Quinn's heart was pounding. This moment – it couldn't be real. She had to be hallucinating. Quinn closed her eyes for a few moments and looked up again. He was still there. Every feeling for Puck came back in an instant. Quinn went from feeling love to pure hatred, all in less than 60 seconds.
Why her?
If the stress of meeting Beth again wasn't enough; add ex husband to the mix. Puck didn't smile or wave – he just kept staring. It was really beginning to annoy her. Quinn looked at her drink and downed it. Being drunk was the only way she could get through this encounter.
It wasn't that she hated Puck. In fact, part of her heart still loved him. The timing was just not right. Quinn smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, lifted her head up, and walked over to Puck.
"Noah Puckerman." Quinn forgot how perfect he was. Damn him.
Puck smiled for the first time since they locked eyes. "Quinn Fabray."
Quinn knew he was going to ask why she was in New York. As much as she hated him – she couldn't lie. Puck deserved to see Beth as well. "Do you play here or something?" Quinn hated making small talk – it was just way too complicated.
"Sometimes – it pays the rent," They stood in an awkward silence for a few moments. "What are you doing here?"
The question was like a punch in the gut. Quinn couldn't breathe. She couldn't even think. "It's complicated."
"Isn't it always?" Puck said with a smile. He was right and Quinn hated admitting that. They never had a simple life.
Quinn knew she couldn't lie. "I'm here to see Beth."
Puck didn't speak for minutes. He didn't seem angry, more hurt. "I – I sent her letter – you know – cuz of her birthday and all – Shelby called me and – well told me to meet her in the city."
"I see."
"Puck – if she knew how to contact you I am sure she would have!" Quinn never realized how easy it was too fall back into a steady rhythm with Puck. They fit together so naturally.
He scowled and gulped down his drink. "Whatever"
"You can come you know – I mean – she is your daughter."
"We should have never given her up, Quinn." Puck was angry now. She wasn't exactly sure why, but Quinn assumed it was everything. She was invading in his life and telling him about his baby girl. "Fuck, yeah I was young but I could have supported us. Your mom was totally for it too!"
Quinn was over crying when then fought. She needed to have a conversation with him without any pain. "I – Noah, I wanted to keep her – I lied when I said I didn't"
"You shouldn't have fucking lied."
Her entire body was shaking. After Quinn signed the divorce papers - she hoped to never seem Noah Puckerman again, but life always had a funny way about it. There they were, sitting in a bar – arguing about decisions they made when they were 16. Just another Friday night.
"I didn't know it would hurt this bad – I was stupid and selfish okay!" Quinn was yelling over the blaring music. Her throat hurt and her eyes were tired. Alcohol always made her emotional.
Puck rolled his eyes and stood up; grabbing his jacket and guitar. "I loved you – and now I can't even stand the sight of you. For as long as I can remember – I dreamed about seeing you again – but now – I can't do this. You will always be Quinn Fucking Fabray. A selfish bitch that always does what is right for her life."
Quinn flinched as the words slurred out of his mouth. He was drunk, but the truth was the truth. "Puck,"
"No Quinn." He put on his jacket slowly. "I don't ever want to see you again. Just – do what you want. Make decision about our life and I'll just take it. If Beth asks – tell her I love her."
Puck walked out of the bar, not even looking back. Quinn sat for a moment, her hand on her chest. She was breathing heavy. This had been a mistake. She needed to get out of here.
Shelby looked around nervously. Quinn was supposed to meet them at 8:30 and it was well past that. She had texted Quinn a few times and even called her, but no answer. Beth was doing okay – she was coping the best she could. Shelby was infuriated. Quinn had an opportunity to see Beth and she didn't take it.
They were amount to leave when she saw Quinn running up the steps frantically. She was out of breath and her hair was a mess. Beth looked to Shelby and then back at Quinn. The resemblance between the two was uncanny. Beth was Quinn in every way possible, but she had her father's eyes.
Quinn was already crying when she reached them. "I'm so sorry. Oh, I got so lost."
The moment was far from picturesque. It was nothing like Beth imagined. "I – oh, you are so beautiful." Quinn told her.
Shelby was crying now too. Quinn had given her the greatest gift in the entire world and she would never forget that. "I –I'm really glad to meet you." Beth smiled and Quinn saw Puck. She wasn't their baby girl anymore.
"Happy Birthday Sweetheart." Quinn wasn't sure whether to hug or not, so Beth took the initiative.
"I didn't think you were going to show up."
Quinn held her tighter. "I wouldn't miss a day with you for the world."