Rachel yawned in to her hand as she shut her locker.

It was the end of a very long Thursday.

Last night, had been a difficult one and the brunette was moving on two hours of sleep.

There was no glee club today but Rachel needed to study for her upcoming test and knew if she went home.

She'd only pass out on her bed instead of studying.

So, she took out her phone and sent a text. The reply was immediate.

The brunette shut her locker and turned to head to the school's library but collided with a body.

"I'm so sorry!"

"I'm sorry-"

Rachel looked up and smiled as she realized it was Quinn.

The two hadn't spoke much the last 4 days since the cafeteria incident, other than to say good morning or have a nice day or work together in chemistry.

Rachel didn't want to make Quinn feel like she was only talking to her because of the incident.

Especially, after watching Kurt, Mercedes and Tina try to speak to Quinn about it with sincerity but you could tell they also were asking because of the gossip mill.

Than Finn had the audacity to tell Quinn that she was selfish for putting the baby up for adoption with out even asking Puck if he was okay with it.

Than said she was being harsh and should appreciate all that Puck had done for her since she got kicked out of her house.

Quinn looked on the verge of murder by the time he was done but what shocked Rachel was the fact that Quinn didn't bother saying a word.

She just walked away from each and every one of them when ever they each had said what they wanted to say or ask.

Rachel was shocked that Santana and Britney hadn't tried talking to the blonde.

She had noticed the two always watch Quinn with sad eyes but other than that, they did nor said nothing.

"Hey." Quinn said awkwardly.

The blonde always found herself feeling nervous around the brunette.

Rachel had always been something of a puzzle to her when it came to the girls actions.

Quinn's shocked Rachel hasn't been breathing down her neck the way every one else has, minus Santana and Britney.

Quinn actually appreciates the brunette's understanding of her needing space but for some reason at the same time she wished some one who was genuine would ask her how she felt.

It was odd to the blonde that, that genuine person might actually be Rachel but Rachel's past behavior has shown her other wise. Which is why Quinn hasn't said anything.

When Rachel wants something, she is either up front about it or under handed and Quinn doesn't know how to take Rachel's behavior this school year thus far. So, she left it at that.

"Hey." Rachel replied.

"How was your day?" Quinn ask.

"Good and yours?"

"Good."

It was awkward again.

"Well, have a good evening, Quinn."

"You too."

The two shuffled around each other until they parted.

Quinn rolled her eyes at her self as she opened her locker to pack up for the day.

She was tired and still had to figure out dinner.

She wouldn't be able to get anything big.

She knew she was cutting it close so she had to be careful of her choices.

Rachel entered the library and found a desk way in the back.

The brunette set to work quickly.

She wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

It was 2:46 pm that gave her 3 hours of studying than she'd head home.


Quinn exited the school building trying to figure out what to get for dinner.

She felt the heavy weight of an arm sling over her shoulder.

"Hey." Finn said as he swooped down to kiss the blonde sloppily.

Quinn did her best to hide her grimace.

"Hi." Quinn said getting ready to tell Finn she couldn't talk at the moment because she had some where to be.

"I'm in the mood for some Chinese. I was thinking after we eat, you could come over and we could hangout a little." Finn said guiding Quinn out of the school not waiting for her reply.

Quinn wanted to roll her eyes and shove him away but if he was paying for Chinese she'd pretend for a little while longer.

She knew 'hang out' was code for Finn telling her he wanted to make out.

It was a small price to pay, she supposes.

"Okay, but I'll follow you in my car. So you don't have to worry about wasting gas to drive me home." Quinn said sweetly and Finn smiled that stupid smile he does when thinks he just scored.

"Cool." Finn replied.


5 HOURS LATER.

Rachel groaned awake as she sat up groggily.

The room was dark.

The only light on was coming from the hall.

Rachel's eyes widen in confusion and worry when she realized she'd fallen asleep at school.

She pulled out her phone and checked the time.

She gasp when she saw she had 15 missed calls and 8 texts messages with 5 voicemails.

The brunette immediately fired off a text explaining her reasoning for not responding before gathering her things to leave, when she received a relieved text in return.

She sighed to her self. She should have just gone home.

At least she would have passed out on her warm comfy bed.

The brunette silently made her way out of the library and caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye.

She glanced in that direction and her jaw dropped as she spotted Quinn from behind heading in the opposite direction with her back to the brunette but she wasn't alone.

She had a car seat in one hand and holding the hand of a little girl in the other.

The blonde was weighed down by a large duffel bag, her school bag, a child's school bag and a diaper bag.

She also had a white plastic bag with what looked like food hanging off the wrist that was holding the little girls hand.

The brunette silently followed the blonde staying as hidden as she could. Never turning the corner of the hall until she was sure she could.

She followed Quinn all the way to the back end of the school.

The blonde let go of the little girls hand and pulled out a set of keys from her pocket.

She unlocked the door and held it open for the little girl to enter first. Than the blonde entered.

Rachel rushed over before the door could close completely but didn't open it after the blonde.

She waited holding it but kept it as close to closed as could be, so it seemed like it shut behind them.

The brunette waited at least 5 minutes.

She knew this was the only door to the basement of the school.

There was no where else for the blonde to go.

After waiting the few minutes she finally entered.

The noise to the running cooling/heating system was loud enough to cancel the sound of her foot steps but not loud enough to silence Quinn's muffled echoing voice.

Rachel found the hidden corner at the far end of the long basement hall.

The brunette watched with sad eyes as Quinn began pulling what looked like 2 of the schools wrestling mats from behind the thick pipes.

Rachel was surprised at the blonde's crafty way of thinking.

You wouldn't be able to tell it was there unless you were looking hard enough.

Quinn laid it out, one on top of the other.

She than opened the duffel bag and pulled out 3 thin blankets and one quilt and a small pillow.

She set it up as a make shift bed.

She than opened the plastic bag with one order of food and pulled a bottle of water from her back pack than set it in front of the little blonde girl.

The little girl began devouring the food hungrily.

Quinn than turned to the car seat and reached in gently removing a tiny little baby that looked to be no more than a few weeks old.

Rachel covered her mouth to stop her gasp at the sight.

Quinn laid the baby on the mats and began to change her as the little blonde girl ate.

After changing the baby. Quinn sat on the cold concrete with the baby in one arm as she got the little girls school books ready placing it in front of her.

After situating the little girl, Quinn began situating her own school books in front of herself.

Than turned her attention back to the baby.

She unbuttoned her blouse and placed the baby close enough so the baby could latch to her breast.

The baby fussed hungrily until she acquired a good latch.

The blonde sighed tiredly rubbing her eyes than focused her attention to the books in front of her as she began doing her homework.

Rachel spun around and headed straight for the exit.

She made her way out through the other side of the large school basement and made it outside to her car in record time.

Once locked in her car, a sob escaped her throat as her tears poured unforgiving.

Quinn was homeless again but she wasn't alone.

She was a single mother homeless with two children.

Rachel didn't understand. None of it made sense.

Rachel sat in her car for another 10 minutes thinking about everything she just saw and everything that had transpired in the last month.

Finn complaining Quinn was too busy for him than accusing her of cheating.

Quinn constantly repeating she had responsibilities and obligations.

Puck wanting to know her whereabouts all the time. The argument in the cafeteria.

Quinn falling asleep in class, all of it.

It all made sense now. Rachel wanted to ask why the blonde chose to live in the school basement rather than an apartment even if said apartment was in a bad neighborhood?

Why Quinn lied to Puck about giving the baby up for adoption when clearly she hadn't?

And who was the little girl?

But most importantly Rachel wanted to ask what she could do to help and if the blonde would like to stay with her?

However; Rachel knew her past transgressions of chasing Finn and telling Quinn about Jewish babies getting Tay Sachs was under handed.

She has never really given an inkling to any one that she could be trusted.

So, she knew if she had made her appearance known in the moment who knows what would have happened.

Quinn probably would have ran or hidden somewhere else.

No, Rachel knew if she was going to convince the blonde to crash at her house, she had to play her cards right.

She pulled out her phone and sent out her first text.

Once receiving the okay. She set her plan in motion than sent another text to Quinn this time.

'Hey.' -Rachel

'Hey.' -Quinn

'Are you busy?' -Rachel

'No, what's up?' -Quinn

'Nothing really, I just wanted to say hi. We haven't really spoken the last few days. Though, I know we aren't exactly friends, I thought I'd say hi seeing as how your the only one that speaks to me nowadays, lol.' -Rachel

'That's not true. Finn talks to you.' -Quinn

Rachel winced. She hadn't meant to cause that response.

Rachel was stunted for a reply. How do you respond to that?

'It's okay by the way. I don't care if you guys are friends or whatever. You know you don't have to turn down his requests to hang out. I'm not who I use to be. So, trust me when I say, I won't be upset or jealous.' -Quinn

Rachel shook her head at the blonde's text. Quinn has definitely changed.

'And I'm not who I use to be. I don't actually want to hang out with Finn. I also don't consider him a friend anymore. He's just a fellow team mate and acquaintance to me. I don't hang out with Finn because I finally realized what kind of person he actually is and I don't want nor need that in my life right now. Sorry if that offends you.' -Rachel

"Hey, no offense taken. I understand. To be honest I'm shocked that you haven't leaped at the chance to hang out with him. He's giving you a perfect opportunity to swoop in if you wanted. I have to say, I'm impressed with your dedication when putting your foot down. He's asked you several times already. No offense to you or anything.' -Quinn

'None taken. My decision is final and I hope you understand that. Though, I haven't given you a reason to believe me when I say I have no interest in him and wouldn't try to break you two up. I really have enjoyed our tentative acquaintance, I hope you do too.' -Rachel

Quinn stared at the text the brunette just sent. She was conflicted.

The brunette seemed sincere but than again just like herself. Rachel could be very conniving and good at putting on a front to get what she wants.

Though, she was tempted to trust the girl was genuine. She just couldn't risk it. She sighed and sent her reply.

'I do.' -Quinn

Rachel stared at the reply. It was barely anything to go on.

She had to think. She already knew everything else was taken care of and she'd be home alone for the night.

So, she decided to see if she could get the blonde to come over.

'What are you doing, right now?' -Rachel

'Nothing much, just homework. You?' -Quinn

'Honestly? I'm bored and kind of lonely. I'm home alone right now, actually.' -Rachel

Quinn felt her heart constrict at the words. She understood loneliness immensely.

Before the blonde could respond she received another text from the brunette.

'I know this may sound crazy and I'm probably going to sound pathetic considering your you and I'm me but.. would like to come over and watch a movie? It's only 7. You can leave when ever you want. I promise I'm not a serial killer, lol.' -Rachel

Quinn read the text and giggled at the joke. Her eyes misted a little.

Would she love to sit on a couch and watch a movie in peace? Hell yes!

But she couldn't, after telling Puck she gave their daughter up for adoption and than showing up with said daughter would surely end badly.

Especially, if Rachel found out. She wouldn't approve at all and spill the beans.

She appreciated the offer though and under different circumstances she would but again, she couldn't risk it.

Sighing to herself she sent her reply.

'I wish I could but I can't. I'm sorry.' -Quinn

Rachel sighed of course that wouldn't work.

'I understand. Don't worry about. Well, have a good night, Quinn.'-Rachel

Quinn replied instantly.

'Believe me, Rachel. I would take you up on your offer if I could. It's not because I don't want to. A movie sounds great right now and so does your company. I wish I could explain but right at this moment, I honestly can't. I hope you believe me.' -Quinn

Rachel stared at the message.

She truly felt bad and a part of her just wanted to go down to that basement and drag the blonde out but knew that wasn't going to happen.

So, she was going to camp in her car tonight and wait the blonde out.

'I understand, good night Quinn.' -Rachel

'Good night, Rachel. Thank you for the offer and understanding.' -Quinn

Rachel sat in her car all night.

Slipping into sleep here and there but ultimately staying up.

It was 4 am when she spotted Quinn with her belongings and the two kids.

She packed everything away in the trunk of the suv and secured the sleepy child and baby in the vehicle before hopping in herself.

Quinn looked exhausted. The blonde pulled out of the school parking lot and Rachel followed.

The red suv pulled up to an elementary school and parked.

Rachel parked across the street.

Dawn was just breaking and the brunette waited, fighting with herself to stay awake.

It wasn't until 7 am when the school yard was filled with parents, teachers and children did Quinn and the little girl exit the car.

The blonde being sure to lock the car with the baby in it to walk the little girl to her teacher.

Quinn gave the obviously tired little girl a hug and kiss than headed back to the car.

Rachel could see sadness radiating off of Quinn from where she was parked.

The brunette once again followed the blonde only this time to a house in a pretty decent neighborhood.

Rachel waited as Quinn exited the car and collected the car seat and diaper bag.

She walked up the drive way and knocked on the door.

An older woman answered and Quinn handed the car seat over along with the baby bag. Giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek.

Quinn hopped back into her suv and headed back to Mckinely not knowing she was being followed the entire time.

Quinn pulled in followed by Rachel who parked on the other side of the parking lot.

Rachel watched as the blonde exited her suv and headed inside.

Rachel yawned and exited her own car.

She headed inside hell bent on a mission.

When she turned the corner she sighed at what she saw.

Finn was at Quinn's locker once again arguing with her.

The brunette felt her blood boil at the sight.

Rachel walked up catching Finn at the tail end of his words.

-And you just bailed! I-

"I told you I couldn't stay, Finn! How many times do I have to tell you!"

"Yeah, I heard you but I took you out for Chinese and you only stood at my house for like 15 minutes! I have needs, you know! God, I bet Puck didn't have to go through this much trouble to get you to put ou-" Finns words were cut off by a hard slap to his face that hurt like a bitch and felt like a cinder block smashed into his face. His head whipping to the right.

Everyone in the hallway were already watching the argument so they witnessed the slap and the hall fell silent.

Standing in front of Finn fuming and feral looking with fury in her eyes was a heavily breathing Rachel, barely containing her anger.

"Rachel what the hell?!" Finn yelled in disbelief.

"'DON'T YOU DARE OPEN YOUR FUCKING MOUTH, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Rachel exploded her voice so strong and vibrated clearly through the halls, shocking the entire hallway even a wide eyed, slack jawed Quinn.

"I have watched you do nothing but whine and complain like a little bitch who can't get what he wants for weeks! Quinn has told you time and again that she has responsibilities but all you hear is me,me,me,me,me! Grow up, Finn! If you don't like it than don't date her! As far as your last comment is concerned, I suggest you watch your mouth or I'll watch it for you! What ever happened between Quinn and Puck is none of your damn business! Now, I'm going to ask you politely to cease and desist any further argument and give Quinn some space to breathe because if you don't, so help me god! I will be forced to do something you really don't want me to do! NOW BACK THE FUCK OFF!" Rachel ended with wild ferocious eyes and balled, tightly clenched fist ready to attack at any moment.

The hall was quiet and Rachel didn't wait a second longer before she whipped around on the surprised blonde.

Startling Quinn for a second with the fury on her face but the blonde didn't have time to think before she felt Rachel's hand grasp her wrist and guide her in the opposite direction of the boy.

The brunette continued to storm down the hall. Students barely parting for her but they began to do so when Quinn made eye contact.

Quinn still confused as the brunette led her out of the school to the parking lot.

"Rachel?" Quinn called but the brunette didn't listen she just kept walking.

"Rachel! Rachel, wait a second!" Quinn said finally pulling them to a stop.

The brunette whipped around on her staring her in the eyes.

Quinn's eyes softened as she saw tears running down Rachel's cheeks.

"Rachel, what's wrong? I know you may not believe it but you can talk to me." Quinn said sincerely as she reached up and wiped the tears from Rachel's cheeks causing the brunette's lips to tremble as she fought to keep her emotions in check but failing epically.

"P-Please, just get in the car, Quinn." Rachel said. Quinn looked confused. "You said we could talk, right?" At the brunette's words Quinn nodded.

"Than please get in the car. I don't want to talk here." Rachel explained.

Quinn obliged. The two teens got in the car.

The brunette pulling off just as Finn exited the building in search of the blonde.

Quinn and Rachel drove until they reached a cemetery.

Quinn was absolutely confused now.

Rachel exited the car and began walking with Quinn closely behind.

"Um. Why are we at a cemetery?" Quinn ask.

"You said you wanted to know what was wrong. This is the only way I could tell you and prove to you that I understand." Rachel replied throwing the blonde for a loop.

"Understand what exactly?"

The brunette came to a stop whipping around to face the blonde seriously.

"That you don't have time for Finn because your taking care of two children on your own in the basement of our school." Rachel replied calmly.

The brunette watched as the blonde's walls stacked high as she stared back at Rachel in shock.

"What?" Quinn ask breathlessly at being found out.

"You don't have to deny it. I saw you with my own two eyes last night. Which is why I tried to text you to come over." Rachel replied as Quinn took a step back.

"I wanted to come to you about it in the safety of my home but you declined. I stood parked outside the school until you pulled out of the school parking lot at 4 am dropping of the little blonde girl you have with you at the elementary school on 5th street."

Quinn nerves began to show.

"Than you dropped your daughter off at some woman's house on Malcolm Avenue than you headed to school."

"I followed you the whole time. So please let's not do the back and forth of claiming I'm wrong." Rachel spoke calmly.

Every word that left Rachel's mouth crumbled the blonde's armor as she stared back at the brunette with fire in her eyes and molten tears to follow.

Quinn's face was red. She was ashamed, embarrassed and terrified because now Rachel had the perfect ammunition to get her back for all the torment the blonde had put her through.

Rachel was going to tell Puck and he would call the cops. Her baby girl would be taken away.

"What do you want, Berry?" Quinn spoke with as much control as she could but her voice still cracked.

Rachel stared back at her trying her best not to make the blonde feel like she was being pitied.

"I don't want anything."

"Bullshit. You obviously have the greatest black mail on your former tormentor and your telling me you want nothing?"

"I don't want anything but..." Quinn scoffed. She knew it. There was always a catch.

"If it's Finn or Puck you can have them, Berry." Quinn spoke angrily.

"Like I said I don't want anything from you but I do need you to listen and not interrupt." Rachel said.

At that the blonde stared at the brunette waiting for a moment.

"Well, obviously you have my undivided attention. What is it?" Quinn said when Rachel hadn't spoken.

"First of all, I'd appreciate it if you'd drop your attitude because I haven't done anything to you nor am I being smug or hostile." Rachel said calmly.

Quinn clenched her jaw but relaxed her posture the best she could.

"I'll try."

"That's all I ask." Rachel replied.