SATURDAY, SAME MORNING.

Skyler was in her room finishing up the last touches of her make up. To say she was excited would be putting it lightly. In just 10 minutes Charlie should be there and they'd be leaving on they're date-HANGING OUT! They'd be leaving to hang out at the river court and Skyler couldn't be any more happier.

This is the first time they'd be doing anything completely alone without Sam playing his video game or any boyfriends around to the point of only getting to admire each other from a far, in the hall ways at school.

Ever since Charlie has been dating Puck. She is usually glued to his side, unless he tells her to back off because she's too clingy. She herself has been having to tell Finn to give her some space because she can never have a moment with any of the triplets without Finn towering over them.

He would stand there making it awkward, asking questions or dragging her away from them because he wanted to spend time with her, just the two of them. Which only meant he wanted to go make out some where.

He always wanted to make out. It was always sloppy and his hands always squeezed a little harder than he means to. He's clumsy and not very smart because she always needs to either explain something or dumb it down.

She's getting tired of it and though she knows she should end it because technically she's using him, But it just makes seeing Charlie with Puck more bearable. The brunette was pulled from her musings when the doorbell rung.

She squealed than checked herself in the mirror one last time and smiled in satisfaction, she looked good. She was wearing her skin tight skinny jeans with a pale blue dolce and gabbana blouse with her designer saks and fifth avenue sneakers. She was casual but still sheek. The brunette heard her name called and exited her room with a blinding smile.

Charlie was standing in the doorway of the hall nervously. She had gone home in excitement to get ready but immediately freaked out when she realized she had no idea what to wear.

She made a disaster of her closet just looking. It turns out she doesn't own not one damn pair of jeans and the only shorts or sweats she had were her cheerios sports shorts and t-shirts or sweats and hoodie that was it. Everything else were baby doll dresses and church skirts and dresses.

She groaned in aggravation upon realizing it. So, now she stood in the hall of the Corcoran-Berry home in her white flats and yellow baby doll dress with a white cardigan, paired with a yellow thin head band. She felt so out of place.

She knew how she wishes she could dress and this was not it. But what else could she do. On the way over she stopped by her mothers garden and picked one of her sunflowers to give to Skyler.

She knew it wasn't a date but it was the closest to a date she knew she'd ever get. She wanted it to be special and she thought the sunflower would add a touch of just that.

She heard the brunettes steps and glanced up at the stairs. Charlie's breath caught since this was the first time she had ever seen Skyler in jeans and her mouth went dry than her eyes glazed over a little.

"Hey." Skyler spoke in a slightly whispered awed voice. She was captivated by the blonde before her looking every bit beautiful in her dress. She wanted to kiss her desparately.

Charlie startled slightly out of her leering/gob smacked love eyes and cleared her throat. "Um.. H-Hey..." Charlie spoke nervously before realizing the flower was still in her hand. "Oh-Um This is for you.." Charlie spoke up her hand trembled slightly as she held the flower out to the brunette.

Skyler's smile was radiate and shone brightly in excitement and happiness. "Thank you!"

Charlie blushed shyly. "Your welcome."

"Do you mind waiting a second? I want to put this in some water in my room." Skyler ask with a warm melted smile, touched by the blondes chivalry.

"N-No, not at all." Charlie said feeling relief that Skyler didn't find it weird. Charlie watched the brunette go. Skyler's ass in perfect view as she climbed the stairs.

Charlie's eyes glazed over again but only for a few seconds before she heard snickering behind her. She whipped around and watched as her mother and Shelby fumbled with themselves to make it look like they weren't just being nosey or laughing at the two teens. Charlie narrowed her eyes.

"Is something funny?" Charlie ask.

"Oh no!" Judy said quickly.

"Not at all." Shelby spoke simultaneously. The two looking every bit innocent until her mother spoke up.

"Oh, Shelby." Judy looked at the brunette beside her and Shelby's eyes shined at what she knew Judy was about to do.

"Yes?" Shelby ask shyly.

"This for you." Judy replied holding the remote out to the brunette. A false nervousness in her demeanor.

"Oh gosh golly thank you, Judy it's beautiful!" Shelby said dramatically before the two women burst into laughter. Charlie huffed.

"We did not sound nor looked like that." She grumbled in embarrassment. Skyler chose that moment to return.

"What's so funny?" Skyler ask confused. That only sent the 2 women cackling harder beet red in the face. Charlie rolled her eyes.

"Nothing, we should go before these children have a heart attack from they're immaturity." Charlie replied.

"Okaayy.." Skyler replied still confused but it only lasted a second because her focus transferred solely to the blonde that grasped her hand as she ushered her out of the house.


SAM AND MERCEDES IN THE KITCHEN.

"Does that make sense?" Sam ask as he just finished explaining a problem.

"Yes, it does now." Mercedes said with a giggle. "I had such a hard time with this and honestly I thought I wouldn't ever understand it but your way of explaining it is so much easier than Mr. Kent." Mercedes said with a genuine smile that blew Sam away and melted his insides all at once.

"Well, I'm happy to help." Sam said doing his best not to look like a fool. He was nervous and doing everything in his power not to tremble. Being this close to his crush was wreaking havoc on his concentration. She looked so beautiful and he had to fight with himself to actually teach her and not just stare at her with moony eyes and a dopey smile.

"Your actually a really great tutor. How come you haven't signed on to be a tutor at the tutor center? You'd be great and you get extra credit." Mercedes asked.

"I would but I've got so much going on at the moment, I can't." Sam replied. Honestly he did want to tutor but knew it was a bad idea. It was mostly out of fear of what his dad would say.

His father thought it was weak for a man to teach which is why he thinks being a male teacher is for cowardly men too afraid to step out in the real world and take charge. Teaching was a trade only for women.

If he found out Sam signed on to be a tutor. He'd not only call him a pussy but also he'd beat him for being a pussy.

"Oh, that's a shame your really are amazing. In fact, I might come to you from now on for help if your alright with that, that is?" Mercedes ask with a flirtatious smile. Sam was puddy in her hands.

"O-Of course, no problem." Sam replied swallowing thickly.

"Cool. So, now that my homework is done. There's only one thing left to do." Mercedes said with a smile.

"What's that?" Sam ask.

"Well, you did take time out from your Saturday to help me with my home work. So, now I have to do some thing for you as a thank you." Mercedes said with a sincere smile.

"Oh no, don't worry about it. I really am happy to help." Sam said respectively.

Mercedes smiled wider. "Yes I do. Unless you have other plans?" She ask to be sure.

"No, I just don't want you to worry abou-"

"I'm not worried about anything. Are you?" Mercedes ask finding his boyish smile and politeness endearing.

"No, I-"

"So what's the problem? We don't have to do anything crazy but we could hang out, get something to eat. You know, just have fun. I have nothing else to do with my Saturday. Unless you don't actually want to hang out with me because I'm me than-" Mercedes was cut off.

"NO!" Sam blurted out louder than he meant to startling the diva. "I-I mean no, I'd love to hang out with you." Sam said sheepishly.

Mercedes smiled. "Cool. How about I meet you at the mall in an hour? I just have to drop my things off at home." Mercedes said.

"Or... I could pick you up and drive you that way we won't have to wait on each other?" Sam spoke up slightly nervous thanking all that is holy that he didn't stutter nor did his voice crack.

"Okay." Mercedes replied blushing as she did her best not to smile too widely as too not show how much she actually wanted him to pick her up. She's had a crush on Sam for a long time but always felt like he didn't notice her because come on he was Sam Fabray. One of the most popular boys in school. Why would he want a gleek loser like her?

"Great." Sam said with a blinding smile that made Mercedes weak at the knees.

"Great." Mercedes said with her own smile.

"Great.." Sam said still smiling hard as he nodded his head stupidly. He gazed into her eyes and Mercedes was not fairing any better. "I'll show you out." Sam said finally being pulled from his stupor when he heard giggling.

He looked behind Mercedes and saw Shelby and his mother making kissy faces and acting like they were not in they're 30's. He narrowed his eyes.

"Thank you." Mercedes said with a blush. The second Mercedes turned around the 2 women walked in acting as if they hadn't been acting like children and spoke with the air of two mindful adults. "Oh, your leaving so soon?" Shelby ask politely.

"Yes, we just finished. Sam was great help. " Mercedes said with a smile.

"Yes, Samuel is very gifted with Science." Judy answered.

"Yes he is." Mercedes replied.

"It so nice to meet you Mercedes. Don't be a stranger. If Sam isn't home he's usually here." Shelby said with a smile.

"Yes, it was a pleasure to meet you, dear." Judy followed up.

"It nice to meet you all as well." Mercedes said with a smile. "Enjoy the rest of your weekend." Mercedes said sweetly as Sam escorted her back through the house and as far away from his mother and Shelby that he could.

"So, I'll see you in an hour?" Mercedes ask to be sure they were still on.

"I'll be there in an hour, I promise." Sam said with twinkling green eyes.

"Ok, see you soon." Mercedes said as she stepped out the door.

"See you soon." Sam said watching her hips sway as she walked down the drive way to her car. He stood there staring until the car was out of sight.

Sam turned around with a sigh ready to escape his lips but froze as his mother and Shelby began teasing him again.

"So, I'll see you soon?" Shelby spoke with as much of a deep voice that she could muster. Judy bowed her head bashfully and with a squeaky voice and dramatic eye flutter replied.

"Yes, I'll see you soon, Sammy."

The two women burst into laughter loving the unimpressed look Sam was aiming they're way.

"That is not what happened and we did not sound like that." Sam said parroting Charlie unknowingly.

"Oh god, you kids keep me young." Shelby said wiping her tears of hilarity.

"You got that right." Judy followed the two laughed all the way back to the living room until Sam heard them call out 'Have fun on your date!' Sam's eyes widened as he realized he was wasting time.


RACHEL AND QUINN.

Rachel moaned just barely loud enough to hear. She winced as her her back ached slightly. She had to shake her head a little hoping to get rid of the blissful but annoying dream that was quickly fading from her mind.

Her dreams haven't been as bad as they use to be. They use to be nightmares but the nightmares were now coming far in between. Instead of the nightmares of her past.

Her mind has been conjuring up a certain blonde green eyed beauty that she's been doing her damnest to convince herself she was only becoming use to having around because of her pregnancy insanity.

Rachel would be in the middle of a nightmare and than out of no where she'd hear her. She'd hear Quinn's voice or Quinn's laugh or see her twinkling green eyes and follow it into a happier more safe plane of her dream.

She'd go from having a knife to her throat with sinister familiar eyes, that she'd never be able to ever forget. To laying on the grass in a yard with Quinn smiling at her, leaning above her with the sun shining warmly down on them in the background.

She'd go from being pertrified to feeling safe and comforted. Quinn would always tell her in her dreams 'I'm right here, Rachel..' or 'Your safe, I'm here..' Rachel hadn't started dreaming of Quinn until that first time in September that the blonde and her siblings had been out of school for that week.

She supposes her pregnancy had her brain all sorts of out of whack. She didn't like the blonde, so it had to be her condition. Now, it seems the blonde was taking not only the comfort in her own silence but also her unconscious. It was infuriating.

"Hey, tiger." Quinn's voice spoke through the fog of the brunettes grogginess. Rachel's eyes snapped open as her head looked to her left. There looking every bit of an angel with her long beautiful golden silk like hair, captivating green eyes and blinding warm smile was Quinn. Rachel felt some part of her body hit her throat. Quinn. Was. Breathtaking.

"Hey, are you ok?" Quinn ask. Her face transforming in to sincere concern. Rachel wanted to punch her for it but her hormones had other plans because her eyes began to water. She set her jaw stubbornly as to not let her emotions or tears show nor fall.

"What do want?" Rachel ask in aggravation. Sitting up to look any where but at the cause of her flair up of tears. The sincerity and concern seemed too real to handle and Rachel couldn't allow herself to be lured into a false sense of security ever again. She had already made that mistake several times before.

Quinn noticed the tactic immediately just as she saw the beginning prick of tears. She was awake while Rachel was sleeping and had to cover her mouth as her tears fell in silence.

Rachel spoke to some one in her sleep. Some one named Demetri. Begging him to stop and promising she'll be good. Pleading for him to let her go because it hurt.

The blonde had thought to wake the brunette because the dream seemed scary but she didn't know how Rachel would react if she woke her, knowing the blonde heard what she heard.

She was debating and was about to wake the brunette until the brunette settled upon calling out Quinn's name in her sleep. At first Quinn thought she was awake but upon further inspection realized the brunette was still sleeping.

The brunettes furrowed brow set in confusion and Quinn smiled as she wiped her own tears at the adorable brunette.

Quinn listened with rapt attention when she realized Rachel was having a conversation with her dream Quinn not her. Quinn obviously only heard Rachel's side of the conversation and it was only Rachel asking Quinn if she promised.

Promise what? Quinn didn't know, after the asking of the promise, Rachel followed it up with a mumbled 'Thank you for always being here, Quinn..'

To say Quinn was shocked was an understatement. Hearing her name falling from the brunettes lips in what sounded like relief, than to hear Rachel's vulnerability asking if Quinn promised, destroyed any chance Quinn ever had at deny the tiny brunette anything ever.

As Rachel settled and her words became incoherent mumbles Quinn laid down beside the brunette as her tears began to dry as did Rachel's. Quinn watched the brunette and the difference in contrast to the nightmare thrashing, the brunette had been unable to shake prior.

To the now silent and peacefully sleeping angel. Quinn wanted to touch the brunettes face. Cup her cheeks and kiss her forehead. She'd been wanting to give the girl some form of protected affection as apparently dream Quinn had but knew it wouldn't be welcomed.

She glanced down to the slight swell of the brunettes stomach as her mind began to turn. Wondering if this Demetri guy was the father of Rachel's baby. The way Rachel had cried and begged in her sleep made Quinn's stomach churn at what the implications would mean if he was.

Was Rachel raped by this guy? Was she in an abusive relationship with him? All the questions kept swirling until she heard the barely there moan from the brunette.

She watched as Rachel winced in pain. Quinn wanted to ask where was the pain? And assure the brunette that she'd massage it away but instead chose to keep things as friendly familiar as she could. With the 'Tiger' statement.

Hearing Rachel's aggravated 'What do you want?' Did not deter Quinn. Especially, now knowing Rachel was dreaming about her. The blonde cleared her throat.

"Nothing. You just look like your in pain." Quinn stated the obvious.

The blondes assessment was true, the brunette knew. Because yes the fuck she was in pain. She was aching all over actually. The bed itself was comfortable but it was still on the floor and she had no pillows to help align the pressures points in her body. She was stiff and achy but Quinn didn't need to know that.

"I'm fine." Rachel replied.

"No. Your not. Where does it hurt?" Quinn ask moving forward and nervous as hell because she has already been punched by Rachel. She didn't want to be hit again but knew that if she made physical contact here and there often enough.

Eventually, Rachel would hopefully unconsciously become use to it and won't ever hit her again. Maybe one day expect it and actually want it..

"I said I'm fine." Rachel ground out. She was not fine. Her back was throbbing, her feet were swollen and she was starving. Her mind already remembering the taste of the burger and fries from Breadstix and the breakfast that morning.

She had worked so hard at going without food to almost forgetting that she was actually hungry until Quinn came along. Two meals. That's all it took for the craving for food to start again.

Now she was pissed because she felt like crying for food and begging to be held like in her dreams but refused to acknowledge that she felt like she needed it. She was tired of feeling the way that she does.

Quinn being helpful and caring with her fucking sincere eyes were not helping in holding up the steel walls around her heart, that no one but Quinn has been able to crack. Rachel staggered to her feet because she felt dizzy and a little nauseous.

Quinn was on her feet lightening quick wrapping her arms around the almost falling brunette. Her hand accidently cupping the brunettes protruding belly for the first time. Being the first person to ever touch it.

"Whoa! Are you sure your ok?" Quinn ask with worry.

"I said I was fine." Rachel said aggravated, shoving the blonde away.

"Obviously not, if your about to fall flat on your face." Quinn growled back in her own aggravation. She wanted Rachel to stop pushing her away. She wanted to help and she promised the baby she would.

"Why the hell are you even here? As you can see, I don't want or need you to be here. So, get lost loser. I'm sick of you following me around like a lost fucking puppy." Rachel ground out. Wishing for Quinn to leave so she could cry alone like she always does.

Because every one leaves anyway and her dreaming about Quinn and feeling her loss presence when she isn't around, is slowly scaring the brunette because that means Quinn is some how finding the kinks in her armor and she can't have that.

She can't because just like everyone else. Quinn will leave or do something to hurt her painfully and if Rachel got use to her being around it would hurt that much more if she did anything to hurt her, that the brunette is slowly realizing Quinn could be capable of if she wormed her way in completely some how.

Quinn stared at the brunette with understanding eyes. She knew Rachel was upset and was using hurtful words to get her to leave. She didn't know why because there was just a sliver in the brunettes eyes that was barely visible, but it told Quinn she didn't want her to actually leave.

She could see a storm was brewing beneath the surface but she could also see anguish as well as confliction. There was a battle happening in Rachel and the only reason Quinn knows this is, is because she's stared at herself enough in the mirror for hours.

Fighting with herself with her own demons and conflictions. She understood Rachel in the moment perfectly. Right now, Rachel was feeling insecure and confused and vulnerable. She needed time to get her bearings privately. The blonde nodded and without another word turned on her heel and left.

Rachel didn't watch her go but felt her presence leave and that caused the first tear to fall. Because though she wanted her to leave.. She also needed her to stay.

Quinn went downstairs and found her mother and Judy in the kitchen sipping tea and talking with warm smiles. Quinn smiled at the scene. This is the reason she stood up to Russell that day. Her mother was happy, smiling and care free. She took a deep breath and entered the kitchen.

"Hey." Quinn said with a smile as she entered.

"Hey, kid!" Shelby said with a smile.

"Hey, sweetheart." Judy said with her own smile and shining eyes.

"How are things?" Shelby ask with a glance to the ceiling.

Quinn took a deep breath. "Well. She's upset right now and I think it's because she had a bad dream. I'm going to head home, take a shower and change. She obviously needs some space but I'll be back. Will you text me if you hear or see her leave?" Quinn ask.

"Sure." Shelby said.

"Ok, I'll see you guys later." Quinn replied with a smile.

"See you later." Was return by both women.


SKYLER AND CHARLIE.

"The important thing to remember is your in control here, not the bike. Ok?" Skyler ask as she smiled at a kind of determined Charlie, who looked nervously adorable on Skyler's bike.

They had attempted Charlie to ride forward 8 times now but Charlie only pushed the pedal forward once before she got scared and dropped her feet back to the ground. Skyler thought she was the cutest thing.

"Ok." Charlie said doing her best to sound confident but really she sounded like a terrified child.

"Alright, now remember I'll be right next to holding you up until you are doing it yourself, ok?" Skyler spoke softly to Charlie.

"Ok." Charlie swallowed thickly her nerves every where. She really was scared of falling and to add the fact that Skyler would see her fall wasn't helping.

"Ok. Ready, 1,2,3!" Skyler counted out than Charlie pressed her foot forward and began to pedal with Skyler helping to hold the bike upright.

The blonde wobbled back and forth a little before gaining balance. Skyler was running beside the bike with a smile but as soon as she saw Charlie had gained balanced she let go and was just running beside her.

"YOUR DOING IT!" Skyler shouted with excitement.

"I'M DOING IT?! OH MY GOD! I'M DOING IT!" Charlie shouted back in her own excitement and glee as she squealed in delight. Charlie's eyes filled with tears as she realized she had just made one of her childhood wishes come true. She was riding a bike for the first time in her life and it was all thanks to Skyler.

Skyler had her own tears in her eyes. She had stopped running and pulled out her cell phone to record the monumental moment. On the way to the river court Skyler ask Charlie why she had never rode a bike and Charlie at first said she didn't want to bring down the mood but Skyler insisted.

Charlie finally relented and explained that her father said that riding a bike was childish and undignified, they weren't allowed to have one let alone be seen on one.

Skyler felt anger stir within her. She couldn't believe such a cruel human being existed and that the four Fabray's were damned to have him as they're father and husband.

Skyler decided that she wanted to know everything that Charlie never got to do so she could take her to do it. She wanted to fulfill every dream the blonde has ever secretly had and was going to start that day.

So, she casually asked the blonde if there was anything else that she wanted to do but wasn't allowed to. Charlie saw calm interested and understanding eyes staring back at her.

She nervously licked her lips and began explaining some things. Skyler listened with rapt attention, memorizing the list of things that were so simple to a child and should have easily been given.

It made her mourn the triplets childhood. She was determined to make the beautiful blonde before her happy no matter what it took. Not even the blondes boyfriend or father would stand in Skyler's way.

"AAAHHHHH!" Charlie's scream resounded across the river court as she crashed into a bunch of bushes.

"CHARLIE!" Skyler's heart seized as she ran toward the bushes in a hurry.

Charlie hissed as she wrestled to get up. Skyler was in front of her in an instant. She grabbed a hold of Skyler's hand as the brunette helped her to stand.

"Are you ok, sweetie?" Skyler said in rush of worry. Charlie's eyes softened at the brunettes worry over her.

At first Charlie was completely embarrassed that she fell and Skyler saw but hearing her call her sweetie swelled her chest with warmth. She was shocked into silence which was only making Skyler more worried.

"You called me sweetie.." Charlie whispered, staring at the brunette. Skyler froze not realizing her hiccup.

"Oh um.. I-I didn't mean to. I wa-" Skyler stuttered out nervously.

"You didn't mean it?" Charlie ask sadly feeling stupid for thinking the brunette meant it. Especially, since it sounded so good falling from her lips and aimed at Charlie.

"No! I mean yes I-I.." Skyler was floundering until her eyes widened in fear. "Oh my god, your bleeding!" Skyler said dragging the blonde to the blanket with all the picnic food they had laid out earlier.

Charlie was sat quickly on the ground and her jaw dropped open in surprise when Skyler climbed into her lap with each leg on the side of the blondes thighs. She cupped the blondes cheeks and pulled her face just below her chin to get a better look at the wound in Charlie's hair.

Charlie. Just. Died. and gone to heaven. The brunettes perfume was invading her senses and her hands itched to touch. The brunettes breast were at eye level and Charlie felt coiling in her stomach.

"Oh thank god! It's not that deep. You won't need stitches. How do you feel? Does it hurt a lot?" Skyler ask as she finally pulled back but still had the blondes face cupped into her hands. There faces mere inches apart.

Skyler's mouth went dry as she drowned in the sea of blue shining from the sun, holding her captive. All that could be heard was the lightly bustling trees, birds chirping and they're swallowed breathes.

Charlie was caught in a daze and couldn't move. The brunettes hair lightly blew in the warm breeze as her green eyes twinkled with it own admiration. Skyler's full pink lips were being caressed by the brunettes tongue as she licked her lips.

Charlie caught the action and licked her own lips in response. She could feel the need to kiss the brunette burn within her.

Skyler was staring at the blonde and felt herself losing her own grip. If she didn't know any better it seemed like Charlie was having just as much of a hard time breathing as she was.

Charlie's eyes looked as if they're maybe lust in them but she could be imagining it. Skyler wanted to kiss her so much. She was arguing with herself and licked her lips again watching as Charlie's eyes tracked her tongues movement.

Quinn's words echoing in the brunettes head. 'You'll still have her.. She'll still come over and be with you because that's where she wants to be.. Just try to always remember Skyler, that when she's with him. She's thinking about you..' Skyler was suddenly hit with a moment of clarity.

'Could it be? Could she want to be with me? Does she like me?' Skyler's thoughts went on a rampage. Every interaction between them coming back to her full force.

All arrows pointing to one thing. Skyler's eyes scanned the blondes eyes before her. Searching for the answer that she needed before taking such a huge leap of faith.

The brunette decided to take a chance in that moment. She leaned in closer, slowly to give the blonde a chance to move away but Charlie didn't/ In fact, Charlie's eyes became heavy lidded as Skyler once again licked her lips to watch Charlie's reaction.

Skyler got her answer when accompanied with the heavy lidded eyes was a quiet whimper escaping the back of the blondes throat.

Skyler felt her insides knot with joy, anticipation and need all at once. Skyler watched as Charlie herself leaned forward as well. They're foreheads coming together softly and the breath of they're lips panting lightly against each others.

"I.." Charlie tried to speak but was terrified to say what she wanted to say.

"What?" Skyler whispered, scared that if she spoke any louder it would break what ever was happening in the moment.

Charlie swallowed thickly. Skyler could see the fear in her eyes. Skyler decided to try something else, seeing as how it had affected the blonde mere minutes ago. "What is it, baby?" Skyler whispered and saw the moment the word 'Baby' was registered.

Charlie's eyes shined at hearing it but you could see the lingering hesitance in her eyes. Skyler knew she had to some how let the blonde know it was ok without causing a panic.

She lowered her tone even more and it took on a breathy quality. "It's ok, baby. Tell me, don't be afraid. It's ok.." Skyler said with warmth and understanding lacing her tone.

Charlie trembled slightly. Her eyes pricking with tears in fear. Skyler was about to pull back thinking she had some how crossed the line when Charlie spoke. "I want to kiss you so badly.." Charlie whispered her truth.

Her tears slipping from her eyes as she shut them in shame. "I'm so sorry! I can't help it and I know I'm grossing you ou-" Charlie's panic words were cut off by Skyler's lips.

They're lips held briefly, only a matter of seconds before Skyler released them. The two girls eyes were closed as they both thought the same thought unknowingly. 'Finally.'

"God, I've wanted to do that since the first time I laid eyes on you.." Skyler whispered out desparately with her eyes closed. Now scared to see Charlie's reaction.

Charlie's eyes finally fluttered open and they were heavy lidded. She stared at the brunette before her, still in shock and lust that just happened. Skyler kissed her. Skyler kissed her and called her baby and sweetie and Charlie was pretty sure this is what happiness feels like.

Charlie reached up and cupped the brunettes cheek. Skyler's eyes fluttered open as her hand cupped the blondes hand on her cheek. "I've wanted to make you mine since the first moment I saw you.." Charlie spoke softly her eyes full of honesty.

"Really?" Skyler ask bashfully. Skyler was nervous. The last time a girl said she wanted her, it turned out to be a prank. All because she told the girl who was her best friend at the time, that she had feelings for her.

"Yes. I actually went after you, after try outs but I saw you talking to Sam. That's why I thought you were his girlfriend." Charlie said quietly. She had no idea that Skyler was just as nervous as she was. If Skyler were to spread the news that she was into girls. Her father would find out and she'd be burned for it.

"How come you never said anything after you found out that we weren't dating than?" Skyler ask nervously.

"Because I was scared.." Charlie answered honestly. Skyler watched the blondes eyes down cast in shame and fear. Charlie swallowed thickly. "You don't understand Sky.."

Charlie said her voice quivering as she was about to tell the whole truth. "I-I'm gay. I'm a lesbian and no one but Sam, Quinn and I guess now my mom knows. They all know how I feel about you but if my daddy knew..." Charlie shook her head as images of what he could filled her mind.

She halted her words caught in her throat briefly and bit her lip as her tears fell. Skyler listened with her own tears in silence. Charlie began to tremble. "If anyone found out and some how it got to him.. He would-He would beat me until he was sure I was dead because there is no way he'd have a f-faggot for a child!" Charlie cried out.

Her tears coming in waves. Skyler pulled her into a hug still in her same position on the blondes lap. Doing her best to console Charlie. Skyler felt her heart flair with fire and felt the unwavering need to protect the girl in her arms.

Skyler pulled back and spoke with absolution in her tone. "Well, than we better make sure he never finds out and neither does anyone else."


MERCEDES AND SAM.

Sam and Mercedes walked through the mall talking non stop. Sam had been nervous when he rushed home. He was in the same position Charlie had been in when he realized that he had zero cool kid attire.

His father expected him to dress as he did because that was the way a real man dressed. He had to wear dress slacks, his button down dress shirts sometimes with a sweater vest depending on the occasion.

His dress shoes and sometimes a tie again depending on the occasion. His hair was to be always combed back exactly like his father's. A clean shave and wrist watch to match which ever outfit.

The wrist watch was always a classic none of that digital none sense and always had to match or it was his ass. Sam had torn through his closet and became frustrated until finally he resigned himself to his own fate.

When he got to Mercedes house dressed in his proper attire. Mercedes didn't bat an eyes lash. She smiled and asked if he was ready to go. They have been in the mall for a little over 3 hours.

They found that they have a lot in common but also a lot not in common. They complemented each other in the best ways. "So, I have to ask. How is it that your the running back but still don't have a girlfriend?" Mercedes ask with a kind smile.

Sam smiled though internally he wasn't it was all Russell's doing. He's 99.9% sure Russell's waiting until he would need him the way he needed Charlie and Quinn. "I just haven't found the right girl. I'm a little picky, I guess." Sam replied with a kind smile.

"I guy who has standards. I like it. So is there any girl that may possibly have a chance?" Mercedes ask with a teasing smile. Sam blushed and Mercedes smile widened. "You have a crush?! Who is it?" Mercedes said in a teasing tone but really was terrified to hear who because it would break her heart. Call her a masochist.

"No, No way! I'm not spilling." Sam said with a chuckle and a pink dusty hue of blush coloring him further.

"Come oonnn.. You know you want to." Mercedes continued to teased.


QUINN.

Quinn had gone home to shower and change like she said she would. As she was showering her mind was full of thoughts of Rachel and her dream. Than of the promise she made to the baby.

She realized she didn't know much about babies or pregnancy and decided it would be imperative to know what actually happens during the 9 months and what changes the mother's body goes through.

Maybe by anticipating what Rachel might need. It'll help her gain Rachel's trust. With that the blonde got ready and headed to the public library instead of the Berry-Corcoran home.

Quinn has been at the library for 3 hours now. She had received a text from Shelby earlier that Rachel had left out via her window.

So Quinn was in no hurry. She was fully engrossed in the 'What to expect when your expecting.' book as well as a few others. She grimaced thanking all that is holy that she doesn't have to go through what Rachel is.

It looked and sounded like it was painful. Quinn was so engrossed that she didn't notice the shadow towering over her.

"What the hell are you reading?" Was said quickly before the book was promptly snatched from her hands.

"Nothing!" Quinn reached for the book desparately as quick as she could but wasn't fast enough.

"Doesn't seem like nothing. What is it literary porn?" Was said so casually in a low toned joking manner before a gasp was heard.

Quinn bit her lip. "Q... Ar-Are you pregnant?" Santana ask in a whisper with worry in her eyes and tone.

"No." Quinn said snatching the book back.

"Does Biff know?" Santana inquired in a whisper.

"I'm not pregnant, ok!" Quinn replied in whispered annoyance.

"Than why the hell do you have a mountain of books dedicated to pregnancy?" Santana whispered back harshly in accusation.

"It's for research." Quinn said casually.

"Try again, bitch. Because I know there's more to it than that." Santana whispered but than her eyes grew wide. "Oh my god, it's Charlie isn't it?! She's pregnant with Pucks baby?!"

"Will you shut up! Charlie is not pregnant and neither am I!" Quinn whispered back in annoyance. Santana opened her mouth again to speak. "And no Sam didn't get anyone pregnant either." Quinn said before she could ask.

Santana narrowed her eyes before relenting. She could usually tell when Quinn was lying but she wasn't lying now. She could feel it.

"So than why the hell are you reading all this?" Santana ask as she sat down at the table. The two being all the way in the back of the library away from the few people that were there on Saturday morning.

"Like I said, research." Quinn replied.

"But why?"

"Jeez, don't you know when to just leave things alone after someone has already answered you." Quinn replied with a sigh.

"No. Now tell me..." Santana said her eyes softening. "What's going on, Q? No offence but these are a hell of a lot of books for just a bio class. They usually give us the material we need and I share bio with you. I know we're not covering this, so?"

Santana had her. They weren't covering this in bio. Quinn sighed to herself tiredly before licking her lips. "A.. A f-friend of mine. She's.. Pregnant and I'm trying to be there for her in some way but I don't know anything about pregnancy and I sure as hell don't know how to deal with a pregnant woman."

"Right now, I'm the only one around her. She doesn't get close to very many people. I'm shocked she's even opening up to me but.. I want to be there.. For her and the baby.." Quinn's tone dropped by the end of the sentence.

The vulnerability and truth in her eyes and voice were filled with emotion. It's the first time Santana has seen anything real like that in her friend when it came to someone else who wasn't Quinn's siblings or Britney or herself. The brunette stared at the blonde long and hard for several seconds before finally speaking.

"Ok. So, what have you covered so far?" Santana said as she grabbed open of the books and began flipping through it.

"Um.. What are you doing?" Quinn ask confused.

"What does it look like? Helping you get this shit memorized. We can't have you delivering babies if you don't know what your doing. You might drop it or something." Santana said seriously. Quinn smiled at her friend. Santana maybe a lot of things but she was definitely a great friend when she actually was your friend.


CHARLIE AND SKYLER.

"And pop rocks!" Charlie said with a smile.

"Pop Rocks? Really? Why?" Skyler ask with soft warm eyes and a smitten smile as she gazed down at the blonde who head was now in her lap as she comb her fingers through Charlie's hair.

After the revelation of the two's feelings for each other, they didn't kiss again or make any more moves. Charlie was vulnerable and emotional and Skyler was emotionally crippled by the blondes anguish.

Skyler decided to continue they're topic from before and steered the conversation to what things the blonde never got to try but wanted to.

"Well, when I was in 3rd grade Timmy Dillion had brought pop rocks to school and was offering some to the some of the other kids in the class. He offered me some but I said no for obvious reasons but all the kids made it sound so cool. They were laughing and some said it tickled. I thought how can candy tickle you? So, I want to try them some day. Oh and drums!"

"Drums?!" Skyler ask with surprise and excitement.

"Yes, in middle school. I had choir and I only got to play the tambourine but this one kid got the drums. Every time he was taught some thing I paid attention. I did, I would mimic the tap on my lap than I use the plastic spoon at lunch. I use to do it so much that I wouldn't realize I was actually doing it until QUinn and Sam would stop me." Charlie said with a smile.

"Show me." Skyler said with a smile.

"No." Charlie said in embarrassment.

"Come ooonn, I want to see." Skyler said teasing.

"Nu uh. Nope."

"Pretty pleeeease? For me?" Skyler ask with a pout.

"Ugh! Alright but! You have to understand. I have never done this in front of anyone else other than my siblings. I might get nervous and mess up." Charlie said.

"You'll do fiiine, now let me see." Skyler said in excitement.

Charlie sat up. She began arranging the 2 cups and plates the had as well as the empty plastic containers. She set them up in a specific order than took the two silver sppons in her hands.

She glanced at Skyler and shook her head with a smile. Skyler smiled back with twinkling eyes. Than Charlie began to tap against the silverware in rhythm. The clinking along with the plastic made an amazing sound.

Skyler's eyes shined in glee and amazement. Charlie began getting lost in the noise of it and Skyler saw when she lost the blonde to the music. It was incredible to see and hear.

Charlie slowed down the rhythm until she the final note.

"Wow.. That was amazing!" Skyler said in awed wonderment. She pulled Charlie in a hug than pulled back. "You are so talented. First basket ball and now this. Is there anything you can't do?!"

Charlie flushed. "Stop it." Charlie shook her head modestly.

"No, I'm serious." Skyler replied.

"I'm ok. I wouldn't go so far as to say amazing." Charlie said with her head bowed shyly.

Are you kidding me?! You were fantastic!" Skyler exclaimed.

"No I'm not and if you want to hear fantastic and amazing you should hear Quinn play the piano." Charlie said with an adoring smile thinking of her older sister. Skyler's brows hit her hair line.

"Quinn plays the piano?" Skyler ask.

"Yeah, she taught herself to. At school during free period." Charlie replied and Skyler was impressed.

"You know, she sings too." Charlie added.

"Really?"

"Yeah, she use to sing Sammy and I to sleep all the time." Charlie wistfully. Skyler could tell there was something behind that.

"When you were little?"

"Yeah.."

"Tell me about it." Skyler said.

"Before we were locked in our rooms. Sammy and I use to run to Quinn's room at night because we were scared. We would crawl in on each side of her and she held us and would sing quietly until we fell asleep. I had no idea that when we fell asleep she'd stay awake. She would always be tired and drowsy the next day but I didn't know why until one night I woke up and she was sitting at the edge of the bed staring at the door. When I asked her why she was still awake she told me not to worry and to go back to sleep. So i did." Charlie said than licked her lips.

"I didn't find out why she always stood awake until one night... My father barged into the room scaring the crap out of us. He was drunk and angry that Sam and I weren't in our rooms but Quinn.." Charlie spoke emotionally as her eyes welled with tears.

"Quinn jumped in front of us yelling back at him she did whatever she could and his attention went to her instead of us... She looked like a ragdoll by the time he was done with her. She was unconscious for a while and he started locking our bedroom doors for a little while not every night not until we hit 12. Sam had a growth spurt that's why I think he's paranoid..." Charlie finished.

"Your sisters pretty brave.." Skyler said. The blondes story conjuring up memories she didn't want to remember but Charlie had already shared so much. Maybe she should too. "Just like Rachel.."

Charlie's eyes cast to the tearful brunette. Charlie was about to speak but Skyler spoke first. "I've never told anyone this before but.. Rachel and I use to be in foster care and she, just like Quinn, was my protector when I was scared to...