AN: It's been almost a year, I've almost all but forgotten this fanfiction and I apologize. I have a lot of original stories I'm working on while balancing life and trying to get myself to draw, but due to a recent review it reminded that people do love this story so I'll do my best to continue it! I'm sorry if characters seem a bit out of place, I just read through my entire story to catch myself back up.
Disclaimer: I own only my original character Izy.
*monday*
Quinn's POV:
My fingers tapped anxiously against the car wheel. I was earlier then usual on my way to school, but it was nerves more then anything. Over the weekend my worries on Isabella's well being grew deeper. My mind was rattling with how far her father had gone in hurting her if it had really been as long as Bongi made it sound, why she's never sought help or done something. 'My father only hit me a few times... I can't imagine not running, but... would I really do any different if I were in her shoes? The only time I left them was when they kicked me out and... I was scared.' It sounded stupid even to me, but it was true. It was almost better to live with people who hated you then to be alone, but I wasn't. 'I had people who took me in... even after I lied to everyone they still cared. She has to know she has friends here that can help.' I let out a sigh and nodded to myself, sure in my decision to confront Isabel about it.
Taking a breath and retaining my common HBIC attitude I pulled into the parking lot and parked my car. I knew Isabel and Rachel came to school early together most mornings so I wasted no time and looked for their lockers to see if they were still gathering their things. Met with no sight of either of them I decided my best bet was to corner her at either break or lunch so I made my way to first period, relieved I shared it Rachel. As I walked in she was already prepared, notebook and binder ready. I rolled my eyes and took a seat next to her.
"Really Rachel, the warning bell hasn't even rung yet." She jumped lightly and sighed. "What?" I laughed lightly, resting back in my chair.
"You know very well what Quinn. I detest being surprised! I was deep in thought about something I was actually going to ask you about, now imagine if I was consideration of the weekends homework. That I was on the verge of figuring out the answer to a question I could not finish last night and here you go just destroying the whole thought process and all memory of it do to your joy of catching me off guard in the mornings." She ranted slightly, I shook my head at the speech and motioned for her to continue.
"You wanted to ask me about...?"
"Really, I think you're sidestepping the point I was trying to make, but if you insist on ignoring then fine..." She trailed off looking around a bit. The classroom was empty since the teacher was most likely enjoying the last bit of her morning and no one really wanted to come to class early. She looked at me confused and tilted her head. "Wait, why are you here so early? Not that I don't approve of wanting to brush up on yesterdays notes and sharpening the mind so you'll stay much more focused during the class and not be insistent on talking through lectures, but it's not your normal routine." I narrowed my eyes.
"Hey, I have a straight A average as well you know and I don't talk during lectures... only the meaningless ones when she starts going on and on about her life." I turned to my bag and started getting out my supplies before Rachel had the chance to tell me to do that as well. "I couldn't sleep much this weekend to be honest. Last night was no different, so I decided to make the most of my time. I was actually hoping to ask Isabella something this morning, she already head to class?" Rachel shook her head and looked back down at her binder.
"I didn't see her this morning." She said indifferently before smiling to herself lightly. I smiled a bit myself. 'If Rachel's in a good mood then things must not have gone that badly after the college concert.'
"So things are okay? She seemed more then pissed at Mr. Schue but who could blame her. I think I just made it worse though... I could've pushed so he didn't make her sing at all in Glee."
"Yes things are okay, we spent most of the next day watching RENT and helping my fathers cook while making a mess of the kitchen in the process." She laughed lightly, but it trailed off a bit quickly as she thought on what to say. "Quinn you did all you could. We both know if she said no to him that he would probably go to her house himself to convince her dad she should sing, but... that would've made things worse." I nodded lightly in wonder if she knew what I did.
"What makes you think... it would have made it worse?" I asked a bit hesitantly. I really didn't want to tell her if she didn't know before I had a chance to talk to Isabella myself, but if she knew... maybe she could help me. I really had no idea what I was going to say to her. Rachel bit her lip in similar contemplation I assumed.
"Well... between us..." She said looking to me for confirmation. I nodded acknowledging it would be kept secret. "She woke up from a nightmare with a fever yesterday. She said... it was about her dad. What would happen if he found out she joined glee. I-If he doesn't know about her wrists then he doesn't know she has to join a club. He probably made her move before when he found out she sang with Bongi and her friends, so... I really don't think she wants to do anything extra in the club that's not needed. In all honesty I understand why she's never invited me over now. If my fathers were that disrespectful of my interests and did all they could to divert me from activities that might 'interfere with work' I wouldn't entertain guests in my house either..." She explained. I nodded, sighing internally at Rachel's naive nature. To think she's that scared of her dad simply because he'd yell at her or move them again... it was much more then that. Rachel must have read that internal sigh. "To be fair Quinn... If I had only my mother and not the two wonderful fathers I do have... if she didn't approve of me I would do everything I could to please her. No matter what. So don't be too hard on what you think about her..." I sighed and smiled lightly.
"I promise Rachel, I just want to do what's best for her. It's not clear really what that may be, but we're closer to finding out what it is." She nodded a bit, thinking over the weekend in her mind most likely as there was a brief silence. "... Did she mention anything else?"
"Hm?" Rachel looked back over a bit lost in thought again. "No, she was mostly worried about me... we had a slight argument since she uses the double standard often of, 'I can ask you, but you can't ask me'. It irritated me greatly, but we talked through it and she's sincerely worried how-..." She looked down not wanting to continue.
"I've told you Rachel, you can talk about her to me. Just because I'm seeing Beth now doesn't mean you can't come to me with thi-"
"But it does Quinn... The more I talk to you about how angry or upset I am because of her, the more negative you'll feel around her. If you feel negative around her Beth will pick it up and the last thing I want is that little girl to think you're irritated because you have to visit her. Babies are much smarter then people give them credit for Quinn. In fact in many studies it shows-" I let out a sigh not wanting to waste my energy arguing when I'd have to argue with Isabella later today most likely. I raised a hand, cutting off her miniature rant.
"Alright, we'll talk about that another time, but did she help at least? I don't want her constantly bringing it up if she's hurting you."
"No, she'd never bring it up to upset me! It's been a legitimate worry at the back of her mind since the glee clubs combined. With Shelby in my normally relaxing environment she was concerned I was masking over what I was feeling and simply not dealing with it, thus leading to negative energy boiling over within me until some event happens that causes me to snap, possibly ending in a negative situation such as one she has experienced. I assured her that is not the case, but..."
"But?" I asked raising an eyebrow. Rachel sighed and looked back at her binder.
"I suppose she was right about not dealing with such feelings and resorting to bottling them up without an outlet to release them. Down the line it may have caused me some stress though I doubt it would have resulted in something as negative as she worried over. Point being, she got me to talk it out and though it felt horrible and I'm still angry... I can understand a bit better. I'm not sure that helps, but if I can talk to her every once in awhile I can maintain my glow in glee and not worry or anger you when you have to see her in order to visit your child." She explained. I couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "I hardly think this is a subject worth laughing over Quinn." She said unamused.
"Whatever Rachel, you were wrong and she called you out on it." I playfully shoved her as the bell rang and opened my book for class.
"I would like to point out that if we were looking at all the decisions I've made the right's would heavily outweigh the wrongs so one slip up now and again simply makes me human." She pouted defensively. I rolled my eyes and brought out the weekends assignment.
My next class had a substitute, I lasted through only half the class before deciding on ditching out to get some studying done for the quiz later in the week. Since the sub had decided to put on a movie it was too loud to really focus so I made my way to the library, hoping I wouldn't run into anyone so I could focus, but a glimpse of blue and black caught my eye as I turned the corner. 'Isabella...?' I quickly followed her into the nearest girls restroom and heard a soft muffled sob. 'Something must've happened... I don't think she's ever shown up at school in tears.'
"Isabel?"
Izy's POV:
I strongly doubted sleep came to me the past night. Though I closed my eyes and felt like passing out after crying all I could... nothing. My body couldn't un-clench from the pain it was in and my mind was too broken to stay quiet long enough for sleep to capture me away from the nightmare I called life. As my phone sounded it's usual alarm, signaling the dawn of yet another day I turned it off and took a breath before making the bold decision to move. A move I instantly regretted feeling the bruise on my side throb. I could deal with the headache my other bruise was giving me but my side hurt badly... 'I can't afford another injury like this. Next time it'll be serious and I wont be able to hide it or take care of it myself... I should... stay home more instead of going out.' It was going to be hard enough without thinking about how to get around the Glee trips and competitions. Let alone explaining to Rachel that I couldn't stop by much anymore... I knew it would be best to distance myself for awhile but truth be told I really didn't want to. 'I love spending time with her, but...' My mind trialed off as I made my way slowly to the shower and got myself physically ready for the day ahead. I don't think anything could have repaired my mentality for the day.
Hoping to avoid any and all contact with the shorter brunette for the day I took my motorcycle to school, late I might add. The care and time I took getting ready to not agitate the bruises I had gotten and effort to cover them cost me my first class. I was late to the second but was glad to loose my mind in schoolwork again... or rather attempt to loose my mind in schoolwork again. I couldn't really focus on anything either the teacher or the other students were saying, as if... I was in a fog. My mind kept trying to replay the events of the past night and though I tried to stop it, the memories still flooded back, as well as the ache in my side. 'You're so useless...' my mind kept repeating. I felt a dull ache in my chest and knots grow in my stomach...
Unable to wait for the end of the class I packed my bag and faked sick as an excuse to run to the bathroom, though with the churn in my stomach I guess it wasn't just an excuse. I was more then grateful to see no one in the halls because my eyes were watering badly before I could even reach the stall. Crying in front of others was never something I did... I learned never to show weakness so... I couldn't understand why I was incapable of holding it in now. 'How broken am I...? I can't even get over a normal fucking night like that!' I cursed myself and leaned against the locked stall. A shaky sound escaped my throat as I slid down the stalls wall to curl up and cry into my gloves.
"Isabel?" I heard a voice call after a few moments. I stiffened at the voice, almost... wishing it was Rachel's... but I knew it wasn't. I guess I was glad it wasn't her... 'I just want her to say it'll be okay, but... what would I have told her if it was her who came in?' I shook my head angry that I was slipping, letting Rachel in so close... it wasn't me. Or was it?
"Tryin to get a bit of privacy Quinn, can it wait?" I asked after taking a breath to steady my voice. As I waited for a response I quickly wiped off my tears and closed my eyes.
"Isabella... I'm not-... What happened?" She pressed.
"Nothing, some idiot with a slushy. I'll be out later..." I lied. It was irritating how closely Quinn had been watching me. I couldn't help but feel she knew so-
"I know..." She said locking the girls room. "and we need to talk about this... Now." She spoke softly yet firmly. 'N-no... there's no way she could...' I took another breath and winced as I got back up.
"What do you mean... you know?" I asked as I opened the stall door. "Look... if Rachel told you about the scars I-"
"You know that's not what I'm talking about." She said shaking her head. "That I knew awhile back... I'm more worried about the scars she doesn't know about." Her gaze lifted to look me straight in the eyes.
"... I don't know what your talking about Quinn. I'll own up to the cutting, but not sure what else you mean." I shrugged grabbing my bag.
"Then take off the sunglasses." She said stepping in front of the door.
"Let it go and let me through." I said firmly though my voice was still a bit shaky from before. She reached for my sunglasses and I flinched backwards. "... Quinn... please." She shook her head lightly and took my sunglasses off, slightly lifting my beanie to see the slight redish purple that still showed through the mounds of coverup I had applied to it. It was obvious she knew the trick and had a feeling for how bad it was.
"Iz..." She sighed softly. "T-this... is this the only one?" She asked returning her gaze to my eyes.
"Whats the point in my response, you wont believe me if I say it is." I spoke irritated. She closed her eyes and rubbed her head.
"You have to go to the poli-"
"No!" I half yelled before regaining myself. "... I'm not turning him in. If you try and tell anyone about this I will fully deny it and you'll have nothing to go on." I warned.
"Nothing to go on?! I don't know I think that and whatever other bruises you have are more then enough proof. Better yet, a surprise visit to your house must have more then enough. Jesus Isabella this isn't a joke! You could've been killed..."
"You think I don't know this isn't a joke Quinn? I'm almost eighteen, I'll move out and be on my own but till then nothing is happening and the LAST person you are gonna tell this to is Rachel. With all she has on her plate she's struggling hard with NYADA. Are you gonna be the one to go fuck that up for her so she's trapped in this town forever?!"
"Give me a break, you can't tell me that you're really not getting help because of her future." I let out an irritated sigh and shook my head.
"Quinn that is only the tip of it. I don't know if you realize, but I don't have any other family, unlike you I don't have the vast amount of friends you had to live with while your parents kicked you out of your hou-"
"You have me and Rachel! How many times have you been over to her place? I'm sure her parents wouldn't care if yo-"
"He'll hurt both of you Quinn!" I yelled tearing up. "... He'd hurt anyone who tried to help... just let me deal with this for another few months. Please..." I asked again, but at this point it sounded more like a beg.
"He can't if we tell the cops that he-"
"That he what...? Hit me? Has been verbally and physically abusing me for year? ... how do you think that'll look Quinn. He's had a lot of DUI's yeah. An incident here and there at work maybe, but... I've been on record for violence at my old school. A record made based solely on bruises he gave me... you don't think I've thought about this before? Turning him in? The only thing that would happen is me getting thrown in jail for something I never did... I-I... the only chance I have is to lay low and wait till I'm old enough to leave." I explained as my voice started cracking. Quinn teared up as well, if I had to guess she didn't realize how pointless it would have been to go to the police when he could easily say I was acting out and attacked him.
"B-but... you can't just... what if-"
"I promised my friend if something life threatening ever happened and I had no other choice... I'd run and turn him in. Stay with her or a friend. I still will, but until this grows into something I can't handle then I'm not doing anything that will harm anyone else or make it worse... Just... please don't tell anyone Quinn. I want a chance at my life..." I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Quinn held in her hands the power to ruin everything I'd worked hard to keep under control or stay silent and know that I was doing the best thing I could do in the situation. She shook her head and hugged me, letting her own tears out into my shoulder.
"If you d-... If you can't handle what he does and then Rachel finds out... She doesn't have many friends Izy and she really cares about you. You have to be there. Don't..." I nodded and squeezed her in relief.
"Thank you Quinn... I promise. I have this under my control... I just... I can't hang out with Rachel as often for awhile so can you... look after her for a week or so?" She nodded and walked over to the mirror to fix her make-up. I wasn't sure what to say... she obviously still didn't think keeping it to herself was the best idea and it was eating her... but what was the alternative? "...Hey Quinn?"
"Yeah...?" She asked looking up from the sink unsure.
"Really... thank you. If you need anything just... ask. I know Rachel probably exaggerates my problem solving skills, but... you can talk to me if somethings going on. If..."
"I know... You're a good friend Isabel..." She smiled lightly. "Go on... I'm ok-... I just need a few minutes." I nodded lightly and gave her the reprieve she wanted and headed to library till the next class started. 'I do have things under control still... don't I? Or did I ever really have control...'
The rest of the school day passed almost as foggy as it began. Teachers and students moving their mouths, but the noise was seldom to reach my mind while it was busy with worry for Quinn and Rachel, what I was going to sing tomorrow if forced me, how my father was going to be today... Though there was a common safety after nights like the last. If he did something violent it usually gave reprieve for a few days if not longer, especially if I did exactly what I was told. I only hoped he'd lay back on the alcohol... at least when taking his medication. The tension keeping my body stiff loosened as I mounted my motorcycle and drove to the auto-shop for another simple work day with my music, but my heart sank seeing the closed sign as I took off my helmet. 'Mr. Hummel didn't say we had a day off...' I shrugged and decided to take a step inside anyway.
"Mr. Hummel... Did I miss something on the schedule?" I asked entering the workshop.
"Hm? Oh Isabella, no, but some of the car lifts are jamming so I'm getting them looked at today and taken care of so we can get back to business. Not sure I have anything for you to do today except take inventory, but-"
"No problem, it'll give you more time to focus or rest." I smiled. "I need a slow day of mundane work anyway" He chucked and nodded.
"Have you been talking to Kurt?" He smiled. "I don't need rest, but if you're having a rough day go wild counting how many parts we have."
"I will enjoy it thoroughly boss" I half saluted before putting on my headphones and getting to work. He smiled and returned to the paperwork he was filling out. 'He's a great boss... I should do something to thank him for keeping me on.' I contemplated what to do for Mr. Hummel as I lightly bobbed my head to the music and took inventory, for some reason it proved much more the relaxing distraction then school did. Especially with some of my favorite game music on random.
"Nightly dance of bleeding swords
Reminds me that I still live
I will burn my dread
I once ran away from the god of fear
And he chained me to despair
Burn my dread
I'll break the chain
And run till I see the sunlight again
I'll lift my face and run to the sunlight "
I sang quietly to myself, noting in my mind that if I ever had the time to play Persona again, or really any other game with my current schedule, I really should.
"You see?" Rachel asked with her usual bright smile. I gripped the ladder I had been loosely balanced on tightly from the sudden jolt she gave suddenly having appeared behind me. I winced behind my sunglasses feeling a sting of pain from the sudden action.
"Jesus Rach!" It came out halfway between a yell and a sigh of relief that I had prevented myself from falling and causing further injury to my side. My body relaxed after a moment and unclenched the twinge in my side. She gave me an apologetic look but shrugged.
"Music is a form of self expression, stress release, and relaxation. People simply do not loose interest in singing which is why I've never bought into that excuse that you gave before. I am glad to see your feeling more and more comfortable using your voice outside of a secluded room where no one could hear, but if I might suggest, to make the decision to sing along to one of your favorite songs and not do it to the best of your capabilities and sing it at the top of your lungs gives it slight disrespect. I can understand in more public settings, but you could have here. It would be best to exercise your vocal chords if you're going to be singing anyway." She explained happily. I took out my ear buds and looked back at the parts on the top shelf to finish inventory as she spoke.
"Couldn't have waited till I was finished and noticed you were there to tell me that?" I asked with a bit of an amused half smile. She pouted at the complete lack of acknowledgement to her previous topic of conversation, but sighed and shrugged.
"You and Quinn have the irritating ability of showing up out of nowhere. I hardly think my one mistake in approaching you when you were ill prepared should count as an offense, and to be fair you are usually not easily caught off guard. When you are you still never seem to react or jump so I thought the action was perfectly acceptable, I had no previous intention of getting a fright out of you for that might have come with serious repercussions. You could have fallen off the ladder and sustained serious injury and I would never wish that on you..." She ended a bit more softly then she began and I turned to give her a wide smile.
"I know you'd never try and scare me when I'm doing a balancing act Rach, my heads just not all there today." I explained shortly while climbing down the ladder. "Might be the fever still lingering around from yesterday" I suggested, "don't worry I'm just taking inventory and now I'm finished. I'll head home and get plenty of rest." I reassured when I saw her look of worry. She nodded and looked down in thought. "Something wrong?"
"Mm..." She shook her head no. "I was just thinking we could get some food out instead of heading back to my house per usual in our daily activities. My fathers left me some extra money saying I should not force you to cook for me on a near daily basis, which by the way I found offensive since I believe we put in a fifty fifty effort in most dishes we create, but never the less if you plan on returning home for your health we can reschedule for a later time in the week or the following week." She smiled. I sighed lightly not wanting to hurt her... but I had to be home strictly after work for awhile just to be on the safe side. Her look grew more concerned as she took in my features. She did a good job of reading my mood even without being able to see my eyes... "Is there something wrong with you Izy?" I rubbed the back of my neck unsure how to respond to the question anymore.
"I..." I started slowly as I tried to think on what to say. "Things have been a bit rough at home lately..." I spoke honestly. Rachel's concern deepened as she waited for me to continue and elaborate on the statement. "I just think it would be best if I spend more time at home after work so I can pick things back up again." I saw a glint of disappointment that ripped a bit deeply into me. "Rach, I'm sorry. I know I said I'd come over anytime your dads are working late b-"
"It's no problem Izy." She smiled lightly with a sympathetic look. "Working things out with your father is the most important thing right now and you've more then helped me with my free time at home. It is not my place to request every moment of free time you have over your obligations to your family and it would be quite rude if I did. Such behavior would not be acceptable in any friendship and I do expect you to deny me that if I ever seem to demand that from you."
"It's not like that Rach... you know that." I said a bit softly having not meant it to come off the way it might have.
"I know it isn't," she rolled her eyes lightly, "but I really don't want you feeling guilty for it because there's no reason to. There would only be reason to feel guilty if I had placed it into your mind set that I own all of your free time or that I am a fragile being that needs to be attended to every moment possible but seeing as neither of these are true I felt the need to explain why you should not worry over the circumstance." I couldn't help but smile at her over examined thought process.
"Right..." I trailed off.
"Though your attitude does seem really different then normal. If you don't mind the question, did something bad happen between you and your father... did he find out you joined glee?" I shook my head lightly and smiled.
"He didn't find out, we just got into an argument and he thinks I'm spending my time goofing around since I haven't been coming home after work... so I just want to calm things down by getting home before dark after work and take extra care and time into my studies. I was to distracted to really focus on classes today so I guess it's going to be a good thing to focus a bit harder over the next week or so." ... 'That wasn't even a lie really... so why does it feel so wrong saying it to her?'
"I'm sorry..." She said with a look of guilt. "If I h-hadn't been taking so much of your time he wouldn't have ye-"
"Don't go there!" I said a bit loudly. That was something I never wanted her to think... that any of this was her fault. I grabbed her hand lightly and looked her in the eye. "Listen, if anything I've been abusing your hospitality. Wasting all your fathers groceries and your free time by spending it at your house distracting you from other things you could be doing so don't think any of this is your fault... it's my choice and wish to spend time with you." She smiled lightly and nodded a bit gracious for the relief. "Hey... since I probably wont be around much for a bit why don't we go grab that meal you were talking about? Have to admit I'm kind of hungry. Taking stock of inventory piece by piece part by part really builds an appetite... and the need for a change of scenery." I laughed. She smiled widely and nodded.
"That would be great if you are indeed feeling well enough to go. I do not think you've been to breadsticks yet and since it is really the only place anyone here in Lima goes to dine out I think it is really an experience you must have for yourself before you can truly call your self a Lima Ohian." She said in all seriousness. I couldn't help but chuckle at the phrase 'Ohian' but I played along.
"Ah, yes. I believe I've heard of this mythical breadsticks! You must guide me there post haste so that I might truly call myself a Lima Ohian and begin my true journey as such." She pouted lightly with a slight smile.
"Do not mock me Izy!" She said playfully poking my side. I bit my lip a bit hard at the light gesture and winced at the jolt of pain. Rachel's eyes widened a bit as she panicked.
"I'm so-"
"I'm fine," I half laughed, "Injured it last night trying to pull a flip trick off a rail. Don't worry." I said giving a half smile. At that point I was grateful to still have my shades on because I knew my eyes would have said otherwise.
"Isabella Walker! What have I told you about the safeties of skateboarding?! You shouldn't be-"
"To be fair you only said I should be wearing a helmet and elbow slash knee pads so..."
"Is that why your wearing those ridiculous sunglasses?" She asked unamused and serious.
"May-"
"IZY!" She sighed in frustration. I winced and held up my hands in defense.
"It wont happen again I swear! Come on, we were laughing, we're gonna get delicious food, we're friends... happy thoughts. Now keep that in mind, I need to give Mr. Hummel my inventory checklist." I said quickly walking off with a slight grin.
"Do not think this gets you off the hook Izy! I still have another lecture of breaking into lockers to cover as well!" She called after before waiting outside for me to return.
When I returned outside I found Rachel worriedly looking at my motorcycle in fear I would suggest it as our mode of transportation to the restaurant... and I did~ It was a short ride there and I took it slowly so she'd feel more comfortable. Though I think she was more worried over the fact she had to hold onto my side. I assured her it would be fine and though it hurt I found it more then comforting. I had wished I would've suggested rides to school this way beforehand, though knowing her it would've been met with a strict no. As we took our seats in the small diner I couldn't help the smile that grew on my face.
"Would you take those things off?" Rachel asked a bit exasperated. I sighed and pouted lightly in retaliation, but she only gave me a stern look for it. "We are in a restaurant. It's not polite to wear shades indoors in the first place, so to wear them here without need to is simply unacceptable." I dipped my head in defeat and took off my glasses but retained my pout to clearly say I was not happy with it. "If you didn't want people staring at a bruise beside your head you shouldn't have tried stunts without the proper headgear in the first place." She scolded. I couldn't help but laugh lightly and smile at the comment. "What?" She asked half insulted at the laugh half curious.
"I didn't realize that we had escalated our first date into us being an old married couple Rach. To think I thought you were going to treat me like a proper young lady such as yourself should. I am indeed insulted." Rachel's mouth dropped lightly at the insinuation of acting like an old wife and shook her head.
"Well, a gentlemen such as yourself has done nothing to treat me, a proper young lady, as you should, so why should I share the common courtesy if you refuse to?"
"Tushe~" I smiled. "Sorry, I just don't like getting stares for stupid mistakes like this... feels like everyone seems to notice." Rachel tilted her head a bit and thought.
"I really wouldn't have pegged you one to care for what others thought when it came to such things, but have no worry. If anyone sends you so much as a sidewards glance I'll make sure they think twice about doing it again." She said seriously. I smiled and lifted the menu to hide a slight blush at her wish to defend me.
"Don't worry about it, what would you recommend here anyway?" I asked in attempt to change the subject. She took a moment in deliberation and nodded lightly when she came to an answer in her mind.
"Personally I go with the fettuccine alfredo with a salad before the meal so I don't only have a carb for dinner. It's important to weigh out the nutritional in all meals, including ones you eat out. Though this might fall under special occasion so I suppose it could be let go if you decided solely on pasta." I shook my head lightly.
"No, I think your right. I'll have the same, but to be honest I'm not that hungry." I said grabbing one of the bread sticks from the basket set on the table and nibbling on the end of it.
"Then we can share a dish if you don't mind. I don't really eat that much either and leftovers often go to waste at my house as you've seen." She said laughing lightly. It was true though, one night we were digging for something to make and one of her dads had left a particular leftover box in the fridge for long past it's life time claiming that he would get around to finishing it. I shivered at the thought of making another experimental fungi in her refrigerator.
"Probably for the best we don't have a repeat of what happened last time." I smiled.
"I would not leave it in there like he did!" She said at the thought. I admit it was an outrageous that that Rachel Berry would let something sit in the fridge and rot away by choice, but it was too much fun teasing her and I knew it didn't bother her with how often it made her smile.
"I don't know Rach, you are an awful lot like your dad... before we know it your room could start going too. Slowly corrupted with dirty laundry scattered across the floor, followed by binders out of place and also strewn across the room and finally an empty granola bar wrapper you were too lazy to throw away! I'm sure that's what lies in wait for your future." I tried my best to say it with a straight face but ended up laughing at the end.
"No! I would never let my room become such an example of filth and disorganization!" She raised her voice in defense but still ended with a large smile and a small shake of the head. "You know it has come into my consideration multiple times now that you may be a long lost daughter of one of my fathers, switched at birth with another child. You act so much like them sometimes it's ridiculous."
"I do not act that childish!" I said in my defense. Rachel grinned mischievously and took a sip of her water pretending to nod. I smiled and crossed my arms defensively at the thought. It was nice seeing Rach so relaxed and playful. I didn't think many in glee got to see how fun she could be... she was always so serious before, but when you get her to forget everything for a few minutes she really lights up a room even greater then before. "Me being your fathers illegitimate child aside, how were classes today?" I asked to fill the void after we had ordered our food.
"Nothing particularly interesting or special. In one class though we did have a pop quiz. I do not see why others detest them so much and feel the need to put on such the attitude when given one. I feel I passed mine with no problems what so ever." I smiled lightly and nodded.
"Well, most people don't like being put on the spot in general. A lot of people in fact have troubles thinking or decision making when suddenly given something shoved in front of them with no prior notice. Add the fact that it's an important part of their education and grade it fumbles some minds, though most others are just ill prepared since they only choose to study the night before." Rachel nodded lightly.
"While that may be true I believe a vast majority fall under the category of your second explanation. The others in my classes can't memorize what's happened in a history book yet none of them have a problem remembering what's happening with current celebrities of our time. If they were to apply that same fascination and dedication to a book I feel Lima, Ohio would be a much different place. I know that knowledge of the eighteenth century isn't really applicable in this day in age unless one is studying for a historical profession, but it is still information we should learn and commit to our memories."
"I wouldn't say it's completely inapplicable these days. Everything we learn in history, the struggles of the people, what it's taken for us to get to our current point in time, wars, disease, strives forward in ways of art and science... it's all to help us respect what we have now and learn from the mistakes we've made in history so that our generation will not cause these mistakes to happen again. Though I think that's very important as well, most people see it as a bunch of useless information on dead people so they really don't care." Rachel smiled lightly, grateful she had someone who understood what she felt were some of the important points to education and the same dissatisfaction that most seemed not to care for it.
As we got our dinner I couldn't help but feel something was growing on her mind. Maybe something she didn't feel she should ask me due to my previous outbursts... I tilted my head lightly unsure of what it was. "Something on your mind Rach?" I asked after a moment of silence.
"I was eating Izy, it is both rude and unsanitary to speak with ones mouth full and I was simply waiting to swallow my food to continue my point." I smiled and looked back at my plate.
"Your so proper~" She sighed and nodded slightly.
"My friends tend to hate that about me, but I find being proper and respectful to others one of my highest values. It's how my fathers raised me and I intend on following their examples. I do my best to act as properly and polite as possible though... I don't think I succeed most of the time." She frowned lightly possible thinking on what had happened over the past few years in glee.
"Ah, I guess you are referring to this 'diva' Rachel...?" I asked twirling noodles around my fork. She nodded lightly looking back at her plate. "To be honest I don't see how that person ever existed. As I've stated before you've been nothing like that since I've moved here. If anything I've seen more and more the opposite and the only things that could be classified as 'diva' is you striving hard to make every performance the best that it can be so you can be considered for more front roles in performances. But that's just a hard worker, and if any of the others in glee put the same effort in they might yield your results so... I really think if she did exist before, which I can't imagine, then... she's really gone by now."
"You're too nice to me..." She trailed off with a small smile.
"It's true... I just think it's because you really don't belong. Once you move to New York and get your dorm or apartment near NYADA then you'll really be living the life you've been meant to live. Studying to become the star people should already recognize you are, I just wish I could see it, but I'll probably still be here in Lima while your off performing on Broadway, selling out every show." I ended taking another bite of the pasta.
"Why don't you come with me then...? I'm sure your dream career that you see as so unattainable would be reachable if you applied to the right school for it. To be honest I think we'd live pretty easily together seeing how often we spend time with each other at my house. The only challenge is finding what school suits your needs and if you tell me what career your planning on going after then I can help find a great one!" She smiled excitedly. I tilted my head and shook it lightly.
"You already have plans to move with Kurt Rach... plans you two had made a long time ago. I wouldn't want to get in the way of that... plus I'm not sure I could find work there. It was chance enough that Mr. Hummel was looking for hire when we moved here and that just barely saved us on income, so... it might be more then risky taking the chance to move there for a career I'd never really get." I responded realistically. Rachel went a bit silent, possible feeling guilty for offering something she did not properly think on and weigh out the positives and negatives. "... I don't view a life here as badly as you do either. A mediocre living... sounds really nice to me. It wouldn't be anything special but it would be a constant and that's something I've never really had." I explained.
"I-I see..." She responded feeling more guilty for having openly chastised people's choices of remaining in this town their whole lives and not striving for something better. I don't think she realized that to some that was a good life.
"Well... maybe not here. I might be moving soon..." I continued.
"How come?" Rachel asked quickly with saddened expression. I smiled to comfort the worry.
"I'm turning eighteen soon. It'll be easier to find higher paying jobs and I could use my own place. I'm not thinking about moving far at all... I know Bongi would be more then furious if I moved far again and I plan on visiting both of you often when I have the chances to." Rachel nodded in understanding, likely a bit relieved I would probably finish out my senior year in Lima.
"Your friend from the other night? She did seem rather angry with you when we found her... I-If it's not too much to ask or not my place to... what happened between you two? You said that after she moved you two hadn't really spoken. It seemed like she tried to and you just didn't let her..." She spoke concerned. I winced lightly and nodded.
"It was very similar to fights I'd had with you. She got really close and knew everything bad that was going on in my life, insistently trying to solve all my problems so when she moved... it was an opportunity to distance myself so she would stop getting involved and leave things to me to handle myself." I explained.
"Whatever it was... I'm sure she was just trying her best to make sure you were okay. Even if it is annoying or unwanted that is what friends are for, to aide you through every facet of life, whether it be good, bad or simply painful. " Rachel spoke in Bongi's defense. I rolled my eyes and smiled.
"How is it I knew you would say something like that..." I trailed off not wishing to linger on the topic. Seeing as we were both about finished with dinner I pulled out my wallet.
"No." She said sternly. "Like I said before I'm paying for the meal tonight and if you plan on getting your own place in the future you should be saving every penny you have." She smiled as she reached for her purse.
"So chivalrous~ But just because I'm not as well off as the Berry's doesn't mean I can't afford to buy you a meal once in awhile. I mean... it's the least I can do for how often your dads feed me."
"Sorry about that." She laughed lightly knowing how often her parents would make me stay for dinner when they arrived home early.
"Uh huh, sure you are miss thinks I don't eat enough. If it were up to you they'd be feeding me more often!" She laughed a bit harder and nodded.
"In my defense you often choose snacks instead of meals so it is necessary to make sure you get the proper nutrients and serving size." She spoke getting up. "If it bothers you that much then you can pay for our next date~" She smiled remarking to my comment early.
"Your on, and mine will be much more extravagant."
"Is that so?"
"Mhmm. You'll be awestruck. Trust me." I said confidently. She shook her head with a laugh and paid for the meal. I only wished the drive to her house was a bit longer... I knew it wasn't a real date but to me it almost felt like one. A stupid notion I agree, but still... I wanted to have more light hearted days with her like this one. It was nice to see her smiling and laughing as often as she did when able to forget about school and life. As I waved goodbye and drove off I vowed to myself I would do my best to make that smile appear as often as I could. It would be hard to over the next few weeks but I could do my best to cheer her up during school.
'Who knows, if things get calmer at home, maybe... things will look up after all?'
ANN: So this was a long chapter ^^; sorry for the length but I felt it deserved a decent sized update for the period of time I've spent away from the fanfiction. Hopefully you all enjoyed. For future notice there will most likely be another time skip in the next chapter so I can get straight to a main event in the story. I don't do well with adding filler, so I rather deal with some of the drama immediately. Sorry the text seems too close together, Fanfiction undoes every double spacing I do :(