Chapter 4: Return

Power, Finn wrote on the blackboard.

"Your vocal performance can be the best that the judges have ever seen, but we will not win Nationals without a powerful performance. Not only in your dancing but in your singing. You need to slay the other teams with your voice. They need to be scared as soon as they hear your voice. Your performance must be intimidating. So this week, try your best to deliver a powerful performance."

Finn looked at Mr Shue, raising his eye brow to ask if he wanted to add anything, but his former teacher and now colleague was content with his lesson.

"So is there anyone, who already feels ready to perform?", the choir director asked.

"Well, if you want a mediocre performance just ask any of your kids, but you know that the only people who could pull of the most powerful of numbers are the three hottest girls who were ever sitting in this room," a raspy voice said behind them.

"Oh my God!", Finn shouted. "Santana, Britt! Quinn! What are you guys doing here?"

Quinn smiled: " Showing you the true meaning of a powerful performance. Hit it, Brad!"

I'm feeling sexy and free

Like glitter's raining on me

You like a shot of pure gold

I think I'm 'bout to explode

Quinn led Brittany and Santana in the performance of Domino by Jessie J. The three girls were twirling around the room and soon they were transported back into their high school days, when they ruled the choir room and the school. They completely lost themselves in their energetic performance. They were dancing around happily, cheered on by the New Directions. They finished off their performance in their usual pose: Quinn in the middle, Brittany at her right stroking her arm and Santana at her left, all three of them donning their most perfect HBIC smiles.

This is what Quinn knew how to do. Lead this group and give a powerful performance. Dancing and singing was her way to express her joy. It reminded her of the days, when she was truly happy.

"Wow guys. I completely forgot what you are capable of when performing together. It is so good to see you."

"Thanks, Mr Shue. And congratulations on finally getting married," Quinn said.

Brittany smiled at the New Directions: "Hey guys. We all took a week off and decided to visit Lima and stop by."

They all got up to hug her, Sam first. He then went on to hug Santana who he made up with after realizing that she was better for Brittany than him. He then stared at Quinn. The girl he once loved and never really got over. He smiled at her and waved awkwardly. She smiled back and didn't really know what to say.

"Hey," she started.

"Hey Quinn."

"So, how are Stacy and Stevie?"

"Good. How are you?"

"Good."

"How is life?"

"It's ok. Sorry, I gotta go," Sam said with a hurt expression on his face.

Blaine went up to him.

"What's wrong?", he asked concerned.

"It's Quinn."

"Yeah, but what about her?"

"It's just kinda awkward. Two years ago, we talked all day and were on the phone all night and now, we just small talk and even that seems to be awkward."

"Well maybe you should talk to her."

"I don't really see that happening. She cheated on me. I don't think that I really want to talk with such a person."

"You do realize that you are talking to such a person right now? Remember, I cheated on Kurt and it was the biggest mistake of my life, but we made up again. Maybe you should try that."

"We'll see," Sam said and walked out of the choir room, leaving a puzzled Blaine behind.

The Unholy Trinity sat down with Finn and Will, talking about the old times, Brittany's life at MIT, Quinn's at Yale and Santana's in the NYC apartment with Kurt and Rachel. They had a great time and soon Quinn got a call from her mother who asked if she should pick her up.

Judy and Quinn then had dinner and talked until Quinn excused herself into her room.

She was lying in her bed thinking about what happened with Sam earlier. He stared at her all throughout the performance even though he had dated all three of them. But then she talked to him afterwards, he seemed so cold and she couldn't really think of anything to say. She knew she had broken his heart, but what should she have said? Sorry for two years ago? I never got over you? Cheating on you was an even bigger mistake than sleeping with Puck?

She couldn't sleep. Two years ago, she would just have called Sam and he would be glad to come over and take a walk outside with her, no matter at what time. He would keep talking about some stellar constellations and they would go to that play ground with the swings and just sit down and talk forever. Maybe she should call him after all.

She reached for her phone and dialed his number, which she still knew by heart. She waited desperately, but he didn't answer. She hung up and the phone screen switched back to her contacts. Right over Sam was Rachel, but she wasn't the person who Quinn talked to a lot anymore. Over Rachel, she saw another name. Puck. She wondered if he would come, if she called. Well, a girl can try. She clicked on the green symbol next to his name and called him. A few minutes later, stones were tapping on her window. She looked down and saw Puck smiling at her.

"Will you come down or do I need to carry you, Fabray?"