Beth and Raegan
Raegan walked towards the car curiously. Beth had pulled in 10 minutes ago but hadn't stepped out of the car.
It was Monday morning and that meant soccer practice was the same time as the Ravens cheer practice.
Beth's coach was a bitch about punctuality so she didn't understand why Beth wasn't leaving the car.
The brunette stepped to the passenger door opening it before hopping in.
"Hey.." Raegan began with a smile before it slipped from her face, trailing off at the sight of Beth silently sobbing in to her hands, doing her best to be quiet.
"Beth what's wrong?"
Beth looked up at her but before Beth could say a word Raegan pulled her into a hug immediately.
Quinn and Jaxon
Quinn groaned as she woke feeling achy all over. Her back screamed at her, her ankles were swollen and she was seething with hunger.
The blonde began to sit up and groaned again. She felt like her body weighed a gazillion pounds.
She looked around noticing that Rachel and Alice were gone. The blonde swung her now heavy feeling legs over the side of the bed and struggled to get up.
Quinn walked down the stairs half as asleep and was surprised to not only not see Rachel but to find Jaxon in the kitchen making himself a smoothie.
He glanced up when she entered and Quinn was shocked to see his eyes were red and swollen with a slight puff to them. As if he were crying a little while prior.
"Jaxon are okay?"
Jaxon didn't say a word he just stared at her with eyes of a confused emotional boy. Like she was a puzzle he couldn't figure out.
"Um.. Jaxon is there something wrong?" Quinn tried again starting to feel a little uncomfortable with his staring.
Than Jaxon cast his eyes away from her and stared down at the cutting board.
He took a deep calming breath than put down the fruit knife in his hands and walked over to Quinn before pulling her into a tight hug.
She was surprised but also worried as she began to feel his body shake a little giving off the sign that he was struggling not to cry.
"Jaxon sweetheart what's wrong? You're scaring me." Quinn said.
Just then he pulled back to look at her and Quinn wasn't prepared because god did his eyes suck the life out her.
He truly is Rachel Berry's son because his crying face was a carbon copy of his mother and it stabbed Quinn in the heart to see it and stung her with a nip of jealousy.
Because it hurt to see him cry but dammit he is such a handsome crier, it wasn't fair.
"Thank you.." He croaked.
"Thank you? For what? I didn't-"
"Thank you for being here for her and giving my sister what a lot of kids don't get... The real love from their mother. Because she needs you more than you know."
Quinn's eyes softened and she cupped his cheek and watched as he was close to crying more.
"You don't have to thank me for loving her because it was never a choice." Quinn replied as she watched him tremble at the words but there was something different about him. Specifically how he reacted to her response.
There was something there that she's more than 90% sure is screaming that there's something he's saying without saying it.
Yes, she could see the gratefulness in his eyes but there was something else and she knows she recognizes it but she couldn't put what she sees in his eyes to words.
What she can pinpoint though is that it is painful and burdening. Something is wrong but the moment the worry began to make her speak about what she clearly sees in his eyes.
Jaxon's face morphed and harden as he took a deep breath and schooled his features and yeah...
He most definitely is Rachel Berry's son because the act that followed was phenomenal.
He chuckled and wiped his tears. His boyish charm coming back with a force, masking what she just witnessed.
He reminded her of herself back in high school when she never let on just how fucked up she was mentally and emotionally.
"Sorry Quinn, I just get really emotional over my sister. She's been through a lot."
"Jaxon.. are you sure you're okay?"
"Never better! I'm just really happy for her you know. She deserves this more than anyone I know."
Quinn didn't like the way her stomach knotted at his words. What they implied.
"Jaxo-"
"I really have to go Quinn. I'm already late for school and I promised momma I'd get there before she gets back from dropping Alice off at school."
With that he swooped down and kissed her cheek before rushing away and completely forgetting about his breakfast smoothie.
Quinn heard his words for what they were.
He dodged her questioning with the truth.
Rachel and Alice
"Okay pretty girl, here's your lunch. I hope you have a great day." Rachel spoke and signed.
"Thank you." Alice signed to the brunette.
"You're welcome honey. Remember what I told you. Do you remember?" Rachel asked sweetly.
"Yes, give the paper with your number to my teacher and tell her to call you if she can't call mommy." Alice signed back with a bashful smile.
"That's right! Now come on, give me a hug." Rachel said.
She hugged the little blonde before letting her go, watching as the little girl walked gracefully to the school yard where all the other children were being lined up with their own class before heading in.
Alice glanced back and smiled a small bashful thing at Rachel before getting in line because Rachel blew her a kiss.
Alice has no clue that she has Rachel Berry's heart and Rachel doesn't want it back.
Rachel can feel herself latching on to this little blonde being and she really doesn't mean to but god how can she not. Alice is too precious.
Beth and Raegan
"Wow.. so everything's out?" Raegan asked.
"Yeah." Beth said with shining red eyes and a watery chuckle. She just explained everything that happened to Raegan.
Raegan and Chloe being the two people other than Jaxon and her mama who she spoke to about Quinn.
"So, what's going to happen now?"
"I don't know. Everything just feels so surreal and raw." Beth said and it's the first time Raegan has truly heard Beth speak in that way.
Wistful with the magic of her own reality.
"So is that why you were crying?"
"Honestly, I can't seem to stop. I can't get my emotions in order but I swear they're happy tears, beyond happy. I just... I just feel like this isn't real, you know?"
Raegan nodded with understanding eyes knowing just what this means to Beth.
"I mean, a few months ago I was in my room staring at the canvas picture of the day I was born, staring at her face. Her smile, her hair, her just-her! She's just everything I could have never imagined my mother to be and I can't seem to stop crying over the fact that she's mine. That she really loved me a-an-"
Raegan cut in because she could see Beth was becoming overwhelmed with herself. "Okay you know what? We have study hall first period. How about we text chloe and all three of us get some breakfast, cool down and then come back when you get all of this out?"
Beth looked at Raegan and her eyes softened, her heart melted and she couldn't stop the onslaught of fresh tears even if she wanted to.
How did she get so lucky to be able to not only be blessed with an amazing family but also awesome bestfriends? The blonde leaned forward and pulled her best friend into a hug.
"I ever tell you that your my favorite person?" Beth asked emotionally.
"A time or two." Raegan replied with cockiness.
"And so modest too." Beth giggled.
"You love me."
"I really do."
Quinn and Rachel
"Lucy I'm home!" Rachel called as she entered the house walking toward the living room entrance.
"You think you're funny don't you?" Quinn spoke up from her place on the couch surrounded by empty banana and orange peels.
"Duh, of course I am." Rachel replied with sarcasm.
The brunette took in the blonde and all the fruit peels with three empty bottles of water and the TV playing.
"Uh Quinn?"
"Yes?"
"Is that all you're having for breakfast?"
Quinn sighed in sadness as her cheeks seemed to puff out more with the piece of banana she's chewing.
"Well I wanted to make myself actual breakfast but my back is killing me and my feet are swollen and I feel all achy. I didn't feel like standing there to make breakfast." Quinn whined. She knew she looked like a pig but she really did feel super bloated.
Rachel nodded slowly as she took the blonde in. Quinn is obviously oblivious to what Rachel is very keen to.
The blonde is about two weeks from hitting her second trimester and this is the beginning stage of where Quinn should be growing not only in belly but in weight along with her appetite.
"I see... Well it's a good thing that I thought to stop by and pick up breakfast for the only person in this house eating for three, isn't it?"
Quinn's mouth froze mid chew and her head snapped so quickly to the brunette as her eyes shined and her mouth salivated.
"Y-You got me breakfast?" Quinn asked with hesitant hope and a tinge of desperation.
Rachel smiled broadly, Quinn is too adorable. The brunette walked over casually as she took the restaurant bag from behind her back. Taking a sit next to the blonde on the couch being sure to remove the banana and orange peels as she did.
"Of course I did silly. After the emotional night you had and my lack of culinary skill. I had to get you and these two precious bundles something when you woke." Rachel said as she placed her hand on Quinn's belly and rubbed gently when referring to the twins.
Quinn melted and for the love bacon why was Rachel Berry so perfect?!
"Awww Rae, you didn't have to." Quinn said sweetly but Rachel smirked at her with a raised knowing brow that said: 'Who are you trying to bullshit here?'.
"Okay, yes! Yes you did have to and thank you!" Quinn relented as she leaned over and kissed Rachel's cheek before zeroing in on the bag of food. "So what did you get us?"
Rachel chuckled as she began unloaded the food. Quinn could not wait another second as she ripped open the first container that was given to her.
She than scooped a finger pinch of it with her fingers in to her mouth. Too eager to wait for the spoon Rachel was digging in the bag for. Rachel just laughed at her antics.
Quinn is aware that had she been with Biff he would have made a disgusted face at her and scold her for being inappropriate. She wouldn't have the gall to do such a thing in his presence but fortunately she wasn't. She's with Rachel.
The blonde felt so relaxed and happy that she ate more with her fingers and savored the taste of freedom she had not only in her hands but in that house. The freedom to be exactly who she is with no remorse.
"Quinn what are you watching?" Rachel asked as she opened a bottle of water.
"It's called celebrity death match. It use to be on MTV but now they stream the old episodes. I use to watch this all the time with San and Brit."
"What's it about?"
"It's basically wrestling but clay animation and they pick different celebrities as the characters to wrestle."
"That sounds weir-Oh shit!" Rachel said as her eyes bulged when the characters head exploded on the screen.
"Yeah, that was my first reaction when I first watched." Quinn said casually as she ate while Rachel's eyes were wide and her jaw hung open staring at the screen in shock.
Jaxon and Beth
Beth stood at her locker changing her books. So far her morning was going great. She, Raegan and Chloe went for breakfast and she got to express a bit more of how she's feeling.
She cried a lot so by the time she got back to school for second period she was holding it together well.
"Hey." Was spoken softly behind her.
Beth smiled as she spun around and immediately pulled her brother into a hug.
"Hey, where were you this morning?" Beth asked.
"I woke up late. I stood up studying for my English exam."
"Oh, how'd you do?"
"I think it went well. I'm more than sure I passed."
"I know you did." Beth agreed and Jaxon smiled bashfully both knowing what a nerd he actually is.
"So? How are you feeling after everything?" Jaxon asked sincerely.
Beth smiled and Jaxon was blown away by the difference his sister was exuding.
"I feel.. I don't know how to describe it really. It's like I found... Home, if that makes sense. Like I'm not lost anymore, you know?" Beth said gently.
Beth wasn't foolish by any means. If there is one thing she and Jaxon understood and can fully relate to each other is the feeling of abandonment and like a part of you is missing.
So she chose her words wisely and was gentle with showing just how happy and excited she truly is.
Jaxon could see right through her though. Knowing Beth like the back of his hand always told him what she was trying to hide.
"You know you don't have to tone down how happy you are, right? I love you more than anything and I just want the best for you. I really am happy for you, Quinn and Alice. Family should always stick together." Jaxon said sincerely as he pulled Beth into a hug.
The two held on long and firm both needing it more than anyone would know.
A throat cleared behind them. They pulled apart only to come face to face with Kyle. Jaxon gave him an unimpressed look.
"Can we help you?" Jaxon asked with clear disdain dripping from his tongue.
"I'd uh-like to talk to Beth if you don't mind giving us some privacy."
"Actually I do." Jaxon replied.
"Look I don't know what you're problem is but I'm here to speak to her not you."
"My problem? You don't know what my problem is?"
"No I don-"
"Here's a clue, I'm looking at it."
"Jaxon." Beth said confused by her brothers 360 attitude and harshness.
Just a moment ago he had been so gentle, sweet and caring like he always is.
Now though, his eyes were penetrating Kyle and they were speaking volumes of: I'm going to beat the shit out of you if you don't leave.
"Beth-" Kyle began as he tried to step pass Jaxon but Jaxon was not only the broadest kid in school but also the tallest.
Her brother was very intimating when he was just standing there quietly but she has never actually seen Jaxon pissed off with his eyes so cold on a target.
"Did I say you could talk to my sister?" Jaxon sneered.
You could see the fear in Kyle's eyes but you could also see he didn't want to look like a punk in front of the masses.
"Look I don't have a problem with you, so I don't get why you-"
"Did I ask you if you have a problem with me? No, I didn't and I don't care if you do. Now leave or-"
"Jaxon that's enough!" Beth spoke up stepping in front of her brother trying to make eye contact but Jaxon read the move wrong.
Because due to Beth stepping into his line of sight between Kyle and himself, it looked to Jaxon like she was blocking Kyle and being his human shield.
Jaxon scoffed. "Are you kidding me right now, Beth?"
"Jaxon what is wrong with you? Why are you starting an argument for no reason?" Beth tried.
"Wow, you're really sticking up for this guy?'
"What? Jaxon no! I'm not-"
"Yes you are, you know what? Never mind, I see how it is but whatever I'm just your brother-"
"Jaxon-" Beth tried to grab his hand only for him to jerk away from her touch.
Beth's eyes widened in surprise and rounded out in hurt. Feeling her heart stab with the pain of his rejection.
"Jaxon please tell me what's wrong!" Beth begged.
"Like you care. Have a nice chat with your boyfriend." Jaxon scoffed before storming off leaving Beth in a crowded hallway full of students who began gossiping immediately.
Jaxon and Beth never ever argued which made the altercation the best gossip to happen for the masses.
Beth felt a hand grasp hers. "Thanks but Beth can we talk now?" Kyle had the audacity to say, him believing exactly what Jaxon believed.
Beth chose Kyle over Jaxon.
Beth did as her brother had moments ago and snatched her hand viciously from Kyle's grasp.
"Don't touch me!" Her eyes raged with disdain as she sneered at Kyle before storming off in search of her brother.
Rachel and Quinn.
"Oh my god what the hell?!" Rachel said as she choked on her laughter.
Quinn was next to her trying but failing to breath through her own laughter. They were watching def comedy jam and the two could not hold back even if they tried.
Just then the doorbell rang. Rachel stood up and walked to the door. She opened it with a smile.
"Hey San and Brit!" Rachel beamed as she pulled each woman in to a hug.
"Hey Rach." (Santana)
"Good to see you!" (Britney)
Rachel ushered them in as soon as they walked into the living both women's eyes filled with happiness.
"Well look who we have here." Santana said with a smile.
Quinn's smile exploded on to her face. Immediately she got ready to stand only for Santana to stop her as she leaned down and gave the blonde a hug and kiss to the cheek followed by Britney doing the same so Quinn wouldn't have to get up.
"Hey guys it's so good to see you!" Quinn said happily as she hugged both of them.
"We're glad you're here. How are you?" Santana began.
"I'm good. How are you guys and my niece and nephew?"
'We're good their still terrible."
"San!" Britney sat slapping her arm.
"What? It's true."
Britney gave her an unimpressed look and Santana relented. "Okay I'm sorry."
"Thank you." Britney said as she kissed her cheek.
"Aww you guys are still so nauseating." Rachel said with an eye roll.
"You would be to if you removed the stick from your ass and actually ask that nurse I introduced to on a date already." Santana threw back.
Quinn's ears perked up and she got a knotted feeling in her stomach.
"What nurse?" She asked.
"She's super cute Q, you'd like she's like perfect for Rachel." Britney boosted already knowing who Santana was referring to.
"Okay, Okay my love life is not up for discussion." Rachel cut in feeling rather uncomfortable for some reason discussing such sensitive topics in front of Quinn.
"Okay just saying but anyway that's not why we're here."
"So you didn't just stop in to hang out?"
"Please Berry, I have better things to do than sit around with you and talk about how 'Stranger things'."
"That was one time and don't even go there you even said it was a good show."
"Yeah but if it's between doing something lame with you or doing my wife? Guess what I choose doing her."
"Real mature san." Quinn said with a face.
"Who asked you tubbers."
"We are not in high school. You can't call me that anymore." Quinn said with a roll of her eyes.
"First of all there's clearly a bun in the oven so yeah I call 'em as I see 'em."
"Alright enough teasing San." Britney cut in already knowing how Quinn and Santana constantly revert back to childish behavior when they antagonize each other.
"Anyway, tell Rachel why we're here." Britney finished.
"Oh yeah, anyway so you said you have to cancel the camping trip this weekend right?" Santana asked Rachel.
Quinn's head whipped to the brunette in surprise. "What? Why?"
"Oh I didn't tell you? I'm so sorry I thought I did." RAchel replied with a shake of her head.
"Wait why would that bother you?" Santana asked.
"Well.. Rachel invited me."
Quinn caught the moment Santana and Britney's face made something along the lines of shock and awe? Quinn wasn't sure.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Quinn asked.
"Nothing! Pay them no mind Quinn. Anyway yes I had to cancel it because two of my patients are currently in the hospital and are having complications. I have to be on call but don't worry I'm rescheduling the trip so we're still going just at a later date." Rachel explained sweetly completely forgetting Santana and Britney were there.
Santana and Britney watched as Rachel and Quinn became engrossed with each other but that wasn't what shocked them.
No.
That Berry family camping trip was sacred. So sacred in fact that all of Rachel's ex girlfriends who begged to go were turned down. Even Santana and Britney have never gone. None of the former glee members have. It was very personal for Rachel and so was the tradition behind it.
So for Quinn to be easily invited was monumental. No one was allowed on that trip only Beth and Jaxon's friends because those specific kids had been apart of Jaxon and Beth's life since they were babies. The two women couldn't believe their ears or what they were witnessing happen right in front of them.
Santana and Britney looked at each other silently communicating the same thought.
'They're crushing on each other and completely oblivious to the fact.'
Santana cleared her throat but smirked evilly internally. "So Rachel the reason we stopped is to ask you for a favor and you cannot and I will not let you turn me down again this year."
Rachel immediately groaned burying her face in her hands. "Not this again."
"Yes this again and don't think you're getting out of it. It's for a good cause think of the children."
Rachel glared at Santana and Santana grinned viciously.
"What? What is it?" Quinn asked.
Britney smiled. "Well every year Santana is in charge of the hospital fund raiser and every year she does the same campaign and every year she tries to get Rachel to participate Rachel seems to always somehow-" Britney says using air quotes. "-accidentality plan the camping trip at the same date and time as the fund raiser and since Rachel had to reschedule the trip this year. Santana is here to collect on the many years that Rachel has promise that if she's ever available for it she'd do it."
"Yes you are and you're not leaving me hanging this time are you, hobbit?"
"I hate you." Rachel groaned.
"You love me and Q you are most definitely invited." Santana said with a smirk.
"Thanks san, when is it?"
"Saturday at 3. I'll send you the info."
"Great I can't wait." Quinn said with a smile.
"Neither can I." Santana smirked wickedly at Rachel.
"This is going to be epic!" Britney followed.
"Kill me now." Rachel groaned.