CHARLIE, SKYLER AND REBECCA.
Cheerios practice just ended and everyone but Quinn got to hit the showers. It was her job to put the gear away.
Charlie and Skyler were at their lockers in the locker room. It has been a week and half since the trip to Columbus and though Charlie promised they'd finish their conversation, they hadn't.
After the indicent with Rachel, Charlie had shut down and Skyler didn't know why. Rachel was released the next morning and Shelby had been instructed that Rachel needed bed rest.
So the Columbus weekend had been cut short. That morning that Rachel had been released, they had all packed up the cars and headed back to Lima.
Than the Fabray's went radio silent and the Berry-Corcoran clan had been going stir crazy for a week than that Monday morning of the week, the triplets returned to school but something once again was off.
Skyler had noticed Quinn was more frosty and less patient with everyone around her. Sam was like a walking brick wall with sometimes unfocused eyes.
She had watched Charlie become snippy, impatient and rude to every one around her even her siblings but couldn't for the life of her figure out why.
Other than the obvious usual source but Sam and Charlie hadn't run to her at night like they usually do. In fact, it had been a while since they had.
"Hey, I'm going to mall after I'm done, for a new blouse. Want to come?" Skyler asked sweetly.
Charlie didn't even turn around. Her reply came out bland.
"Sure."
Skyler felt her heart clench at the blonde's blasé attitude. Just when she was going to ask Charlie if she was ok another voice joined the conversation.
"Hey, Charlie!"
Skyler's mood instantly shifted when Rebecca came around to their locker. She very much disliked Rebecca. The girl gave her bad vibes big time.
Charlie straightened up and turned toward the girl giving her, her undivided attention and showering her with a blinding smile.
Her demeanor shifted into one of happiness to see the girl.
"Hey, yourself."
"So, I was wondering what you were doing this weekend? I thought maybe you'd like to come over and have a sleep over? I promise it'll be fun." Rebecca teased.
"Definitely!" Charlie agreed enthusiastically.
Skyler was staring into her locker not able to handle the visual happening before her. Having to deal with listening to the conversation was enough to make her feel like she couldn't breathe.
"Ok, awesome! Be at my house by 7?"
"I'll be there." Charlie said with a smile.
"Cool. See you later."
"See you later."
After Rebecca left the two girls continued to change in silence.
Skyler felt her heart twist in a vice grip. She couldn't believe how stupid she had been to believe Charlie but at the same time she felt unwarranted in her feelings because Charlie didn't belong to her. So there was nothing she could do about it.
She was Finn's girlfriend after all and friends don't get jealous over their friends hanging out with other people even if that other person was Rebecca McIntosh.
QUINN, SHELBY AND RACHEL.
Quinn smiled at Shelby as she entered the house. It was a surprise to Shelby to see the blonde. She hadn't heard from the blonde's mother and had text and called the woman to no avail. She wanted to ask Quinn but didn't want to put the blonde between an adult issue.
"Hey, are you leaving?" Quinn asked.
"Yes, I have parent teacher conference this evening. Can't get out of it." Shelby replied with a playful roll of her eyes.
"Good luck." Quinn chuckled.
"Please, pretentious parents who use their money to get their kids ahead in life, only want to hear one thing and that's 'Your child is a star.' I'll need more than luck. Bhudda is more like it."
Quinn giggled. "Whichevers your fancy. Bhudda, Allah, Aliens." Quinn smirked.
Shelby chuckled with a nod. "At this point, I'd take anything. How's your mom, by the way? I haven't seen or heard from her in a while." Shelby asked casually.
"Good. She's had some things to take care of at the church this week. So she hasn't really been home."
That was a slight truth. Yes, her mother was handling church matters over the phone under the watchful eye of her father, her mother could barely move actually.
She was healing from the new bruises she received for not having dinner ready on time upon Russell's arrival back from his business trip.
Dinner was 8 minutes late to the table and Russell was not happy.
"Ok, well tell her to call me. Mom slumber party part 2 needs to happen." Shelby said with a smile that Quinn returned generously.
Shelby had felt terrible over the way she had treated Judy during the end of the trip. Though she knew she was partly right, she also knew she should have broached the subject regardless.
On the way to Columbus the car was full of laughter and fun but coming back had been vastly different.
No one spoke the only sound in the car was the low playing radio and Skyler's hand held game that Sam was playing along with the two girls cellphones.
Judy had kept her gaze out the window and Shelby had kept her eyes forward.
Quinn wished her mother had the freedom and luxury of coming and going when ever she pleased like Shelby but all the kids knew she would be stuck there the rest of her life.
She'd be Russell's go to punching bag none stop when they reached adult hood and moved out.
It was a sad truth but it was the truth.
"I'll let mom know. Um.. Is she?" Quinn asked with a silent question, her finger pointing to the ceiling referring to Rachel.
Shelby nodded sadly. "Skyler's out shopping. So, you guys will have the house to yourself for a few hours. Make it count." Shelby said with a wink.
"Always.
"Alright, see you later, kid." Shelby pulled the young blonde into a hug with so much affection behind it and a kiss to her forehead.
She had time to think over everything the last week and half and realized that she too was a teen once and had kept numerous secrets of her own, mostly out of fear.
So the possibility that Charlie and Quinn were doing the same made forgiving the teens a lot easier. She still planned to broached the subject with them in the perfect way. The same way she planned to speak to Judy.
Quinn relished the hug, returning it just a warmly.
Releasing each other the blonde watched the older brunette walk to her car than climb in and pull off with a wave that she returned.
Quinn shut the door quietly before ascending the stairs.
She made it to Rachel's room quickly. Taking a deep breath to prepare herself.
She hadn't spoken a word to Rachel since the disagreement they had in the brunette's hospital room.
Even the car ride back from Columbus was dead silent. She didn't even attempt to say bye to the brunette like she usually would.
Rachel also stopped showing up for to the student center for her tutoring. Though Quinn would wait the allotted time for her only to be disappointed.
She also has been having lunch with Biff every day being sure to be the dutiful, compliant girlfriend who kept her mouth shut and walked by his side like a stepford wife/trophy.
She knocked on the door timidly. No answer. She knocked again only a little louder. Still no reply.
She knocked again with a little more force.
"Rachel?" She called softly.
The blonde grasped the door knob and poked her head in. The room was empty.
Quinn stepped into the room. She noticed the bathroom door was closed and heard the shower running.
That's when she took notice of the stained sweats covered in slushie on the floor. Her heart broke at the sight.
Quinn decided not to bother Rachel and just drop off the item she had purchased just for the brunette in attempt at 'I'm sorry.' even though she knew she herself deserved an apology.
She still felt terrible about the way she acted and though she could be just as stubborn as Rachel, she couldn't stay mad at her.
She took her book bag off her shoulder, knelt down on one knee and zipped it open. She pulled the item out and stared down at it.
She was unsure about the gift at first but than thought maybe it could help Rachel see that her baby wasn't a monster or evil.
Maybe she just needed to know the facts and though Rachel couldn't read. She figured hopefully when Rachel wasn't mad at her anymore, she would let her read it to her. Leaving the book itself was to just pique Rachel's curiosity.
She didn't know what Rachel planned to do with the baby but she figured at the very least it would help Rachel through everything.
The blonde was so caught up in her musings that she didn't hear the shower cut off or the bathroom door open.
"What do you think your doing?" Was said with a low growl startling the blonde.
Quinn jumped to her feet and spun around. To her surprise Rachel was only in a towel.
"I um.. I'm sorry I just came to drop you off a gift. I was leaving, I swear." Quinn said quickly.
"Are you crazy?" Rachel asked with a withering stare.
The blonde swallowed thickly as she felt that stare in her bones. "No."
"You must be. Only a crazy person would buy some one who doesn't even like them a gift or better yet maybe your a con artist, they would do it to get closer to their mark."
"Is that what you are, Quinn? Is that why you won't leave me the hell alone. Your here to trick me?" Rachel spoke with suspicion, a dark smirk and calculated eyes.
Quinn felt a chill run down her spine in a good way at finally hearing her name leave the brunette's lips.
She hadn't seen or spoken to Rachel since they got back from the trip. Quinn was not letting this opportunity to possibly clear things up pass her by.
Quinn stood taller, squared her jaw with her back ramrod straight.
"No. I'm not."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"So you just go around buying things for people who aren't your friend and want nothing to do with you?"
Ok ouch! that kind of stung. She knew they hadn't known each other long but the least the girl could do was admit that they were acquaintances.
They had a night out together for goodness sake.
Rachel had seen her bra already and that's more than her boyfriend had seen though it was only because she was helping her clean up her wounds but still it counted, right?
"No, I don't just go around buying gifts and you know what? Maybe I am crazy. Because I still stand here trying with you."
Now it was Rachel's turn to feel the sting. She hadn't expected it.
It hit her square in the chest and the only flicker that showed the statement may have affected her was the glare on her face and the clenching of her jaw.
"No one asked you to come but your always here anyway, aren't you? You know what? I'm wrong, your not crazy. Your a sad little girl who has no real friends to latched onto. Because your so lonely."
"Fuck you."
"Ooooh, she swears. Is that what they teach you in finishing school?" Rachel shot back in a mocking tone.
"Jealous?"
"Of your precious upbringing?" Rachel scoffed. "Don't make me laugh!"
"No, jealous that I have more compassion and understanding in my soul than you could possibly try to muster in that black block you call a heart. At least I care about people and their feelings. At least I could go to bed at night knowing that I've done something whether big or small but something to make you feel less alone. So, yes, I do believe you would be jealous.. Because deep down inside, in the farthest crevices in you is a sad, lonely, scared little girl who really just wants someone to love her."
Silence engulfed the room along with tension.
Rachel was glaring with fury in her eyes. Her jaw tense, her hand clutching the towel to her chest to the point of her knuckles turning white.
Quinn stood with a calm exterior. She was wearing her cool mask of indifference when really she was worried.
She may have spoke what she believed but the part about the little girl within was a reference to her self. Whether or not Rachel feels the same way she does inside every day, didn't matter.
She just wanted to stop Rachel's cruelty before she said something to the blonde that would cause her to go home and do what she has been itching to do for years now.
Over the course of the last few weeks she has been learning Rachel's patterns. In the few times they spoke, she can now say she understands clear messages through Rachel's tone.
Right now, she had a feeling that since Rachel was in her towel and the way she had been clutching it when she exited the bathroom told her the brunette felt vulnerable.
So Rachel lashed out to get her to leave. The only way to really do that was to either hurt Quinn's feelings or a physical altercation.
Since the brunette was in her towel, Quinn assumes she chose to hurt her feelings but little did Rachel know that right at the moment, after the week and a half from hell Quinn's endured.
She's ready to end her life. Rachel might be able to give her the extra push if she allowed her to continue with her cruelty.
That's why Quinn chose to take the reigns of verbal assault.
"Now, that I have your attention." Quinn spoke with a low calm non threatening tone.
"I brought you a gift because even though we are just acquaintances. I thought it would be a nice gesture of apology for my actions at the hospital."
Rachel's glare didn't let up but Quinn noticed the brunette's stance soften slightly.
'Progress.' Quinn thought.
The blonde picked up the book and walked to Rachel's bed and sat down with the brunette eyeing her warily.
Rachel had no idea what the fuck to say because the blonde's earlier words not only hurt but were true. Rachel no longer had compassion for others or anything else the blonde said or so she believed she didn't.
However; deep inside there was a little girl. She could feel her.
Whether the little girl wanted to be loved or not was still up for debate but the child in her was definitely angry beyond a wild animals rage.
In truth, Quinn was a better person than she'd ever be. She had been watching the blonde for a while now.
The way she treats her siblings, the way she treats her friends even the kids at school that are considered pariahs.
Quinn doesn't see status or reputation when she speaks to people. She only sees a human being in front of her.
That's something Rachel secretly admires about the blonde. She's also patient and kind.
Her smile is so radiate and warm it makes you feel like your wrapped in the most soft, comforting embrace. Being held with so much tender care you never want to leave the warmth of it.
Well, at least that's how it makes Rachel feel. Though she'd never admit it.
She also hates the fact that every time Quinn speaks, her voice makes Rachel feel tingly and fuzzy inside which she doesn't understand what the hell it means but still knows what could come of it.
But what really pisses Rachel off is that every time Quinn is near or speaks to her, the monster inside her belly moves, a lot!.
Like it's hopped up on fucking sugar, espresso, and tripping on acid all at once. It kicks her like crazy and all she can do is grit her teeth at the power of it.
It's like it knows when the blonde is near. It freaks Rachel out because none of this makes sense because she herself doesn't want Quinn getting any more closer than she already has.
She doesn't know why this girl can just come in and do what ever she wants and she's powerless to stop her.
Quinn spoke pulling the brunette from her thoughts. Rachel cursed her belly when her brown eyes connected with green.
Her stomach fluttered, for what? She couldn't tell you.
"I know you haven't really participated in any of the reading.. Well that's putting it lightly, you only listen but I thought we could try some reading today. You know, like you actually try to read some."
"Why are you doing this?" The brunette whispered casting her eyes to the ground in slight frustration but mostly fear at what she was feeling.
It was a question she had asked Quinn on several occasions but with every answer she still found her self lost in the confused kindness of the blonde before her.
She had no control over herself and couldn't put a word to what she felt.
"Honestly?" Quinn asked.
Rachel looked at her willing Quinn with her eyes to help her understand.
Quinn sighed as she stood up from the bed on the floor and walked over to the brunette who was slowly becoming nervous as the blonde approached.
Quinn's eyes softened when she saw the brunette slightly take a step back and fear began to make it's presence known in her brown eyes.
What Rachel was a afraid of? Quinn didn't know but she was determined to show Rachel she was no one to be feared. That she genuinely cared. That they were equals.
Quinn stopped in front of her. Rachel was stoic in place.
Quinn could clearly see thick old puckered scars creeping over one of the brunette's shoulders that her hair wasn't covering.
She could see old scar lines on the brunettes forearms as well as her legs. This being the first time she's ever seen more than just Rachel's face. Rachel's body from what Quinn could see, is a walking symbol of what torture would look like if it was a physical being... Just she herself, her mother and, her siblings.
The blonde's eyes became pink and glassy as tears welled at the sight of them.
Rachel was confused as to why the blonde was about to cry but captivated by such a painfully beautiful sight.
She had never come across any other human being as beautiful as Quinn.
Quinn took a deep breath before lifting her hand to her cheerios top. The blonde doing something very unexpected but she hoped in taking this leap of faith.
Her explanation would be more clear and perceived more honestly.
Quinn unzipped the corner of her cheerios top than pulled it up and over her head surprising Rachel.
She knew Rachel had seen her previous scars but she hasn't seen the new ones. The blonde swallowed thickly and spoke soft and low.
"Because.. I'm hoping that one day you will see and understand that I understand you. That I know what it's like. That your not alone and you don't have to hide from me by being mean or aggressive. Because in the end I won't walk away." Quinn swallowed thickly and wiped a stray single tear before continuing.
"I hope that if I try hard enough.. Than one day you'll actually want to be my friend. All I can do is hope.." With that the blonde turned on her heel to walk back to the bed causing the brunette to gasp in surprise.
Quinn's back was littered with new still healing puckered scars compliments of Russell Fabray upon his return. They looked just a bad as Rachel's own.
After finding out Quinn had put Biff in his place. Making him look like a complete fool in front of their peers in the cafeteria.
Russell took things further than usual. Quinn hadn't screamed that bad in a long time.
Rachel's eyes watered as she unconsciously stepped forward with a hand raising to touch the scars on the back of the retreating head cheerleader.
Rachel couldn't help it. She was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Her eyes transfixed upon the barely healed scars.
The second Rachel's soft hand made contact with the blonde's back Quinn gasp as her eyes widened in surprise than fluttered close. She stopped moving staying perfectly still for fear of ruining the moment.
When she felt Rachel's finger tips lightly trace one of the long scars from just below the base of her neck to the middle of her back just across her spine. Quinn bit her lip as it ached by the touch. The bruises were still prominent. Her flesh still tender.
Rachel was so caught up in the scars she didn't realize how close she was to the blonde's body nor that her breath lightly caressed the blonde's skin causing goosebumps to awake.
Though the ache was there, Quinn's body was a buzz. She felt like she was floating. Rachel's touch sent her insides spiraling.
No one but Charlie, her brother, her parents and the private Doctor her father pays for, has ever been this close to her skin.
"These aren't going to go away like the others.." Rachel whispered as her fingertips explored the wounds.
Quinn swallowed thickly, licking her dry lips before whispering back her reply. "I know."
"Two of them look infected." Rachel continued in her whispered assessment.
"I know, I can feel it but I'm used to the pain. I'm his favorite.." Quinn whispered as her tears fell silently in shame.
At those words Rachel's eyes shot up to the back of the blonde's head as her mind transported her back to a time she can't ever seem to escape in her mind.
'Your my favorite, girl. Don't you understand, Rachel. Do you know what my favorite means?'
Rachel shut her eyes and shook her head lightly to rid his voice from her mind.
Without a conscious thought her body moved closer to the blonde's and once again Quinn found herself gasping in surprise when she felt the most gentle kisses being placed across her back.
Rachel's mind went beserk. The angry beast in her growled for her to get away. That she'd only get hurt trusting the blonde witch and her wicked enchantments.
However; by her lips feeling the softness of the skin below them and roughness of the of the healing scars. It caused her heart to over power her mind. The beast became a fading echo.
She just wanted to make the blonde's pain go away.
Quinn's eyes were still shut. Her lips trembled biting back a sob but it was no use. It escaped quietly almost like a whimper but Rachel heard it.
She felt the blonde's body tremble in that way that only meant she was trying to hold in her cries.
Rachel placed her forehead to the space between the blonde's shoulder blades that didn't have a wound, as she slid her arms around Quinn's waist and pulled their bodies together holding Quinn from behind as the blonde cried.
Quinn turned in her arms a moment later. Sliding her arms around the brunette's neck and burying her face into Rachel's neck.
Once again, no one but her siblings, parents and that doctor has seen her cry. Now Rachel has but she doesn't feel embarrassed. She feels safe.
Rachel couldn't tell you why the hell she was comforting the girl or why she felt a captured feeling as if she longer belonged to just herself but she can tell you that hugging Quinn Fabray was like hugging the softest cloud in heaven.
After Quinn settled down she pulled back and immediately was thrown into the sad understanding depths of chocolate that she never wanted to stop drowning in.
"Ok.." Rachel whispered.
Quinn's eyes furrowed in confusion but softened immediately when Rachel cupped her cheek and wiped away her tears.
"Ok?" Quinn questioned.
"Ok.. I'll try to read."
At the brunettes words a slow smile blossomed so beautifully on Quinn's face as relief washed over her.
Rachel felt her knees go weak and her heart stammer and the monster in her belly move like crazy.
"Really?"
"Yes, I'll try." Rachel replied softly.
The blonde pulled the brunette back into a hug.
"Thank you." Quinn whispered in her ear and Rachel felt goose bumps erupt across the skin of her neck behind her ear.
CHARLIE AND SKYLER.
"What do you think of this?" Skyler asked as she held up a top to her chest.
The two girls had been at the mall for an hour or so now. Skyler being the one really dominating the conversation.
Charlie hadn't been too forth coming though Skyler did her best to keep her cool. The blonde's demeanor had her seriously worried.
She also was battling the little green monster on her shoulder concerning Becca and Charlie's little sleep over but again there was nothing she could do about it.
"It's cute." Charlie replied non committedly.
"Hey, are you ok?" Sky asked in a low tone as to not allow others in their business.
"Yup." Charlie replied with a clipped tone.
"It doesn't seem like it."
"Yeah, well we can't all be happy go lucky all the time, Sky."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing." Charlie said with a roll of her eyes and attitude.
"Clearly, it isn't nothing otherwise you wouldn't have said it."
"Look, you don't understand. I'm under a lot of pressure right now and going shopping for clothes isn't exactly what I want to be doing."
"You didn't have to come. I just thought that-"
"You just thought what? Everything can be fixed with clothing?! Well, guess what? It can't!"
"Why are you being this way? If somethings bothering you we can talk about it privately. You know I'm always here for you."
"Why do you insist on pressuring me?!" Charlie raised her voice causing Skyler to jump in surprise and sadness at the fire in the blonde's eyes.
"I'm not pressuring you!"
The two girls were so caught up in their emotions they hadn't realized their voices began to rise and they were drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
"Whatever, I'm out of here!"
"Fine! Than go! Why don't you go hang out with that skank you so love to smile for than!"
"I will!"
"Than go!"
"Fine!"
"Bye!" Skyler fired back with disinterested attitude
"Whatever."
"That's right walk away like you always do, Charlie! Because heaven forbid you talk about anything that's actually bothering you! You know What? Never mind, I'll leave wouldn't want you to feel pressured knowing I'm still lurking around the mall." Skyler said with venom in her tone as she shoved passed, surprising a furious Charlie with the move.
QUINN AND RACHEL.
"Dif.. Diff..I.. Colt." Rachel struggled to sound out the word difficult.
Rachel and Quinn had been sat on the brunette's bed for a little over an hour after Rachel got dressed. The two were going over the 'What to expect when your expecting' Book.
Rachel was hesitant at first and suggested something else to read from but Quinn said it was all she had with her which was true.
The blonde didn't mention the fact that Shelby had a little book shelf in the living room that was just as easily accessible.
She just wanted Rachel to learn all that she could about her pregnancy and if she learned to read while doing it than that's a bonus she'd gladly accept.
"That was good."
"Really?"
"Yes, the pronunciation was great. The fact that you figured out the word on your own this time is simply outstanding. Your a fast learner." Quinn spoke with a enthusiastic smile that shone brightly.
Rachel blushed and ducked her head bashfully under the blonde's warm assured gaze.
She didn't want Quinn to know how much of an affect she had on her nor that she was actually enjoying herself.
The only reason she agreed to trying to read was because it physically pained her to see the blonde in tears and so broken the way she had been.
In that moment, Rachel would have done anything not to see her cry.
Quinn noticed the slight flush of Rachel's skin and knew the brunette was either embarrassed or happy by her praise.
But to make sure that they could continue their impromptu lesson.
She remained calm and neutral as to not push the brunette completely out of her comfort zone.
She wasn't sure why Rachel suddenly agreed to reading but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
She was so happy and excited that not only was the brunette trying to read but she was reading a book about pregnancy.
Hopefully this would help Rachel see that her baby was too precious to be evil and the brunette would warm up to the idea of her baby. Not that she expected Rachel to keep it or anything, just understand that children aren't asked to be born and that it isn't their fault how they were created.
The blonde was pulled from her musings by the brunette's growling stomach.
Rachel flushed again and Quinn smiled adoringly at her which made Rachel's stomach flutter at the sight.
"Hey?" Quinn said sweetly.
Rachel glanced up from her bowed head somewhat shyly but could be seen as hesitant.
"I'm hungry. How about we order something to eat and continue this after?" Quinn suggested with a warm smile and comforting gaze.
Rachel couldn't help it and Quinn was shocked by the beautiful sight of it.
Rachel felt her lips upturn into a small soft smile that blew the blonde away.
It wasn't the usual evil smirk Rachel sports when she knows she's gutting you with her words like fish.
No, this was something else entirely. She looked bashful and a bashful Rachel was all kinds of cute in Quinn's book.
"Ok.." Rachel agreed timidly.
The two stared at each other warmly both feeling completely enraptured by the other and the turn of events.
Just yesterday they hadn't spoken a word to each other, now their literally gazing into each other's eyes.
Maybe it was the matching scars or it was Quinn's tears or maybe it was Rachel's treacherous heart who bent over backwards at the blonde's needs.
Neither of them knew what it was but what they did know was that, that evening something shifted in their relationship, largely on Rachel's part.
She made an effort. A decision she wouldn't have made for anyone else.
A move that she had no idea would change both of their lives for the better.
The brunette will berate herself once she's alone when the 'Quinn fog' evaporates and her conscious is clear enough to scold her for being nice and trying to read but it would be for nothing.
Because the next day (unbeknownst to the two girls) at the tutor center, instead of sitting in silence slumped in a chair.
Rachel will sit up, face forward listening with rapt attention to her instructor, Quinn.
It will make Quinn so happy she'll squeal in excitement which she never does in public because she's always so reserved and quiet.
The brunette will find it adorable and melt internally.
That alone will be the catalyst to Rachel Berry's frustratingly hard journey to achieveing her education.
She will do her best to complete her class assignments for the first time ever in her teenage life all because of Lucy Quinn Fabray.
Because nothing makes her feel anything but Quinn's blinding smile, shining eyes and happy radiant energy.
They will spend many nights in tears of frustration. She'll have many arguments with Quinn trying to get the blonde to understand that she's too stupid with Quinn firing back that she isn't.
Quinn will be there when she feels like giving up but the blonde won't let her and she won't let herself.
Because for Rachel, learning to read started out as a way to make Quinn happy.
Than she will slowly begin doing it to better herself but.. The end of the road of her educational journey is a long time from now but tomorrow.. Tomorrow will be a new beginning for the two.
"Chinese?" Quinn asked with a knowing smile.
"Definitely." Rachel replied soft with her own warm smile that caused butterflies to erupt in the blonde's stomach.
"You got it, Carina." Quinn said with affection.
"What?"
"What?"
"What did you say?"
"You got it?"
"No, the other word."
"Oh.. It's nothing." Quinn waved it off in embarrassment. She hadn't meant to say it. It just bubbled out of her.
Rachel could tell there was more to it.
"No, I want to know. What does that mean? I've never heard it before."
Quinn licked her lips nervously. "It.. It's Spanish."
"You know Spanish?" Rachel asked in surprise.
"Well, I take Spanish as an elective at school. Thankfully Mr. Shue isn't teaching it anymore. We have an actual Hispanic teacher now and one of my best friends is Puerto Rican. So I've learned from her and her family as well."
Rachel was staring at the girl in fascination. Spanish sounded like gibberish to her but it was such a beautiful language. One that Rachel had secretly always wished she could learn.
"What does it mean than?"
"What does what mean?"
Rachel rolled her eyes. "The word you said. What does ca.. carin mean?" Rachel asked unsurely and Quinn smiled at her efforts to say the word.
"Carina." Quinn repeated with a roll of her tongue perfectly that may or may not affected the brunette's lower region but what would Rachel know of such a feeling. The brunette cleared her throat.
"Yeah that. What does it mean?"
"It's a term of affection or endearment." Quinn replied with a smile being captivated herself by the brunette's innocence.
Rachel looked so eager and full of wonder at the word before her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Endearment?" She asked in confused innocence.
"Yes, it's like calling someone sweetie or darling." Quinn finally answered and was very happy she did because once again Rachel ducked her head in shyness and the flush was back with a vengeance.
"Wh.. Why would you say that?"
"Because I meant it, Carina."
Rachel's head shot up at the name again. Her eyes shined in a way they never had before. Quinn felt her breath ripped from her lungs instantly.
"Does that bother you?" Quinn asked gently.
"No, I like it.. Mi Bella."
Quinn's smile was face splitting ducking her own head bashfully, when she asked with affection. "Where did you learn that?"
"TV." Rachel said with her own proud smile.
Quinn giggled. "You are such a dork."
"If I'm a dork, your a nerd."
"Ok, dork. Now what did you want to eat from the restaurant?"
"You pick."
Quinn hesitated for a moment and Rachel could tell.
"What?" Rachel asked curious at the shift in the blonde's demeanor.
"I don't want to upset you and ruin this.." Quinn said softly casting her eyes downward.
"What is it?"
Quinn looked back at the brunette and swallowed thickly.
She might as well bite the bullet. She'd rather be sure than give Rachel something the baby wouldn't allow her to eat.
"Please don't get mad?" Quinn asked in slight desperation.
Rachel melted at the fear in the blonde's eyes and tone. She immediately felt like shit. 'Had I really been that cruel to her that she's scared to say what's on her mind?'
"I won't."
"Promise?" Quinn asked with worry.
Rachel searched the blonde's eyes for a moment before deciding that she wouldn't allow herself to get angry.
"I promise." Rachel assured.
"Ok.. Well.. I want to order for you but I'm not sure if what I order you the b.." Quinn hesitated again before licking her lips. "I'm not sure if what I order for you the baby will let you eat.."
Silence followed as Rachel's eyes turned from the blonde's face instantly. Her gaze dropping to ground with her head bowed.
She shut her eyes to get the current of anger surging through her under control.
"Rachel, I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad! Look we-we could forget about the food and go back to reading!" Quinn rambled on frantically soft.
All Rachel could do was hate herself more. It was clear that she had made Quinn scared of her.
Scared to speak about things that she wanted or thought of and that just made Rachel feel like she was no better than the blonde's father or the one who shall never be named that did the same to her.
At the realization Rachel's anger vanished and was replaced with sadness and disgust of herself.
Here this beautiful blonde girl was trying hard to help her and be there for her and all she's done is obviously made her so scared of her, that she's begging her not to be angry with her. How fucked up is that?
Rachel swallowed deeply and despite the fact that she could give a rats ass about the monster inside of her belly.
She found that she more than anything once again wanted to console the blonde.
Rachel decided to make another effort in that moment and reached out to grasped one of the blonde's hands cutting off Quinn's frantic rant of pleading.
Rachel's heart broke at the terrified wide eyed look on Quinn's face.
"I'm not mad." Rachel spoke softly.
"Your not?" Quinn asked hesitantly with slight fear.
"No, I'm not. I appreciate that your worried."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Can I suggest something than?"
"Ok."
"Well, I read that sometimes you can tell what the baby will allow you to eat by looking at the menu yourself. It's like having a food detector or something. It automatically causes salivation in the mouth and hunger pains to.." Quinn trailed off when she noticed the brunette's stare on her.
"What?"
"What did you just say?"
"About salivation? It means the mouth waters bec-"
"No. You said you read it."
The blonde shut her eyes at her mistake.
"Why were you reading about pregnancy?"
Quinn weighed her options in her mind. She could lie and say it was for a class project or she could be honest and face the wrath of the brunette.
She didn't want to lie. Not only because she never likes to but because she couldn't, not with Rachel. She could never lie to Rachel.
"For you.." Quinn replied so softly it could be considered a whisper.
Rachel's mouth fell open slightly at the revelation. Her eyes widened in surprise and she couldn't describe the whirlwind of emotions flowing through her like a tidal wave.
She stared at the blonde in bafflement. Quinn was doing her best to not fold under the weight of the brunette's stare.
She didn't do anything wrong, she knew that but she also knew Rachel thought her baby was a monster and most likely didn't care to know about anything that had to do with babies.
"Why?" Rachel asked softly, it almost sounded like she was amazed.
"Why what?"
"Why would you do that?"
"To be prepared."
"Prepared for what?"
"Prepared for any and all situations that I might find myself in when comes to you. Like when you got dizzy that day when you told me to leave. I left like you asked because you asked but I was still worried. I realized that I had no clue about babies or what happens to the mother during pregnancy and I wanted to be prepared for anything should you ever need me."
Silence once again fell over them. Once again Rachel was staring at her as if she was out of this world. The brunette was floored by the girl before her once again.
Rachel wasn't sure how to take that. Her emotions were every where and she hadn't noticed her eyes had welled with tears until her vision began to blur.
"Oh, carina.. I didn't mean to make you cry." Quinn spoke softly as her hand now cupped the brunette's cheek in consolement.
Rachel felt anger surge through her at the act of kindness and affection cooing from the blonde's lips.
She was angry but not at Quinn. Angry at the fact that she herself knew next to nothing about her own body or the thing living inside her causing all of her mood swings.
She also felt this overwhelming feeling of being cared for. Why was Quinn so fucking perfect all the time? She didn't deserve it.
Rachel wiped her tears roughly putting on a defiant face. "Can I see the menu?"
Quinn knew that was her cue to back off. The blonde nodded and pulled out her phone than handed it to Rachel after pulling up the menu online.
Rachel scrolled through the menu. Quinn was right, she immediately began salivating as her eyes zeroed in on the only item on the menu that made her stomach growl just reading it.
Quinn called the restaurant and placed their order. After she was done it was quiet again but instead of comfortable silence like it had been earlier, it was now awkward.
Quinn decided to bite the bullet and speak but before she could Rachel beat her to the punch.
"What else do you know?"
"About what exactly?"
"You know." Rachel said with a dismissive hand gesture to her stomach.
"Babies?" Quinn asked though she could tell Rachel didn't like the word. The brunette flinched at the sound of it.
"Yeah.. that"
"Surprisingly, I've learned a lot. It's a very complex thing. Babies affect your mood, your taste buds. Your body goes through all these changes that seem impossible but are possible. It's quite fascinating once you get into it." Quinn said with a disarming smile hoping to ease the tension in the room.
"Like what?"
"Like your ankles swelling to the point of not fitting into your normal shoe size."
"What?!" Rachel exclaimed in alarm not having that happen yet and causing Quinn to giggle at her wide eyed shock full of terror look.
"Relax, carina. The swelling goes away after you give birth."
"Oh, thank god!" Rachel breathe out with a heavy breath and hand over her heart unconsciously dramatic as if that would calm it down causing Quinn to giggle once more. "Don't ever scare me like that again, Quinn."
Quinn's heart fluttered at the brunette saying her name once more. Unbeknownst to the blonde. It's the closest Rachel has ever been to how she used to be when she was a child that was severely dramatic and told every one she'd be a star on Broadway when she grew up, just like her mommy.
"I'll try not to but Rachel.." Quinn spoke calmly. "You have to understand that though the baby is going through development. You yourself are also going through changes. You have to take care of yourself as well."
"Wha-What else?" Rachel asked hesitantly.
Now that she learned that fun fucking fact. Which let's be honest, scared the shit out of her. How could you not fit into your own shoes? It baffled the brunette.
She felt she needed to know now and be prepared for any other crazy shit that might happen but didn't want to seem to eager to the blonde for the knowledge that Quinn had at her disposal.
However; Rachel was unaware that Quinn could see right through her act. The blonde smiled adoringly at her.
"Well.. let's see. Your in your second trimester so around this time your belly will grow bigger obviously and you'll gain more weight. Your milk glands will enlarge-"
"What is that? Milk glands, I mean." Rachel ask cutting off the blonde in alarm as her heart seized but she was fighting with herself to not seem obvious. Quinn knew, it was written all over the brunette.
Rachel's pretty sure she'd know if she had milk glands. That sounds like some thing you would know was there or be able to see and she's more than sure she doesn't have it. That shit sounded like a disease.
"Oh, it means your breast will enlarge because of the milk it will produce."
"What?! Why?!" Rachel exclaimed in desperation as fear began growing in her eyes.
"Because your body is preparing for breast feeding." Quinn replied as if they were discussing the fucking weather and not Rachel's undoing.
Rachel's face took on one of horror. 'Fucking milk glands!' Rachel thought, shuddering in disgust. "Ew.."
Quinn giggled than continued.
"The skin on and around your nipples will darken or in your case have already. You may have small bumps around your nipples too. That's nothing to worry about though. The bumps are the glands that make an oily substance to keep your nipples from drying out. A yellowish fluid, called colostrum, might begin or has already begun to leak from your nipples. So, watch out for that." Quinn said with a small.
Rachel shuddered again and Quinn giggled again. Just than the doorbell rung and Quinn winked at the brunette whose heart rattled and the black coal around her heart cracked open a little more, at the gesture.
"Our food has arrived, Carina. I'll be back in a second." The blonde got to her feet leaving the room as she grabbed her purse from her back pack along the way.
Rachel watched her go feeling a yearning to follow the blonde just to be next to her again.
She thought about all the stuff Quinn just told her and once again felt completely lost about her own situation.
She glanced down at her belly than down at the book Quinn brought her and picked it up.
Flipping through the pages she furrowed her brow in confusion. She understood some small words like 'It' and 'The' but the rest made no sense.
Maybe she should learn more about it. Not for the monster inside of her, of course but to make sure she herself is ok.
Yeah, that's right.. She'll learn about those things for herself and no one else..
SKYLER AND FINN.
Skyler had no idea why she chose to call Finn but she did. She had been so furious with Charlie in the moment.
However; the moment she was away from the blonde she collapsed into tears.
It wasn't only Charlie's words that hurt but it was the fact that Charlie seemed different.
Her eyes seemed vacant of any real emotion. The only time Charlie seemed actively listening was when Becca came around.
She'd be lying if she said she wasn't jealous and hurt by it. It seemed like Charlie liked Becca as more than just a friend.
She had tried numerous times over the past week to get the girl to talk but she got nothing.
Sam has been M.I.A spending any chance he could get secretly hanging out with Mercedes. Though Mercedes had no idea it was suppose to be a secret.
The two hadn't been coming to her house either which kept her up at night worrying herself to death and causing her to fall asleep in a class or two.
Skyler has had enough. She is not who she use to be. She's not the sad twin who clung to whoever gave her attention.
She also wasn't going to be a door mat for any one to walk on. Sam she could understand was a guy with needs and has a crush on the girl he's trying to grow something with. Even if it is in secret.
But Charlie? Charlie said they were best friends. Charlie said she likes her as more than a friend.
Charlie said she wanted to be with her. Charlie promised not to keep secrets. But in that moment Skyler felt like it had all been a lie. She felt betrayed once more.
In her anger she called Finn. When he arrived he hadn't really noticed she had been crying.
All he noticed was that she was upset and had an idea of what would make her feel better but she can honestly say this was not it.
His tongue practically choking her with the slobber. His large palms groping her heavy and awkwardly.
His obvious need of a bath that he thinks he can cover up with the same stupid axe body spray that all boys use. His gross hard on pressing into knee? How tall is this kid?
Point is! It felt wrong! It all felt wrong but Skyler's broken heart of betrayel was over riding the fact that she wasn't ready for what was obviously happening when Finn unbuttoned her jeans, undoing her zipper immediately after.
No Skyler was not ready and didn't want it to be Finn. She wanted Charlie..
Charlie and her deep sea blue depths. Her soft full lips and angel like hair. Her sweet enticing scent.
Before Skyler knew what was happening her body came to life by the thoughts of the blonde.
Finns hand slip into her jeans over her panties and being surprised and excited by the moisture he found.
"See.. I knew this would make you feel better. I knew you wanted it just as much as I do." Finn said before swooping down and capturing her lips again before she could speak.
CHARLIE.
Charlie growled in frustration throwing the ball in anger at the back board of the hoop. She felt nothing but sadness and anger.
She couldn't put into words what she felt. After her argument with Skyler she had left the mall immediately.
She drove around for about 30 minutes before she felt herself calm enough to actually speak. She than drove to Skyler's house with the intention of telling her what exactly happened when they got back from Columbus and who they found waiting for them unexpectedly.
Not wanting Shelby asking any questions as to why she had been crying. She climbed the tree instead of using the front door but when she got to Skyler's window it was locked. It was never locked.
She sat on the side of the roof and waited for Skyler to come back to her room from where she probably was in the house but she never came.
She had stood outside the brunette's window for 2 hours before realizing the brunette wasn't coming home anytime soon.
She climbed back down the tree and texted Skyler 4 times before trying to call and getting her voicemail. She didn't leave a message.
She got back in her car and drove away heading straight for the river court were she has been for the last hour.
All she could think about was Skyler. How she had been treating her. How she deserved her not caring about her anymore.
She did this to herself. She thought about the last two weeks and what was coming when Puck was fully healed. She didn't want it.
She prayed by some miracle it wouldn't happen but she knew she had no choice. Now that she thinks about it. Maybe Skyler is better off without her.
QUINN AND RACHEL.
Rachel sat wide eyed in fear as if she were listening to a horror story as the blonde explained what stretch marks were. They sounded like the fucking worst.
"..Elastic fibers right beneath the skin tear. This creates streaks of indented skin called stretch marks. They usually only show up on your breast and belly but sometimes the weight gained could cause them on your thighs or butt." Quinn finished.
Rachel did not look happy. She looked like a cornered animal. Like the stretch marks were coming for her and no one could stop them.
It was simply adorable to Quinn. She enjoyed informing the brunette about some of the things she learned thus far but the brunette also looked tired after eating her entire meal as well as half of Quinn's.
"Ok, carina, I think that's enough information for now." The blonde closed the book she was referencing and set it aside.
"It's ok, if you want to keep going." Rachel said with barely concealed relief. Quinn giggled at the adorableness.
The blonde slipped off her shoes and climbed into the bed beside the brunette.
Being sure to give the brunette her standard two feet of space.
Also being sure to turn her back to the brunette, to give her privacy.
Knowing she could stare at Rachel for hours and never get tired of it.
"Have a good nap, Carina."
Rachel's eyes drooped instantly and her heart rattled once again at the blonde's words.
The brunette felt so overwhelmed but so grateful for the knowledge bestowed upon her.
There really was so much she hadn't known. It also helped that the information was coming from Quinn.
She knows if it had come from someone like a doctor or Shelby she wouldn't have even given them a second to explain.
The brunette felt the yearning again as she thought about Quinn. Her eyes cast to her left at the blonde facing away from her.
She pondered for minutes about the girl because it must take a really strong person to go through the severe level of abuse that Quinn does and still have a genuine heart of gold.
Rachel debated with herself on what she thought she should do but what her heart was pushing her to do out weight the negative thoughts running rampant in her mind of what she's been wanting to do for the last ten minutes.
The brunette sat up and scooted closer to the blonde closing the gap completely between their bodies. Causing the blonde to gasp in surprise.
"You have a good nap too, Bella." Rachel whispered in to Quinn's ear as her arms wrapped around the blonde's waist.
Her hand finding purchase on the flat of Quinn's stomach. Rachel felt the blonde's body begin to tremble.
Soon a whimper followed. It was than Rachel realized the blonde was crying and it only took mere seconds before the brunette knew for certain why.
Rachel had heard many things by accident. Meaningless things but things nonetheless.
She heard the conversation the triplets had about her sister in the choir room all those weeks ago, because she had broken into Mr. Shuesters office to get back her hat that he had told her to take off in the hall but she refused to.
She had hidden behind the door when she heard the 3 teens in the room. It broke her heart beyond measure to hear Quinn tell her siblings to not feel guilty for having some where safe to go.
Rachel knew she could be that place for Quinn but at the time was still doing her best not to get involved because caring only got you hurt.
Now though.. Now maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let her come and stay. Maybe Quinn needed her more than Rachel could ever understand.
With that thought the brunette leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to the blonde's cheek. "No more crying, Bella.. Your safe now."
A sob escaped the blonde as those words wreaked havoc on her heart. Quinn felt Rachel lightly tug her arm in silent communication to turn over.
As soon as she did Rachel wiped her tears, placed another kiss to her cheek and guided her head into the hollow of her neck as they lay back into the mattress together.
The blonde shuddered as she did her best to stop her cries but couldn't. Rachel ran her fingers through her golden locks allowing Quinn to snuggle deeper into her neck.
Rachel's scent alone caused her body to relax.
"Don't worry, Bella.. You have me now whenever you need some where to go." Rachel assured.
