Mouse put his hands-on Quinn's shoulders as she stood in front of the full-length mirror putting in her earrings. She was wearing a simple black dress. It was the day of Justin's funeral. Quinn had told Cami that she didn't have to go. Gabby had offered to take her for the day. She had given her the option, but she just felt like a funeral was too sad for a little girl. She promised to take her to put flowers down for Justin and Nadia another time.
Mouse had moved in a few days before and it had been a great distraction for Cami. She really liked Mouse and he was good at going a long with her games and whatever she wanted to do and talk about.
"Thanks for coming with me today" She said looking up.
"I wouldn't be anywhere else" He told her.
"I'm worried about Hank and Erin" She admitted "I feel like something happened that night"
"Sometimes it's better to just leave things alone" He said "They're just grieving"
"You're right" She sighed "We should go to the church"
Erin was stood outside with Jay when she got there. They hugged each other tightly. She was glad Erin had Jay at a time like this. She hated the thought of her being alone and she knew Olive and Daniel had been staying with Hank. She had been over to see him a few times. He had been taking a bit of time of work which was good for him. But she knew Hank there was no way it would last.
"Hey Kid" Al said putting a hand on her shoulder "How is Cami holding up?"
"She took it hard" She admitted "I just thought today would be too much"
"I hope you're looking after them both" Al told Mouse.
"Yes sir" He nodded.
"He is" She agreed taking his hand "I don't know what we would have done without him"
Al headed inside and Quinn turned to Erin.
"How are you holding up?" She asked.
"I'm ok I guess" She shrugged "I'm trying to talk and do all the things I should be"
"You should come over later" She told her.
"I will" Erin nodded looking out for Hank.
Erin's eyes widened as she looked back at Quinn. Quinn furrowed her brow and looked behind her.
"Is that?" Erin asked.
Stood talking to Hank in a black dress and jacket with a matching hat was her Mother. Quinn clenched her fist. Today wasn't about her so she couldn't just march up to her Mother and cause a scene.
"Hey are you ok?" Mouse asked rubbing her arm soothingly.
Before she could answer Judy walked over with Hank dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Hank" She said giving him a hug and ignoring her Mother.
"Hey Kid" He nodded patting her back.
Quinn didn't want to ask how he was. It was one of the worst things not knowing what to say because there was no right thing to say.
"Quinnie" Judy said reaching out to hug her "How are you?"
"I'm fine" She replied stepping back "This is my Mother Judy Fabray"
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Fabray" Mouse said politely.
"This is my boyfriend Greg" She said knowing she would have to introduce everyone as there was no chance, she would upset Hank on a day like this.
"How wonderful" Judy said, "And where is my granddaughter?"
"With a friend" She replied.
Mouse squeezed her hand as they all walked inside for the service. Quinn wasn't sure she had anymore tears left to cry but she did. Mouse handed her a tissue and she dabbed her eyes.
They had all gone back to Hank's afterwards when she cornered her Mother outside.
"What are you doing here?" She asked quietly.
"It was my sister's son" Judy replied "I wanted to be there for my brother in law"
"You barely knew Justin" She said shaking her head.
"I got sober" Judy told her "You were right, and I know I've hurt you deeply, but I hope I can have the chance to make it right"
"And you pick today?" She asked.
"Hank has been helping me, he helped me see what I had done to you, what alcohol had done to me" Judy replied "I wanted to be there for him, but yes I wanted to see you too"
"I'm glad you're there for him" She said softly "But I don't know if I'm ready just yet"
"When you are you know where to reach me" Judy told her "I don't want to push you"
Mouse stood in the doorway watching the exchange between Quinn and her Mother. Quinn sat down on the porch step as her Mother walked inside.
"Mrs. Fabray" He nodded.
"You're my daughter's boyfriend?" Judy asked "Look after her"
"I intend to mam" He nodded.
He walked outside and sat beside her on the step handing her a glass of wine.
"You're a mind reader" She told him with a small smile.
"I just know you" He shrugged.
"Do you think I should give her another chance?" She sighed.
"I think family is important" He said "But I think you know what's right for you and Cami and whatever decision you make will be the right one"
"Thank you" She said leaning over and kissing him "I meant it, I don't know what I would do without you, I feel like it's always you looking after me and Cami"
"I like doing that" He told her "But you do a lot for me too, I was in a really dark place, work helped a lot but a lot of that is you"
Quinn took his hand and leant her head on his shoulder.
"I mean I could probably do without you hogging the quilt all the time though" He teased trying to make her smile.
"Oh yeah?" She asked raising an eyebrow "Well I could do without having to share my bacon with you"
"You don't share it" He laughed "I have to steal it"
"We should start buying extra" She nodded "I'm going to go and see Olive"
Mouse found Jay sat around back with Erin. He sat down next to them clutching his beer. It felt strange to be at a funeral of a person you barely knew. But he knew Quinn needed him and that Jay was in the same boat.
"Where's Quinn?" Erin asked, "Is she ok?"
"What is the deal with her and her Mom?" Jay asked "She seems nice"
"Well she can tear you down with words and never-ending comments and over the top expectations" Erin sighed "The whole thing is a long story and not my story"
"She's ok" He reassured her cutting in "She's just gone to find Olive"
"I'm going to go and find them" Erin said patting Mouse on the shoulder as she walked past.
"How is family life?" Jay asked when they were alone.
"It was a hard week to move in on" He admitted "But I wouldn't be anywhere else, make fun all you want but I really love her"
"I think it's great" Jay said holding his hands up "You deserve to be happy"
Quinn gave Daniel a cuddle rocking him back and forth.
"How are you doing?" She asked, "You've been staying here with Hank?"
"Yeah" Olive said softly "Hank's been great"
"I haven't been through exactly what you have" She said "I know that, but I did lose Cami's dad when she was around Daniel's age, if you ever need help or just to talk, I'm here for you"
"Me too" Erin said taking Daniel's hand.
"Thank you" Olive said taking Daniel back to put him down for a nap.
"Do I need to be worried about you and Hank?" She asked.
"No" Erin said shaking her head "Everything is fine"
Quinn knew she was lying but she also knew Mouse was probably right. It would be best to leave it alone.
"Your Mom wants to talk to you" Hank said.
"Ok" She sighed standing up.
Quinn went with Hank through into the other room where her Mom was sat alone. Erin came with her.
"I heard you're starting Law school in a few weeks" Judy said.
"That's right" She nodded.
"I got your Father to agree to give you your trust fund and your college tuition fund" Judy told her.
"I don't want or need your money" She said.
"Quinn don't be stubborn" Hank told her "That money is already yours and think about what it can do for you and Cami"
"I know it doesn't make things right" Judy told her "But you should have it"
"I told you to just put it in her account" Hank shrugged.
"I think I've betrayed my daughter's trust enough" Judy said softly.
Quinn sighed knowing that she was going to give in. She had always craved the love of her mother. She was scared she was going to have the rug pulled out from under her again if she let her back in, but she could see her Mom was making huge efforts for her. She knew just admitting the things she had admitted to were a big deal for Judy.
"Hank how about we all have dinner next week" She suggested "My Mom as well"
"I think that's a good idea" He nodded "Family is important.
"Well then Greg should come too" Judy said.
"Oh, I don't know" She said shaking her head.
"He works for me" Hank said.
"He's the man making my daughter happy" Judy pointed out.
"Tell Mouse he's coming to dinner" Hank sighed making Erin smile for the first time all day.
"Mouse?" Judy asked.
"It's a nickname" She replied.
"I'm glad you're all here today" Hank said putting a hand on Erin's shoulder.