Rachel yawned tiredly. It was 12:45 pm. She had been up for hours and was doing her best to make sure the kids were all taken care.
Jaxon was currently in the living room playing with his toys on his play mat.
Charlie was laid on a pillow on the couch with a quilt and watching cartoons and Beth..
Well, Beth was wailing her head off. Rachel just finished changing her diaper and was preparing the baby formula she had acquired the first day the Fabrays joined the household.
The moment she popped it in to the babies mouth, Beth instantly stopped crying. Quinn was currently upstairs passed out from the meds and lack of sleep she endured earlier that morning at two am.
Rachel had set up the baby cam to watch Quinn in case she woke and needed help. That's how disoriented she had been when they arrived home at six twenty four am.
"You know, I could help." Was spoken softly behind the brunette.
"I know but you've done so much already by staying with the kids."
"Rachel, you can not do this on your own. Your friend is practically comatose. Allow me to help you."
"It's fine. We're fine or at least we will be. You know, I can take of myself. I told you don't worry about it. You should head home and get some rest."
"And I do not deny that fact but you are not taking care of just one anymore. Now there are three children here to take care of. I can not in good conscious leave you like this. Not only because I do not wish to but you know your sister will be very cross with me if she finds out that I left you with all this."
The two chuckled over the thought of Rachel's older sister. She was very protective and a worry wart but right now her sister was going through something no one should go through.
Rachel knew her sister was in recovery now over everything. It had been a hard year for their little family.
Her sister got lost in anguish in the beginning and hadn't contacted Rachel at first until one day Rachel found her on her front porch completely trashed and a sobbing mess.
Over the course of the year her sister had been in a program and has been going to therapy. Rachel had been there in full support but the stress was weighing her down.
If it wasn't for the woman sat at her kitchen table right now, Rachel isn't sure what would have happened to them.
She's thankful and feels bad that the woman had to come to their rescue on separate occasions. Which is why Rachel doesn't want to be anymore of a burden to her.
Not only because the woman has lived through her responsibility to her own children but also her great grand child as well.
She's lived her life and Rachel doesn't want to burden her any more than for babysitting services and that's only because she's the only one she trusts with her son.
Rachel feels that it's her own responsibility, hers alone to take care of her son. The woman at the kitchen table use to run a daycare at her home and had stopped but made a personal exception for Rachel.
That's where Rachel's son is when she's in school. She knows she has nothing to worry about when he's with her.
He loves her to pieces and gets excited, squealing with a high pitch when he's dropped off in the mornings.
So, no, she's not going to burden her anyone than she has already by calling her last night for help.
"That may well be true but it's okay. If I do need you I will call like I did this morning but until then we're fine. You should head home. I'm going to be putting every one down for a nap soon." Rachel spoke softly as she noticed Beth's eyes beginning to droop.
"You promise? You'll call if you need me?"
"I promise."
The woman sighed tiredly. She took in the brunette's disheveled appearance but could see in Rachel's eyes that she was fighting a losing battle. "Alright, I'll go but I'm trusting in you to call me. It doesn't matter day or night, don't be afraid to call."
"I won't. Thank you again for coming."
"You know I will always come when either you or your sister need me."
Rachel smiled and felt her heart swell. This woman had changed her sisters life and she couldn't be more thankful to know her.
"I love you, sweetie." The woman said with a kiss to the brunette's forehead.
"Love you too. I'll see you out."
"Don't worry about it. Take care of the kids."
Rachel nodded her acceptance as she removed the bottle from Beth's mouth and leaned the tiny baby on her shoulder to burp her.
The older woman smiled before gathering her things to leave. Rachel heard when she left and sighed tiredly.
She walked to the living room while burping Beth and smiled upon her son and Charlie who where both looking a little tired. Both having been up just an hour after she got home with Quinn.
Rachel smiled when she heard Beth burp and headed for the stairs. She rubbed the baby's back gently as she hummed quietly.
She entered the nursery and placed Beth in the bassinet than popped her pacifier in her mouth and watched silently as she hummed a soft low tone while rubbing Beth's tummy with gentle barely scrape of her nails.
The baby sighed adorably as her eyes began to flutter shut. Rachel gazed down at the new born and felt her heart attaching to the baby girl who had no trace of Noah Puckerman on her, at least not yet.
Though Rachel was honestly exhausted. She was so happy that Quinn had taken her up on her offer. She doesn't want to think about what would have happened if the blonde had stood in the basement any longer.
The brunette stood up and quietly made her way out of the room. She walked back down to the living room and scooped up her son.
Just like Beth, she began rubbing his back softly and carrying him up stairs. She hummed and kissed his chubby cheeks.
When she entered the room he was already dosing, thankfully. Rachel sat in the rocking chair rocking him rubbing his tummy as she had Beth and gazed down at him.
He snuggled into her breast and before she knew it, he was out like a light. She slowly stood and walked over to his crib and laid him in gently being sure to cover him.
She stepped back and looked at the two babies feeling love and devotion swallow her whole.
The brunette crept out of the room and made her way back to the living where Charlie was.
"Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?" Rachel spoke softly in a motherly tone. Her gaze warm and affectionate.
"I'm okay.." Charlie replied in a small voice.
"That's good. You look a little tired. Now that the babies are asleep, would you like to take a nap?"
Charlie thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, okay."
"Okay, come on." Rachel said as she leaned down and groaned slightly when she heaved the tiny blonde up and into her arms.
Charlie may not have what Quinn has but she's still under the weather.
Rachel once again rubbed a back, hummed her tone as she ascended the stairs. She made it to the guest room and laid the little blonde in bed. She went to the bathroom gathered the thermometer and the children's Tylenol.
She walked over to the side of the bed and took Charlie's temperature. It was 98.5 and dropping. Rachel breathe a sigh of relief. She gave Charlie the Tylenol and tucked her in.
"Would you like a story?"
Charlie hesitated but then nodded yes. Rachel smiled stepped out of the room for a moment and came back with a childrens book.
She sat with a warm smile aimed at Charlie and began reading. Fifteen minutes later Charlie was asleep.
The brunette placed the book on the night stand and smiled sweetly at the little girl than stood up and exited the room.
She headed to her bedroom and peeked in on Quinn. The blonde was dead to the world and her breathing was full of congestion.
She shut the door and took a deep breath the house was silent. She went down stairs and began cleaning the lunch dishes and bottles from the children and herself that was left out after they had lunch.
Straightening out the living room and shutting off the TV she made sure to check that the baby monitor was on the coffee table and the volume was up before she crashed faced down on the couch with a groan.
She snuggled under the blanket Charlie was just using and sighed tiredly and happy that she'd finally be getting some sleep.
Just as she was dozing off the door bell rang. The brunette's eyes snapped open in anger and a little fear the door bell would wake up everyone in the house. She really needed to disconnect that damn thing.
She threw the covers off in a rush as the bell rang out a second time. She ran to the door ripping it open a little breathless and slightly jittery.
There standing were Tina, Mercedes, Kurt, Blaine, Santana and Britney.
Rachel's eyes were wide, red, glassy and she looked exhausted. Her hair was a mess, she had Beth's puke stains and smell on her shirt.
All six members eyes widened at the sight of her.
"Oh my god! Rachel what on earth happen to you?!" Kurt asked with a curl of his lip in disgust and slight shock. She's never looked anything but cleanly and somewhat put together even if it was tasteless in it's fashion, at least to him.
"What are you all doing here?" Rachel asked with a slight edge in her tone.
"What do you mean? Sectionals is next week. You sent seven text messages threatening us that if we didn't show up for dress rehearsal that you'd come to our houses." Tina said.
"And guess what, Hobbit? You weren't at the damn rehearsal. So, since you ruined everyone's weekend we thought we'd come here to you and ruin yours." Santana snipped up.
"What she means is, it isn't like you to miss anything when it comes to glee. So, we thought we'd come and check on you." Blaine added sweetly.
"Yes, Finn said your dad was sick when he came over the other day." Kurt supplied.
"Am I the only one who thinks it's funny that Finn just so happened to be at Berry's house on a Saturday evening? I wonder what Quinn would think of that?" Santana sneered.
Rachel glared at the brunette. She knew she couldn't defend herself in the moment.
In fact, Rachel's brain was on over drive trying to figure out how to politely get rid of the group. However; Santana, Kurt, and Mercedes all together would make it a very difficult feat. The brunette swallowed thickly.
"Well Santana, If you must know. Finn invited himself to my home unannounced. He was not allowed in and I asked him to leave."
Santana eyed her with suspicion.
"Look can we just get this over with?" Mercedes cut in stepping forward to enter causing all of the group to do the same.
"Hold it!" Rachel spoke abruptly pulling the door closer to her body not allowing them entrance.
"Listen hobbit, Britts gots to pee, so you need to move!" Santana growled about to step forward again.
Rachel held her hand out to stop Santana with a slight shove, every one in the group was shocked.
"I said wait, Santana. If you can't respect my wishes I suggest you all leave now." Rachel spoke with fire in her tone and a death glare that rivaled Quinn's.
"Rachel what has gotten in to you?" Kurt asked.
"You know what, Kurt? Why would you even ask, when really not a damn one of you care." Rachel spoke lowly, thick with anger.
She was exhausted and though she knew they didn't understand because no one knew about she and Quinn's completely separate but similar situations.
That didn't give any of them a right to just show up at her house ill mannered, though that was mostly Santana.
"Rachel, look we're sorry. Obviously your not feeling very well and we should have called." Blaine spoke softly. Rachel felt pressure building behind her eyes until Britney spoke up.
"Please, Rach, I really have to pee." Britney whimpered but before Rachel could answer Santana's anger flared and she caught the brunette off guard shoving her way into the house.
"Santana!" Rachel whispered harshly but the girl ignored her. Looking back and forth in a rush.
Mercedes stepped through the door next. "If she gets to use the bathroom than I should be able to too. I've been holding it the entire ride."
Rachel felt her anger building more but she was also terrified of what was obviously in the living room. Jaxon's playpin and the baby swing for Beth.
The kitchen had baby bottles and utensils in the dry rack that she just washed along with Jaxon's high chair and Beth's bouncy seat at the table.
Rachel rushed after the girls and completely forgot to shut the door in her haste of chase, allowing the remaining group members to enter without permission.
"What the actual fuck, Berry?" Santana spoke up first.
Rachel rounded the corner to the living room and grit her teeth as her heart hammered in worry and slight fear of she and Quinn being found out.
"Umm.. Rachel? Why do you have so much baby stuff?" Mercedes asked next.
"Bathroom?" Britney pleaded in a whimper
"Britney the bathroom is through that hall on the end to your left." Britney breathe a 'Thank You' before hauling ass down the hall.
"Santana, Mercedes first of all, I would like to inform you that the blatant disregard for the respect of my home is not only invasive but insensitive. If I wanted to allow you in to my home, I would have invited you in."
"Relax, Rachel, it's just us." Mercedes replied.
"Yeah, now answer the question. Why does your living room look like it swallowed Babies 'R' Us?" Santana questioned in suspicion with threat shining in her eyes and tone.
Rachel was internally panicking but also a bigger part of her was fuming. She knew she had to be as calm as possible or Santana the fucking blood thirsty hound would surely know something is amiss and start sniffing.
"Not that it's any of your business but my extended family has come to help take care of.. things here and have brought their children with them. Now if you would all please leave-"
"Hey, isn't that Quinn's?" Tina spoke up when she glanced toward the couch.
There laying next to the foot of the couch was Quinn's school bag. Rachel almost shut her eyes in despair but fought it with a calm annoyed façade.
"Holy shit it is. What the hell, Berry?" Santana followed picking up the book bag.
All eyes fell on the brunette whose expression was calm and blank.
"Rachel why do you have Quinn's bag?" Kurt inquired with a raised eyebrow.
The short brunette stared them down. Just then Britney entered looking particularly green. "Britney, are you alright?" Rachel asked then all eyes feel to the blonde. Rachel noticed Santana's expression shift to..Worry?
"She's fine, don't try to change the subject. Why do you have Q's bag?" Santana asked in what Rachel could tell was now more an act of deflection than any actual interrogation. Interesting Rachel filed that little tidbit for later.
"Once again, not that it's any of your business but Quinn was here earlier and she wanted to know what was happening between Finn and I. She had warned me off him and made herself perfectly clear that he is hers. She left it behind by accident after I said something that I probably shouldn't have said but I'm me, so that's obviously predictable. Anything I do irritates her so.." Rachel finished with a light shrug and delicate shake of her head as if to say 'What else is new?'
The group looked at each other as that is something that was a known fact.
"Now, that you not only welcomed yourself into my home uninvited and questioned me to death with your unwarranted questions. Please leave, my father is sleeping and he isn't doing well." Rachel's voice quivered on that.
Remorse filled most of the groups eyes minus Santana that was eyeing Rachel in a way that made her worry.
"She's right guys, we should leave. Sorry for intruding Rachel." Blaine said sweetly.
Rachel nodded as they all began to pass her. She followed them out and just as Tina, Kurt and Mercedes were going to turn around and apologize the door shut in their faces.
"What is up with her?" Kurt asked.
"You heard her. Her father isn't well and no offense we kind of just bombarded her." Blaine answered.
Santana stared at the house in scrutiny as she spoke. "I don't know. I agree with Kurt. Somethings definitely up and yeah her dad's sick but there was something else. Something like.." Santana shook her head leaving the sentence in the air.
"What?" Mercedes asked.
Santana stared at the house a moment longer as everyone stared at her with bated breath. 'Fear' Santana thought to herself but licked her lips and said "I don't know and who cares I don't want to lose any more of my weekend, do you?"
That got everyone moving again as they all left to their separate cars.
"I didn't even get to use the bathroom." Mercedes grumbled and Tina patted her back in sympathy as they got in her car having driven there together.
Rachel stared through the peep hole anxiously until each car was out of sight.
She dropped to her heel and turned dropping her weight against the door as she sighed in relief, despair, annoyance and, exhaustion.
That was close, too close. If any one of the kids or Quinn had woken up the baby monitors would have crackled to life with who ever might have woken, it would have been a disaster. They would have had questions.
They would have gotten angry at Quinn for keeping Puck from his daughter because even though it's none of their business.
Their self righteous opinions would have seen it as morally wrong to keep a father from his daughter no matter how bad the father actually is for his daughter.
She would have been found out. Her sons existence would have caused an even bigger uproar and so would the rest of her secrets.
Rachel slid down the door with her knees to her chest. Her head bowed and her hair clenched in both hands gripped in aggravation.
Why couldn't she and Quinn been left alone.
Why did they have to be raised in this particular small minded town and though she does care about the extended members in glee club, she also knows they don't actually care about her. Quinn, maybe but her? No, she was the school pariah and it hurts.
It hurts because though they may get along sometimes, they aren't friends. She doesn't actually have friends people that would genuinely care and understand the importance of her secrets.
If any one knew about her son it would be open season at school even worse than now.
If they knew she was a teenager living at home alone, lord knows who would try to intrude or possibly vandalize her home.
Causing her to live in fear for she and her sons safety. She has kept it quiet this long specifically for that reason.
If the jocks at her school didn't care when they supposedly accidently shove her into lockers-and she's a girl.
whose to say they wouldn't find it funny to terrorize her in the privacy of her own home?
Her father's were both disowned by their families. She doesn't have aunts and uncles or cousins or grand parents.
She only has Jaxon and her sister. Those are her only real kin.
The brunette sighed as her tears of frustration and worry began to fall.
She didn't like how Santana was staring at her. With that look that says 'I know your lying.' it unnerved her and now she's beginning to get scared.
Quinn groaned as her head swam. She felt groggy and sluggish. She hissed when she felt something cool and moist lay across her forehead.
"Mommy?.." The blonde croaked out.
Rachel bit her lip in sadness as she placed the cool wet cloth across the blonde's forehead.
Quinn has been in and out of disorientation for two days now.
The antibiotics seem to be working as she isn't puking her guts out any more but she still has a bad cough and fever though it has gone down two points.
The brunette has been trying to feed her as much fluids as possible. This right here is how the blonde has been waking up the last few times Rachel has come to check on her. It's the meds that knock her out and cause the grogginess when she wakes.
The first words out of Quinn's mouth is always 'Mommy?' Rachel's heart literally breaks every time she has to correct her.
"No, sweetie, it's me Rachel."
"Rachel?.. Wha.."
"Shh.. It's okay. I'm just here to bring your soup and medicine." Rachel assured.
Quinn's eyes began to clear of fog. The blonde's glassy eyes took in the brunette before her. Rachel's hair and make up were done. 'Beautiful.' Quinn thought.
Rachel ducked her head with a pretty hue to her cheeks fighting a smile.
Quinn may be awake but Rachel's pretty sure the blonde hasn't realize that she just called her beautiful if the slightly unfocused way she's looking at her is anything to go by.
"Thank you." Rachel replied and Quinn knit her brow in confusion.
"Thank you?"
"Nevermind, Quinn, come on. Let me help you sit up." Rachel replied as she stood up and wrap her right arm around the blonde's waist where she lay and the other on the pillow.
Quinn understood using both her hands to help the brunette assist her in sitting up. Quinn groaned slightly.
"How are you feeling?" Rachel asked as she sat back down facing to the blonde on the bed.
"Better.. Just my head feels.." Quinn croaked out as she searched for a word. "Cloudy and my face still hurts."
"Do you feel any nausea?"
"No."
"Good. Your temperature's going down so that's a plus. Now, I brought you some garlic and onion soup. It should go down easy. I have your antibiotics for after as usual." Rachel said after she lifted the bowl and scooped the soup bringing it toward the blonde's mouth.
Quinn leaned forward and took the first mouthful humming in satisfaction as the warm liquid coated and soothe her abused throat from all the coughing she's been subjected to.
Quinn would be feeding herself if she hadn't spilled a bowl of soup all over herself the night before, when she assured Rachel she could do it herself.
Poor Rachel had to help her up and start the shower for her because it seeped through her clothing.
While she showered Rachel had scrubbed her bed. Than when Quinn finished showering, Rachel waited for her to get her under garments on which took a little longer than Quinn would like to admit.
Than the brunette helped the blonde into knew pajamas, guided her to the living room to watch TV until the bed dried and was remade.
Quinn felt like such a burden to the girl but also for the first time in years, since before her mothers illness, She felt cared for.
She knew she owed Rachel a lot and she planned to pay the girl in full. She doesn't care how but when she gets better. Whatever Rachel's needs are, she's going to give it her all.
"Alright, that's the last bite. Here's your medicine." Rachel said with a smile as she put the pills to the blonde's lips than did the same with the water. A little water dribbled down the blonde's chin and the brunette was quick to wipe the mess.
"Thank you so much, Rachel." Quinn whispered as she felt the tears building in her eyes.
Rachel eyes softened at the vulnerability. "Hey, Hey, shh.. It's okay. Your okay."
"I just.. I'm sorry." Quinn whimpered out as silent tears slipped down her flushed cheeks.
"No, No, why are you sorry?"
"Because you shouldn't have to take care of me or my kids. I didn't mean to burden you." Quinn weeped in a whisper because her head began to lightly throb as the blood rushed to her head.
She felt awful physically, mentally, and emotionally. She felt like a terrible person for how she had treated the girl before her in the past. How could she have been so cruel to such a genuine human being?
"Hey, now you stop that. You are not nor are those precious babies any sort of burden, Quinn. Do you hear me?"
"But.."
"No buts. I like to believe if the situation were on the other foot. You'd help Jaxon and I, wouldn't you?"
The blonde nodded as more silent tears spilled.
"Would we be a burden to you?"
"No." Quinn replied without hesitation. Rachel smiled.
"See? I know you may not understand from my point of view but Quinn you are not troubling mine or Jaxon's life in any way. I hope you believe that." Rachel spoke softly.
Quinn nodded and silence engulf them for a moment before Quinn's quivering voice broke it. "Can I hug you?"
Rachel's eyes welled with tears as her own smile quivered but was rich in it's happiness. "You never have to ask."
Rachel leaned forward and Quinn leaned up. The two embraced and both felt a love of friendship truly solidify between them in that moment.
The brunette rubbed the blonde's back softly and Quinn sighed this sigh of contentment that Rachel can say she's never heard come from the blonde.
It was new and refreshing. It sounded like not only comfort in the moment but relief.
Relief of something that Rachel can't honestly decipher but at least it was a positive sigh not a negative one.
The two pulled back from each other as Rachel helped Quinn recline once one.
"Quinn, I need to discuss something with you."
The blonde nodded and her eyes filled with fear.
"It's nothing bad, I swear. Don't be scared. I promised you that you're safe here and you all are, okay?" Rachel spoke soft as she took hold of the blonde's hands, rubbing her thumbs across baby soft knuckles.
Quinn nodded and took a deep calming breath while shutting her eyes. Her breath shuddered as it dispelled from her body before she focused with a renewed trust in her eyes. Rachel smiled warmly at her.
"You can trust me, Quinn. You know, I won't hurt you. I just want to discuss a few things before I leave."
A panicked look took over the blonde's face. "What? Where are you going?" The blonde sounded like a fearful child instead of the 17 year old she is.
"Calm down, I'm just going to school." Rachel assured.
"School? It's Saturday." Quinn replied with an adorable confused pout that melted Rachel.
"Um. No, Quinn, it's Tuesday."
The blonde's eyes bulged in shock. "Your lying." She breathe with wide bloodshot glistening eyes.
"I assure you ma'am that I'm not."
"No, I remember.." Quinn trailed off confused as hell.
"Quinn, you've been looped up all weekend on the meds the doctor prescribed you."
"What? What about the kids?!" Quinn rushed in a panic as she rushed to get out of bed but was very painful for Rachel to witness. It was clear that Quinn's body was not ready for rapid movement if her congested struggle is anything to go by.
The brunette reached out quickly to halt the blonde in her 'Haste' to the children.
"The kids are fine, Quinn, Charlie's fever broke three days ago. However; I didn't take her to school Monday because I thought it best if I speak to you first. I called the school pretending to be someone else.." Rachel trailed off not wanting to say the 'M' word just in case it caused the blonde to become emotional.
It was clear that just like discussing her fathers hurt her still to the day. The same applied to Quinn and her mother.
"Oh.. I.. I'm so sorry Rachel. You shouldn't have had to take care of them not that I'm not grateful, I am. Thank you.. I.. I don't know what else to.." The blonde fumbled with her words.
The brunette waved her off. "Don't worry about that. I need to discuss something more important with you."
"Okay.."
"Now, you asked me when we left the hospital how were you able to get seen." Quinn nodded recalling the shock of getting to see a doctor. It was different when she was pregnant she had Mrs. Puckerman though the woman never wanted to be there.
"If you recall, I told you I couldn't tell you how but after discussing it with said doctor and someone else of importance and explaining our situation I was told that I could tell you."
Quinn listened with confused curiosity.
"So, as you know I have an older sister."
Quinn nodded along.
"She's 10 years older than me. We weren't raised together and as I informed you, we didn't meet again until a few years later."
Again Quinn nodded.
"Well, she was adopted by a woman when she was fifteen. This woman already had her own daughter who had a son. Her grandson is the doctor that took you as his patient that night."
"Wow, that was very nice of him."
"Yes, it was. Now, his grandmother is the woman who stood in the house with the kids when we went to the hospital."
"Okay.. Remind me to thank them."
"I will. She's also Jaxon's baby sitter."
Quinn's mouth made 'O' in understanding.
"Now, I've already missed one day of school and that's one day too many for me. I usually drop Jaxon off at her house to watch him while I'm at school but she agreed to watch him here along with Charlie, Beth, and you."
At this Quinn's eyes became guarded. Rachel could tell her defenses had risen.
"It's okay, Rachel. She doesn't need to watch us. I can take care of the girls and myself. You can drop Jaxon off and.."
"With all do respect, Quinn, you can barely move about and your still contagious."
"With all do respect, Rachel, this woman may not be a stranger to you but she's a stranger to me. I'm sorry but I don't feel safe."
"Qui-"
"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt but Rachel, Jaxon is becoming fussy and is calling for you."
Both teens heads whipped to the door in surprise. Rachel glanced at Quinn than stood up. "I'll be back in a few."
Quinn nodded. Rachel left the room and the woman's eyes cast to Quinn. Quinn's glassy eyes stood as strongly as they could in guarded challenge.
"How are you feeling, Ms. Fabray?"
Quinn was surprised by the woman's tone of voice. She sounded exactly like Mary fucking Poppins, Quinn could feel the woman's aura. It radiated mindful warmth. Wisdom bore through her irises as they gazed at the blonde in understanding.
"Fine." Quinn replied stoically.
"Are you comfortable?"
"Yes."
"Any nausea?"
"No."
"Pressure in your face?"
"...Yes."
"Do you feel any stronger?"
"..." Quinn's eyes casted forward again.
"It's alright if you don't. These things take time."
"..."
"Ms. Fabray, I hope you don't think me rude when I say that I understand and even admire your wariness of my presence."
The blonde's eyes snapped to the white hard woman. It was clear she's old. Had to be older than sixty five but you could see it in her stance and stare. She's strong in physical strength and will. The way she carries herself is very proper and Quinn's eyes cast down again when she thought of her own mother's way of how she once carried herself it mirrored this woman's in a eerie way.
"Something the matter?"
"No."
"May I come in?" The woman asked softly. Definitely like Mary Poppins with her feather like lilt voice.
She stepped in softly and walked toward the bed. "May I?" She asked with gentle ease.
To Quinn, it isn't her bed or room so, no, she couldn't deny the woman. So she silently nodded her head but kept her gaze at her hands in her lap.
Quinn could see the woman's grace as she sat soft and lady like, oh so much as her own mother use to. Quinn felt slight barely there pressure behind her eyes once more.
"So, I think it's time you and I get to know a little bit about each other since we are both a part of Rachel and Jaxon's life, don't you think?"
"...Sure, I guess." Quinn's reply was obviously non committable.
"My name is Agatha but you may call me Aggie. It's a pleasure to meet you." The woman said with a soft warm smile and a hand out stretch to shake Quinn's.
Quinn licked her lips as her eyes trained on the hand offered before she lifted her own hesitantly. "I'm Quinn."
"You mean, Lucy but you prefer I refer to you as Quinn." Aggie corrected.
Quinn's eyes snapped up to the older woman in confusion.
"How di.."
"How do I know? That's a simple enough question with a easy answer but it will require a level of your attention that you do not seem too keen on giving." The woman replied with a knowing smile and understanding eyes.
Quinn swallowed thickly as she crossed her arms in a protective manner. "...I'm sorry I just don't trust very easily."
"It's a good thing to be hesitant. Trust is earned but many people give it with out care and are confused as to why they end up hurt. I applaud you and hope to earn your trust one day if you'll allow me to prove to you that I can be trusted, that is, but I feel no need to rush and neither should you."
Quinn raised her eyes to the woman and could see her genuineness. She reminded Quinn of her own grandma. She spoke in a similar fashion too.
Quinn still felt guarded and unsure but at the same time, she no longer felt cornered and confined. She could breathe a little easier.
"So, how do you know my first name? No one knows that about me."
The woman smiled with familiarity at the blonde. "Wouldn't you like to know. How about some tea? It's rather early don't you think?"
Quinn glanced at the clock on the night stand and her eyes widened in shock. It was five thirty four in the morning.
"Oh my god. Why is Rachel up so early?"
"She insisted on the extra hour to make sure not only you would be okay with my being here but that everything would be ready for when I arrived. Beth woke up at four and Jaxon not thirty minutes later. Charlie is still asleep. Rachel bathe both of them while preparing your soup. Than came up here to make sure you ate it all."
Quinn's mouth dropped open in shock than her eyes rounded in remorse.
"Oh no, you will not young lady. Do not do that. You are sick and need to be taken care of and that's what Rachel's doing. You are a part of this household now. Do not feel anything but gratefulness and peace." Aggie said as her hand touched the blonde's knee. Quinn felt her lip tremble.
"Do you understand?" The woman reiterated.
Quinn's eyes lifted to hers momentarily before she felt the compelling need to nod her understanding. It was something in the woman's eyes.
"Alright, now I am going to start the tea. I will return shortly." She said with a gentle smile and a nod.
Quinn nodded her agreement again as the woman stood up and made her exit. Quinn was left alone in her thoughts.
Aggie stepped down the landing and rounded it to come across the sight of Rachel bottle feeding Beth in her arms, her chin holding the bottle upright. Jaxon sprawled out on her lap as she rubbed his back, his eyes drooping dangerously as she hummed him back to sleep.
Aggie had never met such a natural born mother in her entire life. What took women years of trial and error to somewhat get right.
Rachel picked things up instantly when it came to children. Her natural instincts are spot on.
Aggie suspects that's why Rachel had been in such mama bear mode when she found out about Quinn's situation.
What people call high strung Rachel is actually mama bear Rachel. She just doesn't know how to separate being a mother from being a normal teenager with friends. So she ends up scaring people away.
However; that part of her is beautiful if any one would take a closer look.
Rachel has the natural need and ability to love and nurture with a dose of selfish loving when it comes to herself. It balances perfectly.
Aggie can only imagine who Rachel would marry someday and how lucky that person will be.
Rachel's eyes diverted to the older woman and she smiled.
Aggie smiled in warm return. "I see some ones tired. Would you like me to put Jaxon down?"
"If you don't mind, please." Rachel replied gratefully.
The older woman leaned over with years of practiced ease, she lifted Jaxon from his mother and gently cuddled him before silently making her way up to his room.
Rachel sighed tiredly. She has barely had any sleep since Quinn moved in but it's a small price to pay in keeping the three Fabray's safe.
Her eyes lowered to a suckling Beth whom she could tell was also going to go down in mere minutes.
It made her feel better knowing the kids would be asleep before she leaves. Just then Aggie returned and Rachel smiled.
"So, how was your conversation with Quinn?" Rachel asked the older woman with a raised knowing brow and smirk.
"You know me so well."
"Clearly."
"She obviously does not trust me and I wouldn't expect anything less. It's good that she's guarded especially being a single parent. Lord knows how many parents are so careless with their children."
"Amen to that."
Both women chuckled. "I feel in time, though. She may come around but it will be a while of that I am certain."
"Did you tell her who you are?"
"No, I did not. Honestly, I myself was in shock when Michael called me and told me whom she is. I didn't get to see her face when I arrived that day because you already had her in the car. So, right now I think it's best I do not. I would like her to get to know me first."
Rachel nodded her agreement.
"I did say I'd bring up tea. So we may get acquainted a little before the medicine kicks in again. So I shall do that."
"Okay, I'm going to take this little lady back to bed because she is drooling like her life depends on it." The brunette whispered with a chuckle as she just finished burping the new born.
"You do that, dear. Would you like me to leave you a cup of tea?"
"Yes, please and Aggie?"
"Yes?"
"Go easy on Quinn. Try not to shock her death when you do decide to tell her. I still need help with all these kids." Rachel giggled.
"I will, I promise." Aggie winked back.
