"Quinn," Artie tries to put his excitement and pride into his voice as he greets his friend.
"Congratulations Artie!" Quinn cries, a grin transforming her face. She leans over to hug him, and for the first time that day, Artie is thankful for his loose graduation gown.
Over the past four years, Artie has seen Quinn in all sorts of conditions. He has seen her at the so-called peak, when she was at the top of the social pyramid as head of the celibacy club and the captain of the Cheerios. And, he has seen her at rock bottom. There was the time Quinn was covered in slushie, and the day they though Glee was falling apart. But, Artie thinks that today, in her simple white dress with her red rose and red diploma, Quinn may be the most beautiful he has ever seen.
"I can't believe we're here," He whispers in her ear.
"I know," she says.
Artie doesn't know what to say, and it doesn't matter, because his mom comes over.
"So nice to see you, Brittney, dear," She greets her son's friend.
Artie feels himself blushing deep red. "Uh, Mom, this is Quinn," He murmurs. "You remember, she was in my English class?"
Artie's mom smiles, "Of course, I'm sorry Quinn." She blushes the same shade as her son, and falters a bit. "Artie, Grandma needs to go home. And, we need to get ready for the party, tonight." She pasuse and thinks for a moment. "Quinn, we would love for you to come."
Quinn smiles, and politely thanks Mrs. Abrams. "I would love to," She says, as Artie's mom wanders away to collect the rest of her family. Artie's youngest sister Cecily is talking animatedly with Tina's father, and his other sister, Bex, has found some friends.
"Would you like a ride over?" Artie is nervous to ask. He wants Quinn to come with him now, and for her words to be anything but an empty platitude. But, at the same time, Artie isn't sure he wants Quinn at his house, especially before the house gets cleaned. His grandma is a bit forgetful, and he knows she has left her body suits in the downstairs guest bathroom before.
Quinn grins, a grin Artie recognizes as real. "Of course!" She says, "My mom dropped me off, and she plans to visit with Shelby and Beth before they spend the night with the Berrys. Just let me get my bag so I can change out of this ridiculous dress before we leave."
Artie feels a matching grin split his face, and accompanies Quinn as they walk to her mother's sports car. Quinn takes out Cheerio's duffel bag, the red more burgundy than crimsion from use. Then, they walk together to Artie's car.
He's insanely proud of the small, late model sadan. Artie lets Quinn throw her bag into the trunk of the car while he transfers smoothly into the driver's seat. Quinn notes the expertly installed hand controls.
"Graduation gift," Artie explains, proudly. "I'm leaving for Michigan next week, for frosh-O, so my parents wanted me to get used to it."
The mention of Artie's departure startles Quinn. She can't believe he's leaving so soon. She expected to have at least the rest of the summer so that she could make her move. Now, she's not sure. Quinn is happy single. She's a confident woman, one who doesn't need a man. She's proven that to herself over the past year. But, she trusts Artie. She feels safe when he's around.
As Artie drives with practiced confidence, he too can't believe he's leaving Quinn behind. She will go to school in Ohio, remaining behind while he goes away. He doesn't know where the words come from, maybe the song they're listening to.
"Quinn…" His voice trials off and he can't find another word. He turns on the radio to avoid awkward conversation, and a Chris Marks song begins playing. Artie sings along with the radio.
"But I won't hesitate no more, no more. It cannot wait. I'm yours."
Quinn reaches over, and gently places her hand on the gearshift. "I don't care that you're going to Michigan, and I'm staying here," she says, quietly. "I don't want to be alone any more. I trust you. I can't wait. I'm yours."
The pull into Artie's drive way, and Artie throws the car into park. He leans across the center concole, and plants a chase kiss on Quinn's cheek.
"I've been wanting to be yours for as long as I can remember," He whispers, kissing her again.