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Hiram clutched the red cup tightly in his hands as he saw his daughter and that blonde girl talking and kissing in front of the house. He was cleaning the kitchen with his wife and Santana when he unintentionally managed to glance on the front porch and there he saw the last thing he wants to see.
He instantly felt like he was going to turn into a monster once again but his baby girl's crying and pleading face that night when he last hit her appeared to his mind, and he does not want to see that reaction from his daughter's face ever again. He was trying his best to make up for all the wrong things he has done to his daughter and he knew that he was slowly succeeding with it, and he does not want everything to screw up.
He only wants what is best for his daughter, but why do everything makes it so difficult and complicated? First, his daughter being a lesbian, and now, his daughter falling in love with the wrong woman. This is not right. If his daughter is going to live up with her sexuality forever, it has to be with Santana.
He fought the urge to just go outside and drag the blonde's hair until they were removed from her stubborn head. He stopped himself because as much as he can, he wants to avoid being violent and not doing it ever again. The past two years made him comfortable and at ease because he knew that the blonde has already disappeared, but he failed. How can they be so clever?
"Honey, are you alright? You seem a little upset." His wife asked him and went to his side to rub his arms to relax him.
He glared at the blonde's car's retreating form before sighing and turning his attention to his worried wife. He knew that his wife is not just worried but also a little bit upset because of the fact that he is reacting that way at his their daughter's special day.
"I'm fine." He simply answered and went back to what he was doing earlier.
"Don't lie to me. I know that there is something bothering you. What is it?" Shelby insisted and grabbed his hand to stop him from moving himself away from her.
He looked at his wife intently before speaking. "I saw—"
"Hey, dad. You were looking for me?" Rachel interrupted. He instantly noticed that his daughter's eyes are puffy and was just trying to be enthusiastic in front of them.
He looked at his daughter and he instantly felt weak seeing his daughter like this, but he knew that the thing with Quinn won't work. She's just going to hurt his daughter even more. If there's one thing she does not want to see and happen, it is to see his baby crying and hurting because of love, and he will never let that continue.
"Yes, baby. What happened to your eyes?" he asked testing his daughter's honesty even if he knew that Rachel is not going to tell him the reason.
Shelby may probably noticed Rachel's puffy eyes too because she ran to their daughter and embraced her. "Baby, are you not happy about your birthday?" her wife asked.
Rachel shook her head continuously. "No, mom, dad, I'm okay. I-I just accidentally poked my eye."
"Are you sure?" Shelby asked her again releasing her daughter's body from her arms.
"Yes mom, I'm sure." Rachel smiled a little and turned to look at him. "So, is there something you want to tell me, dad?"
He blinked a few times and cleared his throat before answering. "Nothing. I just want to check on you." Rachel nodded. "Did you friends go home already? It's already late." He asked.
"Yes, dad, but Santana wants to sleep over. Is that okay with you?"
He smiled a little too quickly but managed to gain his composure. "Of course. Santana is like a part of the family already, right?" He looked at his wife and grinned when Shelby nodded to what he said in agreement.
Rachel smiled a genuine smile before hugging them both. "Thanks mom, thanks dad."
He kissed his daughter's hair and whispered. "You're welcome, baby girl. Happy birthday. I hope you had fun."
"I did." Rachel pulled back from the hug and went back to the living room to talk to Santana.
He waited until his daughter was out of sight before turning his attention back to his wife who is looking at him meaningfully. "What was that all about?" Shelby asked.
"What was 'what?' all about?" he asked back trying to sound innocent.
Shelby shook her head in disappointment and he instantly knew that it was not the right time to joke to his wife.
"I saw that girl with blonde hair." He told Shelby. He honestly knew what the name of the girl is—Quinn—but he does not want that name to dance on his tongue.
Shelby furrowed her brows in confusion and looked at him questioningly. "Are you out of your mind? There are hundreds of blonde girls here earlier. Do you expect me to guess who was it?"
"I was talking about a certain blonde." He answered flatly. When he noticed that his wife even got confused, he added another information. "That blonde who took advantage of our daughter."
When he saw the horrified look in his wife's eyes, he knew that she already understands who he was talking about. Shelby then started shaking her head furiously, as if not believing everything he said. "But she was gone two years ago."
"You talk like she died when she obviously did not." He told his wife with a small laugh.
"But that was impossible, Honey. We hadn't seen her anymore after that night. You know that." Shelby protested.
"I know, and I was shocked too. We were wrong, Shelby, because I just saw her with my very own eyes." He answered with a convincing tone.
Shelby opened her mouth but no words came out, so she settled in closing it and thought for a moment. "Why didn't I even see her? I was here the whole night. We were both here."
"Because she did not enter the house. She and Rachel met at that bench." He dragged Shelby to the spot of the kitchen where the bench on the front door can be seen.
Shelby immediately held his arms tightly. "She and our baby met?" she asked with wide eyes.
He nodded.
"We were not expecting that." Shelby answered him while making her way towards the coffee maker.
"I know, and we have to do something about it." He proclaimed.
Shelby turned to look at him with worried eyes while sipping her coffee. "Hiram, don't you think it's about time to stop making our daughter's life miserable?" she asked coldly.
He stopped sipping his wine and shot his wife an angry squint. He folded his arms on his chest and asked. "What makes you think I'm making her life miserable?" he asked with firm voice.
"They obviously love each other." Shelby answered with a much softer tone. He knew that he still got the authority in this situation.
"Our daughter is better off without her."
"How do you even know that?" Shelby asked with an annoyed tone.
"Don't push this conversation, Shelby."
"You don't even—"
"Stop. Talking!" he yelled in anger. He can't control it. He does not want people opposing on his ideas and plans. He is always right. He can't be wrong. And he obviously knows everything about this topic they were talking about. He knows what he was doing.
Shelby was taken by surprise and immediately shut her mouth and just nodded. "Don't even think about migrating to Australia." Shelby spoke.
"I won't." he put his wine glass on the sink and prepared to head in their room. "We are taking a break from work tomorrow."
"Why?" Shelby asked coldly.
"We are going to Kentucky."
"Why? That was definitely a long drive. You know how I am with travelling." Shelby protested.
"Then drink some capsules." He ended the conversation and headed upstairs hearing his daughter and Santana talking in his daughter's room.
Shelby sprinted through the stairs to reach him until they reached their room. "What are you thinking? What are we going to do in Kentucky?" Shelby asked in a hushed tone so that only the two of them can hear their conversation.
"We're visiting the blonde's family." He said simply and went under his blankets. It has been a very long night for him.
"What? Are you a moron?" Shelby lay beside him under the blankets and looked at him disbelievingly.
He did not talk for a while and closed his eyes to pray for God's guidance and blessings before opening his eyes again to match Shelby's look. "Do not talk to me like that."
Shelby shook her head in annoyance and released a sigh. "This is ridiculous, Hiram."
"The girl won't back out on her own, Shelby. She has to be dragged out." He answered with authority.
"You're making it really difficult for our daughter."
"We're making her life easier, Shelby. We're going to Kentucky whether you like it or not." He said before turning off their bedside lamp and turning his back on his wife. He smirked when Shelby did not protest anymore.
"Rachel, are you sure you're okay?" Santana asked Rachel while they were lying together in her bed about an hour ago after her birthday party.
She really was not okay at this moment. She knew that this has been a very special night but she needed more. She wanted more of Quinn. She wants more of her touch, of her kiss, of her hugs, of her gaze, just more of her, but she can't do that. And that is what frustrating her the most—the she can't even do anything about it.
"I'm fine, Santana." She tried to force a smile. "You're not going to tell them about this, are you?" she asked with worry.
Santana smirked playfully and pretended to think about it for a moment, and she was glad that the simple gesture can make her smile. She smacked Santana's shoulder lightly. "Are you going to tell them?" she asked again.
Santana's smirk turned into a small smile. "Of course, I won't. I'm not that evil, Rachel."
She sighed in relief and squeezes Santana's hand as her way of being grateful of the girl. "Thank you very much, Santana. This means a lot." She looked directly into those brown eyes to show how sincere she was.
Santana closed her eyes as her hand touched hers and smiled sweetly. "Are you going to love me now?" the Latina asked.
She opened her mouth in shock and searched for an answer but the Latina just laughed at her. "What?" she asked a little bit annoyed.
"I wish you could look at your face right now." Santana replied still not stopping from laughing so hard.
She stood up from lying on the bed and went to open her dresser to look at herself in the mirror there. She frowned when she saw that nothing is funny with her face. "Stop trolling me, Santana." She warned making her way to the bed again.
Santana continued laughing for a while until it slowly dies and was soon altered with a small smile. "Okay-god, okay. No laughing now, fine." Santana said while holding up her hand to surrender.
"Thank you." She rolled her eyes.
Santana started chuckling again but she was trying really hard to resist it from turning into another laugh again. "It's just—you look like you're about to cry earlier but can't. You didn't even blink for, like, 10 seconds." Santana replied and was soon followed by a chuckle.
She grunted and rolled her eyes again. "Because I thought you were being serious!"
Santana's smile disappeared and the girl suddenly turned serious which made her nervous again. "What if I was, Rachel? What if I was being serious?" Santana stared deeply into her eyes.
She gulped because she knows that she was at loss for words once again. She started shaking her head slowly until Santana laughed. She groaned in frustration and smacked Santana's head a little bit hard with her pillow and lay on her back not facing the Latina.
"I was just kidding." Santana immediately explained. She did not answer anymore because she was annoyed. Santana started stroking her hair and she resisted her laughter when Santana's fingers started tracing patterns on her nape which is one of the sensitive spots of her body.
She was about to push the Latina's hand away but Santana got ahead of her and started poking her sides, soon after she was practically screaming because Santana was tickling her while her other hand is gripping both of her hands.
"Santana! S- stop! I give up! I give up!" she said in between laughs.
"Are you mad, huh? Are you still mad at me, Rachel?" Santana asked playfully while continuously tickling her.
"I- No! I wasn't mad at all!" she answered and felt herself starting to lose her breath. She sighed loudly when Santana let go of her and she punched the girl's shoulders with a force.
"That hurts!" Santana complained and started rubbing her shoulders.
She smirked proudly and went back to her previous position. She yawned and suddenly felt sleepy because a lot has really happened that night and she had not gotten that much rest. She turned to Santana. "Go to sleep already, Santana." She ordered.
"Wait, are we not going to pray?" the Latina asked her.
"I pray on my own before going to sleep. Pray with your own mind, silly." She answered while laughing lightly.
Santana hummed in response and she closed her eyes and started reciting a prayer in her head. She opened her eyes when she finished with her prayer and decided to check on Santana and see if she was asleep already.
She was surprised when she was met by the dark brown eyes of Santana. "I wanted to tell you something before I sleep." The girl announced.
She smiled. "Let's hear it." She encouraged Santana.
Santana stared at her eyes for a while, just memorizing every part of it before she started speaking. "Don't ever forget that you are not alone, okay?"
She smiled by the girl's thoughtfulness and touched the girl's cheek. "Do you think I will?" she asked.
"I think so. Especially when I'm seeing you sad." Santana answered with seriousness. "It's just—it kills me more when you are down. I know it's not my place to say this but.. but I really want to take care of you, Rachel."
"I know.." She shot the girl an apologetic look. "But, Santana.."
Santana just closed her eyes and opened it after a while to look at her with a smile and understanding. "I know, I know, Rachel. Just let me take care of you as your friend, at least. You know I will never leave your side, right?"
She shared Santana's smile and spoke. "Yes, I know, and I believe in you, Santana." She answered with sincerity.
Santana seemed content with that because she saw the most genuine smile that very moment Santana has ever flashed. She also noticed the glimmer in the Latina's eyes and she knows that those are because of controlled tears.
"So.. promise me you'll always remember that you have your friends?" Santana asked her.
She nodded instantly. "I will, Santana, I promise."
Santana smiled one last time and kissed her head. "Happy Birthday, Rachel Berry." And they eventually drifted off to sleep with content smile on their faces.
"What are you planning to say to them when we get to Kentucky?" Shelby asked while they were on their way to Kentucky.
Lucky for Hiram, he saved the last message containing this Kentucky address his mysterious caller named B sent him two years ago. He just never realized that this information will be useful for their future. The girl did not contact him anymore which made him think that Quinn was already out of their life, but he was wrong because she was not.
"They deserved to know the bullshit their daughter was doing." He answered not moving his eyes away from the road.
"What do you expect them to do? Control their daughter like she was a freaking teenager? Have you forgotten that the girl's 25 years old now? You're not even sure if they still talk to her." Shelby waves her hand in the air trying to emphasize her point.
He stepped on the brake of the car with a little force which made Shelby almost fly out of her seat if it was not just because of her seat belt.
He looked at his wife with flaring eyes and obviously annoyed expression. Since last night, they never stopped arguing about this subject.
"Are you with me on this or not?!" he yelled which made Shelby nervous.
His wife looked back at him with burning eyes. Eventually, Shelby tore her gaze away from him and closed her eyes to forced herself to go to sleep. He sighed because he knew that it was the better way to do instead of yelling at each other. It makes him feel really bad when moments like this occur, so he was glad that Shelby knows how to shut up. He knew that his wife is frustrated, but maybe it was just because of the long drive. He just knew that no matter what happens, he is still the superior one in the family.
"I just hope for us not to regret this decision in the end." Shelby spoke after a while.
He gulped the lump in his throat and rubbed his temples to prevent himself from yelling again. It was actually tiring when it just keeps on happening every single while.
"Don't worry, we won't. We're doing the right thing." He answered almost calmly.
"I don't think so. But I trust you and I believe that you will never bring harm to our family." Shelby replied and she remained silent for the remaining of the flight.
Two hours later, they reached their destination. The Fabray household. They stood in front of the door and rang the doorbell.
"Wait a second!" a calling from inside the house of the Fabrays made Hiram roll his eyes. They had been ringing the doorbell for the fifth time now and it made him feel really pissed that this family does not respond to visitors quickly.
He put on his best smile when the door opened and it revealed a beautiful woman with long blonde hair done in a bun and a pair of dark blue-almost gray eyes. Wrinkles were already formed all over the side of her eyes and in her forehead but it was no doubt that she was a very beautiful and popular woman during her younger years. Looking at the woman, he supposed that she was about 7 years older than him and Shelby.
He remained smiling with Shelby beside him doing the same. He watched the woman's reaction turned from smiling apologetically to frowning in confusion probably wondering who they are.
"Good afternoon. I'm sorry for disturbing you on whatever you were doing inside." He greeted warmly and politely.
The woman smiled again with tired eyes. "It's okay, but may I know who you are?" she asked curiously.
"Do the Fabrays live here?" he asked back taking a peek inside the house.
Judy grinned proudly and nodded. "Yes. I am Mrs. Fabray. You can call me Judy." Judy offered her hand for them to shake so he took it.
"I'm Hiram Berry, and this is my wife Shelby." he gestured towards Shelby so Judy can acknowledge her too.
"Good afternoon." Shelby also shook Judy's hands and smiled awkwardly.
"May I know what you're here for?" Judy asked politely. He suddenly felt bad for the woman because of how bubbly she is acting right now. He wonders what would be her reaction when he brings up the conversation later.
He cleared his throat and gathered his composure. "We are actually here to talk about your daughter." He answered plainly.
Judy widened her eyes and nodded her head to consider the subject. "Oh, my daughter Quinn or Alexa?" she asked suddenly, opening the door widely.
"Quinn." He answered while discreetly trying to figure out if someone else is inside the house. Her husband should be there too.
"Oh. Right." He noticed the little worry in her tone. "Come in."
They walked inside the house and he noticed how warm the atmosphere of the house is. There are paintings everywhere. This place looks so elegant but still welcoming. He never pictured Quinn coming from a place like this.
Judy gestured on the couch in the living room and they gladly sat there and waited as Judy went to the kitchen to make them some tea.
"Just tell her so we can leave." Shelby whispered to him.
He shook his head. "Not until her husband shows up."
After a minute, Judy returned with their tea and they gladly took it and thanked Judy. Judy watched them finish their tea with that worried eyes again.
"So, uh, what has my daughter done this time?" Judy asked nervously but still forcing a small smile.
This time? He was never wrong though. He knew that Quinn is not the kind of girl his daughter deserves. By the sound of her mother, it's obvious that Quinn causes a lot of headache to her parents. Stupid irresponsible woman. He thought. She was already an adult yet it's pretty much clear that she's still on her parents' side, expecting them to support her until she dies.
"May I ask where Mr. Fabray is?" he asked back. He felt Shelby shifting uncomfortably in her seat beside him. It makes him feel less confident and he wanted to yell right there and then to his wife.
"Oh," Judy got even more confused but still managed to be hospitable. "He's on his way. He's probably going to be here after 15 minutes or so."
"Can we wait a little while for him, then? It is unnecessary to talk about your daughter without him here." he asked and July nodded.
They talked casually for a few minutes about random things especially their business until they hear the door creaking. They all turned their heads on the door to welcome Mr. Fabray.
Mr. Fabray looks a bit older and also has a blonde hair. He's a tall man and wrinkles are formed all over his face, but even though he's a bit older, he still has a good posture.
The man met them in the living room and they all shook their hands and introduced themselves before sitting again on the couch a little uncomfortably.
"What was your concern?" Russell, as he introduced himself, asked both of them with a smile and curiosity in his features.
He and Shelby looked at each other and he instantly read what his wife was saying through her eyes. He wants him to talk all throughout and she would not say a single word. He knows that this would happen, though.
He shifted on his seat and looks directly into Russel's eyes, occasionally glancing at a very confused Judy. "My wife and I are here to talk about your daughter, Quinn." He informed.
Russell narrowed his eyes at him and spoke. "What about my daughter?"
"I will say this as gentle as I can.."
"Just go straight to the point." Russell cut him off.
He swallowed. Russell is a scary man. "Not to be rude but.. your daughter has been doing something nasty with our daughter." He trailed off and watched the reaction of the couple. As expected, both are not liking the conversation.
"Excuse me?" Judy spoke with disbelieving tone. He noticed how different is the Judy they are facing now compared to the Judy they first met.
"What are you implying?" Russell half-yelled. He knew that the man lost his patience with just a short amount of time.
But can he explain everything in a nice manner? No. There isn't a nice way to describe their not-so-nice daughter.
"Frankly, your daughter manipulated our daughter's youth and is still continuing with it. Do you know how old my daughter is, Mr. Fabray? She's just 17 years old!" he answered getting caught up in the moment.
"Don't say things like that about my daughter!" Russell stood up and pointed at his face. Judy immediately grabbed the arms of the man to stop him from doing anything inappropriate.
He immediately stood up from his seat as well matching the other man's composure. "It's the truth! I saw her last night at my daughter's birthday party! Your daughter never backs off."
"You don't even know a thing. They can be just friends." Russell answered him.
He laughed and mocked him. "Really? Then why would your daughter kiss my baby like my girl is some fresh meat?"
He did not fail to notice Russel's ears reddening because of anger and his eyes also shooting daggers at him, but he's pretty much sure he's doing the same. And he knows that the couple was caught off guard by what he said. There isn't any words left to defend their daughter.
Shelby stood up from her seat, stood beside him, and pulled him back a little so there can be more space between him and Russell.
"Listen here, Mr. and Mrs. Fabray. If I ever see your daughter around my baby Rachel again, I will never hesitate to bring her to the police and press charges against her." He spoke his final words and planned immediately on leaving.
He honestly feels sorry for the couple for having a daughter like that, but this case cannot be ignored. They need to pull their daughter away from Rachel or else they'll lose her. It looks like they care about their daughter so much, and he thinks that it was also their fault that their daughter turned out to be like this—they always let their daughter do something disgusting.
"Watch your words, Mr. Berry. You are in my house." Russel told him firmly but it did not scare him at all.
"I don't care anymore. Do me a favor and make sure to erase your daughter from my daughter's life." He answered and dragged Shelby to the door, but before twisting the knob to leave, he spoke. "Thank you for the tea, Judy."
As they left, he knows that this plan was a success considering the Fabrays' defeated reactions about it.
Quinn exhaled loudly when she arrived home from university that night. It has been a very long day for her. Everyone at the university is busy preparing for the final exams next week. Loads of thick books are to be opened and absorbed again.
She knew that she will never have a peaceful night until next week was over. She can't even bring herself to eat on time anymore because of working so hard on the final requirements. Why does studying have to be so tough?
She needs to do this not just for herself but also for Rachel. One more year left and they can finally be together, they can finally decide on their own. She smiled at the thought of discussing their relationship, and eventually moving in with each other, planning to get married, and have their child afterwards. That would definitely be happen. So she really needs to work hard if she wants to give Rachel and their children the brightest future. Just thinking about having a family with Rachel makes her really happy.
She promised herself that she will never be like her father, who thinks that everything his daughter does must be according to what he wants. When the day comes that she will be a parent, she wants to make sure to let her children speak about their likes and get their opinion about it. She will listen to them and agree with them if she thinks that they are going to do the right thing. That is how a parent-child relationship goes anyway. They have to give and take.
Once she was out of her car, she immediately went inside the house and prepared to head upstairs to her room when her father stopped her.
"Quinn. We need to talk." His father Russell informed her with firmness in his voice.
She instantly felt confused because of hearing that tone of her father so she turned to him and noticed that both her parents were in the living room waiting for her. She was surprised that she did not even notice them.
She was just really tired and she honestly can't deal with any of their discussions right now. But still, being the good daughter, she made her way towards her parents and sat on the couch comfortably.
She rubbed her temples and spoke. "About what, dad? I still have to study so if this is another sermon, I think I'll pass." She spoke and looked at her parents.
Her father's nose was flaring with anger and his eyes are also dark while glaring at her. What has she done to make him this mad? She also glanced at her mother and noticed that she was shaking her head with disappointment plastered all over her face.
"What—what have I done?" she asked even more worried and afraid as well this time. This cannot be happening in line with her final exams, she cannot deal with both.
"We found out about your secret." Her father simply answered but she knew that his body was already burning.
She froze and felt herself needing more air because breathing became hard for her considering the nervousness she was feeling. She only has one secret from her parents that she has been keeping for one and a half year. There's no way they could find out about that because it was really impossible. Who could have told them?
"What—what are you talking about?" she asked nervously and bit her lip. She saw her father's face turned a little shade darker than crimson, if that is possible, and stood up from his seat to stand in front of her.
She tried to move back but there is no way out for her so she just stared at her father while biting her lower lip really hard.
"Do you know someone by the name of Rachel Berry?" her father asked with a scary but low voice.
All colors drained from her face and her body became unmoving upon hearing her father's question. How did they even find out about this? She was definitely not ashamed of Rachel but right now is not the right time for her parents to find out. She knew they'd oppose, and she can't disappoint them once more. But she can't escape the reality that the confrontation is happening too early, right now.
"Dad.." she choked but tried to speak again, not meeting her father's eyes. "How did you—"
"You answer me! Do you know someone named Rachel Berry?!" her father yelled at her and she jumped in surprise. After a few seconds she found herself nodding with tears.
"Y- yes dad.. I know her." She answered losing all her confidence.
Her mother moved to sit on the chair near her and spoke. "Quinn.. how can you do something like that?" her mother asked with disappointment.
She looked up at her mother and she instantly realized that she has to face this alone. "I did not do anything, mom." She answered in defense.
"Yes you did!" Russel grabbed her on the chin and forced her to look at him. "Who is she to you. Huh, Quinn?" he asked angrily.
She gulped and wiped her tears before answering him. "She's my new girlfriend, dad."
A loud smack on her face alerted her sore body. She gasped and hold her face tightly and looked at her father disbelievingly. "Dad.."
"Since when?!" Russell asked glowering.
"Dad, please.."
"Since when?!"
"More than a year ago.." she spoke softly and vulnerably.
"You lied to us about Brittany, Quinnie?" her mother entered the conversation and asked, but she did not hear any worry from her tone.
She nodded and resisted another liters of tears from falling. "I'm so sorry.."
"How can you do something like that?" her mother asked again.
Her father went back to his seat and still has his jaw clenched. "Pack all of your things now."
Her mouth opened slightly in surprise and she turned to look at her father feeling slightly light-headed. "Dad.." she said with her voice barely audible.
"I'll give you time until tomorrow. I don't want you to leave any of your things here, Quinn." Her father stood up from his seat and fixed his composure.
"Dad.. please.. please don't do this." She pleaded but her words were broken which makes it hard to understand.
"We're done with all of your bullshit. You are just wasting our money. After all these years, you have never changed and still kept on giving us disappointment. Do you even have plans for yourself?" her father asked angrily.
"I do, dad.. please, just help me with my course.. I was already halfway. You know I can't pay for it alone.." She gets down on her knees in front of her father and cried like a little girl asking for her parents to bring her to the park to play.
"You wasted your chances, Quinn." Her father shook his head continuously and looked down on her eyes with a determined look. "You will never get support from us, ever again. Besides, it's you who chose to ruin your own life."
"I didn't.." She cried and held her father's right leg. "Please, dad, don't do this."
Her father paused for a moment and pulled his feet from her grip with a force. She immediately stumbled herself on the floor. "Learn to work on your own. You will never hear from us again. You are not welcome here anymore."
"Dad, you know I'm—I'm trying so hard to succeed with this one, so please.. I'm begging you.. don't throw me out." She sniffed, cried, sniffed, cried.
Her father shook his head for the nth time again. "I thought you're finally going to be like your sister." he said and left the room with heavy feet.
Her shoulders dropped and her tears were not planning on stopping to fall anymore.
"I have big dreams for you, Quinnie.." her mother spoke when she was sure that her husband's already out of earshot. "But you just broke all of them."
She tried to speak to answer her mother but all of the force from her body disappeared.
"Pack your things now and leave as soon as possible." Her mother ordered her and went out of the room.
She felt her heart shattered to pieces and she also feels like she's about to die. Just half an hour ago, she was busy planning a family and a business on her mind, but now it all vanished in just a snap.
How is she supposed to finish her studies now? She definitely can't afford paying for her studies. The money she saved at the bank were just enough for about six months rental of a very small apartment, but what about her foods? What about her future? What about her and Rachel and their family's future?
She felt her heart breaking thousand times and she knew that she just lost her whole life, her key to happiness. With not enough money, she knew that she will never be a doctor anymore. She is already getting old but yet there's still no direct and straight path for her to her future. What is she supposed to do now?
She stood up on her knees and went upstairs stumbling on her every step until she reached her room. It did not take her long to pack all of her things.
She immediately went to her car after making sure that she did not left anything. She drives her car while crying and thinks of any ways to help herself to continue living.
After an hour of thinking, her mind came up with one person that she's sure is willing to help her. It's Brittany.
She grabbed her phone from her purse and started dialing the girl's number. She sighed in relief when the number rings, because she thought that after a year of not talking to each other the girl has already changed her number. She just wished that she will answer immediately because she really has no place to go to right now.
"Hello, Quinn?" Brittany answered excitedly. She sighed in relief.
"Hey Britt.."
"Quinn? What's wrong?" Brittany asked. "Are you crying?"
"Britt.. I—I need your help." She answered with a broken voice.
She heard Brittany talking to somebody on the other line so she waited patiently. "Sorry about that. Need help in what exactly?" the girl asked with worry.
She immediately felt embarrassed for bothering Brittany and calling her out of nowhere just to ask for somewhere to stay.
"Uh, nothing. I'm sorry to bother you, though." she tried to sound okay.
"You can't fool me, Quinn. I know there's something wrong. What is it?" Brittany asked with pure worry in her voice. Brittany's right. She can never fool her even if they were not looking at each other's eyes.
"I.. just.. I need somewhere to—to stay for now." She answered and smacked herself from letting the tears fall down from her face again and her voice broke.
"Where are you? What happened?" Brittany asked and she can tell that the girl was already rushing to where her car was parked.
"Still in Kentucky. And it's a long story." She replied.
"Could you check in somewhere for a while? I'm on my way." Brittany asked.
She let out a small breath and answered. "Thank you so much, Britt. I really can't thank you enough."
"It's fine, Quinn. Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah." She answered and ended the call before driving to look for a cheap motel to stay for few hours.
Quinn lay on Brittany's couch with a little hesitance when they got to the other blonde's place after a long drive from Kentucky. Brittany did not ask her what happened when they met and she ended up crying in the girl's arms. They just drove in silence. She offered to drive to give Brittany some rest because she knows that Brittany just made a way to help her with her issues.
"Quinn, do you want something to eat?" Brittany asked her with a very calm voice. It was like she's talking to a 7- year old kid, but she found the attitude very thoughtful. She knew that Brittany's giving her space.
She nodded shyly. She was really starving because she had not taken her lunch since yesterday and now it's almost near lunch because of the long drive back and forth from Kentucky.
Brittany sighed, probably because of pity for her, but she did not take it in a wrong way. She knew that Brittany has really changed. She can see that clearly now.
Brittany left her in the living room for a while and got on her phone to order some Chinese foods. She chuckled lightly because until now, Brittany still don't know how to cook.
"Britt, you could have told me that you there isn't any leftover. I could have cooked for us." She informed the girl with a low voice when Brittany returned to the living room.
"No." Brittany smiled sweetly and joined her in the couch. "I know you're tired. You need some rest. And besides, you're my guest so all you have to do is lie down there."
She bit her lip and tried to resist herself again from crying. She was really feeling very tired but not because of the long drive, but because of the frustrations and sadness she was feeling all at once. Her life just got even more complicated now.
"Quinn, what have you been up to? You look so.. so weak." Brittany asked her worriedly.
She shook her head and did not answer Brittany anymore because she knows that her voice will just break. Brittany put her hands on her back to soothe her.
"What just happened, Quinn?" Brittany asked her again after a moment.
She looked at Brittany with puffy eyes and looked down on the ground. "They—they found out, Britt.. My parents—they found out."
Brittany was silent for a moment to think about what she was talking about. "About.. about Rachel?" Brittany asked after a moment.
"Y- yeah.. Yes." She answered with her voice breaking.
"I'm surprised you both last this long, Quinn.." Brittany trailed off. "But, how did they know?" the girl asked worriedly.
She shook her head continuously. "I- I really don't know, Britt.. I really don't know." She answered and burst out in tears once again.
Brittany reached to wipe her wet face and asked again. "So.. your parents found out, and they threw you out?"
She nodded while sniffling.
"Wow. They hadn't changed even a single bit.." Brittany commented. She agreed in her mind because she really can't speak right now.
"I don't know what's in it for me anymore.. for us." She said sadly.
Brittany looked at her sympathetically and embraced her. She smiled because of the realization that Brittany still knows what she wants. Brittany knows that she does not need any more words. All she needs right now is a friend who could let her feel that everything's going to be fine.
"Hey, what's going on?" a small but jolly voice approached from the door and Brittany and her both jumped in surprise to see who the voice belongs to.
She gaped as she looks at the girl in front of them. Brunette, skinny, blue eyes that is always in the smiling form, and a very joyful aura. It was definitely Melissa, the girl Brittany showed her from her cellphone. She estimated the girl's age is just the same as theirs but she has a really baby face. Melissa can literally light up people's lives. And's she's very pretty as well.
She saw the smile and happiness that flashed in Brittany's face as she stood up from her seat to greet Melissa with a kiss on the lips. They look so cute together. She wanted to smile but she's worried that Melissa may take her and Brittany's hug earlier in the wrong way.
"Hey babe, you're home early." Brittany said still with a smile on her face. She was confused why Brittany isn't as worried as she was.
"I know. Office guidelines." Melissa smiled and kissed Brittany back before making her way on the couch beside her, pulling Brittany along. "Hi! Wow, you're much beautiful in person." Melissa acknowledged her and she dropped her jaw in shock.
"You know me?" She asked confused.
"Oh! Yes, of course!" she opened her eyes widely in surprise when Melissa, being the jolly girl as she is, hugged her excitedly. "I saw you from Brittany's photo albums. You're really pretty."
She blushed and looked at Brittany. Brittany just shrugged, smiled and mouthed 'That's my girl.'
She chuckled lightly and tried to smile genuinely as she spoke. "Thank you. You're really pretty, too."
"I'm Melissa, by the way." The girl offered her hand and she shook it formally.
"Are you here for a visit? Don't you have some final exams or something? Brittany told me you're a med student so.." Melissa wondered while smiling.
Her emotions returned and she instantly dropped her head so Melissa won't notice that she was about to cry again, she did not succeed, however, because Melissa immediately panicked.
"Oh my god, what have I done?" the girl asked worriedly and looked at Brittany in panic. "Britt, I thought—I'm done with this, right? I'm better now.."
Brittany immediately came in rescue and held her girlfriend's shoulder to still her movements. She looked intently at Melissa's eyes and kissed her passionately. "You're fine, babe. You did not do anything wrong, okay? It's not you."
"But Quinn.."
"Oh! No! No Melissa. It wasn't you at all! I just.." she paused and waited for Melissa to be calm. "I just have this really huge problem." She informed with honesty.
She watched as Brittany calm Melissa down and immediately Melissa have this very worried and sympathetic look as well. She hated receiving that look but she knows she can't avoid it from people. She pities herself right now as well. She just lost her way and still doesn't know where to begin.
"What—what happened, Quinn?" Melissa asked her and eventually looked at Brittany when she refused to answer.
Brittany sighed and spoke. "She.. she needs a place to stay, babe."
"You can live with us!" Melissa immediately exclaimed. She looked up and saw the excitement in the girl's eyes. She was thankful but this is not really a good idea. Just imagining living with the two already seemed awkward.
"That's very helpful of you, Melissa.." she tried to sound thankful. "but I don't think that's appropriate for us."
She can see in her peripheral vision that Brittany does not agree with this, too.
Melissa's face saddened. "But where are you going to live?" she asked.
She shrugged. She really has no idea. She only have limited amount of money. "I—I need to find a job first."
The three of them went silent for a while until an idea came into Melissa's mind again. "Why don't you work in Brittany's clinic?"
"But as what?" she asked out of curiosity and confusion.
"As her secretary." Melissa informed and turned to look at Brittany. "You're in need of secretary, right babe? You mentioned last week that you fired Alison because she's arrogant and rude with patients and visitors."
Brittany chuckled lightly and nodded. "Yes babe, I remember." The girl looked at her. "She's right, Quinn. You can work for me as long as you need."
Her face turned red in embarrassment. She wanted to cry because of how grateful she is for these two, but she thinks that this is too much already. Brittany driving all the way to Kentucky was already too much.
"But I don't have a degree.." She shook her head. "I think I'll just—"
"It doesn't matter, Quinn, and we insist. And besides, you can use your salary in paying for your apartment, well since you don't want to stay here with us." Melissa demanded and Brittany nodded in agreement.
She let her tears fall and hugged both girls. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"You can take your shower upstairs, Quinn. We're going to look for an apartment for you." Brittany told her after a while. She nodded and thanked them again and she was off for a shower.
They found a small apartment near Brittany's clinic in San Diego. It was really convenient because she can save gas for her car. Her first few months working for Brittany were not as tough as she expected since Brittany does not give her too much work. However, her salary is just enough for her apartment rental and utilities. She usually limits the money she uses for foods. Usually, she will just eat once a day so she can save for school.
She cried really hard when she decided to just stop from college. She pitied herself for not figuring out her path and where she is heading considering her 25 years of living in this world.
She also started working extra shifts at night at a local coffee shop for extra bucks. A little money could help her. She stopped buying new clothes and stopped using too much electricity in her apartment. She was not home most of the time anyways to save. She does not rest at weekends too because she figured she could work another weekend shift for extra money. She can't even party anymore because it will cost her another bucks.
That's pretty much how her life went for almost five months. She lost too much weight that she hadn't even noticed if not for Brittany reminding her. It doesn't matter anymore, as long as she was able to move and help herself gain money, she's alright.
The next month Brittany handed her a check saying it was a little help so she can start school again.
She shook her head and returned the check to Brittany, who is also with Melissa. The two treated her dinner that night and said that she needed to have a break.
"No, Britt, Liz, I can't accept this." She returned the check to the two girls but no one was taking it back so she just put it down in the middle of the table hoping someone will take it back.
"Quinn, take it. Please, just take it. I couldn't just stand here doing nothing anymore. You're bringing yourself to death, Quinn. Why did you stop taking care of yourself?" Brittany asked her concerned and it made her tear up.
"I have nothing left anymore, Britt. And I'm doing all of this for myself, for my future, for.. Rachel." Her chest hurt so bad when she pronounced Rachel's name after months of forgetting to think about the girl. She had been so busy that she never even remembered her own birthday. "I have to do it so I can be good enough for her when we see each other again."
"Do you think she'll love and appreciate what you've been doing to yourself?" Brittany asked with annoyance but still with concern. She sounded like she was talking to a teenager and she can't blame her with that.
She shrugged and looked outside the window of the restaurant to avoid the pathetic gaze the two girls are giving her. "I don't know myself anymore.."
Melissa took her hand and put the check on her palm again before speaking. This is the first time she had seen Melissa this serious and with strong determination in her eyes. "Take this, Quinn, and figure yourself out. Please." Melissa begged her.
She let out a breath when a tear escaped from her eyes. She looked at both girls in front of her and saw how willing they are to help her. She smiled and put the check in her purse.
"Thank you so much. I owe too much already. How can you be so kind?" she asked both girls with a very weak voice.
"I owe you too much, Quinn. I hurt you before and I want to make up for everything that I have done. I'm the root of all of this, so please, let me pay for my sins." Brittany answered with sincerity.
"I already forgave you, Britt." She stood from her seat to embrace both girls. "I promise I'll pay you both soon."
Brittany shook her head. "Don't think about it for now, Quinn."
She nodded and bit her lip. She feels like she does not have any pride in her body anymore, but she is still thankful. "I think I'll return to college."
Both girls smiled at that and she saw how happy they are. "That's what we've been thinking, Quinn. I know it's not enough to continue for a med course but—"
"No. I don't think I can afford that, either. I'll just take a business course. Preferably a 4- year course." She cut Melissa off.
The two nodded and smiled. "Well, I think that's a good idea." Brittany said and drank her wine.
She let the last tear fall from her eyes and spoke. "Thank you very much. Just—thank you. I cannot thank you enough."
It was Rachel's 18th birthday party and also 3 weeks away from summer and 3 months away from finally being a senior in high school.
She has so much feelings right now and so much thoughts are flooding through her mind. She's 18 now. She's finally an adult, she can finally drink, she can finally vote, and just less than a year left and she's off to college. But the most important thing of it all is she can finally be with Quinn and fight for their love since her parents can't threaten her and Quinn about pressing charges anymore.
She can't really contain her happiness right now. She's like floating in cloud nine and the only person she sees is Quinn, running to envelope her in a comforting hug and to kiss her with those sweet and soft lips.
Every day for the past months after her 17th birthday, she thinks constantly on what is about to happen when her 18th birthday finally comes. She knows that Quinn is going to stay near her again and they can see each other frequently now. They can also go out on dates, movies, and everything fun without hiding and worrying about people and cops.
This time, the long wait is over. Quinn and her is finally going to be happy and have the time of their lives. She counted on her fingers and realized that by the time she finishes college, Quinn also finishes her medical course. And from there, they can be married and maybe two to three years later, plan on having a baby.
The thought made her so excited that she can't even pay attention on what's going on in her party. She made her way outside their home and went to the bench in across their house.
"Not enjoying your party?" she jumped out in surprise when she realized that Santana had followed her here outside.
Even though Santana is already in her freshman year of college, the girl always manages to visit her or talk to her via Skype or mobile phone from time to time whenever the girl is not busy. They did not lose contact and they still share news, gossips, and Santana's college experiences.
"You scared me." She answered while holding her chest. "I just need some fresh air, I guess."
Santana smiled and sat beside her. "Which means you're not exactly enjoying your party." The girl insisted.
She laughed lightly. "Okay. I guess I just need to be away from a lot of people."
"Why?" Santana asked curiously.
"I'm thinking about many things." She simply answered.
"Many things that are related to.. Quinn?" Santana asked with a quiet tone. She knew that just mentioning Quinn's name makes Santana's heart drop, and she can't blame her, but she also can't hide the fact that her heart jumps in happiness whenever she hears it.
She shifted and looked Santana in the eyes. "Yes. This is the most important day for the both of us because we can finally be together without any complications, you know? Age won't matter this time. I'm already on my legal age."
"Not yet." Santana smirked and glanced at her wrist watch. "Still half an hour till you're considered adult."
"I know, and it's not that long anymore." She beamed. "I'm really excited and happy, Santana. I'm so happy that if I die at this moment, I'd die with a grin."
Santana was silent for a moment and just sat there with a small smile on her face but with a sad eyes. She sat there studying her and she felt uneasy after a while.
"I'm so happy for you, Rachel. I really am." Santana told her with pure love and adoration in her voice.
"Doesn't look like it." She answered suddenly becoming sad.
"No. I am. Look." Santana forced a grin and she just sighed because it did not look happy at all. "Not believing still?"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Santana. It's been too long.." she knows that Santana will get her message.
"Yeah. And here I am losing the battle.." Santana answered with a defeated voice.
She held the cheeks of the Latina and stared at her eyes deeply. "Santana, you will always have a special place in my heart, don't ever forget that."
"I know. And I know it's not even ¼ of Quinn's place in there." Santana pointed at her heart. "But it's fine, Rachel."
"Your support will mean a lot to me." She answered.
Santana let her tears to fall and nodded silently. "I will support you, Rachel. I'll never stop supporting you, and I'm always here for you."
"Santana, you deserve to be happy as well."
"Don't worry about me. Rachel, if you're happy, I am, too, you know that right? That's the first thing I always wanted- for you to be happy."
"But what about—"
"They say if you really love someone, it's either you'll do anything to make them happy, or just support them with the things that make them happy. In my case, I'll do the latter."
"Santana.."
"I love you, Rachel." she bit her lip and waited for Santana to just continue talking. "I have this world in my mind, where you and me are together, living happily, facing the world without fear, filling our lives with love.." Santana let out a bitter chuckle. "Before I go to sleep, I imagine you kissing me good night. It may never happen, Rachel, but I want you to know that I can't imagine myself with someone anymore, someone other than you." Santana said with pained expression.
"I'm so sorry, Santana.." it was all she could say at the moment.
Santana shook her head. "Don't be. You did not do anything. We both love, Rachel. You're just lucky to get the good side of it."
"You will, too. Don't lose hope, Santana." She answered trying to smile.
"Well, I hope not to lose hope." Santana finally stood up wiping her face and held her hand out to her. "Come on. You don't want to miss the countdown to your birthday."
She took the girl's hands and looked at her in the eyes. She held the Latina's cheeks with her other hand and closed her eyes. She heard Santana swallowed but she shrugged it off. She leaned forward after a while until their lips touched. She kissed Santana in a very thankful way possible. She was thankful that she has a friend like the Latina. She can never want to lose her, either.
"I love you, Santana. And I'm so thankful to have someone like you in my life." She said and dragged the girl to the pool of people already outside to start the countdown.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL BERRY!" people's shouts filled the whole street and they were much louder this time. Maybe because it was special since it was her 18th birthday party. She thanked everyone for their greetings and gifts and another hour passed and Santana's the only one left with her, her parents busy with cleaning the mess.
She feels her heart was about to explode because Quinn is going to be there anytime soon. To be honest, she has no idea on what to do, but she knows that tonight, everything is going to be fine.
"Happy birthday, Rachel." Santana handed her a usual bouquet of red roses and a paper bag. She immediately wondered what's inside that paper bag.
"A paper bag this time, not a box? Interesting." She said. "But thank you so much, Santana, not just for this but for everything."
"You're welcome. Now, open it." Santana smiled.
She opened the bag excitedly and squealed in surprise and happiness because of the gift she saw inside. It was a stuffed Bulbasaur—her favorite Pokemon. The paper bag also contains a bottle of wine and she laughed so hard when she saw that.
"Oh my god, this is so amazing, Santana! Bulba's so cute!" she beamed in happiness.
Santana smiled again. "I knew you'll like it." Santana responded proudly.
She embraced the Latina and they went to her room to open gifts and organize them. She kept on glancing at her watch as they do so.
Santana agreed to be with her until Quinn arrives, but it was already 2:30AM and there's still no sign of Quinn. Her parents even checked on them and told them to get some sleep already.
By 3:30AM her heart started to pump loudly and her eyes are in the verge of tears but she was just trying to resist them. Santana stayed awake with her and held her hands as she looked outside her window waiting for Quinn's car.
By 6:00AM she can already feel her heart shattering to pieces as the movie keeps on playing on her television and Santana just keep glancing at her worriedly with a very sleepy eyes. Where are you, Quinn? She thought.
By 8AM, as her parents woke up and started preparing for another day of work, she felt her heart being punched several times until it crashed on the ground tagging along her whole world. Her body felt numb. It was as if her soul wandered somewhere out of her physical body. Her brain stopped working and eventually she was crying all her pains away.
Santana immediately hugged her and told her things to encourage her to never give up.
Where is Quinn now? Why did you give up, Quinn? Why?