AN-sorry for the two line paragraphs in the last chapter, won't happen again. Apologies.

There were very few things that calmed her down. When she was a child it was her Fathers reading to her until she fell asleep. As she grew older she learnt ways that allowed her to control her emotions, she found that singing helped the most. When everything looked doom and gloom, (which was any time she never got a solo really) singing would still her diva tantrums. Politely excusing herself she would find an empty room, the auditorium, anywhere that would allow it, and singe. At this precise moment even Rachel Berry whose motto was, "the show must go on," stood on an empty stage, willing herself to sing. What exactly, didn't matter. It was that lack of anything that scared her. She always prided herself in carrying on no matter what the obstacle, but her encounter with Belle earlier that day left her broken. Sure she had been picked on for most of her adolescent life, but this seemed different. Personal. The fiery passion in Belle's outburst through her off.

For some unknown reason this altercation impacted her more than any of the other bullying she had received in the past. She was known for her capability to over exaggerated any situation, the theatrical soul in her made a mountain out of a mole hill at every opportunity, but this was the first time in her sixteen years that singing didn't work. Couldn't; because no song would leave her lips. For once in her life she was not only speechless but song-less.

Standing on the stage in the auditorium without singing began to add to her melancholy. The only other option Rachel had was to go home to her fathers. Was she too old to be read too? Either way her Fathers would be a welcomed sight. Only problem; her Fathers where all the way on the other side of down. A short drive, but a long walk, and seeing as she was without a vehicle she figured the sooner she started her walk home the sooner she would be given a warm embrace of concern and love.

There were very few things that Quinn found solace in. When she was younger it was watching her father speaking in secret. Though Quinn being a mischievous child would sit on the stairs straining to hear through closed doors. The muffled voice of her Father, the urgency and authoritative nature of it made her feel safe.

When she got older she would go running, the freedom she felt as her feet met the pavement thrilled her. The ability to go where she pleased. For as long as her body would allow it. She ran through every park in New Jersey before running began to stop bringing her pleasure and merely reminded her she wasn't going nowhere. So when she turned sixteen, the first thing she asked for was a car. She would be able to go further than she had ever before. Faster than she ever could running.

After sitting through the day with Rachel's wounded face appearing at every silent moment, Quinn had had enough and strolled out of the school front doors and hopped into the rental Escalade. She needed to drive. She needed to concentrate on the roads and them alone. Putting the car into drive Quinn sped out of the car park leaving behind a trail of dust that would settle faster than her thoughts ever would.

Clouds obscured the sun giving the illusion that it was later than it seemed, darker than it was. Walking along side the park enjoying listening to the birds singing, she admired their constant song, they were much like herself-besides today of course. Laughter came from behind her, low and deep, she could her shouting also but unable to decipher what was being said. Deciding it best to not stop and wait for whoever it was to catch up. There she went again, exaggerating everything, for all she knew the boys where calling to a friend not trying for her attention. All the same, the pessimist within her made her increase her pace.

Rounding a corner she looked back to the incessant shouting that was still continuing, counting two boys trying to catch up with her. Which they did.

"Look who it is? The hobbit. Where's your Glee friends?"

"Yeah, don't you know it's unsafe for you to be walking home alone."

The phrase feigned concern, but the tone indicated otherwise. She was anxious to be alone in such a secluded area with the teens. Panic began to take hold of her body as they edged in closer forcing her further into the empty street. The rapid beating of her heart echoed in her ears as her back touched the wall, cornered. Trapped.

"What's the matter? Don't you want a few more duet partners?" the taller boy quipped nudging his accomplice with his shoulder resulting in both of them laughing. Unable to make her body move or her voice work for the second time that day she succumbed to her fear, sliding down the wall curling into a ball pleading with the boys to leave her alone. Salted tears reached her lips as one of the boys pulled her up from the ground holding her from behind. Her mind went blank. Maybe it was shock, maybe it was simply self preservation. All she knows is that the next thing she did remember was an angelic voice whispering her name. A voice that was asking her if she was okay.

Driving wasn't working. She had gotten lost and was currently circling the same block for the sixth time.

"If Rachel hadn't gotten under my skin so much I would be home right now doing absolutely nothing. Instead no, i'm lost in fuck know's where."

She continued driving looking up every street trying to see some sort of street sign, or even a person to get directions. In a last attempt before leaving the block and risking becoming more lost than she already was she circled once again. The heavens where looking down on her today as there in one of the small empty streets where two males that seemed about her age. Wait why was that girl on the ground? Why was he lifting her up so roughly? And then she saw her face. Her mascara teared face. Rachel.

She screeched into the street, pulled the handbrake up, and twisted the steering wheel a hard hundred and eighty degrees coming to a halt in front of the stunned schoolboys. Quinn stepped out and sauntered over to them acting coyly and innocently as possible. She had encountered her fair share of rough neck backwards teen boys. Who think that they have some sort of claim on girls because they are weaker than them.

She discovered early on the best way to throw them off guard was act exactly how they expected.

"I'm lost. You wouldn't happen to know where the main street is?" if she had said it any sweeter candy would have spilled from mouth. She had to keep her anger in check or she would never have gotten close enough to make her move. In one fell swoop she kicked the taller boy right between the legs, promoting an anguished howl and his knees collapsing hard onto the ground. Shocked by the sudden debilitation of his friend, the second victim released his hold on Rachel and set his sights on Quinn.

Quinn had many years experience in fighting. She came from a neighbourhood where the boys would try and take what they wanted. And the boys would always want Quinn. The fighting only stopped when her father came into some sort of authority within the mob. But all that experience would prove handy as the boy lunged at her. Yet again in one move, Quinn extended her arm, thrusting the palm of her hand into the boys nose. Causing yet again another strangled agonising squeal. With both boys recovering on the ground she made her way towards Rachel escorting her into the car, telling her she was safe.

The thought of what would have happened had Quinn not been lost resulted in her from keeping her anger in check. Casually and purposefully she opened the boot of her car, revealing a nearly empty trunk. Nearly empty besides the brand new tennis racquet. Turning to face the now standing, but weakened boys, she swung once, twice. The broken racquet was placed back in the car, before she sat in the drivers seat and fixed her hair. Driving off leaving the unconscious young men bleeding, each sporting fresh gashes on their heads.

When she felt that she had driven fast enough and far enough away she pulled over. Facing Rachel she cupped her cheek , massaging her thumb along her jaw.

"Rachel...are you...are you okay? Please say something."

"Belle?"

"Oh thank god."

"What happened, I mean, last thing I remember was...was..." she paused trying to recall her memory. Her mind fighting against her will, trying to protect her from the trauma.

"I don't remember anything after they grabbed me..." She began to cry. Sobbing uncontrollably she leaned into Quinn wrapping her arms around her neck. Tension spread throughout her body, stiffening under the crying girl. She wasn't used to consoling, crying was for the weak. But she could be there for Rachel- she managed to pull the tiny girl from the passenger side onto her lap, embracing her further into her body. Surrounding Rachel, providing safety. For the first time since arriving in Lima Quinn felt at home.

It took two hours before Rachel had stopped crying. It took another hour before she began to release her hold on the blonde. And it took four words from Quinn to make a smile appear across her face.

"How about some coffee?"