Broken
Chapter 10- Those Three Little Words
A/N: Thank you so much for all of the reviews, anonymous ones too!
I mention in this chapter Westerly again, and then Watch Hill. For all of those who might not know, Westerly is the main town, Watch Hill is on the outskirts of Westerly. Most of the people who live there just consider it Westerly. Watch Hill is just more of the richer part of town. Very nice houses, most with private beach rights, and pretty expensive.
A big thank you to Kkaty, whose always leaving amazing reviews and planting seeds of inspiration. Thank you so much Darling!
And our usual thank you to dreamer1483...cuz she's just that amazing! :)
Here we go...
Puck was carrying all the little presents he had given Rachel on the carriage ride. The kiss Rachel had given Puck was unexpected but he wasn't going to complain about it at all.
"So, I don't usually do these date things, but I think I've done pretty well and I know for a fact I won't be walking your bedroom door cause you're not going to bed yet, it's still pretty early." Puck smirked and when Rachel looked up at him he leaned down kissing her lips. "Thanks for coming with me tonight. I know I had fun." Puck whispered against her lips.
Rachel smiled brightly, nodding slightly, their faces only centimeters apart. "No Noah, thank you. This is the most fun I've had in...A very long time." The hand that Rachel was holding slipped from her grasp coming up to cradle her face; Puck brushing his lips against hers twice more. Letting go of her face, Puck let his hand slip down her arm and take her hand once more.
"Come one, let's go inside." Puck said, opening the door, letting Rachel in first. She smiled widely up at Puck. "Hey, I can be a gentleman when I want to be." Rachel chuckled, turning back to walk into the room, freezing in her spot when she saw who was in the room. "Hey, what's wrong Rach?" Puck placed a hand on her shoulder, looking down at Rachel.
"Uh, I just, there's..."
Puck looked up towards the living area, seeing Sam and Artie there talking to Quinn and Finn. "Rachel, I'm here, let's just go say hi and I'll walk you to your room." Rachel nodded stiffly, waiting for Puck to lead her through the other room.
Rachel couldn't explain why she was still uncomfortable around other guys but she was getting there. "I think I need to try to say hello..." Rachel whispered.
"Whatever you want to do babe." Puck wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her into the other room. "What's up douches?"
"Noah!" Rachel looked up at him, mouth a gaped. "Don't say that to your friends!"
"It's all good babe, they know me by now." The three guys nodded their heads in agreement, Quinn just rolled her eyes.
Rachel shrugged off Puck's arm, walking towards Artie, she stuck her hand out. "Hi, I'm Rachel Berry, I never properly introduced myself." Rachel tried her best to sound light hearted.
"Hi Rachel, I'm Artie Abrahams," He shook her hand lightly.
Rachel gave a small smile, turning towards Sam. "Hi, I'm Rachel, I'm sorry about the last time we met."
"Sam Evans, nice to finally meet you." He shook her hand, giving her a smirk.
Puck watched the scene in front him, he took a minute to realize that Rachel was becoming fast friends with all the guys. This meant if he ever screwed this up, he would have plenty of guys standing in line ready to kick his ass. And there was still two more... Fuck my life. He thought
"I'm heading to my room now, good night everyone." Rachel looked at Puck, who took the hint to follow her. They stopped outside her bedroom door, "Thank you again Noah." Rachel wrapped her arms around Puck's waist, hugging him tightly.
Returning the hug, he placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "No problem. I'll see you next week, same time."
Rachel giggled, "Well, I'm pretty sure you'll see me tomorrow morning at breakfast Noah." Rachel laid her head on his chest.
"True, but Sunday should be our day, you know to go out and just be the two of us. Finn will be at breakfast too, so..."
"Yeah, I get it. So are we..."
"Dating? I think so."
Rachel nodded. "Good night Noah." She slipped from his arms and into her room.
"Night Rach."
…***...***
"How Dad? Really please tell me how?" Finn paced in front of Quinn, who sat patiently on the bed. "Fine. Yupp, whatever. You too, bye."
"Babe? What was that all about?" Quinn looked at Finn, concern etching across her features.
Finn's head snapped up, "What was that all about! The fucking douche has always ruined everything. We can't go home for Thanksgiving because of the press. They're everywhere, covering the fucking case! Damn it! What am I suppose to tell her?" Finn seethed, hoping that Quinn wouldn't get upset at his lash out.
"The truth, when she gets home from her date with Puck." Quinn sounded calm, her thoughts collected.
Finn thought back on the almost two months that had gone by. Now it was late November, three days till Thanksgiving, Rachel and Puck have been dating now the entire time. Quinn had told Finn how Rachel gushed to her and Kurt about her boyfriend, how much fun they had on their Sunday's. No matter what, Sunday's were their day to hang out, just the two of them. And Finn couldn't complain, he was happy with the changes his sister had made in the last three months. She now had a bounce in her step, went out shopping, gaining back all the lost weight, looking more like his sister from high school, before Jesse; her hair was full, shined and now was cut and styled back to her usual long flowing way. She wore make up and went out with Quinn and Kurt by herself. She didn't care if the guy's came over, they all considered her a sister, especially Dave. She still had a little trouble being in large crowds of unknown people and not knowing where the closest exit was.
She still had nightmares. And sometimes frequently, but Puck always ran into the room, calming her down almost instantly. Their bond only grew stronger because of it.
Finn still felt somewhat guilty, he was keeping a huge secret, something that was her life, from her. He loved his sister, and everything they did together now. He honestly almost told her a thousand times, but he was able to stop himself. Every night he felt like crying, he didn't want to keep this from her anymore. He loved his sister...
"Finn?" Rachel appeared in the door way, snapping Finn from his thoughts.
Finn put a smile on and looked up at his sister, who was still all dolled up from her date with Puck. "Hey Rachel, what's up?"
Rachel shifted nervously on her feet, "Do you think dad and daddy would mind if I went with Noah back to Rhode Island for Thanksgiving. I really don't want to be away from him and his mom wants to meet me..."
Finn sighed of relief; Puck had saved his ass, even if he didn't know it. "No, they won't mind. Go, have some fun."
A thought popped into Quinn's mind, "Maybe we should go to. You know, see the sights?"
Finn looked at Quinn's pointed look, and nodded, catching her drift. "Yeah, great idea. Let Puck know for us, please?"
Rachel nodded and headed back to her room where Puck was getting a movie set up for them to watch. Her relationship with this boy was becoming serious, but she didn't want to stop it. They have been going out for almost two months now and couldn't be more perfect. He took her out, sang to her, was there to comfort her, bought her flowers all the time, showed her some great recipes. She smiled, all the time; he could walk into the room, and she would smile. Noah never asked for more than what she would give, which were only a few make out sessions here and there; she made sure his hands never roamed-she just wasn't ready.
When she entered her room, Puck was lounged on her bed in a pair of sweats and an NYU sweatshirt, he had the movie ready to go, popcorn and sodas too. "Hey babe, what'd he say?"
Rachel shrugged, "He said it was fine, they wouldn't mind, but Quinn and Finn are coming..."
"Whatever," Puck shrugged. "As long as I have you there with me," He winked at her before throwing a handful of popcorn in his mouth. "If mom didn't insist I come home cause of my sister and her achievements or some shit, I would be staying here. But mom does want to meet you..."
"Noah!" Rachel scolded, "Don't talk about your sister that way! You should be proud." Rachel crossed her arms and gave him a look that said 'do not argue this one'.
"I am babe. Go change so we can watch the movie." Rachel nodded and moved to her bathroom to change into a pair of sweats and one of Puck's t-shirts that she had stolen from him. She crawled under the covers, curling into his side, laying her head on his chest, Rachel drifted off to sleep before the movie could even start.
…***...***
"Fuck Finn! You're worse than Rachel! We'll be gone a matter of four days! How many fucking suitcases do you need?" Puck pushed Finn's third suitcase into the car. "We're going to fucking Westerly, Rhode Island! There's nothing special there!" Puck was beyond frustrated with Finn.
Finn sighed. "Quinn and I shared; therefore there is double the amount..."
"Rachel and I only needed one large one and a carry on size. Damn, you need to get a life!"
"Shut up Puckerman!"
Rachel stepped up and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, "Noah, please be nice to my brother."
Puck looked down at Rachel, kissing the tip of her nose, he reluctantly agreed, "Fine babe, for you though, okay?" Rachel smiled and hoped into the passenger seat of Puck's black SUV. "Alright, are we ready now?" With the chorus of yes', Puck finally got into the driver seat, pulling out onto the busy street of New York; taking Rachel's hand in his, they were three hours away from Rhode Island. Puck hoped he didn't have to stop and to just drive straight through.
And he did, a little over three hours later, Puck pulled into the drive way of his childhood home. It was late, they left New York at eight and it was now quarter after 11. Leaning over, Puck placed several kisses on his sleeping girlfriends face. "Baby, come on, we're here."
Rachel stirred in the seat, turning to face Puck, "I don't want to get up." She whined.
"Fine, I'll carry you, and then come out for the two idiots." Puck chuckled as Rachel nodded furiously. Rolling his eyes, he saw his mom come running out. "Hey ma,"
"Noah! Where's Rachel?" She asked a huge smile on her face.
"Sleeping, I'm just gonna carry her up to my room. Come down for the other two and luggage."
His mom shook her head, "Just worry about getting Rachel upstairs. I'll wake Finn and Quinn, and make sure the luggage gets in." She moved to the back to see how much luggage there was, when she saw the amount, she called for Aaron, Puck's dad. "Go, go upstairs and to bed. I have this under control."
Puck nodded, taking a deep breath of the salty air. "Smells like home..." He muttered under his breath, scooping a still sleeping Rachel into his arms. He said hi to his dad before continuing up the stairs to his old room. When he got the door closed, he placed Rachel on top of the sheets. She had worn a sweat shirt and sweat pants, but he needed to change. Retrieving his and Rachel's bags from his mom, he quickly changed.
Puck smiled down at Rachel, he never thought she'd be in his childhood home, and he liked the sight a little too much. Puck pulled the blankets out from under her, covering her up before getting under them himself. Puck wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him, kissing her forehead ever so gently. "Noah," She sighed, moving closer to Puck.
…***...***
Thanksgiving dinner was interesting for the bunch. It was the first time Rachel had not been home for Thanksgiving, never mind the fact she was around strangers for the most part. She was sitting between Puck and Finn, staring at her food. Looking over at her, Finn knew why she was hesitant to eat. New people meant more judgments in her mind. To make her feel comfortable he split her food in half on her plate, that way even if she didn't eat a lot it would look like she did.
This was one of the hardest things Rachel had done since testifying against Jesse and Finn could tell. As he ate, he thought back to everything he had witnessed with his sister since that night. He was mad at himself for not being able to protect her, for not being there for her. He was mad that he didn't believe Quinn, that he didn't question anything when she had odd bruises and stopped eating all together. He shrugged it off and kept telling himself if something was wrong, she would have told him. Finn shook his head, breaking away from the sad thoughts and enjoying the food.
Puck also took notice of his girlfriend's hesitant state, taking her hand in his; he leaned to whisper in her ear. "Relax babe," He squeezed her hand before leaning in to kiss her temple. A light and easy conversation stayed a live around the table. Hanna, Puck's mom, made sure to tell embarrassing stories while Aaron, Puck's dad, tried not to laugh at all his wife's innocent stories.
After everyone ate dinner and had pieces of pie on plates, they moved to the living room to watch football. Rachel didn't understand the game at all. Puck, Finn, Quinn and Puck's parents knew this. So when she asked what was happening Puck shook his head and laughed while Quinn told her to watch the guys butts, it was more entertaining.
…***...***
It was Friday night and Rachel was at the party. A Puck put it, it was the usual gang from around the block. And by gang she meant over 100 people packed into one house. Quinn and Finn had tagged along but went their separate ways at the door.
The bass thumped throughout the house, and Rachel felt out of place. She was in a pair of tight jeans, a pink sparkled tank with a long sleeved grey and black shrug, her usual black flats to finish it off. She let Quinn complete her hair and make-up. Even though everyone was starring at her, she felt okay with Puck's arm tight around her shoulders; Puck was used to this scene, Rachel wasn't.
"Come on babe, let's make our way outside." Puck led her to a porch that looked over the ocean, she wasn't used to the salty smell or the way it tickled her throat but at least outside she was away from the crowd of people. "I'll be right back babe." Puck led her to a chair, making sure she sat down. "I'm going for a drink." Rachel nodded, her heart pounding with the thought of being alone but she didn't want Puck to be upset with her.
Rachel didn't know how long she sat starring out at the ocean, she couldn't tell you. She hadn't seen nor heard from Puck. She bounced her knee impatiently, it was chilly out, and she wanted a bottle of water.
Puck had gone back into the house to find them glasses, intending to fill them up with water so he could go back outside and enjoy the night with his girlfriend.
"Yo Puck! You made it!" Peter, an old time high school friend came out of nowhere. "How have you been? What's going on up at college? Dude, no one has heard from you since this summer. You usually come back in October!" Peter rattled off; Puck could tell he was already drunk.
"Nothing much dude. I didn't want to come back," Puck stated, trying to make his way into the kitchen. If Puck was being honest with everyone, he hasn't been out to a party since that last Friday Rachel was ignoring; well over two months ago.
"Dude," Peter drawled out, "Do you have a girlfriend?" Peter made it sound like it was impossible.
Puck just rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I do. I'll talk to you later..."
"Wait, you've got to do the usual shot with the guys. Come on!" Peter grabbed Puck's upper arm and dragged him off to the kitchen where the guys were doing shots of Vodka. "Just one man...you have too." But Puck knew if he had one, there would be another, and another...
When Rachel finally had enough, she thought maybe it would be best she slip out the back yard and try to remember how Puck took her here. As she stood, tears in her eyes, she knew he was in there drinking. If he wanted to drink she wouldn't have come. She hit the top step of the porch when she felt two familiar arms encircle her waist. "Baby, where ya goin'?" Puck slurred behind her.
"I'm going to leave Noah, I'm scared, and I don't want to be here anymore." Puck turned her around and kissed her hard, one of his hands unwrapping from around her waist, tangling in her hair. She stiffened and tried to pull away, with no avail; after a few moments, he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. "Let go of me..." She whimpered and when Puck pulled back to look at her, confusion in his eyes, she turned and stumbled down the stairs and out the back gate, taking a right, heading towards the lights of Watch Hill.
She knew the boy she left at the part was not her Noah, that was Puck; a very tipsy Puck. She was upset with him. He promised her there would be no drinking. With all her thoughts, she didn't realize how far she traveled, she stood at an intersection; to her left were the store fronts and sandy parking lot-it was well lit with benches under the lamp posts. To her right was a steep hill, and she remembered coming down one earlier but right in front of her was another steep hill, that one dark and looked scary to even think about going up. She didn't know what to do, she couldn't remember how they went, before she was tucked into Puck's side, paying more attention to the beautiful beach and how he suggested before they leave, going for a walk on it at sunset. Rachel cried a little harder thinking about the sweet boy she was with hours ago and how much alcohol had changed him. She decided left, she would sit on a bench and wait, it was better than getting lost in the dark.
Sobs shook her body when she sat down. It was cold and her little wrap wasn't doing much from protecting her against the cold winds. Rachel was scared, felt vulnerable sitting here; she wanted Noah's warm arms wrapped around her, then at least she'd feel safe.
…***...***
Puck watched Rachel leave, just the thought of her alone in Watch Hill made him sober up. Just as he put his cup down, a voice reached his ears. "Was that Rachel like, Finn's sister Rachel?" Santana sneered.
"Yeah, your point?" Puck slowly made his way down the stairs.
"What was she doing here?" Santana quickly followed him, moving in front of him when they reached the stairs.
Puck starred at her, no way was he wanting to deal with her too. "I think my girlfriend has all right to be with me." He watched Santana's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. She was about to say something when he brushed past her, he needed to find Rachel.
He followed the same path as Rachel, when he came to the intersection he knew for a fact Rachel would never travel up a dark hill. He looked to his right, unsure if she remembered that was the way back to his house. Taking a quick glance to his left-and he'll tell you he was happy he did-he saw the petite frame of a girl sitting on one of the benches. With a sigh of relief, he walked towards her.
Even from the distance he was at, he could see her shivering every time a gust of wind came, and he could hear the loud sobs. He took off his jacket, leaving him in a long sleeved shirt, he could deal with the cold temperatures. Carefully approaching the bench, he let himself be known, "Rachel?" She didn't answer, but tensed at the sound of his voice. He slipped the jacket on her shoulders, watching her snuggle into it. "I'm so, so sorry Rachel. I don't know what I was thinking, actually I wasn't thinking." He sat down next to her on the bench; she scooted away, putting more space in between them. That hurt, literally, his chest constricted in such a way it made him gasp. "Rachel? Please, I'm sorry." She still hadn't said a word to him, she was still shivering, but now Puck couldn't tell if it was from the cold or the sobs that were still shaking her small frame.
All Puck wanted to do was take her in his arms, run her back until she stopped crying. He knew he fucked up, he knew there was always a thin line in their physical relationship and he knew when it was too much-he pushed way over that line. He broke his promise to her, he could expect at least one punch from Finn. His chest constricted again when a new wave of tears came.
Rachel didn't want to see him right now. She didn't want to talk to him right now. She was too upset, all this pain was fresh and real, her heart ached. Noah never pushed for kisses or even for anything more. He held her at night, but that was different, that was comforting. Who she saw at the party scared her, made reality come crashing back, she wasn't living in a fantasy, that was who he was in high school.
"Rachel?" She watched Puck's knee bounce, could feel his eyes on her. "Rachel, come on please."
He wasn't sure what to do now. She was upset and she wouldn't talk to him; she shivered at the cold air. "Rachel, please, look at me." He watched as Rachel shivered again from the cold gust of air. Even with his coat on, it was too cold out here for her. "Come on baby, we'll go back to the house, get all warm..." Rachel still ignored his words, looking out over the crashing waves. "Say something..." Puck was desperate at this point, he needed to hear her voice.
Rachel finally spoke, but the words made Puck want to double over in pain, "I hate you."
A/N: DON'T KILL ME! Please...
Quick note, Puck's parent's: Aaron (dad)-is a surgeon.
Hanna (mom)-anesthesiologist. All will be touched upon next time, as well as Puck's sister.
Love to hear your thoughts!