Broken
Chapter 15- Hell Week-Part I
A/N: See? No more long waits! (I lie...) :) Thank you to all the anonymous reviewers-I really wish I could personally thank all of you. But I'll deal with this! Big thanks to my love, Dreamer1483 and all my loyal readers and reviewers. You all keep me going. Okay on with this chapter. I own zip, nada, nothing!
"What the fuck!" Finn's fist clenched tightly as he looked back in forth from his father and dad. Jaw ticking, Finn let it know how pissed he was, "How could you let her leave with him?" After the whole movie theater incident, Finn went to stay with Quinn for the night. Knowing he would only receive Rachel's wrath worse not being in public. When he got home the next night, they were gone, leaving Finn pissed and hurt.
Walter sighed, rubbing his face with his hands; he was tired and knewthis would happen. "I told the both of you, if we kept this from her..." He shook his head angrily.
Henry glanced at his husband, "We needed to protect her. And how could we if hewas walking around?"
"Yes, yes, I know. But we could have told her why she had to go to New York. She would have gone, still fallen in love and still have someone who cared for her somuch." Walter sighed, he was tired of fighting with them. "You can't how cute they are. That boy would give his own life for our daughter, do anything to protect her and care for her..."
"Exactly what we did!" Henry yelled, jumping up from his spot on the couch.
Walter continued, ignoring his husband's outburst. "He is perfect for her. We couldn't ask for a better guy to be with our daughter." Crossing his arms, he sat back, watching the other two men grow a little angrier.
"Daddy, the point is, they've only been together a short amount of time, you trusted her just to fly back with him?" Finn knew part of the problem wasn't Puck but the fact that he was unnerved they would just start trusting guys with her again. Exactly what happened last time?
Before either men could answer, their front door opened, Quinn's voice sounding through the house. "Finn?" When she came into the living room, she looked at all three men, "Hello Walter, Henry. Finn we had plans tonight, don't you remember?"
Walter and Henry turned to look at their older son, who nodded in response to his long time girlfriend. "Yeah babe, I remembered." Finn slowly stood, stuffing his hands into his pocket. "I guess we'll just continue this at some other point." He walked over to Quinn, wrapping his arms around her waist, gently kissing her lips. "Ready baby?"
Quinn nodded, making her way towards the door, "Wait, where's Puck and Rachel?"
"New York." Finn slipped on his coat, holding the door open for Quinn.
"Because of last night?" Finn nodded in response, still waiting for her to go through the door.
…***...***
"I just don't understand why my father's would let that happen." Quinn sighed at Finn's statement, this is all she had heard about since they left his house two hours ago.
"I don't know Finn, but enough is enough. What about us? Every time we get into an argument now, it's all about Puck and Rachel! Don't get me wrong Finn, I love her like my own sister, but where are we going? What about our relationship? I let it go long enough, I let us focus on Rachel and then Rachel and Puck, but when's enough?" Quinn let out everything she had been holding in since November.
"What are you talking about Quinn?" Finn asked, he honestly didn't know what he did wrong this time.
"What am I talking about? Finn, do you seriously need to ask that? When was the last time we actually went on a date all about us? Can't we go one hour without Puck this or Rachel that. Come on now Finn! Don't you see what I'm saying?" Quinn seethed, trying to control the anger raging through her blood stream. Finn opened his mouth to speak, defend himself really but Quinn beat him to it. "You know what, never mind, take me home. We need to cool off, I need to cool off."
Finn nodded mutely, turning down her street. "I love you Quinn, I just want you to know that." Finn leaned over, trying to give her a kiss, but Quinn stayed out of reach. Sighing in defeat, Finn slumped back in his seat, watching Quinn get out of the car.
Finn drove home in complete silence, trying to figure out where everything went wrong. How his relationship went downhill and he didn't even know.
…...***...***
Quinn stormed through her apartment door, she just couldn't stay in Lima with Finn. "Ugh! I can't fucking believe him!"
"Well your home early." Quinn's roommate reclined on their couch, flipping through the latest Vogue magazine.
"Yeah, of course I am! Finn and I fought...again! It's always about Puck and Rachel, never about us anymore and I'm done!" Quinn could feel the tears burning behind her eyes, she had yet to cry about her failed relationship with her high school sweetheart.
"Oh, don't I know about that..." She mumbled into the magazine.
Quinn rolled her eyes, sighing loudly, "Santana, you had no claim on Puck when he asked Rachel out. The most you were to each other was a fuck buddy when neither of you could find someone else."
Santana laughed loudly, "True and I guess we can thank the two fuck heads for introducing us, but anyways, what did he do now?" The Latina put her magazine down, turning her full attention to her friend.
"Oh you know the usual. Finn can't keep his trap shut about Puck and Rachel. It's always them; they left Lima last week and came back here and Finn, of course, blew a gasket. It's all he talked about when we were on our date. It wasn't even fair. Why am I even with him when he obviously cares more about them? I just..."
Santana sighed, "Just break up with him, he's no good."
Quinn gasped, "I can't just break up with him, we've been dating for five years! We've just...hit...a rough patch." Quinn nodded to herself, "Yeah, a rough patch. That's it."
"Yeah, whatever, then don't ask for my opinion. But when the jolly green giant breaks up with you, I'll be here with the shoulder and tissues. And maybe a few strong drinks." Santana winked as she stood up.
...***...***
"Do you have everything packed?" Puck shouted from the foyer of their shared apartment. The car had already been pulled up to the front of the building and they were supposed to leave 20 minutes ago.
Puck heard Rachel sigh, "Five more minutes Noah! I need to make sure we have everything for Pixie!"
"Fine I'm bringing our bags out to the car!" He heard a muffled okay, chuckling to himself, he threw most of the bags over his shoulder and opened the door. "Whoa! Dude, damn you scared me! What the fuck are you doing back so early?" Puck looked up to watch confusion sweep across his friends features.
"No, I think the question is, where the fuck are you going now?" Finn couldn't believe what he was seeing when Puck had thrown the door open. "You left Lima without saying one fucking word, and just now, you're leaving..." Finn dropped his bags and clenched his fist. "What the fuck?" Finn's jaw set, he wanted to scream, but that would only lead to a bigger fight.
"Dude... What's your problem? Calm the fuck down." Puck was trying to calm Finn down before Rachel could come out.
Rachel was in the back room, gathering up the rest of Pixie's stuff when she heard the yelling begin, coming out of her room, she headed to the front door. "Noah, who's at the door?" She caught the glimpse of her brother before Puck could turn around.
"Babe, stay in the other room." Puck didn't want her to see Finn or have Finn say things he might regret.
Finn pushed Puck out of the way so he could see Rachel. "No. Rachel stay, we need to talk..."
Rachel squared her shoulders and cut him off. "No Finn, Noah and I are leaving we're already running late."
"Where are you going?" Finn stood between her and Puck, not letting her see him.
Puck could see how tense she was, "Babe, I'll bring the bags to the car, I'll be right back for you and Pixie." Rachel nodded, and mouthed I love youto him.
Finn sighed as soon as he left, "Again, where are you going?" Finn repeated his question, his glare turning on her.
Rachel sat down on the couch, her shoulder's sagging. Why can't anything be easy? Worry free? She thought to herself. "I'm going to meet Noah's other grandparents. He really wants me to meet them, so we're heading to Connecticut." Rachel sighed, looking up to her brother.
Finn tried to figure out when his best friend had changed so much. Puck had literally gone from never being in a long term relationship to falling head over heels in love with his sister of all people. "What the fuck? Are you kidding me right now Rachel? Seriously, what makes you think I actually believe you? You need to be careful Rachel, he's only going to break your heart; he only wants sex! What don't you get about that? Now he's taking you to Connecticut to meet his fucking family? That's all bullshit! He's taking you to Connecticut so he can have sex with you and dump you, like he always have. I'm surprised it's lasted this long! Whatever it is you two are in!" Finn screamed at Rachel, not caring that tears were welling in her eyes.
Sniffling Rachel carefully thought about what Finn had said. None of it was true, Puck had told her about his grandparents and how they were very traditional. Could be very mean and unwelcoming but he felt it was necessary that she met them before they could move onto the next step of their so far fast moving relationship. Rachel had agreed, she wanted his family to be hers too, and she wanted that next step, whatever it was. "Finn, please, that is not what's like. We have slept in the same bed since November and he's never once tried anything..."
"What! Since November? Why haven't I known this?" Finn stalked a little closer. He should have known they would be in the same bed.
Rachel curled herself further into the couch, trying to get away from Finn, "It's none of your business what Noah and I do behind closed doors in ourroom..."
"When did it become the both of your rooms?" Finn screamed, not really believing that in the little time they had dated, they were in the same room already. "You've been dating four months, that's a little ridiculous Rachel!"
"Finn! We've lived in the same house, it was only a matter of time before we moved into one room!" Rachel opted not to tell him about the apartment; that would only make this situation ten times worse. "You have to realize, I'm nineteen now. I can make my own decisions. If I want to sleep in the same bed as Noah, that is mychoice. You don't get a say in that. If I want to have sex with Noah, I don't have to tell you."
"Enough Rachel Barbara Berry. You're acting like a child!" Finn continued to yell, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation.
Puck could hear the yelling from the stairwell as he exited it, afraid of what could be happening, he picked up his pace, entering as Finn threw his arms in the air. Looking past him, towards Rachel, he could see the tears in her eyes, the fear etched across her face, and her whole body coward away from Finn. "What the fuck is going on in here? I leave for five minutes and everything goes to shit!" Puck exclaimed, moving closer to both of them.
When Puck was close enough, Rachel shot up from the couch and ran around, avoiding all contact with Finn, to his side. "You couldn't have had more perfect timing." She mumbled into his chest.
Puck squeezed her closer to his side. "Baby, why don't you get Pixie and head out to the car." Rachel nodded, and left the apartment with Pixie. "I can't believe you! I wish you would just keep..." Puck stopped, his trademark smirk graced his lips as he continued on a different line. "You know, the only exercise you get is from running your mouth, jumping to conclusions and pushing your luck!" Puck turned around, planning on making a grand exit, but he had one last thing to say. "And Finn, maybe you should start looking for another apartment." Finn's face was priceless, a look of pure confusion, Puck put a smirk on and walked out the door.
Rachel sat in the car, waiting for Puck to come out, she grew worried after only a few minutes. When she had opened the door, a box was there with a little white and pink bow. She didn't want to open it until she knew it was for her to open. When the door open, Puck was already talking to her. "Don't worry about anything babe, I'm going to call and have the apartment furnished so we can stay there when we come home. I don't need you anymore stressed than what you already are." Puck noticed she was being quiet, he glanced at her seeing she was holding her present. "That's for you, open it."
Rachel played with the bow, "What is it?"
"Don't complain, it was something you needed and I acted on it." Puck smiled, "Just open it."
Rachel nodded and slowly pulled the bow off. When she finally opened the box, she saw a new white iPhone 4 nestled in purple tissue paper. Carefully picking it up, she also saw the white and pink Otterbox case she could put on it afterwards. "Noah..."
"I already put every one's contact information in it, including my parents and sister. I also took the liberty to put some apps on there and pictures that are on my phone. I didn't want you to feel like you had to go through me every time you wanted to make a call. Plus I like the idea that I can call you when I want to." Puck explained, touching her knee gently.
Rachel gaped at the sweet thought, to know he went through all this just so she could call someone when she felt like it. She had given up her old phone from Lima a long time ago, with no friends and not going anywhere she didn't need it. It was nice to have one now that she was becoming more and more independent. "Noah... I can't..."
"No. It's on my plan, it's not a big deal, you have Internet, and unlimited texting. So, on our way to Connecticut, why don't you play with your new phone?" Puck smirked as he started the car.
"Thank you," she said softy, leaning over to give him a kiss. "I love you."
"Love you too, babe."
…***...***
"You want exit three, Noah." Rachel said, looking up from the GPS. Pixie was curled up on Rachel's lap, snoring lightly; she had made herself pretty comfortable as soon as they hit the highway.
Puck sighed, even though it was only an hour, it felt a lot longer than that. "Yeah, thanks." Puck was nervous that his grandparents would say something hurtful, like they always seemed to do. "Hey, call my parents and see where they are. Please?" Rachel made a quick nod, finding his mom's number in her contacts. "First call on your new phone." Puck commented, winking at his girlfriend as he took the exit that led him into the classy neighborhood that was Greenwich. He never really cared for this area, it always seemed liked people were all about showing off their money; Puck wasn't really used that. Sure Watch Hill was similar, but it was more hush hush.
Puck listened to the murmurs of Rachel talking to his mom, but he had tuned it out, concentrating more on finding the way to the house from memory. Rachel's voice broke though his thoughts, "She said they are a little more than an hour out."
Puck nodded, "I figured that, oh well."
Rachel watched the houses that they passed by, all of them where huge in her book. Bigger than Puck's parents and his Nana's. She didn't understand the need to buy such a huge house when only one or two bedrooms were being used. "Noah?"
"Yeah Rach?"
She sighed softly as they passed they turned down a more private road, with even bigger houses. "Why do people need such big houses? I mean, sure they must consider them home, but..." Rachel trailed off as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, biting it nervously. She didn't want to sound mean about, this is how he grew up.
Puck just laughed, "Well, the bigger the house, the more money you have. It's kind of like placing yourself in society. Of course it's not always like that. My dad's side of the family is wealthier than my mom's. But you don't see them flaunting it everywhere. And others around here are like them." Puck pulled into a long driveway that had a tall wrought iron gate, with McCambell scrolled through it.
"Oh, I see." Rachel gaped at the huge house that now sat in front of her. The lose stone driveway turned into a large turn around, with a perfect manicured lawn in the center. Also there was a gorgeous fountain, surrounded by seasonal flowers. Rachel stared up at the beautiful Colonial house was a stone grey, graced with classy white window frames with black shutters. And the front door? Was a solid piece of finished wood, giving it that old feel. Almost too perfect shaped hedges-that were currently bare, but you could still see the perfect shape-, and flowers lined the border of the house; the lawn was the same, all perfect. "Wow," Rachel breathed out, absolutely speechless at the beauty that was this house.
Puck shook his head. Maybe I should have told her the history between us before we came out here...Puck thought to himself as he parked the car. "Ready babe?" Puck unbuckled his seat belt and reached for Pixie, for the time being she would sit in the car. "I love you," Puck leaned over to kiss Rachel's cheek.
Rachel blushed at the kiss, she could see the curtains open, she didn't want to make a bad impression now. "As ready as I'll ever be." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly, "I love you too Noah, I'm here because I do." Rachel smiled, hiding how nervous she was actually feeling. Her stomach was in knots, and she was sure she was sweating profusely.
Puck nodded, seeing right through her smile. Stepping out, he met Rachel at the front of the car and together they walked hand and hand to the front door. Before they could even touch the front step, the door was pulled open; an older woman stepped out in pink apron outlined in a black boarder. Underneath the apron she wore a pink shirt layered with the same pink sweater; all tied together with a black pencil skirt and black and pink spectator pumps. Rachel honestly has never seen so much black and pink in one outfit ever. Of course the woman's make up was perfect and her golden blond hair was curled and half pulled back. Rachel glanced away, she felt under dressed, she wasn't wearing any make up; all of this played on her already strong insecurities about herself.
"Noah! It is so good to see you!" The lady opened her arms, looking for a hug. Puck stepped up and embraced softly, not like he did when he saw his Nana. Rachel could already see major differences. When they pulled away, Puck didn't have a chance to talk, instead she jumped right in. "Hello..." she trailed off, sticking out her hand towards Rachel.
Puck sighed, "Grandmother, this is Rachel, Rachel Berry, my girlfriend." Puck watched as Rachel took her hand and shakes it gently. "Rachel, this is my Grandmother Elizabeth."
"It's very nice to meet you Eliza..."
"Mrs. McCambell." Elizabeth cut Rachel off, looking her up and down not so subtly.
Rachel snapped back in surprise, glancing quickly at Puck, she recovered. "Oh, yes, sorry. It's very nice to meet you Mrs. McCambell." Rachel smiled softly at the woman.
Elizabeth looked over at Puck, "Oh Noah," she shook her head sadly. "I don't know how planned to pull this one over my head." Elizabeth sighed just as sadly, getting ready to turn around and head back into the house.
Rachel glanced up a Puck, whose brow was scrunched in confusion and a frown instead of his smile. "What do you mean Grandmother?" Puck followed her into the house, gently pulling Rachel with him and tucking her into his side.
Elizabeth turned around once the door was shut; looking around she was hoping her husband would join her soon. "She's Jewish, isn't she?" Elizabeth asked Puck with sadness evident in her tone.
Puck felt Rachel stiffen the instant that sentence came out of Elizabeth's mouth. "Well I am also Jewish Grandmother, what did you expect? And I'm not with her because of her religion. We didn't even know the other was Jewish until our first date. I asked her out because she's beautiful, smart, a family woman and I love her. So back off." Puck seethed, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. He noticed Elizabeth's stance was stiff and she looked pissed.
Elizabeth listened to her grandson rant, if it was her choice, she would have gotten the bride she wanted those two years ago. She lifted her chin, and swallowed the anger down. "I'll go find your Grandfather, please have a seat in the parlor. Tea okay?"
Both nodded slowly and watched as she walked away. Walking straight ahead, Puck led her across a small hallway that stretched either way. When they entered the next room it opened up into a large sitting room, dark hard wood floors went from wall to wall completing the light colored wall paper well. As they walked around the room, Rachel noticed on the desk was a framed pictured. She couldn't help but stop to look at it, especially when it was one of the only personal items in the home so far.
When she glanced down at the picture she held back the gasp that wanted to come out. In the picture, Puck stood in the center with the beautiful Latina she had seen many months ago, both in very formal clothing; him a tux, her in a tight red gown. The couples that stood on either side of them she could only assume were their grandparents.
Puck saw Rachel studying the picture on the desk, as soon as he saw the red in the photo he knew which one it was. Carefully placing his hands on her hips, resting his chin on her shoulder, "That was from two years ago, before my grandparents and I stopped talking. They know her grandparents from the country club;of course they're friends and thought it was wonderful their grandchildren came from the same small town. And then they found out we were the same age." Puck sighed, he might as well get this all of his chest now. "She fits the perfect mold of what shouldbe my wife. I disagreed and all parties became upset." Shrugging his shoulders, Puck laid a gentle kiss on Rachel's neck; he could feel how tense she was. "I found the woman of my dreams and that's all the matters to me and my immediate family."
Rachel just nodded slowly, processing what Puck had just said. She knew he loved her but she couldn't help but doubt when people didn't see the love they shared. "Why don't we take a seat Noah," Rachel tried to twist out of his arms but he didn't let her, just held her a little tighter.
"Noah?" At the sound of Elizabeth's voice, both turned and looked up to the opening in the wall, where a small balcony was, giving a view of the upstairs. "While we wait for your Grandfather to end his call and the tea to boil, how about I'll show you where you'll be staying?" Elizabeth gave a tight smile to Rachel but as soon as it was there, it was gone.
"Let me go get our bags and Pixie. I'll be right back." Placing a quick kiss to Rachel's temple before walking away.
Rachel was a little mad that Puck had left her alone in a house she felt unwelcomed in. Shifting her weight from foot to foot nervously, she could see Elizabeth staring at her. Glancing up, Elizabeth huffed before walking away. Shaking her head, Rachel moved closer to the front door. Puck walked though juggling all the bags in his arms. "Noah, would you like some help?" She asked softly, afraid Elizabeth would pop up at some point and scrutinize her.
"No babe, I got it, just follow me." Puck looked behind him, whistling loudly, "Pixie! Come on Pixie!" Both Rachel and Puck laughed when Pixie's ears perked up and she came bounding in towards them. "Such a good girl." Puck whispered mostly to himself.
They made it up the long staircase, Pixie following closely next to Rachel, and down the hall towards the three out of the five guest bedrooms. Puck was hoping that they had the room with the queen size bed, after all, they were a couple.
When they walked into the room that had the door open, Puck wanted to scream. The room was quite large, with a large vanity on one wall and a walk in closet on another wall. Four windows gave a wonderful view of the back yard. But there were two twin size beds, separated by a nightstand with a lamp on it.
"If you need more pillows or blankets... Well Noah, you know where they are. And Pixie? She can stay in the basement..."
"Oh fuck no!" Puck cut her off, making both women in the room jumping and Pixie hiding behind Rachel. "The beds... Well I'll take care of that! As far as Pixie, she stays with us."
"Noah, it's a dog, it will get the area rug..."
"Oh stop it, she's a short hair, teacup poodle, she will not ruin your area rug." Puck moved the bags inside the room more.
Elizabeth watched her grandson move around the room as Rachel stood still just inside the door. As she walked towards the door, she stopped in front of Puck, a stern look gracing her features. "I will not be talked to like that in my home all week. Get that now! As far as I care, you can take yourself back to New York." Elizabeth clenched her jaw, and let the disgust roll of her tongue, "I don't know what you and that little Jewish...that Jewish whoredo at night, but I gave you two beds for a reason." With that, Elizabeth shot Rachel a glare as she pushed past her and stomped down the hall.
As soon as Elizabeth could no longer be heard, Rachel let out a breath and tried to relax her tense body. Puck came up next to her and wrapped his arms around her, trying to soothe her but tears were sliding down her cheeks, and sobs threatening to break through. Puck had only one thought running through his head. Here we go, this is going to be one hell of a week.
A/N: As much as I wanted this in all one chapter, I had to update. So I'm breaking it up into two.
In the top, I did not mention Puck's line: "You know, the only exercise you get is from running your mouth, jumping to conclusions and pushing your luck!" Is originally: "The only exercise people get, is running their mouths, jumping to conclusions, and pushing their luck." And that's from Brandon Evans.
Okay, until next time! Leave some love 3