Okay... same question as last time. Which glee member would you like them to meet up with after the move to L.A.?

Current standings:

Puck - 5
Mercedes - 5
Mike - 7 (Includes a PM vote)
Kurt - 3
Shelby - 1

I'm actually REALLY shocked about Mike. Not that I'm complaining. The guy's like a total sweetheart. Since it appears as though Mike's going to win. How would you all feel about Tina coming along with him, like they're married with kids and whatnot? Just another question to throw out there.

Voting will continue throughout this chapter, and the next chapter. Okay, since I'm struggling a bit with Chapter 14, I'll continue to allow votes for Chapter's 10 and 11. Since they won't meet up with the vote winner until chapter 16 or 17.

Don't think I'm going to change the story title, since that would mean I'd have to edit every single chapter that I've already got posted, and honestly... I'm just too damn lazy for that lol.

Anyways, Thanks to Jennception for looking over this and helping me develop future ideas and pushing me to write faster.

Last thing... You get to see what happened on the day of Quinn's disappearance!

The First 24
Chapter 10

December 29 – 10:00AM

Quinn hadn't said a thing since she'd woken up nearly three hours ago. She knew the doctor was releasing her to go home. Releasing her to leave the confines of the hospital – the safety of the hospital. She was expected to just go home. Pretend nothing happened. Live her life like normal. How was she supposed to do that? How could she possibly live her life like normal, not with all the memories nor the thoughts. The thoughts alone made her body tremble with fear.

"Honey? Are you alright?" Rachel gently placed her hand atop her wife's when she noticed the blonde's body shuddering on the bed. They'd all been patient with Quinn, each allowing her silence. So, when the attorney didn't respond, in any way other than to pull her hand away from Rachel's… Rachel took no offense. Instead of pushing it, she just let out a sigh and looked away. It pained her that she couldn't do anything at all to help her wife.

The room once again fell quiet. Brittany and Santana stayed in their normal seats near the window. Every once in a while a light murmur could be heard from that side of the room. It was never more than just a hushed word or two before everything went silent once more.

Quinn allowed her eyes to look around the room. She tried her hardest not to give any signs to the fact that she was looking around. Last thing she wanted was three sets of worried eyes turning on her. All she wanted was to be treated like they'd treated her before Jim happened. Ever since they first arrived, she'd been torn between two very conflicting emotions. There were some moments where all she wanted was for them to hold her and just let her cry. Any of them. But, like now, Quinn wanted them to just leave. She didn't want them to see her broken and fragile. She sure as hell didn't want their pitiful looks or compassionate gazes. She was Quinn 'Fucking' Fabray… well Berry-Fabray now… but that was irrelevant to her past and her past ability to hide her emotions.

She found herself hardly telling her wife about her cases since she put Jim away for his crimes. Over the last ten years her job had really taken it's toll on her emotional status. Quinn had really considered going into a different field of law once they moved to California. Especially now that one of the crimes she'd dealt with had affected her. She was no longer a prosecuting attorney. No. She was a victim. A victim of a horrible crime.

"Good morning Quinn…" Doctor Sanford scanned the room. She wasn't surprised when she saw the other three women in the room with her patient. "…Everybody." She added with a soft smile. "How are we doing today?"

Just as she'd done all morning, Quinn hadn't said a word. Her eyes, however, did return to her hands that rested on her lap. "She hasn't spoken a word all morning. Are you positive that it's best to allow her to leave doctor?"

"Returning home will help with the entire healing process Rachel. She'll be able to be surrounded by friends and family. As well as being in a familiar setting." She jumped some when Quinn's head snapped toward her.

"The 'healing process?'" She let out a rather bitter laugh. "Being in a familiar setting? I don't have amnesia." Everybody remained silent as Quinn continued to speak for the first time all day. "I was raped. I was beaten to the point I blacked out several times. I woke up to being spit at and smacked around. So when you say 'healing process' it makes it sound as if I'd fallen on ice and broken my ankle. If only that were the case. I wouldn't have ended up in some tiny little town near Canada. Going home won't help the healing process. Staying here won't help the healing process. Dying would help though. It would get rid of everything that bastard had done to me." Quinn dared to look at her wife who had silent tears flowing from her eyes. "Nothing will ever undo the filth that I feel." She looked down at her lap once more. "Just sign my release papers so I can go start my 'healing process' at home."

Brittany gave Santana a knowing glance before she stood from her chair and walked to the bed. She carefully sat near Quinn's hip and wrapped her arms around her neck. Every time Quinn struggled against the grasp, the dancer would just tighten it. "Calm down Q." She whispered softly against her ear – making sure only Quinn could hear her. "It doesget better. Trust me." She bit her lower lip when Quinn still didn't relax under her touch. "Only Santana knows this…" she pressed her lips against Quinn's ear before continuing, "I know it gets better… I've been there."

Quinn's eyes widened in disbelief but not a word left her lips. She only relaxed. The entire time her mind was racing. No longer was it lost in thought about what had happened to her. No… it was wandering to who would have done something like that to sweet, innocent Brittany. Once she forced the last of her muscles to relax, she allowed her head to rest on the dancer's shoulder.

December 19 – 6:00PM
-Day of Disappearance-

"Damn construction." Quinn cursed as she drove around to the side of the shopping strip in search of a parking space. The pavement in front of the florist was completely torn up. They sure did pick the best times of the year to repave surfaces. "Finally!" She let out a heavy sigh when she found an empty spot.

After she double checked her time on her phone, she grabbed her purse and exited her SUV. Quinn knew she'd have enough time to pay for the flowers, make sure they were delivered, and get to the theater before Rachel's show was scheduled to start at 7. Upon entering the floral boutique she was greeted by the overpowering scent of various flowers. So much so that it caused the poor attorney to gasp for air moments before sneezing. In small quantities, Quinn was fine with any scent. Three more sneezes later and she knew she'd have to make it quick.

"How may I help you today ma'am?" An older woman spoke from the other side of the glass counter.

Quinn opened her mouth to speak but was only graced with another sneeze. Something the clerk found humorous. "I placed an order, Berry… Fabray." After placing her purse on the counter she dug through it for two things. One, her wallet. Two, a tissue or something similar to cover her mouth and nose with. "I'm… a tiny bit allergic." Quinn's voice became muffled after she covered her mouth.

"Don't worry about it sweetheart. I understand. If you'll give me just one moment, I'll get the arrangement for your final inspection before we deliver it."

Quinn only nodded. When the clerk vanished into the back, the attorney grabbed one of the cards and a pen to write a small note to Rachel.

To my love,

This may be your last performance on the big stage before going to the big screen, but I know you'll be perfect. As always.

Yours,
Quinn

Just as she finished writing she spied the bouquet of roses. Quinn couldn't hide her smile. "It's perfect."

"Alright. And just to verify," she pulled the taped piece of paper off the vase to read it, "deliver to a Mrs. Rachel Berry-Fabray. Agiston Theater. Broadway?" She waited for Quinn to nod before punching some keys on the register. "Alright dear. Total is $47.63."

The blonde nodded once again, she was afraid to try to speak. Honestly – as she handed over one of her credit cards – she was shocked she was still breathing. "Can you make sure they're there before 7?"

"Of course." The older woman ran Quinn's credit card through the machine. "Are you heading there now?"

"I've got a front row center seat. It's my wife's last Broadway show." She paused to sneeze into her tissue. "Nothing will make me miss this show."

The clerk laughed softly before she slid the slip along the counter for Quinn to sign. "We'll make sure she gets these before she goes on stage."

"Thank you." Quinn slid her card back into her wallet before tossing the wallet into her purse. "Have a good evening."

"Enjoy the show!"

Once outside she removed her makeshift mask from her nose and mouth and took a huge breath of air. Now that that torture was finished, she could get to Rachel's show and to her seat before it started.

As she made her way across the parking lot, she dug her keys out of her coat pocket. Quinn had just over a half an hour to get to the theater. Providing traffic, which wasn't that heavy this time of the evening, she should make it with about ten minutes to spare.

By the time her mind registered someone else's heavy feet in the snow covered pavement behind her, it was too late. The last thing she remembered was the cracking feeling in the back of her head.

Quinn shot up from where her head was laying on Rachel's lap and began to look around. The first thing she noticed was the passing scenery through the window. "No." She whispered. It was all the same. Waking up with a jolt, feeling her head throbbing, the moving vehicle. She was believing she was going through it all again. "No." She nearly screamed before pushing the body nearest to her away and curling up against the door.

"Quinn… baby?" Rachel turned to look at her wife. She hated nothing more than not knowing what to do. There was absolutely no way of knowing if she were to touch the woman if that would make things better or worse. It was like ten years ago all over again. They made it through that, Rachel was determined to see them make it through this.

Brittany turned around in the passenger seat to see her best friend with her eyes sealed tightly. "Hey Q, look… we're almost home." She spoke gently, also afraid if she touched her fellow blonde it would make it worse.

After a few deep breaths, her hazel eyes finally opened. It's when she noticed for the first time that she wasn't in the back of that utility van. She noticed her vision wasn't blurred from the splitting headache that had caused her to black out again after just two or three seconds. She did, however, notice three other people surrounding her in her own vehicle. Quinn was safe. Safe in her own personal SUV. Cautiously, she turned her head to her wife.

"Did… did you get the flowers I'd sent?"

'What flowers?' Was the first thought in Rachel's mind. Then she wondered why Quinn was bringing up the flowers. In her mind she quickly ran through the events of the last ten days. She finally registered what her wife was referring to. "Yes, I did Quinn. They were quite lovely, thank you."

"Good." The blonde cracked a half-hearted smile. "Because you're never getting them again unless I buy them online." Her eyes closed and her head rested back against the seat.

"Why is that?" When Quinn made no attempt to answer or even move, she assumed the blonde had fallen back to sleep. She surely couldn't push the subject with a sleeping wife. "How far out are we?" It was definitely too quiet in the car now for Rachel.

"Half hour. Give or take." The Latina was forced to bite the inside of her lip as yet another driver cut her off. Yelling like she normally would have, was strictly out of the question. Even if all the tourists flocking the New York City area for New Year's were total assholes. Yelling would only spark memories for Quinn. "If people would learn how to drive we'd be okay." Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel to the point that her knuckles were almost white. "Like this one in front of me should just turn his pretty little Porsche around and drive right back up to Quebec."

Before Santana had a chance to continue her oddly calm ranting, Quinn jumped in. "He got me right after I paid for the flowers." She never bothered to open her eyes or move her head. "I remember everything up until the hit on the back of my head. Then… I woke up for a few seconds to see I was in some utility van." Her voice was unusually calm and serene. After that though, she was done talking but she allowed her eyes to open and her head to turn to the side so she could watch the passing houses and skyline off in the distance.

It only took two short minutes of silence before Brittany reached out to turn the radio's volume up. It was in the middle of a song. The song was the only sound in the car until Quinn opened her mouth. It wasn't in protect, she opened her mouth to sing softly to the song's chorus.

And just…
Let her cry… if the tears fall down like rain
Let her sing… if it eases all her pain
Let her go… let her walk right out on me
And if the sun comes up tomorrow
Let her be… Let her be

Her voice trembled as the lyrics left her mouth. She was unable to sing anything past that as tears and sobs overtook her body. Nobody said a thing, or even offered to change from the oldies radio station. They took the lyrics she was able to sing to heart and did just that…

Let her cry.

December 29 – 5:45PM

The moment they'd all arrived at Quinn and Rachel's house, the blonde went right into the bathroom to take a shower. Brittany and Santana carried the suitcases into the home. "You guys should really go home. You haven't slept in your own bed in over a week." Rachel pleaded with her friends.

"Like hell. We're not going anywhere Berry. Besides, your recliner's kind of comfy ya know." Santana's arms folded over her chest as she stared down her dear friend.

The shorter brunette sighed. She really hated fighting with Santana, but she wasn't about to cave, not about this. "Quinn's first night back at home should be as normal as possible. And since the two of you don't stay that often… please just go home."

Brittany placed her hand on her wife's shoulder. "Rachel's right San." She gave the Latina a look that could never be denied. "I kind of miss our bed. It's probably all lonely because we haven't been home in so long. What if it tried to suffocate itself with the pillows?" She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. It was mainly to seal the deal that she was going to get what she wanted.

"Fine! But…" she pointed her finger right at the shorter woman, "if you need anything… You'd better call us. Got it?"

"Dually noted Santana." The Latina didn't look too amused by her wording. "Alright, I promise to call one of you if something happens." She accepted both of the hugs she was given before bidding her friends a safe journey home. Once Santana's car was out of their driveway she took a deep breath. 'Treat Quinn normally.' Rachel remembered one of the private conversations she'd had with the doctor. Don't necessarily act like nothing happened, but let Quinn be the one to bring it up.Rachel sighed when she heard the shower cut off. Now was the best time to put Doctor Sanford's words to action.

The blonde emerged from the bathroom with a t-shirt and flannel pajama bottoms on while towel drying her hair. Instead of following her first instinct and just locking herself away in the bedroom she took a deep breath and made her way back down the hallway. When she saw nobody but her wife, she was thankful. Granted, she loved Santana and Brittany almost as much as Rachel, but she just needed time alone.

"What would you like for dinner Quinn?"

"Anything you make is fine…" her voice trailed off as she watched her wife go into the kitchen and rummage through cabinets, "where did Britt and San go?" She followed the brunette into the kitchen and sat at the table, simply watching her move around with ease. She hadn't realized how much she missed the simple things in life until she witnessed them.

"Sent them home." Rachel turned to catch her wife's eyes just in time to see her nod her head. "I was thinking… while we eat we could watch a movie." She took her time to gauge Quinn's reaction. "Maybe A League of Their Own? I know how much you love Madonna in it."

Quinn just smiled softly. Rachel was right. She did have a soft spot for Madonna playing baseball. "Sounds good to me."

For a split second, Quinn had completely forgotten everything that had happened to her. Just a split second. That brief moment, however, told her that Brittany was right. Everything would be alright in due time.

A League of Their Own is my own favorite movie, and I love Madonna playing baseball in it :D

Song is "Let Her Cry" by Hootie and the Blowfish, in case you didn't already know.

Don't forget your votes people! Who would they meet up with once in Los Angeles?

And if Mike wins, should Tina come with him?

Last thing... the next chapter is New Year's Eve... Lots of happier times, and a tiny bit of drama. Figure I needed to throw in a happier chapter every once in a while. Oh, and it's also 4,300 words. So I know you guys will be happy about that.

Keep the reviews coming... please? Pretty please? :D