A/N: I don't own Glee, its characters, A Christmas Carol, or its characters. This was just for fun.

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Chapter 6 ~ God Bless Us Everyone!

She felt like she was floating. She looked down, and saw her dads', Quinn, Shelby, Ann Corcoran, Beth, Santana, and Britttany. They were all crying. She saw a bright silver light shimmering above her. It was warm and comforting, and it called to her. She wanted to go to it so badly. But…..Quinn needed her; she had no one, no home. Her dads loved her so much, and had given their lives to her. She needed Shelby to know she loved her. Beth needed a big sister to look out for her. She wanted to meet, and get to know Ann Corcoran and her grandparents.

Staying here would be hard, and painful. She knew bad things could happen. They always did in life, no one escaped unscathed. Still, it would be so selfish if she just went to that beautiful light without letting everyone know how much she loved them.

Rachel turned from the light, and immediately felt herself merge with her body. Then everything went black.

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Rachel started to feel pain, before she started to see anything. Her head really hurt. It was pounding, and the blood was rushing in and out of her ears. She could hear murmuring, at least it sounded like murmuring. The diva did not like being in the dark; both literally and figuratively in this case. Rachel did not like having any idea what was being said by people around her, especially since she was laying front and center. Rachel corrected herself quickly, "Front and center, but not in a selfish way. Not anymore, those days are over."

"Ughhhh," Rachel thought, why couldn't she remember what had happened to her. One minute she's on stage, singing beautifully, she might add, and then next thing she knows, she's laying in some hospital bed surrounded by everyone she knows and loves.

Quinn Fabray hadn't left Rachel's side since the accident. Fighting, or no fighting; Rachel Berry was her life, her future, her forever. She was trying to will her awake for the last few days. Quinn needed to apologize. She was angry with her mother and Russell, not Rachel. She understood how needy her girlfriend got before an important performance. She had to fix this; she couldn't live a life with Rachel not in it.

The blonde sat at Rachel's right side since being allowed in the room. Quinn hadn't moved an inch, except to use the restroom. She held her hand, she sang to her, she whispered words of love and support, she kissed her, she cried, and for the first time since being thrown out of her parent's home when she was pregnant, she prayed.

Quinn didn't even mind that Shelby and Beth were there. She had been surprised to see Shelby show up at the second half of the play. The blonde knew it would make Rachel happy that Shelby showed up. Shelby's sister had shown up at the hospital with Beth later in the evening. Quinn had been so worried about Rachel, seeing Beth didn't cause her pain at all. Normally seeing Beth with Shelby caused her a lot of emotional pain. Now that Beth was older, and calling Shelby, "Mama" it was a deeper, sharper kind of pain. It caused a terrible sense of longing and loss. Those feelings had only been alleviated when she became Rachel's girlfriend after years of pretending she didn't love the difficult diva. She just wanted Rachel to wake up.

Rachel didn't respond to anything anyone said or did. She hadn't moved, or made a sound since being admitted to the hospital. Now Rachel was slowly walking up, but no one knew that. Soft, brown eyes opened just a slit, the light was painful. She could only see a little bit of lacy, white light, surrounded by a border of black. The light hurt her aching head, so she moaned again, only louder, "UUGGGHHHH!"

Quinn lifted her red-rimmed, swollen eyes from the side of Rachel's bed. She heard something. Looking around the room quickly, she noticed Rachel's fathers' still asleep in chairs, and Shelby sleeping at Rachel's left side. Santana and Brittany were sleeping on the empty bed in Rachel's room. She quickly grabbed Rachel's hand, and hissed at Shelby.

"Shelby, Shelby….."

Shelby lifted her head from the comforter she had placed over Rachel, "Hmmm? What is it? What's wrong, Quinn?"

Just then, Rachel groaned loudly, and unmistakably, "UUUUGGGHHH my aching head!" she stirred as she tried unsuccessfully to sit up.

Quinn started crying as she gripped Rachel's hand tighter, "Baby, can you hear me? Baby, please open your eyes for me. I've missed those big, brown, beautiful eyes of yours."

Shelby started to cry, and called out loudly for Hiram and LeRoy. Everyone got up and crowded Rachel's bed. Santana ran to get the nurse. Brittany went to tell Shelby's family and all the Glee Club who were crowded in the waiting room. They ran back in to Rachel's room, along with a nurse.

Rachel opened her eyes, and moaned again, "Wow, my head really hurts! I must have hit it harder than I thought."

LeRoy leaned over, "Sweetie, you remember hitting your head?"

"Of course, Daddy. I had just left Quinn and Shelby at the cemetery. Then I died, and the maid and chauffeur were stealing my things, and saying awful things about me. I was trying to hang onto Beth's robe, and I was begging her not to leave me when I slipped and hit my head. The light was nice and inviting, but I just couldn't leave while Quinn and I were fighting, or before I told everyone how much I loved them all. So I guess long story short, I remember hitting my head."

Brittany giggled, and Santana scoffed, "She even speaks in sentences when she's unconscious and half dead."

Everyone looked around at each other puzzled over what Rachel had said.

The nurse shooed everyone away so she could check out her patient, "I know this is very exciting everyone, and very good news. I need everyone to leave for just a few minutes so I can get Rachel's vitals. I promise you can come back in again very soon."

Brittany kissed Rachel's cheek sweetly, "The whole Glee Club is in the waiting room. You seriously scared us all to pieces."

"Yeah Hobbit. Not cool, totes not cool! Next time you pull some shit like this, Ima kick your scrawny butt," she smiled and winked to take the sting out of her words. Rachel smiled back at her surprising new friend.

The nurse looked impatient, and cleared her throat.

Rachel wouldn't let go of Quinn's hand, "Please I don't want Quinn to leave me," she said emotionally.

Quinn leaned over, and smoothed the thick, chestnut hair from her girl's forehead, "Never, Starlight. I will never leave you. Thank you for not leaving me. Let the nurse check you out. I'll be right outside that door," she kissed her forehead gently.

The brunette grasped the pale hand frantically, "But I have so much I have to say to you."

"I know, Starlight. I have a lot to say to you too. We have a whole lifetime to say it now. I'll be back soon. I love you, Rachel," her voice shook with emotion, as she kissed Rachel again. Her prayers had been answered. She was so afraid Rachel would die, before she could apologize.

Rachel turned to her fathers', "Are you staying too?"

They were both crying, "Of course, honey. Wild horses couldn't pull us away. We love you, baby girl," LeRoy choked out.

"We'll be right outside the door with Quinn," Hiram said happily. He had his baby back, alive! He was delirious with joy.

Shelby turned quietly to leave. She suddenly felt out of place, in the middle of this happy family scene. Rachel quickly grabbed her hand, and pulled her back, "You came to my show?"

"I only saw the second half. You were amazing. I should have bought as many tickets as I could, and brought my whole family. They were all mad at me for coming to Chanukah instead of your show. I was mad at me too. When I realized just what I was missing, I got in the car and raced to your show. I was so proud of you."

Rachel felt her heart bursting with happiness, and tears poured from her eyes, "Will you come back in later too?"

Shelby nodded happily, "My parents, your grandparents are in the waiting room. My older sister and Beth came as soon as I called and told them you were hurt."

"Can I meet them too? I really want to get to know my family. It's important to me. I'm sorry I've been so awful to you. I was just afraid of loving you, and getting hurt."

Tears filled Shelby's emerald eyes, "Oh baby, I am so sorry too. I am so scared of doing the wrong thing, I can't seem to do anything right. You haven't been awful to me. Let's start over, and be honest with each other. We'll just take it a step at a time. How does that sound?"

Rachel struggled to sit up, "It sounds wonderful. I'm going to need your help with something. I wish they would let me get up already, I'm fine," she sighed exasperated. If it was one thing, Rachel Berry was not capable of, it was sitting still.

Shelby pushed her back down firmly, but gently, "You need to keep your little butt in that bed, young lady. You were very seriously hurt, and you've been unconscious for over three days. Do not overdo it; you have to obey the doctors and the nurses and rest. We will still be here. Is that clear, Rachel?" she said in a strict maternal tone.

Rachel looked down contritely, "Yes mama. I understand. I'll behave!"

It was the first time Rachel had ever called Shelby, mama. Both of them were shocked, but happy. The older brunette didn't trust herself to speak. She just nodded, kissed Rachel's cheek, and quickly left the room before she fell apart.

She rushed past Quinn, and the Berry men, and straight to her family. She was sobbing, as she threw herself into her mother's arms. Ann and her father crowded around quickly, worried something terrible had happened. Maybe Rachel ordered Shelby from her room, or God forbid, she took a turn for the worse.

Beth wiggled in her Aunt's arms, she wanted down. She quickly toddled over to her mother, and patted her leg sweetly, "no crys, mama," her little chin quivered.

Shelby scooped her youngest baby up, and kissed her, "It's ok, baby girl. These are happy tears," she looked up at her family and whispered happily, "Rachel called me mama. She wants to meet all of you. She wants to start over with me," she leaned over, setting her head on her own mother's chest. Everyone was smiling happily.

Hiram and LeRoy Berry went back in and sat next to Rachel. Hiram looked at his baby, "You scared us half to death. I don't know whether to spank you or hold onto you forever," He teased.

Rachel got serious, "I have been so awful this entire December. I'm really scared about moving out, and going to New York. All I kept thinking this whole month was this is the last time we are ever going to do this before I move. I didn't want to miss the play, but I didn't want to miss all our family traditions either. I was so selfish, and insecure. Can you ever forgive me?" She said sincerely.

The two men looked at each other in amazement. LeRoy regained his composure first, "Oh baby girl, you have been such a pain in the ass this month, but we will always forgive you anything."

Rachel gasped in surprise, and then laughed, "I have been, haven't I? I don't know how either of you or Quinn has survived my craziness. I can't promise I'll never go this absolutely crazy ever again, but I do solemnly swear to at least rein it in quicker."

Hiram smiled indulgently, "Well, I think all things considered, that's the best we can hope for."

She looked at them both, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, "I love you both so much. No matter what happens in the future, I will always be your baby girl, I will always be proud to be your daughter, and I will always be there for you as you have always been there for me."

They looked confused, "We know that baby girl."

"No, Dad and Daddy that is a solemn oath. I swear on Barbra!" her fathers' gasped. Everyone knew a swear on Barbra was serious business.

They both came over and kissed her softly. She looked at them seriously, "I need to talk to you about Shelby. I want to really get to know her, and have her be a part of my life and my family. I don't want you to be upset. Can you be ok with that?"

LeRoy sighed, "I can't promise I won't be jealous once in a while, but your Dad and I knew this day was coming. We want you to be part of Shelby and Beth's life. We've really gotten to know her and her family since you've been hurt. They are lovely people, Rach."

Rachel was thrilled. It would be easier with her fathers' blessing.

After getting the doctor's ok, and a strict warning not to wear Rachel out, the New Directions all went in quietly to say hello to their teammate. They all apologized to her.

Kurt was sitting next to his friend, "I'm so sorry, diva. I know you only want what's best for the team."

Mercedes nodded, "We've acted like such jerks. I really am sorry. You were amazing in that play." Everyone nodded and chimed in their praise. Rachel didn't know they had all showed up to support her.

"I didn't know you all came?" she said tearfully.

"That's what family does, Rach," Tina smiled sweetly at her, as Mike nodded his agreement.

Rachel apologized as well, "I'm sorry too. I know I can be a bit much."

Santana laughed, "Only a bit, huh?"

"Oh shush, you!" Rachel scolded merrily. Quinn and Brittany looked at each other shocked, this was new. They liked it.

"I have an idea. How we can make it up to each other," Rachel smiled brightly, "There is a homeless shelter over on Main St. and a battered woman's shelter across the street from it. I was thinking we could put on a benefit concert to raise money for them. What do you guys think, are you in? It would be good practice for the finals?"

Everyone loved the idea, and Mr. Shue approved the idea.

Brittany leaned over and kissed Rachel's cheek, "You must be tired after all your travels last night?"

"It really happened?" Rachel asked shocked.

The tall dancer just giggled, and winked at her friend, "What happened?" She stuck out her tongue, and walked over to cuddle with Santana.

Quinn ushered everyone out, she wanted Rachel to calm down, "We'll work on this benefit idea after you've had a chance to heal up properly. Say goodnight, everyone."

Puck kissed her on the cheek, "I'm glad you are still with us, Jew babe. Sorry I acted like such a dick, forgive me?" he asked sweetly.

"Only if you forgive me for being such an uptight bitch, Noah!"

He laughed and shook his head, "I think my baby mama is a bad influence on you."

Quinn growled, "I think your baby mama is going to put her shoe up your ass, if you keep calling her that!"

Puck laughed louder, "See what I'm saying."

Everyone filed out of the room laughing, as Quinn shut the door behind them, "Rach, the Corcorans' want to come in, and see you. Are you ok with that?"

Rachel studied Quinn carefully; she patted the bed next to her, "Sit down a minute, Quinn. I want to talk to you."

"Something happened to me, when I was unconscious. It's changed my life. I finally realize just how my selfish behavior effects everyone around me. Life is too short, I want to change things before it's too late. I want my mom in my life, Quinn. How do you feel about Beth being in both our lives? Really, honestly, how do you feel about Beth being a big part of our lives?"

"Well, it hurts to see that Shelby is her mom. Her real mom, even though I know it was the right choice. I really do want some kind of a relationship with Beth. I was just afraid that it was going to be too painful for you, if Beth was in my life, but Shelby was not in yours. I don't want to do anything to hurt you."

Rachel smiled brightly, and nodded, "I want to be Beth's sister, and Shelby's daughter. We will all just go slow, and see what develops. I don't think Beth can have too many supportive people in her life, do you?"

Quinn's smile was watery, but hopeful, "No, Starlight. She can never have too many supportive people around her."

"I'll talk to Shelby then, and we will work something out. Can you show them in, Angel?"

Quinn nodded, and went to the waiting room to get the Corcoran family, Rachel's family, Beth's family. It was definitely strange, but Quinn felt it was going to be ok.

She walked into the waiting room to hear Brittany question Ann Corcoran, "So you're Aunt Annie? The Aunt Annie? We love your pretzels, don't we San?"

The look on Ann Corcoran's face was priceless, and Shelby was so happy she couldn't stop laughing. They all looked up expectantly at the blonde girl. Quinn smiled sweetly, "She wants to see you guys now."

They all got up and started walking quietly to Rachel's room. Shelby had Beth in her arms. She smiled as she started to walk past Quinn. The blonde stopped Shelby with a hand to her elbow, "Thanks for coming to Rachel's play. Whatever you said to her in the room before made her really happy. I was wondering if you and I could start over. You know, for Rachel and Beth's sake?" Quinn said humbly to the woman she had thought she hated, "I'm sorry I've been so stupid and hostile. I was angry that you hurt Rachel, and I was jealous of you for…." she looked at her tiny lookalike in Shelby's arms, "well you know," she shrugged humbly.

Shelby was moved, she could see the effort this apology took. She looked sincerely into hazel eyes that mirrored those of her youngest child, "I would love to start over, Quinn. Once Rachel is home from the hospital and settled, we can all sit down and talk. Is that alright?"

"That's perfect. Thank you, Shelby. Now go see Miss Impatient in there, before I get scolded for holding you and Beth up."

They both laughed. Shelby took Quinn's free hand, and pulled the blonde along with her, "Come meet the crazy Corcoran's. I mean, you're family too now."

For about the hundredth time, Quinn swallowed the tight lump in her throat, and wiped the hot tears from her eyes. This night really was turning into an unforeseen miracle.

She walked in to see Ann Corcoran hugging Rachel and weeping loudly.

Rachel looked up and beamed joyously, "Quinn, I have a nana and a pop-pop! I have an Aunt Ann too." Quinn smiled back at her girlfriend and nodded.

Shelby came over, and sat on the corner of Rachel's bed. A shy Beth buried her head in her mama's neck. Shelby spoke softly, "Bethie I want you to meet someone. This is your big sister, Rachel. Can you say hi to her?"

The two year old blonde turned her head slightly, and looked at Rachel with one hazel eye. She grinned shyly, "Hi," she nearly whispered. She looked at the large, square, white bandage on Rachel's temple and frowned, "Boo boo?" she pointed her little finger at it.

Rachel scooted forward a little, but not enough to make Beth nervous, "Hello Beth. I'm your sister, Rachel. You are very pretty. Yes, I have a boo-boo on my head, but I'm ok now."

"Look ouchie, Wach."

Everyone laughed, making Beth smile wider, she didn't know what she did, but she was very proud of herself for doing it.

"It is very ouchie, Beth."

"Mama kiss boo-boo? All better!" Beth bravely offered, it always made her boo-boo's feel better when mama kissed them.

"That's a good idea, Beth. I'll ask mama to kiss it, and make it all better. Will you kiss my boo-boo, mama?" She turned nervously towards Shelby.

Shelby leaned over, and kissed her oldest daughter's temple. She was crying, Rachel was crying, her new grandparents were crying, Annie was crying, the Berry's were crying, and Quinn was crying. Beth was frowning, and looking around like everyone had gone crazy. In her short little life, it was her experience that grownups were very weird.

Annie spoke first, "We love you, Rachel. We always have, and we always will."

"Thanks for watching out for my mom, all these years. I'm so glad she has you guys to love her."

Her grandmother, Natalie stood up, and hugged Rachel carefully. She was mindful of her sore head, "Well now you have us as well, you, and your fathers, and Quinn. Isn't that right, Ben?"

Shelby and Ann's father smiled. The Corcoran's and Rachel clearly got their looks from him. He was a tall, quiet man, with thick brunette hair, and green eyes. His size was imposing, but one look in his eyes showed his kind nature, "You can never have too much family around. I say that to Annie and Shelly Belly all the time."

Shelby groaned as everyone laughed. Rachel's eyes danced merrily, "Shelly Belly, eh?"

"Oh no you don't young lady, that stays locked away in the vault," Shelby scolded playfully. It felt so right, so good. She had another daughter. It was heaven sent.

Annie laughed, "Don't worry, Rach. I'll tell you that story when the crabby Coach Corcoran isn't around."

Everyone laughed again. Rachel looked at Quinn, and could tell she was thinking the same thing she was. The Corcoran family sure did laugh a lot. It was nice.

Suddenly the clock chimed, and everyone looked up. Natalie Corcoran smiled, "Merry Christmas everyone! It looks like we got our Christmas Miracle after all."

Hiram Berry echoed the sentiment, as did LeRoy and Ben Corcoran. Annie hugged Shelby who was holding Beth, and Quinn came over and kissed Rachel.

Rachel looked around the room, "We all got a Christmas Miracle this year for sure, God Bless Us Everyone!" the room cheered.

It was about a half hour later, when everyone had kissed Rachel, and left for home. A quick decision was made to return tomorrow bringing a Christmas Day feast.

Quinn plopped exhaustedly into the chair she had occupied for nearly four days, next to the love of her life. Rachel looked at Quinn and saw the dark circles, and careworn brow. She felt sad and guilty for her part in it.

"Quinn, will you do me one last favor tonight?"

"Anything, Starlight. Are you hungry, thirsty, cold? Does your head hurt, baby?" she asked with concern.

"I'm fine, Angel. Will you crawl into bed with me, and hold me all night long? I've missed you so much."

The blonde sighed happily, "You have no idea how much I would love to do just that. I've missed you too. I thought you were going to leave me before I could grovel, and win you back," she pulled off her shoes, socks, and jeans. Folding them neatly on the chair, she pulled off her sweater leaving only a tee shirt underneath, "I haven't left your side for days, I apologize if I'm a little rank."

Rachel giggled, and held the sheets and blankets up for Quinn to crawl under. She snuggled up against the blonde's chest, as Quinn played with her long hair. They stayed silent for a long moment.

The blonde sighed deeply, "I have to tell you something, Angel."

"I know, your dad came back home, and you moved out. Are you living at Santana's? I want you to move into our spare room, if you want."

Quinn looked down at the girl in her arms in surprise, "How did you know? Did San or Britt tell you?"

Rachel shook her head, "No, I know a lot of things. I know the Glee Club had a party, and invited everyone but me. I know you went, and defended me, and told them all off, even though you were mad at me. I know I hurt my fathers, and Shelby with my behavior. I know I was ungrateful, and horrible to you. I am so lucky you still love me. I wanted to apologize the second all those awful things flew out of my mouth, "she sat up and stared seriously at Quinn, "I don't want to be like every other person who always lets you down in your life. You are the love of my life. I need to start showing you that more. I'm an awful, spoiled, selfish girl. I'll be better; you make me want to be better. I want to be the person who takes care of you for a change. You deserve it, Angel. Please forgive me."

"I forgive you, Rachel. I came over that day angry at my mother. I took it out on you. I'm sorry. I wanted to take everything back right away too. I still get mean when I'm hurt. I need to work on that more. Can you forgive me, Starlight?"

"I already have. We have a completely fresh start. That makes me so happy," she laid back down, and snuggled back up to Quinn's soft, comfortable chest, "I have so much to tell you. I went on a journey when I was unconscious. I want to tell you about it all, but I don't want you to have me committed."

Quinn laughed delightedly, "I promise I won't have you committed, Starlight."

"Good, but first tell me, how do you feel about the name Allison for our daughter, and Dylan for our son?"

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Thanks so much for reading my little fable. I am so grateful for all your favorites, alerts, and comments. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. I wish you all happiness, peace, love, joy, forgiveness, good health, and prosperity for the New Year. May the new 2013 see all your dreams come true.

Also P.S. In case no one gets Brittany's Aunt Annie's pretzel joke. I don't know if they are a nationwide chain but Aunt Annie's pretzels are kinda big in Ohio, and they are worth every delicious penny!