Looking for a Starbucks would be pointless she knew, Lima screamed small businesses. It was a nice change from the corporate chain stores on every corner. Silence filled the air as they headed towards the Lima Bean, the sun had all but set and chill had crept its way into the car. Both girls reached absent-mindedly towards the heater, fingers grazing.

"I'm sorry, that was rude of me, and it is your car after all."

"its fine" was whispered as she continued to turn the heating on, allowing for a rush of warm air to inhabit the car. Nothing more was said as the warmth cascaded around the girls, bringing colour back into their cheeks.

The Lima Bean was one of three places to flock to once school finished. There was the local cinema, the bowling alley and the Lima bean. Considering the circumstances it was the only place that was a viable option. Flocking to the nearest booth they both proceeded to sit down, the silence remaining unbroken. Both so invested in keeping it unbroken that they forgot to order any coffee.

Quinn rose without a word, merely signalling to the order counter. Few people where in the line, but it was enough to allow her time to ponder the situation. "What I'm i even doing? I should have brought her home. I don't even know what kind of coffee she likes. I'm such a fucking idiot" Finally reaching the head of the queue she orders two black coffees. Better safe than sorry. Carefully she walks back to their booth. She catches Rachel staring at something outside, at what she's not sure, possibly that young girl and her mother? An unreadable expression filled her face.

"Watch it's hot" she spoke softly while slowly lowering herself back into her seat. The coffee radiated heat, warming her hands. Ever since she was little she had been obsessed with coffee. The smell, its aroma. She thinks' it's because of her grandmother used to live above a coffee shop back in New Jersey. Everyday after school she'd race to her grandmothers, and they'd sit and watch television or read or just talk. The aroma making its way into the house through open windows, through the cracks in the floor boards, in any way it possible could really. Quinn knew her coffee, and this coffee was...bland, cheap...but it was the only thing saving her from speaking first. So she drank, she drank even though it burnt her tongue. And then her throat. It was still better than the alternative.

Rachel watched as Belle stood and ever so slightly nudged her head in the direction of the order counter, watching as she entered the queue behind a couple wistfully staring at each other. Today had been a whirlwind of emotions, too much to wrap her head around; afraid of the questions she needed to ask Belle. What happened in that alley? Did she want to know? Did she need to know? Her eyes caught sight of a young girl walking along side her mother. Relief, she felt relief in seeing the sight-the young girl was safe. In that moment she realised she'd forever be affected by whatever did or didn't happen in that alley. Clearing her mind of all thoughts, she tried to get her facial expression to mirror her mind. Resulting in a blank stare.

Coffee appears in her periphery vision, taking it without a word. Usually she would be very gratuitous, but fear stifles the thank you. The dam of questions will break if the quiet is ruined. Instead she holds the cup, checking its contents. Thankfully it's a plain black coffee, no milk. First positive thing to happen today.

She can feel eyes watching her, almost as if waiting for her to shatter; she represses a smile that's making its way across her face.

"You know you are not ever subtle?

"What do you mean?" she seems genuinely shocked. Rachel allows the smile to grace her face this time.

Silence finds its way back between them. A third round of coffees and Rachel feels she is ready to talk, but where to start...

"Thank you. I mean for the rescue, not the outburst that occurred this morning," she's aware her statement could potentially risk setting off the blonde, but she can't find the energy to care, nothing could possibly be worse than what she has went through already.

"You're welcome?" Quinn doesn't believe she should be thanked, "...and for what it's worth, i-i'm sorry for this morning."

"Let's start with that."

"The sorry? or the why?" She's given a single nod in response. Quinn's not sure how to answer. The truth is; well too complicated and not something she is really willing to let herself believe never mind say aloud. Coming up with the first excuse that seems viable she stammers it out,

"i-um-i don't do well with new people?"

"I'm not entirely sure if that was meant to be a statement or a question. In fact you seem to be asking more questions than me," she lets out a small laugh before resuming with her previous tone" New people or not, that is no excuse. Threatening people like that Belle, it's truly unacceptable."

Quinn sighs audibly.

All around them people can be heard, laughing and chatting, yet a palpable silence surrounds them.

Not knowing is killing her; she can't avoid the matter any longer. The question was making its way to her mouth whether she wanted it to or not, but before she can assemble up the courage to actually articulate the question someone interrupts her thoughts. It's barely a whisper, but she hears it,

"Nothing happened. I got to you before anything happened."

A very obvious weight is lifted from her shoulders as relief makes its evident way through her body, any tension within her melting away. She's grateful that Belle found her when she did, then she wonders,

"Why did you stop to help me? Did you know it was me? Was it just a coincidence? I merely ask because this morning, well this morning you all but told me to stay out of your way, and yet you helped me."

"I'm a bitch, not heartless," she all but seethes through her teeth.

"Yes, yes you are a bitch," she smirks before taking another sip. Steam is practically visible from the other girls' ears, but her reply was intended to lighten the situation, and Belles obvious annoyance simple makes the situation more amusing to Rachel.

"Thank you again Belle," sincerely leaves her lips.

"It's no bother; they got what was coming to them anyway."

"What do you mean?" she asks inquisitively with a hint of alarm

"Well, once I got you safe, I dealt with them," she's unsure as to why this feels like an interrogation, but it does.

Rachel let the cup slip from her hands, causing a ripple effect, allowing coffee to cascade over the sides. Looking around to make sure her clumsiness didn't attract any attention. Satisfied it hadn't, she leaned in closer and being barely audible quizzed Belle,

"What do you mean dealt with? They aren't..." she leans in closer again and lowers her voice further, "..going to show up in a river somewhere?"

Quinn's unable to retain the laughter that erupts from her throat, however shortly lived-as Rachel is staring at her sternly,

"Where not in a mobster flick," she cringes at her choice of words," I just dealt with it."

Rachel stares at her. Studying her face. Looking for what she wasn't sure, but could tell from the resolved expression on Belles face that she'd never get the full story of what happened that day. She had began to reach across the space between the two aiming for the other girls hand, to squeeze gently in gratitude, but stopped herself. Boundaries. Her endeavour didn't go unnoticed. Quinn closed the gap placing her hand on top of Rachel's,

"I'm just glad you are ok."

Awkwardness was back. Retracting her hand she glances at her watch, noticing what time it actually was,

"I really need to get going"

"Oh of course, how selfish of me to keep you from home all this time. Please, don't let me keep you any longer"

"I-eh-was actually wondering if you would like a lift home. It would set my mind at ease knowing you make it safely home."

"That would be lovely Belle."

Delighted in receiving a yes she smiles, but it's wiped away by the gnawing inside; its Belle she said yes to.

While the drive to the Lima Bean was one filled with nervousness due to the matter that would be discussed when they arrived, the drive leaving the Lima Bean was also one filled with nerves. Nerves based on the fact that they had had what could be considered three conversations the entire time they had known each other. The first a simple exchange of names. Second, a rather unpleasant exchanging of threats and third was an all too surreal circumstance that both girls wish to never experience again.

Quinn reaches towards her radio, turning it on, anything was better than nothing. Music fills the empty spaces.

Darling you're with me, always around me.
Only love, only love.
Darling I feel you, under my body.
Only love, only love
Give me shelter, or show me heart
Come on love, come on love.
Watch me fall apart, watch me fall apart.

Seconds past, instrumentals filling the air, then she hears it

"And I'll be yours to keep.
A wind in the shadow, a whale song in the deep.
A wind in the shadow, a whale song in the deep,"

Rachel. Singing. Beautifully. Hauntingly. Mesmerized she turns to the girl, who is lost within the lyrics, facing forward staring at nothing in particular but darkness in front of them. Unaware of the awe plastered across Quinn's face. "Wow." It's the only coherent thought she has. So enthralled by the tiny singing angel beside her; she fails to notice that she has been veering into the wrong lane.

Rachel however notices, and she's no longer singing, instead she stares at oncoming traffic-terrified.

"Belle? BELLE! Look out!"

Brought back to reality by the shouting she looks forward to see flashing lights and hastily turns the wheel bringing them safely to the right side. What other disasters did this day hold?

"I'm so sorry again Rachel. I don't know what happened. I guess I'm just tired," she lied as convincingly as she could.

"It's fine, we're both fine. Thank you for offering me a ride home, i think i can safely make it to the front door" she jokes. She has never wanted to be within the warmth of her own bed ever in her young life, to forget this terrible day, but this terrible day has allowed her to converse with Belle. Feeling like a child she hesitates, pulling her lip between her teeth,

"Can i talk to you tomorrow? I mean it's fine if you don't want me to. I get it. I know what the kids say about me. Diva, over bearing, loser..." before she finishes the list of insults Quinn disrupts her train of thought,

"Yes we can talk. I feel like all I have done today is apologise, so once more won't hurt. I'm sorry for the way i spoke to you this morning. New start, Okay?"

Incapable of hiding her enthusiasm she reaches across the threshold between them pulling her into a hug. Rachel ever since she was little has asked for permission to hug someone. She finds it's better to ask permission before moving into someone personal. Good etiquette really. This time she never, she reacted on impulse. Embarrassed she pulled away.

"I usually ask permission I have no idea what overcame me. It won't happen again."

"Rach, relax."

She lights up at the obvious shortening of her name,

"We're kind of friends, huh?"

"Kind of"

Satisfied and smiling, Rachel exited the car waving to Belle as she began to pull out of the drive way. Thinking there to be no more exchanges of words she walks to her front door to be startled by a honk of a horn. Turning she sees the driver's window down,

"I'll pick you up for school tomorrow," before the enigma that was Belle, drove off into the night.

Ben Howard-only love