Chapter 18:

Bad timing

"Okay, now tell me what the hell were you doing at Berry's lair?"

Santana demands as soon as the three of them step inside Quinn's bedroom. Quinn rolls her eyes and sits on the desk's chair as the other blonde-haired girl throws herself on the bed.

"Shelby is back in town."

"So?" Santana frowns as she sits on the edge of the bed; she knows Shelby is back, the woman is her Glee coach after all.

"I was there to talk about... You know… She is Rachel's mother, just in case you forgot."

"Okay." The brunette relents. Beth is a delicate subject; even she knows that. She is not going to pressure any further, although she thinks it is kind of suspicious that Quinn wanted to talk to Rachel of all people. "What about your arm?"

"I tripped on the stairs. Tried to hold on the handrail and twisted my shoulder."

It's not a total lie.

"Ouch." Brittany exclaims, twisting her nose.

"Anyway, Rachel's dads took me to the hospital." She sighs. "I don't want to tell my mom I was there to talk about… You know… Aaannd she will find it weird that I was there, it's not like we're besties."

"Rachel would love that." Santana mocks.

"She would." Quinn smiles sincerely. "Maybe we will be."

"Did you hit your head too?"

"I think it's a good idea, we should be friends, like all of us. From Glee club, that is. Even if we're not in the same club anymore." Brittany explains with joy.

"We kind of are, I guess. We've been through a lot together." Quinn says as she reciprocates the smile.

"If you think about it, you're the only person in here capable of putting up with her nonsense." Santana narrows her eyes as she mulls something over.

"What do you mean?"

"You are the Queen of the nerd land. Look at this room; it's like a fucking library." She points to Quinn's bookcase. "And you categorizes your DVDs. Remember that day?"

"You two were making a mess!" Quinn states, outraged.

"You totally lectured us for five minutes explaining how you set them."

"Yep." Brittany nods as she reminisces.

"Whatever." Quinn says petulantly.

"Speaking of which, go order some pizza. We're having a movie marathon." Santana throws herself on the bed and nestles on Brittany's arm.

"Demanding uh?"

"You woke me up from my beauty sleep-"

"It was past noon!" Quinn cuts her off.

"So? It's Saturday." Santana frowns. "And I had to pick you up at the Berry's house." She lifts a finger up. "Driving that girly car of yours."

"Berry's house uh?" Quinn teases the lack of insult. "And my father gave me that car." She puckers her lips. "That's not a good argument."

Santana shrugs cynically.

"I'll order the Pizza."

"I'll choose the movie!" Brittany informs animatedly.

"Don't you always baby?"

Quinn rolls her eyes for the second time today and turns her attention to her phone. Usually she hates when they are all cuddly with each other. Now that she is thinking about it, maybe she was just jealous of what they have. She doesn't have to be jealous anymore because now she has-

Oh wait.

Shit!

She ruined everything. She remembers.

But she will fix their relationship, she will be the best friend Rachel has ever had.

Better watch out, Kurt Hummel!

The weekend was gone in the blink of an eye. Soon enough and they were back to school. As she didn't think her immobilized arm is going to be a problem to her, Quinn decided to attend her classes this week, except for gym, of course.

"Oh hello there blondie." Santana announces her presence as she gets close to Quinn's locker.

"Don't tell me you miss me already?" Quinn teases her, closing her locker right after.

"In your dreams…"

"I'll pass."

"We should do that again." Brittany says matter-of-factly, ignoring their bickering.

"We should." Quinn agrees, nudging the brunette.

"Whatever."

"Quinn Fabray."

They hear the voice of their coach, bursting the bubble of sisterhood they were in.

"Hi Coach." Quinn says politely. "Do you want to talk to me?"

"I had a meeting earlier with Judy Fabray." She pauses, observing the three of them. "Your mother." She points out. "You see, she was complaining about your injured arm." Sue looks at Quinn's arm. "She said you were working hard to get back to my Cheerios. She was wondering why you were under the impression that you needed to work that hard when you should be granted with a spot right away as you were one of the best in the squad."

"She was just worried." Quinn conceals.

"However, she is right. All you had to do was ask for your spot."

"I was trying the honorable way this time."

She explains as they all look at Santana's boobs at the same time. When she notices, she covers her breasts comically.

"Hey!"

"Well, your uniform is waiting for you."

"Uh… As you can see coach, I'm kind of…" She gestures her immobilized arm.

"As soon as you're healed." Sue adds. "Ladies." She salutes them. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have no time to spare; my plans to destroy that divided club of yours are not going to write themselves down in my diary." She frowns. "Not that I write them there." She walks away leaving the unholy trinity comically gaped. They are used to her antics though, so they soon get back to their chat.

"Are you really getting back?" Brittany asks hopefully.

"Not really. My polyester phase is gone. I told you guys."

"Yeah. And you're not interested in boys." Santana says suggestively as she crosses her arms over her chest, leaning her shoulder on the lockers. Quinn watches her with her eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do then?"

"Well, I have one week to figure something out."

At lunch break, she is a little apprehensive. Watching Rachel there on the Glee kids' table are not going to be easy. She is missing her already.

She spots the Glee club diva promptly, like autopilot; her eyes were trained way before they started dating. Now, she wonders what took her so long to notice the obvious. She was attracted to Rachel.

Or rather, she still is attracted to her. Especially when she smiles like that, she thinks, looking at Rachel as the brunette chats with Kurt and Blaine. Quinn sighs and walks toward a familiar table. The Cheerios table. She places her food on the table and sits in front of Santana and Brittany.

"Now, who is missing who?" Santana teases. "This is the Cheerios' table sweetheart." She adds, but what she meant is that, maybe, deep down, Quinn wants to get back to the squad.

However, the young Cheerio that is sitting right beside Quinn thought Santana's sentence was an invitation to be rude to Quinn. Big mistake.

"Yeah. You shouldn't be here."

The cafeteria suddenly gets very quiet. Everybody there could swear that Quinn gained a few inches as she looks down to the young Cheerio.

With a perfect arched eyebrow, she asks:

"What?"

The other Cheerios watch the scene with eyes wide open. Some of them even shake their heads in disapproval. One has to be stupid to antagonize Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez at the same time.

"Uh… you…." The brunette girl stutters.

"Sweetie." Santana calls her attention. "Go sit with Jewfro."

"But."

"Now." Santana orders sharply.

The Cheerio stands up, upset, and walks toward the table where Jacob is sitting.

"Anyway." Quinn turns to face her friends again as if nothing had happened; unaware that Rachel was watching the whole scene. "Did you write down what Mr. Collins discoursed today?"

"Your nerd is showing. And no."

"Why not?" Quinn says, annoyed.

"Because I don't need it."

"Yeah right." She rolls her eyes and starts eating her lunch.

Close to there, a giant shadow overcasts the Glee club diva.

Finn.

She forgot about him. She scolds herself mentally as she watches him embrace Rachel. She takes her phone and sends Rachel a message.

Quinn: can I talk to you?

Rachel reads the message and immediately looks toward the blonde.

She answers.

Rachel: Now?

Quinn: Yes. Go to the auditorium.

Rachel looks at her again, nodding her head ever so slightly.

When she gets in the auditorium, she finds Rachel playing some random notes on the piano. The Glee club diva is oddly crestfallen, Quinn notices. She feels her heart tightens inside her chest as she remembers that she is the reason why Rachel is like this.

"Hey." Quinn says with a sweet voice and Rachel turns around to face her.

"Hi."

"How are you?"

Rachel chuckles.

"Are you really asking me this?" She questions with a hint of sarcasm on her voice.

Quinn remains silent, just staring at the brunette.

"You're so beautiful."

"Stop, okay? You said you were going to give me space."

"I will." Quinn shakes her head, trying to focus on what she wants to say rather than on how Rachel is so beautiful today. It's real hard not to pay attention at the little details, because now she is not repressed or in denial anymore. She can look at those gorgeous lips, flawless hair, toned legs and soft skin without feeling confused and frustrated.

Actually, she is going to be frustrated because she wants to kiss Rachel right there, but she can't.

"Because I screwed up." She mumbles to herself.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"What do you want to talk about?" Rachel stands up and gets closer.

"Finn."

Rachel huffs.

"Why did I think it was something else?" She shakes her head. "Yeah right, because I'm a fool."

"You're not. And please, listen to me."

Upset, Rachel crosses her arms over her chest. She waits.

"I just wanted to know what you're going to do about it."

"You've lost the right to demand anything. Don't you think?"

"I'm not demanding. I just wanted to know. I put you in this position. And I know Finn. I'd hate to know that he is being inconvenient to you."

"Really?" Rachel smiles forcibly. "That's the reason. The only reason?"

"Yes." Quinn says sadly. "Of course I didn't like that he was all over you. But this is not about my jealousy. I promise."

"Why do I find it hard to believe?"

"Because I was an idiot before. I asked you to date him and then went all crazy jealous girlfriend on you."

Hearing the G world is so painful to her now that Rachel closes her eyes for a moment, sighing.

"Sorry." Quinn notices the change in Rachel's demeanor.

"I have to go." She goes past the blonde, heading to the way out.

"Wait." Quinn holds her hand and brings her back to where she was, so Rachel can face her again. "I know you don't want to talk to me in the present moment, but I'd like to try and be friends. When you're ready, that is."

Rachel remains silent, reminiscing about the night in that hotel in New York. Quinn said back then that she didn't want to be her friend and she misunderstood the whole thing.

But then…

"You kissed me…" She mutters.

"Uh?" Quinn inquires with confusion evident on her face.

Suddenly, everything is quiet. Not a sound to be heard. Rachel knows she should be tougher than that; she is hurt, she is supposed to be as far away from Quinn as possible. However, here she is, staring at the blonde's lips.

The moment Rachel lowers her guard down, Quinn loses her resolve. She presses theirs lips together in a very passionate way. It is so intense that Rachel stumbles backwards, but Quinn holds her by the waist, pulling the brunette more into her.

They kiss. Passionately so. Going toward the piano. Rachel wraps her arms around Quinn's neck, giving in to her urge. They reach the piano's bench fast enough and with a hurry, Quinn holds Rachel up so the brunette can sit on top of the keys.

The loud noise brings them back to reality.

"Stop." Rachel pulls away, gasping for breath.

Breathless as well, Quinn stops her motions. She presses her cheek on Rachel's temple as the brunette holds her waist with both of her hands.

They remain like this for a few moments.

"You can't do that."

"I know." Quinn backs up. "I won't do that again. It was… I… Shit." She scolds herself.

"I keep picturing you and her." Rachel hides her face on her hands. "You can't fix this with a kiss."

"I wasn't trying to. It was a slip. I am serious about the friendship. I'm serious about giving you space. I'll hate me forever if I've lost you for good."

"Did you think about that when you kissed her?"

"I thought you-"

"Don't." Rachel warns. She crosses her arms, looking away in annoyance. "Did I get in a Friends episode without knowing?"

"Well, technically we were on a break, wasn't that what you wanted to say to me?"

"You've got some nerve!"

"Baby…" She starts, but regrets as she sees the look on Rachel's face. "Sorry." She starts over. "Rach, please, I don't want to fight with you anymore. I messed up. I know you'll need time to heal. That kiss was nothing but a mistake. One that I will regret forever. About Finn, whatever you decide I'm okay with it. I was worried about you." She sighs. "We both know how he deals with a break up. I was also concerned about McKinley's chairs."

Rachel smiles at that.

"I'm still so mad at you."

"I know."

"Of course I'm going to break up with him. But I needed time to…" She pauses to recompose herself.

Her weekend was depressing. Filled with tears and anger and more tears. She did not have time or the energy to think about Finn.

"To cope with everything. I can't just break up with him. We dragged him into this madness. It's not his fault."

Quinn nods, resigned. Rachel looks at her one more time and leaves.

It is clear to Rachel that she still is very much hot for Quinn Fabray. The problem is, she still keeps picturing that scene in her head, Emily touching her and that makes her mad. Sure, the break was something she had in mind before the whole Emily thing; she wanted them to focus on their friendship and on Quinn's issues. Obviously, now she is so pissed that she cannot even look at the girl. Let alone, stay in the same room. She is angrier now if that is possible. How could she be so week? Giving in so easily?

But that kiss was so hot…

She thinks.

"Are you ready?"

"Uh?"

"I asked if you're ready to go." Finn questions her.

Focus Rachel, you are mad at her.

"Yes. Sure." She closes her locker.

"You okay? You seem a little off?"

"I'm okay. Let's go?"

"Alright." He shrugs.

They head towards the parking lot.

She is getting close to her locker when a female voice startles her.

"Hey."

Then she turns around to face the other girl.

"Oh… Hey." Quinn greets with little enthusiasm. "Emily."

"Sorry to show up like this."

"Uh… So you're here to see me?"

"Yeah." Emily smiles. "I mean, school was great and all but… I don't usually pay a visit just for the sake of it."

"Right." Quinn nibbles on her bottom lip, she is not really looking forward to have a conversation with the girl, last time she did she ruined her relationship.

"Anyway, I wanted to talk to you. Let me." Emily holds Quinn's books so the blonde can open the locker, handing them back when Quinn manages to open it.

"What do you want to talk?" Quinn asks as she places her books inside her locker.

"I want to apologize, actually."

"You don't have to." She closes the locker. "I'm actually leaving. Santana is giving me a ride."

"I actually do. I should have not kissed you. And I can take you home if you want."

"You shouldn't, but I should've been clearer about my intentions or rather, my motivations. To come to your place, that is. I was really not having a good day."

"Exactly." Emily gestures her hands. "And I took advantage of that."

"You didn't."

Quinn checks her phone. She has an incoming message.

Santana: Hey loser. Sorry, Sue wants us to meet her.

"I kind of did. And I regret. Anyway, I thought I should apologize." She twists her nose, shameful.

Quinn: now?

Santana: yep. Are you going to wait?

"Something wrong?"

"No, Sue wants to meet with them."

"Let me take you home, it's the least I can do."

Quinn ponders her options for a moment. She doesn't want trouble with Rachel, but she is kind of tired and her arm sling is starting to annoy her. She wants her bed so badly right now and to take a relaxing bath.

"Okay. But that's it. It's just a ride."

"Yes sir." Emily jokes.

"I'm serious." Quinn says in a stern way.

"Okay."

They leave the hallway and go toward the parking lot.

"So, how is your arm?"

Emily asks as they approach her car.

"Healing. My arm is not my biggest concern right now."

"Something you wanna talk about?"

"Not really."

A little dejected, Emily nods her head.

"Well…" She caresses the blonde arm, the one that is not immobilized. "Here you go." She opens the passenger door to Quinn.

Of course she is THAT luck. Of course, Emily would park her car right near Finn's truck.

Shit!

She thinks as Rachel's eyes are about to burn her alive.