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Mouths hung open, eyes bulged, and stomachs sank and churned as silence filled the once chaotic room, everyone processing and evaluating the last two minutes of their lives. No one knew quite what to say to their friends or family as they all stared at the faces across and beside them, each pondering who's confession was worthy of breaking the tension.

"Mom…you're sick?"

Every head and body turned to face the man at the end of the table, Puck's eyes rimming with angry tears as he stared blankly at his mother.

"Noah-" Quinn knew things were about to get even more intense than they already were, knowing her husband and his way of coping better than he did. She knew he'd start yelling and arguing that she should've told him sooner and that he deserved a better way of finding out, Quinn knowing that deep down inside of him his rant and shouts were his way of masking his urge to breakdown and cry at the thought of losing his mother.

"Puck take your mom and sister into the kitchen," Quinn said quickly as she tried to think, suddenly snapping back into reality as she stood. While they might have had their own problems to work out, right then priority triumphed shock value and Mi Ma Jean was first on the list.

"Quinn-"

"Go, I'm fine," Quinn insisted as she connected eyes with Burt and Carole, the two of them now standing as they began motioning to their families.

"Kurt, come on son, come with me into the living room for a minute ok?"

"Finn, Rachel sweetheart, why don't we go out on the back porch for a bit and get some fresh air huh?"

The groups began shuffling around as they each moved, Quinn walking towards Beth and Balen as Emma held Tina in her arms while Mr. Schue chatted with Artie.

"Honey are you-"

"I'm fine mom, really," Beth interrupted as she repeated her mother's words, "Balen and I we'll…we'll figure it out."

"You sure?"

"Yes, positive, because right now I really think you need to talk to Mercedes. She looks pretty upset and is mid-escape over there." Quinn followed Beth's finger to find Mercedes grabbing her purse and coat as she reached for the doorknob, Quinn quickly squeezing her daughters shoulder in appreciation before making her way around the table and hurrying to the front door.

"And where do you think you're going?" she asked quickly as she reached out for the other girl's arm, Mercedes halting in the middle of throwing on her scarf.

"I have to leave, I can't-"

"Mercedes you don't have to go anywhere," Quinn assured her as she pulled her close, "Honey talk to me, tell me what's going on."

"What's there to say?" Mercedes exclaimed as her voice cracked, "I-I just want to go home Quinn, I can't believe I said that and-I'm just so ashamed."

"Mercedes please don't run from me, you're my best friend," Quinn said as she tugged on her hand, "Please just talk to me, let me help you-"

"There's nothing you can do," Mercedes interrupted as a tear fell down her cheek, "I cheated, on the most wonderful man I've ever had, I cheated and now I ruined our relationship."

"But what happened Merc? I mean how did it all-you know…"

"It was one night, one stupid night," she cried as she shook her head, "Our boss took a couple of us out for dinner, the other girls left, we kept drinking…" Mercedes turned away as she sniffled, Quinn reaching out for her again as she resisted.

"And now because of one night I ruined our future."

"Did you try to explain-"

"He won't even look at me Quinn," Mercedes said sadly as she toyed with her scarf, "Much less talk to me, and why should he? I deserve it."

"You have no idea what you deserve Mercedes, you really don't," Quinn comforted as she brushed her hand softly across her friend's damp cheek, "I know you don't feel that way but it's the truth. You're a good person, and sometimes even good people make mistakes, it's ok."

"Not this time, not this one," Mercedes disagreed as she shook her head, "And you wanna know the worst part? Even my family is upset with me. My mom's ashamed, my dad won't speak to me…I didn't even get invited over for Thanksgiving dinner." The light clicked in Quinn's head as she realized now why Mercedes had been able to finally make one of their Thanksgiving dinners, her heart breaking even more for her friend as she rubbed her arm.

"He was perfect Quinn, the one I should've been with forever, and I ruined it and now I've lost everything." Quinn wrapped her arms around her friend as she tried to calm her down, Mercedes' sobs muffled in the crook of the blonde's neck as she let herself go.

"You haven't ruined or lost anything," Quinn whispered in her ear as she pulled away slowly, "Mercedes you're human, you were born to make mistakes and errors, and I know you feel like it's the end of the world but it's not sweetie I promise. I understand if you feel guilty or upset, but don't ever feel like you've let anyone, especially your friends or family down, because you never could and you never will."

"I just-I don't know what to do."

"All you can do now is accept it hun, accept that it happened and try to learn from it, but most importantly forgive yourself Merc. I know, I know, it's easier said then done, but you're the strongest person I know and you can get through anything, even this." Mercedes nodded as she finished drying her cheeks, chuckling a little as she pulled off her scarf.

"Beth's pretty lucky to have you," she said as she smiled, "And so is your newest member." Quinn's smile suddenly fell as reality back handed her hard, realization sinking in that Mercedes hadn't been the only one confessing at dinner.

"Yeah, thanks," she mumbled as she smoothed out the dress across her still flat abdomen, trying hard to pretend that her stomach hadn't sunk at the thought of her unborn child, "So you'll stay right? You won't leave again?"

"I'll stay, I'll stay," Mercedes sighed as she pulled her coat off, "It's not like I'm looking forward to that motel."

"Motel? What-" Quinn felt another sinking feeling as realization dawned on her again, remembering too little too late that Mercedes had been living with Paul for the past few months, "Oh."

"Yeah, oh," Mercedes mumbled as she ruffled the hem of her shirt, "Not that I blame him, who'd want to live with someone like me?"

"I would," Quinn said suddenly as she placed her hands on her hips, Mercedes cocking an eyebrow at her as she contorted her face.

"Say what?"

"You heard me, I would," Quinn repeated again proudly, "I want you to stay with me." Mercedes stared blankly through her friend as Quinn began walking, pulling her along as she exited the living room.

Yes, she knew her actions were out of nowhere, and yes, she knew now was certainly not the time for a houseguest, but Quinn also knew she needed a distraction, something, anything to get her mind off of her own screwed up situation. Quinn had learned over the years that if she focused hard enough on fixing someone else's problems that her own had a way of leaving her alone until she could deal, beginning with her attentiveness to save Finn from Glee instead of her mom from her dad, and ending with her need to help Mercedes with her crisis instead of dealing with her own. Because if Quinn did take a moment to breathe she would have to think about the craziness of two babies in one house, the sickening sweet smile that would creep along Puck's lips when he realized he would be a dad again, and maybe even be confronted with the guilt that was gnawing away at her over how badly she didn't want this baby. So there, pulling someone else's problems into her own, Quinn decided to pretend as if she wasn't upset over this pregnancy and throw herself into a life that didn't involve babies or tests, hoping that in some way if she avoided the topic of her child that maybe in the midst of the confusion the whole thing would be forgotten. Now that was something she could be thankful for.

"Quinn, I can't."

"Mercedes, why not?"

"It's too much! Everything is too much right now, and I can't just up and move in on top of it!"

"Well where else are you gonna stay?" Quinn asked as she tapped her foot, "Keep paying for some crappy cold motel until you run out of money and get booted on the street? Or stay here with me and my family for free until you're back on your feet?"

"Girl still-"

"Still nothing, now don't fight me on this ok I've made up my mind," Quinn insisted as she led Mercedes down the hall, opening the door next to her bedroom and leading her friend in, "The guest room is all yours."

"Quinn, what-I-are you ok?"

"Of course," Quinn laughed as she shook her head, "why wouldn't I be?"

"Well your mother in law is sick, you're nine kinds of knocked up, and your daughter's baby daddy made out with your baby daddy's ex…but that's just off the top of my head." Quinn bit her lip as Mercedes waited for a reply, the blonde quickly turning as she headed out of the room.

"I'm going back to see if everyone's ok, I'll go with you later to gather your things if you want-"

"The hell Quinn? Quinn!" Mercedes continued calling as the blonde disappeared down the hall and back into the dining room, her eyes meeting with Tina's abruptly and Quinn quickly making her way over.

"…and with all the budget cuts at the school there's just no way they could keep me," she was saying as she finished explaining why she was fired.

"But you have a new job? And you're moving?"

"To Columbus, yeah, the school helped me out and gave me great recommendations and everything so it was pretty easy."

"There's an advertising company there and a few other businesses looking for a graphic designer, so I'm gonna start interviewing and see how it goes," Artie smiled as he held Tina's hand, putting on his bravest face to make her feel better, "We'll figure it out, we always do."

"Well I'm impressed that you both are taking all this so well, and I'm thrilled you've got new jobs and opportunities, but I'm not gonna lie we're gonna miss you guys like hell," Mr. Schue smiled sadly as he squeezed Tina.

"We'll miss you guys too, but it's only two hours away-"

"Then weekend trips are a must," Quinn interjected as she placed her hands on Artie's shoulders, patting them a little as she looked down.

"Of course, we'll miss you guys so much," Tina finished as she wiped the little trickle of water running down her cheeks, "Anyways we better get going, we're still have to stop by Artie's parents house for dinner and then mine for dessert."

"Which will be nothing compared to these festivities," Artie murmured as Quinn smacked the back of his head, leaning down and hugging him as Tina embraced Emma, "Seriously though, congratulations."

"And let me know how everything goes with Puck ok?" Tina whispered in Quinn's ear as she took her turn for a hug, "I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks," Quinn bit out as she felt dizzy, her grip around Tina becoming looser as her stomach panged.

The two of them made their way towards the door as Quinn stood between Mr. Schue and Emma, the three of them waving until the couple had disappeared.

"So Quinn, you had quite a little announcement there," Emma squealed as she leaned over to see Quinn, "Congratulations honey."

"Yeah way to steal my thunder," Mr. Schue joked as he swatted at her, "Nah I'm kidding, that's so exciting!"

"Yeah, yeah," Quinn nodded uncomforting as she turned away, searching for her next problem to fix as she changed the subject, "So the Glee club-"

"Is over, yeah," Mr. Schue nodded sadly, "The new principal made cuts on just about everything we had, the arts always the first to go."

"Well I'm really sorry, that's terrible."

"It is, but I'm looking for a way to maybe start something again, maybe get some boosters going or something. Like Tina said we'll figure it out, we always do." The sound of voices growing louder turned the attention to Finn and Avery who were walking in, Avery having gone out for fresh air and now regretting it as Finn rambled away in her ear.

"…so if people insist on walking out in front of you, then you insist on running them over. Car versus human? Nine times out of ten you're gonna win my friend, because the statistics are against them...and, you know, gravity."

"Statistics, gravity, right," Avery moaned as she made her way to her parents, widening her eyes as she shifted them towards the hall for the front door, "Hey mom, is it time to see grandma yet?"

"Oh crap, you know she's right," Emma winced as she clocked her watch, turning around swiftly and taking one last sip of water, "You're father probably doesn't think we're coming."

"And my mother probably doesn't know what day it is," Mr. Schue moaned as he rolled his eyes, pulling his keys out of his pocket and turning towards Quinn, "Well thank you for the lovely, albeit surprising, dinner."

"I wouldn't quite say lovely," Quinn groaned as the older man laughed, giving her a quick hug before leading his family out.

"Tell everyone we said good bye, and let me know how things go!"

"Will do!"

"And Quinn?" Mr. Schue called as he stepped through the door, "Congrats again, I'm really happy for you." Quinn tried to ignore the wave of nausea that hit her as she caught her breath, inhaling sharply while forcing out a thank you.

"Bye!" Finn waved happily as the door finally closed, turning around and smiling as he sighed, "So you're-"

"Emory's autistic?" Quinn interrupted as she shook her head, her topic change not very subtle as she caught Finn off guard.

"Wha-oh, yeah," he said confused as he tried to catch up, "Or at least they think that may be the case. He's always been a little behind from everyone else, but hey, he's got my genes right? But his teachers started getting more and more concerned and began noticing his interactions with the other kids were off, so they suggested we take him to a couple of doctors and that's what we were told."

"Well…what's the problem then?" Quinn asked cautiously, "I mean with the arguing…?"

"I just-I can't believe we missed that, you know? Something so big and important with our own child, and we just completely failed to help him all these years."

"Yeah but Finn come on, it isn't your fault, these things happen and you can't control it."

"But I should have helped him, should have made things better," Finn mumbled as he toyed with his hands, "And now Rachel won't stop freaking out about it and I can't stop feeling guilty. She feels like she did something wrong or that its her fault that he's not "perfect." I mean he is perfect, he's my son…" Quinn patted Finn's back as she rested her chin on his arm, the taller man looking down as he shrugged.

"You know Rachel Finn, you know how she gets sometimes," Quinn whispered as she sighed, "She wants to be the perfect wife and mom and I guess she feels like she failed him-'

"She didn't-"

"Well of course not, but this is Rachel here, you can't tell her that."

"I know, I know, I just hate fighting about it you know? I wish she would just accept this so we can move on and get him the help he needs."

"She'll come around eventually, she always does," Quinn encouraged as she smiled, "And you should let yourself off the hook, we're all figuring this out together, no one knows it all and no one has if all figured out. You know now and you're doing the best you can, that's all any parent can do and that's exactly what you're doing." Finn smiled as he pecked her forehead, Quinn's ability to comfort everyone but her own self astonishing even her.

"Well I should go get her and the kids, last time we kept her dad's waiting the soufflé thingy fell and the bitch fit that followed wasn't pretty," Finn moaned, wrapping one arm around Quinn as he squeezed her small frame tight, "But thanks for having us over, dinner was…"

"Yeah, exactly," Quinn smiled, Finn heading back through the now empty kitchen and out into the backyard as Quinn walked over to the window. She smiled as she saw him make his way over to the swings where Beth and Balen were pushing Emory and Michaela, the smiles on all four of their faces making Quinn forget everything that was happening. Beth was smiling widely as Emory kicked his feet higher and higher, clapping for him and laughing as she pushed him. She looked so natural, so happy as she played with the little boy, as if it was the funniest thing she'd ever done in her life. A squeal caught Quinn off guard and she shifted her eyes to the mass of limbs that lay on the ground now, Michaela having jumped out of her swing and into Balen's arms. He was tickling her ferociously as she laughed and squirmed in the grass, Balen looking as if he was having as much fun as she was.

"They're not half bad," a deep voice echoed in her ear, Quinn jumping out of her skin as she turned to face Puck.

"Jesus Christ!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he said softly as he smiled lightly, "Didn't mean to scare ya."

"How's-"

"Ok, she's ok," Puck mumbled as he stared at his feet, "Sarah went ahead and took her home, let her rest after the day we've had." Quinn could still see a little red in his eyes as the puffiness that surrounded them lingered, knowing he had been on his own rollercoaster ride of emotions.

"What's she say?"

"That they did all the ultrasounds and biopsies, determined that it's stage two…could be worse I guess, she said some people don't even know they have it till it's too late…doctor called her "lucky." Quinn inched closer as he fumbled with his words, picking at his nails while avoiding her eyes.

"They're gonna do some surgery and have her follow it up with chemo and therapy," he continued as Quinn linked her fingers with his, pressing her forehead against his while he finished, "They think she'll be fine and all, and that's good to hear I guess."

"Puck she's gonna be ok," Quinn offered comfortingly as she squeezed his fingers, "She is lucky to have found it so early, and she will make it through."

"Just scary," he murmured as he finally looked at her, so vulnerable and open with his wide eyes watering, "I'm scared."

"That's ok Puck, it's a huge thing to go through, but we'll be there for her the whole time I promise," she said as she offered him a smile, "Besides you know that woman, she's too damn proud and too damn stubborn to let anything take her before she's ready. She thinks heart surgeries are trivial." Puck laughed as he recalled his mom's last hospital visit, the older Puckerman having released herself early because her shows were on.

"Yeah, she's something else," he said as he rested his chin on her forehead, "And now that she has another grandbaby on the way she's ecstatic." Quinn's heart halted painfully in her chest as she felt Puck look down at her, the breath in her throat hitching agonizingly as her stomach dropped. The voice in her head was screaming at her to avoid his face, his eyes and lips, but her body willed her to move and she connected with a smile so wide it looked painful.

"Puck-"

"How long did you know? How long did you keep it?"

"I just found-"

"I mean I would've preferred a different way of finding out but I'm so happy I don't even care." Quinn ached at the sight of the light in his eyes, the moment of grief now turning into one of bliss…at least for Puck.

"I just didn't expect that you know? I mean it's all so-"

"Sudden?"

"Yeah-"

"Too sudden right?"

"Well not really, not anymore," Puck dismissed as he slid his hands up to her stomach, the feeling she used to get when he touched her there now replaced with a cold presence, "I mean maybe there is some good out of all of this, I mean it was about time someone said something positive."

"Positive? Puck you really think this is positive?" Quinn asked stupidly as she moved his hand, his face quickly changing from happy to confused.

"Well yeah Quinn, compared to autism and cancer I'd say this was pretty freaking fantastic," he shot back while stepping away, "I mean we'd been trying for this for awhile now-"

"We stopped though-"

"We didn't really stop, we just you know, put it on hold," Puck dismissed, "But now it's finally happened for us, we're finally getting the family we wanted…aren't you happy too?" The pause that followed answered his question better than any of the words she tried to string together, Puck's shoulders slumping sadly as he shrugged.

"What-why-"

"Puck this is the worst timing ever," Quinn exclaimed as she scoffed, "I mean-what with everything, your mom, Beth-"

"Don't bring that into this, that has nothing to do with this," he snapped as he interrupted her, "And I thought you said Beth wasn't the reason we had stopped trying?"

"I did-"

"But now you are blaming her?"

"I'm not blaming her, I'm just saying-"

"Why are you doing this Quinn? Why are you acting like this?"

"Because I seem to be the only one who realizes how messy things are," Quinn fired back angrily, "Puck we have a daughter to finish raising, a grandbaby who we'll also be helping take care of, a family member who's sick, a new house guest-"

"A new house guest? What?"

"Mercedes is gonna stay with us for a bit," Quinn informed him as she remembered she'd yet to tell him, "She can't stay at Paul's and I won't let her live in some motel."

"Oh so you're putting friends before family?"

"She is family," Quinn growled back, "And right now with all this chaos-"

"It's not chaos Quinn, it's life!"

"It's too much Puck! We can't juggle all of this!

"I just can't believe this, I can't believe you! I mean what-what do you wanna do then huh? You don't wanna have our baby?" Quinn didn't answer as she stared, Puck's face falling as he waited.

"Quinn, do you want to have this baby?" More silence followed as his own stomach churned, wondering what happened to the girl all those years ago who refused the idea of not keeping her baby.

"Quinn-"

"I think we're about to take off," Rachel called as she entered the kitchen, Michaela giggling in her arms as Finn followed with Emory, "Supposed to be there half an hour ago, Lord they're gonna kill us." Quinn turned away from Puck as she embraced Rachel and Michaela, ignoring the feeling of his eyes on her as she waved goodbye to the little girl.

"Thanks for having us, and sorry things got so crazy," Finn apologized as he patted Puck's still slumped shoulder, the two nodding towards one another, "If Burt asks tell him mom went ahead home, she figured she'd let Kurt and him finish and then come back to get him."

"Will do," Quinn nodded as walked them to the door, "Thanks for coming guys."

"Anytime, and congrats love!" Rachel cooed as she winked, "Call me when things settle down and tell me everything." Quinn tried to croak out a response but nothing happened when she moved her lips, leaning against the door frame as she dreaded going back inside to face Puck and his still unanswered question. She felt like a coward and a horrible mother for her feelings toward the child that rested in her womb, but all she could think about was what the future looked like and how insane things already were and were about to be.

"Hey doll, Carol's on her way so-" The sound of Burt's voice snapped Quinn out of her moment, turning around and quickly wiping her cheek as the older man halted, "Quinn, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," Quinn dismissed as she plastered on a smile, fixing her hair quickly as she blotted her eye, "Big day that's all."

"Yeah no kidding," Burt chuckled as he shoved his hands in his pockets, not very good with awkward situations, especially those that involved crying girls, "Everything alright though? You and Puck?"

"Yeah, yeah everything's great," Quinn lied as she leaned against the door, "How about Kurt, how's he doing?"

"Ah, he's uh-he's a mess," Burt mumbled as he adjusted his cap, "I mean they're taking a break for now, but he's worried it'll become permanent you know? I don't think so though, I think they can pull through it, just takes a lot of work and patience."

"Yeah," Quinn agreed as she nodded, "Well I think I might go find him and talk to him myself-"

"Yeah, yeah he'd appreciate that," Burt said as he smiled, "I'd appreciate that, never really been good at this whole caring and sharing thing." The flashing of headlights through the room signaled the arrival of Carole, Burt grabbing his jacket before hugging Quinn goodnight.

"Tell Puck I'll see him and Monday ok?" he called as he opened the door.

"Yeah," Quinn answered as she braced herself for another kick in the gut, knowing exactly where this was going as Burt spoke, "Hey Burt?"

"Yeah?"

"Your announcement, the one that kick started everything, what was it?" Burt's face lit up as he chuckled, remembering that out of everyone who had confessed he and Carole had not.

"We're uh, we're gonna renew our vows," he said happily as he grinned, Quinn laughing at how one innocent announcement had spiraled the whole day.

"Well that's great, congrats."

"Thanks sweetie, and Quinn?"

"Yeah?"

"Everything will be ok, I promise." He threw her a wink as he closed the door behind him, Quinn more than thankful he had withheld from congratulating her. She sighed a little as she finally turned to enter the kitchen and face Puck, finding the small room empty as she walked in.

"…and then he said he needed space and left, just like that." The sound of a shrill voice from the living room moved her to the door, Quinn peeking around the corner to find Beth and Balen sitting on the couch with Kurt.

"I'm sorry about that dad," Balen said sadly as he threw his arm around the tiny man, Kurt wiping his eyes with a tissue as he shook his head.

"I just-I just don't understand," he cried as he sniffled, "After eight years, eight years of being together and then one day just poof! You're done."

"I don't think he's done Mr. Kurt," Beth objected as she squeezed his hand, "I think he just might really need a break. We haven't exactly made things easy I know, and it's been a lot to deal with even for my mom and dad."

"This has nothing to do with you two," Kurt objected as he dismissed the teens, "These are our problems, not yours so don't go blaming yourselves."

"I think Beth is right though dad, these past few months have been intense on all of us. I mean look at me and Beth, we took a break and we did fine!"

"So you're saying you're dad should make out with a batty old cougar?" Beth asked quizzically as she arched a brow, Kurt and Quinn snorting a tad as Balen sighed.

"Not gonna let that go are ya?"

"Not anytime soon," she smiled evilly, "But really, maybe this is for the best, maybe you need a break too and don't even know it."

"I know, I know," Kurt murmured as he cleared his throat, "I just-I just don't know how I'm supposed to face him you know? To walk back into our home and see him."

"Isn't he at grandma's?"

"For now, but we've yet to discuss this separation," Kurt explained as he grabbed another tissue, "I mean I don't know how this works or what we're gonna do…I just don't know if I can face it."

"Well-well maybe you don't have to," Beth said suddenly as her lips spread into a grin.

"What sweetie?"

"Yeah, maybe you don't have to," she insisted, "Maybe-maybe you can stay here! With us!"

"Oh honey I couldn't-"

"Sure you can, you know mom would love that!" Beth continued, "I mean we have the guest room and everything! And you could stay here until you and Mr. Jacob figure out this separation!" Quinn smiled a little at how sweet Beth was being…until she remembered that Mercedes was already staying as well.

"Beth!"

"Mom, mom I have an idea!" Beth called as Quinn entered the room, jumping up excitedly as she grabbed her mom's hands, "I think Mr. Kurt should stay with us! Wouldn't that be great? He can stay here until things get settled with Mr. Jacob! It'd be just like when I was younger, remember?" Quinn stared down at her daughter and then over to Kurt, who was remaining silent as he waited for the verdict.

"I couldn't impose Quinn…but-"

"Please mom, please?" Quinn began feeling hot as she tried to think of what to say, not wanting to let them down or hurt Kurt anymore. After all the things he had helped her with over the years, it was the least she could do.

"Of course you can," Quinn agreed slowly as Beth squealed, "I mean you'll have to share the room with Merc-"

"Who's sharing a room with Merc?" Puck called as he entered the living room, confusion etched on his face as he stared Quinn down.

"Kurt is dad! He and Mercedes are gonna live with us now!"