Quinn fell into Rachel's eyes. She smiled, feeling the warmth and safety of them. They sat behind the back seats of the auditorium, among the trash and gum stains. It was the only spot in the school they had, and they rarely used it. It was too risky to be together at school most of the time, but occasionally they couldn't help themselves.
"You have to tell me now." Rachel said. Quinn shook her head, which made Rachel grumble in faux frustration. "You can't keep this a secret anymore- it's Friday! It's happening today. Where are you taking me?"
Quinn placed her finger on Rachel's cheek and traced a heart. "You'll find out when you find out."
"That really doesn't-"
Suddenly, the auditorium door slammed. The girls dropped to the floor, their breathing shallow and fast. Quinn started shaking in terror. She needed this to be a secret. She couldn't live with herself if people knew. Her heart raced, and a lump formed in her throat.
"Come on, Kurt. You don't have to do this." Blaine's exasperated voice echoed through the theater as Kurt stomped up onto the stage. Quinn and Rachel remained silent.
"Yes, I do. If you're so much better than me, I need to practice." Kurt's voice was high pitched and irritated, and clearly not interested in listening to Blaine.
"I never said that! God, what is with you? Can we just talk?"
The two left the auditorium, yelling at each other. Quinn let out a huge breath, thanking God they didn't see that she and Rachel were there. They slowly sat up. Rachel held Quinn's hand in comfort, and both took deep breaths together in relief.
"Well, that couple isn't as healthy as everyone thought." Rachel said. "I'll have to talk to Kurt about this."
Quinn laughed. "As long as you don't tell him how you know."
Rachel spent the rest of the school day lost in thought, making theories about where the afternoon would take her. Quinn's mom would be at a Ladies Retreat with her church, and Rachel's dads were going to spend the weekend in Indianapolis, watching operas and spending alone time together. Quinn had been teasing Rachel all week about it. She sent vague hints through texts, she gave her knowing smiles in the halls, and all of it drove Rachel crazy. There was a plan, a surprise, and she had no clue what it would be. But she felt perfectly fine trusting Quinn.
Rachel grinned and bounced on her feet, jogging through the school to make it outside to meet Quinn. She followed Quinn's relayed instructions to where the car was secretly parked. She found her sitting on its hood, her legs crossed. Quinn held a rose in her hands and gave Rachel a wink. Rachel paused. She stood, hearing leaves glide over the street, feeling the excitement and nerves tickle her heart. Quinn smiled and walked toward her, wrapping Rachel's fingers around the rose.
"So where are you taking me, Quinn Fabray?"
"Well," Quinn started, putting her hands on Rachel's hips, "I am taking you on a first-class trip to Columbus, Ohio. You'll remember it from middle school field trips." She giggled. "So, we are going to the Franklin Conservatory and the Ohio Theater."
"Julie Andrews sang there!" Rachel looked at her in awe.
"Yes, I know. You've mentioned it once or twice." Quinn smiled, then kissed Rachel on the forehead. "Come on, let's get going." She stuck out her elbow for Rachel to take, then escorted her to the car. Rachel blushed and fluttered her eyelashes.
The drive was long, but completely lovely. Rachel switched between leaning against the window and gently kissing Quinn's shoulder, and Quinn used all of her energy to focus on the road instead of Rachel. The two girls knew they would have the time of their lives.