Double checking herself in the mirror, she silently exhales
.
"You'll be okay" The older blonde nods entering her bedroom, reaching to embrace her daughter
"I seriously doubt that but thanks for the encouragement, mom"
After a rather short drive, Quinn sits in her car. Leaning her head back, she deeply exhales "You can do this, you can do this" repeating her mantra before finally exiting the car.
Walking into the gymnasium she's taken back, memory after memory hitting her like a ton of bricks. Looking around she spots the bar and makes a beeline. As the liquid courage hits her lips she closes her eyes
.
"You always did have a great O face"
Quinn's head tilts back in disgust, "Puckerman"
"Hey Quinn" He smiles reaching in to embrace her "It's been a while"
Quinn nods, smiling as she orders another drink
"Where's your hot ass other half?"
And there it is. She knew someone couldn't go at least five minutes without bringing up that person, could they?
"Gee, I don't know Puck, we haven't talked since the breakup but thanks for bringing it up." And she can tell by way he sadly looks at her, He really didn't know
"Shit, I'm sorry Quinn...Jesus, I've been overseas for the past three years and I didn't know. I just got back yesterday, don't hear much over there"
She nods "I didn't mean to blow up on you, It's okay Puck, I'm sorry. Come on let's go find a seat, you can tell me more about your station"
He nods excitedly as they walk to a table spending the next half hour making small talk and catching up
.
.
"QUINN!"
Quinn looks back to see a very excited Rachel Berry running up to the table
"Hey Rachel"
Rachel genuinely smiles squeezing Quinn "I've missed you"
Quinn smiles softly embracing her much shorter friend "I've missed you too"
The girls take a seat as more people begin to arrive, before long the table is full of gleeks both old and new as everyone makes small talk amongst themselves.
.
"So" Rachel whispers leaning into Quinn's personal space "Have you two talked yet?"
Quinn shakes her head placing her glass down "We haven't and to be honest, I don't intend to"
"What? Why?"
Quinn shrugs "I've reached out multiple times but she's never responded, I took that as her answer and gave up?"
"Well then who the hell are you and what have you done with Quinn Fabray?" Both girls look up to see Kurt smiling "Because the Quinn Fabray I know, never gives up!"
"Hey Kurt"
They stand quickly embracing the young man as he takes a seat next to Quinn as the friends continue to catch up
.
.
"Excuse me guys" Quinn says looking at her phone "I'm sorry but I have to take this" Both friends nod as Quinn stands walking towards an empty table
"Oh good you're still alive because if I wasted this dress, I'd be so pissed at you"
The girl jokes as Quinn rolls her eyes "Where the hell are you Rose?"
"Relax, will ya? I'm walking in now, Do me a favor and take that sexy ass to a different table"
"You called me to tell me that?"
The girl laughs "Don't be ridiculous Quinn, this isn't my first rodeo. I wanted everyone in this god forsaken small Amish town of yours to see a mysterious, hot stranger walk in and straight to you"
Quinn's eyebrows furrow as she turns to the door, Rose casually strolls in smiling as all eyes turn to her. She winks at the table before making her way over, once standing directly in front of Quinn, she smiles reaching to tuck a stray hair behind the girl's ear before taking the drink out of her hand and downing it.
"Mysterious and hot huh? What the hell are you doing?" Quinn asks tilting her head
"You needed help tonight, remember Q? So obviously, here I am" The girl twirls as Quinn inspects her. Rose twirls slowly in her heels as her black holster dress clings perfectly to every curve and it makes Quinn smile.
"I pulled out the big guns just for you, whatcha think Fabray?"
Quinn shakes her head in mock disapproval when her focus shifts to the door.
"Holy shit, that her?" Rose whispers as Quinn stares only nodding
"Damn. You weren't lying, she is super hot! WOW, I should have worn less" Quinn hits the girl's shoulder "Ow Q, no hitting, I'm serious!"
"Can you not, please. Not tonight"
"Okay okay" Rose nods in understanding as the two turn back to their conversation
.
.
.
The interaction doesn't go unnoticed but Santana continues her walk to the table
"Santana!" Rachel exclaims leaning in to hug her friend
"Hobbitt" Santana winks at her friend "That Quinn's new girlfriend?"
Rachel looks over at the laughing girls before turning her attention back "I'm not sure Santana, but she did tell Kurt and I that she tried countless times to get in touch with you but you never responded."
Santana's eyebrows furrow "The fuck she did. Rachel, she never called" Removing the phone from her purse, she hands it over for Rachel to inspect, after scrolling the call list she hands it back confused.
"I don't understand" Rachel says "Not five minutes ago she seemed heartbroken"
Santana laughs stealing the girls drink "Yeah, she looks SO heartbroken. Doesn't she"
"Santana" Rachel warns as Santana puts her hand up standing "It's fine Rachel, I'm going to get another drink. Since I finished yours I'll grab you another one."