Rachel spends the next two weeks doing nothing but defending her choice to break up with Quinn, which Liza hopes is because she knows she's made a mistake. Liza decides to catch a Wednesday flight to Columbus as opposed to taking the train with Rachel only because she doesn't want to listen to her sister explain again why dumping Quinn was a good idea.
Liza spots Santana's car and flags her to the curb. She gets in without saying anything and her silence is noted by Santana. "You're awfully quiet," she says. "Quinn told me all about your sister's idiocy."
"Quinn told you?"
"I'm her best friend. Of course she told me. Now. Why are you upset over it?"
"It has to be the dumbest thing Rachel Berry has ever done in her life! Which is definitely saying something because she's dated Jesse," Liza says.
Santana laughs. "I don't disagree with that. It's times like these that I wonder how you two came from the same person. Being in college at fifteen is a hell of a lot smarter than breaking up with Quinn Fabray."
*
Liza bids Santana farewell and walks up the stairs to the front door of the house she spent nearly fourteen years of her life living in. She considers simply opening the door and walking in, but she knocks instead. Hiram and Leroy are both there when the door opens. They pull Liza into a hug and isn't until she's convinced neither of them will notice that she lets her tears fall.
Of course, Leroy notices anyway. "Are you crying?" he asks.
Liza nods slowly. "Rachel broke up with Quinn."
"Let's get you inside. It's freezing out," Hiram says, putting a hand on Liza's shoulder and guiding her inside. Liza hasn't been home since July, but not much has changed in the house. The family photographs are still on the table next to the door, Rachel's senior portrait is still hanging on the wall, and Liza's winning science fair project is still being displayed in a corner of the living room. None of the furniture has been moved. The only change is the big wreath with a blue and white bow that is now hanging over the mantle.
Liza takes a seat on the couch and Hiram and Leroy sit down next to her. "This has probably been extremely difficult for you. We know you love Quinn just as much as you love Rachel," Leroy says.
"I want Rachel to be happy more than anything, which is precisely the problem. She's never been happier than when she's with Quinn," Liza explains. "I think her anger and disappointment with Shelby is carrying over into her relationship with Quinn and she's upset that Beth is getting attention from the people that are usually only giving her attention."
"We really did raise a genius, didn't we," Hiram says proudly. Leroy smiles. "If Rachel really has made a mistake here, she'll know. Our Rachel doesn't give up easily."
"But Dad, it took Rachel three years to figure out that it was Quinn she wanted and not Finn! She may never realize how stupid she's being!"
"Calm down, Liza darling," Leroy says, squeezing her hand. "You're dad and I are both on Team Quinn. They'll sort it out. Maybe they just need a little help."
Liza smiles slowly. "I've had an idea," she says.
"Would you care to share it?" Leroy asks. Liza shakes her head. As much as she loves her dads, she's not sure she can trust them not to tell Rachel right now. Liza excuses herself and heads to her bedroom. The room is practically empty except for the neatly made bed and the books scattered about that didn't make it to New York. She slides her messenger and duffle bags off her shoulder and onto her bed, pulling out her phone.
Liza dials Santana's number and is about to hang up when Santana finally answers. Liza has learned that while most people answer the phone by saying hello, Santana typically begins with a threat to harm whoever is calling. This time is no different. "I swear, I'll throw my phone at you the next time I see you in person if this isn't important," Santana says. "I was about to make out with Britt."
"I really didn't want to know that," Liza says. "Anyway, it is important! Can you and Brittany come to New York with me after Thanksgiving?"
"Absolutely not! We're going back to Los Angeles. I'm assuming that this is about convincing your sister that she's done something dumb. I don't need to be a part of it. Rachel already knows I think she's an idiot." Liza is about to explain that it's not very polite to call people idiots when she realizes that Santana has hung up on her. Of course she has.
Liza calls the only other person she can think of. "Charlie," she says when he answers. "I know you've probably never been in Fiddler On The Roof, but what do you know about being a matchmaker?"