Layla ran upstairs and found Rachel laying down on the front lawn. "Rachel!" she rushed right over to her and saw that she was completely knocked out.
"Is she all right?" Finn walked over to her and crouched down meeting Layla's eyes for the first time all night. Finn was really worried about Rachel so he decided to check up on her as well.
"It would appear so. She's just exhausted and I think Santana gave her half a cup of vodka earlier. Do you think you can carry her to my car? Her fathers should be expecting us home pretty soon." Layla looked at Finn and wondered what Rachel really saw in him. He had this goofy looking smile and he seemed completely opposite from Rachel.
"Of course." Finn lifted Rachel up in his arms and walked over to Layla's car. He's forgotten how light Rachel was, he remembered carrying her on his back just so she can reach for something in the pantry. Her cute stature was always something Finn found really adorable. "Look Layla, I know you may not like me because of what I did to Rachel last summer."
Layla looked at Finn and wondered how could he possibly know that. When Rachel would tell stories about her conversations with Finn he seemed like a complete moron. He always dozed off when she would use big words and he never really paid attention unless Rachel was talking about topics that involved guy stuff.
"Rachel doesn't have a lot of friends and when she introduced you as her best friend I assumed that she probably vented to you about everything that happened between us." Finn gently laid Rachel on the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt for her. Finn met those light blue eyes again only to find out that it's no longer glaring at him. Layla was really interested in what he had to say, he wasn't off the hook but if Rachel gave him a second change then maybe he's not as bad as she thinks.
"Your absolutely right, Rachel was a mess last summer. Honestly Finn seeing her like that was the most difficult thing I had to endure."
"I know and I wanted to thank you. Rachel seems really happy and stronger too." Finn looked through the window and saw a passed out Rachel. He smiled at the sight and hoped that someday she'll give him a second chance. Layla saw the sincerity and guilt in his eyes. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy, he's holding on to her but Rachel came out of that summer a completely change woman.
"Good night Finn." Layla smiled half heartedly and got inside her car. She looked at the girl beside her and hoped that when she wakes up in the morning her world will remain the same. Layla felt so guilty because she knew she had ruined something very important to Rachel. The worst part is that she wouldn't be able to explain it to her in the morning. Rachel was going to have to face this on her own. She can only hope that Rachel would forgive her.
Quinn found herself parked outside of her house the moon was shinning down on her bright as ever. She had no idea how long she's been sitting in Santana's car ever since she left Puck's party. She's been crying for some time now but no matter how hard she cried the wrenching feeling of heart break never seemed to decipate. She never thought it would be this painful, her lips were quivering, head throbbing and all she wanted to do feel was absolutely nothing.
Rachel kissed someone.
Quinn rested her head on the steering wheel and tried to calm her breathing. She closed her eyes and tried listening to her heart beat.
There's your proof Quinn, Your hearts still beating, it's not broken or shattered into a million pieces. What happened tonight was out of your control. You owe it to yourself to talk to Rachel and find out what really happened. I know it hurts right now but Rachel is still Rachel. She's still the girl we want to be with and I'm sure theres an explanation.
Quinn let out a deep and heavy breath and when she opened her eyes nothing's changed. Her heart was slowly slicing itself with the image of Rachel kissing another person on new years. She just felt so defeated she grabbed her phone without even looking at it and decided to go inside her house. There was really no point in staying out here any longer if the feeling wasn't going away.
Quinn collapsed on her bed feeling exhausted and emotionally drained, she looked out her window and wondered what she could possibly do to never feel like this again. A small glimpse of happiness isn't worth this agonizing and unbearable pain that permanently parked itself in her heart. She kept starring at moon until her eyes found darkness.
"Rachel?... Honey? Wake up dear?" Leroy sat next to Rachel and gently rubbed her shoulder. Rachel's been asleep for almost ten hours now. Hiram and Leroy we're beginning to worry but Layla had explained to them everything that happened at the party before she left. Hiram was holding a tray full of breakfast and some hang over remedies.
"Rachel wake up honey. You need some food in your stomach or you're going to have a major hang over."
Rachel groaned and slowly pulled her blanket over her head. She tried to speak but her throat was so dry from dehydration and all she wanted was to sleep this whole phase off. Rachel tried to open her eyes but even through the covers the sun was shinning bright and her eyes was sensitive as ever.
I hate drinking! My head is pounding, my stomach is...oh no...
Rachel pulled down her covers and knew she had no time to run to the bathroom, her fathers was on her left side and there was no way that scene will ever happen. So when she turned to the right side of the bed she saw her pink trash can and she couldn't have been more glad to see it.
"Oh dear, honestly Rachel how much did you have to drink?" Leroy was holding Rachel's hair and he could hear the empty gags his daughter was making. "You need to eat honey. Just some bread okay it will soak up all that alcohol." Leroy handed her some water after he knew she was done throwing up. When she faced her fathers she looked horrible. Her hair was a mess, her mascara was smeared all over her eyes, her lips were dry and she looked pale as ever.
"I hate drinking." Rachel's voice was so hoarse that she couldn't even believe it was her talking.
"Just drink some more water and put some food in your stomach." Hiram placed the tray on her lap and kissed Rachel on her head.
"Thanks dad, where's Layla?" Rachel looked down on her tray and saw that there was a letter folded up between her orange juice and bowl of fruits.
"She left a while ago honey but she did leave you with that letter. Your father and I will give you some privacy." Leroy kissed Rachel on her forehead and left the room with Hiram. When she heard her door slam shut she grabbed the letter and started reading it.
Dear Rachel,
I want to apologize for not being there with you when you wake up. I know you probably have a lot of questions concerning the events that took place last night. So I hope my letter could answer some those questions for you.
Rachel tried to remember the last memory she could think of and when she did.
Oh no...
Rachel threw up again in her garbage can.
"I slapped Santana Lopez." Rachel wiped her mouth with her napkin and she went back to reading the letter hoping that Layla had written something about what happened after she slapped Santana.
I'm sure you would remember slapping Santana. After you went upstairs to talk to her she took you to the backyard and as an alternative punishment she made you drink her half filled vodka and o.j. Which is the main reason you don't remember anything after that.
That's right! I remember but she talked to me about something when we were outside. It was something personal but I can't really remember what it was.
This is the part that's most difficult for me to explain. I went to the backyard to speak with you privately. Santana went back inside and we talked about how happy I was spending new years with you and how proud I am of you. You were really drunk at that point but you managed to pay attention to what I was saying. And at midnight you thanked me and kissed me on my cheek. It was a pretty dark night and we were sitting kind of far from the back door. But I'm guessing that...
Rachel's heart stopped when she saw Quinn's name beautifully hand written in Layla's letter.
Quinn was there? Why can't I remember?
Quinn wanted to surprise you by showing up at the party. You ran after her but you were really drunk. By the time I went to see if you were all right you were laying down on the grass passed out. Finn was worried about you and he helped me put you in my car. I'm positive that Quinn girl wouldn't leave you like that. So my guess was that when you ran to the front yard she was already gone.
Rachel was trying so hard to remember everything that happened last night. She needed to remember but everything went blank after Santana made her drink that awful concoction. Rachel continued reading the letter hoping that there's more information to fill in the blanks.
I think Quinn saw you kiss me last night. And thats why she stormed off. I'm sorry Rachel if my visit was an inconvenience. I want you to know that my intentions was purely out of friendship. I hope you can forgive me.
Always,
Layla
Rachel moved the tray and ran to the bathroom. She needed to see Quinn and explain what happened. When she reached the bathroom her body still wasn't one hundred percent but the thought of Quinn storming out was making her sick to her stomach. Rachel was in no condition to visit Quinn but there's no way she was going to leave it however it was left last night. She looked in the mirror and wondered how she was going to do this. She washed her face but her stomach was still in knots, when she got out of her bathroom she searched for her phone to see if Quinn had left her any phone calls or text messages. When Rachel unlocked her phone there wasn't anything in her home screen. But she decided to look at her message inbox any ways just to make sure that Quinn didn't try to contact her before midnight. When Rachel saw Quinn's name on the very top of her inbox Rachel couldn't even muster up the courage to open it. She tried to remember if she read it at all last night but everything was still pretty hazy.
Quinn F. 12/31 11:42p
Hey superstar,
I hope your having fun and behaving yourself. I just wanted to let you know that I wished I could've been there with you to do the count down and be the one next to you starting the new year. To put your mind at ease waking up next to you was totally worth it.
Always,
Quinn
After reading Quinn's text message Rachel was dressed and out of her bedroom in minutes.
"Rachel? Where do you think your going?" Hiram questioned when Rachel passed right by him when she was going down the stairs.
"Dad I really need to see Quinn. Things happened last night and I can't leave things like this. Please. I need to go see her." Hiram could hear the distress in her voice. Layla told them parts of the story he was just hoping that it could be settled first thing Monday morning when they would see each other at school.
"Okay, but you are in no condition to drive so I'll drive you to her house okay?"
Rachel knew she was still hung over and driving was probably a really bad idea because her head was still beating the crap out of her. There was no other alternative so she nodded yes in approval and walked out to her fathers car.
"Is everything all right with you girls?"
"Not exactly, I think Layla's presence may have upset Quinn. I just needed to clarify with her that she's my best friend and nothing more." Rachel watched as each house passes by and knew that once she she gets to Quinn's house there's no turning back. Quinn's text kept flooding her thoughts She wished she could've been there with me. Waking up next to me was worth it Rachel couldn't believe that she screwed this up.
"As long as your honest with her sweetie I'm sure she'll understand."
Rachel looked at her father and wondered if he knew something else. When Hiram turned a corner she knew that she was only a few houses down until they reach Quinn's home. Aside from the painful headache, the dehydration, nausea and exhaustion she was ready to face Quinn. When Hiram parked the car Rachel was feeling anxious and scared. She sat there and wondered what Quinn must've been thinking seeing her with Layla last night.
"Go on sweetheart. I'll be waiting right here for you." Hiram smiled at his daughter and hoped that things work out for the best. This was one of those moment he was so frightened of.
Rachel closed her eyes and exhaled she gripped the handle and opened her door. She started walking towards Quinn's house and she could feel all the blood rush out of her face.
Maybe I shouldn't go through with this. I feel so horrible and I know Im not looking my best.
Rachel's feet kept moving her towards the house and before she knew it she was ringing Quinn's doorbell.
Quinn woke up to her cell phone vibrating. She could barely open her eyes because it was so swollen from all the tears. She looked up to see what time it was and it was nine in the morning. She looked at her phone and answered.
"What Santana?" Quinn wasn't in the mood for her and frankly she didn't even know why she answered in the first place.
"Quinn are you all right? Last night was sort of a blur. But I remembered you storming out." Quinn really didn't know how to answer her. She was just pissed off at how badly everything turned out. And now that's she's awake everything still feels the same. She feels empty and broken and Santana maybe the only person she can talk to about her feelings but she wasn't even sure what they we're at this point.
"I just want to forget it all happened Santana, can you do that for me? Just don't mention anything that happened. Because last night was a lot harder than I expected..." Santana cut her off.
"I don't want to hear that pathetic excuse Q. You've been through hell and back and your going to flat out tell me you're giving up before it even began? I call bullshit!"
"Why do even care? You hate Rachel!"
"Damn right I hate Rachel. After last night she's definitely on my shit list."
"So why are you pushing me to be with her? Last night sucked S. It hurt so much seeing her kiss who ever she was with last night." before she knew it tears started to fall and she had no way of stopping them. "who am I fooling Santana? Maybe Rachel and I aren't meant..."
"I'm going to stop you right there. Because last night after all the drama that went down between me and her. Even though she was wasted she wouldn't shut up about you. I wanted to talk to about something else but I couldn't even get a word out because every time she opened her gigantic mouth your name was spilling out like word vomit. She's in love with you just as much as your in love with her. Trust me Q. I wouldn't make this shit up especially since your perfect little thing slapped me in front of everyone last night."
"WHAT?" Quinn couldn't believe it this actually made her smile something she didn't think she would be doing in the next few days. "she slapped you?"
Santana didn't even want to have this conversation with Quinn. When Rachel left the party last night Santana got up on the table and screamed at everyone.
"IF ANYONE SPEAKS OF WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN ME AND MAN HANDS EVER AGAIN. YOU BETS BELIEVE I WILL GO LIMA HEIGHTS ADJACENT ON YOUR ASS! AM I MAKING MYSELF CLEAR?"
"YEAH!" everyone cheered and eventually passed out.
"Tanny?" Britney leaned into Santana's neck and gently pressed her lips on the nape of her neck. Santana snapped out of her trance and remembered she was on the phone with Quinn.
"Santana? You still there?" Quinn wondered why she was silent for some time now.
"Q look, Brit really wants to double date with you guys so I would really appreciate it if you would just give Rachel a chance to explain."
"I knew you have a real reason why your trying so hard to fix me and Rachel. It's really endearing Santana how much you love Britney."
"You can have it too you know. I know it's scary but being with Britney makes me become a better person and she's everything I could've asked for in a relationship. Don't let someone so meaningful to you slip away because your scared Q. I have to go. Call me later okay."
"Thanks Santana. Oh and one last thing before you go. Rachel Barbara Berry slapped you?" Quinn couldn't hold back her infectious laugh.
"Shut up Q!" then all she heard was the sound of the dial tone. Quinn shook her head and was grateful she had a friend like Santana.
Quinn laid on her bed and looked up at her ceiling she could feel the burning around her eyes as she tries to open them. It was no use she just kept her eyes shut, she's only really cried like that three times in her lifetime. The first time was finding out she was pregnant and the second time was a few days after she gave birth to Beth. She promised herself she wasn't going to cry or feel that loneliness ever again. She never would've guessed that the tiny brunette that she bullied because of her own insecurities would play hacky sac with her heart.
What am I going to do? I never thought it would hurt this much seeing Rachel with someone else. So what am I just suppose to do? Get over what I saw? Like it never happened? You and I both know that's not how we handle problems. Ugh! Why does this have to hurt so much?
Quinn heard her doorbell ring and wondered who would be visiting them this early on a Saturday. She grabbed her iPod and put on her headphone. She needed to clear her head and spending it at home with her nagging mother wasn't going to help that. She blasted her music and walked down stairs to the kitchen. When she passed by the front door her mother was blocking whoever it was she was talking to. Quinn continued to the kitchen and started cooking herself some breakfast.
Rachel waited patiently for someone to open the door.
It's not too late maybe we should've called first. NO! This has to be fixed right now.
Rachel heard someone on the other side unlock the door.
This is it, do you know what your going to say to her? Because I have a feeling when she sees us here she might slam the door on our face.
When the door slowly swung open Rachel felt so nervous she started feeling dizzy. Before she could even see who answered the door she couldn't stop her mind from speaking out loud even if it saved her life. And that moment would've been the perfect time for her mind to save her.
"Quinn, I wanted to appolo..." Rachel swallowed the huge cantaloupe size of embarrassment lodged from her throat and tried to force out a greeting. "Hello…Mrs. Fabray."
There she was Judy Fabray, Quinn's frightening mother. She was the one and only reason why she has never stepped foot in the Fabray household. She had her hair on a fairly tight bun, her eyes a light shade of green and she knew right there where Quinn has gotten her looks. Judy though with age still looked amazing, Rachel stood there unable to move. Judy was staring at Rachel trying to figure out who this tiny girl was and why is she on her porch at ten in the morning.
"Can I help you something?"
Rachel just couldn't believe her luck how could she possibly convince Quinn's mom to let her in the house to have a moment alone with her daughter? At least she doesn't recognize her as the girl who has two homosexual fathers.
"Good Morning Ms. Fabray, I'm Rachel Berry Quinn's classmate I was just wondering if I could speak with her for just a minute. I know its very impolite of me to just show up in your house and I apologize for that."
When Rachel said her last name it looked like something in Judy's head clicked. Her body language changed completely she went from inviting to uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry dear but she's not feeling to good. I'll let her know you stopped by what was your name again?"
"Rachel Berry, could you please tell her it's urgent."
"Of course dear. Have a good day."
Before Rachel could thank her the door was already shut. Rachel stood in front of the door she loath so much, on the other side of this door was the girl she wanted to be with. Behind this door was a void in her heart because things were left unresolved. Rachel knew if she walked away now she may never have the courage to face Quinn's mom ever again. She placed her finger in front of the doorbell once more but hesitated not entirely sure if bothering her for the second time was a smart idea. Rachel shook her head in disappointment and walked away from Quinn's home. She walked over to her fathers car completely let down she sat in the passenger seat in silence. Hiram knew not to say anything because he really had no idea how to handle the situation because he knew bits and pieces of their "relationship." When they reached their house Rachel didn't even look up Hiram placed his hand on hers and that broke Rachel from her thoughts.
"Everything is going to work out Rachel. Don't feel so broken it's a new year you need to enjoy life and everything it has to offer. Quinn isn't going any where." Hiram was never good at comforting Rachel he always left it to Leroy. They always had a connection when it came to personal stuff but seeing Rachel like this was tearing him apart a little. He gripped her hand tighter and when Rachel looked up at him all he saw was his six year old Rachel. So helpless and afraid of the future that lies in front of her.
"Thanks dad."
When Judy shut the door she needed a moment to gather herself. She walked over the kitchen and was surprised to see her daughter making herself breakfast.
"Your up. I was going to let you sleep in a little bit more."
"Who was at door?" Quinn still had her headphones on but had the volume low enough to be able to hear her mother.
Judy paused for a moment considering what her options were answering that question. "Just some solicitor trying to sell me some cleaning supplies. So what are doing today?"
Quinn shrugged her shoulders avoiding eye contact with her mother because if she saw how swollen her eyes were she will never leave her alone. She really had no idea what she was going to do today, she still had some homework she needed to finish and the fact that she's grounded doesn't leave her much options. She quickly finished cooking her light breakfast and walked away from her mother.
"Quinn? Sit down for a minute, lets talk." Judy wanted to find out why Rachel Berry was standing outside her door this morning when her daughter has never mentioned ever being friends with her.
"I have a lot of homework to do mom. I have one more week of this punishment we can talk later." Quinn left with her plate full of food and walked upstairs to her bed room.
Quinn sat in her desk and placed her plate in front of her. She didn't really have any appetite but this should give her an excuse to stay in her room longer. She accidentaly moved her mouse and her computer screen went from black to a picture of Rachel when they webcamed yesterday. Rachel was looking straight at her with that smile she couldn't get enough of. She stared into those brown eyes and wondered if she's still the same Rachel. Quinn sat there memorizing Rachel's face trying to convince her heart to heal even for a second and forget that Rachel's first kiss for the new year wasn't with her.
Who was that person she kissed?
Quinn grabbed her phone and called Santana. It rang three times and went straight to voicemail.
"Damn it. What good would it do if I did find out who it was any way. It's not going to change how horrible it felt seeing them kiss. Maybe I should just call Rachel. I wouldn't even know what to say. I'll just wait for her to call me. That way I can sort out everything."
Rachel laid in her bed to stop the dizziness from occurring.
Maybe I should just call her. I don't think talking over the phone is the best way to solve the matter. We have to see her I have to fix this.
Rachel grabbed her phone and dialed the last person she thought she would be asking for a favor or even help her out after last night.
"Santana, I need a huge favor."
"And why should I help you Berry?"
"Because I like Quinn and I want to be with her Santana. I don't know why I'm telling you but it feels amazing saying it out loud. I know I messed up at the party but I really need your help on this one. Please?"
Santana thought how in the world did she get caught in the middle of all this. Damn you Britney!
"Fine. What's the plan?"
Quinn left her room for the sole purpose of bathroom breaks and starvation. One good thing about the Fabray household was no one knew how to communicate. Once Quinn would lock herself in her room Judy would just stay down stairs and stay out of her daughters way.
Quinn couldn't believe she went through a whole day without talking to Rachel. She looked at the clock and saw that it was already seven thirty at night. It was beginning to bother her why Rachel hasn't attempted to contact her about last night. She didn't want to call Santana because she's positive she was tired of hearing about her mixed feelings on the matter. Her mother always knew not to disturb her when she's in her room but dinner was thirty minutes ago and she would usually call her down to eat. When she opened her door she was surprised to see Santana standing right in front of her.
"Santana? What are you doing here?"
Santana gave her a mischievous smile and lead Quinn towards her window. Santana opened her window and Quinn started hearing live music from her backyard. When Quinn looked down there Rachel stood in the middle of her backyard surrounded by candles scattered all over.
I won't do what you told me
I won't do what you said, no
I'm not gonna stop feeling
I'm not gonna forget
I don't want to start over
I don't want to pretend that you are not my lover
That you're only my friend
Cause when you took my heart you took it all
When you gave it back it fell apart so
I won't do what you told me
I won't do what you said, no
I'm not gonna stop feeling
I'm not gonna forget
I don't want to start over
I don't want to pretend that you are not my lover
That you're only my friend
Well, maybe your not right for me
Maybe it's just hard to see
I get lost in your beauty
Then I just start questioning
Quinn couldn't believe she was listening to Rachel serenading her. Rachel started walking a little closer to Quinn holding a bouquet of red tulips.
Cause when you took my heart you took it all
When you gave it back it fell apart so
I won't do what you told me
I won't do what you said, no
I'm not gonna stop feeling
I'm not gonna forget
I don't want to start over
I don't want to pretend that you are not my lover
That you're only my friend, I won't
Rachel was looking straight into Quinn's eyes never leaving her gaze, she missed her so much. Its been so long since she's felt her warmth on her, so long since she's stared into those hazel eyes and lost herself. She hoped by doing this Quinn knew how she really feels for her. How badly she wanted to be with her and only her.
You say it's easier to burn than to build
You say it's easier to hurt than to heal
But I say you lose when you give up what you love
And I've lived my life without you long enough
Quinn was was speechless and tears we're beginning to fall from her eyes . There Rachel stood in the sweetest and most thoughtful way possible. Quinn didn't need any more explanation she just wanted to be with Rachel right this minute. Quinn ran down the stairs through the living room and out the back door. She found Rachel and stopped right in front of the tiny diva. Quinn held Rachel's face and stared deep into those brown eyes she held her breath not sure if she has the courage to kiss her. Then the unexpected happened Rachel leaned in finally got the answer she's been asking for. When their lips melded together all the doubts and fear that they both bottled up inside disappeared. Rachel was floating and Quinn's amazingly soft lips was anchoring her down. Rachel wrapped her arms around Quinn's body and pulled her closer not wanting this magical experience to fade. Quinn was on cloud nine and higher, she had no clue how to describe all these feelings rushing through her head. Rachel's soft and voluptuous lips was making her feel light headed, this was the perfect moment she's been waiting for. Quinn couldn't get enough she placed her hand behind Rachel's neck and the other on her lower back. Quinn playfully bit Rachel's lower lip and this was the first time she's ever heard one of the most beautiful sound Rachel Berry has ever made.