Last chapter! Will post the story basis tomorrow for those who are interested, and also, some of my points of view. Have a good day/night! Thank you so much for everything.
A week had already passed since Rachel and Quinn got engaged. They will occasionally visit each other's place whenever they both got off their respective works. They spent the time of their lives. They made up to those things they weren't able to do for the past five years- which is what they actually were supposed to do.
They watched movies, cook each other dinner, cuddle as long as they could, and talk about those things they had missed in the absence of one another. That's how the whole week went for both of them. They were inseparable and they clearly are the model of a couple who are truly in love with each other. You could literally tell that they will last forever just by looking into them when they were talking or staring at each other.
It was Saturday night and the two of them are both cuddled up in Quinn's bed, planning on who the members of their wedding entourage would be.
"Okay. I think I have one for our maid-of-honor, Rach." Quinn said while running her hands through Rachel's soft brunette hair as her fiancée lays on her back on the bed with her head on Quinn's lap. Quinn is the one taking down notes on whatever names and ideas Rachel was saying.
Rachel immediately shot up from her previous position and went to look at her with complete disagreement. Rachel was looking at her like she just said something unbelievable and not acceptable.
She eyed Rachel with confusion and worry. Could it be something that she said or maybe something that she had done? She's worried. She worries easily and it's not good for her, for them. "Rach, what's the matter?" she asked.
Rachel shook her head one more time and grabbed the notebook and pen from her hands to start writing her own ideas without Quinn's knowledge about it.
"Rachel." She tried to call Rachel's attention once again but Rachel did not look up from writing or scratching something that is already written in the notebook. "Rachel, what are you doing?"
"Quinn." Rachel answered in a firmer tone, surpassing the tone she used earlier.
"Rachel." She sighed and spoke.
"Quinn." Rachel answered back, not looking from her notebook again.
She gave up and got pissed so she leaned forward and took a peek on what Rachel was doing, and there she saw what she had been writing and scratching all this time. She scratched the name of Brittany written as the maid-of-honor.
She grabbed the notebook again from Rachel and Rachel didn't get a chance to get it back. She lifted it over her head so Rachel couldn't reach it from her, since she has long hands and she was taller.
"Give it back, Quinn!" Rachel ordered her, still struggling on grabbing the notebook back from her hand.
She shook her head. "No! Brittany's going to be the maid-of-honor. That's final." She answered with her most convincing tone, trying to make Rachel back off. Brittany should be the maid-of-honor. The girl and her had been through a lot, and Brittany saved her life. Brittany helped her go through with her life when she was already feeling down. She had sinned, yes, but she was sorry and she paid for it. That's why she has to get this role.
Rachel shook her head in disapproval and sat down on the bed with pouting lips while glaring at her. "Tina should be the maid-of-honor, Quinn. She's my best friend!"
"Brittany was also my best friend. And ex. And best friend again." She argued, now hiding the notebook under the pillow and she sat on it just so Rachel couldn't reach for it. She is more powerful anyways, there's no problem with that.
"But Tina and I knew each other ever since we were little. We're soul sisters. We know everything that's going on in our lives."
"And so?" she asked.
"SO Tina deserves to be the maid-of-honor! Come on, Quinn! Tina hasn't done anything to ruin this relationship, and she supported me for who I am. Brittany destroyed us.. well, she tried to?" Rachel argued once more with a lower tone.
She stopped struggling on hiding the notebook and faced Rachel with seriousness in her features. Are they really arguing and getting that far just for someone who would take the role of maid-of-honor? It shouldn't get that far.
"Is this getting personal already, Rachel?" she asked with firm tone.
Rachel shook her head immediately and defensively as she bowed her head down. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that."
She nodded. "Brittany was sorry for all of the things she has done, Rach, and I forgive her. She helped me a lot. She helped me build my life again when I'm almost done with it. Please. Don't close your heart for her. She had already paid for her sins, and she still is willing to pay for it until now if it's not enough for you." she said with sincerity as she looks deeply into her eyes.
Rachel bit her lip and nodded. "Okay.."
She furrowed her brows in confusion. "Okay in which part?"
"All of it." Rachel simply answered and forced a smile. "Brittany will be your maid-of-honor. Our wedding's maid-of-honor."
Her face instantly lit up and she hugs Rachel with all of her might and kissed her passionately afterwards. "Thank you, Rach. I assure you, she's already a changed person. Just give her a chance. Everybody deserves a second chance, right?"
Rachel nodded and smiled again, and this time it's not forced anymore. It was already a genuine smile directed to both Quinn and the situation itself. "I will. But she better not waste it." Rachel demanded.
She got the notebook and pen back from under the pillow and wrote the name 'Brittany S. Pierce' again in the maid-of-honor section. "She'll do good, Rach. She would never let us down."
"How is she anyway?" Rachel asked curiously and went back on cuddling with her lap.
She shrugged and played with Rachel's hair again. "I don't know. There's no news about Melissa yet."
Rachel nodded knowingly. Well, she has already told Rachel everything that has happened between her and Brittany. Starting from Brittany's first visit with her in Kentucky and the girl showing Melissa's photos to her. "How is she coping up?"
"I think she's moving on already." she answered, unsure.
"Why don't she fight for it?" Rachel asked disbelievingly, not amused by Brittany's lack of conviction and determination.
"She did. Several times already, but Melissa would only yell at her to go away and shut her up. It's kind of difficult for her. She understands what Melissa is going through, but the only problem is, Melissa won't allow her to help." she explained.
"That doesn't make sense."
She nodded in agreement. "I know."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't give up on me, Quinn." Rachel said as she looked up deeply into Quinn's hazel orbs that are still strikingly beautiful. "I'm so happy that you never stopped loving me."
She smiled lovingly at Rachel and touched her lips lightly. "I couldn't stop loving you, Rach. I love you so much and I don't want to stop unless I get the answers that I needed, unless you told me to stop, but you didn't. Yes, you left me hanging, but you never did what Melissa did to Britt. That's how we differ from them. Even the distance can't stop the way we feel about each other, the way our hearts feel connected. You're the only one for me, Rach, just you, and that's what I always believed in." She answered with certainty and leaned down to kiss Rachel's lips.
Rachel blushed. She knows that this is a feeling that she can never hide. She also feels like floating and it might be embarrassing but she was already blushing as well together with Rachel, but who can blame her? She loves this girl so much and this feeling always make her heart melt.
"I love you too, Quinn. So much. Very, very much. And I'm still sorry for not giving you the answers you needed. I'm sorry for being selfish. I'm sorry for—well, for everything that I have done-"
"Stop it. It was not your fault. It was no one's fault, okay?" She cut Rachel off and kissed her lips again. Even if they get old, she will never get tired of Rachel's lips.
Rachel can only nod. "So.. I think Tina's now going to be one of our bridesmaids?" Rachel returned to the topic and asked.
Quinn nodded and wrote Tina's name on the notebook she was holding. "Who else? I'm planning to include Melissa."
"Is she going to attend?" Rachel asked with pure wonder in her voice.
She shrugged. "I really don't know, probably not. But I'm still going to invite her."
She changed her position and sat in front of Quinn, once again taking a peek from the notebook she was holding. It has too many erased and scratched names from earlier.
"How many bridesmaids are we going to have anyway?" Rachel asked again.
"I'm thinking 5."
"So there are only three slots left." Rachel states and she nodded to think about it as well. "I want Santana to be one of my bridesmaids, too."
"Santana?" Her expressions suddenly changed into an annoyed one. "Oh no. No, no."
"But Quinn, we both should agree about our guests." Rachel insisted trying to convince Quinn with her adorable pout.
"Well, yeah, and I don't agree so just suggest another one." she answered without certainty because she knows that Rachel still gets the situation, that she will still win.
"Why are you not agreeing with this?" Rachel asked trying to challenge her.
"Because she loves you! And I honestly don't want her getting near you again. She's had enough of your attention already." she answered like a kid arguing with her peers.
Rachel shook her head in disagreement. "She doesn't have feelings for me anymore, Quinn. She already has a girlfriend. You don't have to worry about it."
She sighed loudly in defeat and relief. "Really?"
Rachel grinned and gave her lips a loving peck. "Yes, really, so calm your tits, alright?"
She glared at Rachel playfully in response and wrote Santana's name in the notebook. "Are you really sure about this?"
Rachel nodded continuously. "Don't you have someone from your family to invite?" the girl asked curiously but careful not to hurt Quinn's feelings or invade her privacy.
She thought for a moment but shook her head eventually. "I'm never going to invite my parents. I don't want them ruining this for me."
Rachel nodded once more, showing Quinn how much she agrees at that statement. She knows that Rachel wasn't going to invite her parents as well. They can get married even without their consent anyways, and besides, both their relationship with their parents ended already. They don't have parents anymore, but it was fine.
"What about your sister? You have a sister right?" Rachel suddenly asked. Remembering that Quinn once told her about how successful her sister was.
She looked at Rachel with pain in her eyes and bit her lip while nodding. "But it was a very long time ago since we last talked."
"Maybe this is finally the time to talk to her again." Rachel responded.
She shook her head slowly. "I don't think I'm ready for another person neglecting me just like what my parents did." she spoke with shaky voice, obviously trying to resist tears from falling.
"What makes you think she'd do that?" Rachel asked her with soothing voice.
"She hates me, Rach." she sighed and started. "When I was still the favorite girl in the family, I knew she hated me. When I came out and my parents didn't take it well, I knew that was the happiest day of her life. She never reached out to me again. She'd talk to me casually during family holidays but that's it."
Rachel shook her head slowly. "That was a long time ago, Quinn. A lot can happen. Try to reach out to her. Maybe this is finally the time to finally experience having a sister."
She looked at Rachel with slight puffy eyes and smiled lovingly before leaning down to kiss her. She closed her eyes as she felt the soft lips of Rachel on hers. "Yeah, maybe."
"So what's your plan?" Rachel asked curiously and helped her on wiping the tears from her cheeks.
She wrote her sister's name on the notebook and looked back at Rachel. "We'll visit her soon and give her an invitation."
Rachel grinned happily. "That's a good idea, Quinn. I'm so happy you're about to take this step."
"It's all because of you." she replied and kissed her again.
"Do you know where she lives?" Rachel asked again with wonder. These are the things she never knew about Quinn. Things about her family.
She nodded. "But I'm not sure if she still lives there."
"You don't have contact with her?"
"Rach, I told you, she never reached out to me."
"Oh.." Rachel closed her mouth and just nodded. "It's going to be fine, Quinn."
"Yeah.." She bit her lip again and looked at Rachel with pure love. "So, any plans for a flower girl?"
Rachel dropped her shoulders and shook her head. "I haven't interacted that much with kids."
She smiled reassuringly at Rachel and pats her shoulders. "It's okay, Rach, I have the perfect choice, but I think you need to meet her first. It must be agreed by both of us, right?"
"Right. Yes!" Rachel nodded and beamed in excitement. "What's her name? Where can I meet her? Where did you two meet?"
She just chuckled. "Her name's Lily. We met at the hospital, and we're going to meet her there."
Rachel's smile faltered slowly and it was exchanged by a sudden worry. Why is this Lily girl always found in the hospital? She has to find out.
"Let's meet her as soon as possible."
"Are you okay, baby?" Quinn asked Rachel worriedly as they walk hand in hand to the entrance of the hospital. It was after a week when both of them decided to finally visit Lily again and catch up with her. It's been less than a month since she last saw the girl. She also wants to finally introduce the kid to Rachel.
"Yeah. I'm just really excited and nervous." Rachel answered and she squeezed her fiancee's hand to assure her that everything's going to be fine.
"Why are you nervous?" she stopped and asked as she looked directly into Rachel's eyes.
Rachel shrugged. "Are you sure she's going to be here?"
She nodded quickly. "Yes. I'm sure."
"You never told me what her illness is. I'm always wondering about it. Why is she always here in the hospital?" Rachel pushed again the topic. As much as she wanted to avoid talking about it because it makes her heart break, she can't avoid it anymore. Rachel will find out anyway once she saw Lily.
"She's—she's blind, Rach." She answered, her voice breaking because all of the information she knew about Lily came rushing back to her mind and she instantly felt bad for everything that has happened in the girl's life.
Rachel's jaw dropped in surprise and shock and turned to look at her questioningly. "What?"
"Rach, I already told you." She informed.
"I know. I heard you." Rachel nodded and took a moment to recover from her shock. "I just can't believe it."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." She looked everywhere in the lobby to look for Lily. "It hurts me just thinking about it."
Rachel just squeezed her hand back and walked to the information counter with her. She cleared her throat to get the nurse's attention, and to her dismay, it was the same nurse who refused to tell her the information she needed about Lily. Judging by the shocked reaction from the nurse, she knows that the girl remembers her.
"Good afternoon, Mam. How may I help you?" the nurse asked with fake enthusiasm.
"Oh, we're visiting a little girl named Lily. Where is her room?" Rachel asked ahead of her. "We are her friends."
The nurse looked at Rachel as if she had just said the most stupid thing in the whole world.
She instantly got Rachel's attention for a while to explain things to her. "Rach.."
"What?" Rachel asked in confusion as the nurse resumed to what she was writing and gave them time to talk for a while.
"She—Lily isn't admitted to any rooms here." She started and as expected, it got Rachel even more confused.
"What? Why?" Rachel asked. "What are you talking about, Quinn?"
Quinn looked around and dragged Rachel to the nearest seat so that they could talk about it. She took a deep breath before starting to speak. "Rach, Lily.. Lily doesn't have her parents with her anymore."
Rachel's eyes went wide and looked at her, probably trying to study if she was trolling her or not.
"Is this a joke?" Rachel asked and she knows that her fiancée doesn't mean any of it.
She only shook her head in response and kissed Rachel's lips with pure comfort and love.
"So what is she doing here in the hospital? Is she taking her medications? Does she have any donors?" Rachel asked continuously, with a slight panic and worry in her voice.
She shook her head sadly. "One of the nurses here let her live in her house. Her mother abandoned her a year ago and since then no one claimed her. There are donors, but nurse Jackie can't afford it. She's going to give up Lily to the orphanage soon."
Rachel bit her lip and few tears fell from her eyes because of sympathy. She took a moment to think about the information she just heard and Quinn gave her the time.
"Quinn, can we help her?" Rachel asked her with defeated voice.
She felt bad for making her fiancée feel this way but she knows that both of them have good intentions. They really wanted to help. Lily deserves some help.
"Of course, Rach. Of course. And I would love to help Lily too. I have been planning on doing that since the first time I saw her. I have enough money from my savings to help her get a donor. Brittany's going to help, too." She informed Rachel with a little smile.
Rachel smiled proudly and happily and kissed her lips afterwards. "I'd love to help her in that case as well, but I'm talking about something."
She knit her eyebrows in confusion and looked at Rachel's beautiful brown eyes. "What do you mean?"
Rachel gulped and spoke. "I—I want us to adopt her. I want to be her mother. I want her to make her feel that there are still people who are willing to take care of her and not abandon her, people who are willing to stay with her forever.."
She stopped short and looked at Rachel trying to study her face if she was serious about this sudden decision or not. This is actually a big step. She wasn't expecting that Rachel will decide something like this that soon, especially if she hasn't seen Lily yet.
"Rach.." she trailed off.
"Please, Quinn? Are we just going to sit here and do nothing while she wanders around thinking that no one's going to take her? She's too young, Quinn. She doesn't deserve all of this." Rachel replied with so much determination.
She thought about it and soon, she nodded slowly. "Are you—are you sure about this?"
"Of course! I'm more than sure, Quinn. Please. Please let her be a part of our family." Rachel gave her a determined look and that's the only thing she needs.
She nodded to assure her and kissed her fiancée lovingly. "Okay. Lily's going to be a part of our family, Rach."
Rachel hugged her tightly and thanked her continuously. "Thank you, baby."
She rubbed Rachel's back soothingly and spoke. "But you know that the process is not going to be that easy, right?"
Rachel nodded. "But we'll fight for it." She answered with conviction.
She smiled proudly at her fiancée and stood up, taking Rachel's hand with her. Rachel stood up and walked with her.
They walked around the hall of the hospital for about ten more minutes before she caught a glimpse of blonde little girl walking with her white cane. She instantly knew it was Lily. Jackie is not with her that time. She wonders where she is. She must not leave Lily alone like this, it's dangerous for her.
"That's her." She told Rachel beside her and pointed to her where Lily is.
Rachel's eyes immediately lightened up and she smiled widely in happiness. Rachel dragged her fast to where Lily is and quickly approached her.
She immediately sat beside Lily and Rachel sat on Lily's left side so now Lily is between them. She smiled genuinely at Rachel as she saw how her fiancée adores their soon-to-be daughter.
"Who's—who's there?" Lily asked with pure fear and worry in her voice.
"Guess who?" she answered and giggled when she saw how Lily grinned widely once hearing her voice.
"Quinn!" Lily exclaimed happily and reached her hands out to give her a hug. She quickly enveloped the adorable kid in her arms and run her hands through the girl's soft blonde locks. "You're here!"
"Yes, baby, I'm here." She answered and pinched the girl's right cheek gently. "And I didn't come here alone."
"Yeah? Who are you with?" Lily asked.
"I brought my fiancée with me." She answered and looked at Rachel. Rachel is just looking at Lily with pure amusement.
Lily smiled widely again and asked. "What's his name?"
She was about to open her mouth to answer but Rachel cut her off. "It's a her, baby. And my name's Rachel."
Lily was surprised but got over it easily because her smile returned just after. Rachel grabbed Lily's other hand and shook it. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Quinn talks a lot about you. And you're a very beautiful girl." Rachel complimented.
Lily blushed a little and smiled. "It's nice to meet you too. You're so kind. And I think you're beautiful too!"
"Rachel is a brunette, Lily, and yes, she's also very beautiful like you." She informed Lily and she saw her fiancée blushed.
"Brunettes are beautiful! I had a beautiful brunette playmate when I was little." Lily replied with enthusiasm.
"She really is." She agreed with Lily. "Where is nurse Jackie?"
"Oh." Lily's smile faltered a little. "She told me not to disturb her when she's working."
Both she and Rachel were silent for a while, thinking of something to say to what Lily told them. In the end, they agreed to talk to Lily about the adoption but of course, in a way that she would understand.
"Lily, I'm going to ask you something personal, is that okay?" Rachel asked Lily in a very gentle voice.
Lily nodded. "Yes, I guess."
"Okay." Rachel responded and took a deep breath before speaking again. "Do you—do you wonder sometimes where your mother is?"
Lily's smile completely faded upon hearing this and her lips began to tremble. The little girl nodded her head slowly in response. "I always wish for her to come back because that's what she promised me.."
"Baby.."
"But I know she's not coming back, ever again. It's been too long, but I'm not mad at her." Lily continued with pure sadness in her voice. She went to comfort the kid.
"We have something important to tell you, baby." Rachel told Lily again.
Lily gave them a confused expression. "What is it?"
"Quinn and I would like.. would like to volunteer as your mothers. What do you think?" Rachel asked Lily with hesitance in her voice as they both waited for Lily's reactions.
Lily thought about it for a while and not long after the little girl gave them a small smile, and the smile turned into a happy grin. "Really?" she asked excitedly.
She and Rachel released a sigh of relief and they enveloped Lily in a bear hug. "Yes, baby. Really. Is it okay with you?"
"Of course! I miss having a mother! And this time, I'm not only going to have one, but two! Two beautiful ladies are going to be my mother! That's so amazing!" Lily exclaimed happily.
She playfully ruffled Lily's blonde locks and kissed the girl's cheeks. "And you're going to be a flower girl on your mothers' wedding, baby." She informed and it made Lily's smile go wide.
"I'm so excited!" Lily replied with obvious excitement and hugged them again.
Rachel's happy tears fell from her eyes as she watched Lily's happy face. She knows that her fiancée is glad for saving the life of another wonderful person, and also for having a future daughter that they both agreed on having. No child can ever be as adorable and wonderful as Lily.
"From now on, you're going to call me Mommy, okay? And call Quinn your Mama." Rachel told Lily and Lily just nodded excitedly.
"Am I going to live with you, too?" Lily asked with pure wonder.
She and Rachel looked at each other meaningfully. She knows that it can't happen right now unless the papers are already finished, but for the meantime, Lily will stay wherever she stays right now. Like she said, it's going to be a long and difficult process.
"Soon, baby, soon." She answered for Rachel and kissed Lily's head.
"I'm looking forward to that. I feel like nurse Jackie doesn't love me." Lily informed them with sad face, and once again, they sympathized.
"It's okay, baby girl. It's not going to be a long wait." Rachel assured Lily and Lily just smiled at them.
"We have one more surprise for you." She told Lily.
"What is it?!" Lily asked excitedly.
"How much do you wish to see this world again?"
"So much! Very much! I pray for it always." Lily quickly answered.
Rachel smiled and let her continue to talk. "Well, then, be ready because your dream's going to come true very very soon."
Lily shrieked in excitement and hugged them tightly. "Thank you! Thank you Mommy and Mama! Thank you so much! I'm so excited! You are so kind! I will always include you in my prayers!"
She smiled and spoke. "You're welcome, baby. You deserve it."
She and Rachel both decided that Lily's eye operation will take place soon, sooner than their wedding. They want Lily to witness her mothers' wedding. They want Lily to be fine by the time their wedding comes. Lily being able to see will make the wedding complete already.
They continued to talk with Lily and soon after she saw nurse Jackie approaching them with a pissed face. She knows that Jackie remembers her as well, just like the nurse in the information counter.
"It's you again. What do you want from Lily?" Jackie asked them rudely and with tired expression.
"Excuse me?" Rachel faced Jackie and spoke. "Why are you so rude?"
"And who are you?" Jackie asked Rachel.
"Oh, my name is Rachel Berry, and I'm going to be Lily's mother soon." Rachel answered with pride.
Jackie laughed lightly. "Excuse me?"
"We are going to adopt Lily. Let's just see who wins."
Jackie studied Rachel's face in a while and shrugged. "I'm not going to argue with that. I have been waiting for this moment for too long, anyways."
Rachel was seriously pissed by Jackie's response but resisted herself from saying anything. "She clearly doesn't deserve to be in your hands in the first place."
Jackie didn't reply and went to grab Lily's hands away from them. "Just remind me when the process is done." Jackie told them and soon she was walking away with Lily by her side.
Rachel's body was trembling in anger and she went to hug her fiancée to soothe her. "It's okay, baby. She'll be safe."
"I can't wait to take Lily away from her." Rachel answered firmly and she just kissed her in response and soon they were diving away from the hospital.
"Rach, I'm really nervous about doing this." Quinn told Rachel as they got out of the car to knock on her sister Alexa's door.
It was a month ago when they decided that they should invite her sister and move on from all the hurt they shared in the past. Her sister might not be close to her but she didn't do horrible things like what her dad did. Alexa only wanted her parents' attention, but she never did something to humiliate or hurt her. They just never talked.
Rachel sighed and held her hand as they walk the way through Alexa's front door. She's really nervous and she doesn't even know why. She must be excited actually because she will meet her again, as well as her niece who she hadn't seen for a very long time. She was taller now for sure and much more beautiful, matured, and good-looking. She also can't wait to introduce Rachel to them.
"Quinn. We already talked about this. There's no turning back." Rachel told her when they got to the front door and stood there for a while.
She shook her head slowly. "I don't really think this is a good idea."
"This is the best idea." Rachel told her and when she doesn't respond, Rachel lift herself up to kiss her lips. "You know I will always be here if things don't go well, right?"
"Yeah.." She nodded. "I love you so much, Rach."
"I love you, too." Rachel squeezed her hands in comfort. "Now go and press that button."
She sighed loudly and pressed the doorbell and she instantly heard her sister's voice from inside the house telling them to wait for a second.
She looked at Rachel with anxiousness in her eyes as she checked the invitation inside her bag. Rachel smiled lovingly at her and mouthed that everything's going to be okay.
Her sister Alexa opened the door and was instantly shocked upon seeing them. Alexa's stare at her lasted for about a minute. Her mouth was hanging open in shock and was unable to speak.
"H- hi. Alexa, how are you?" she asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.
Alexa blinked few more times before acknowledging her presence fully and regaining her composure. "Q-Quinn? What are you doing here?"
Her smile instantly faded as she saw how her sister reacted upon seeing her. She was clearly not happy about this, and it hurt. After many years of not seeing each other, her older sister should hug her tightly until she finds it hard to breathe anymore, but she didn't do it, and it stings her heart. What was she expecting anyway?
"I—I was planning to—well, I'm visiting you, your family." She stuttered and looked around the house. Her sister isn't even letting them in.
"Who are you?" Alexa turned her attention to Rachel and asked her.
Rachel was surprised but managed to gain herself back. "Oh, I'm Rachel. Rachel Berry."
Alexa got even more shocked now. She guessed that she knows Rachel. "You're Rachel Berry?"
Rachel nodded, a little bit offended by the tone that Alexa used. "Yes. Is there a problem with that?"
"Oh no.." Her sister shook her head and Alexa didn't answer Rachel anymore and turned to her again. "Quinn, you shouldn't be here."
And there she lost it. After all these years, she was never wrong about her speculations that her sister hated her, and still hates her. She was never matured when it comes to their relationship. She should have known. She shouldn't have come there in the first place. She was not supposed to invite her sister for her wedding or any of the members of her family. A tear fell from her eyes and she wiped it away instantly.
"Oh really? Well I'm sorry for missing you and going all the way from New York just to visit you and try to be aware of what you've been busy with nowadays and also—"
"Alexa, who's there?" a man's voice asked from the house and she instantly recognized who that voice belongs to.
She stopped short and looked at Rachel worriedly. Rachel recognized the voice as well and she was motionless. Her body instantly shook in anger and she felt herself sweating all over, her jaw clenching, memories of yesterday came back to her mind quickly. Not soon after, she was boiling with anger when her dad's face appeared to her front.
"That's why you shouldn't be here." Alexa whispered and turned to their father. "Quinn came to visit me, dad."
Her father's eyes go wide and his jaw clenched upon seeing her. She knew that he's boiling in anger as well. His face is very red and smoke is coming out from his nose.
"What is this evil doing here?!" her father asked Alexa angrily while pointing at her.
"Don't call her that!" Rachel countered and went between her and her father, trying to defend her.
"Excuse me?" her father turned to face Rachel, anger still evident in his face. "Who are you to command me what to do?"
"Who am I?" Rachel chuckled bitterly. "Well, sir, I am Rachel Berry. The poor girl you lied to about Quinn getting married? The poor girl who's whole life was ruined because of your stupid words?"
"Get out of this house!" Her father, Russell, yelled at Rachel.
"I'm not yet done talking!" Rachel yelled back. "And for the record, we're not even inside the house, and is this house even yours?"
She wanted to laugh at that. It wasn't really her dad's house and it's true that they weren't technically inside the house. They were by the front door.
She held Rachel's hands trying to stop her from causing a scene. She doesn't want her father hurting Rachel again. Rachel has had enough from him.
"Rach, let's go. They don't even deserve it." She whispered to Rachel while glaring at her father.
"That's right! Leave this house because I don't want disappointments spreading around here!" Russell yelled.
"Just like that?!" Rachel's jaw clenched and looked at her angrily. "Are you not going to do anything about it, Quinn?! For God's sake, you're 31! Defend yourself! He ruined your life, our life!"
"She ruined her own life, woman. Now, get out!" Russell yelled once again.
"Stop it, dad!" Alexa entered the conversation and held her dad in his arms. Her father stopped moving for a while and just watch them with fiery eyes.
Rachel's right. She must do something. But she wasn't really a violent person. But is standing up for herself a form of violence? Will she always let situation like this happen? She knows she has let herself hurt too much, or be hurt by people, and she never defended herself. Maybe it's time to finally do what she should have done a long time ago. For once, she has to feel good about herself.
"How exactly did I ruin my life?" she asked as she moved closer to her father, completely entering the house.
"Quinn, stop it.." Alexa stopped her but she didn't listen. "Respect him."
Why would she stop? Why would she respect him? He never respected her, he never treated her as his daughter after she declared that she was gay, and that was not even a valid reason for him to disrespect her. She has never sinned. She did all her best just to make him proud, but he never saw her efforts. All he sees were the mistakes she has done, but he didn't even let her explain. So why would she even respect him in the first place? He doesn't deserve it.
"I can't!" she yelled at Alexa. "I can never respect him after everything that he has done to me! To us!" she gestured at Rachel to emphasize her point.
"You are the black sheep of the family! You are a disappointment here! You wasted our money!" her father yelled. "It was all your fault!"
"I studied hard! Really, really hard! But what did you do? You threw me out like I was some lost dog! You never considered what would probably happen to me!" she shouted back with pure hatred.
Her father's eyes are burning holes through her body but she didn't pay any more attention to it. She has all the points in this argument. She needs to win this. It doesn't matter if she's disobeying one of God's commandments, her father deserves all of this.
Her father pointed at her face as if cursing her to death. "You never made us proud, Quinn. You deserved it. I hope it made you realize everything."
She chuckled mockingly. "I never made you proud because you keep on pushing me to do the things that I don't want to do! You know why Alexa got successful? It's because she loved medicines! But did you ask me what I wanted? I wanted to take up arts, but you said it was stupid! If you only ever let me to do what I wanted, you'll be proud as hell."
Her father shook his head. "I don't think so."
"I'm not trying to convince you. And for your information, my life got even better when you were out of my life." She answered with firm tone.
"Ours, too. I should've thrown you out the first time you disappointed us. You were never my daughter." Her father answered her, matching her tone.
Rachel squeezed her hand instantly to comfort her. It hurts. It hurts hearing that from her own parent, but it's okay. She has Rachel now. And she'd rather have no parents than having a parent like her biological father. Alexa was very unfortunate for believing him.
She let go of Rachel's hand for a while and took another step in front of her father. She stared at her father and studied his face. This would be the last time that she'd see it, she promised herself. "You were never my father too. I really can't remember having an evil, narrow-minded, and an animal father. You are so inhuman. I can't believe you are still living in this world."
Her father lost it and her cheek was suddenly met by her father's rough and big palm. Her head was thrown to the left side because of the impact of her father's slap. It hurts really bad. She knew that her face will bruise but she doesn't care. Now it was done, she had said all the things her father deserved to hear. Her heart is now clear from all of the things that make her weak.
"Dad!" Alexa yelled and stopped her father.
Rachel went beside her quickly to check on her. "Are you okay?"
She only nodded in response and held her swollen cheek. She faced her father with bravery, not wanting to lose. "Is that all you can do? What? You have nothing to say anymore?" she asked.
"Go to hell." Her father cursed her with clenching jaw and fists.
"Why don't you? I'm sure you're the first person who deserves to be there." She answered back. "Or maybe you've been there already? Tell me what it looks like."
Another slap hit her cheek, and it has the same impact as the first one, but this time she didn't feel hurt at all. She held that cheek again and smirked at her father, trying to piss him off.
"Quinn, stop it! What are you doing?" Alexa stopped and asked her.
"No, what are you doing?" she asked back. "You don't get a say here, Alexa. You were never the neglected one. I know you're already dancing in joy and pride inside your perfect fucking being, so do me a favor and just shut up!"
Alexa was surprised by her response but managed to shut her mouth and bow her head. That only proves that what Quinn said about her is right. She was really beaming in joy inside because her father was on her side.
"Don't talk to your sister like that." Her father demanded so she turned to face him again, anger building up all over her being again.
She was really determined to shut her father and make him realize how much of a douche he is. He has to realize that everything he did was never right and acceptable. He managed his family in a very wrong way, and she was glad that she never witnessed almost half of it.
"I'm not your daughter right?" she asked. "So that means she's not my sister. Therefore, I can talk to her whatever way I want."
Her father was about to slap her again but this time she managed to stop his arms. He was strong but she was unbelievably stronger this time to resist his arms from moving.
"You're not my father anymore as well. Therefore, I can say and do things that I wanted to do to you for a very long time." She states.
"Go away and never come—" her father was stopped short by her small but firm and strong palm hitting his cheek really hard. Her father's head twisted on his side.
She has no idea what she was doing but she knows that her father deserves it. She needs to do that to let him know how much he had hurt her. It was the only form of revenge she can give her father and in all honesty, it felt so amazing doing that.
"How dare you!"
"You're lucky I never attempted to kill you."
"Get out of this house and don't come back! We are so done of your shits! Don't expect something from us anymore! You are an idiot for doing all of this and wasting this opportunity!"
She held Rachel's hands once more and prepared herself to leave. "Don't worry. I will never come back and ruin my life again by living with you. Do you honestly think that I would still want to see your face after what you did to me? You might hate me, but I hate you more, and I'm never going to forgive you for being the complete douche in this family. You are really the disappointment here, believe it or not."
Her father was about to speak but Alexa stopped him already. She turned her attention back to Alexa and gets the wedding invitation from her bag and held it up. "I actually came here to invite you to our wedding, and I'm still going to. Think about it, Alexa, don't make me hate you as well. I hope you realize that you are not a kid anymore."
She handed Alexa the invitation and her sister gladly took it and smiled a little, but she didn't say anything anymore.
She dragged Rachel outside the house but before being gone completely, she looked at Alexa again. "And please remember that you and your child are the ONLY ones invited."
After saying that, she went to her car with Rachel and sighed in relief. For the first time in her life, she felt proud about herself. She felt strong. She felt loved.
3 months later
Quinn feels like she already reached heaven while watching every visitor walking down the aisle of the church. It was finally her wedding day and she's certain that she's the happiest and luckiest woman in the world. No one must ruin this beautiful mood she was having.
Words can't literally describe how happy she feels right now. This is finally her dreams coming true. This will be the start of her eternity with Rachel. Just not long from now, they will be promising to stay and love each other forever and always. No one can stop them. They have already destroyed the villains in their relationship. Everyone here, gathered with them, are their supporters, are those people who believe in the love they share, and those people who are willing to support them forever.
She smiled widely but nervously as she watched everyone walk. Her smile even got wider as she saw the very beautiful, cute, and adorable Lily—her future daughter, walking down the aisle, smiling at everyone while adorably throwing petals of tulips everywhere.
Lily can finally see now. She had undergone her eye operation a month ago. Their friends had their shares to support her operation. Brittany, Santana, Tina, Holly, and Rachel's whole clique contributed money because the operation's cost are quite high.
When Lily started to recover and can finally see things, they are the happiest people in the world. Especially Rachel. They accompanied Lily to every tourist spots and beautiful sceneries to enjoy her newly-gained sight.
And now, she couldn't be happier that her wedding will be the first wedding that Lily will witness. And she knows that Lily is the happiest kid in the world judging by her smile as she reached the end of the aisle. She kissed Lily and the girl sat on her seat afterwards.
The next girl walking down the aisle makes her eyes go wide in surprise and shock, and eventually, her eyes started to tear up because of happiness. It was her now 11 years old niece from her sister. She was fully grown and a very beautiful girl, also with blonde hair.
She was feeling really glad that her sister attended her wedding after all. Maybe it was time to make up for all the lost time. Maybe her sister has finally gotten to her senses.
Her niece was smiling at her until she reaches the end of the aisle. She hugged her niece tight and whispered that she missed her. Her niece then sat beside Lily and the two talked like they were friends for a very long time.
As the next guests from Rachel's friends walk down the aisle, Kurt's and Mercedes' voices filled the whole venue. They were now singing 'All My Life' by America.
"All my life, without a doubt I give you
All my life, now and forever till the
Day I die, you and I will share
All the things this changing world can offer
So I sing, I'd be happy just to
Stay this way, spend each day with you.."
A tear left her right eye as Alexa walks smiling at her while Kurt sings his part. It was just so genuine and touching and surprising. If she could die right now, she would die smiling in happiness.
Alexa hugged her with tearful eyes as she reached the end of the aisle. "I'm so sorry, Quinn, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I'm glad you came." She whispered back and rubbed her sister's back. Alexa sat on her seat still with that smile.
"There was a time that I just thought that I would lose my mind
You came along and then the sun did shine
We started on our way
I do recall that every moment spent
Was wasted time then I chose to lay it on the line"
Brittany was walking down the red carpet next while Mercedes sings her part gracefully, she was holding a bouquet of red and cream tulips-just like what is planned- looking very elegant on her peach dress. She knew right then and there that she has chosen the perfect maid-of-honor. She was feeling nervous and excited at the same time because Rachel will soon walk her way too. She's really excited that she literally wants to jump.
"I want this all my life
I want this all my life
I want this all my life
I wanted this all my life.."
Mercedes and Kurt's voices blended beautifully together as they both finished the song and started a new one. This time, they are singing 'On This Day' by David Pomeranz.
"Here we stand today
Like we always dreamed
Starting out our lives together
Night is in your eyes
Love is in our hearts
I can't believe you're really mine forever.."
She watched as the bridesmaids including Tina and Santana, and Andie walks the long aisle, all of them smiling to all the people gathered around. They all look very beautiful wearing the color motif of the wedding. Sadly, Melissa didn't attend the wedding.
She stared at Santana a little longer and she realized that maybe it was also time to forgive her and make up to her. They already grew up, there's no need to fight for Rachel's attention and love, because clearly, she has already won the battle. Santana won't stop the wedding, would she?
"I've been rehearsing for this moment all my life
So don't act surprised
If the feelings start to carry me away
On this day I promise forever
On this day I surrendered my heart
Here we stand like our plans
Please say you'll always look at me this way
Like on this day
On this day.."
As Santana took a seat next to Brittany, she never failed to miss the looks the Latina gave her best friend. She might have her girlfriend beside her, but with the looks she was giving Brittany, it was clear that she was attracted to the blonde. And judging by Brittany's shy glances to Santana, she knows that her best friend can be happy again, destiny will speak for them, and she hopes all the best things for them.
She felt her heart pounding so fast because she knows who will be walking down the aisle next. Mixed emotions are filling her whole being, and she feels like she's floating. Every day of her life, she will make sure to savor this moment, and she will make sure to never let this one end.
Kurt started the last song for the day. 'I Will Be Here' by Steven Curtis Chapman.
"Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here.."
Rachel, the star of the ceremony, was looking very beautiful on her long white dress while holding a bouquet of their favorite flower, tulip. She has her right arm linked to Holly's arms.
Holly came back in town just last month upon hearing the news that Rachel was finally getting married. She never connected with Hiram and Shelby again after learning about what they did to Rachel. It was only Holly that Rachel invited. Her parents are unaware of the ceremony going on right now.
She literally dropped her mouth upon seeing how Rachel looked. She has her hair down with little waves. Until now, she still can't believe that Rachel will be Rachel Berry-Fabray in just a few hours from now. She is the luckiest girl in the world. Very, very lucky.
"I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here.."
She was crying now and she can see that Rachel is crying as well. Who would have ever really thought that they can get married? Who would have ever thought that they will see each other again in the first place? This just proves that she and Rachel were destined to be together forever, they were made for each other. Funny how destiny works.
The whole place went blurry and all she can see is Rachel, only Rachel. She suddenly remembers the first time she fell in love with a fifteen-year old Rachel. She remembers her innocent face, her adorable gestures, and every moment that they had shared. It was a lot to treasure, but she made sure that all of it have place in her heart.
"I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me.."
She grows more and more in love as Rachel nears her. Her smiling never faltering, and she was glad that Rachel was just as happy as she is. She didn't break eye contact with her. She wants her to let her feel how much she loves her just by looking at each other.
"Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.."
She gladly took Rachel's hand from Holly with her own shaky hands. Holly congratulated them and kissed her on the cheek. She then looked at Rachel lovingly and with teary eyes and she saw that Rachel is crying and sobbing. She reached for Rachel's cheek and wiped the tears falling from her eyes.
"You look so beautiful." she complimented sincerely. "Are you ready?"
Rachel blushed, smiled and responded. "So much ready."
She grinned and guided Rachel to their seat where the priest is already waiting for them.
"We are all gathered here today to witness and celebrate the eternal and undying love of Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray, together with the presence of families, friends, and our Holy Father." The priest started and she knows that everyone has smile plastered all over their faces. "To welcome this ceremony, Holly Berry is here to pronounce the lessons of an undying love."
Their guest speaker, the one who would tell the lessons of love, is no other than Holly. Holly witnessed everything, starting from the first time they met, until this time that they met again. She deserves to be the one telling the people all of this.
"In the Bible, it was said that love is patient." Holly started and both she and Rachel nodded as they listened intently. "The love of these two is a proof that if people love each other, regardless the distance and time, they will stay in love as long as they are patiently waiting. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Quinn and Rachel have been through a lot, yet they still stayed modest about the love they hold for each other. They do not blame each other—which makes them stronger as time goes by. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Quinn and Rachel never gave up with each other. Their minds told them to let go, but their hearts were always connected, their hearts kept on telling them that it's not yet too late, and here they are now. It was because they listened to what it was saying, to what they were feeling. And now, as we all witness this ceremony, may we all be reminded that love comes to those who are willing. Thank you." Holly finished and returned to her seat while flashing them a smile.
She held Rachel's hands tight as she feels stomach twisting in excitement. Hearing their story out loud from another person is very overwhelming but she was glad that they had gone that far. Really, who could imagine?
"In behalf of Quinn and Rachel, thank you to all of you gathered here. Your constant support to them means a lot. It helped them push through the finish line, it helped them stand up on their feet and continue with this journey, and now that they're here, they can't thank you enough." The priest spoke again.
They continued with the ceremony until they reached the most exciting part of this wedding, the statement of intent and their wedding vows. This way she could tell the world, and not just Rachel, how much she's in love with her.
"Quinn Fabray, do you take Rachel Berry to be your wife? Do you promise to love and adore her forever? Do you promise to protect her and be with her during the bad times, and share the good times with her? Do you promise to be loyal to her forever?" the priest asked her and all she wants was shout right then and there that she does with all her heart. She wanted to cut him off and tell the whole world that more than anything, she is the most willing woman to be with Rachel Berry forever, to be faithful to her, and everything.
"Yes, of course. I do." She answered with certainty when the priest finished and looked lovingly at Rachel. Rachel's tears fell from her eyes, and the girl smiles lovingly and looks at her like it was the first time.
"Rachel Berry, do you take Quinn Fabray as your wife and promise to love and adore her forever? Do you promise to protect her and be with her during the bad times and share every good moment with her? Do you promise to be loyal to her forever?"
"Yes, father. I do, I do, I do." Rachel answered the priest very fast and it received slight chuckles from the audience—including her.
It was so sweet that she feels her heart melting. She loves this girl so much. More than anybody, it was always Rachel that she will choose.
"You may now say your vows to each other." The priest proclaimed and smiled at them.
She took a deep breath and looked around. People are looking at her, giving her a go, with proud and happy faces. She has the support of all of these people, what else could go wrong?
She faced Rachel with pure love in her eyes, this is it. These will be the words that are about to keep them together. It has to be memorable. It has to be remembered.
"I, Quinn Fabray, accept and chose you, Rachel Berry, as my wife. I promise that you are the only one that I'm going to cherish, adore, honor, respect, trust, and love forever. I- I promise that I will never abandon you or- or ignore you. I promise that I will always be here for you even if you don't have any problems. I promise that I will always listen to everything you are going to say, to let you explain what you are thinking, to- to give you advice when you needed it the most, and to comfort you when you are feeling down. I promise to be a faithful wife to you. I promise that you're the only woman who owns my heart, my whole being, and will always be. I promise to never, ever leave your side. I promise to love you and stay with you forever, eternally. And most importantly, I - I promise to make sure that you will always have it all. This ring is the proof of my eternal love for you." She finished with a sigh and grabbed Rachel's soft hands and slipped the ring on her ring finger with a tear on her right cheek. Finally, Rachel was tied with her.
Rachel grinned proudly and looked at her with pure love in her eyes. This can never be stopped. No one can stop them anymore.
Just like her, Rachel also released a loud sigh before starting to speak. "I, Rachel Berry, take you, Quinn Fabray, as my wife. Just like I promised six years ago. I promise to love you and honor you, respect you and adore you, protect you from any harm and share every single thing with you. I promise to be faithful to you, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, as long as we live. Yes, I do. And I promise to never leave your side regardless of any situation, I promise to accept you for whatever or whoever you are, I promise to always believe that we are eternal, that our love is eternal. I promise to make sure that no one's going to hurt you. I promise everything. I promise the world to you, Quinn." Rachel finished and everyone clapped.
She was sure that butterflies inside her stomach are also celebrating the wedding with them. She knows that these butterflies are as happy as she is too. No one can kill her mood right now. This is the best day of her life, and she was sharing it with the best person ever.
Rachel gladly grabbed her hand and slipped the ring on it happily. She sobbed quietly because she can't contain her happiness anymore. She doesn't even care if her make-up is going to smear all over her face. What's important is that this is really happening, and it is happening really well.
"Quinn Fabray and Rachel Berry, you have shared your love, faith, and trust with each other in this ceremony, with these people as your witnesses. You promised each other and declared your devotion with your ring. You will now be each other's shelters when there is rain, you will be each other's armor and shield when there are enemies. You are now declared as one by the power of the Holy Spirit. May your love bring new experiences of joy, and hold you until eternity. May you never take each other for granted and be patient, reasonable, and forgiving. Always remember to be each other's strengths and never forget to ask for God's guidance. Amen."
The audience voiced out an Amen with tears in their eyes.
"Quinn Fabray and Rachel Berry, I now pronounce you wife and wife. Quinn Fabray, you may now kiss your bride." The priest finished and gestured for them to kiss.
She wiped her tears away and lifts Rachel's veil carefully and slowly, savoring the beauty that God has given her, savoring the love that will hold them together forever.
"I love you so much, Rach." She mumbled quietly and closed her eyes as she leaned forward. She inhaled happily as her lips touched Rachel's. People cheered for them and she was very happy that everyone's having a good time.
Rachel put her hands around her neck and deepened the kiss, letting her know that she loves her too, that no one can bring them down again, that it will always be her.
She closed her eyes tightly and another tear left her eye. She pants when they pulled out from the kiss and Rachel looked at her lovingly. "I love you too, Quinn."
"You really promise to be with me forever?" she asked Rachel with her most adorable voice.
"I do. Forever and always, I will love you. There's no such thing as eternity without you, Quinn. Eternity is when I am with you, and my love for you will never end. I promise." Rachel told her with pure sincerity and love and kissed her again passionately. This time, she let her tears fall and did not wipe them away. Both her and Rachel's tears are combining in their cheeks.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. and Mrs. Fabray!" the priest exclaimed and everyone shouted, cheered, and clapped happily.
They faced the people with happy and proud face. They will prove the world that love is never-ending, that love stays until eternity, and it will never end.
Fin.