Chapter 5
The kids are gathered in a corner of the waiting room. Rachel has changed out of her wedding dress and Puck and Finn have made their way back to the group. They watch as Will talks to Mrs. Fabray and Emma starts to move over to them.
"Look, Ms. P, no offense, none of us really feel like getting a pep talk right now." Mercedes says.
"I'm not here for a pep talk, Mercedes." Emma says. "I just want to see how you all are."
"We just found out our friend is in surgery fighting for her life." Artie says. "How do you think we are!" Emma takes a step back at Artie's tone.
"Artie, man, she's just trying to help." Finn says.
"No, she's not." Artie says. "This isn't helping. Clearly we're not okay. She should know that. Asking us doesn't help. And I for one don't really feel like being checked on."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, Artie." Emma says. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Yea, you can leave us to mourn our friend in peace." Artie says. "You don't know anything about us or what we're thinking, so why don't you just leave us alone!"
"Okay, even I know that's out of line." Santana says. "And for the record, Quinn isn't dead. So stop acting like she is." Artie wheels away.
"I'm sorry, Ms. P. I don't know what got into him." Mercedes says.
"Not your fault." Emma says. "None of you are to blame here. Different people react to bad things in different ways. Give him time. I know none of you want a pep talk, you don't want me to simply say that everything will be okay. Because I don't know that, but, if any of you want to talk, just talk, I'm always here to listen."
"Thanks, Ms. Pillsbury." Sam says. "I think we just need to be alone for now though." Emma nods and walks away, casting one more glance at Artie as she leaves.