Chapter 3

Still Trigger warnings. However, I promise most the really dark stuff is coming to an end soon.

The bell rings for the end of class, and I go to head to the library for my free period. However, I stop myself when I realize I need to talk to Will, and I would rather do it at school. So instead, I turn and head towards the Spanish classroom to ask him. When I enter, I notice Ms. Pillsbury talking to him again. "Oh. Hi Quinn." They both turn to look at me with the red head's greeting. "Can I talk to you?" I look directly at him. The guidance counselor excuses herself a moment later, leaving us a long together. I wish she would come back. "Close the door" I look at him and then to the hallway before doing so. He motions for me to sit down at the desk in front of him. I do quickly, I don't want him to deny me this. He moves to the side of me, taking a seat right next to me. His body is positioned, so he can touch me without others seeing. "What do you want to talk about?" He asks as his hand slips to my leg and starts to inch it way closer to my spanks. "Mrs. Moore" His fingers touch me over my spanks, and I am so close to bolting from the room. "Mrs. Moore, gave us a research assignment… in pairs." I barely get it out. His fingers still for a second on me. I feel them slip in between my spanks and underwear. The urge to run fast and far grows with each second. "Rachel, in glee, is my partner." I swallow. "It's half of our grade. May I go to her house to work on the assignment tomorrow after school? Please?" I hold still. If I stop his game, he will say no. His eyes never leave me as he thinks this over. His fingers still violating me. I force myself to stay still until he is done. A noise outside in the hallway makes Will stand abruptly and runs a hand through his hair. "You have my permission to go as long as you are only working on the assignment and nothing else." I almost jump for joy, but instead, I nod my acceptance and go to leave. "Lucy" I stop dead from my retreat. All the color drains from my face. "You will be making this up to me. My gifts always come at a price." Closing my eyes, I nod my agreement before leaving.

Walking with a purpose, I head straight to the library. It's one of the only places I relax honestly. I sit in front of one of the PC and type a name I haven't said out loud in years. The google search bar brings up all the results for Fabray. I see a Facebook page for Franny. Clicking on it, I see pictures of my sister with her family. She has on a college sweatshirt with both mom's and dad's arms around her. There is also a golden retriever sitting in front of them. My eyes scan them over noticing how much they have changed and wondering if they ever think about me at all. The other pictures are of Franny and her friends. A couple of her and the dog, whose name is Princess. There are also some of just our parents. They all look happy and perfect. I stared at one of the family photos wishing to be a part of it. They threw me away. I shouldn't care about them, I tell myself. I should be angry with them. I am angry with them but at the same time sad with the loss that they represent. Scrolling through all the photos, I see Christmas ones. According to the dates, it was the same year they left me in Mississippi. I can't believe none of our extended family asked about me and where I went. "What are you looking at?" I jump and spin around to come face to face with a smiling brunette. I close the window out quickly "nothing."

"Those people look like you. Are they related to you?" Rachel asks as she sits beside me. I'm not sure how to answer her, so I go with "I'm not sure. I was looking up my old last name." She smiles again. "Well maybe once we are done with this project, I can help you find any missing family." She says happily. I nod slowly and change the subject. "So, about our research paper, that topic…" I trail off because I am not sure how to finish it. She contemplates a minute before answering "It seems we drew a very hard topic to discuss. I'm not sure how much research we can pull from the school library." She has no idea how hard of a topic. "Before I forget, I can come over tomorrow to work on the assignment." That smile is back and at full force. I love that smile already. She pulls me into a hug quickly before suggesting we get started.

We didn't even get five minutes into the research before I hear her stating "this is horrible. Simply horrible. These poor girls." I look over at her and see a single tear escape down her cheek. "How could their parents or anyone condone this?" I swallow thickly and think of an answer that may be helpful. "Maybe, their parents didn't want them because they were a mistake and not part of their life plan?" I supply and realize that I am using my own example. "Then you put your kid up for adoption. Not marry them off to some creepy old guy." A Rachel Berry rant is something to behold. "All these people should be arrested immediately." She has clicked on multiple links and her anger for the situation keeps growing with each new site. I never realized how many other girls are going through what I am. "Our syllabus states that one of our resources needs to be interview. Who are we going to interview?" Sucking my bottom lip between my teeth, I stop myself from answering me to her question. "None of these sites have contact information either. It's like reading a story and that's it." Rachel huffs then starts tapping her fingers on the desk trying to come up with an idea. "We have some time to figure it out" I offer with the hope of moving on. The bell is about to ring for last period. We both pack up our stuff and close our search history out of the PC. The bell rings moments later. "See you in glee! I have a song to sing this afternoon." Her infectious smile captures me in an instant. I return her smile and nod my agreement before she is gone. Grabbing my things, I make my way to my last class of the day. The small smile a permanent fixture on my lips that remains until time for glee practice.

Everyone is seated and ready for glee. Besides Santana, Brittany, Rachel and myself; I figured out everyone else's names. We have Artie, who is the guy in the wheelchair, Tina the goth chick, Mike and Matt are the other two jocks, and the divas are Kurt and Mercedes. I don't even bother looking to where Puck and Finn are sitting. "Coach said she wants to see us before practice this afternoon." The Latina smiles toward the front of the classroom where Brittany is trying a weird dance move that Mike and Matt made up. Without making eye contact with me still "any plans this weekend" is asked before whispering "with Rachel?" Looking over to the girl in question, she is talking with Brad the piano guy about a song. "We are working on our English assignment tomorrow after glee practice." I say never breaking my line of sight. "Schuester keeps you on a tight leash. Does he ever let you go out and have fun?" I know her question isn't meant to be hurtful to me, but it is. I wish I had a normal life like everyone else around here. Even working on a school assignment after school has me paying a price. "He does" I trail off because I am not sure what else I can say.

"Let's get started everyone" the curly haired music teacher enters the room. Everyone but Rachel takes a seat. "Mr. Schue. I have a song to perform" she informs him from her spot beside Brad. Will looks caught off guard for a moment and scans the room stopping on me for a moment. I force myself not to look at her. I keep my eyes trained on him. "Ok. Everyone, give it up for Rachel" he nods for her to perform the song and takes a chair in the front row.

Rachel moves to stand in front of everyone before signally to Brad to start. The room fills with a soft piano medley. I recognize the song, it's Fight Song by Rachel Platt. I think I prefer this Rachel's version better. It's done as more of a ballad without the drumbeats. Everyone seems transfixed with her as her voice carries over the chorus. I know my eyes haven't left hers during the whole performance. She finishes the song, and I notice her look at me for a moment before turning and saying "how was that Mr. Schue? ". Glancing over to Will, he seems extremely pleased. "That was great, Rachel. Anyone else?" He looks around at everyone before settling on me. I lock eyes with him because I am trying to gauge how bad it will be for me if I don't perform something. I don't have anything prepared anyway. This will just be added to my list later tonight. His eyes leave me, and I release the breath I didn't even realize I was holding. San and B stand "we've got cheerio practice" they look at me and wait for me to join them. I look over to Will and he glances at us before nodding. "See you tomorrow" I look at Rachel. She nods and gives me a winning smile which I return. Grabbing our things, we make our way to the locker room to get ready and talk to coach.

"SLOPPY FREAK SHOW BABIES!" Coach Sylvester's ranting from the sideline at practice sends some of the younger cheerios into tears. "MOVE YOUR ASSES! I've seen more effort and movement in a morgue". The insults never seem to stop. I swear I saw a couple of girls puke in the bushes already. "I've had enough. Showers! Be prepared for worse next time ladies!" She states before walking off the field. Leaving us all dead in her wake, I take a minute to catch my breath, before heading to the locker room. Instead of showering like everyone else, I grab my things and make my exit quickly and quietly. There are too many eyes around for me to change and shower at school.

Will never waits for me to finish practice. I am expected to walk home straight afterwards or else. Most days, I cherish the alone time I have while making my way to the apartment. However, today, I am wishing for anything else. My entire body hurts, and I just want to relax. Coach's practice was brutal today, and it didn't help that I was already in a lot of pain either.

When I finally make it inside the apartment, Will is already there. He is sitting in front of the TV with a beer in hand. His eyes focus in on me as the door closes. "Kiss for your husband?" I force myself to keep eye contact before slowly making my way towards him. He is playing a game, that if I fail, I will lose whatever gift he has given. Once in front of him, he motions for me to sit on his lap. Shifting my weight from one foot to the other, I force myself not to run from him. Trying my best to avoid skin on skin contact, which is very hard in my skirt, I sit down on his lap and lean over to give him a peck on the cheek. It's the most I can stomach doing without being forced. His fingers grab my hair to hold me in place. His other hand snakes around me pulling me closer into him. "AHHH" I shriek at his contact. Those eyes of his tell me that I am failing fast. He leans up pressing his lips into mine, and I can feel his tongue forcing its way into my mouth. I let him kiss me like this until he is satisfied. His fingers never leaving my hair to ensure I don't pull away. The other hand, holding me close, runs over my ass and squeezes tightly causing me to flinch. Not soon enough for me, he releases me from the hold he had me in. "Get out of that uniform and make me dinner." Backing away quickly from the icy touch of his fingers, I disappear just as fast. Discreetly, wiping away the kiss as I go.

The second bedroom in the house is setup as my room, even though I never get to sleep in there. All my clothes and other items are stored in there though. My lamb is hidden in the closet. I was so grateful that I packed her that day before leaving with my ex-family. I am not sure I would have made it this long without her. I pull her from her hiding spot and hold her tight into my chest. All my thoughts and fears are whispered to her every chance I get. My lamb is my only form of comfort. I place her back in her hiding spot. My lack of clothing options is apparent, just by looking in my closet and drawers. He doesn't see the point in me having a bunch of clothes. Luckily, I wear my cheerleading uniform to school most days. Quickly, I remove my clothes and replace them with the outfit he deems appropriate for me to wear tonight. I know this because he has laid it out on the bed for me. Sighing, I take in the small tank top and panties. The outfit leaves little to the imagination and the underwear, if you can even call them that, displays my bruised bottom for all to see. Knowing that there is no use, I dress in the provided clothes before making my way to the bathroom. My hazel eyes reflect back at me, and not for the first time, I realize I want out of this life. The scar on my wrist calls to me. It was the closest I ever came to escaping his grasp. Now there is nothing sharp available to me in the bathroom, and he watches me like a hawk in the kitchen with the knives. I don't want that to be my only option. I want to escape this hell and live a normal life without fear or pain. "LUCY!" Looking over my shoulder, I leave to start my night.

In the kitchen, Will already has my cell phone in his hand. He goes to through all my messages and calls nightly, and he also placed an app on my phone that will show him deleted messages as well. The application is password protected too. I have tried to figure it out, so I could delete it but with no luck so far. His focus turns to me as I enter, and I resist trying to cover myself with my hands. His eyes greedily take me all in as I make my way through the kitchen grabbing the items that I need to start dinner.

"I'm a very lucky man, Lucy." He purrs from behind me. I can feel his eyes still burning into my back. "Who would have known that you would turn out to be this gorgeous creature standing before me. I should probably send Russel a thank you card for you." The mention of my father gives me pause. Part of me wants to ask him if he still talks to them and the other doesn't care at all. SMACK! I surge forward into the counter. His hand is still on my butt where he just slapped it. Tears push past my eyes no matter how hard I try to hold them back. "I really am a very lucky man" the whisper breath tickles my ear. I can feel him against me just like last night. His fingertips slip under my tank and slide upwards cupping my breasts and squeezing roughly. A kiss to my neck and my tears flow without restraint. "Dinner first tonight. Then I will have my dessert" a small gasp escapes my lips as soon as he cups my center. He backs aways to the table and I release a breath and wipe my tears away before finishing dinner.

I place the two plates of spaghetti on the table along with bread rolls and salad. Making sure to serve him first before taking a seat. I grab him another beer from the fridge and make myself a glass of water. A rough hand wraps around my arm "you're not eating tonight." My confusion makes him pause for a minute. I have never been denied dinner unless being punished. "Put the leftovers away and then have a seat." Releasing my arm, I empty my glass and place it in the dishwasher and then place my uneaten food into the refrigerator for later before taking a chair at the table. Staring at my hands laying on the table, I refuse to make eye contact with him while he finishes his meal.

"Bedroom. NOW!" I hear him place his dishes in the sink for me to clean later as I walk towards my never-ending nightmare. By morning, my back is covered in whelps and bruises from the night before. I'm scared because I haven't been beaten like that since I tried to run away.

"HEY Q!" Santana's shouting down the hallway brings me back to reality. I didn't wait for them at the entrance this morning. I decided it would be better to just head slowly to my locker without a lot of questions asked. I look to my friend, and she is standing with Brittany and Rachel. A small smile breaks out on my face at the sight of the tiny brunette. All three of them make their way to me "Why didn't you meet us out front?" San asks. Brittany nods her head in agreement with Santana. Rachel, however, hasn't moved her eyes from me. It's like she is trying to solve a mystery and that mystery is me. She cocks her head to the side for a minute "are you okay, Quinn? You look like you are in pain." Santana and Britt both really look at me after Rachel's revelation. As much as I want to tell someone what is happening, I don't want them to know. They would look at me differently, and I don't want that. "I just slept wrong last night. Plus, practice yesterday was a killer." They all accept my answer for the truth as far as I can tell. I spend the rest of my day trying to act like I am not hurt.

When I enter the glee room later that day, I see Santana and Rachel talking about something in hushed voices. I can't make out what they are saying at all. When they see me, they both stop talking and smile at me. Part of me wonders if they were talking about me. "Hey Quinn" I turn to my left to see Finn standing over me. Quirking an eyebrow at him "hey", I say looking back over at the two brunettes. "What are you doing Friday night? Would you like to go to Breadsticks with me?" His hopeful look makes me shake my head and wonder. "I already told you no, Finn" I leave him standing in the middle of the floor to take my seat. "What were you two discussing before I came in?" They both look at each other before turning back to me. Rachel takes the chair beside me with Santana on the other saving one for Brittany. "We were talking about having a girls' night sleepover on the weekend." Santana and Rachel both smile at me waiting for my answer. I would love to go, but I don't see it ever happening bar some miracle. "Santana, was telling me that Schue doesn't let you out a lot, but I have an idea." I look into those brown eyes and just know that I will pay whatever price just to spend more time with her. "Okay" it's all I can get out before Britt comes in followed by Will.

Rachel is waiting for me by the exit for the glee room after practice "ready?" I nod my agreement and make a quick assessment of my surroundings before following her to her dad's car. "What time do you have to be home? Is Mr. Schuester picking you up or do you need a ride?" Looking at her, I realized that I have no idea to any of those questions. "I'm not sure honestly. I guess I can message Will and ask." I say and shoulder my bag.

Once in the parking lot, I see a very nice and expensive BMW with a handsome black man sitting inside it. Rachel just beams at him and skips towards the car. She opens the car door for me and introduces me to the man. "Daddy, this is Quinn. Quinn, this my daddy, Leroy Berry." I smile at him in greeting as I take a seat in the back. "It's nice to meet you, sir. Mr. Berry?" He looks at me, and I can see the smile reach his eyes. "Leroy is fine. To many Mr. Berry's already." Rachel takes a seat in the front and gives him a hug before clicking her seatbelt into place. I put mine on also. "So, girls, how was school today? What is this project about?" Leroy looks to Rachel before glancing at me in the rearview mirror. "It was good, daddy. I got to perform in glee also this afternoon." I don't even realize I am smiling as Rachel rambles on about her day. I never realized how many small things I miss in my life. "The project is a research paper that Quinn and I got assigned to do together." She turns her head to look at me for help. "Yes, sir … um … Leroy" Sucking in a breath, I try to explain further for her. "Rachel drew our topic out a coffee can. We looked up some information online in the school library during our free period, but …" I trail off and look to her to continue. "But we don't know what we are going to do about the interview portion, daddy." Rachel finishes. "What's the topic? Maybe I can help?" I look to Rachel because I don't want to bring it up. The tiny brunette looks to me and then her father before saying "child brides." Leroy looks at her briefly before turning back to focus on the road ahead. "None of the sites we found had anyway to contact someone about their story to ask questions. It's very frustrating honestly."

"Why not interview someone from a legal standpoint on the issue?" He finally answers. I never thought of that and by Rachels profile I would say she didn't either. "That is a brilliant idea, daddy!" She squeals in excitement. "Will you, do it?" She asks him right away. Wait a minute, I stop my internal list of possible people to ask in Lima. I look between them confused for at least a minute before one of them takes pity on me and answers the question swirling around in my head. "Daddy is the new Judge in Lima. It's why we moved here." I can tell she is extremely proud of him. They both smile at each other. "What does your other dad do?" The curiosity is getting the best of me. "Dad or Hiram Berry is one the new doctors at Lima General Hospital. He's working late tonight, so you might not get to meet him today." It only took another five minutes, and we were pulling into the Berry's driveway. Their house reminds me of my previous one before everything changed. I would actually say it's even bigger than my old one.

"Come on. We have questions to write up and then we can interview daddy." I'm basically pulled out of the car into her home. I get a moment to view the downstair entry way before being dragged up the stairs. The main floor seemed open and airy. It has a homey feel. Like it was already lived in, and love was everywhere filling the house. Rachel stops in front of a door that must be her bedroom. Quirking an eyebrow at her, I ask the silent question of why we stopped. "I was trying to remember if I cleaned my room before I left this morning" she giggles and shakes her head before opening the door to her room. She releases my hand, and I miss the warmth instantly and the small sparks it caused. Her room is spacious, and the colors and pictures fit her perfectly. The light greens and blues are highlighted through the crème-colored room. Pictures of Broadway shows cover her walls also. I try to take in as much as I can. "I love your room" I say spinning around. I catch her rolling her eyes at me. "Come on" she pushes me into her desk chair before I can blink. "OUCH" is out of my mouth before I can stop myself. Her eyes are on me curious and worried at once. "Are you hurt? Do we need to have you checked out? Do I need to call Mr. Schuester?" My mind is spinning from the multiple questions and pain that is shooting through me. It takes me a couple of seconds to actually look at her and answer. "I'm okay. I think I am still just sore from sleeping wrong last night and practice." Brown eyes stare at me searching for the truth in my answer before nodding slowly that they accept my answer. "Questions?" I grab a sheet of notebook paper and my pen, hoping that this will distract her. She grabs another chair and pulls it right next to me. I can smell the faint hint of her strawberry shampoo. It's all very distracting at the moment. The urge to reach out in touch her grows stronger each second, she is so close to me.

After about forty-five minutes, we have a list of questions to ask. "Do you think we should video tape this also?" She asks me, and I honestly have no idea. I guess it couldn't hurt, and I tell her as much. We grab our phones, and I finally notice the missed calls and messages. Swallowing my nerves, I ignore them all for the time being. I already knew I was going to have hell to pay for this. "Do you want to check them? I can give you some privacy and let daddy know that we are ready for the interview?" Glancing at my phone again "please. I will just be a minute." I look back to my phone and unlock it as soon as her door is shut. Reading the messages first, I notice one from Santana and another Brittany. They both just sent me random emojis. I giggle at their antics. The last text message is from him. He states he misses me already. I guess that could pass as normal text message, but I know the meaning behind it. Finally, I get up the nerve to play the messages on my phone. They are both from him. His voice sends chills down me every time I hear it. The first one is very similar to his text message. The last one isn't. I have company over that just showed up. Do me a favor and make yourself scarce until Sunday. Don't forget you belong to me, and the law states it too. It's whispered, so whoever is there doesn't hear. Closing my phone, I make my way downstairs, with a smile on my face. I don't even care if I have to sleep on a park bench until Sunday, I couldn't be happier.

Rachel is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs "everything okay?" I give her an honest smile and say, "everything is great." She takes my hand and sparks shoot through my hand and up through my arm into my body. "I have everything setup in his office" before I can blink, I am being pulled further into the house and past the kitchen area. Leroy's office looks just like a Judge's office would look. Wall to wall books with a huge wooden desk in the center. "Do you want to video tape or ask questions?" She nibbles on her thumb, and it's the cutest thing I have ever saw. I draw my eyes back to hers "video tape". I take her phone and set it to video and wait for my cue to start behind her. "Daddy?" He looks to her and she points to his chair for him to sit. "Ready?" He smiles and nods again. Signaling me, I start recording.

"Judge Berry" she making this very professional. "The topic of child brides in the United States is a very controversial one. Every state has different age limits for someone to be married. Some even have no age limit with parent consent. Do you agree with this?" Leroy looks straight at me or the phone before answering. "As a Judge, I am required to follow the law to a "T"; however, as a father, no I do not. I believe there should be a federal age limit for marriage." I try to control my breathing and to keep from shaking. "Let's say a young girl is forced to get married by her parents in Mississippi" it's my question. Rachel doesn't know that she is asking a question for me. "Sorry, this is just hard to believe that it actually happens" she says. Her eyes connect with mine before finishing the question. "How young?" Rachel's father asks. "Eleven" it's out of my mouth before I even realize it. Both sets of eyes are staring at me. "Right" Rachel turns back to her father again. "Is the state of Ohio required to recognize that as a legitimate marriage?" Leroy looks between both of us for a couple of minutes trying to formulate his answer. "Don't put this in your interview. As a father, I would gladly commit murder to protect this child." Shaking his head and if it was possible, he grows even more serious. "Honestly, as soon as you said forced, the age doesn't matter anyway. The girl has many options legally, even being underage. Her parents and the man she was forced to marry could all be prosecuted in the eyes of the law. All she would need to do is tell someone what is happening, so an investigation would be done. She would also be removed from the situation for the time being for her safety." After that, I miss the rest of the questions and answers being asked. He lied to me. The law isn't on his side. It's actually on my side according to Leroy. The real question is can I risk getting caught again or risk my friends finding out and not wanting anything to do with me anymore. What if they blame me or say that I wanted it because I stayed for five years? "Any other question girls? I have to go pack." Rachel and I both shake our head no, before making our way out of the office. "Anything specific you would like for dinner? I do a mean delivery." He laughs at his own comment before looking back at us. Rachel is staring at me. I've never been able to pick what I have for dinner before and have no idea now. "I'm good with anything. Thank you" Rachel looks to her father before looking at me again. "Thai food, daddy." I nod my agreement. "Anything specific you like, Quinn?" I've never had Thai food before, so I'm not sure what to say. "I'll have what Rachel is having" I say. She looks at me for a moment "it's vegan. Are you sure?" I didn't know she was vegan. I shrug my shoulders, which in hindsight was a bad idea, and keep my face from showing pain "sure."

"Call us when dinner is here!" Rachel smiles at both her dad and I before pulling me up to her room again. I never even heard Leroy's reply. The electricity shooting through me is deafening.

Once back in her room, she releases my hand again, and I almost reach for it back. "I don't know how I am going to sleep tonight with all those stories and images running through my mind about this project." She looks to me wondering if I feel the same way. Honestly, I will probably sleep better tonight than I have in a long time. I'm thinking the park near the school will be best that way I can sneak in and shower and change my uniform out for the one in my locker. Her eyes are still on me waiting for an answer "I'm not sure." I answer honestly as I can.

"So… what do you want to do while we wait for dinner? We can keep working on our project or…" She pauses mid-sentence when she looks at my face for a second "not." My nervousness must show easily on my face because she is pulling me towards the bed. The sparks are back as soon as she touches me, and it is clouding my mind. "You can just tell me everything there is to know about you instead" she is so matter of fact in her voice as she plops down on her bed and pulling me with her. Her bed is really comfy, and I fight the need to lay down and enjoy it. I haven't enjoyed being in a bed in years. The bed at home is hard and lumpy just the way he likes it. I laid on the other bed a couple of times, but it was just as bad. It's so unlike hers. "You don't really talk a lot. Do you?" Rachel cocks her head to the side. She breaks me from my musing of beds. Looking up to her eyes, our eyes lock, and hazel and brown orbs swirl together. I swear I can feel and hear sizzling in the room. I look away before it gets too hard. She wouldn't ever feel about me about the way I feel about her. "Not much to tell" I scan her room again avoiding eye contact for a moment before looking back at her.

"Okay… umm… please" her pout melts me instantly, and I give in. On the plus side, she still hasn't released my hand. I grin at that thought. "I moved in with Will or Mr. Schuester when I was eleven, and we've been in Lima for the last two years." Pausing for a minute, I try to gather my thoughts before continuing. "I was in Cincinnati before that. My actual family was or is in Columbus." Confusion covers her face, she just stares at me, silently asking for more. "More?" I ask biting on my lower lip, it's a nervous habit. "Yes more. I want to know everything. What sort of music do you like? Movies? Food? Everything?" That megawatt smile is back, and I can't help but smile too. "What about you?" I ask her trying to take some of the heat off of me. "Me? I'm easy." The tiny brunette bounces in excitement. "Let's see… I love anything Broadway. Musicals are my absolute faves. One day, I am going to be on that stage performing. It's been my life goal since I could talk." Her passion and enthusiasm is catching. I can't help but be just as excited as she is. "I haven't met a vegetable that I haven't loved. Being vegan that is very important." I can't help but giggle. Her eyes shift and before darker if that is even possible for a second, before she shakes it away. "Also, my favorite color is purple, but you wouldn't know that by just looking at my room. I love my fathers very much. They were both born here but moved away after getting married. My birth mother still lives in New York. I can't wait to go back there. You should come with me!" A squeeze to my hand tells me she is serious. Everything in me would love to run to New York with her. "See how easy that is. Now please tell me more about you" She tightens her grip on my hand. It has become and anchor for me tonight. Opening and closing my mouth a couple of times, I try to figure out how to tell her that it doesn't matter what I want in life. I will most likely be stuck here with Will.

"Well… my favorite color is green." I smile a little at the ease with which I am trying to answer these questions the best that I can. "Will likes to watch those action movies with no storylines all the time, I can't stand those. You might have to show me a musical sometime." I grin at her. "I actually like all types of music. I guess it depends on my mood on what I want to listen too." I leave off the fact that I mostly listen to Citizen Soldier. "I can't think of a favorite food either. Maybe, I will find it tonight." I give her a first full smile that reaches my eyes, and I can tell she has a reaction to it. I'm just not sure what. "Writer" Brown eyes look thoughtfully at me after that one word. "You want to be a write?" I shrug my shoulders because I have thought about it before. "I think so… I enjoy reading and writing, so I figured why not." Doesn't matter that it will probably never happen. "What about your parents? Sorry, you don't have to answer that if its hard." It is so unbelievably hard. She doesn't have any idea. I open my mouth to respond but get cut off.

"GIRLS! FOOD IS HERE!" The deep voice of Leroy booms up the stairs. Guess I was saved by the dinner bell.

"Come on. I'm starving" Rachel pulls me off the bed and out the door. I keep smiling because she hasn't let go of my hand once, and I never plan on pointing that out to her. The food smells wonderful. I am so hungry that I would of probably of ate anything in front of me. "Quinn, what would you like to drink? We have tea, water, soda, and juice" Leroy asks at we enter the dining area. Food has been set out on the table. "Rachel, honey, grab the plates please." My hand feels cold without hers in it. I will her back to me, but she can't hear my thoughts. "Please have a seat. You are our guest, and we will serve you." He motions to the chair that I am standing beside. "I don't mind helping" I say still going to take container to help. "Nonsense, Quinn. Sit. Enjoy La'Berry fine service" he bows his head and extends my pulls my chair out for me to sit. "Thank you and water please." Rachel places all the plates out, and I notice a fourth one for her other dad. I guess I will get to meet him tonight too. I wish I wasn't in a cheerio outfit. "Dad making it home for dinner?"

"He should be here any minute." Leroy finishes as I hear the front door open. A small man with glasses appears in the kitchen, and he is not what I was expecting at all. "DAD!" Rachel says and runs to hug him. I can't help but smile at the scene in front of me. "Hello baby girl. How was today?" The love in his voice and the desire to know the actual answer makes me want. It feels like a knife in my heart seeing the scene play out, knowing that I have never had this. He looks away from Rachel and focuses in on me. "Who is this beautiful young woman?" He looks to Rachel then back to me. "This is Quinn, dad. She came over to work on our project together." They both walk towards me with matching smiles. "It's nice to meet you, Quinn." He extends his hand. "You too, Dr. Berry" I say taking his hand in mine. It's warm but I still want Rachel's small hand in mine. "None of this Dr. Berry crap. Call me Hiram please" His smile reaches his eyes, and I nod my head. "Let's eat. The food is getting cold." Leroy interrupts us.

Rachel takes the chair beside and squeezes my hand again before releasing it. I almost grab it and pull it back to me. She places a vegan spring roll and some of the Pad Thai on my plate before placing it on her plate as well. Her fathers are discussing their day between them, and I am comforted by the static noise their voices cause. "Yum" Rachel purrs to herself. My eyes are on her instantly. I didn't realize one phrase could have that much power over me. She looks at me "try it. You will see." I look back to my food and take a bite. The food is amazing. It so much better than anything I ever cook. It's hard to believe that there is no meat at all. I've managed to eat two spring rolls and most of my Pad Thai already. I am trying to pace myself because they don't need to know who truly hungry I am.

"So, Quinn, tell us about you and your family" Hiram asks after taking a sip of his wine. Leroy looks at me too. They both smile waiting for my answer. Taking a big sip gulp of water, I try to figure out the best way to answer. Rachel must see me struggling because she answers for me. "She lives with Mr. Schue. He's our glee club director, and the Spanish teacher at the school." I smile at her and barely say "thank you." Both men look at each other and shrug before pushing further. "How did you end up living with him?"

"He's my guardian… adopted me when I was… eleven" It's so hard to get that out when people ask. I hate saying that. He is the only one who is allowed to tell people that we are married. He states that it is for my protection, but after the interview with Leroy earlier, I don't think that is the case. "Quinn is shy, dad. You can't put her on the spot like that." Rachel takes my hand under the table, and my anchor is back holding me in place. "Sorry, honey. You are right. Please forgive me Quinn, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." I look at both of them and shake my head. "Nothing to forgive, Hiram. You would think being a cheerleader that I wouldn't be a shy quiet person. I guess its sort of an oxymoron when you think about it." Everyone laughs at my joke, and I finally completely relax through the rest of dinner.

"It's getting late. I should go. Thank you for dinner." I tell Rachel and her fathers. It's already really dark, and I have a long walk to the park to camp out at. Rachel looks to me and then her fathers. "Is Mr. Schue coming to get you? Do you need a ride?" They are all looking at me for an answer. I chose to focus on Rachel. "It's not that far of a walk. Mr. Schue… um… Will" I can't have them drop me off "is visiting a friend not to far from here. He asked me to walk down when I was done, so we could head home. "I get up to leave and grab my things. A hand reaches out to touch me, and I flinch away. Eyes bore into me trying to decide the next more, I just need to get out of here fast. "Sorry. I need to go. I didn't realize how late it was." I take the stairs two at time and grab my bag before dashing for the door to leave. "Thank you again. I will see you tomorrow, Rachel." I am out the door and down the road before they can follow.

Once I am sure that I am far enough away, I slow my pace. It's going to take me at least twenty minutes to get to the park. The night air is cold, and I wish I had something warmer to sleep in then my uniform. I stay on wide alert for anyone around. I don't want to be seen by some crazy person or worse someone who knows who I am. I probably should have just asked to stay the night with them, I think to myself as the chill sets in deeper to my bones. I am hoping that the park as something for me to crawl into so the night air is blowing on me all night. Sometimes, my pride or maybe its self-preservation is too strong. I still have plenty of charge left on my phone and set an alarm to be up by six o'clock in the morning.

The park enters my line of sight. The light posts lighting the way. My phone ringing brings me pause. Looking down, I was expecting to see Rachel's name but then I realized she doesn't have my cell number. Will's name is blaring at me. I shakily answer the phone. "Hello" I whisper it even though no one is around. "Lucy" his whispered voice frightens me more than his screams. "Good girl for answering. I will see you at school in the morning. Come to my office first thing." The line goes dead but not before I hear a voice in the background speaking to him. It sounded like an older woman. Putting my phone away, I hurry towards the playground to look for a spot to sleep. At least, I am not going to be hungry tonight. Luckily, there are crawl throughs on this playground. I climb up inside the plastic tube. At least, I shouldn't freeze tonight. It doesn't stop me from shivering most of the night. The curled-up position I end up in does nothing for my back and butt. It doesn't keep me warm either. My alarm blares causing me to jump and hit my back on the tunnel wall. "AHH. Shit that hurts." Opening my eyes, I remember where I am and hurriedly grabbed my things to get to the school.

The school is empty minus a couple of janitors. I sneak in past them and head to the cheerio locker room. Once inside, I relish in the warmth of the room before going to my locker and grabbing my shower stuff and change of clothes. The hot water is a welcome feeling, and I savor it for as long as I can.

Dressed in my cheerio uniform with a high ponytail, I make my way out of the locker room with my backpack. One night down, I tell myself. I'm not sure about food or anything else tonight. Making my way to my locker, I see Will staring at me and waiting patiently that last part is only a wish. I grab what I need and head over to him to get this out of the way. He moves aside for me to pass into his office. I catch him look to the hallway before closing the door and pulling the blind. The click of the lock makes my heart start beating out of my chest. I have no idea what he is going to do to me in here. His hand makes contact with my shoulder, and I flinch. A huff above me makes me turn to look up at him. His fingers grip my arm pulling me up to him. The smile on his lips make me quiver as he whispers "I missed you last night" he closes the distance between us and forces a kiss on me. I try to pull away, but he grabs my head with his other hand, holding me in place. His tongue invades my mouth as he pulls me closer to him. I can hear a few other people in the hallway now, and I am hoping he stops and lets me go. He's never tried to kiss me at school before.

He pulls back and looks me over, and I fight the urge to cover up somehow. "I have so many plans for you on Sunday after my parents leave." I'm confused as to why I can't be there when his parents are. He slaps my ass and pulls me back into his space. "They would not agree with our marriage" He hisses out and kisses me again before letting me go. "I will see you in glee. Hurry, you are going to be late." Looking at the clock behind his desk, I didn't realize how long he kept. He grabs my ass again before I get out the door and down the hallway away from him. I try my best to school my features before entering the glee room. Everyone else is already there, they all stop what they are doing and look at me.

"QUINN!" Kurt yells at me before hoping up. "I need to talk to you." Mercedes smacks him "well we need to talk to you." I look at both of them and wonder why they need me. Rachel, Santana, and Brittany are still staring me as the two divas pull me to the other side of the room. "Okay. What do you want?" I ask them. I just want to go be near Rachel right now. I need her, and I'm not sure why. "We want to be lead vocals. What sort of music does Mr. Schue prefer? We want to impress him with my superior talent." Mercedes smacks him again. "Our superior talent." The pale boy huffs out. Their eyes never blinking or moving stay locked on me waiting for an answer. "Why would I know that?" I ask crossing my arms in front of myself. "You're his daughter. Honestly, if he isn't paying favorites with you, you are our best chance at making him see us." Rolling my eyes and wanting away from these two, I say "He loves Journey." They both scrunch their faces in disgust. "You asked" I say as I make my way towards my brunette. I manage to take my seat without any further interruptions.