Disclaimer: I don't own GLEE or its characters though I wish I did.

Author's Note: Hey people! Thanks for all the reviews, alerts and reads! I'm EXHAUSTED from my tournament but I managed to finish two chapters for you guys so YOUR WELCOME haha just kidding...I love you guys! So a double update night...ENJOY!

She timidly walks past the Hudson/Hummel kitchen, peeking in to see Carole looking distressed as she sits at the kitchen table. She misses the woman a lot. She misses the warmth a mother was supposed to provide that radiates naturally from her. She misses the denim.

"Umm..." she stammers, gaining the woman's attention as she stands awkwardly at the doorway. "He's tucked in safely. I should get going...it was great to see you again."

"Thank you, Rachel" Carole says authentically. "I really miss having you around here. Finn functions a lot better with you...he's so sad now. And that causes him to make horrible decisions."

"I miss it, too" she admits. Carole gestures to a seat across from her and she timidly accepts. She stays quiet for a few moments, enjoying the woman's company. "You have to know" she murmurs finally. "I hate myself for hurting him. I made a huge mistake and it cost me the world..." She falls silent, biting her lip to supress tears. "He was my world...he still is. And I did what I did so carelessly because I was in such a bad place. I didn't know what to believe anymore and I started to doubt everything. I noticed my flaws and I noticed how Finn thought she was hot and I-I...I snapped. I was selfish and mean and-"

Carole places a hand over hers and gives her an understanding look. "You weren't mean" she coos. "You took responsibilty for it and apologized which is a huge sign of maturity. And it's one of the hardest things to do. My son is a good boy but he's made many mistakes...I know. But he really has changed since he met you." She laughs lightly. "I remember the first time he talked about you. His whole face lit up and he rambled and he blushed. And the first time I met you, I knew you were going to make him a better person." She smiles softly at the memory before sighing sadly. "You both made mistakes but Finn's never made up for them. Sometimes you kind of have to learn the hard way. Finn's never had to with you. And that's something he's taking advantage of."

She nods sullenly as they sit in silence for a moment. "You know what hurts the most?" she asks quietly. "It hurts that he's with her now after telling me she meant nothing. She gave me this stupid shiner and she ridicules and bullies me and he has to go to her." She runs a hand over her face with a bitter, emotional laugh. "I kept telling myself that it was karma but...I don't think it is."

Carole grimaces. "I've never been so disappointed in him" she says with a slow shake of the head. "I met her the other day. She was rude and disrespectful, thinking she was eminent in my house, and Finn was horrible around her. I actually asked her to leave. I'm so angry with Finn. We haven't spoken much since because I told him that you were the only person who made him truly happy and that he wasn't fooling any one. And I told him that he can forget about bringing any other girlfriends into this house again unless it was you." She laughs sheepishly. "I just know Finn. And I'm not tolerating that."

She laughs gently with the woman. "I really love him, Carole" she murmurs honestly. "I've been trying really hard to gain his forgiveness and make him happy but I'm not getting anywhere." She stares absently at the flower centerpiece, and shrugs distantly. "And to be honest, I don't really know who I am anymore. My world just fell apart abruptly and left me to pick up the pieces but I don't know how to reassemble myself...do you know what I mean?"

Carole nods with a small, sad smile. "Maybe you're the one that needs time" she suggests, sounding idle.

She ponders that for a few lingering moments. Time. She's never had that before. She's been jumping through hoops to make everyone else happy and she's completely forgotten about herself. She hasn't had time to figure her needs.

But Finn said he'd remember...said he wanted to remember. She needs him. He needs her. Maybe they don't need any time at all.

She manages to smile slightly. "Maybe" she says softly.

A knowing glint flashes in the woman's eyes as she gives her hand a gentle squeeze. "I should get going" she says finally, getting to her feet. "It was so nice seeing you again. And thank you...for everything. For being the mother I never had."

Carole embraces her tightly with an emotional beam. "Any time, honey" she coos. "I'll always be here for you. Please drop by any time...soon, please."

"Of course."

They break apart and she gives the woman one last smile before leaving the warm Hudson/Hummel home, hoping that things will go up from here.

Key word: hoping.

AN#2: I love Rachel/Carole = Daughter/Mother...or more like in-laws that are very close ;)

Next Chapter: A lot of angst!

REVIEW THIS CHAPTER AND THE NEXT!