Hello everyone. Sorry my Until I Found You Fic was glitching. But I fixed it and Chapter 11 is now posted so please R&R.
On another note. I wrote a new fic. I know I have my original fic still on going. But I had this idea in my head and wanted to get it out. So R&R and let me know what you think.
Chapter One
Shelby huffed in aggravation as she slammed the cabinet door closed. She knew she should have grabbed coffee at the store the other day when she was there. She didn't and now here she was, completely out and that was never a good thing for anyone. She needed her caffeine to function properly so with no other choice she headed out to the store in search of her morning salvation. She was not a morning person and wasn't remotely close to being completely human until after she has had at least one cup in her system to get her going.
Parking at the mini mart, she grabs her wallet and heads inside. Immediately she feels eyes on her. Looking over to the cash register she spots what appears to be an older looking man with a scruffy beard and a creepy look in his eyes, prompting her to shiver on the inside. She wants to leave as quickly as possible, but she decides that she needs a cup now and goes to the station that houses freshly made coffee and quickly fixes herself a cup.
As she takes in the aroma of the gods, she swiftly made her way down the aisle that shelved her beloved coffee. Reaching to grab her favorite coffee K-cups, she hears loud voices followed by laughter. Turning to the left she recognizes the Letterman jackets and concludes that the teens are from McKinley High.
Shaking her head, she notices the older boy with a mohawk grab a case of beer while a small blonde grabs a case of what looks like wine coolers. She also catches another taller blonde and a brunette grab a gallon of juice and some lime soda. Thinking back to her teen years she remembers all the parties and drinking she partook in. She also remembered all the trouble she got into after said parties. Shivering at just the thought, Shelby turns to walk to the cash register to pay.
"ID young man" The creep over the counter asks the boy with a mohawk.
It doesn't surprise her that the creep behind the counter accepts the young teens fake ID. But what did take her off guard was the small brunette with a Letterman jacket on and a bottle of vodka held tightly in her hands. Upon closer inspection she feels like she knows this young girl, she appeared familiar in some way.
She sees the small girl pass over the liquor and that's when it clicks. That was Rachel. Her Rachel, the one she told 'it was better to know each other from afar'. A million scenarios ran through her head. But what really worried her was the way she was dressed and acted. When she first met her, the small girl wore a pretty plaid skirt with a nice solid black top and was polite. This girl in front of her, is in what appears to be the shortest shorts ever, paired with a black crop top and way too much makeup. Frowning in disapproval Shelby wondered where the young girl's fathers were or if they even knew their daughter was out getting ready for a party.
Leaning up to kiss the boy with a mohawk on the cheek. "Thanks for sneaking me out, I honestly thought I was going to die of boredom." The small diva pouts adorably.
"No problem Rach." He smiles.
"Yeah, we couldn't leave you there to rot with that old hag. I swear your dads just leave you with the worst relative known to man every time they skip town to go on vacation." The other brunette states in annoyance.
Having heard the entire conversation. Shelby is appalled that the Berry men would just leave their fifteen-year old daughter at home, just to go on a vacation. She quickly paid the creeper behind the counter and walked out.
She saw several of the girls, including her daughter in the back of a pickup truck, parked beside her Range Rover. There were no seats or seat belts that she could see. That in itself rose alarms and now Shelby was really worried. Sighing to herself there was really nothing she could do. She lost that right when she told Rachel what she did a few months ago. But in all honesty, she thought her daughter was well taken care of and loved and now she just wasn't sure what to think anymore. Reaching out to open her car door a small bracelet hits her in the arm before falling to the ground effectively knocking her out of her hazed state of mind.
Inspecting it closely, the bracelet seems familiar. Picking it up she takes a good look at it and realizes that it's the bracelet she gave to Rachel after she was born.
"Oh, thank god. You found it." Rachel says in relief as she reaches out to take the bracelet from Shelby's hands.
"Rachel?"
For the first time the small diva looks up and takes notice of the taller brunette. "Shelby? Hi, w-what are you doing here?" The small diva asks nervously.
Gazing at the small girl's nervousness, she raises her famous eyebrow. "Came for some coffee." Narrowing her eyes. "Are you going to a party?" She questions. She really has no right to actually ask seeing as she wasn't her mom or an active parent. But she just had to know that she would be safe or at least be careful.
Folding her arms "What's it to you? I thought you said you wanted us to admire each other from afar?" The small diva counters with a scowl.
"Hey, I have some bad news." Santana interrupts.
Detaching her eyes from those of her mothers. "What do you mean?" Rachel asks the taller brunette.
"Puck's mom is home tonight. But-"
"But what?"
"Quinn's mom is away this week. She said we could use her house as long as nothing breaks, and no one goes upstairs." Smiling the tiny diva jumps into the Latina's arms in excitement.
"Okay short stuff let's get going before our ride leaves us."
Hopping off Rachel turns to Shelby. "Can I have my bracelet back now."
Sighing Shelby hands over the bracelet. "You know if you ever need anything even if it's just to call and talk, you have my number." She says with a small smile and turns to get in her car.
Leaving a very confused Rachel.
Her head hurt like hell. The constant turning of her stomach was an indication she was going to throw up any minute.
"Hey, I think these are the tablets Quinn mentioned her mom takes to help with hangovers." Santana says. Pulling Rachel along the aisle.
"Eww that doesn't look appetizing" The small diva grumbles. Holding her head with one hand wishing the loud thumping would stop.
"You're right it tastes like garbage, but Quinn said it would help" She replies just as grossed out.
"You know what? What if we try mixing it with some lime soda? You know, to mask the foul taste and all."
"Yeah I guess it won't hurt to try." She said with a wince. "Fuck why did I drink so much" The small diva whines as she leans into Santana for support.
"Rachel?"
Great not again. Turning around she comes face to face with her estranged mother.
"What do you want Shelby?" Rachel scoffed annoyed.
Ignoring the bite in Rachel's voice and having heard the entire conversation between the girls. "I just wanted to see if you were ok. You look kind of pale." Shelby asks in a concerned tone.
"Okay hold up. Who are you?" Santana asks with her arms folded over her chest defensively.
Looking to Rachel then to the Latina, Shelby sighs. "I'm Rachel's mother"
"Holly fuck! For reals?" Turning her head quickly to face the smaller girl. "How come you didn't tell me the strange lady from the mini mart was your mom?" Santana states in a betrayed tone. She thought they were close.
"Hey, it's not like that San. I'm not keeping things from you. I-I just haven't told anyone yet." She says not making eye contact with anyone.
"Come here. I'm sorry. I'm not mad but we have lots to talk about." Santana says while bringing the smaller girl into a tight hug. She hated seeing her sad.
Clearing her throat Shelby, places both hands on her shopping cart. "So, I should get going. I hope you feel better soon." She says walking down the aisle and out of sight.
"You know, you look just like her." Santana adds with a smile.
Rolling her eyes. "Yeah I can see that."
At the checkout line. Rachel was feeling worse than she did when she woke up this morning. Grabbing onto the edge of the shopping cart for support, she closed her eyes and tried to breathe slow and steady breaths. Her chest was burning like she had been running a marathon and she felt exhausted. Before she knew it, her vision blurred and all went black.
Bagging her groceries Shelby saw from her peripheral vision how her daughter seemed to sway back and forth, while clutching a death like grip to the shopping cart. Slightly worried the taller brunette walks behind her daughter in time to catch her before she hits the floor.
"Rachel" Shelby holds the small girl in her arms. Moving hair from her face. She can feel how sweaty and clammy her face feels. She was freaking out on the inside. Her daughter needed to go to the hospital.
"Oh my god! Rachel." Santana says in a panicked tone looking to the older version of her best friend. "What did you do?" She states accusingly.
Glaring at the child in front of her. "I did nothing but catch her before she fell. What about you? Too busy flirting with the cashier to notice Rachel was swaying and looked ready to pass out." Shelby counters.
Not waiting for a response, she picks up the diva. Shelby begins to walk her out of the grocery store and to her car. Long forgotten were her bought groceries.
"Hey wait up. Where are you taking her?" Santana questions running quickly after the taller brunette.
Stopping momentarily to unlock the door to her car and place Rachel inside. "I'm taking her to the hospital"
Nodding in approval the Latina cheerio decides to hop in the car as well.
Looking into the rear-view mirror she raises an eyebrow in silent questioning.
"I'm not leaving her alone. She's my best friend." Santana says seriously.
Nodding her head, Shelby then drives off and before she knows it, they are rushing her baby girl into the back and gave her a clipboard to fill out.
Gazing down at the paperwork before her. She quickly scans the questions and panics. She has no idea how to answer any of these questions.
Grabbing the clipboard from the taller woman. Santana sits down and begins to fill it out.
Taking a seat next to her daughter's best friend, she watches curiously as she starts to write. "You really know all the answers to that?" She asks pointing to the clipboard.
"Um yeah, we have practically been glued to the hip since we were four." She states, not once looking up from the forms she was filling out.
Her throat felt so dry. As she opened her eyes, she noticed a head full of brunette hair on her bed. "Water," she croaks out.
Hearing her daughter's voice, Shelby lifts her head and sees that Rachel is awake and asking for water.
"Here baby, sip slowly from the straw." Shelby says while handing the small girl a cup with water and a straw.
The water felt so good as it made its way down her extremely dry throat. "Thank you"
Grabbing the cup from her hand and placing it down on the bedside table, she shifts from foot to foot before moving closer to Rachel. Combining some hair from her face she leans down and hesitantly kisses her head. She had been so worried.
Looking up into her mother's concerned filled eyes she's confused so she asks, "Why are you here?"
"You fainted at the grocery store. I caught you before you could fall and hit your head." Shelby replies sadly.
Looking down she rings her fingers together nervously. "Thank you." She whispers.
Taking a seat next to the young girl she smiles slightly. "I wanted to talk to you." She takes a deep breath in and then out before she continues. "You know, about what happened a few months ago."
Still not making eye contact she sighs. "Oh, okay." Rachel mumbles quietly.
A knock on the door catches their attention. "Hello, I'm Dr. Turner." She smiles warmly at Rachel as she walks in the room.
"Hi, you must be mom."
"Yes I am. How is she? What happened? Why did she faint?" Shelby nervously rambles off.
She looks through her papers on her clipboard, then back to the very worried mom. "It was a combination of several things really. She was seriously dehydrated. I assume it had to do with the high alcohol content we found in her blood work. Her blood sugar was also low, as well as her oxygen levels."
"Wait what? Is that dangerous?" Shelby questions in a slightly panicked voice.
"It shows here that she hasn't gone to pick up her allergy or asthma medication in about 4 months. Seeing as allergies can be a trigger for asthma. It's important that she keeps up with her medications until deemed otherwise by her pediatrician."
Shelby's eyes went from worried to angry in two seconds flat. She turned to face her daughter with a withering glare. "Did you really not take your medicine in four months?" The mother questions angrily.
Blinking owlishly the small diva opens and closes her mouth. Then decides to just fold her arms and look away with a scowl firmly planted on her face.
Witnessing the tension build between the two brunettes the Dr. decided to fill the mom in on what the plan is to help get Rachel back to a healthy state, before they released the small patient. "We are going to keep her overnight and will be giving her several breathing treatments until her oxygen levels are normal for her, and her sugars seem to be regulated for now. She is also on an IV, so her body rehydrates. It's important that she keeps snacks within reach and or eats at least three times a day."
Groaning audibly. "Is that really necessary? If I just snack regularly, do I have to actually eat? You know like three times a day?" The small diva whines.
Glaring once more at Rachel the tall brunette turns to speak with the Dr. "Can you write down everything I need to know. I would feel more comfortable knowing that she has everything she needs."
Rolling her eyes Rachel shifts out of bed so she can walk around. She has never been one to just sit around.
Walking the Dr. out Shelby turns to see Rachel walking around unsteady like. "Hey, you are going to fall. Let me help you." She said as she grabs the younger girl and steers her right back to the bed.
"I don't want to sit no more." Rachel grumps.
Barging through the door effectively stopping Rachel's small tantrum. Santana practically tackles the small diva on to the bed.
Standing up she punches Rachel in the arm. "Don't you ever do that shit to me ever again. You scared the fuck out of me." Santana bites. But her eye's show how worried she really was.
"Ow, ass hole." The small diva responds with a scowl while rubbing her arm.
"Language" Shelby scolds her firmly.
She feels the bed dip and long strong arms wrap around her in a tight hug. "Ugh Britt. Can't breathe."
"Sorry Rae-Rae, I brought you some goodies." The tall blonde then unzips her pink and yellow unicorn mini backpack. Then proceeds to dump all its contents out on top of the bed.
"OMG ducky. Did you rob a candy store?" Rachel comments as she rummages through all the surgery goodness laid before her. Finally spotting a large rainbow lollipop. She quickly discards the wrapper and begins to pop into her mouth.
"Of course not silly. I don't steal. That's really bad, and besides this is all from my stash at home. I didn't have time to stop by the store before coming over here." Brittany pops a lollipop into her mouth as well.
Shelby decides to sit in the back, allowing Rachel to socialize a little bit. She watched how happy her daughter looked surrounded by her friends. She contemplates whether or not she made the right decision all those months ago. At the time she was worried that the girls' fathers would find out. And make good on the threat of moving her out of state. But now, she just doesn't know. Deep down she still wanted her baby, but how would that even work? She sighs and just hopes all works out in the end.
Feeling her phone vibrate Santana looks to see who it is. Frowning the Latina cheerio answers her phone. "Hola mami."
Furrowing her brow in confusion she nodded along with what her mother was saying. "Okay mami, I'll be home soon." She then passes the phone over to Rachel. "She wants to speak with you."
"Hola mami" Rachel smiles into the phone.
"I hear that you are in the hospital, how are you feeling? And who is your Doctor.?"
"I'm doing better, my oxygen and sugars were kind of low, so I am being kept here overnight. And I believe my Doctor's name is Tuner." She left out the part of her dehydration due to the alcohol consumption, Santana would kill her if she let it slip. Not to mention the enormous amount of trouble her and San would be in. She shuttered on the inside just thinking about it.
"Oh good, she is one of the best Doctor's. You're in good hands. I'll let you rest up and I'll come check up on you either tomorrow or sometime this week okay mija?" Maribel states lovingly into the phone.
"Okay mami te vere mas tarde"
Hanging up the diva passes the cell phone back to Santana. "She seems happy. I wonder why she's home so early from her conference." The small diva questions curiously.
"I have no idea," Santana said, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm going to need to head home though. She is expecting me home for dinner." The Latina cheerio pouts. She really doesn't want to leave the small girl.
Looking behind her, she spots Rachel's mother. "Hey, I know we really don't know each other but, I was wondering if you could give me a lift home?" Santana asks hopefully. She really didn't want to walk or take the bus.
"Sure, I have to go back home and do some things before I come back." Shelby answers.
Saying goodbye to her friends, she feels a hand on hers. Noticing it was her mother's she looks up and smiles softly, at the touch. "Are you really coming back?" The tiny girl asks with tear filled eyes. It's been quite some time since she has had any sort of parental stability other than mami Lopez.
Leaning in Shelby places a hand on Rachel's cheek. "Of course I'm coming back." She then places several kisses on the top of her head before she leaves.
It only took about an hour and a half to do what she needed to do at home. Walking down the long hall she comes to an abrupt stop, when she hears loud voices coming from inside her daughter's room.
"I don't care what you want. The minute you come home you can kiss the entire summer goodbye. You will stay in your room, and don't even think of getting your criminal friends to sneak you out. I spent the better half of the day installing bars on your windows." Rachel's aunt spits out angrily.
"You can't keep me locked up forever, and my friends are not Criminals!" The tiny diva shouts.
"I can and I will. I'm in charge, not you." The older lady sneers.
"I want you to leave!" Rachel yells exasperated.
"Excuse me? What did you just say?" She snaps, walking closer to the small diva.
In a flash Rachel's aunt reaches out and grabs a handful of the young girl's hair roughly, causing her to whimper loudly. She lifts a hand to hit her when she feels a strong death like grip on her hand effectively stopping her.
Glaring at this woman who had the nerve to actually touch her kid she snarls. She must really have a death wish. "I suggest you remove your hand before I remove it for you." Shelby states in an icy tone.
She rips her hand away quickly. "Who the hell do you think you are? This is none of your business." Rachel's aunt argues in anger.
Ignoring the crazy woman completely. She leans over to caress her daughters face, wiping away her tears with a tissue. Before she knows what's happening Rachel lunges into her arms and cries.
"Don't leave me. P… Pleeease." The small diva cries loudly. Into her mother's shoulder. She was afraid to be left alone with her aunt or even go home with her.
Gently she runs a hand over her daughters back. "I'm not going anywhere baby." Shelby promises.
A nurse walks in for the small diva's routine breathing treatment, but stops in her tracks at the scene before her.
"Is there something going on? Why is Rachel crying?" The nurse asked with worry. She knew the small patient shouldn't be under this much distress, it wasn't healthy for her current breathing situation.
"Yes, this woman here needs to leave." Rachel's aunt snaps.
Looking at the taller brunette and how she was holding the younger girl in her arms. Shaking her head, the young nurse responds. "I don't understand, why would Miss Berry's mother need to leave?"
Her eyes widen in shock this can't be. "What?"
Bravely untucking herself from her mother's warm embrace she looks at her aunt defiantly. "You heard right. You need to leave. I don't want you here." The small diva comments firmly.
Narrowing her eyes at the audacity of her young charge. "You forget your fathers left you in my care. And if anyone is going anywhere it's that whore of woman you so intently want to stay." Her aunt spits out with venom laced in her voice.
Blood boiling at the, uncalled for remark about her mother, Rachel reaches for her cup that is filled with water and chucks it at her aunt. Completely drenching her face.
"I don't care if you think you are in charge, I want you gone." Rachel yells. Before she slumps down into her mother's arms, completely exhausted.
Looking to the nurse Shelby motions for her to go get security before this turns ugly, but then the unthinkable happens. Completely outraged the aunt lunges forward ripping the small diva from her mother's grasp by her hair.
Rachel winced in pain as her hair was pulled. She cried out when she felt a hard and swift fisted palm come in contact with her abdomen.
Laying on the floor grabbing her stomach painfully. The small diva hears yelling, mostly from her aunt. She was soon lifted up by the nurse and helped back into bed.
Once she is situated on the bed, she quickly scans the room for her mother but doesn't see her anywhere. She lifted her knees to her chest and held her legs while rocking back and forth crying. She wanted her mom. Growing panicked that maybe her aunt hurt her, she began to get out of bed in search of her mother.
Ignoring the nurse, she proceeded out the door and down the hall determined to find her mom.
Turning the corner, she saw the nursing station and just there not even 5 feet from it was her mom talking with one of the nurses behind the desk.
"Mama" The diva cries.
Turning her head in the direction of the distressed voice she rushes to her. "Rachel honey what are you doing out of bed?"
"I- Thought Y-you left M-me." The small girl cries. Stumbling into her mother's arms for comfort and support.
Holding her daughter tightly, she kissed her head lovingly. "I'm not leaving you baby, I'm just about finished here. Let nurse Carrie take you back to the room and check your stomach out please. I'll be right back, I promise."
Nodding Rachel agreed and allowed the nurse to lead her back to the room, knowing Shelby wasn't really asking.
The nurse assessed her stomach, and concluded she was fine. She was going to be sore but nothing too bad. She soon found herself dodging the dreaded machine for her breathing treatment. She hated how it made her feel afterwards.
"Rachel" Shelby said firmly, walking into the hospital room to find her daughter giving the poor flustered nurses a hard time.
That's all it took for her to break down crying again. Looking at the nurse Shelby asked for a few extra minutes before they began the breathing treatment.
Sitting on the bed she maneuvers herself so that she can cradle Rachel from behind.
Snuggling into her mom, the small diva sighed and allowed her mother to help calm her down. Once she was calm enough the mother decided it was a good time to get to the bottom of why her daughter was crying and refusing her breathing treatment.
"Rach, you want to tell me what all this crying is about. Why are you refusing to take your breathing treatment?" Shelby gently coaxed.
"I thought you left, or maybe my aunt hurt you." She admitted sadly, "and I hate the way the treatments make me feel. I always feel jittery afterward."
"Oh sweetie I told you I'm not going anywhere. And I had to talk with the front desk and inform them that your aunt was not allowed back and that if she shows up to call the cops." Shelby informs the small girl laying with her back to her chest.
"Oh okay." Rachel replied somberly.
"Why so sad baby girl?"
Turning in her mother's arms so she can face her. "I… she, my aunt that is. I didn't want you to ever see that." The tiny girl stammers, all the while tears spilled from her eyes.
"What do you mean? Is she always like this? Where are your dads?" Shelby asks worriedly.
Looking down to avoid her mother's eyes she sighs. "Um, yeah she tends to be a little much. This was her actually being nice. I mean she isn't all that accepting of my father's relationship or the fact they adopted me and all." Glancing up momentarily at her mom, she leaned in to lay her head on her chest. "Anyways, she was the only option as far as someone to watch me." The diva states bitterly.
"Why on earth would they allow someone so hateful to watch over you or even leave you alone in the first place?"
"Well they leave every summer, and usually I stay with either Britt or San. But well, I kind of had a party before the end of the school year. And Noah used all my dad's liquor and replaced it with water." The small diva admitted averting her eyes downward.
"Oh, so this whole partying thing isn't a first? And how did it go when your fathers found out about it?" Shelby questions curiously. She knew how she would have handled things.
"They were mad at first, but then lectured me for what seemed like hours, and told me I should not be engaging in juvenile delinquency, and that my behavior was very unbecoming of a young lady. Which also led to them calling in my aunt to watch me this summer while they are out on vacation." The small diva finishes just in time for the nurse to walk in with everything she needed for her breathing treatment. (yeaaa thought the small girl)
Shelby was in complete shock. That was not what she was expecting to hear. At the very least some sort of consequence and some accountability, but just a half-hearted lecture. Wow her and the Berry's had a different thought on how to raise and or to parent a child.
"Wow kiddo, looks to me like you got away with murder." She summarizes.
She gazes up at her mother, "Yea, they are not the most involved parents." She adds with a shrug. "Usually mami is called to the school if they need a parent and will go to both San and I's back to school nights. My dads are very busy with work most of the time." The small girl admits sadly.
Hugging her daughter closer, she kisses the top of her head lovingly. "I'm sorry baby. I wish I would have known, and you seem to be close to this mami as you call her."
"Yeah she's Santana's mom. She doesn't mess around. She's been the only consistent parent in my life. Next to Sans dad Antonio of course."
"Well I'm glad you have at least some adults in your life that give you the support and attention you need." She says as she reposition's Rachel so she can get her breathing treatment done. "I um, if it's okay with you. I would like to take the time to get to know you. Maybe start small. Like talking on the phone or dinner." The mother asks nervously.
"Really? You want to get to know me?" The tiny diva questions with furrowed brows.
"Yes, and we can talk more after your breathing treatment okay."
"Fiiine" The small diva whines. She hates the Nebulizer. But knows there's no way out of it. Especially if Shelby is anything like Mami Lopez.
Shelby shifts, running a hand up and down Rachel's arm as she tenses up when the nurse comes closer with her treatment. "I know you don't like the way it makes you feel but it is necessary for you to feel better."
Rachel sighs in defeat and with a nod, settles more firmly into Shelby's arms and doesn't fight the nurse as she puts the mask on her.
Shelby holds Rachel while she is doing her breathing treatment, humming a song from wicked. She notices the minute the tiny girl falls asleep. As she continues to hold her. She thinks she has a lot to make up for. First off, she should have tried harder to be more involved in her daughter's life. She plans to rectify that soon.
It's not long before the nurse is back to remove the mask. She takes Rachel's vitals, gives her some other medicine and leaves them alone once again.
She makes herself and the still asleep girl as comfortable as possible and settles to hold her baby as she rests. She gazes down at her daughter promising to do better, be better and be the best mother she can be.
Thanks again for reading. And I plan to post soon.