December 24th, 2015.

Quinn-

After that moment in the hotel lobby, it took me almost two more years to run into you again.

It wasn't for lack of trying, mind you. Even at the semi-tender age of ten, I had a habit of latching onto things that I liked with a decisiveness that people still find terrifying. When I found Broadway and liked it, it became an obsession. One of those things included my wardrobe - animal sweaters, plaid, and short skirts to name a few (although, in later years, the short skirts were mostly for your benefit).

Another thing was you.

And so, while other children were listening to NSYNC and passing notes in class, I was listening to the soundtrack of my favorite musicals and taking notes in class. When they spent their lunch times sitting with their friends and reading fashion magazines, I was sitting in the library, quietly breaking the "no eating in the library" rule, sitting on their poor excuse of a computer and looking up "Lucy Fabray" daily only to come up with nothing, A handmade PBJ sandwich in my left hand was brought up stealthily every time Mrs. Cole's harsh gaze went back down to her Daily New York Times crossword puzzle. After a few months of this, it became sort of habitual. At first, it was only a way to kill time before looking around the biography section of the library to see if there were any new books, but once I transferred to middle school, it was a safety net. A haven, the library was a sort of middle-school safe zone. I don't know whether it was the quiet solemnity that the entire room had, the fact that being quietly scolded by Mrs. Cole was something akin to having your skin peeled from the inside out, or maybe the bullies of the school didn't even know we had a library.

After that first time of going to Lima Elementary's library, the feeling of walking through the quiet aisles was addictive, as well as the safest place I knew to hide from the verbal ridicule of my peers. And looking you up became something much more important - that somewhere out there, there was a girl that saw behind my argyle sweaters and the effects of my nightly memorization from words of the dictionary and saw something that no one else did. A potential friend. And so I kept looking. Obviously, this was 2006, so my internet prowess wasn't exactly up to par. Even considering that, though, it's not as if the Internet would have that much information on a 13 year old out there in the world-wide web. I couldn't think of anything else to do, though, so I looked. I would have done only that, maybe never getting a chance to meet you again, if it wasn't for Brittany Pierce.

Now, the Santana Lopez you met freshman year of high school and the one I met at sixth grade orientation were pretty much of the same ken. The seventh grader had already managed to rule the school with an iron fist, crushing even the older kids under her weight. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into the tight ponytail that I never saw lowered again until junior year of high school, and her arm was locked with a slightly taller blonde with a soft expression that greatly contrasted her friend's. I was sitting at the table in the corner at the time, absent-mindedly flipping through my history book, but upon seeing them corrected my posture straight away and waited for them to walk over, my eyes lowered. You don't let your guard down around them, either of them.

"Hi, Rachel! I knew you would be here." My safe space instantly violated, I looked up at the perpetrators to see a flash of red and white in front of me (the Lima Middle Cheering uniform), and arms stretched out.

"H-hi Brittany." Briefly, I glanced up into Santana's eyes, trying to read her expression but coming up short. Brittany's arms were still out, waiting. "I, um...I trust that both of you have had a pleasant su-"

Santana rolled her eyes, an expression that I was now common to seeing on her face, before crossing her arms in front of her chest and giving me her best glare. "Okay, Motormouth, we didn't come in here to play 20 questions. Now, are you going to let my girl Britt-Britt hold out her arms forever? Because, like, the fact that she's risking catching some sort of hobbit disease just standing within five feet of you should make you want to kiss our ass in gratitude."

Somehow, I had already angered the beast. "...um, what?"

The blonde standing in front of me grinned, her blue eyes twinkling. "Ignore San, she's like my Dutch grandmother who sometimes visits on Christmas. Even though you can understand what she's saying, you still need me to translate or else she'll spit in your food." I looked at Santana, confused, but decided that Brittany was definitely the safer bet. "What Santana means to say is that we saw Jessica Waters say something mean about you, like super mean, and so now Santana decided that we can like you now. So you and me don't have to be secret friends anymore."

Now both of us were confused. "I'm sorry, Brittany, but I have no idea what you're talking about. Secret friends?"

Now she rolled her eyes, the action even more perfected. So that's where Santana got it from. It was one of those many moments when I couldn't tell whether Brittany was actually stupid like everyone said she was, or the now more likely version that she just liked talking in riddles to confuse people. Either way, I didn't know how to handle talking with her. But again, she was more easy going than Santana, so. "Duh, Rachel. You can't fool me anymore - you're the Cookie Monster." When our expressions still looked as confused, if not more so, Brittany explained. "See, ever since the beginning of middle school, someone kept putting a plate of cookies on the teacher's desk for homeroom for everyone to eat and a little doodle for everyone to look at. I thought it was the troll that lives underneath Ms. Fields' desk, but her legs are too long so that wouldn't be a good place to live. But then one day, I saw you putting the plate out for everyone when I went to put a secret note in Santana's desk. And then after that, we were secret friends, right? Cause like, I called you Berry because you're sweet like berries, and you called me Brittany which is short for my name, Brittany." She waited a beat, and then continued. "Stand up."

Not really having very much of a choice, I complied. Suddenly, a set of thin arms were wrapped around my stomach as I was lifted up slightly in what could aptly be described as the tightest hug I've ever experienced in my life. "Britt, not that I'm complaining, but I think you're killing her. So either go all the way or stop now, because there ain't no way I'm visiting Short Stack in the hospital."

"Oh!" Brittany gasped, before finally putting me down. After catching my breath, I looked up at the strange pair. "Anyway, now that we're best friends, I wanted to ask you a question. But you have to say yes okay?"

"I can't promise my agreement prior to understa-"

"Okay, yes then." I began to argue, but then just gave up and sat back down. They followed, Brittany scooting her chair close to mine. "This Saturday is my birthday. So, Daddy is going to take me and San to the zoo so I can see the ducks and the lizards."

"Alright..."

"I want to go into the magical section too, but Santana says we need a hobbit to get in so I was wondering if you could come with us!"

Wait, what?

Brittany giggled slightly, and did that confusing almost-smirk again. "Just kidding. I just wanted to see the funny face you would make. But really, we are going to the zoo. And he said I could bring a third. I was going to ask Jessica, but then she said you were as gross as gummy bears. Which is weird, because I love gummy bears. So now you're my new Jessica. So can you come, Jessica?"

And I thought I talked a lot. "I have a few stipulations that I need you to agree to before I can say yes."

Brittany's eyebrows furrowed, "What do staples have t-", but nodded after Santana quietly whispered in her ear. "Okay, go."

"First, you two have to promise me that you won't do anything to physically or emotionally damage me. Granted, there is little else you could do to damage my emotional self-esteem as it is through the roof, but I really don't want anything to be escalated. Agreed?"

Brittany nodded seriously. "Don't be mean, got it. Anything else?"

Oh.

To be honest, that was really all I had. I was expecting some sort of disagreement from Santana, but for most of this conversation she had remained uncharacteristically quiet, instead spending her time fiddling with the frayed edges of Brittany's uniform sleeve. "Only one more thing - that we can go see the fish. They're my favorite species to see whenever I go to the zoo." Brittany looked at Santana, and when receiving only a distracted nod in response, the brunette obviously not caring too much about this conversation, her friend turned back and smiled so large her face look fit to break.

"Operation 'Bring Rachel to the Zoo so We Can Be Friends Like San and Me Only Not As Cool Because San Is The Best' is a go!"

After a quick squeeze to the hand, Brittany waved goodbye wordlessly, dragging Santana behind her.

I was already regretting my decision.

"But, Daddy, I simply must go! If I don't, I'll surely die!"

Okay, so I didn't regret it for long.

After spending the next fifty minutes in the library thinking about it, plus three classes and the 20 minute drive back home, my mind was firmly made up. I wasn't completely naive at the invitation given by the two most popular girls in school. Now, Brittany wasn't mean by any standards, but she was wasn't dumb enough to risk her reputation just for me. Also, insanely devoted to her best friend Santana. If the brunette wanted to randomly decide that I was an easy target again, Brittany would have no problem going back to treating me the way she did before. She wouldn't like it, but Santana ranked infinitely higher than I did on the blonde's list of priorities. So this was a perfect opportunity. I could handle Santana's barbs as best as anyone, and the chance of getting out of the house and socializing was not one that I was going to pass up. Daddy, however, saw things differently.

"Honey, you're asking to go to something tomorrow. You know how we feel about late-notice stuff! Who's taking you, who's bringing you back? We haven't even met Brittany's parents yet, let alone Brittany! I know you're really excited, and I'm glad you're making friends, but we need more information other than 'I'm going to the zoo tomorrow' and you kn-and don't you think pouting will be able to answer these questions, young lady. I mastered the Pout."

"Daddyyyy!" I hmphed, adding a stomp to really emphasize my point, my fists clenched. "This could be the social event that turns my life around completely! You could be denying me the chance at true friendship! Stop stealing away my Toto, you wicked old witch!"

He gasped, a hand flying to his chest. "Leroy, did you hear what our daughter just said to me?"

A chuckle escaped the hallway as Dad came home from the office, dropping his briefcase on the ground and kissing Daddy on the cheek before sitting at the table, and I could feel his gaze on me. "Yes, dear. And don't worry, I'm sure she meant the musical version of Gregory Maguire's Wicked novel, didn't you, Rachel?"

"No, and I didn't mean the one written by L. Frank Baum either! I meant the movie version! 1939 and everything, with the very Judy Garland herself!"

I could hear Dad sighing again, as my Daddy's temper almost escalated as high as my own. "Rachel Barbra, you calm down this instant, young lady! Leroy, you talk to her. I'm beside myself." I sat down at the dinner table, arms crossed and just as annoyed as ever. Daddy and I have always gotten into fights, you know this, but whenever they're happening they always seem to be of life or death consequences.

After a quick prayer, which Daddy spent cleaning off his glasses and I spent looking over at my Dad, we finally began to eat. Well, my fathers did. I spent my time adjusting my food from one side of my plate to the other, impatient as ever. Don't they understand how vital this is? Not only are Brittany and Santana the most popular girls in our school, but they're also the the two other most talented dancers in the Academy! Should I become friends with them, my entire social status will be raised by notches! Not only that, but then I could finally eat in the lunch room. Or maybe they would want to sit on the benches outside when the weather is nice. And I could make them my famous peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Oh, what a dream!

I sighed loudly, trying to get Dad's attention. Nothing.

"Ahhhhhhh-"

Dad chuckled again, putting his silverware down. "Well, if there's one thing a Berry isn't, it's vague. What's the matter, Rachel?"

Success.

"Well, dearest father-" Daddy scoffed, earning a glare from me before sweetly returning my father's gaze. "As I was saying earlier before Daddy hurt my feelings so deeply, two girls from my school have invited me to a social event, and I would like to go very badly. I have already finished my homework for the weekend, and seeing as I have yet to spend this month's free time due to the fact that Grandma Berry didn't come to town like promised, I would like to use it to go to the zoo with two of my classmates."

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad."

"Ask her when it is."

Dad looked at me expectantly. Drats. "Tomorrow?" I muttered.

"And what seems to be the problem?"

I squealed, ignoring Daddy's groan. "Is that a yes, then? Thank you, Dad, thank you thank you thank you! I shall find Brittany's father's number and have all of the information on your desk within the hour."

What am I to wear? Is my owl sweater in the laundry basket or did I clean that last week?

"Leroy!"

"Hiram!"

"What happened to siding with your husband?"

"Did you see the smile on that girl's face? It was like someone gave her an all-access pass behind a Broadway stage. Sure, it's short notice, but it's not like we had anything planned anyway."

"But-"

"Now, I'm going to ask you the same question - what's wrong, honey?"

"I don't trust them, Leroy."

"They're children!"

"Children can be just as vicious as any grown adult, I promise you that. I just don't want Rachel's first experience like this to be bad."

"Don't worry, Hiram. Everything'll be fine."

"It better be."

"But why can't I swim with the penguins?"

It had been three hours of this, and suddenly I was even more convinced that Brittany was a secret genius. In a matter of minutes of entering the park to now, she had already convinced the guard to let her: get a free bowl of fries, get us into the still-in-construction Dinosaur exhibit (until he pulled us out when Santana started to climb the exhibit), and even got us custom-made lizard lollipops. (Brittany was eating that now.)

The guard was putty in her hands.

Except now.

The older man sighed, already having explained this to the disappointed girl, before looking to me and Santana to do something before finally giving up and walking away. Doesn't he realize how old we are? We both seemed to think, before Santana (as always) took charge of the situation.

"Brittany, don't even worry about them, okay? We can get our penguin on later."

She pouted slightly. "But they're so cute! And besides, it's my birthday!"

After about five minutes of pulling Brittany away from the locked door that held in the penguin exhibit, the three of us finally reached the area that I had wanted to be in since we even entered - the fish building. I know, that sounds like such a weird animal to be so fascinated in, but they always seemed so peaceful to me. Still do. Anyway, right wh-

"Who is here for Quinn Fabray?"

Rachel looked up, puzzled at hearing her wife's name being called out so early. Was something wrong? It had only been a few hours, but from everything that Rachel heard, it usually took longer than that. She put her pen down softly on her notebook before walking towards the man. Her hands wringing, growing slightly more nervous by the second.

"That's me, I'm Rachel Fabray. What seems to be the problem?"

The doctor laughed. 'How unprofessional.' If it weren't for the fact that Quinn expressly told her not to, she would be requesting for a new one hours ago. He was not the doctor they wanted to be handling this when they decided that they were ready to have a child. But Santana was on a red-eye from California and wouldn't be here for at least two more hours. Rachel thought that he would be a place-in at best, but if he already had something to tell her then -

"Yes? What do you need me for?" She glared at him, her small height not even noticeable when her eyes and entire body posture made Dr. Dawson feel as if he was could be easily killed by the young woman standing in front of him. He stopped chuckling immediately, and became somber.

"I just wanted to tell you, that the contractions haven't started yet. I know she said she didn't want you in there, but-" He shrugged slightly. "She's asleep now, so I thought if you wanted to see her before your daughter was born, now was the best time."

Oh.

Before she could say anything in response, he was gently leading her towards her wife's hospital room, shutting the door quietly behind him. She only barely registered the noise, however, at the sight before her. Even when pre-labor, Quinn Fabray was one of the most breathtaking individuals Rachel had ever met. The urge to stretch out and just make contact was almost too hard to bear, but then she shook her head. This wasn't the right time. She wanted to see her when her eyes were open, her smile stretched out, wanting Rachel to be there. Not like this.

And so, she quietly left, almost eager to get back to her letter - really the only thing that was keeping her sane. She needed to write down everything that had happened between them.

Before it was too late.

A/N: Sorry it took so long for an update. I kept changing my mind as to how I wanted this story to be written - linear or otherwise. After days upon days of over thinking it, I just decided to go with the original plan. Blast! Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Also, anyone who likes things written well should go see my friend EtherealPhoenix's stuff. She rocks.

Please review with comments, questions, & concerns, s'il vous plait! Part two of the Zoo should come soon!