Author's Note: I've gotten several reviews regarding the length of the chapters in this story, specifically that they aren't long enough.
There are a couple of reasons why they tend to be short.
1) When I started writing this I figured the story would be around five chapters, ten max. I liked the idea of switching POV's, and truthfully, I can get a little confused when other authors switch POV mid chapter.
2) It's easier for me to write one POV, post, take a break and come at the story from a different angle. And yes, I'm too lazy to splice multiple POV's into a longer document.
3) Sadly, most of what I write is pure unadulterated crap. So while most of my chapters start out around 4,000-5,000 words, by the time I edit out all of the nonsensical BS, I'm left with around 1,000 words. I'd rather post a shorter chapter of (comparatively) better writing, than make you sift through the bad stuff.
So, I apologize for the brevity, and I appreciate that you guys read it anyway. Your reviews have become like crack to me.
PS BookSmartBlonde - I hope you're feeling better soon!
Santana was sitting cross legged on her bed, rehashing what had happened last night.
"I just don't get it," she whined. "What could he possibly see in that loser?"
Quinn's head was spinning. She knew that despite her overwhelming dislike for them, if Puck and man-hands were actually into each other, it could be a very good thing for her. Puck wasn't stupid, he'd know that Rachel would be pissed if she found out the baby was his, and if Rachel was into Puck, well then, that meant she'd stay away from Finn. The whole pregnancy thing was bad enough, but it would be even worse if the truth about the father came out. Finn was a good guy, and although Quinn felt guilty about tricking him, she knew that he'd be there for her when things inevitably got bad. He was the kind of guy you could always count on to do the right thing. Puck's reaction to the baby had surprised her, but no matter what he said about wanting to take care of her, Noah Puckerman was not the kind of man a girl would want as a father to her child.
So then, why did the thought of Puck with Rachel make her eyes cloud over in a green haze of jealousy? The idea that any of her feelings for Puck had been real was just ridiculous. He had caught her in a moment of weakness, she told herself, it could have been anyone. She tried to ignore the nagging voice deep inside her head that told her she was lying.
The truth was, Puck had fascinated her. He hadn't treated her like a queen, he'd told her dirty jokes and called her out when she was being bitchy. He'd laughed in her face when she'd tried to tell him what to do. All of that should have made her angry, but instead she'd enjoyed it. Somehow, he'd seen beyond all of her games, and when she let her guard down, she'd never felt more comfortable just being herself. There were sweet moments too, like when they had sat on her couch and watched a movie. Puck had wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her for almost two hours, never once trying for anything more.
The night with the wine coolers had been her idea. Her parents were gone for the evening, and Finn had blown her off. She'd known that Puck and Santana had plans to go out with Brittany and Matt, Santana had told her so when Quinn had invited her over. She'd been so lonely, and so mad at Finn, that she hadn't thought twice about texting Puck. He'd arrived at her house fifteen minutes later and they'd settled onto the sofa to watch TV and make out. Somewhere along the way, Quinn had realized that she wanted more. He made her feel so alive, so wanted, and she didn't want to lose that. He'd been hesitant when she broke out the alcohol, but he'd gone along with it. She'd surprised him by leading him upstairs, and when it was clear where the night was headed, he had asked her if she was sure. Bolstered by the liquid courage, she'd said yes. He'd been gentle at first, and genuinely seemed concerned about hurting her but once the initial discomfort had passed, he'd been passionate. The whole thing lasted less than ten minutes and she had cried when it was over. She told him it had been a mistake. Puck had tried to hold her, tried to comfort her, but she'd pushed him away. She'd been so frightened by everything he had made her feel, and by the intensity of her feelings for him. Quinn knew that Noah Puckerman didn't belong in her life, regardless of how badly she had wanted him there.
Her life had gone back to a somewhat normal state after that. Santana had been mad that Puck had stood her up, and it had been easy for Quinn to talk her into dumping him. Puck tried to talk to Quinn several times after that night, but she'd ignored him, and eventually his eyes had turned cold and he refused to look at her. Quinn had joined Glee, and was able to keep Finn on a much shorter leash.
Then she had missed her period. It hadn't even occurred to Quinn that they hadn't used any protection that night and she'd cursed herself for being so stupid when she realized she was pregnant. She'd wanted to call Puck, she'd wanted to hear his voice and to cry in his arms, but she had known that was impossible. She was furious with him for not being the kind of guy her parents would accept, even though she knew, deep down, that she couldn't blame him for that.
"QUINN!"
Santana's screeching voice cut her thoughts short.
"Quinn, have you heard a word I've said?" she demanded.
"What? Oh… sorry San," Quinn stammered, "I'm just tired, I didn't sleep well last night."
Santana eyed her suspiciously.
"I was asking you what we're going to do about Rachel Berry. That freak needs to be put in her place."
Quinn sighed. "Nothing San, just wait it out. Puck'll get tired of playing with her soon enough."
Santana's eyed narrowed. "What's gotten into you Quinn?"
Quinn bristled at the implication in her friend's tone. "I'm fine. Just give Berry some time, she'll make a mess of this."
The skeptical look on Santana's face worried her.
Quinn glared at her friend, and Santana backed down slightly.
"Look, just trust me," Quinn said, "I'll handle it."
Santana still looked hesitant, but she acquiesced, and started going on about Matt Rutheford, and how wrong he was for Brit.
Quinn reached for her phone, and sent a quick text.
We need to talk.