QUINN.
It's been 3 weeks since Quinn witnessed the incident at the tutor center. She had confronted Mr. Braun about Stacy Meyers but his answer was. 'The student refuses to work, period' and there was nothing he could do about it.
'Unless the kid put in the effort.' Quinn could only accept it. The blonde was already having a frustrating day and really didn't feel like sitting in the cafeteria with all the jocks and cheerios only to watch and listen to them harass other people.
She barely got sleep last night and she just wanted peace and quiet. She made her way to the auditorium, entering it for a reprieve. As she began walking down the aisle to find a seat, she spotted the kid again.
She couldn't believe it. She always wondered why she never saw the kid in the cafeteria. There was her answer. She walked down the aisle two rows behind the figure to be exact and sat down just watching them.
She assumed the kid was asleep because they hadn't showed any sign that they realized she was there. So she did her best to stay quiet and let them rest. It was the best lunch period she's ever had.
For the next few days she watched the kid everytime she encountered him or her. The kid was always walking with their head down. Always maintaining invisibility.
Quinn could practically feel the kids sadness radiating in waves. This kid was doing exactly what she does at home. Trying to stay as hidden as possible. Quinn felt connected to the kid in that way at least.
Pretending nothing was wrong, when really you always felt as if you were drowning. She is beginning to understand the kid completely. There had to be something that either happened to them or is still happening to them.
She wished she could ask and help but knew it was no use because she herself would rather die than admit something at home was wrong. So she settled for sitting with them everyday at lunch in the auditorium in silence but instead of sitting with two rows between them.
Everyday she had been sitting closer until she finally began to sit right beside them in silent support. She wasn't sure if it helped or not but it was also helping her in a way, making her feel like she wasn't alone.
The two sat there in comfortable silence. Quinn felt at ease in this kid's presence. For some reason she was content with just watching them. The lunch hour streched on.
Once the bell rung Quinn stood up and walked out to head to class but the kid remained seated. She was going to try to wake him or her but decided against it.
From what she gathered thus far, this kid didn't take kindly to people forcing them to do something that they didn't want to. So she left.
LATER THAT NIGHT.
Quinn put on her jacket and climbed out her window. It was 11:28 pm and her father already passed out from drinking too heavy. Thank god she didn't get a beating today or this climbing down would hurt like a bitch.
Quinn hid in the shadows not wanting to be seen right away. She waited until the figure appeared 10 minutes later right on time. She walked down her driveway and began walking along side the figure.
The only indication that the figure even acknowledged her was a short side way glance. Quinn caught sight of chocolate pools for only a second, than the figure faced forward and Quinn would be lying if she said just that glance didn't make her falter in her steps by their depths
The figure was a female, a female with beautiful chocolate eyes. Quinn smiled a small smile to herself before continuing on. Quinn recognized were they were immediately.
It was the river court. Charlie came there all the time. Guess it wasn't so secret after all. The girl sat on the grass on the edge of the hill next to the water. Quinn looked a little hesitant because this place looked sketchy at night.
Eventually, she relaxed and couldn't help how peaceful she felt. She couldn't say how long they had been out there but the girl stood up and began walking away and Quinn followed suit.
They walked and walked until they reached the blondes neighborhood again. Quinn went toward her house. She turned back and whispered a. 'Good night..' The figure didn't stop or return her sentiment but for some reason Quinn felt perfectly ok with that.
She climbed her tree and entered her room nervously just in case her father had come looking for her. She sighed in relief when she realized the sock on her door was still there.
It was her way to indicate whether he did stop in, in which case the sock would be on the floor. Thankfully it wasn't. She looked at her clock and sighed. it was 2:18 am but Quinn would have stood awake way past that because she barely slept anyway.
She crawled into her bed and actually felt tired. She fell asleep easily for the first time in a long time. Every night after that she climbed out her window for the walk with the girl who still hadn't uttered a word but seemed ok with her tagging along or just genuinely didn't give a shit. Either way, it was helping Quinn actually sleep at night..
Quinn walked the halls feeling refreshed. She had slept a total of 4 hours every night for the last week, nearing into October. All thanks to her walk with the silent girl.
It was amazing to the blonde. How silence could give you so much comfort and time to really think, decompress than resolve. Letting go of things that she couldn't change.
All the things she stood awake at night thinking about, she turned over in her head during their walks and eventual sittings. She would talk in her mind to herself until she let out all that she was feeling mentally, than leave it right there by the river.
By the time she got home she would fall asleep the second her head hit the pillow. She went from an hour and a half or less worth of sleep a night to 4.
She felt amazing and she was actually smiling for once though she had to stop because people were becoming uncomfortable with it, because it was borderline manic looking. She couldn't wait for lunch so she could sit with the girl.
RACHEL.
Rachel wasn't sure what to make of this blonde girl. Other than the girl being flawlessly gorgeous, she knew next to nothing about her. Not that she really cared to, caring about people only got you hurt.
That didn't mean she wasn't confused by the girls actions. She was obviously a cheerleader but she was respectful and just sat in silence with her. She never pushed for conversation. At first Rachel thought it was a prank but after days of nothing, she finally let herself relax a little in the girls presence.
She was a little surprised to have the girl creep out of the shadows a week ago, only to start walking with her every night to the river court to sit in silence.
Rachel couldn't make heads or tails of it. It was weird but at the same time not because she couldn't help this odd feeling that always and only made an appearance in the blondes presence.
It felt natural and dare she think it, companionable. It was nothing like she'd ever experience before. The crazy part was that no words were needed.
It was completely comfortable and easy and Rachel hates to admit, nice in a way but she would never tell the girl this because she doesn't want her to think they were friends or even that she wanted to speak with her.
January was coming and soon she'd be gone. The blonde would have to find someone else to latch on to. The bell rung signaling the end of the day and Rachel was one of the first to leave.
QUINN AND RACHEL, SAME DAY.
8 hours later and Quinn stood completely still on the floor, not wanting to move just in case he came back. When a good amount of time went by the blonde crawled to her bed, using it to help her stand on shaky legs.
He beat her mid body mostly. She had a bloody nose and there was definitely swelling to her jaw but she knew he didn't beat her anywhere else because she would be wearing her cheerios uniform for school.
She looked at her bed room clock and realized the girl would be passing their house in 12 minutes. The blonde placed her sock on the door than limped to the window and opened it as quietly as she could.
She began making the exhausting and painful journey down the tree that led to her back yard. Once she was down she began walking towards the front of the house. Just as she was about to step on to the side walk the girl appeared.
The brunette whipped her head to left when she heard the footsteps. Her eyes widened a fraction but Quinn began to limp forward to begin their silent walk like it wasn't a big deal.
The blonde stopped when she felt a hand lightly grasp her wrist. She looked at the brunette in confusion and wariness. The brunette gestured with her head for the blonde to follow.
They walked in silence. Quinn didn't know where they were going but also didn't care. It wasn't until they reached a house that she realized that the brunette was inviting her to her possible home or friends house.
They climbed the tree with Quinn quietly hissing in pain. Rachel helped the blonde in and led her to her bed still on the floor. The room was still completely bare. She sat Quinn down and went to her bathroom. A minute later she came out with a first aid kit. hydrogen peroxide and kneeled in front of the blonde.
She began cleaning Quinn's blood and checking her. The brunette made eye contact in silent question as she touched the bottom of the blondes top. Quinn looked nervous but as she stared back in to those chocolate understanding eyes.
Something passed between the two and Quinn just knew the girl could be trusted. The blonde lifted her arms the best she could and felt a shiver run down her spine when the silent girls finger tips accidently grazed her skin.
The blondes eyes filled with tears and she kept her eyes downcast in shame. She didn't see the chocolate eyes in front of her well with angry tears. As the pink welts of belt markings marred her skin.
Not to mention all the forming bruises and a gash where the belts buckle obviously cut. Quietly, the girl cleaned her with a touch so gentle it was as if a feather was caressing her. The girl didn't hurt her once. It was as if she mastered the art of the process the way her hands moved.
They didn't make any eye contact, even after she finished the blondes back and had started on her front. Quinn kept her bra on so nothing was exposed but she still felt like she was exposed because of what this meant.
It meant someone outside her home now knew that she was being abused and it made her stomach turn in disgust, shame and weakness that she isn't strong enough to stop him.
After the silent girl was done cleaning the blonde. Rachel helped the blonde back into her Cheerios hoodie. The brunette went back to the bathroom than returned with a cup of water and two pills holding them out to the cheerleader.
Quinn looked hesitant at first but Rachel silently gestured her hands forward in a 'take them' manner. After the blonde downed the pills and finished off the water.
Rachel lightly pressed Quinn's shoulder indicating for the blonde to lay down and she did. Rachel than walked to her window staring at the stars in silence.
Quinn wasn't sure when she fell asleep but she woke up to the brunette shaking her awake. Rachel gestured for her to follow and Quinn did. They made the walk back to the blondes house.
Rachel watched as Quinn went to climb the tree back to her own room but stopped. She spun around and hugged the brunette. She felt Rachel tense in her arms. "Thank you..." Quinn spoke softly.
She felt the brunette relax just a little but was still tense. The brunette didn't hug her back but that was ok, Quinn understood. She let go and began climbing the tree back to her room still in slight pain but felt better than she had been feeling. Once she was safely in, Rachel began to walk back home.
4 DAYS LATER, QUINN AND RACHEL.
It was Saturday morning and Quinn had no idea how today would change the course of her life. The blonde had left her house early that morning using excercise because of cheerios as her excuse to leave her house.
Her father was leaving for the airport again in an hour and saw her from where he was having breakfast in the kitchen.
The blonde stopped by a store to grab a water, just as she turned down an aisle to head to the register, she spotted a familiar hooded figure. The blonde smiled.
Ever since that evening that the girl cleaned her up, Quinn has felt completely safe with the girl. The girl still didn't speak to her or ask any questions which Quinn appreciated.
Quinn also realized the girl was keeping her secret. No one had stared at her or whispered in gossip. No officers came to her house or anything. It was like it never happened.
They still walked together every night and sat together every lunch period since then. Quinn has wanted to bring it up again but hasn't been brave enough to. She hasn't even told Charlie and Sam about it or her midnight activities. The blonde felt confident enough now and walked up to the hooded girl.
"Hey.. Listen about the other night. I just wanted to thank you, again." Quinn spoke softly.
Rachel stared forward without saying a word. The only reason Quinn knew the brunette heard her was the tense posture the girls frame held. "I-I'm Quinn by th-" The blonde didn't get to finish her sentence because Rachel put the bag of chips she had in her hand back and rushed out of the store.
Quinn saw the clerk rush out the store as well. She furrowed brow in confusion as she saw the guy grab the girl by the arm, through the store window. It was obvious they were arguing. The blonde put her water down and ran out the store, involving herself in the argument.
"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! LET ME GO, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Rachel shouted.
"I SAW YOU! YOUR NOT GOING ANYWHERE! THE COPS ARE ON THEIR WAY!" The man shouted. Quinn ran over to them.
"HEY! HEY! LET HER GO!" Quinn shouted as she went to grab the guys arm.
The cops pulled up that very moment to see the scuffle. Both officers got out of their cars, the larger one grabbing Rachel. The brunette thrashing so wildly, her silky chocolate tressles of hair escaped the ball cap and hoodie, screaming for him to let her go.
Quinn saw and ran towards the brunette, her eyes widened in fear as the officer slammed Rachel's tiny body face first over the car. Rachel screamed in pain. Her eyes filled with tears from the mans crushing pressure. Her breathe came out in ragged gasps.
Quinn saw red. The blonde lunged at the officer barreling her body into his. They stumbled a little.
"GET HER UNDER CONTROL!" He shouted at his partner who already had Quinn thrashing in his arms, slamming her right next to Rachel.
Watery anger filled chocolate eyes connected with worried hazel-green. It was only a few seconds of them staring before they were pulled apart again and Rachel was put into one squad car while the blonde was put in another.
AN HOUR LATER, QUINN, JUDY AND SHELBY..
Shelby rushed through the precinct doors frantically. She ran toward the front desk by passing a shocked blonde who had glanced up from the sound of the doors bursting open upon Shelby's arrival. Shelby's mind was solely focused on getting to her daughter. The blonde stood up approaching Shelby from behind.
Shelby spoke immediately to the first officer she saw. "Excuse me, My name is Shelby Corcoran. I'm here for my daughter Rachel Berry." Shelby spoke to the officer. The officer told her to wait one minute. The brunette still had her back to the blonde.
"Shelby?" Was whispered in an awe like tone. Shelby whipped around and her eyes became owlish looking in surprise. She stared at the blonde in disbelief.
"J-Judy? Oh my god!" Shelby said her eyes welled with tears at seeing her former best friend.
She wanted to hug Judy but wasn't sure if she could. Judy wasn't fairing any better. She was already in tears and shaking slightly. All of the blondes resolve broke and she stepped forward eagerly pulling Shelby into a tight embrace.
The two women cried silently eventually pulling back from each other to take the other in. Eyes scanning one another in disbelief.
"How-Where? I'm speechless!" Judy said trying to form her conjumbled thoughts.
"Look at you! My god, your still slaying it!" Shelby said with glee causing Judy to blush and shake her head negatively.
"Me?! Look at you! Goodness! Do you even age?!" The two were so caught up with each other they hadn't notice the officer approaching with Quinn. Quinn saw her mother talking to an attractive brunette.
"Mom!" Quinn called out. Judy didn't have a moment to reply because Quinn engulfed her in a hug.
"Quinnie, are you ok? What happened?" Judy ask checking her daughter for any sign of discomfort or injury. Shelby's eyes widened a fraction. The girl looked so much like Judy when they were teenagers.
"I'm fine but the officer that arrested us should be in jail for assault!" Quinn said and Judy's eyes widened.
"Your sister and brother are here as well?" Judy asked in surprise.
"No! It was me and a girl that goes to my school. She's a short brunette and tiny which is what I'm worried about. The officer was so much bigger than her and he was aggresive" Before Quinn could finish Shelby cut in.
"Wait, you were with my daughter? Can you tell me what happened?" Shelby asked. Before Quinn could speak an aggrevated Rachel walked out. Shelby went to reach for her but Rachel dodged from her reach.
"Leave me alone." Rachel growled and walked out of the precinct without another word.
Shelby stared after her with a pained expression. Quinn's eyes widened in surprise at the brunettes aggressive action toward her mother, along with judy.
"That's a serious trouble maker you got there, lady." The officer scoffed out.
Shelby whipped her head around, anger flaring up inside of her. NO ONE talked about her baby girl that way.
"Excuse me?! Did I ask you?! I would appreciate it if you mind your own damn business! You don't know my daughter!" Shelby glared and Quinn felt respect for the woman.
Judy smiled slightly feeling her heart swell with nostalgia, Shelby was always a hot head.
"Never mind, I see where she gets her attitude from, nice parenting, lady." The officer scoffed again.
Shelby stepped forward menacingly not realizing Quinn had did the same. The only person noticing the time bomb that was about to erupt was Judy. She was surprised to see her quiet Quinn so hostile not even her father could get that reaction.
"Shelby." Judy said and just like when they were teenagers, the brunettes shoulders relaxed slightly. Judy placed her hand on Quinn's left shoulder getting the same result.
"How about we all relax and let Quinnie tell us what happened." Judy suggested, that got Shelby's attention. She looked at Quinn, waiting for the answer.
"i can tell you what happened." A tall officer spoke up. Shelby whipped back around with fire in her eyes, again.
"Was I looking at you?! No, right?! So unless your spoken to, once again! For the people in the back! Mind your own damn business because I don't give a shit about anything you have to say!" Shelby snapped staring down the shocked officers.
Quinn's eyes widened in surprise and found her self liking the woman even more. Quinn's eyes widened a fraction more when she heard her mother snort in laughter than quickly covered her mouth with her hand in embarrassment.
Quinn's lip quirked up on one side, taking her mother in curiously, whoever this brunette woman was had an affect on her mother and she liked it, she liked it a lot. Her mother was staring at Shelby with amusement and mirth, her eyes dancing in glee. She watched her mother compose herself before clearing her throat.
"Anyway, Quinnie? Tell us what happened." Quinn saw the woman Shelby turn her body in her direction but her eyes were still staring down the officer fiercly before finally turning her head to give Quinn her undivided attention.
"I went to the gas station to buy something to drink and I saw her there. I went to speak to her but like always she walked away." Quinn said with a chuckle.
"I saw her put the bag of chips she had in her hand back than leave. The store clerk ran after her and grabbed her by her arm. I went out side to try to help and they were yelling at each other and she was telling him she didn't do anything and to let her go but he didn't listen. The other store clerk had called the police and when they came that officer." Quinn pointed to the tall guy Shelby had yelled at.
"Grabbed her, picked her up and slammed her on the hood face first using his body weight to pin her down and she screamed in pain and was cryi-" Quinn was cut off by a very pissed off Shelby. The brunette whipped around and thundered in rage her voice bellowed out.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU, SHE'S PREGNANT!" Shelby yelled. Everyone's eyes widened. Quinn and Judy's jaws dropped. "I WANT TO SPEAK TO YOUR FUCKING SUPERIOR, RIGHT NOW! RIGHT NOW!"
"Sh-She was resisting arrest!" The officer tried to explain.
"BULLSHIT! YOU DIDN'T GIVE HER A CHANCE TO PLEAD HER CASE!" Quinn shouted causing Judy to jump in surprise. Quinn never cussed a day in her life but the fire in her daughter's eyes told her today was an exception. "NOT TO THE MENTION THE FACT THAT SHE SCREAMED AND CRIED IN PAIN BEGGING YOU TO GET OFF HER AND YOU TOLD HER TO SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Quinn shouted getting angrier along with Shelby.
"I'M PRESSING CHARGES ON ANYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THIS!" Shelby shouted as she pulled out her cell phone calling her lawyer.
"I want to make a witness and victim statement." Quinn said to her mother.
The next two hours were spent with Shelby, Judy and Quinn speaking to the chief of police with Shelby's lawyer on the phone listening to everything. Shelby was gunning for the officer's to be fired immediately but for now had to settle for them being suspended without pay until further notice. The 3 exited the building tiredly.
"Thank you, Quinn for sticking up for my daughter. I appreciate it." Shelby said.
"It was no problem. She really didn't do anything, I promise. I know it's not my place but please don't ground her." Quinn said worried.
"Ground her? Why on earth would I ground her. She didn't do anything wrong." Shelby said and Quinn looked confused and felt slightly jealous with how cool Rachel's mom was about everything.
Though, her own mother supported her. She knew when her father found out it was going to be bad. Thank god he left for his business trip that morning and wouldn't get back until Tuesday.
"Look, Quinn. Rachel is.. special and she needs support more than authority at the moment. Also, I don't trust anything that comes out of an officers mouth. Your mother could attest to that." Shelby said.
She turned to Judy. "Um.. I don't know what you two have planned for the day but I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch. Maybe I could explain things a little better. I know after what you heard today, you must be curious." Shelby said.
Quinn looked to her mother pleadingly. Judy was already going to say yes anyway because she wanted to catch up with Shelby.
"Do you even have to ask, shel?" Judy said with attitude, scoffing as she rolled her eyes.
Quinn's eyes widened again. Her mother sounded like a teenager just now. She took her mother in again noticing how relaxed her posture was and the youthful look in her eyes. She's never seen it before. Shelby laughed.
"I had to ask. You seem all proper and up tight in there. If I didn't know any better I'd say there was a stick up your ass." Shelby said in laugher. Judy followed and Quinn? Quinn was fucking flabbergasted and shocked to hear her mother laugh obnoxiously. It sounding exactly like her own laugh when Charlie and Sam were able to pull one out of her.
Judy shoved Shelby playfully as they joked and began to walk. It was as if they forgot she was there. Quinn was watching their interaction and it was the same way she and Charlie were with each other.
A smile began to form on her face as she watched her mother's true character shine. She didn't look stoic nor serious or depressed she was being herself. She looked free and happy and Quinn could not be happier to see it.
She looked over at Shelby taking the woman in with her long chestnut hair, leather jacket and skinny jeans. Her blood red v neck shirt clinging to her form with her high heel boots.
If Quinn didn't know any better, she would never had guessed the woman was a mother at all. She looked like a rocker chick or something equally as badass.
They were in the back corner of Breadsticks away from the other patrons. They had already eaten there food and Quinn was already filled in about the two being best friends in high school.
They were former students of Mckinely and practically sisters. Shelby shared embarrassing stories about her mother. As well as cool, brave ones and how her mother ruled Mckinely with all the boys wanting her and all the girls wanting to be her. Everyone wanted to be Judy Montgomery's best friend but only Shelby held the title.
Quinn had laughed, gasped in shock and turned beet red in embarrassment for her mother. Judy would clap back in her own defense and told her own stories of the badass Shelby Corcoran who intimidated all the girls and snagged all the boys.
She regaled Shelby's pranks on the faculty and how Shelby lived in detention. Even scoring Judy detention without meaning to. Quinn was mesmerized by their bond.
Shelby sounded awesome in high school without seeming like a loser, like the school's man whore Noah Puckerman. She's heard god awful stories about him.
They didn't say why they stopped speaking but Quinn could tell they had some weird silent communication happening because her mother gave Shelby a look and the woman nodded in understanding after Quinn asked why they stop speaking.
"That's a story for another time. Besides I also brought you here to speak to you about Rachel." Shelby said. That got Quinn's attention. "Please do not repeat anything about my daughter to anyone else. I don't need her to close herself off anymore than she already is and I don't need to have her being bullied because of it."
"No, I won't, I promise. Rachel's business is her business. I have my own personal business that would make me a pariah to this entire town if they knew. So, I understand." Quinn said. The last of her sentence caused her voice to quiver. Judy rubbed her daughter's back in comfort. Shelby could tell whatever it was, was serious.
"Ok, well um.. I just recently got custody of Rachel again this past summer. As you saw she and I have a very strained relationship. She refuses to speak to anyone including her fraternal twin sister, Skyler. Maybe you've met her?" Shelby said
"Skyler's a twin? Wow, Well.. I haven't personally spoken to her but I have met her. She's friends with my siblings Charlie and Sam and on the cheerios. They've been going to your house non stop for the last few weeks." Quinn said.
"I didn't know Skyler and Rachel were related, though. They never speak to each other or sit together, Rachel's always by herself and Skyler hangs out with my sister and Brother, like I said." Quinn replied. Shelby felt her heart break at the news that Rachel was even isolating herself in school.
"I know Sam but I haven't met your sister." Shelby said, Finally getting the confirmation she had been wondering about after seeing Judy again.
Judy married Russell and Shelby felt her heart clench at the thought but it wasn't her business, though. Now she had a pretty good idea what had come between her and her best friend.
"We're identical triplets, actually with Charlie only having blue eyes to my green and shade darker in hair color." Quinn said with a smile. Shelby's eyes widened and she smiled.
"Way to go, St. Judes! I didn't think you had it in you!" Shelby said with a smile causing Judy to laugh as she rolled her eyes.
"Ugh! Don't call me that! I've outgrown it, I'm a mother, now!." Judy said in childish annoyance.
"Oh, come on! You know you love the nick name." Shelby said teasing her blonde friend and Quinn giggled.
"Why do you call her Saint Judes?" Quinn ask with a grin.
"Because Ms. Goody two shoe's over here was a prude. Practically a saint.. Well until she met me than my awesomeness rubbed off on her." Shelby said with a laugh.
"No, your delinquent tendencies somehow incorporated itself into my life without my consent." Judy fired back.
"Oh, please! You had a blast stealing principal Young's car with me! We even hit up Dairy Queen after. Remember? I bought you that mint chocolate chip milkshake for a job well done? I was like a proud mama watching her baby walk for the first time." Shelby said with a laugh causing Judy to look at Quinn in utter embarassment and despair.
"You stole your principal's car?!" Quinn said with the hugest smile of disbelief and admiration. Her eyes shining with glee as she finally feels as if she might know her mother as who she is.
"That's neither here nor there. Now, stop corrupting my baby's mind or I'll be in the principal's office because of you, yet again. Only this time with my child. As you were saying." Judy said with a wave of her hand.
"BOOOO!" Shelby said with her thumb pointing downward.
"See kid, Saint Judes." Shelby gestured with her head while looking at Quinn.
Only for Judy to lightly wack at the back of the brunettes head. Shelby was about to speak in defiance but Judy raised her eyebrow effectively shutting her words down.
Quinn was literally bellowing in laughter. These two beautiful women have a friendship that obviously lasted the sands of time, even with out seeing in each other in however long. She envied them immediately, making her wish she had what they had.
"Anyway.." Shelby grumbled. "Skyler wants a relationship with Rachel but Rachel refuses her advances like she does with me. It makes for a very uncomfortable atmosphere at home. Rachel was already pregnant when she was given to me. She's 4 months now. I've only had her for 2 months. The reason I let her leave the police station and why I haven't gone out to look for her, is that it would only make her more angry. She won't get in the car and let me drive her home or any where for that matter. She won't eat anything and she barely sleeps. I try talking, it ends up a one sided screaming match with me being the silent one. She refuses any form of contact from anyone." Shelby finished.
Judy looked mournful for Shelby's situation. She wouldn't know what to do either. Quinn went through a phase like that with Sam and Charlie but never with her.
Quinn had a contemplative look on her face, thinking about everything she's witnessed of the brunette and the hug she gave her that day outside her house..
"Huh... That explains why she does what she does in the student center." Quinn spoke out loud. Shelby's brow furrowed in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Shelby ask. Quinn looked hesitant about telling but she remembered what Shelby said earlier about Rachel needing support not authority.
"Well.." Quinn started as she licked her lips.
"She comes in after school for the tutoring sessions at the student center. Me and my friend Santana are tutors there because we tutor our friend Britney. A girl named Stacy Meyers is suppose to be Rachel's tutor but she doesn't do anything. The first day she tried to tutor Rachel, she didn't get a response. Stacy got mad and called her a retard." Shelby clenched her jaw in anger at hearing that.
"After that she stopped trying. Now they just sit there and Stacy texts whoever's she's on her phone with and ignores Rachel until the hour is up than she leaves. We get credit for tutoring, I think that's why Stacy still comes but Rachel doesn't do anything but stare at the table. It still doesn't answer why Rachel still goes if she isn't interested, though" Quinn finished.
"Rachel is suppose to be getting help because she..." Shelby took a deep breath. " She can't r-read." Judy gasped at the all too familiar situation.
"Is she dislexic?" Quinn ask.
"No, she's not dislexic." Shelby said feeling weighted down by the truth of why.
"I-Is it the same?.." Judy finally asked and Shelby nodded as silent tears fell from her eyes. Judy leaned over and pulled Shelby into a hug leaving a confused Quinn to watch. They eventually pull apart wiping away their tears.
"Rachel's suppose to be at a high school level but she's obviously not. She can't read or do any type of math other than addition and even that can be difficult sometimes, any other subject is the same. We had Rachel tested when we first got her. Granted she refused, it seemed the only way to get her to do anything is by paying her. So she get's a weekly stipen of 25 dollars for attending school and tutoring. If she doesn't go than she doesn't get paid." Shelby answered the unasked question on the blondes face.
"I would tell you more but I want to respect as much of Rachel's privacy as I can." Shelby finished.
"No, I understand..." Quinn replied and sat there lost in thought for a moment but Shelby could tell there was something she wanted to say. "Do-Do you think it'd be alright if I tried?" Quinn asked.
Shelby was confused by the question so Quinn elaborated. "With tutoring, I mean.. Maybe I could get her to try." Quinn finished unsurely but Shelby's eyes brightened.
Smiling fondly Shelby spoke sweetly. "You are every bit your mother's daughter." Quinn blushed.
"You know, she was my tutor in high school, that's how we met, actually. That's how I learned to read, write and do math equations that I thought were the dumbest things ever created." Shelby said with an adoring smile aimed at Judy. Judy smiled with a heart felt look in her eyes.
"Yeah and you were a pain in the ass." Judy said with a smile on her face.
Quinn gasped in surprise at her mother's sudden reply, Shelby laughed obnoxiously causing people to glance at them disapprovingly but it seemed in Shelby's presence her mother didn't care.
Judy continued. "But eventually.. I got through that thick stubborn facade you kept up." Judy continued while she smiled fondly and turned to her daughter. "So, if your really serious about helping her than you must be strong and don't give up easily just because she acts out. Patience will gain her trust and who knows you might gain another sister like I did." Judy winked at Shelby who was doing her best to keep her emotions in check.
The two older women had went through so much together and they were sure they'd never see each other again and are now more than happy that their two daughters were in the right place at the right time, not happy about the circumstances behind it but maybe this was fates way of swapping the bad karma for the good.
The rest of the lunch went by with Judy and Shelby telling Quinn how horrible Shelby had treated Judy when they first began tutoring. It helped Quinn to be prepared for what could happen.
Shelby and Judy embraced tightly and exchanged numbers. Shelby also gave her number to Quinn in case she needed to talk or for emergencies. She pulled Quinn into a hug and thanked her again for being there for Rachel and for trying to tutor her.
Quinn told Shelby she had to go to the school to sign for Rachel to switch tutors. After that they parted ways. Judy and Quinn were driving home when Quinn looked at her mother with a smile.
"Who knew you were so cool." Quinn said. Causing Judy to laugh out loud.
"Is it so hard to believe?" Judy asked.
"No, just surprising.. And I like it. You look happy. I'm happy you have your friend back, mom." Quinn said sincerely. Judy's eyes teared up.
"Me too, Quinnie. Me too." The rest of the drive was full of laughter and gossip something they never did.
Because they were so set in Russell's way of how they were to behave, that even when he wasn't present his presence was still felt but not today.
Shelby Corcoran had just revived Judy a little and the older blonde couldn't help but hope to be revived some more.
BERRY-CORCAN RESIDENTS..
Shelby sighed tiredly. She just parked her Land rover in the garage and sat for a moment. She felt only one thing at the moment and that's fear. Hearing exactly what happen to Rachel word for word from Quinn hurt.
Her daughter was slammed on her stomach. Shelby was terrified that something may have happened to her grandchild and she wouldn't know because Rachel didn't-wouldn't let her anywhere near her or her belly.
Rachel has been to a total of 1 doctors appointment since she's been placed in Shelby's custody and the brunette only went because she was paid to and that was in New York.
Shelby is irritated with her new job at Carmel because she's had to reschedule the only appointment she has set up since moving in because of the demand of her job and though she doesn't need the job per se she signed a contract because apparently show choir is that important.
She also is actually a teacher for the music class. Some how some way something always happens to were she can't make it or has missed the appointment by half an hour or so. The woman sighed again as she exited the vehicle and headed into the house.
Shelby was greeted with the peals of laughter coming from the living room. She smiled to herself. Ever since Skyler made friends with Sam she has been a little happier and Shelby can't be upset with that.
The boy is at her house almost everyday. He's growing on her, Especially, now that she knows that he's Judy's son. The brunette mother rounded the corner and furrowed her brow for only a moment before remembering that they're triplets.
There on the living couch was her daughter being tickled to death by a blonde with her back to Shelby. Sam was zoned out on the video game. The woman cleared her throat and all 3 stopped what they were doing and looked her way.
Shelby's eyes widened a little and she felt warmth blossom in her chest at the young blonde before her. She looked exactly like Quinn except with her sea blue eyes and a shade darker hair.
"Mom! I didn't hear you come home."
"Yeah, I just pulled in. What's going on in here? It looks like a snack bar blew up my living room." There were chips, dip, soda cans and empty ice cream bowls. Charlie immediately jump to her feet frazzled. The blonde began cleaning up immediately and speaking a mile a minute in fear.
"We're s-so sorry, Ms. Corcoran. We did not mean to disrespect your home this way. It will be spot cleaned and organized as soon as possible. Samuel and I will be out of your hai-" Shelby's eyes were wide in sursprise and concern as the blonde continued her frantic ramble.
The girl was slightly trembling. Skyler tried to intervene and calm her down but to no avail. Shelby stepped forward and grasp the nervous girls shoulders to halt her movements and she looked even more terrified. Shelby could also see Skyler's confused expression as to why the blonde was so scared
"Hey, Hey Hey, calm down. It's okay." Shelby spoke in a motherly soft tone.
"I.." Charlie couldn't really move she was so worried.
"Your okay, listen I was just going to make a joke about my daughters piggish habits."
"Hey!" Skyler said in indignation.
"Re-Really?" Charlie asked in hesitation and the fear Shelby saw shining in the girls eyes worried Shelby, greatly.
"Of course! Have you seen her room? You'd be lucky to find her bed with all that designer you'd drown in."
"Okay! I can hear you!" Skyler spoke up again in the background annoyed.
Sam and Shelby chuckled and Shelby noticed the girls tension eased a bit.
"I'm Shelby Corcoran and you are?" Shelby ask kindly. Charlie gently placed the cans back onto the coffee table with such grace as she stood back into a standing position with her back ramrod straight and took hold of Shelby's hand and shook it with a lady like shake.
"I am Charlotte Avery Fabray. I'm Samuel's older sister." Charlie replied warmly.
Shelby was completely baffled by Judy's children. They spoke in such a way, that you'd think they came right out of the Victorian era when just mere minutes ago this girl was relaxed and almost making her kid pee on herself through tickle torture.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Don't ever feel like you have to worry when I'm around. I understand your teenagers and teenagers are messy and rambunctiously loud and that's ok in this house. Are we clear?" Shelby ask looking her in the eye.
She knew how much Skyler liked this girl and now knew she belonged to Judy. She was practically family. "And if I'm correct your friends call you Charlie?"
Charlie blushed and smiled. "Yes, ma'am."
"Oh hell no! There are no yes ma'am's anything. I'm 27 not an old lady." Shelby said flipping her hair over her shoulder dramatically.
"LIES! Your 32" Skyler shouted.
"Bite your tongue, you heathen or I'll feed you to my dogs!" Shelby replied with a pointed finger at Skyler.
Skyler scoffed with an eyeroll. "Oh please! You can't have a dog, your allergic!"
"Hush it! Nobody asked you, kid!" Shelby fired back.
"All I speak is the truth!" Skyler said sticking her tongue out at her mother childishly.
"Truth, huh? Soooo.. It's safe to tell these two the truth about you little cru-" Shelby began with mirth in her eyes and a devious smirk aimed at her youngest.
"WOW! You look amaaazzzzing for 27!" Skyler replied with wide eyes and over enthusiaum.
"What?" Sam and Charlie ask in unison.
"Well, Her-" Shelby began to continue on about Skyler's crush on Charlie before Skyler interrupted.
"Hush it!" Skyler shouted.
"What? I was going to say your crude, over bearing grandma tendencies." Shelby replied with an evil smirk.
"Thanks for the compliment though I already know I'm hella fine." Shelby said flipping her long dark hair and striking a shoulder pose.
Sam and Charlie burst into laughter as Skyler huffed and crossed her arms as she glared at her mother.
"I hate you."
"No, you love me. Your obligated to, it's part of the daughter handbook. You should really pick that back up once in a while, it might come in handy." Shelby ducked out of the way of the flying cushion aim at her head. As she headed for her room. "I'll be in my room, if you need me! Nice to meet you, Charlie and always a pleasure to have you, Sammy."
"Nice to meet you, too, Ms. Corcoran." Charlie replied.
"Thanks for having me." Sam replied at the same time.
"Wow.. Your mom is so cool." Charlie stared in the direction Shelby had left in awe of the woman.
"Told you." Sam said with a smile.
"She's alright, I guess. Once you get past the snark and conceded attitude." Skyler replied with a roll of her eyes.
"I HEARD THAT!" Shelby yelled from the top of the stairs.
"YOU WERE MEANT TO!" Skyler hollard back with a chuckle. She really did love her mom.
"You know, your really lucky..." Charlie said after a minute. She was trying not to feel sad that her own father was an asshole.
"Yeah, she is." Sam agreed.
"Yeah.. Yeah I am.." Skyler replied lost in her own thoughts of how lucky she knew she was.
