn't sleep without the light off again until she was eleven but her dad would always hold her and assure her there was no monster and that he was there.

That he'd protect her against anything and god did she miss him. All of them. How had she survived all this time without them?

Without Beth and Quinn?


"Did you always want to be a doctor?" Jade asked with soft interested eyes aimed at Alison.

The two were sat back in their sits again. Asher had woken up an hour ago and the nurses already came in to feed and change him. He was now laying there with squinted eyes. Jade and Alison on either side of his incubator, his tiny fists holding one finger of each woman.

"Yes. I always wanted to help heal people. Life is precious. We only get one and I wanted to help conserve it to the best of my ability."

"That's such a beautiful thing to want."

"Thank you. What about you?"

"Well, before my mom's breakdown. I just graduated from Yale and got a job working as a financial analyst. I haven't been doing that recently. I'm a teacher at Mckinely now, though."

"Do you miss it?"

"Honestly?"

Alison nodded silently in interest.

"No. Back then my dad was so strict about the line he expected us to walk. I didn't even want to go to Yale but.. Every Fabray went to Yale. Quinn was accepted and was expected to attend in the fall but obviously she didn't."

"Where did you want to go then?"

Jade blushed a little and bit her lip self consciously and hesitated. "The University of Pennsylvania."

Alison's smile crept on her face. "And?.."

"And?"

"What did you want to study?"

Jade bit her lip. No one knew this about her. She would have shared this desire with Quinn because she knows her sister would have kept it a secret but other than Quinn, it was her deepest secret and greatest desire for herself. For her life. "You swear you won't tell any one?"

"I won't."

"You won't laugh?" Jade asked with a raised brow.

Alison held up two fingers. "Scouts honor, swear."

Jade hesitated once and was fighting a shy smile. "Veterinary."

Alison's smile stretched broadly. "Really?"

"You seemed surprised."

"Not surprised, per se. Intrigued and curious as to why?"

Jade rolled her eyes. "Well, I love animals. I always wanted a dog, a bird, anything really. I just love them but like I said my dad expected more. He thought those types of careers were for fools who couldn't hack it in real life. It doesn't matter what I want now, though."

"Yes it does." Alison protested causing Jade's eyes to snap up to her. Jade could see how much Alison truly believed her own words. Jade's silence extended so Alison took that as her cue to continue. "So now that Quinn is back in your life. Your family's back together. Have you thought about trying."

"Trying what exactly?"

"Vet school."

"What? No way!"

"Why not?"

"Because.."

"Because?"

"Because I'm 28 years old."

"So?"

"So, it's.."

"It's?"

"It's too late." Jade replied before casting her eyes back into the incubator at Asher. The emotions stirring in her chest made her uncomfortable. Did she want to try? Of course. Would she love to have her own vet clinic? Absolutely but she truely believed it was in fact too late for her.

"It's never too late, Jade."

Jade's eyes lifted to Alison's once more and Alison was blown away by the emotion that she could see swirling in Jade's eyes. The two held eye contact both feeling something they couldn't explain.

"Anyone ever tell you, your awesome Ali?"

"I may have heard it a time or two but thank you. Any one ever tell you, your allowed to be whoever you want to be?"

Jade's eyes softened. "No.. but I wouldn't mind being reminded by a certain red head every once in a while." Jade said with a smile and a wink.

"As long as you believe it. I don't mind being there to remind you... Always."


This is so weird." Rachel said with a smile as she gazed at a picture of she and Quinn side by side on their bellies with happy shining eyes with drooling wide toothless smiles.

"That's what I thought when I first saw them." Quinn replied with a warm smile and shining eyes of her own.

"Rachel look at this one. It's my favorite." Shelby gushed.

Oh that's a good one." Hiram agreed.

Rachel still thinks she's dreaming or died and this is heaven or-well she doesn't know what else but this was so much more than she ever thought this year would bring her.

She's still floored by the fact that she and Quinn basically started their lives together. From separate wombs a few months apart and now they were going to get married and finish life together.

It has been three hours since all the truth was aired and the truth of their past childhood was also revealed.

Hiram, Leroy and, Shelby had mountains of pictures and it seemed never ending videos of their living room had photos on almost every surface. Russell regaled how he and Leroy met when they were kids. How Rachel use to refer to him as papa Russ.

She and Quinn were told more stories that had them laughing and giggling uncontrollably. Rachel's heart felt full.

Dinner was ordered after Quinn called Jade asking how Asher was doing. At the same time Rachel called Judy to check on Beth.

Rachel couldn't help but think how lucky she is but she also couldn't help but think that she was going to raise hell for Alex and Angela.

Her desire to see them fall was now at an all time high and she knew just the person she needed to contact for a little assistance.

They may have taken her family away once but she was going to take away their freedom for their respected lifetimes.