A/N: Real quick, if you don't like OCs being part of stories, that's fine, but if that's true...I would just stop reading this story. Some of my OCs come and go, others stay. Sorry if that bothers you, but I'm politely warning you, if you can't handle OCs, please don't continue to read, or leave negative reviews. Okay, moving along...sorry for leaving the last update in such a weird spot. There was a reason though I promise. Hope you like this update. There's six new outfit sets on Polyvore that go with this chapter. Just search (RyotStyle) and you'll find them. Hope you guys like this update!
Face claim for Jewels - Elise Bauman
A while later, Rachel was walking into Smashed, without Quinn. She found her friends, sitting together at the bar, Jade setting two drinks down in front of them."Hello", she smiled, sitting next to Santana, and placing her purse on the counter.
"Rachie, there you are", smiled the dancer."I was worried you were gonna' change your mind or something."
"What up, tiny terror", smirked the Latina."What are you drinking?"
"That depends on what Jade, wants to make for me. Hi Sweetie", she smiled.
"Hi, Rach", she giggled."These two are drinking Fireworks, is that what you want?"
"Hmmm although I do like those...I think I'll try another one of your drinks. Recommend anything new?"
"I'm thinking you could handle a J-Berry Bomb. It's blueberry, strawberry, black raspberry, and vanilla vodka, with sparkling water. Or with soda, although most people say it tastes better with the sparkling water."
"That sounds really damn good", said Santana.
"It seriously does", laughed Rachel."I'll take one with sparkling water."
"Coming right up', smiled the ebony girl.
"That's kinda' perfect for you, because it has your last name in the title," laughed the blonde.
"So, where's your woman?"
"Drinks with some other photographer. She said she won't be long."
"He must be important, because the bitch isn't answering my texts."
"San...cut her some slack, would you? She has a career. You can't be pissed at her for that."
"I'm not", she said, defensively.
"Sanny….you really are though. I'm sorry, but…."
"See? If Britt says-"
"Yeah, I know...fine I'm a little pissed about it, but whatever. As long as she actually shows up to hang out."
"She will, she was really excited for it all day today."Jade stepped in front of Rachel, and set her drink down.
"Here you go. First one's on me since you've never had it before."
"Thank you so much", she said, grabbing it and taking a sip."Okay, wow." She took an even bigger sip."This is delicious, you are a magician."
Jade giggled."I'm happy you like it."
Almost an hour later, Quinn still hadn't shown up. and Rachel Santana were both on their third drinks, and Brittany was on her second. Since it was a Sunday night, there weren't very many people occupying the place. It was the three friends, and maybe seven or eight other people. Jade was able to ligure around the group, because another bartender was tending to the rest. There was no DJ or a band. Just random music playing from the ceiling speakers. It was the perfect atmosphere for their only collective night off.
"So, where's the nightmare, Gina", asked Santana, smirking a little.
"Actually…..she's sleeping in my office. Gina did some day drinking today", Jade answered nervously."That's why the new guy, Ryder came in tonight. He's covering for her."
"So you can fire her now, right", asked Brittany, hopefully, with a smile.
"I should, I know….but no, I can't fire her."
"Damn it, why not", asked Santana."She's a horrible fucking person, please say you know that."
"She's not that bad," smiled Jade.
"Stop," laughed Rachel."You wanna' tell them what you texted me about her, or should I just show them?"
"Aw crap, I fucking forgot about that," she blushed."Fine. I said that she's the human version of...period cramps."
Santana and Brittany lost it.
"It's funny, because it's true," smiled Rachel.
"You say my name", asked the male bartender, as he approached."What did I do?"
"Nothing, buddy", smiled Jade."Wanna' meet some of my friends?"
"Sure", he smiled.
"Okays….guys, this is Ryder…Ryder….this is Rachel, Santana and Brittany", she introduced, in the order they were sitting.
"Cool, nice you meet you all", he waved, with a smile.
"You too", said Rachel.
"Hi Ryder", said Brittany, waving.
"So, you're Gina's replacement", joked Santana.
"Yeah, I wish", he laughed, noticing that he was being waved down."Talk to this one for me? If she gets rid of Gina, I could get more hours. That, and the temperature in here would rise about twenty degrees."
Santana burst into laughter once again."Yes! Love him already!"
"Ouch, looks like Gina is jobless now", smiled the tiny brunette.
Ryder simply grinned as he went to tend to the thirsty customer.
"You guys are hilarious, but I'll be right back", laughed Jade."I need to go check on Hula."
"Ooooooooo wait! If you let me take Rach up to see her, I'll check on her", said Brittany, bouncing up and down on her bar stool."Please?"
"Okays, go ahead", giggled the darker girl."Make sure you tell her that her Mommy loves her."
"Yay! I promise I will! Rachel, come on", said the blonde, up and off towards the back.
Rachel, grabbing her drink from the counter, got up and followed her excited friend."It's about damn time I got to actually pet this dog."
Santana looked at Jade, and smiled. More than anything, she wanted to tell the woman that she knew all about her family, and their status. She had planned on confronting her about it, but Brittany had convinced her not to. Neither of them wanted to risk scaring her away from them. They had decided to just leave it alone, and hope that Jade would open up to them when she was ready to do so.
"San, are you okays?"
"What?" She hadn't even realized that she had spaced out.
"You clouded out. Are you okays, beautiful?"
"Yeah, I'm good", she smiled, taking in her friend's' appearance."What about you, sweet girl. Are you alright? You look tired."
"I'm okays."
"Promise", asked Santana, smiling warmly.
Jade was about to say something else, but Quinn had just walked in."Hey", she greeted with a smile.
"There you are", exclaimed Santana."It's about fucking time! Where have you been?"
"A meeting….a boring one...and sorry for not answering your texts. This guy that I work with, he gets really pissed when people use their phones during meetings." She sat down next to Santana, and smiled at Jade."Hey you."
"Hi, Lion Quinn. What can I get for you?"
"Ever heard of a G-spot", asked the blonde, with a smile.
"God, you too", asked Santana."That drink is taking over, thanks to Aly."
"I wish I had something clever to say, but I suck", laughed Jade."Grape vodka and Seven Up, coming your way."
"Thank you", she smiled, before looking around."Where are Rach and Britt?"
"Up in Jade's apartment checking on her dog", laughed Santana.
"Ah, yes. Hula", laughed Quinn, taking her phone out."Heard all about her, and saw some pictures. She's really cute, Jade."
"Thanks", she smiled, as she mixed the blonde's drink.
Quinn read a few things texts on her phone, before shaking her head, and putting it down."Wow."
"What", asked Santana.
"It's official. Laine's last name is now Fabray. My Mother had it legally changed this afternoon."
"Why are you surprised? Didn't she tell you like last week that she was doing it?"
"Yeah, she did. I guess it's just weird that it's official now. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy about it, but it's weird."
"Okay, calm your tits. It's not like she adopted her."
"I know that, San….but had Laine not recently turned eighteen, she would have adopted her. I'm not upset about it. I'm not."
"Yeah", laughed the Latina."Keep telling yourself that."
"It just might take some getting used to. Can you blame me?"
"There's a lot I could blame you for….but, no. This isn't one of those things. However, my little sister has told me a lot about Laine, and it seems like she really needs somebody like your Mom in her life. So...try to be happy about, don't be fucking jealous."
"I'm not jealous, Santana", she laughed, as Jade set her drink down in front of her."I'm happy that she's part of our family now. My Mother loves taking care of people, and she's helped Laine get her G.E.D, she helped her find a job, and that's all really good. It's just weird. Got it? Not jealous, just weirded out."
"Fine, I got it", breathed Santana, as she drank more from her glass."Chug that shit, you have some catching up to do."
"Oh, believe me I don't. I had a few at Pony Bar….like I said, the meeting was boring."
A few minutes later, Rachel and Brittany had returned from upstairs. Rachel made her way over to Quinn, and kissed her."There you are. How'd it go?"
"It was boring as all Hell, but I survived", she answered, simply."Are you having fun?"
"Yeah", smiled the tiny woman, as she sat next to her girlfriend."That dog seriously just stole my heart, I want one now." She pulled her phone out, and looked at her texts. She quickly read one from Bethany, and locked her phone, but it hadn't gone unnoticed.
"What's Detective Hayes up to tonight", asked Quinn, sipping her drink. She failed miserably at hiding the jealously in her tone.
"Okay, you know what? Don't do that."
"Do what? I just asked you a question."
"After looking over my shoulder to see who I was texting with, God. I knew it was only a matter of time", laughed the brunette."I knew it!"
"A matter of time before what?"
"Please, you've been calling her Detective Hayes, ever since I started with her. You had no problem with her before that."
"Yeah...and I don't have a problem with her now." She again failed to mask her tone.
"Bull. Fucking. Shit."
"Why are you being like this", asked Quinn."I asked you a question and you are freaking out."
"I'm not doing this, I'm not playing this game with you tonight, Quinn. Let's just drop it, alright?"
It was true, Quinn had been acting differently towards Bethany since Rachel had taken her on, but she couldn't help it. She told herself that she was okay with it, but it didn't matter how many times she told herself that. She truly wasn't okay with it."Whatever", she breathed, chugging her drink, and standing up."I'm going outside for a cigarette. Jade?"
"Yeah", the darker woman asked from a few feet away.
"I'll have another one of those please, I'll be right back."
"Okays."
Rachel stared at the blonde, with a really though expression plastered across her face. She didn't get any eye contact back, as Quinn headed for the exit."Jesus." She looked over to Santana, who was already looking at her."What?"
"Go fix it. Now."
"San-"
"No, absolutely not. Go talk to her, this isn't happening."
"She's being ridiculous."
Santana leaned in close."I'm telling you right now, Rachel Berry…..you have no idea what's really swimming through her head. You need to go and talk to her. Right fucking now."
"Oh my God, fine", she breathed, picking up her drink, and heading for the door. Once she was outside, she spotted Quinn a few feet away, lighting her cigarette. She didn't look angry, but she didn't look happy either. It was hard for Rachel to read her in that moment.
"Thought you didn't wanna' talk to me", she said, not looking at her.
"Stop. I didn't say that, and you know I didn't, Quinn."
"Fair enough, but you did say that you wanted the subject dropped, so that's what we'll do. We will drop it."
Rachel walked over, and stood right in front of her."We both know that's not about to happen. Let's just get this over with. You're pissed because Bethany requested me, and that I said yes."
"I'm not pissed about that", she breathed.
"You are pissed about something though. You can tell me all you want that you're not but-"
"Rachel, Bethany likes you."
"What?"
"It's not just about the sex with her, she has an actual thing for you, everybody knows it."
"Come on. It's not like that."
"Isn't it? She seemed totally content with Jewels, then makes this three sixty, and wants you too? I see the way she looks at you, and it's different than your other clients. She looks at you like she wants to ask you to fucking prom."
Rachel sighed, and took a gulp from her drink."I have no idea what I'm supposed to say right now, Baby."
"Why, because you know it's true?"
"No, because it's not true, but it doesn't matter what I tell you, it won't matter. You're opinion will stay the same."
"Wow", the blonde laughed."Way to have faith in me."
"Bethany and I were...kinda' friends, so I get why it's a little weird for you that she wanted to be one of my clients out of nowhere. It was weird for me too, it still is."
"It's not the same", said Quinn, finally making eye contact."I'm sorry for being this way, I thought that I was okay with it, I really did, I wasn't lying when you asked me."
"So, what changed?"
"The fact that I….have the same position as Santana now...it's changed everything. It's changed things in a way that I never expected. That's where I get so pissed off. I should have seen this coming, and I didn't. I feel so fucking stupid."
Rachel frowned, and stepped closer. Her girlfriend's behavior was cause for concern."Keep talking…"
"It's just…..with Santana, her girlfriend is just dancing for people. Nobody else gets to touch her."
"Oh baby…"
Quinn blinked away a few tears, and took a long drag from her cigarette."I'm where San is now so….why does everybody still get to touch you? I ask myself that every single day, but I shouldn't, because I already know the answer. It's because you're on top too just...in a different capacity than I am. Santana started at the top, and she already had Brittany. I started from the very bottom, and you weren't mine yet."
"Quinn…."
"It just sucks, it feels like shit. I was finally able to deal with it. I didn't need to wash you in the shower anymore, I didn't need to know exactly what went on with you and your clients. I had finally accepted all of it, because I fucking love you so much, and was a part of this whole thing. Now….I'm back at the fucking bottom, all because I'm at the top."
Rachel felt horrible. She was beyond happy that Quinn was being honest with her, and telling her how she really felt. Only, she was sad, because Quinn was sad, and because there wasn't anything she could do about it. She wrapped her arms around her waist, and looked up at her."You are above all of my clients. None of them will ever mean to me what you mean to me."
"You've said that before."
"And I'll keep on saying it, because I mean it. I love you, I am only in love with you. I need you to tell me what I can do to make you believe that, because Quinn…..quitting is not an option right now."
"Right now", the blonde asked, hopefully.
Rachel smiled."I heard you loud and clear before, baby. You've been thinking all about my future and other options for me. I know you want me all to yourself eventually, and I want that too."
"You do?"
"Yes, but...I don't really know when that's gonna' happen. I do see it happening, but I can't tell you when. I'm sorry that I can't."
"Oh my God", she cried, happily."It doesn't matter that you can't tell me when. The fact that you just said that you see it happening...that means the world to me, Rachel."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." She pressed her lips against hers, and held her close. They melted into each other for a few moments, before she pulled away."That makes me feel so much better."
"Amazing", smiled Rachel."I'll always do what I can to make you feel better. I had no idea that's how you felt, I really didn't."
"There's no way you could have known. I've only really talked to Santana about it."
"You know you can talk to me about these things, right? We don't always have to fight."
"I know, I'm sorry. You know how I can be."
Rachel laughed, tilting her head back."Yes, I do….because I can be the same way."
"Agreed", giggled the blonde, using her index finger to stroke her cheek."Regardless...it will never change the way I feel about."
"The same goes for me," smiled the tiny woman."Things are what they are right now, but...I promise you, one day….it will be you and me against the world."
A while later, the only ones left in Smashed were the two couples, Jade, Ryder and a supposedly passed out Gina, in back. Jade had locked the doors, and the five women were all sitting, laughing and carrying on. Jade was seated on top of the bar counter, legs dangling in between Santana and Brittany. Rachel was sitting on Quinn's lap, on a bar stool. Ryder was standing behind the bar, with a beer bottle in one hand, and a clipboard in the other. Music by Tonight Alive was playing over the speakers, and they were all listening to Quinn tell a story.
"So, after we….had our moment... Rachel leaves my office, I get into some editing on my computer. Maybe….a half hour later, my assistant, knocks and walks in. Mind you, I had totally forgotten that she was in even there until that moment."
"Obviously", laughed Santana.
"Yeah...my mind was...elsewhere", the blonde blushed, causing the others to laugh."Anyways, Kitty comes in, sits down, and she was awfully quiet...and that's just not her. She always has a lot to say, so I was a little thrown. She was talking to me about some photo locations, but it was killing me that she wasn't being herself. So, I asked her if she was alright. The answer that I got, was not the answer that I was expecting."
"What did she say", asked Brittany.
"She blurted it right out. She said….I heard you and your girlfriend having sex."
"God…", grumbled Rachel."So fucking awkward."
"Whoa….", said Jade, her eyes wide."She just said it?"
"No holding back", asked Ryder.
"Not even a little bit, it was so fucking weird. All I could do was apologize. She said she wasn't upset but I still felt so weird about the whole thing. I still do", explained Quinn."She didn't let it bother her for too long though, a couple days later, she was right back to herself."
"That doesn't mean anything, she probably still thinks about it all the fucking time," laughed Santana.
"If she does, you wouldn't know it."
"Which is strange, considering the huge crush she has on you", smiled Rachel, earning a look from Quinn."Sorry, but it's true, and she's creepy."
"She has a crush on you, Quinn", asked Brittany.
"Ugh….well, I didn't see it at first, but I think Rachel's right."
"Shouldn't you get a new assistant", asked Ryder.
"It would be ideal, but….until she says anything about it, or something happens, I can't fire her. She could sue me if I do anything about it right now."
Santana took a gulp from her drink, and looked at Rachel."Tiny...aren't you at all worried about this?"
"No", she shrugged."I trust Quinn." She kissed her on the cheek, as if to prove her trust.
"That's so sweet", smiled Jade.
"It really is", bubbled Brittany.
"Shit", laughed Ryder."I thought I was embarrassed when my grandma found my playboys. At least she didn't hear me doing the deed."
They all laughed, and Quinn looked at the man."Gee thanks for the comfort, Ryder."
"Anytime," he smiled, before looking at his clipboard."Jade…help me out with inventory real quick, please? I'm still kinda' lost."
She smiled, and took down the rest of what she was drinking."Buddy, I've been working here a while...and even I'm still...super lost. Of course I'll help you." She went to jump from the bar counter, but was stopped.
"Whoa….be careful, cutie", warned Brittany, grabbing the darker woman by the waist, and helping her down."Don't hurt yourself."
"Right, we can't have you broken", smiled Santana, kissing her on the cheek.
After Brittany had kissed her on the other cheek, Jade giggled, a shy smile masking her face."Thank you."
Ryder hopped over the bar, and followed Jade towards the back. Once they were gone, Quinn and Rachel wasted no time.
"Okay...so you're no longer trying to hide the crush", asked Rachel, a huge grin on her face."Guys...it couldn't be more obvious."
"What are you talking about", asked Santana.
"Don't play dumb", laughed Quinn."She's right, it's obvious."
"What is", asked Brittany, who was genuinely confused.
"Alright, if this is how you wanna' play it, let's play", said Rachel, clearly on the verge of breaking something down."At first, I thought it was just Britt that had a thing for Jade. After meeting her, if she wasn't at the playground on her downtime, she was with her. Naturally, I was a little worried. After a while, it became clear...and stayed clear, because Santana's hard on for Jade working at the Playground was….a little too hard."
The Latina was suddenly annoyed with her tiny friend, and growing impatient."Get to your fucking point, Rach."
"Oh, I'm sorry...I thought the point had been made. You both have a thing for her", she laughed."I'm not trying to pick on you about it, just...come clean."
Santana looked over at Brittany, who was already looking at her, smiling as if she had just been caught. She smiled back, before looking at her friends."You both need to stop. Now."
"Why, because we're right", asked Quinn.
"This has never happened with us before guys", said Brittany."It really hasn't, I swear."
Santana nodded."We've talked about it before, but it's just been talk. We don't hate the idea of having another girlfriend, but we've never done it before. This is the first time we've ever had feelings for somebody together. So, you two being ass holes about it...yeah….not fucking helping."
Rachel suddenly felt guilty."Alright, sorry. I didn't realize that it was that serious."
"I did, but that's irrelevant", breathed Quinn."I'm sorry."
"Can we change the subject please", asked the Latina, with a roll of her eyes. She was embarrassed, and needed the topic of conversation to shift.
"Yeah, we can talk about our dear little Sugar," laughed Quinn."San, did you tell Brittany yet?"
"Tell me what?"
"One of Sugar's clients wants her to dress as Harley Quinn. The super villain chick," laughed Santana, who loved the fact that her girlfriend was already smiling."So yesterday, Quinn and I went to coach her on the accent and voice...turned out, the little bitch already knew how to talk like her."
"What", asked Rachel, in shock."No...come on. That's not an easy personality to project...she mastered it?"
"Like you wouldn't believe", laughed Quinn."I know that it's Sugar and all…..but she advances us in at least one way for sure. That's saying a whole lot for a sex playground."
The four of them were so deep into their conversation, none of them had even seen her coming.
"A….what playground?"They all turned to see Gina approaching them."I knew there was something fucked about you bitches."All four of them exchanged looks. Their Oh shit faces on point. None of them knew how to respond, at least not right away."You guys are from a sex playground?"
"No, we're not", said Santana."We were talking abou-"
"Save it, you self righteous fucking cunt", the red head laughed, as she walked towards them."I heard what you were talking about."
"Don't talk to her like that", said Quinn, standing up."I kicked your ass once Gina, I will do it again for real this time. Jello or no jello."
"Go ahead", she said, leaning up against the bar counter."I'm telling Jade. Maybe then….she'll stop letting you fucking bitches hang around here."
"Gina, you can't tell her", said Brittany."Please, don't."
The redhead looked towards the back, before smiling back at the four women."What's your secret worth?"
"Excuse you", asked Rachel.
"You heard me, short stuff. You want me to keep it a secret….you're gonna' need to pay up."
"No, fuck off", said Quinn, shaking her head."She won't believe a sleazy little bitch like you...we'll risk it."
"You'll risk it? Alright, fine", said Gina, turning around to head towards the back. None of them expected Santana to say what she was about to.
"What's your price?" She took a few steps towards the woman."Name it." She knew that her girlfriend, and friends would be surprised, but she didn't care. The playground was her life, and Jade meant a lot to her. She didn't want either to be taken from her, and none of them were ready for Jade to know.
"Santana…", warned Quinn.
"Are you serious", asked Gina, spinning back around.
"Like a heart attack", answered the Latina."What do you want?"
"You got cash on you", she asked, as if she had blackmailed people on a daily basis.
Without a words, Santana grabbed her clutch from the bar counter, and reached inside. She took out a wad of cash, and counted it silently."Four hundred and eighteen dollars, you want it...it's all yours, just keep your damn mouth shut."
"Ouch", she laughed, as she jumped over the counter, and grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels."You gotta' do better than that."
Brittany grabbed her bag from the counter, and dug into it for her wallet. She pulled it out, opened it, and grabbed her cash."Two hundred and ten bucks." She handed it to Santana.
Rachel and Quinn went into their purses, and did the same.
"Three seventy", stated Rachel, handing her cash to her friend.
"Four fifty,", said Quinn.
"Damn", she laughed, before drinking from the whiskey bottle."I guess a sex playground is a pretty fucking lucrative business."
"Bitch…..that's damn near fifteen hundred dollars cash. You gonna' keep that mouth shut or not?"
"Oh, I will, but there's one more thing."
"What is it", asked Santana, taking Quinn's money, and adding it to the the wad in her hand.
"You guys making yourselves scarce around here."
"What", asked Brittany, sadly.
"You heard me."
"That's not fair, what the fuck is the matter with you", spat Rachel.
"Nothing. I have no idea what it is about you bitches, but you distract Jade...I don't like it. You give her ideas, and she doesn't need any ideas." She took another shot from the bottle."Now….I'm not saying stay away for good….just maybe cut it back like….a lot. You do that, hand over the cash, and obviously keep this little chat between us….I won't say a word."
"Exactly which one of the seven circles of Hell were you spewed from", snapped Quinn.
Gina just laughed, and drank from the bottle once again.
Santana looked at Brittany, who was already looking at her, shaking her head. She had tears in her eyes."Baby…"
"San, no", she whined."No."
The Latina leaned in and whispered into her ear."She can't do anything about us seeing Jade outside of this place. Trust me, she can't stop us."
It took the blonde a few moments, but eventually, she nodded, and wiped her eyes.
"Deal", said Santana, tossing the cash onto the counter."If you fuck us over, I will rip your ginger ass apart."
Once Jade and Ryder made their way back out to the bar area, Gina sent a quick smirk towards the women, before disappearing again. They all acted tired, and said their goodbyes, hoping and praying that Gina would keep their secret.
Months later, Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Things had changed, some for the better, others for the worse. Life was moving on for everybody, and they didn't have a choice. Temptation Playground was getting a face lift, and was therefore shut down for a few days. It was done quickly, Only, it didn't stop some of Santana's babies from growing antsy and leaving the nest. Even after all the construction was finished, some of them didn't feel the need to return. It wouldn't effect the place much, as long as they could be replaced.
On a random Monday afternoon, Santana had walked into her office to get some work done. She'd been sitting at her desk, not five minutes, when there was a buzz at her door. She looked at her security monitor. Jewels was nervously standing outside of her door."God...what now", she groaned, before hitting the button to let the shorter woman in.
"Hello, Miss Santana", she said, as she walked in, and let the door close behind her."How are you today?"
"I'm fine, thanks for asking. Come on in, take a seat. I see you dyed your hair."
"I did. Well, Sugar did….she helped me with it last night", she said, nervously, as she sat down in front of the desk."Do you like it?"
"Jewels, you look pretty, no matter what color your hair is. I do like the dirty blonde though, it works for you."
"Thank you, Miss Santana."
"You're welcome. Now, what can I do for you, my baby?"
"Well….um…..there….there's something that I want to tell you. I know that I shouldn't….but I feel like I have to."
"Is that so?"
"You won't be happy with me at all...and I know that. It's why it's taken me so long to come clean. Please….please please don't fire me," she whined.
Santana was confused. This was one of her babies that was popular, and had never been in trouble, or given her any reason to be be upset or angry with her."What is it, Jewels?"
She looked to her lap."You see...I…just think that you should know….that...um. The thing is I n-never….I didn't wa-want this...I just-"
"Baby, I'm counting to three. When I get to three, spit it out, no hesitation, got it? One, two, thr-"
"I'm the eyes and ears", she blurted out, immediately bursting into tears."It's me."
"What?"
"For Noel and Nova", she cried."I'm….the one who...tells them everything."
The Latina was sat back in her chair, blown away. This was the last person that she would have suspected. She had done what she was told, out of fear. She hadn't bothered questioning any of her babies, because she was certain that her Boss Lady's would find out."No….there's no way."
"It's true, Miss Santana. I'm not supposed to tell you...but….I had to. You've looked out for me for so long now….and….I can't keep it a secret anymore. I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you….I didn't", she cried."Please don't hate me...please?"
An hour later, Jewels was gone from Santana's office, and she was dialing Quinn.
"Hello?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm at my place, just finished putting groceries away."
"Get here. Get here now", said Santana."We have an issue."
"Yeah, I just need to change and I'll be on my-" She was interrupted by another call."Shit, Laine is calling. Listen, I'll be there as soon as I can, alright?"
"Alright", answered the Latina."Hurry."
"I will", said Quinn, before ending her call, and taking the other one. "Laine, hey. What's up?"
"Can..you come over to your Mom's right now….please?"
She knew something was wrong the minute the teenager had spoken."What's going on?"
"Something's really wrong", she cried."Please...come over here."
"I'll be there as fast as I can."
True to her word, Quinn was at her Mother's house in just under forty five minutes, having broken various traffic laws. As soon as she got inside, she found Laine upstairs, standing outside Judy's bedroom door.
"Thank God", she sniffled, hugging her.
Holding onto the girl, Quinn peeked into her Mother's room, and saw that she was sleeping in her bed."What happened?"
"She looked sick all day, but whenever I asked about it, she would just say she was tired. After dinner, we were clearing the table and….she just….collapsed. She was crying, and couldn't get up from the floor. She wouldn't let me call nine one one, she didn't even want me to call you. I begged….but she wouldn't let me." A few tears were already falling down Quinn's face."Finally, she could stand up, but not without leaning on me. I pretty much carried her up here, and...I laid down with her until she fell asleep. I knew she didn't want me to, but I had to call you."
Quinn was devastated. The thought of her Mother in so much pain that she couldn't stand, broke her heart. "Did she say what hurt specifically?"
"No. I asked but she wouldn't tell me." Laine looked at Quinn."I'm sorry that I didn't call nine one one, or call you sooner...but...she didn't want me to and I didn't wan-"
"It's alright, I understand." Judy started making groaning noises from her bed. Quinn let go of Laine, and rushed into the room. She knelt down next to the bed."Mom?"
"Quinny", she asked, slowly opening her eyes."Sweetheart...what...are you doing here?" She was clearly still in pain.
"Laine called me because she's worried about you. She says you're in pain." She moved the older blonde's hair from her face."Talk to me...what's hurting you?"
"It will pass….it always pa-passes", she sobbed."You should go, sweetheart...it will pass."
"This has happened before", asked Quinn, looking up at Laine, who was standing in the doorway. She just shrugged."Mom….talk to me."
Judy went to speak, but cried out, as a sharp pain moved through her body."Oh no..", she whimpered, clutching her side."No…it should be gone by now…".
"Laine, call nine one one", Quinn instructed.
She nodded, and pulled her phone out.
"No...no, Quinny...I can't….don't do this….please please don't...". She was almost hysterically crying.
Quinn carefully placed one arm around Judy, and rested her forehead on hers. She didn't want to be crying, but she couldn't help it."Shhhh shhhh...everything will be okay. Take it easy…."
"I don't...want to go to a...hospital...Quinny...I'm scared. Please don't do this...", Judy cried.
Her Mother's tone was killing her, and she couldn't stop herself from crying harder."I know you're scared, I know. I am too, Mom. I won't leave you, I'll be with you the whole time, I promise." She used her free hand to grab a hold of Judy's. Both of their hands were resting on the spot that seemed to be causing the older woman pain."You'll be alright. I promise, everything will be alright."
She stayed, holding onto Judy until the paramedics showed up. Speaking words of comfort, and reassurance. Once they had shown up, she backed away, holding her pseudo sister's hand, watching in fear as Judy was lifted from her bed, and carried downstairs. The paramedic carefully set her down on a stretcher, and started to strap her in. She wanted so much to ride in the ambulance with Judy, but there wasn't room for Laine, and there was no leaving her behind."Alright, come on. Do you know where her purse is?" Laine nodded, and hurried into the kitchen."Grab it, get whatever you need, and let's go, I'll wait for you in my car."
Once they were at the hospital, the two were forced to sit in the waiting room, while Judy was taken to be examined. They were sitting side by side, looking down at their laps. Laine was playing with her hands, trying really hard not to cry anymore."Are you mad at me?"
"No", Quinn answered, without hesitation."Why would I be?"
"It's just….maybe if I would have called you sooner…"
"Laine, it's alright. I'm happy you called me at all." She put her arm around her."She hates hospitals, she always has. Places like this...they scare her."
"I think I kinda' knew that something was wrong though."
"How?"
"A few days ago, after having lunch with Noah….I got home and she was cleaning up glass from the kitchen floor. When I asked her what happened, she told me that a plate slipped out of her hands. When I hugged her, she held onto me for a lot longer than usual...it didn't bother me, but it seemed like she was scared. Yesterday, after church, she prayed silently for a really long time. Today, she was so off...like all day...and when she fell...she dropped the dishes she was carrying. Which made me think…"
"That she fell before, and didn't tell you", nodded Quinn."I'm not mad at you. I'm thankful. Without you, who knows what would have happened. I'm happy that she has you there with her." Laine smiled sadly through her tears, and buried her face into Quinn's shoulder. The blonde noticed that the younger girl was clutching something in her hand. Whatever it was, she was gripping it so tightly, that her knuckles were turning a light red color."Hey...what do you have here?" She softly rubbed the girl's hand.
Laine opened her hand, and revealed a silver necklace, with a cross charm."She gave this to me the day my name was legally changed. She said she wanted me to have it, because she wanted me to know that God is with me always...and so is she."
Quinn smiled, and pulled her own necklace out from underneath the top of her shirt."Sounds familiar. Did she tell you to pray with it?"
"Yeah", nodded Laine."She did."
"I thought so. Let's pray her."
Back at the Playground, Rachel was standing at the bar. She was about to head to a private room with Cassandra, when her phone went off. She smiled, noticing that it was a text from Quinn. Her smile faded quickly, as she read it.
Baby….something is wrong with my mom….at harlem hospital center now -Q
"Oh my God", she said, sadly. She didn't even know what had happened, yet she still felt like crying.
"Come on, little girl", growled Cassandra."You're in so much trouble."Rachel looked up, but she didn't say anything."What's the matter, are you scared? You probably should be…", she smirked.
"Cassie, there's an emergency. I'm really sorry, but I need to cancel tonight."
"Excuse me", she asked, a look of pure anger on her face."No, I don't accept that. You know that this is our time, Star."
"Like I said, it's an emergency", she repeated frantically."Please, don't be like this."
Santana happened to be walking by. She had just left her office, and was on her way to check on her Perfection, when she noticed how upset her friend and the member looked."Is there a problem here?"
"Star says that she has to cancel with me, because of some emergency. It's absolutely fucking ridiculous", she sneered, expecting Santana to scold the tiny brunette.
The Latina looked at Rachel, who was already holding up her phone, so that she could read the message."Oh shit, yeah….go."Rachel smiled, hugging Santana quickly, before rushing off to change her clothes."Sorry, Cassandra, but it's an actual emergency."
"Unbelievable", she snapped.
"I'm very sorry", said Santana, even though she wasn't actually sorry at all."Would you like me to set you up with somebody different for tonight?"
"No! Of course not!"
"Alright then, let me know if you change your mind." She turned to walk away, when Cassandra decided to cross the line.
"It's that cunt, Quinn, isn't it?"
"Hey", hollered Santana,sharply, turning back towards the older blonde, standing about an inch away from her face. She had been so loud, that it actually startled Cassandra, and other people standing around."You do not get to call her that, not in front of me, not inside of this building." She was speaking softly at that point, but there was plenty of threat in her tone."Things are different around here, including who's in charge of your happiness and pleasure. The woman you just insulted, yeah...she's somewhat in charge now because she is my partner. This is a warning. If I ever hear her name come out of your mouth again, you are out the fucking door."
Cassie didn't back down, or say anything. Not until she realized that Santana wasn't going to move until she did."I'm sorry", she said, sarcastically."It won't happen again."
"Good to know", said Santana, before turning and walking away. She headed straight for her office, pulling her phone out as she walked. She noticed that Quinn hadn't answered her text messages. She had been annoyed with her for not showing her face, or texting back, up until that point. When she did get to her office, and was closing the door behind her, she dialed Quinn. She didn't expect her to answer, and was fully prepared to leave her a voicemail. Only, she was surprised when her friend picked up after only two rings.
"Hey….San. I'm sorry that I'm not-"
"What's going on with your Mom?"
"How'd you know?"
"Rach just cancelled on Cassie, and let me in on why…."
"I didn't want her to do that, I was just...trying to let her know what was going on."
Santana rolled her eyes, taking a seat at her desk."Please...do you seriously mean to tell me that she wouldn't come see you, after telling her something was wrong with your Mother? Ven ahora….of course she'd be there."
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want Rach here, but…we don't even know what's going on yet. I haven't seen her since we got here." She was sobbing. It didn't matter that her and Santana were friends at that point, she still felt shameful about crying to the woman."I'm so sorry...I shouldn't be like this right now."
"Are you fucking crazy, Barbie? If I were in your position right now, I'd be a damn mess. Lord knows...me and my Mom bicker, but that woman gave birth to me. What happened?"
"She's in lots of pain, and she's been trying to hide it….but she couldn't anymore. Laine got scared and called me."
"Shit...I'm glad she did call you. I'm sure Judy's fine...and don't worry about shit here. I got it covered for now, just stay with your Mom."
"Thank you so much, San. I was gonna' ask-"
"I kinda' figured, and I wouldn't have said no. Just...keep me updated please? Judy makes damn good dinners, and I won't be deprived of that. Let her know that for me, alright?" She wasn't trying to make light of the situation. In her own special way, she needed Quinn to know that she was there for her and her family.
Quinn laughed a little through her tears."Yeah, I'll let her know. I'll text you in a little while, San. Thank you so much."
"No problem." With that, she hung up, and sighed. She was a little sad and somewhat frustrated, but needed to get back to work. Her feelings be damned, she needed to be Boss Lady number one. She went to get up, but stopped herself. She thought for moment, before relaxing back into her desk chair, and getting back onto her phone. She found the contact that she was looking for, and put the phone to her ear. She waited for an answer and smiled when she got one."Hola, como estas, mami."
A little while later, Quinn was still sitting in the waiting room. She had worn herself out pacing back and forth, and was seated for a third time. She didn't know what to do with herself. That was until she heard a sweet and much needed voice saying her name.
"Quinn…"
She looked up, and saw her girlfriend hurrying towards her. She stood up, and welcomed the tiny woman into her arms."Rachel...". She hugged her tight, and didn't bother trying to stop the tears that fell."You're here."
"I told you I was on my way, there was no way I wasn't coming."
Quinn held her as if her life depended on it." I needed you."
Rachel looked right at her girlfriend, and smiled sadly."I'm here for you, baby. Your bestie brought me."
"What", the blonde asked. It was then that she saw Blaine standing a few feet away."Oh my God."
"Hey, sweetheart", he smiled sadly.
She left Rachel's embrace, only to walk towards the man, and hug him, burying her face into his shoulder."You came too…"
"Of course I did."
After a few minutes, Quinn was sitting back down, Blaine and Rachel on either side of her."This whole waiting thing is killing me, I just need to know that she'll be alright. We've been out of our minds with worry."
"Wait, we", asked Blaine, as he rubbed her back.
"Oh my God, that's right", Rachel said, wiping some of Quinn's tears from her cheeks."Laine is here with you." She looked around, but didn't see the girl."Where is she right now?"
"In the cafeteria", sniffled Quinn."Mia showed up…we've been waiting for such a long time. I sent them to get something to eat, right before you guys showed up. Laine feels this weird guilt towards this whole thing. It's so misplaced, and I've been trying to explain that to her. I don't think she really understands, so when Mia got here, I thought maybe she could help. I sent them away on purpose. That makes me horrible, right?"
"Oh my God, not at all", said Blaine."Not even a little bit."
"You're not horrible, you're just trying to shield Laine, and that's such a good thing, I promise", said Rachel."You're protecting her."
"I'm trying to...but...she's so scared. Just as scared as I am." She broke into tears again, covering her face with her hands."Oh...God."
Rachel leaned over, and enveloped her girlfriend in her arms."It's alright, we're here. Blaine and I...we're right here."
Quinn cried into her hands, unable to sit up, and acknowledge the physical comfort that she was getting.
"Whatever you need, there is no question", said Blaine.
A few minutes later, Blaine went to the cafeteria to check in with Laine. Rachel sat with Quinn, who was stretched across two seats, her head in the brunette's lap. She was stroking the blonde's hair, softly. Quinn was loving it, and hadn't even tried to protest. It helped her to stop crying, and relax."I can't lose her…", she mumbled."I can't….I need my Mother."
"Don't think like that. It's probably not that serious."
"I can't help it. She was keeping it a secret for who knows how long. She's already so fragile, who knows what damage has been done."
"Quinn, she's in her forties, she's not that fragile yet", Rachel said, gently.
"No, I don't mean her age. She's just….fragile in general...because of the things my Father did to her."
"He really was just as bad as you make him sound, wasn't he?" She'd never met the man, but hated him so much. The fear she saw in Quinn's face every time she talked about her Father, broke her heart.
"Growing up, I'd see him slap her, punch her, knock her down and kick her. He's pushed her through a sliding glass door, pulled her hair so hard that he's ripped it out." Her eyes filled with tears again."He damn near put her into a coma once when he….pushed her down the stairs. He broke her….over and over again, he broke her...and yet...she always did what she could to make him happy. Nothing would ever be good enough, and I didn't think she'd ever understand that."
Rachel, who had let a few tears of her own falling, started wiping Quinn's away with the sleeve of her sweater."What made her finally see the light?"
"I think...at first, it was my older sister leaving home. She couldn't take it anymore. One morning, she was just gone...and I knew exactly why. So did my Mother. My Father didn't care, not even a little bit. Yeah, he'd hurt Chelsea and me...but never as badly as he hurt Mom. I think the absolute final straw was my senior year. It was Christmas time, and my Father...he was so drunk. Wasn't even five o'clock yet, and he was hammered. I mean, she was drunk too but….she always managed to be composed, if that makes any sense."
"Normally composed and drunk wouldn't make any sense, but I see that being a thing with your Mom."
"Exactly. Anyways, he went off on her for not cooking fast enough, and how the house wasn't clean enough. You go to her house with me. Is it ever dirty or messy?"
"Not at all, it's always immaculate!"
"She's always been like that. So, he makes these comments about dust, and she wouldn't say anything...she just kept working on dinner. He didn't like that she was being silent, so he grabbed her by the back of her neck...and the sound she made...was just...awful. Something in me snapped, Rach. I jumped on his back, and just started pounding on him, and screaming. He let her go, and slammed me into the kitchen wall. I fell on the ground, he lifted me up and started strangling me."
"Oh my God…", Rachel whimpered."Baby…"
"He had never gone that far with me. I was almost gone...like, I knew that he was going to kill me. Until I heard this loud banging noise. My Mother hit him over the head with cast iron frying pan. She hit him so hard, that she knocked him out….I guess seeing him do that to me was the last straw. She finally called the police and he got his ass kicked in court."
Rachel had known that Quinn's Father was an abusive man, but she had never known the story of how it all came to an end."Is he in prison?"
"Yeah, he got fifteen years for attempted murder, and some other years piled on for assault." She took a deep breath as she looked up at her girlfriend."I didn't mean to upset you...but I've actually wanted to tell you about that for a long time. Thank you for listening."
"Come here", said Rachel, as she guided her girlfriend to sit up. Quinn sat up, and spun around, so that she was sitting on the chair next to Rachel's."I want you to listen to me, okay?" She cupped her face with both hands, and looked directly into her teary Hazel eyes."I am so sorry that you and your Mother went through that. Your sister too. Nobody deserves to be treated like that….but baby, there is no way you guys went through all of that for no reason. All those horrible things that he did to her, and she's still alive today. That makes her strong as Hell, and one of my personal heroes. You're both so strong, and whatever this is….it won't take her down."
Quinn nodded a little before pressing her lips up against Rachel's. They kissed a few moments, before she broke away."I love you so much."
"I love you too."
It wasn't until around nine o'clock that night, when a doctor finally walked into the waiting area. Rachel still cuddling Quinn, Blaine reading a random magazine, and Mia, with Laine fast asleep on her shoulder. Quinn felt like she'd been there for days, and the room seemed to have gotten smaller since they had arrived.
"Quinn Fabray?"
The blonde looked up, and met the face an older man, wearing glasses, and white coat."Yes, that's me."
"My name is Doctor Lawrence", he reached out to shake her hand.
She stood up, and shook it."Is my Mother okay?"
"I'd be happy to explain everything to you, if you wouldn't mind coming with me", he smiled.
"Alright." She stepped over towards and lightly shook her awake."Hey...hey sweetie, wake up." The teenager opened her eyes, and her head snapped up."We can see her now."
"Go on," said Mia, kissing her on the cheek."
"We'll be waiting", said Rachel.
"Tell her that we love her", smiled Blaine.
Laine was in her feet, not entirely awake yet, and being guided by Quinn.
"She's a relative", the doctor questioned.
"Yeah, same last name and everything, I promise." Quinn was getting annoyed. She knew he had to ask, but she just wanted to see Judy and find out what was wrong.
"Alright then", he smiled."Follow me."
When they finally got into the private room, the two of them couldn't help but smile. Judy was sitting up in bed, fidgeting with her hospital gown.
"Mom", cried Quinn, as she rushed over, and carefully hugged her.
"There you are." She hugged, and rubbed her back."My girl."Laine had only made it halfway into the room, before stopping. She wanted Quinn to get the first hug. Just noticed her over Quinn's shoulder."Come here, I need both my girls." The teenager smiled and wasted no time joining in on the hug.
A few minutes and lots of tears later, Quinn and Laine were seated on either side of Judy, both of them holding her hands. The doctor was explaining what was wrong.
"Ms. Collins, you have an infection spreading through your body. It was caused by two cysts that I found on your liver."
"Good Lord", she said, worry in her tone.
"Oh my God", breathed Quinn.
"You can fix it, right", asked Laine, hastily.
"Don't worry, this is very easily taken care of. She'll need mild surgery to remove the cysts, antibiotics for the infection, and some rest. She should be up and around in no time at all. Ms. Collins, in the future if something like this happens, don't ignore it. If you would have seen a doctor sooner, this could have been prevented." The man wasn't being rude, his tone was filled with compassion and concern.
Quinn gave her Mother a look. One that involved a single eyebrow being raised.
"Quinny, don't give me that look, I invented that look."
"I'll give you three some privacy", smiled the doctor.
"Thank you Doctor Lawrence", said Judy.
Once he was gone, the younger blonde leaned in and hugged her Mother again."How long have you been feeling sick?" She was almost in tears."Be honest with me, please."
"Trust me, sweetheart. You're both better off not knowing", she said, guilt in her tone, and splashed across her face.
"You can't do things like that", cried Quinn."Don't you ever do this again, not ever."
"Oh, I know. I'm sorry", she cried."I'm very sorry, I was scared. I thought that whatever it was….was going to kill me. I didn't want to know, I pretended that it wasn't happening. I didn't mean to scare you, Quinny." She looked over at Laine."You either sweetheart, and I'm sorry for putting you in that position."
"Next time you tell me not to call for help, no disrespect, but I'm calling for help."
"Thank you, dear.", sniffled Judy."I love you both so much."
"I love you too", sobbed Quinn.
"Love you", said Laine, wiping a stray tear."I'm gonna' go tell everybody that you're doing better. I'll be back."
"Thank you", said Quinn, wiping her face. She stood up, carefully crawled onto the bed next to Judy. She smiled when the woman laid her on her shoulder and snuggled into her.
"What did she mean by everybody?"
"Rachel, Blaine and Mia are in the waiting room. They send their love."
"How sweet of them to be here."
"Mom, please promise that next time you feel sick, you'll see somebody. I know that you get scared and that these places make you nervous. I'll go with you, just please promise?"
"I promise, Quinny. Honestly, I knew that Laine was onto me. She's been giving these looks since last week. I'd catch her from the corner of my eye, staring at me as if I was about to explode."
"Well, she was worried, and for good reason."
"She called me, Mama."
"Huh?"
"When I fell down, she yelled...Mama, and was by my side in a second." Quinn smiled."She actually said it a few times while she was panicking, I'm not sure she even realizes it, but it's alright. I like that she did. I feel like I'm getting a second chance with her. Like, making her part of our family makes up for me failing Chelsea."
"You didn't fail her...God damn it, I really hate that you think that", she whined.
"Language, dear."
"I'm sorry, it's just...you shouldn't feel like that. Dad failed, he failed all of us." She kissed her on the forehead, and tightened her grasped around her."Chelsea ran away to be safe, and you saved me. I told Rachel about Dad trying to choke me...you wanna' hear what she said?"
"I don't know….", she answered, nervously.
"She said that you're strong, and you're her hero now. She wouldn't have said that if you failed me, Mom."Judy had no words. She simply buried her face into her daughter's shoulder, and sobbed.
Eventually, Quinn told everybody that they could leave. Blaine was nice enough to give Mia a ride home, before he took Rachel back to the Playground. Her and Laine stayed the night in Judy's hospital room with her.
The next day, would prove to be a very interesting one for Santana. Her mind was already all over the place. Little did she know it was about to be blown once again.
"So who exactly is this girl that we're going to meet", Rachel was asking. She was riding in back of Santana's car, next to the Latina.
"Honestly, I have no idea", she laughed, shaking her head."All Mercedes told me is that she'd be perfect to work at the Playground. Wouldn't even drop a name."
"I feel like you're not enthused about it? Or hopeful. Wow," laughed the shorter of the two."Being positive is a real thing, San. You should probably look into it."
"Why should I be fucking enthused? Like I said, I have no idea who this girl is. Plus, it's Mercedes. God knows, I love that woman, but...come on. Who the Hell could she possibly recommend for a job like this? There has got to be a reason why she wouldn't tell me her name, right?"
"I suppose you have a point there, but don't have such low expectations before we meet her. You never know, maybe she will be perfect."
Santana looked at the brunette."It's not easy to be perfect, not in a place like Temptation. Just you, and a handful of other people have mastered it….doesn't mean it's easy. You have to remember, sex is a form of art. Not everybody has...natural talent...if you know what I mean."
"I didn't say that it was easy," defended Rachel."Also, what do you mean by mastered...that sounds really awkward, I can't lie."
"You know damn well what I mean. There are some very popular people at the Playground, and you're at the top of the female list. Obviously, you're doing something right."
"That means that I've mastered it?"
"What the fuck else could it mean, Rachel? Jesus! Do I have to spell it out for you?"
"No, it's just weird to hear you say that" she defended."Calm down."
"Why is it weird? I've said it before, and it's been mentioned by other people."
Rachel knew exactly why it was weird, but she wouldn't dare say it out loud."I...don't know."
"Oh, you know...you just don't wanna' say it", she laughed."It's fine, you don't have to, but I think we both know what it is….or rather...who it is."
"Whatever", Rachel breathed, looking away from Santana."This won't take long, will it? I need to go to see Quinn and Judy at the hospital before we open tonight. I promised her that I would."
"Don't worry, I'm sure this won't take very long. Britts was gonna' come with me, but her and Jade went to dance class or something. Quinn obviously has her hands full, so here you are. Thank you for coming with me, tiny terror."
"No problem", she breathed.
A few minutes later, they were walking into a diner in Midtown. There weren't enough people inside the place to call it crowd, but enough people. They'd have to discuss quietly. Santana looked around."She should be here by now. I'm supposed to text her." She pulled her phone from her jacket, and sent out a quick text. Once it had sent, she looked around, and heard a phone go off in the back corner of the place. As soon as she saw who was sitting in the booth, her jaw dropped."No….there is no fucking way."
"What", asked Rachel."What is it?"Santana, who didn't bother to answer her friend's question, made her way towards the back. Rachel followed suit, and as Santana stopped in front of a booth, her eyes rested on a shy looking woman, with long, dark brown hair and innocent blue eyes."Santana, is this her?"
"Oh my God….", said the woman, looking up from her phone."Hi...Santana."
"Marley", stated the Latina."You're who I'm meeting with, you're who Cedes wants me to hire?"
She put her phone on the table, next to her glass of water, and looked to her lap."I...I know, it's really strange to you….but...please..hear me out?"
Santana laughed, before taking a seat across from the timid woman."I mean, of course I'll hear you out, this is just too fucking priceless. Know that I can pretty much promise you that this meeting won't end well for you, or for Mercedes. What the Hell could she possibly be thinking?"
Rachel took a seat next to Santana, as she studied Marley."So...you know her?"
"Oh yeah, I know her", said the Latina, letting out a breathy laugh."Dios mío...I can't believe this. Rachel….meet, Marley Rose. She's the receptionist down at Mercedes' clinic."
Rachel was still very much confused, but she smiled at her."I actually think I've met you before."
She smiled, politely."Yeah, once or twice. It's nice to see you again."
"Good, that's out of the way, now let's get this over with. Marley, do you even know what it is that I do for a living?"
"Yes. You're in charge of an...escort service...of sorts."
Santana couldn't help but laugh."Sweetie, if that's what you're calling it, you are so not ready. If you want me to hear you out, I need to hear you say what it really is."
"Okay...you're in charge of...a place that...deals with people's...sexual needs."
Rachel looked at her with a sad smile on her face. She wanted to be positive, but she knew exactly why Santana was so skeptical."Maybe try looking up, hun."
"Better yet, look up, and look me in the eye", said Santana."Look me in the eye, and tell me what I do. If you could do that, I'd be more inclined to take you seriously."
It took her a moment, but she did look up, and take a deep breath."You're in charge of a secret sex playground."
Santana laughed a little again."There it is. That wasn't so hard, was it?"
"Actually, no. It wasn't."
"Marley, are you gay", asked Rachel, nicely. She didn't want to make the girl any more nervous than she already was.
Marley nodded.
"See, that's fucking crazy to me", said Santana, shaking her head."Not that it should be obvious for anybody really, but you….I am actually shocked. Never would have thought so."
"That was Mercedes opinion too", nodded Marley."Look, don't be mad at her, please? She didn't just outright tell me about the place. I overheard her and Roz Washington talking about it. Later, I asked her to tell me about it."
"Fair enough", nodded Santana."You're a sweet girl. You really are, but that's what might be a problem. I don't think you could handle it."
"I know it's hard for you to believe, but I haven't always been so jumpy."
"You're right, that is hard for me to believe."
"I can explain", she said, desperation in her tone.
"San…let her explain, Jesus", breathed Rachel.
"Go ahead."
"You know how sometimes, smoking marijuana calms people down?" The two other women nodded."Well, it wasn't like that for me. It helped with my migraines, and...other issues that I have, but it made me paranoid, which made me jumpy."
Santana leaned back, and crossed her arms over her chest."It's just, I'm not sure how members would react to your meek personality."
"Santana….some of them would love it", said Rachel, earning a nasty look."I'm serious, that's why people like Jewels. I think you need to give her a chance. We need more girls, you know this." She found Marley's shy yet, determined demeanor intriguing."Now is not the time to be picky."
"Rach, I say boo to this girl, she jumps five feet in the air. She's terrified of me."
"Part of that was the pot…", Marley admitted."I don't even smoke it anymore, I've found other ways to cope with my issues. Plus, if Mercedes would have found out about me smoking, she would have killed me."
"She did flip out on me for being stoned while I was there."
"That's another reason why I quit, she complained about it after you left that day", said Marley."It wasn't just that though, you really did scare me. You're a scary person."
"I know, that's why it was fun messing with you", she smiled.
"Did you give her a reason to be scared of you", asked Rachel, giving her friend an all knowing look.
She looked over to the girl in question."No, not that I know of. Come to think of it, Marley…..why are you so freaked out by me?"
She thought for a moment."I don't know. Every time you'd come to the clinic, you just intimidated the Hell out of me. Right now...not so much."
"Wait, what", asked Santana, as Rachel started laughing a little.
"Don't get me wrong", she said, putting her hands up defensively."I know that you could, without a single doubt, kick the crap out of me. It's just, I'm not getting the vibe that I used to get."
"Not about to lie, that sucks", smirked Santana."Why do you want in, what's the deal?"
"Lots of reasons. It sounds like a pretty interesting place, and working there seems like it would be great. I don't have much of a life right now. I belong to some random clubs, work as a receptionist, and that's it. I need excitement, otherwise, I'll be stuck inside of this stupid little shell for the rest of my life. I know that this is so weird, but Mercedes told me that I could trust you to help me, and I trust her with my life." She looked around a little before making her next statement."Plus…I've been told by most of my girlfriends that I...really know how to appreciate the female form."
Rachel couldn't help but smile at that."You're good in bed?"
"I promise, I'm not bragging or anything like that. It's just….what I've been told."
"I'd accuse you of doing just that. Bragging like an ass hole, but you clearly wear your modesty on your sleeve", said the Latina.
Rachel, even though she didn't really know Marley, knew she'd be perfect for the Playground. She thought she was very pretty, and she couldn't ignore her optimism."San….you should give her a chance. I mean, come on….the Playground could use her, and members will love her."
The Boss Lady sighed, and looked at the girl in question."How old are you?"
"I'm twenty four."
"Awe, you're just a baby", giggled Rachel.
"Oh shut up, tiny…she's two years younger than us!"
"Still…."
Marley smiled.
"Do you understand that you'd have to live in the building", questioned Santana."You'd have to give up some of your actual life, and take this on, with your whole self. It's a whole new world. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes, I understand. I know that there's probably a lot more to this whole thing than what I already do know. All you have to do is teach me, and I'm in."
"Alright," said Santana, laughing a little."Guess we have a new girl."
I really hope you guys liked the update, there will be another one soon hopefully. Reviews are love, now go hug your Mothers! *High Fives*