The blonde licked her lips and sighed. "Well, I'll start with Charlie. She's my little sister and she's six. She'll be seven in two months. She's sweet and funny and lovable. My mom use to say she was her little sunshine.." Quinn said with a smile and Rachel returned it.
"When Charlie was 3 and I was 10. My older sister Frannie had just graduated high school and joined the military. She wanted be just like our dad. Frannie looks more like my dad than any of us. I look like our mother. Anyway, He was a former marine which was how he met my mom She was a nurse at the hospital he was shipped to when he was wounded in the line of duty. They feel in love instantly or so my mom use to say. They were still so in love even after three kids." Quinn spoke wistfully.
"Frannie left for basic training that summer after graduation. She made it through basic than she was immediately sent to fort Wayne. We wouldn't see her for another year." Quinn swallowed thickly.
"Two months after she left my mom ended up in the hospital. My mom and dad had been keeping a secret from us, especially Frannie."
"Because she knew if Frannie found out she wouldn't leave to start her life. She'd stay home to help take care of me, Charlie and mom."
"My mom didn't want her to stop her life. She wanted Frannie happy just like she wanted Charlie and I happy."
"My mom had ovarian cancer.." Quinn still choked on that truth.
Rachel gasp as her eyes rounded sadly.
"She had found out 3 months prior to Frannie's graduation. But like I said, didn't want any of us kids to know."
"Through the entire thing she just kept reminding me that we had to stay strong."
"She told me she was proud of the young woman I was becoming and that to remember that Charlie will look up to me the way I use to look up to Frannie."
"So, it was important that I stay strong and keep going in life and never let anyone or anything stop me from being who I want to be or go where I want to go." Quinn said wiping her tears as the memory of her mother hit.
"I remember when it got worst. I would spend hours in the hospital refusing to leave her side. We talked and laugh and cried."
"I promised her that I would always take care of Charlie no matter what but she said not to lose myself because I feel like I have to be an adult. That it wasn't my responsibility to take care of my sister that though she appreciates and loves me for my effort."
"And to remember that I'm still a child and that's what my dad was there for. To take care of us." Quinn's lips trembled at the memory.
"Frannie had come home finally but it was only for a month and 3 weeks but that's all that was needed."
"I feel like my mom fought hard to stay here with us just to see Frannie one more time."
"She died two weeks after Frannie came home. Frannie was a mess. She was angry that, that was all she got. Two weeks.. "
"My mom wrote us a bunch a letters and made a few video recordings that entire year after finding out."
"It wasn't enough but it was at the same time because now when we need her words of wisdom we have some..." Quinn wiped her tears as did Rachel.
"I didn't tell anyone what happened. Than we moved here from Akron because my dad couldn't take living in the house anymore."
"It reminded him too much of her. We moved to Lima a year after she died."
"I hadn't seen Frannie because she had been deployed and my dad was slowly losing it."
"He became just this.. Shell. He walked around lost. He started drinking, not too much at first but eventually he was just drunk all the time."
"I had taken over as Charlie's care giver completely because it was as if he forgot we were there." Quinn said with a shake of her head.
"When I hit 12 I sprouted in height. He was drunk one night and burst into tears. I could see it in his face for a moment when I stepped into the kitchen, he thought I was my mother."
"But the realization that it was just me hit him hard. After that he stopped looking at me all together."
"He said it was too much. Eventually he met this woman Fiona." Quinn said with a cold bitterness in her tone.
"He said she was going to help him take care of us but that didn't happen."
"She was cruel and mean. We argued almost every day when he wasn't around."
"She only cooked dinner for the two of them but he didn't notice because he was always drunk when he got home after 11 and didn't lift a finger to take care of Charlie."
"She told me when they got married she'd send me to boarding school."
"As time went on, I became angry and moody to every one but Charlie. She got every ounce of my patience and love I could give." Quinn spoke sadly.
"Every thing made me angry. Which is why it was so easy for me to get angry with you."
"I needed an outlet for my anger and when I started to notice Finn's eyes lingering on you a little more than he should have. I targeted you and became annoyed with him. Not that it's an excuse for what I did but I just couldn't figure it out and it hurt."
"I felt cheated and couldn't understand why I wasn't enough? Not just for Finn but for my dad.. Why weren't Charlie and I enough for him to get it together? We needed him." Quinn said with quivering vocals and disbelieving disappointment in her voice. With pain filled eyes aimed at Rachel and Rachel felt it in her heart.
The brunette nodded in silent agreement.
"Than one day we had weigh ins and I was a pound and half over weight and Sylvester made me feel like I was the size of a whale."
"I called Finn because I needed something but I wasn't sure what. He didn't answer."
"I drove by his house but his mom said he wasn't home and that usually he was at Pucks."
"So, I went over there. Puck let me in and said Finn wasn't with him but I could hang out if I wanted to." Quinn sighed sadly.
"So, we sat and he was playing his video game. He offered me a wine cooler. I didn't think anything of it because he was so distracted with his game."
"So, I drank. He offered me more and I took it. The more I sat there the more my mind worked over time to bleed me raw of all the emotions I had been holding in until I burst into tears."
"Puck was confused, I think. He tried talking to me but I couldn't tell him. I couldn't trust him with something so important to me. Something that I was angry and ashamed about." Quinn spoke painfully.
"I couldn't tell him that I was tired of being the adult in my house. I was tired of taking care of Charlie and going to school."
"I was angry because I felt robbed of my mother. I felt disappointed and robbed of my father because I felt like he died right along with my mother."
"I couldn't tell him that I was angry at my older sister for being able to be free to live her life and I wasn't. I was angry and hated dealing with Fiona everyday. That I was just a kid and it wasn't fair but all that came out of my mouth was, that I thought I was fat and ugly..." Quinn shook head at her stupidity.
"He told me I was beautiful and in the moment I felt wanted and so when he kissed me though I was hesitant, I let him."
"He gave me more to drink and the last thing I remember was asking if he had protection and he said yeah, trust me.." Quinn licked her lips and Rachel was on the edge of her seat in despair.
"A month later I found out I was pregnant. You were there for that. You know I lied to Finn and all so I won't get into that."
Rachel nodded her agreement because she did know so they didn't need to rehash it.
"But Puck kept hounding me to keep the baby. He said he'd take care of us but I turned him down."
"Than Fiona found out and she flipped. She said she wanted me out of the house."
"That I was a disappointment. All the while my drunk father sat there staring with unfocused eyes on the couch."
"I told her that I didn't care, that I would leave. I looked at my dad and said 'It's better than staying around watching him wither away.' I said that I wasn't leaving Charlie to that Cruella De'vil because Charlie's already lost enough." Quinn seethed as her hot tears ran down her flushed cheeks at the memory.
"Fiona laughed in my face and told me I could have the brat."
"I looked at my dad and told him that we would need money and a new car because my beetle wouldn't fit Charlie's car seat and everything else."
"I thought if he saw I was serious he would say something, anything Rachel! But all he did was stand, walk over to me and stared at me with drunk glassy eyes before handing me the keys to his suv than walked away.." Quinn swallowed thickly wiping her eyes again.
Rachel felt her heart breaking into pieces not able to fathom what that must have felt like for Quinn.
"Fiona smirked at me and said she'll even be generous and give us until the end of the week but that's it and when we leave, the car will be removed from the insurance and Charlie and I will be removed from the medical insurance."
"After she walked away I was left standing there completely in shock and lost as to what to do. In a week Charlie and I would be homeless." Quinn licked her lips after taking a sip of her tea.
"I went up to my room and texted Puck and told him I was being kicked out."
"He said I could stay with him. When I told him I had to take Charlie with me. He was confused but said he'd talk to his mother about it."
"She said no, she was not taking care of a pregnant teenager and said teenagers little sister on top of it."
"Puck told me to give him a few days. Well, those few days turned into 2 weeks. Charlie and I had spent the second week in the suv until Puck called and said he got us an apartment." Quinn cleared her throat to continue.
"In that moment, I actually believed he was going to be an amazing dad. I felt proud because honestly if Finn were in his shoes I know he would have floundered and not known how to handle the situation at all."
"I saw the apartment for the first time and I felt beyond grateful though I was worried because it was such a bad neighborhood."
"However; I was relieved that Charlie wouldn't be sleeping in the car anymore."
"I waited a few days until I knew Fiona and my dad wouldn't be home and asked Puck to help me pack up mine and Charlie's things."
"I had used the spare key in a false stone they have in the yard because Fiona took my house key."
"Puck had called Mike and Matt to help because I trusted them more to keep what was going on to themselves and they did."
"We packed everything that Charlie and I owned minus the furniture and that was the last time I had gone back home." Quinn wiped her tears as did Rachel.
The brunette took hold of the blonde's hand in silent support and Quinn squeezed back than continued.
"Puck's mom took me to the welfare office to get food stamps and cash assistance."
"I didn't mention anything to Charlie's school for obvious reason's and just continued dropping her off and picking her up since I had been doing that anyway for the last 3 years, no one has been suspicious."
"I got a job at the Lima bean obviously to help with the bills because since it wasn't summer. Pucks pool cleaning business wasn't getting much business."
"So, I took care of most of the finances and made sure to budget everything because Puck can't budget to save his life."
"The months following I was unsure if I was going to keep the baby or not. Puck had been amazing and still trying to convince me to keep her."
"Puck promised me that night on the phone when I first called him for help, that he wasn't a dead beat like his dad."
"He still ended up being an asshole but during those months he was prince charming and I started to believe we could actually have a family. Charlie, the baby, Puck and I." Quinn scoffed at her ridiculous fantasy.
"It was a Friday and he wanted to throw a party without asking me and he did."
"All day I was achy and irritable and when I found out about the party I lost it."
"We argued and though he knew I was pissed. He still threw the party, anyway."
"I could barely sleep as it is and the party happening outside of our bedroom door wasn't helping. I had Charlie in the room with me. It was around 1 am when I felt pain in my lower back and on the right side of my stomach."
"I went out looking for Puck through out the house but couldn't find him."
"It looked like the entire student body was there. Even some of the glee club was there minus you. Every last one of them were drunk. So, I went back to my room and called Mrs. Link. She was a co worker and would baby sit Charlie for me when I had to work because Puck was always busy, so he says."
"Mrs. Link doesn't know any of our business. I pay her and that's it. No questions or anything. She kept Charlie but not anymore and now Beth." Quinn explained and Rachel nodded.
"Anyway, I called Mrs. Link and she agreed to take Charlie though it was late. I had to wait for the bus with Charlie half asleep for a while because the bus only runs every hour. I dropped Charlie off and than headed to the emergency room. I couldn't wait for the next bus because the pain was getting worse. When I was at a cross walk I felt the most excruciating pain shoot through me."
"Then what I thought was urine, gushed down my pants. I didn't know I was actually in labor and my water just broke but I felt terrified something was wrong with the baby."
"I waited at the cross walk hunched over using the light post to hold me up until the pain passed than walked the rest of the way."
"The doctor asked if there was anyone I wanted them to call and I gave Pucks number but all they could do was leave a voicemail."
"When I held Beth in my arms for the first time, I cried. I cried because I was so happy and felt such immense love for her but at the same time was hurt and sad at being alone for one of the biggest turning points of my life." Quinn said as she wiped her flowing tears.
"I remember thinking, this isn't how it's suppose to be. I was in the hospital all weekend and didn't get home until Monday morning."
"Though I made sure to call Mrs. Link the next morning after I gave birth, to let her know to keep Charlie. When I came home with just Beth I was pissed."
"The apartment was trashed. There were beer cans every where, broken glass and some people were still there passed out."
"Later on I found out he threw back to back parties through out the entire weekend and I was even more pissed when I found out he used our emergency money that I had been saving on my own to fund it."
Rachel shook her head with wide disbelieving eyes.
"He also used almost all the food stamps for chips and snacks for the parties and I was only left with 4 bucks out the 200 I usually get. Not to mention our refrigerator looked like it had been robbed bare."
"When I found him, he was passed out with a used condom still on with two girls I had never seen before in our bed."
"What?!" Rachel screeched.
"Yup. I couldn't believe it myself. So I flipped. He woke up with a hang over and argued back with me."
"The baby started crying and he was confused because the crying sounded like it was in the house to him. He thought it was the neighbors baby until he saw that Beth was behind me in the car seat I had bought on my own. Because I was told I couldn't leave the hospital without a car seat and though I called and texted him I still didn't get an answer. So I had to go walking to buy thanking myself for being smart enough to remember to bring my purse with me. I told him I gave birth and all he said was 'Oh.' Quinn said in a low imitation of his voice.
"Oh?!" Rachel asked dumb founded.
"Yes, just.. oh." Quinn replied with a shake of her head.
"I told him I wanted everyone out. He got pissed though our arguing did get the left over kids to leave but so did Puck because he was angry."
"He left to his mother's and I was left to clean up the mess because I couldn't let my daughter and sister be in the house when it looked and smelled the way it did."
"So, I started cleaning but the longer I cleaned the more upset I became. I thought to myself this is what he promised me? This is what the promise meant?" Quinn scoffed out.
"I couldn't help picturing our future. Him trying to live up to his glory days and me always having to clean up his mess and take care of him."
"Because though it was summer and he was now getting business. He claimed the money he earned he needed for more supplies and was broke again by the end of the week."
"Which meant I had to cover his bills. In that moment I realized that I'd rather do bad all by myself than to stick around so he could ruin our lives even more." Rachel nodded in agreement her eyes shining with pride aimed at the blonde.
"So, I waited to really think of a way we would be ok and in those 2 weeks of Beth being home. I really got to see who the father of my daughter was."
"He said he couldn't handle it. He wasn't ready to be a dad, that it was too much."
"Asking why is she crying all the time. When she woke at 3 am he got angry to the point that he left to his mothers again, knowing we're 3 females in that apartment and we lived in a complex that is known for the break ins, gangs and drugs, because the baby 'Wouldn't shut up!' Rachel gasped incredulously.
"That first week he refused to change diapers, feed her or even hold her in general until I pushed him to. He had only held her twice in the span of two weeks."
"He said he had other things to take care of when I asked him to pick up Beth and Charlie from Mrs. Link, when I was still at work."
"After that, I packed up what little we had in the apartment that belonged to just me, Charlie and Beth. The rest of mine and Charlie's things were still in a storage unit, I only had the bags I have now."
"I left that night and made sure to leave my portion and his portion of the rent and bills so he couldn't say anything."
"I knew cheerios try outs where the following week and I still had my copy of the school keys."
"So, I made another copy before handing them into Sylvester after I gave up my captaincy."
"I made sure the key worked and got the mats they used for the wrestling team to have as a bed for Charlie down to the basement before hand." Quinn sighed tiredly.
"After a month of being gone Puck finally realized that we moved out. He started calling and texting me."
"He cussed me out and said that he'll find out where I'm staying and when he does, he's bringing his daughter home."
"Of course, you witnessed the argument in the cafeteria. That's why I told him I gave her up for adoption."
"Because he doesn't see her. He just sees the cash assistance and food stamps."
"He just wants my paycheck so he can keep his precious apartment. If he knew for sure I still had her." Quinn shook her head fearfully.
"God knows what he'd do. If the police got involved that means so will social services."
"I can't risk it. Not only for Beth but for Charlie. If they found out I'm not only 17 and homeless but I have my sister and a new born living in the school basement they'd take them away, Rachel and I promised my mom!" Quinn burst into tears again. The weight of it all hit her.
Rachel rushed over pulling her into a hug.
"Hey, shh-shhh. No one is taking your baby or your sister. Puck doesn't need to know. It's our secret, ok?" Rachel assured.
"I just don't understand why he's doing this! He doesn't even want her! Is easy money that important?!"
"I don't know but Quinn, you guys are safe now. You don't have to worry about him. No one has to know, ok?"
"...Ok, I'm so sorry for getting emotional-" Quinn spoke her throat thick and face red as she tried to wipe her tears and get her breathing in order.
"No, don't apologize. You've been through more than enough not to be. I understand. In fact, maybe we should talk some more another time. Right now, how about some rest. The kids are actually sleeping. We must be crazy to pass up sleep." Rachel said with a roll of her eyes and smirk.
Quinn giggled at the brunette's joke and gazed at her warmly. "Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate your help."
"Anytime, Quinn. Now go on, head to bed."
"What about you? Where will you sleep?"
"First, I'm going to clean these mugs than check on Jaxon than check on you guys than head to sleep in the guest room."
"Rachel, no. I'm not taking your bed from you-"
"Charlie and Beth are already asleep in the room and I am not moving them. So, head to bed. It's just one night than you'll have the basement, ok?"
Quinn hesitated. "If your sure?"
"I am."
"Ok." Quinn conceded not wanting to argue and cause Rachel a head with her stubborness.
The brunette turned to grab the two empty mugs but was stopped when Quinn pulled her into an unexpected hug. "Thank you. You are an amazing person."
"So are you. Your welcome." The two released each other and Quinn headed up to Rachel's room.
Quinn entered quietly and her eyes misted with tears, again. Both girls were heavily asleep. Charlie looked cozy and warm. On the mats her sister wouldn't get very much sleep because though the mats had some cushion you still felt the hard floor underneath you.
Beth was laid out flat on her back sound asleep, no longer having to sleep in her car seat because it was the safest place for her to.
Quinn crept over to the bed and slipped in after kissing Beth on her forehead and moving the bassinet closer to the bed than placed a kiss to Charlie's forehead as well.
The blonde laid down and had to bite her lip to hold in her groan after not feeling the warm comfort of a bed in so long.
She had been sleeping on the concrete floor of the school basement using her book bag as a pillow and her old cheerios jacket as her blanket.
She wanted Charlie to be comfortable and there was no way they would be comfortable on the mats together.
The blonde's back cracked when she stretched lightly. She sighed to herself not believing she was in Rachel Berry's house, in her bed, wearing her clothes.
It was unreal. She was surrounded by the brunette's scent and felt oddly comforted by it.
Rachel quietly opened the door to her sons room and crept in. She walked over to his bed and just watched with a small smile gracing her lips.
She loved her little boy. He was everything to her. She leaned over kissing his forehead and headed out the room after checking the baby monitor was on.
Shutting the door quietly behind her. She went to her own bed room and just as quietly opened the door. Her smile shined again as she took in the 3 sleeping Fabray's.
She shut the door and took a deep breath as she said a little prayer before walking to the guest room. She climbed into the bed with a deep sigh.
She couldn't believe all that she had been told. Quinn had definitely been through a rollercoaster.
She understands exactly how hard it can be to have the other parent of your child be so immature and selfish.
It was a lot to deal with and Rachel's happy to be able to help in any way she can.
The brunette closed her eyes and got comfortable before falling asleep not 8 minutes after laying down. Tomorrow was sure to be an interesting day.
