Chapter 8
Rachel slowly unpacked dishes from the boxes covering the counter as Finn and Puck assembled the dining room table. Slowly but surely their new home was slowly coming together. As was their family.
Quinn walked in holding another box as she placed it down on the floor, "That's the last of it."
Rachel made her way down the small step ladder and over to Quinn. "Thanks so much."
She wrapped her arm around Quinn, leaning her head on her shoulder, "Gonna miss seeing you guys everyday though."
"Yea, it'll be different, but you're only a few miles away now. Rather than a few states"
"That is true." They both laughed as they gave a quick hug.
Puck walked in the kitchen making his way over to Quinn and placing a quick kiss on her lips, "Hey babe!"
"Hey." She smiled as Rachel walked back over to the counter and boxes.
"So we're still working on this table, but I was supposed to run over to the school before it closes to get the playbook for tomorrow's game. Do you mind?"
"No, not at all... Oh, but I promised Beth I'd take her to the mall to get this new movie she's been asking for. She got all A's again on her report card."
Quinn looked over at Puck as she shrugged her shoulders.
"I'll take her." They both turned to see Rachel smiling, "I can take her, I'm sure, she and Lexi would like to get out of the house for a bit. I know I do."
"You sure?" Quinn looked over at Puck and then at Rachel.
"Yea."
Puck nodded and smiled, "Alright, thanks Rach."
"Thank you, so much!" Quinn smiled as she grabbed her bag. "I'll see you guys later."
Rachel smiled as she made her way to the stairs to call down the girls, "Lexi, Beth!"
"Coming momma." Both ran down as quickly as they could.
"Slowly, my love, I don't need you to fall down and hurt yourself." Rachel grabbed her girl in her arms pushing her hair out of her face.
"I'm gonna take you girls to the mall, so go put some shoes on!"
"Yay." Beth grabbed Lexi's hand as they ran to put on some shoes.
Finn walked over wrapping his arms around her waist, "Can I come mom?"
Rachel looked up at him, "No, Dad. You need to stay and finish putting out perfect house together."
He smiled as he kissed the top of her head, "God, how I've missed you."
"I know. I missed you too Finn. So much."
"I'm so proud of you Rach."
"We're ready." Both girls stood by the door, shoes on, ready to go.
Rachel smiled as she kissed Finn goodbye and headed towards the door, "Alright lets go."
...
The three of them walked through the mall, it was a busy night.
"Gosh, I haven't been here in so long. Not since before I left to New York."
"Wow, that's a long time." Beth looked up at her big sister.
"Rachel, do you miss it?"
"What's that Beth?"
"New York?"
"Everyday. But, I'm home now. Closer to Mom and Quinn and Puck, and you. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my little sister while I was gone."
"I missed you too."
She winked at her as Lexi tugged on the side of her sweater, "Yes, my love, what is it?"
She scooped Lexi up, holding her tightly in her arms, "Mommy can I go play?"
She turned to see Lexi pointing at the indoor playground across the way, "Well.." She looked down at her watch, "looks like we still have sometime, before Daddy is expecting us, so yes, you can my love."
"Yay." She put her down and watched as the two girls ran off to the play ground.
She sat with Beth as they watched Lexi run up and down the jungle gym. It was so nice to see her having fun. Just then a cry filled the area. Rachel turned as her heart sank a bit when she saw a mother sitting next to her holding a teeny tiny baby boy in her arms. He was so beautiful and perfect. She began to tear up as she looked away. Beth noticed as she tapped her shoulder, "You okay? Whats wrong?"
"I'm fine. Please watch Lexi. I..." Before she could finish she took off.
Beth looked around worried as she called out for Lexi and took out her phone. "Uncle Finn. Something is wrong with Rachel."
"I'll be right there."
...
He walked around the mall, calling out for her. "Rachel!"
He'd just about given up when he saw her sitting by one of the stores "Rachel?"
She looked up, her eyes a bit swollen. "Finn, I'm so sorry..."
He cut her off grabbing her in his arms. "I'm here. Its okay."
"He was so tiny, and I just..."
"I know. It'll be okay. I'm here babe. It'll be okay."
...
It'd been a week since the mall incident and Finn was keeping a close eye on Rachel. He watched as she flipped through the channels. She was trying so hard now, he knew that. He just wished he could put her in a bubble and keep her safe.
