A/N Ok guys once again here's another one on hiatus until further notice. If I find any more chapters to this in my doc I will post them. Until next time. I don't own glee or any rights to anything that has to do with it.
Rachel sighed as she parked her car and scanned the parking lot.
It was now Senior year, her senior year.
Gosh! That felt so good to think. After this year she'd be free.
The brunette's school career had been nothing but disappointments since kindergarten.
The only silver lining was that she had actually had 3 boyfriends and one fling two summers ago, so at least she wasn't a complete loser.
Though, she will admit to only dating them for some form of protection, that she never got.
Other than that, she had no actual feelings for them.
She's pretty sure if they knew why they would freak but who cares. They weren't very good boyfriends, anyway.
She also hates to admit that seeing Quinn and Puck get together last school year because of babygate caused mixed feelings to erupt in her.
Let's not forget, Finn's attempt to win Quinn back over jealousy of her choosing Puck.
Especially, when she, herself drowned in sorrow and tried to win Finn back in such a pathetic way.
It was out of pure loneliness because it seemed like he cared for a moment there.
Finn was the closest thing she had to a friend but she now realizes the only men in her life that ever gave a damn about her were her fathers.
She had been so foolish, bringing all those dollars for that stupid kissing booth. Only for Finn to still turn her down.
She also accidentally walked in on them (Quinn and Puck) in the auditorium while they were kissing.
Than seeing Finn completely heartbroken in the background with a flower in his hand did not help her feelings one bit.
Every one seemed to have someone. Every one seemed to be obsessed with wanting Quinn Fabray.
For some reason though, she didn't hate Quinn.
She felt jealousy yes but no hate. She felt jealous that Quinn was so wanted but no body ever wanted her.
She remembers hating Finn though. She had an unnatural need to punch his face in and claw his eyes out every time he kissed or even looked at Quinn with that stupid constipated smile of his, when they were together.
Only for that particular flame of hate to burn for both boys simultaneously and she couldn't fathom as to why she felt it for Puck, really.
She supposes being Puck's ex girlfriend, loneliness and the school pariah would do that to you.
She sigh's to herself because it didn't matter. She was over it.
In fact, she was thrilled to finally be free of Finn.
She realized in her lonely induced haze, that she made excuses for him and he always tried to change her.
She understood that her life was not ok in the least.
That she craved some form of attention from anyone that would give it.
At the time, she was on a heavy rollercoaster of anguish.
She needed it more than any one would know and Finn failed at providing it spectacularly.
She knows he didn't understand that during those times she was broken and alone. She forgives him because either way he couldn't fix it. No one could and she understands that now.
She's learning to forgive herself for using all of them for some form of tether to the world.
Because in the last two years she wasn't getting it at home.
She had lost herself for a while back then but there was no excuse for using people even if they never really cared about you to begin with.
Rachel sighed again, she wouldn't dwell on it.
She spent the last 2 and half years trying to hold onto some one, anyone who would help rid her of her loneliness.
Some one who she could talk to and confide in.
She made the mistake the first time her sophomore year being casual about things because at the time she didn't care, she just wanted the pain in her heart to stop.
Than she made the mistake again thinking a boyfriend would do that. Even though she didn't particularly like them very much as a person since they would rather make out with her than talk to her.
Finn dumbing her and chasing Quinn though the girl was clearly taken only hurt because she knew she'd go back to being alone.
But this year was about her and she didn't care to try to make any one want to be her friend or girlfriend.
The bell rang in the distance, so the brunette exited her car after she was sure most of the student body already cleared out.
Well, the popular crowd at least.
Just as she was exiting her car, she see's an all red suv pull up.
She didn't think much of it and began walking toward the school.
Then she spotted full blonde hair. Her eyes widen in surprise but she didn't say anything.
Quinn Fabray just stepped out of said large suv, in a beautiful long flowy dress that was just above her knees.
She wore the dress under a navy blue blazer to match the navy blue flats she was sporting.
Her hair was held back with a matching navy blue head band but what shocked Rachel the most and made her stomach feel funny, in a way she's sure she's felt before but couldn't place the feeling.
Was the blondes new short bob hair cut.
Quinn looked to put it lightly, gorgeous.
Not to say she never does but she looks so much more mature and sexy with a natural beauty that should be so unfair like always but Rachel can tell, something's definitely different.
It was flowing from the blonde in waves. Even her walk was a little different.
She didn't realize she was gawking until Quinn walked by and gave her a warm smile with a shocking. 'Good morning, Rachel..' Thrown her way as the blonde continued on her way to enter the school without stopping.
Rachel was gobsmacked. 'What in the name of Barbra, just happen?!' Rachel thought to herself with her jaw hanging open in disbelief.
The brunette was jolted from her stupor when the bell signaling first period rang out.
Rachel huffed and realized the parking lot was completely empty and she just made herself late.
Quinn walked up to the door to her first class calmly. She's grateful she made it on time.
She honestly thought she would be late that morning.
She walked into the room and took a seat in the first available seat she saw.
Which was next to JBI though she didn't notice right away.
Everyone in the room was staring at the blonde like she had grown a second head.
Quinn Fabray would never be caught dead sitting next to any loser and she never sat in the center seats or upfront in the classroom.
No, she always sat in the back with the rest of the cheerios or jocks.
Even when she got knocked up with Pucks baby last year.
She was on the off limits list because Puck and Santana threatened anyone with bodily harm if they did anything to her.
No one messes with Pucks girl or Santana's best friend.
Everyone was confused by the girls attire.
Quinn had been head cheerio of this school since freshman year.
Only because Sue had appointed her because she had the authority to.
Figgins folded under the weight of the cheer coach easily.
The only time Quinn wasn't in uniform was when she began to actually show.
Everyone knew it was her shining glory along with the fact that she was determined to be prom queen.
However; the blonde never showed up for cheer camp in mid summer after babygate.
In fact, she also hasn't spoken to Santana or Britney since the end of the school year while she was still pregnant.
Not that they really tried to contact her or anything.
She's pretty sure they were doing what they always did during summer. Whether she's the 3rd wheel or not.
Have tons of sex and spend every waking minute together and forget that the world even exists.
Don't get her wrong. She loves them but seeing that kind of love around you all the time hurts.
They were soul mates and she didn't need to bother them by being the 3rd wheel.
Everytime they whispered to each other and giggled followed by sweet stolen kisses always made her feel like she was intruding.
Anyway, she didn't bother trying out for the squad.
She went straight to Sue during try outs in front of all the girls who were praying to be on the squad and quit.
She told Sue if she wants the best head cheerio, she needed to give the position to Santana with Britney as co-captains because that was the only way she'd win nationals.
As she turned to leave she smiled at her gob smacked best friends and walked away.
Sue lost it. Shouting and throwing things and telling her she couldn't quit, that she was under contract.
Quinn ignored her and kept going. Which brings her to now. She finally noticed everyone staring.
With a furrowed brow and no malice in her tone at all. She spoke with surprise curiosity. "What?"
Everyone in the room jumped including her teacher. They all quickly faced forward and the teacher finally started the lesson.
When class was over Quinn walked out into the hallway just trying to get through her day.
"Q!"
Quinn heard Santana's voice and turned around to face her friend.
The brunette walked up to her and the two friends made eye contact.
Santana was looking extremely uncomfortable because they never do this.
So Quinn expected her usual snark but was shocked to hear a soft tone instead.
"How are you? I haven't heard from you all summer." Santana asked with a little nervousness showing.
"I'm good. How are you?" Quinn asked confused by the latina's demeanor.
"Good." Santana replied. The two uncomfortably looked around with awkward self consciousness.
"So.. Do you, like, want to hangout later? B and I were going to the mall to shop than to the movies. You can come if you want?" Santana offered and Quinn felt like she stepped into the twilight zone.
"I uh.. I appreciate it but I can't. I have something to do. Maybe some other time.." Quinn replied softly.
Santana nodded but Quinn could clearly see the girl wanted to ask and was about 3 seconds from it.
No one knew what happened to the baby.
Quinn didn't speak about it and sworn Puck to secrecy to in inch of his life about the day she went into labor.
So before the girl could speak the blonde spoke. "Tell Britney I said hi and make sure you pick her up those gummy bears and duck shape cookies she loves so much. Just because you've finally grew the balls to make it official, doesn't mean you can slack." Quinn said with a teasing smile and chuckled when Santana blushed slightly.
The brunette cleared her throat to get control of herself.
She couldn't have the masses seeing her blush though Britney makes it happen anyway.
"Well, I should go. Don't want to be late for class." Quinn said awkwardly and made a small wave at the brunette before walking away.
She sighed to herself and patted herself on the back for her quick deflecting.
She walked the halls and headed to her chemistry class.
Rachel made it to her chemistry class before most of the students.
She sat at the far back, taking the last table so no shenanigans could be had.
She learned her lesson after the first 2 years at Mckinely.
She's also grateful no one ever wants to partner with her.
The rest of the class begins to filter in 3 mintues after the warning bell sounded.
Just than Quinn Fabray breezed in looking every bit confident, poised and beautiful.
She takes the first available seat in the front of the classroom which Rachel found odd.
"Alright everyone. This year we're going to try something new. I have noticed that every one of my students tend to stick to their respected cliques or friends. So this year, we will be assigning partners for the entirety of the year. I assigned you all by first name. So when I call your name, you are to sit with the person you are partnered with immediately. I don't want to hear any arguing. It will not change anything. Also, whatever table your assigned is the one you and your partner are to use the rest of the year as well.
Soon the teacher began calling on the names.
Rachel is petrified, with her luck she's liable to be partnered with Sara Hanes who hates her guts.
"Quinn Fabray." Quinn stands up and grabs her bag waiting to be told where to sit.
"Your partner for the year is.." The teacher looked down at the paper and smiled. "Rachel Berry."
Rachel's heart hammered and sunk at the same time in her chest as fear took over.
Quinn just nodded with an understanding smile at her teacher and walked to the back of the room where Rachel was seated.
The brunette heard snickering and people whispering bets on how long it'll be before man-hands annoys Fabray to the point of murder.
Rachel's eyes are down cast. She really wants to argue but of course she doesn't.
Unfortunately lady luck always eludes her.
She smells it than feels the light breeze accompanied by shuffling.
The blonde's perfume invades her senses and her eyes shut involuntarily at the smell.
'WOW! Her perfume is amazing. I wonder where she bought it?' Rachel thinks.
The brunette's skin rises in goosebumps at the light breeze that caresses her left arm from the blonde's descent onto the seat.
Rachel opens her eyes that are still down cast directed at her text book.
Quinn doesn't say anything. There are no snide comments or threats.
No annoyed sighing or leaning as far away from Rachel as possible.
Come to think of it, Quinn didn't even put up a fight.
The class continues on and the teacher begins the area's of study they will be covering that year.
It's the first day, so there's no assignments or any real class work nor homework.
The class flew by and before she knew it Rachel had her first chem class without being the butt of any joke or pranks.
Other than the whispering earlier when Quinn was assigned her partner by the other students but that was it.
Rachel takes it as a win. The brunette is making her way to her locker when she notices Quinn to her right.
The blonde isn't saying anything nor is she acknowledging her.
Her gaze is focused ahead but Rachel still feels nervous.
The brunette's throat constricts when she reaches her locker and Quinn steps up right beside her.
Rachel is about to ask if the blonde was following her for a reason.
When Quinn's hand lifts to the locker right next to hers.
The blonde still not saying a word or throwing a fit now that she knows whose locker is right next to hers for that year.
Rachel is surprised but also worried. She thought maybe this year would be at least easier but no.
Not only does she have Quinn Fabray as her lab partner for the rest of the year but she also has her locker right next to Quinn's for the year, great!
'Is every one assigning by first name, now?!' Rachel thinks sighing to herself.
She decides to not dwell on it. There's nothing she can do about it anyway.
So she begins unlocking her locker in silence.
She hadn't known Quinn's locker was right beside her own because she had made herself late by staring at said blonde that morning.
She also was late to second period thus missing the blonde go to her locker again.
Her first teacher held her back to discuss tardiness and how it was only the first day of school. Needless to say, Rachel was not happy.
She was insulted! She prided herself on her punctuality.
Rachel froze when his voice cut through her musing.
"Quinn! Hey, can we talk?" Finn ask as he came out of no where.
"I can't, I'm busy." Quinn said in a casual tone.
"Busy? You've been busy all summer, Quinn! Hell, you even canceled 7 of our 7 dates! Your always rushing to leave everytime we're together." Finn said getting upset.
Rachel's eyes bulged out of their sockets at the news that Quinn and Finn were now an item again.
'What happened to Noah?!' Rachel thought.
"I don't know what you want me to say. I have responsibilties. I can't jus-" Quinn is cut off by an angry Finn.
"Stop lying to me!" He gritted through his teeth. "Your cheating aren't you?" Finn accused.
Rachel has been facing the inside of her locker intrigued by the conversation and though she doesn't believe in being a eavesdropper her body refuses to move.
She also feels a surge of anger take over her but she doesn't understand why. Maybe it's because he's so close.
"Are you kidding me?!" Quinn whips around in disbelief of being accused in a low threatening tone.
"Answer the question!" Finn replied in anger.
The first warning bell sounded and the halls are thinning but Rachel can't move.
"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer because your being ridiculous!" Quinn replied but there was no real anger behind it.
If anything if Rachel's not mistaken she thinks she hears some exasperation and defeat in the blonde's tone. With only a hint of incredulous.
"So you are! Ha! I knew it! This is priceless! Who is it?!" Finn gets louder.
Quinn rolls her eyes and shakes her head. Turning back to her locker as he continues his verbal assault.
"Are you back with Sam?! Or is Puck because I've seen the way he looks at you! Like he knows you more than your letting on!"
'Well, that's a dumb thing to say. Of course Puck knows Quinn. They had a baby together you idiot!' Rachel thinks.
Quinn slams her locker shut than whirls around and Finn takes a step back as 'scary Quinn' surfaces.
Quinn feels the venom poisoning her tongue and her lips part slightly but nothing slips pass them.
Rachel who couldn't help but jump, her head whipping to the left of her on it's own accord because of Quinn's locker slamming shut.
Watches on in fascination as the venom dies on the blonde's tongue and her eyes clear of all the hostility brewing beneath the surface.
The blonde deflates and shakes her head before turning on her heel and walking away without another word.
Rachel watched her go and jumped when Finn punched the locker down the hall.
The brunette being so engrossed in the blonde's exit, she hadn't noticed his.
Rachel was beyond confused by the events and curious as to what was going on but than realized that she promised herself no drama this year.
That this year was going to be about her.
Her doing everything she could to get into her dream school Nyada.
Rachel shut her locker and groaned in annoyance when she realized she was 20 minutes late for 3rd period.