Quinn's eyes fluttered open. She didn't have to squint, it was dark in the bedroom with only the moon illuminating the area around her.
She sat up on her own and though she felt a little sluggish she didn't feel as bad as she had before.
Even her nose felt better. It wasn't stuffed and she could breathe without struggle.
Her chest had a barely there heaviness, that being the the remnants of her congestion clearing up.
She felt great for the first time in a while. She didn't have any kinks in her neck like she usually does after sleeping in the basement of the school.
She felt rested and refreshed. Quinn pulled the covers back and stood up. Her legs felt a little jelly like but other than that they were sturdy in holding her up right.
Quinn's nose scrunched up at what she smelled like. It was a mix of vapor rub and sweat. Now that she more coherent to feel it, her clothing feels damp and she realizes she's covered in sweat.
She supposes she sweated out a good portion of whatever the hell she had because she doesn't feel sick anymore.
She stretches her arms and groans in satisfaction as her back cracks.
Her eyes glance over at the time. It's 3:30 am. She realizes she has no clue what day it is.
She shrugs than reaches over to turn on the light. The brightness hits harshly but not painfully and she smiles.
Her eyes adjust to the light and she takes in Rachel's room.
She spots her own garbage bag full of her clothes in the corner and walks over, immediately digging for something to wear.
After getting what she needs she heads to the shower. The second the warm water hits her skin she sighs in happiness and begins washing up.
Rachel groans when she hears the alarm clock go off at 4:30. She feels exhausted. It has been a week since her suspension and she has two more days to go.
The nap Aggie had suggested she take the other day after the incident at school, only lasted forty minutes than Jaxon woke up followed by Beth and Charlie.
Rachel had gotten up and had a slightly frustrating disagreement with Aggie when she told her she could go home, that Aggie had been there since 4 am that morning.
Aggie argued that Rachel needed help but Rachel refused and after an hour of back and forth, Aggie consented not wanting to stress Rachel out anymore.
She made Rachel promise to call if she needed anything, it didn't matter what time it was. She'd answer and be over in a jiffy.
Rachel agreed and the two said their goodbyes with Aggie giving Jaxon as well as Beth all the love she could.
When it came to Charlie she had been more careful. Already getting the impression that Charlie didn't do well with adults when she had first met her.
Charlie was hesitant but she allowed the older woman to hug her and plant a motherly kiss to her forehead.
Once Aggie got her coat on and Rachel walked her to the door. She turned to Rachel asking her to give Quinn her goodbyes and wishes of wellness.
Rachel agreed and Aggie was on her way out before they knew it.
Since Friday evening a week and three ago Rachel has barely slept no more than four to almost five hours each day and it was showing around her eyes.
She had been taking care of the kids, yes, but also taking care of Quinn.
She was grateful that Aggie had come last week so she could go to school when she did but even that didn't go well, no thanks to Finn's stupidity and that other idiot Zach who got her suspended, Again!
Rachel sighed. She didn't have to go to school today but she also knew Jaxon and Beth would be up soon.
So she sighed and heaved herself from the bed and walked out to the hall bathroom to shower.
20 minutes later found her heading down the stairs to the kitchen.
Normally she'd be on her elliptical but since Quinn's recovering in her room she isn't going to go in. She'll make her shake than head to her private gym/dojo in the shed.
The moment her foot hits the mid landing her sense of smell erupts and her mouths salivates.
She furrowed her brow in confusion and knew the only people who had a key to her house was her sister, Aggie and Aggie's son Derek (in case of emergency)
Rachel's foot hit the landing and she walks through the house and the closer she gets to the kitchen the more severe her hunger presents itself.
She steps through the archway of the kitchen and her eyes widened at the sight of Quinn Fabray at her stove with her back to her dressed fashionably wholesome like always, her freshly pressed full round curls stand out in their shiny beauty.
At the table is in a bouncy seat is Beth with her wide eyes taking in the room and a pacifier in her mouth. Her tiny fist clenched looking like the most adorable almost two month old girl she's ever seen.
She didn't see Jaxon and Charlie so she assumes they're still sleeping. Rachel smiled, it was good to see Quinn up and about.
"Good morning." Rachel said slightly startling Quinn.
The blonde looked over her shoulder and Rachel was hit with such a beautiful blinding smile that made her stomach flip.
Quinn turned the burner off and moved the pan with the pancake in it to an another burner that was off.
She turned around as she wiped her hand on a dish towel, tossed it to the counter and walked over to Rachel with a soft smile.
Without being prompt she lifted her arms, slipping them around the brunette's neck and pulled Rachel in to one of the tightest hugs she's ever been given by anyone in her life, completely surprising the brunette.
Rachel's arms slid around her waist pulling Quinn in just as tight. The two held each other for a few minutes reveling in the hug. Quinn pulled back first but didn't go far.
She had an arm still over Rachel's shoulder and the other cupped the brunette's cheek.
Rachel still holding her by the waist. Quinn gazed into the eyes of the girl she had been cruel to and felt a heaviness of regret but also great appreciation for her.
She then felt bad because dark rings and puffiness were beginning to form around the brunette's normally vibrant eyes.
Quinn had so many thing she wanted to say but the first and main thing she wanted to say to this amazing person in her arms is: "Thank you.. Thank you so much Rachel for taking care of my family when I couldn't."
Rachel's smile blossomed. "You don't need to thank me and it wasn't only me. Aggie helped."
"I do need to thank you because without you I don't even want to know what would have happened to us and if you hadn't contacted Aggie to begin with, we wouldn't have been able to have her help either. So thank you and when I do hopefully see Aggie again I'd like to thank her too."
"Either way you're welcome. I know you would done the same for me."
"Of course." Quinn said without hesitation.
"So how do you feel?"
"I feel way better obviously, I still feel a little lingering congestion and a little tired but that's all. How about you?"
"I'm fine-"
"No you're not." Quinn said softly with worry etched across her features. Rachel's eyes softened at the sight.
Quinn's hand gently cradled her face and her thumb in the most feather light touch, caressed beneath one of Rachel's eyes where the puffy ring was most prominent.
"You're exhausted."
"Quinn assure you, I'm fine. I had less sleep than this when Jaxon was born."
"Still I-"
"Quinn please, it's okay. I already had this talk with Aggie and I don't feel like having it again. I'm fine. Besides you're okay now. So everything's fine. I'll be back to getting my normal sleep in no time."
Quinn gazed into her eyes and could tell how frustrating the topic is for Rachel.
So instead of saying anymore about it she says: "I see it's been a week and a few days since I came here and I.. I honestly don't know how I could ever repay you for what you've done."
"I don't need you to repay me but if you feel so incline, all I ask in return is that you take care of yourself and those precious babies."
"I'd do that and more, like take of you and that handsome heartbreaker of yours too." Quinn replied without thinking and Rachel felt her heart rattle at the words never hearing them from anyone before in regards to she and her son.
Quinn felt her own heart rattle but not because she felt surprised by her words but because she meant every word of it whole heartedly.
As she gazed into Rachel's eyes she felt herself become charged with the well being and safety of the brunette before her as well as her son.
She had never met anyone like Rachel before in her life. She can still remember the day she first saw Rachel freshman year.
It was only once when she was passing her in the hallway but she could tell you exactly what Rachel was wearing, what shoes, hairstyle and makeup. Even down to her earrings.
She could tell you which hallway of Mckinely they were in and what exactly Rachel was doing when they made eye contact briefly.
But if you ask Quinn what she herself was wearing, shoes, hair, make up, earrings and why she was down that particular hallway and who she had been walking with in said hallway or what everyone else around her was doing, she honestly couldn't tell you.
"That.. Actually means a lot to hear you say, Quinn." Rachel said feeling so touch by the admission.
"I mean every word of it."
Rachel was about to speak when the baby monitor crackled to life.
"Mama! Mama!"
Jaxon's adorable voice rang out and Rachel smiled that all encompassing smile and Quinn literally filled with something at the sight of it.
The two released each other not realizing that they had been holding each other for well over ten minutes.
Rachel raced up the stairs always super excited for her little man.
Quinn watched her go with a smile full of affection. She walked back over to the stove to finish everything up.
Twenty minutes later found Rachel walking in with a freshly showered Jaxon who was dressed to impress, making any lady swoon.
Rachel watched with fascination and appreciation when Quinn placed the plate of stacked vegan pancakes on the table with the rest of breakfast.
Than watched as Quinn's head lifted to them. The blonde's eyes exploded like fire works and her smile split in undeniable happiness at the sight of the boy. Quinn was quite literally being choke with her desire to hold him.
"Oh my, aren't you just the most cutest boy." Quinn gushed.
She walked over but kept a respectable distance. She didn't want to over step.
"Say thank you." Rachel said softly to Jaxon.
"Nank ou." Jaxon said bashfully and Quinn wanted to die from all the adorableness.
"Aww you're welcome, handsome." Quinn spoke softly.
Jaxon reached out for her and Quinn's eyes widened a fraction in surprise. Rachel chuckled at her shock.
"Do you want to? You don't have to hold if you don't?"
"I can?" Quinn asked with barely concealed eagerness.
Rachel chuckled at the sight of Quinn Fabray's ultimate weakness. Babies. "Of course, silly."
"But I'm just getting over-"
"Quinn you're fine. Unless you don't want-"
"I want to!" Quinn spoke up quickly.
Rachel chuckled again than handed Jaxon over to Quinn whose eyes were sparkling in wonder at him.
"Oh my god, you are to adorable." Quinn cooed. The blonde was captivated by his big brown eyes, unruly thick shiny curl, full pouty lips, feeling his baby fat in his chunky thighs and arms had her falling in love instantly.
Jaxon smiled and wrapped his chubby little arms around Quinn's neck and that was it. Quinn was officially a goner. Jaxon Berry had her heart and she didn't want it back.
"Awww, thank you." The blonde cooed as she hugged him back.
"Ou Etta." Jaxon said as he hugged her and Quinn was confused.
"He's asking if you're better?" Rachel clarified.
Okay this kid was smooth and such a charmer.
"Oh thank you for asking, sweetie, I am better."
Jaxon pulled back and kissed her cheek than squished his against Quinn's as he squeezed her into another hug.
The two were smiling with happiness than a flash went off and Quinn opened her eyes to see Rachel smiling with her phone in her hands.
Rachel turned her phone around to show the blonde. Quinn and Jaxon cheek to cheek smiling genuinely.
"I want that picture, Berry." Quinn demanded.
"I already sent it."
"Good."
Quinn glanced at the clock. It was 5:50 She had to get Charlie up. She kissed Jaxon on the cheek and he giggled. God she didn't want to let him go.
"Okay little man, I've got to go get Charlie up. I'll be back." Quinn said with affection as she handed him back to Rachel.
She went upstairs than came down carrying her half asleep sister. She sat her in the chair than she herself sat down next to her.
Rachel had waited for them before touching the food so they could eat together.
Quinn thought it was the most considerate thing.
They began eating with Quinn holding Beth in her arms as she nursed her and ate her own breakfast.
Rachel was helping Jaxon eat while she fed herself and Charlie ate on her own.
Quinn and Rachel were both thinking the exact same thing but neither of them voiced it.
It felt like they had a family together.
"So, do you need long to get ready?" Quinn asked.
"Oh I'm not going to school today."
"What? Why not? Are you getting sick? Did I give you what I had?" Quinn asked apologetically full of worry.
"No actually, I was suspended."
Quinn's hand froze with her fork from putting her pancake in her mouth. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Wait, what?"
"I was suspended."
"No I heard you but why?"
"For assaulting a student."
Quinn's eyes bulged. "Again!"
"Yes."
"How? Why?"
"How isn't really important but the why is simple. I put myself in a situation that I shouldn't have."
"Oh my god, please tell me it wasn't Finn?"
"No."
"Than who?"
"Zach Colman."
"Why on earth did you hit Colman?"
"I didn't necessarily hit him but he wasn't being very nice and I'm just about fed up with the boys in our school thinking that we girls are scared little toys that they can just do whatever with and nothing would happen."
"Rachel, did he hurt you?" Quinn asked with narrowed eyes full of fire.
"Ppfftt no, trust me if anything I hurt him seeing as how I'm the one who was suspended."
"You. Hurt him?" Quinn asked in amused confusion. Rachel was 5'2 and weight most likely two times less than Zach Colman. The thought of Rachel hurting him was absurd.
"Why do you sound so surprised, Quinn, do you think I can't take care of myself?" Rachel asked with slight attitude at being mocked. Quinn's eyes widened and she back pedaled with vigor.
"Woah, no! of course not." Quinn said shaking her head in the negative quickly. It would have been comical if Rachel weren't offended.
"It's just I've never known you to be a particularly violent person." Quinn treaded gently not understand what the hell was going on in her belly at the sight of Rachel's assertiveness.
"I'm not."
"Right, that's why I'm confused. I just.. I guess I don't understand. You and Colman don't run in the same circles."
"Well on that day he chose to run in my circle by doing what he did." Rachel may not be friends with Britney but Britney was part of glee club and glee is Rachel's circle and though they were not friends by any means that didn't mean she was going to just walk by as if she didn't see or hear anything.
There was so much venom in the brunette's voice. It was angry and hateful in a way. It was so out of place for the normally Broadway obsessed diva.
It was clear to Quinn that Rachel didn't want to divulge anything about the incident if the fact that she still hadn't exactly explained what happened is anything to go on.
Quinn knew not to push. Something told her that with the lack of sleep coupled with the fact of being suspended in the span of a month.
Meaning Rachel technically only actually attended a few mere days for that month alone, was a bad mix for an explosive outburst. Rachel took attending school very seriously.
She decided to let it go until Rachel wanted to discuss it.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. It was my own doing."
"Well if it's any consolation, I'll miss you in school today." Quinn said sweetly.
The fire in Rachel's eyes began to die out. The brunette smiled sadly. "I'll miss you here."
"Hey, how about when I get home after homework we watch a movie and you can tell me all about how awesome it was to not have to be in school listening to Mr. Shue basically teach us pig latin."
Rachel burst with a chuckle, her eyes brightening with amused shine. Quinn filled with pride that she put it there.
"Deal and you can tell me about your day." Rachel said just as sweetly.
"It's a date."
The rest of breakfast went off without a hitch. Aggie was called by Rachel and was told Quinn would be going to school today.
So instead of Beth going to Mrs. Link's. Beth would be with Aggie along with Jaxon. Rachel assured Quinn that Beth was in amazing hands and Quinn couldn't agree more.
Quinn kissed Beth on the forehead and leaned over Beth's car seat to give the same affection to Jaxon while Rachel gave Charlie a hug and kiss goodbye.
Than Rachel and Quinn turned to each other and hugged wishing each other a good day.
The two hopped in their respected cars than Rachel pressed the garage key button on her keys to open the garage door.
They had chosen to leave earlier than necessary so no one would see Quinn's suv leaving Rachel's.
Rachel didn't know if any of the kids at school lived on her street or not but you could never be too cautious. Quinn appreciated it and agreed it would be smarter to leave earlier.
Quinn was headed to Charlie's school than her own.
Rachel was dropping the babies at Aggie's than going home for some much needed uninterrupted sleep.
Than Rachel was to head to Aggie's and pick up the babies at around the same time Quinn would be leaving school to pick up Charlie.
That way everyone would get home at the same time with no worry.
Puck clenched his jaw in anger. His eyes boring holes in the back of Quinn's head as she stood at her locker getting her books for the day.
She had been gone for almost two weeks without so much as a word to anyone.
Puck and Finn had did their stake out as planned at Britney and Santana's separate houses but had no luck.
Other than witnessing an argument explode in the Lopez house but didn't know what it was about because all that could be seen was Santana's dad going toe to toe with his daughter.
Than not even forty minutes later he saw Santana storming out of her house with a crying Britney in tow. The two hopped into Santana's car and left.
Puck drove to Britney's but all the lights were off. He watched for any sign of Quinn and came up short.
Now to see her at school with out a care in the world made his blood boil.
"Hey, dude." Finn said walking up beside him.
Puck nodded at him than pointed down the hall at Quinn. Finn's eyes widened in surprise.
"I didn't know she was back. She hasn't texted me in over a week. I've been texting her like crazy like you said though, I swear." Finn said.
"Yeah well, looks like she didn't care."
Just as Puck said that Mercedes walked up to Quinn. They watched as the two girls spoke amicably.
A light bulb went off in Pucks head. "No way."
"What?"
"Dude, Mercedes."
"What about her?"
"Dude, Quinn could be staying with Mercedes. Think about it. Mercedes family goes to the same church as Quinn's."
"So Mercedes would be the one to help her." Finn said in understanding.
"Exactly."
"Cool, so when do w-"
"Dude chill, not here. We'll talk about it later. For now act casual. Don't press her or anything. Act like it didn't bother you that she didn't reply to you."
"Okay."
"Cool."
The two fist bumped and parted Finn heading straight for Quinn.
Santana sighed tiredly as she helped Britney pick what books she'd need for class.
It has been a hell of week for them but Santana refuses to show any type of weakness in front of the masses.
She was still a cheerio with power and she planned to use that to keep Britney and herself safe at all costs.
Right now her mind was a jumbled mess of worry and fear. She never thought she'd go toe to toe with her dad over her secret girlfriend, only to have it blow up in her face when she finally said she was in love with Britney.
The words that left her fathers mouth hurt more than anything Santana has ever heard from anyone.
Santana shook her head not wanting to think about it. She shut Britney's locker and linked pinkies.
The two walked down the hall and was about to pass Quinn and Mercedes.
"Hey Q." (Britney)
"Hey." (Santana)
Quinn smiled at them radiantly.
"Hey, Mercedes." (Santana)
"Hi, Mercedes." (Britney)
"Hey guys." (Mercedes.)
Quinn's face stood neutral but she could tell something was definitely up by Santana's demeanor. Especially since she didn't call Mercedes weezy.
Santana seemed subdued some how and Britney looked a little dimmed, like her shine wasn't as bright as usual but Quinn knew not to ask in a crowded hallway or in front Mercedes of all people.
"Hey San, Brit." Quinn said with a warm smile.
First of all, Santana knows she's Puerto Rican but her psychic Mexican third eye was telling her something. So she pulled she and Britney to a stop in front of Quinn and Mercedes with a critical eye.
"Haven't seen you around, Q. Where've you been? Santana asked.
Quinn kept her face neutral. She had prepared for this earlier that morning. "My dad's mom got sick and he didn't want to leave Charlie and I home alone so we went with him."
Santana nodded but something about that story didn't sit right with her. "Is she okay?"
"Yeah, way better. It was just a stomach bug."
"Cool, so did you ever get to pick up your bag from the hobbit?" Santana asked calmly.
Quinn's brow furrowed in confusion. "What?"
"Your bag. I saw it at Berry's house last week."
Quinn's features immediately became guarded and Santana watched as her walls stacked high and intimidating Quinn opened her mouth to respond but than Finn interuppted.
"Hey babe." He said with a charming smile as he swooped down to kiss her but Quinn stopped him immediately with a curled disgusted lip.
"No." The blonde said.
"What?" Fina asked confused.
"Finn, I'm sorry but we're over." Quinn said cutting to the chase.
Several things happened at once. Britney covered her mouth in surprise. Mercedes eyes bulged in shock. Finn choked on air and Santana cackled with laughter.
"You're breaking up with me?!"
"Didn't she just say that?" Santana asked with unveiled sarcastic annoyance.
"Yes." Quinn replied indifferently.
"You can't do that!"
"Um, Finn I'm pretty sure she can and just did." Mercedes added.
"Mind your own business Mercedes this has nothing to do with you!"
"What did you just say to me, white boy?!"
"Quite your squealing Finn. Get it through your pig skinned head. She dumped you deal with it!" Santana added.
"Shut up, Santana!"
By now a crowd was beginning to form and Quinn was slowly growing a headache.
Quinn rolled her eyes, why couldn't she just have a regular ol' boring textbook filled school day?
"Finn, we're over that's it." Quinn said in a calm tone than shut her locker turning on her heel to leave. That is, until he grabbed her by the wrist.
"Where are you going? We're not done talking about this!"
"Yes, we are!"
"No, not until you tell me why!"
Just than Santana grabbed both their wrists pulling Finn's hand from Quinn's wrist.
"She doesn't owe you anything Finnessa! So do yourself a favor and leave or I will go all Lima Heights on your ass!"
Santana had fire in her eyes and has been holding in all her anger for some time now and it was ready to be unleashed on someone and that someone might be Finn.
She stared him down than Finn turned his angry eyes on Quinn. "This isn't over Quinn."
"Like hell it isn't." Quinn fired back.
With that Finn turned and stormed away. The crowd started to disburse.
Santana turned around and saw Quinn rubbing her wrist. She shook her head.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks San."
"Do you need me to kiss it better?" Britney asked sweetly.
Quinn smiled a small appreciative smile. "No, it's okay. Thank you though."
"Okay. Hug?" Britney tried again.
Quinn giggled than nodded as Britney pulled her into a hug. She missed her best friends.
"If Finn bothers you again come find me." Santana poke up.
"Me too." Mercedes said with a smile.
"Thanks guys. Well, I should head to class." Quinn replied. "I'll see you later?"
Santana nodded than pulled Quinn in to a quick hug. Than Britney pulled Quinn into a hug again. Than Mercedes was next. Than the girls smiled at each other once more before parting ways.
It wasn't until Santana was in her math class did she remember Quinn's response to her question about the back pack. Something was up she could feel it.
