I GOT A POCKET, GOT A POCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE. I GOT A LOVE AND I KNOW THAT IT'S ALL MINE, OH, OH, OH OH...

Quinn really was starting to loathe that song.

That obnoxious alarm woke Quinn up at 5:30 am once again like every other day. Only this wasn't just another day. It was October 16th. 4 years since her father passed away after being in a fatal car accident. Quinn remembered how it tore her family apart. Her mother resorted to alcohol and was incoherent for the first few weeks after Russell's death. She was always drunk as hell and wasn't even there for her daughter when she needed her. Her older sister, Frannie, had called from L.A. to send her love and claim that she couldn't make the funeral. Quinn knew Frannie and her father had fallen out a few years prior but she could have at least got her head out her ass and come and said a proper goodbye to their father.

Rachel was the only thing that got Quinn through those tough first few months. She would always understand when Quinn didn't want to go out and would just hold her as she cried. She answered Quinn's frantic calls at 3 am and stayed up to calm her down after nightmares. Rachel had been her rock, then and always.

Her train of thought was cut off by her phone signalling she got a text. She dragged her finger across the screen and opened the message.

"Think of the devil."

FROM RACHEL:

"Hey, Quinn. I know you're probably waking up right now but I just wanted to say I hope you're alright. I know what today is but keep you head up today. For Him, okay? I'll see you in school. Oh, and good morning, Miss Fabray."

Quinn smiled to herself while sending Rachel a quick reply and then locked her phone. She took a second to stretch her muscles then proceeded to walk into the bathroom.

It was days like this, she was thankful for Coach Sylvester's pregnancy. Cheerios practice was cancelled since Coach had a doctor's appointment and Sue had to make sure, as she put it, her baby was "as strong and striking as it's mother". Quinn shook her head to herself, stripped down and clambered into the shower.

00000

"How're you feeling, Tubbers?"

"And hello to you too, Santana," said Quinn, getting her books out of her locker.

She gave Santana a questioning look as to what she wanted.

"Hey, Quinn. San was worried about you wanted to see how you were," said Brittany walking up to the other two cheerleaders.

"B!"

"San," Brittany warned, nudging her girlfriend in the ribs.

"Fine," Santana muttered.

For someone who was supposedly the "Bad Bitch from Lima Heights Adjacent" she sure was whipped.

"Look, Q. I remember what day today is and just wanted to check that you were okay."

Despite the bad girl attitude, Santana really was a nice person on the inside. She was a different person around Brittany and Quinn had caught glimpses of that Santana. She was glad she had Brittany; she really did bring out the best in the fiery Latina. She had known Brittany and Santana since kindergarten as well, but she had always been closer to Rachel.

"I'm fine, Santana. Thank you for asking," Quinn replied politely.

Santana nodded. "Well, if you need anything, you know we've got your back right?"

Quinn smiled at her friend and nodded back. Regardless of the drama the two had endured, they were always there for each other when it counted.

"Okay. See you around, Q. Come on, Britt."

"Bye, Quinn! Have a nice day," Brittany said, crushing Quinn in a bear hug.

"You too, B."

Santana took Brittany's hand and the two walked off towards whatever class they had next.

000000

Finn had approached Quinn in the hallway during lunch.

"Hey, Quinn! Sorry, I can't hang out today. Sam's having a COD night."

"You're kidding right?"

"Huh?"

"Finn, seriously? I just wanted to retire home after a shitty day and hang out with my boyfriend and best friend! Is that really so much to ask?" Quinn replied angrily.

She was already annoyed that Finn had forgotten the significance of the day after her having reminded him a few weeks ago about just wanting to hang out at home and watch movies with him and Rachel. Even Santana, who usually doesn't care about anything, had remembered.

"I know you're bummed out and everything about your dad and I know how chicks get when they're emotional. So you can just hang out with Rachel. You don't need me there!"

"Well excuse me for wanting my boyfriend to want to be with me today! But I guess I'm too much of an emotional wreck to be around!" she said matching his tone and volume.

"Don't give me any of that "perfect boyfriend" crap, Quinn."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Quinn seethed through gritted teeth.

"It means what kind of girlfriend won't even let me get to 2nd base? The guys on the football team are laughing at me, Quinn. Laughing at me! I mean, you gave it up to Puck but I can't get any?"

"I can't believe you would throw that back in my face. I made a mistake and you know that. And I'm going to walk away before we both say something we'll regret. Thanks for the support though, Finn. I really appreciate it"

And with that Quinn stormed off into the girls bathroom to let her tears fall in private.