AN: I never do these but felt I should apologize. I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to update. Sadly, life sometimes interferes with writing. On the positive side, recovery has settled in and my life is getting back on track. I will be updating more frequently. To those of you still reading, thank you. To those of you who have taken the time to write reviews, thank you. Your kind words have meant so much and I'm very happy that so many of you have enjoyed my work thus far. I hope you continue to read and enjoy. And as a side note: hopefully all of you who can drive will do so with caution. Please be safe and careful in your lives-and for the love of God, stop texting while driving. That's my public safety announcement. Quinn Fabray and I now have more things in common (though this one wasn't my fault). Now on to the story- the reason why you're here.
"After the second tour, you both had a short break and then jumped right into season three. You both were pretty busy during your downtime. You wanna talk about that?" Rita inquired, putting her pen to her lip.
"I…I went to New York," Rachel answered.
"You were the talk of the town. Broadway show after Broadway show. A ton of meetings, too," Rita prodded.
"Yes. I was quite busy. I had a personal agenda. I was wining and dining a few close friends."
"Who then came to work on SING! shortly after your trip," Rita raised her eyebrow.
"When we were filming in New York, I may have convinced Kurt to become my personal stylist and move to Los Angeles. Kurt is one of my closest friends. I couldn't imagine going through the next few years without him by my side. I think subconsciously I knew that things were changing and I would need him," Rachel shrugged.
"You did a lot of recruitment during your short hiatus. Kurt Hummel was the first of many. Artie Abrams, Mercedes Jones, and Brittany Pierce-Lopez were all high school classmates of yours who got the SING! connection during season three."
"After the second tour, it really started to sink in what an opportunity I had- we both had. Quinn and I had a lot of friends in the business. We had this huge platform to showcase what our friends could do. Alan and I had a couple of meetings in New York. He's a big Broadway fan so he wanted to join me. I introduced him to Artie and Artie's work. A job offer was made. Artie became our regular director. Alan was shopping several other ideas to other networks. He needed a break and Artie deserved to get his big break. It all worked out perfectly. Mercedes Jones lived in LA. We had a guest spot that I felt she was perfect for- again it was just a win for everyone. The same with Brittany. Brittany is a phenomenal dancer. It wasn't merely that these people were high school friends of both Quinn and I, it was also that they were perfect for the job. They are talented. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I was in Alan's office every day pushing for them, but their talent is what got them to where they are now. I was just thrilled to work with my friends again," Rachel explained.
"Quinn you were busy as well," Rita turned the attention to the blonde.
"I was. Whereas Rachel was busy in a professional sense, I was busy in my personal life…I went home to Ohio for the first time in nearly four years. I met with friends. I met with family. I had made phone calls. I wanted to take the time to prepare them for what was to come," Quinn breathed out.
"Your publicist released a statement just two days before the filming of season three began. Did you have a lot of input in that statement?"
"I practically wrote it myself. I took to the web as well. I wanted a personal note to my fans after the public statement was released," Quinn nodded.
"Were you scared?"
"Shitless," Quinn laughed.
"Language," Rachel reprimanded lightly.
"I was terrified but I had the best support system. The trip to Lima, having so many close friends in LA, having the cast- I was scared but I knew it would be alright because I had so many wonderful people in my life who would stand by me and my decision to come out as a lesbian to the media and the entire country. When you're in this position as a role model, you have the opportunity to reach a lot of people. I felt that if I could help even one person who was going through the same things that I had in accepting myself, then I had to do it."
Eight years ago
Lima, Ohio
She entered the familiar restaurant. Somehow despite how much things change in life, Breadsticks would always remain exactly the same. The walls were exactly the same color. The red booths still cracked in spots but simultaneously the most comfortable booths she'd ever sat in. She was positive that the booth in the far back corner still had a small cigarette shaped burn in the red leather where Santana had forcefully stubbed out Puck's cigarette in the tenth grade when he dared to smoke near a pregnant lady. Finn had nearly peed his pants when the smell of burnt leather permeated the air. He was so sure they were going to be banned for life. It was the last double date the foursome had before Santana was threatened by Puck's growing interest in Quinn's pregnancy and everyone eventually found out who the real father was. It was the last time Quinn had felt normal during the pregnancy.
That booth next to the plants was where Quinn and Sam had their first date. His impressions later became such a staple of his high school identity. The secret nerd inside had been drawn to him- though she would've never admitted it in high school. He never asked to be a leader but he was always the first to step in to protect Kurt. Finn eventually stepped up and took care of his stepbrother. They were both had deserved better than the infidelity she had given them. If only she had known then why she couldn't get it right with any guy? Would they be as supportive of her as they had been for Kurt after the news broke? Somehow she knew they would be. She'd call them first as a common courtesy to the boys she once...well nearly loved, but not quite.
"Well look what we have here," an unmistakable voice drawled from behind her.
Quinn grinned as she turned and threw her arms around sturdy, broad shoulders. When his arms encircled her, she was surprised by the tears that pricked at the edges of her eyes. She didn't expect to be so emotional.
"Looking good baby mama," Puck beamed when she took a step back from their embrace.
"Look at you," Quinn gushed.
His trademark mohawk was long gone. Closely buzzed hair made him look older. He was as tan as he'd ever been and just as built if not more so. The crinkles at the edge of his eyes had deepened into something closer to wrinkles. His smile was still the same one that made her heart flip in familiarity and warmth filled her at the sight. Noah Puckerman would always, despite her earlier beliefs, be someone special to her.
"I know. I'm old. It's disturbing. I don't even have a six-pack anymore. It's just a solid sheet behind a layer of beer. We all can't be fit celebrities," Puck teased.
He took her hand and led her to a table. His large hand swallowed hers in a way that Rachel's never did but once upon a time had made her nearly as nervous to hold. The years had changed so much. Now the butterflies in her gut swirled for the news she was about to deliver instead of the way they twisted and turned for the bad boy who excited and thrilled her. They were never truly a perfect fit but had been bound together by their daughter. Still, he was the one guy she ever dated who had never balked at her anger. He never failed to call her on her bullshit…and she had always done the same. In a family full of false pleasantries and iron walls protecting anything real, she was still drawn to his blunt truth.
"Maybe you should lay off the beer then," Quinn retorted, falling into familiar habits of banter.
Puck's accompanying grin put her at ease. He always made her feel special with that look. She knew he had felt their connection deeper from the very beginning. They'd had their ups and downs. They'd both been cruel but he kept coming back to her no matter how many times she pushed him away. The part of her who had always wanted someone to love her swelled in delight when he grinned at her like she was the only girl worth smiling at.
He let her get settled in her seat before plopping down in the booth across from her. He wore a dark green t-shirt and khaki shorts. He suddenly looked like an adult. He looked like he owned a business but was dressed down in summer casuals…until he smiled. Then he looked every bit the part of the rebellious teen that went to Juvie for running away with an ATM.
"Yeah whatever. So how was the tour, Miss Almighty and Famous?"
Quinn rolled her eyes.
"The tour was great. Exhausting. How's your mom?"
Puck shrugged. He picked a salt shaker on the table as a waitress came up to the their table. She asked for their orders and Puck flirted with her, laying it on thick. The waitress appeared flattered and dashed away a bit flustered.
"She's like seventeen," Quinn groaned.
"Hey she could be eighteen. Eighteen is legal to make bad decisions. We both know I'm a bad decision," Puck wiggled his eyebrows with a smirk.
"You're something alright."
"She was probably thrown by you anyway. The poor girl couldn't even look at the TV star without blushing. I bet she couldn't wait to go text every high school girl in Lima. You and Berry are like royalty around here," Puck teased.
Quinn bit her lip and shook her head, "I've always been royalty."
Puck nodded slowly, seriously. His eyes traced over her face, appraising her like he hadn't seen her in years- which to be fair, he hadn't. She had grown into the woman he always knew she would and a part of him would always love her for that.
"Alright, Princess, what's this about?"
Quinn took a deep breath and waited for the waitress to set their drinks on the table. She had gotten water with lemon and was a little surprised by Puck's choice of chocolate milk. She watched him shamelessly flirt with the young girl. He winked when he glanced back toward Quinn. She fought a grin.
"Let's catch up a bit first," Quinn requested when their waitress left yet again.
"Nah, you spill first then we'll play catch up. I don't like heavy info on an empty stomach."
She glared at him in response and he caved just like she knew he would.
Puck proceeded to fill her in on his life for the past few years. He'd been in Columbus for a while working in construction and then joined a band. They had a local following around the Columbus scene. The drummer left for the Air Force so they were forced to break up. Puck had even tried to convince Finn to come be their drummer but he had moved again with his wife and baby. He still thought it was weird that Finn had a wife and a baby.
Puck's family was doing well. His mom had gone through chemo two years ago but had been in remission ever since. His sister was graduating from McKinley near the top of her class. He'd seen Beth at least twice a month since high school. He'd been to every ballet recital. He beamed when he talked about his family. He was so proud of Beth and thought she was so much better than all of the other kids. He pointed out once again how much she looked like Quinn.
"What about a girlfriend?" Quinn prodded.
"Easy now, Fabray. I'm not ready to move back to California just yet. You'll have your chance for another piece of Puckerman pie someday," Puck smirked.
Quinn rolled her eyes when he started chuckling loudly.
"There have been a few. I had a girl for a while in Columbus. She was…she kept me on my toes. She didn't put up with any of my bullshit. In a lot of ways, she reminded me of you. A little less intense and scary though," Puck's eyes twinkled when he joked with her.
"What happened?"
"She got a job offer in Boston. I didn't want to be that far from Mom, my sister, and Beth. That, uh, chick from New Directions, Kitty- we uh, we tried to make it work again last year. She moved home after college for a bit but not many people want to stay in Lima. The girl, Tiffany, that moved- she sort of pulled my head out of my ass with the whole Kitty thing and got me to grow up a bit, I guess. Columbus is good. I may end up in Cincinnati for a while. I've got a buddy there who is starting up a real estate business. I don't really know how I feel about suits but the money is supposed to be good and Shelby's talked about moving around there. I don't have to go where they go but it's nice only driving a couple of hours when she's got something going on," Puck shrugged.
"I'm always pleasantly surprised by you."
"Turned out better than ya thought, huh?" Puck grinned.
"Sometimes I think you're exactly who I wanted you to be, who I thought you could be. I'm just…you've lived up to my expectations and then some," Quinn admitted with a blush.
"Happy to impress."
"Sometimes I think I never really gave you a chance in high school."
Puck choked out a small laugh and took a big sip of his chocolate milk.
"Quinn, you gave me more than a fair chance. I screwed it up every time. Life eventually works out the way it's supposed to. I think the best thing we could've ever done together was make Beth. I don't know if it ever would've worked for us beyond that. There's nobody like you though."
Quinn swallowed thickly before Puck spoke up again. He reached across the table and took her trembling hand.
"I know why you're here and I've got your back. If things were different- Hell, I'd give you the world if I could. You know that. You've always been that girl for me. But you have to know I'm here no matter what. I- I mean, I don't want to get all mushy and shit but I love you and nothing is gonna change that. So if you need somebody to come out there and crack some skulls after all of this, I've got your back. You're still my girl no matter who you love. Doesn't change a thing about who you are to me," Puck confessed sincerely.
Quinn turned her head to stare at the practically empty restaurant. She blinked back tears and squeezed his hand. She nodded unable to speak.
"You gonna be okay?"
She nodded again.
"Good cuz I plan on making you the best lesbro ever. Like Santana thinks she's good at that shit but come on. The next girl I find has got to go through several rounds of Fabray screening. I want comments on her ass, her rack, everything. You score her. Then you interrogate her. That's your job. You help me pick a good one. And in return, I promise to listen every time you call me and tell me all of the details about the things you've done with other women-," Puck began.
Quinn laughed and smacked his forearm.
"And-and not just the good naked stuff. I'll listen when you wanna talk about feelings and giggle about sparkling eyes or whatever. You find a good girl and I'm going to question the hell out of her. I'll put the spotlight on her and let her sweat it out- then just drill her with question after question. What are your intentions with my baby mama and shit like that. Then we'll talk about the good stuff. Like how awesome her ass is. Or what a great rack she has. This is a good thing and I'm- it may not mean much from me but- I'm proud of you," Puck promised.
"Thank you. It- it means a lot," Quinn replied softly.
"So now that the hard stuff it out of the way, how many women have you been with- like sexually?"
"We are not discussing that."
Puck pulled his hand back and put it to his heart, "I am hurt. I thought we were friends."
"I'm still not telling you anything about that."
Puck laughed and held up his hands in surrender. The conversation moved back to their lives and what has happened with their mutual friends. She told him about Santana and Brittany spending all of their free time with the SING! cast. She told him about seeing Mike and Tina. He filled her in on Finn and Sam. He'd talked to Artie who apparently had lunch with Rachel the last time she was in New York. He told her about Mr. Shue and Mrs. Shue and their children.
They spent most of the afternoon laughing and teasing each other. Quinn made fun of the way he shoveled pancakes into his mouth like a starved gorilla. He mocked her love of bacon. They'd been so caught up in enjoying each other's company that Puck even stopped flirting with the waitress- whose friends were all crowded around the front counter snapping photos of the famous Quinn Fabray.
"So back to serious talk real quick," Puck said as he walked her to her mother's car in the parking lot.
"Okay," Quinn replied slowly.
"Are you gonna be okay? Like for real. You have enough support out there? I know the Unholy Trinity is reunited and all of that- and yeah you have Berry who is like her very own 'Yay Gay' parade- but you're good? I have some sick days and I've been saving up some extra cash to take Beth to Six Flags but…if you need me, I can be there."
He looked equal parts nervous, sincere, and confident. She wrapped him up in a tight hug, tucking her head under his chin. He slowly let his arms encircle her just as tightly.
"I have a lot of great friends, like family really. They'll be by my side out there. I appreciate it. You have no idea how much this means, between you and my mom- this trip has meant so much…I'll be okay," Quinn promised.
"You'll call if you need anything?"
"I will."
"Are you scared?" Puck asked after a moment.
Quinn pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes. He looked scared for her. She knew he meant it when he said he would give her the world. They had hurt each other so much in high school. They'd both been immature and cruel. Still, she would always love him in some way. Their main connection would always be Beth but sometimes, like today, she knew it was more than that.
"I was terrified when I told my mom in college. I was scared when I told you that night on the phone. I was shaking when I told the girls and it seemed like they would be the easiest people to tell. Telling a bunch of strangers doesn't feel nearly as scary as telling all of the people that I love. I know people will have their opinions. There are church groups and parents groups monitoring TV- and whatever- I know that some people will not be supportive. The people who matter are still here. My dad threw a fit. He hasn't been a part of my life for years but he still found a way to contact me and let me know he didn't approve…so yeah, it's a little scary. I'm more worried about the lack of privacy than anything else," Quinn explained.
"Hummel's out there, right? Mercedes is too. You've got all of us. Like I said, if you decide you need somebody to come out there and bash some heads to get them off your back…just call me…for anything. I- ya know- I love ya and all of that shit," Puck grinned shyly.
"Thanks, Puck. I love you too…and all of that shit," Quinn teased.
Puck nodded and few times then kissed the top of her head. He waited in the parking lot and watched her drive away. She waved at the edge of the parking lot. He smiled and waited until she was out of sight to get into his car. He sent a quick text as soon as he was sitting in the un-started car.
'Take care of her. Like dont be a bitch for a couple of wks. Love Peckerhead.'
Santana's reply came back quickly.
'It's 8am here douche. Thanx 4 wakin up Britts. We got her back. Have fun with ur hand thinkin bout it. Love Satan.'
Puck laughed at the message and tossed the phone into the cup holder. He started his car and turned up the radio when he recognized the song "The Best of Times" by Styx. He grinned as he took off back to Columbus.
Paramount Studios
Eight years ago
"Did you know she was doing it?" Matt asked Rachel.
They were all huddled around the table for the first read-thru of the season. The cast kept their voices low and hushed as they talked about the latest news. Quinn still hadn't arrived yet and neither had Alan.
"She said before the tour that she was going to after it was over. I didn't know when exactly. The day before the press release, she told me it was happening," Rachel replied with a light shrug.
"Have you seen her? Is she okay?" Scott questioned.
"We've spoken on the phone. I haven't seen her since the news broke. She's been staying at friend of ours from high school."
"She told Alan though, right?" Courtney grimaced.
Rachel shrugged.
"Did you read her post? I thought it was really great. Smart and honest. Hell, it was the bravest thing I've read online," Chase confessed.
"She was a mess over it. She kept freaking out. She called me and read to me four different versions," Rachel nodded.
"Well I think it's awesome. I've never been prouder actually," David added in happily.
"Did it make you think about what happened with you?" Brooke asked the boy while he fixed his hair.
"Of course. I wish I'd had Quinn write my statement," David joked.
A throat clearing broke their little discussion. Alan Peters stood in the doorway.
"I'm sure you all know what the latest press is abuzz about…we have a huge season lined up with several guest stars and guest directors. This is going to be our biggest year yet. I realize that the press about our guest star is overwhelming since there's nothing else being reported but please try to remain professional," Alan smirked.
They all chuckled lightly.
"So without further ado, I'd like to introduce Miss Mercedes Jones. She will joining us for the first four episodes of season three," Alan grinned.
Mercedes sauntered into the room confidently. It was as if she walking into the choir room at McKinley prepared to sing "And I'm Telling You" all over again. She had barely changed. Matured slightly but still the same big grin and a whole lot of sass.
"Berry," Mercedes winked just before Rachel launched herself from her chair to practically tackle the other girl in a hug.
Mercedes laughed and hugged Rachel back tightly. Quinn slipped in behind them during the commotion.
"I know my white girl didn't bring my ass here just to distract from her big news so I think we should sit down and get this thing started," Mercedes grinned.
"Quinn," seemed to erupt as a chorus from the others.
Each cast member got up and hugged her before Alan settled them down again to their seats. The new script was passed around as Mercedes sat down between Rachel and Quinn. She reached over and patted Quinn's leg. Quinn gave her a grateful smile.
"Before we begin, I would like to address the other big news," Alan spoke up.
Everyone sat stiffly waiting for Alan's reaction.
"It's no secret to all of us that Quinn is a wonderful person and a talented actress. Recently, she's proven yet again that her strength and bravery knows no bounds. As an openly gay man, myself, I would just like to extend my congratulations. I'm speaking for David and myself when I say that these things are never easy but everyone in this room is here for you and supports you. We're all proud of you and we stand firmly by your decision," Alan smiled.
"Thank you," Quinn husked slightly overcome.
Mercedes winked at her while Rachel and the rest of the cast beamed.
"Now let's get to work," Alan commanded.
After the first day, everyone was walking to the parking lot that night.
"Dinner?" Matt asked the group.
Rachel had her arms linked through Mercedes and Quinn's arms. She shrugged and looked to both of them.
"I'm-,' Quinn started to answer.
The bushes near their cars moved and a paparazzo stuck a camera through.
"How's it feel to be back for season three?" the man asked.
"It's great," Chase answered quickly, unlocking his car.
"Watch party meet up?" Scott suggested, trying to hint to the others to come back to his apartment.
"I'm really not in the mood," Quinn grimaced.
"What made you decide to come out, Quinn? Is there a special lady? Have you gotten any backlash from your decision to come out as lesbian?" the paparazzo fired question after question.
Quinn shrugged at the others and climbed into her car.
"Rach, will you take Cedes?" Quinn asked.
"Hey-," Mercedes protested.
"Sure," Rachel replied at the same time, taking Mercedes by the arm again to lead her toward Rachel's car.
"What the-," Mercedes started.
"Let her deal," Rachel whispered.
"But she's been staying with me," Mercedes whispered.
Rachel's look left no room for argument. Mercedes climbed into Rachel's car and eventually conceded to join some of the other's at Rachel's place. Chase and Scott came over bringing chicken wings, beer, and a salad for Rachel. They were all watching a repeat of season one and filling Mercedes in on all of the chaos that happened off screen during that episode. Chase and Scott were easing her into the cast with insider info about each cast member when the subject turned back to Quinn.
"I didn't read it," Mercedes shook her head.
"You didn't?" Scott asked incredulously.
"No. Quinn called me a week ago. She asked if she could crash. I knew something was up but I didn't want to press her. You know how Quinn gets when she feels backed into a corner. The last time I did that she didn't talk to me for four months," Mercedes explained.
"Has she always been like that? I mean I love Quinn. She's my girl. But she's not exactly an open book. She shuts down pretty fast and she's got quick temper," Scott laughed.
"She was kind of a bitch in high school," Mercedes stated bluntly.
"She was conflicted," Rachel defended.
"Rachel Berry, president of the Quinn Fabray fan club," Chase teased.
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Nah, I mean- Q went through a lot of drama. Yeah boys and normal crap she piled on herself but also her dad is...he is not a good Christian man. He pretended to be but the guy is a straight up prick," Mercedes elaborated a little. "She didn't have it easy. We got close when she lived with me. I didn't even know half of her drama. She'd rather deal with things on her own. She's always so sure she can handle it herself. This is no different. She'll come to me when she needs me. If not, I ain't pushing."
"You really didn't read it?" Scott asked again.
"Homegirl was living with me. I couldn't exactly sneak off to my computer and read her blog while she was sitting right next to me. She told me everything she wanted to say. We talked a lot about God, her mother, Beth, Puck, everybody we went to high school with. I knew she'd tell me what she needed to and I would figure out the rest for myself later. That's how it's always been with Quinn," Mercedes shrugged.
"I'm glad she went to you," Rachel half-smiled.
"You're not being replaced, Berry. She called your ass every night. She read you the whole damn thing," Mercedes chuckled.
Rachel rolled her eyes again. Mercedes grinned even wider and pulled the tiny diva into her side for a one armed hug.
Scott cleared his throat.
"This is it," he started.
He adjusted the computer on his lap and began to read:
First and foremost, I need to thank my fans for being so amazing. You all have been more than I could have asked for. This show has brought me so many amazing experiences and introduced me to so many wonderful people. All of your stories that you've shared, letters you've written, and love you've sent have been appreciated more than you will ever know.
I- and the entire cast of SING!- have been blessed with the greatest fans in the world. I cannot express to you how much your love and support has meant.
However, after meeting so many wonderful people and hearing your struggles, seeing first hand your courage, I've realized that by trying to keep my personal life so private I've been doing a disservice to the courage and loyalty of my family, my friends, and my fans. I am not ashamed of who I am so I want to be open and honest. Hearing your stories inspired me to let you know mine.
I was a teenage mother. I gave my beautiful, amazing, precious little girl away to a woman who wanted and needed a baby girl to call her own. She has been the most amazing mother to that little girl. They have become the family that I always wanted her to have. I knew at seventeen that I could not give her the life she deserved while living in a friend's home as a favor to a poor, pregnant teenager who was essentially alone. I will not share my daughter with the entire world because she not just my daughter. She is now another woman's child. The life they have built does not include paparazzi, late night talk shows, and the media in general. I will not share her because I refuse to allow my life and my decisions to change the life that she and her mother have so carefully and beautifully built.
I went through many phases of self discovery in high school and college. I was a cheerleader. I was a pregnant teenager. I was a good student. I spent several months in a wheel chair after a car accident during my senior year. I later received a Bachelors degree from Yale. I also came out to my family and friends when I was in college. Yes, you read that right. I am gay. I don't feel that I should be identified by the person who I will fall in love with someday, regardless of gender. Yes, I am gay. I am also a Christian. I am an actress. I am a daughter, a mother, a sister, a best friend, and a human being. None of these things change simply because I have realized that I needed to let the rest of the world see this one, other aspect of who I am. My past has shaped me into the person that I am today and I am not ashamed of any of it.
My personal life does not affect my job. My character has always been separate from my personal struggles, beliefs, and personality. My character remains untouched. If you do not support my lifestyle or my beliefs, have no fear that those things will impact this show that has changed the lives of so many. I felt that I, Quinn Fabray, aside from Samantha Ripley, could not be a role model if I wasn't honest about who I am.
I realize that to many of you parts of this post may come as a shock. People have made their assumptions about me from the very beginning. I apologize if it appears that I have misled you. That was not my intention.
I have met so many brave young men and women who have been nothing but open and honest about who they are. It is because of them that I have chosen to make this public announcement- in the hope that it will become easier for others like me to be okay with themselves. My friends and family have known who I am for years but I didn't want to look as though I was afraid or hiding. I don't want to lie by omission.
Not everyone will take this news well. There is so much hate in this world. I don't expect every fan of mine to remain a fan forever. I am not naïve enough to believe that everyone will support me. If I have lost your support, I wish you the best. I hope that even though your opinion of me has now dramatically changed, that you will find the happiness you seek in life and that you will continue to search for role models who set a good example of what it means to be a kind and passionate human being. I do not stand by bigots and hatred. I will not hate you for no longer supporting me. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for. I will encourage you, however, to treat others with different beliefs and ways of life with respect. Even if you don't agree with me, please allow me, and everyone, the respect we all deserve as human beings.
If you've read this and heard about my press release and you still support me, I want to thank you. Love is love. Regardless of gender, race, religion, education, ethnicity, whatever. Thank you for looking beyond simple labels. Thank you for understanding that the most important thing we can do in this life is to love each other. Thank you for continuing to love me. Your support has given me this strength. I vow to be honest, open, and respectful towards my fans. I will try to be the best role model I can. I will always cherish your support.
Scott finished and they all stared at each other.
"I love that girl. End of story," Mercedes said simply.
"Me too," Rachel grinned.
"Has it been bad?" Chase asked after a moment.
"So far most of the people have been supportive. Her tumblr and twitter have had a lot of great responses. There have been a few less than stellar reactions. No death threats or anything, just a few condemnations to hell," Rachel replied.
"Which is not new to Quinn. She's been told that since she got knocked up in high school…even by her own father," Mercedes added sadly.
"You think she'll be alright?" Chase questioned, worried.
"I think…it needs to settle before she'll really process. Puck was wonderful in Ohio. He even offered to come out here and be her personal bodyguard. Her mother has been supportive for years. The people that matter are still here. She knows that…but she's Quinn. She ain't exactly an open book and now people are completely prying into her private life. All eyes on Quinn. Like she's homeless and pregnant again. That's what she said the other day," Mercedes trailed off.
"And you're sure it's good for her to be alone?" Scott asked.
"You push Quinn and she'll push back. When she pushes back-," Mercedes started.
"She lashes out. You've seen it happen. The bigger the problem the more protective she is of her feelings. Entertainment Tonight ran an entire segment on Quinn's sexuality and possible hidden past relationships. Jessica, her ex-girlfriend, is cashing in on interviews with networks. Now that Quinn's speaking out people will actually listen to Jessica's claims. Fifteen minutes of fame are tempting for just about anyone," Rachel sighed.
"I saw the Entertainment Tonight piece. There was a whole lot of you," Scott teased.
"Funny," Rachel glared.
"Faberry fans are going cray cray. One half of Faberry is gay. I mean we're all thinking it so I don't mind being the guy to say it- ya'll would be so hot together. Just saying," Scott laughed.
"He reminds me of Artie," Mercedes chuckled.
"Abrams? Isn't he directing the third episode?" Scott asked.
"You just wait. You're like personality twins," Rachel nodded with a chuckle.
Rachel, Chase, and Mercedes stood by Rachel's door. They had another early morning on set and needed to get home to rest. Rachel watched silently while Chase put on his jacket and Mercedes searched for her phone in her purse.
"So Rach, my parents are coming to town this weekend…"Chase trailed off.
"And?"
"You know how my mom is," Chase sighed.
"You want me to come to dinner?" Rachel offered.
"If you don't have other plans."
"Sure. I love your parents," Rachel grinned.
"Thanks. I wouldn't ask but my mom has been kind of crazy lately. My sister's pregnant and she's got empty nest syndrome times a million. She adores you and you'll keep her tame and off my back," Chase laughed.
"It's really not a big deal. Besides, a free meal is a free meal. As long as it's vegan I will never turn down a free dinner," Rachel winked.
Chase thanked her and walked out. Mercedes waited for her ride. Her roommate had been at a friend's and offered to swing by to pick up Mercedes instead of Rachel leaving to get Mercedes home.
"That boy is fine. I don't know why you aren't hitting that," Mercedes blurted suddenly.
Rachel laughed and shook her head.
"He's like my brother now. Sure he was cute when we first met but I know far too many stories about him. He's not my type. He's like big brother Chase. It'd be too weird."
"If you say so. I think you guy would be cute," Mercedes smirked.
"We're not Lemily. They are cute. Chase is nowhere near as romantic and amazing as Lucas. I'm a little more high maintenance than Emily. I'm pretty sure Chachel, as some of our fans refer to us as, would be a disaster."
"I guess. It's just you guys have so much chemistry. It seems a waste. You haven't dated anyone for over a year. I figured why not," the gospel singer laughed.
"We have chemistry because we're friends."
"But out of the whole cast…I mean, he'd have to be the one you'd wanna hook up with…right?"
"Out of the whole cast? I have no idea."
"Brooke? That girl can dance. I mean I won't judge if you wanna try something new."
"She's practically married to her live-in boyfriend. If I'm whoring it up with the whole cast, I won't be a home-wrecker as well," Rachel joked.
"You know, I really enjoy this slightly less uptight Rachel Berry. The years have been good to you," Mercedes said seriously.
"Thank you. I'd like to think I learned to relax a little by our senior year. I think the first year on this show I reverted to a lot of old Rachel-isms. There's still nothing wrong with being the utmost professional. However, Quinn is a professional but nobody ever called her a diva. A bitch maybe, but never a diva. I guess she keeps me in check."
"I'm…I'm really happy that you and Quinn have…gotten so close," Mercedes replied carefully.
"We really have. She's amazing. I always knew we could be great friends in high school if things had been different. She's driven. She's strong. She's smart. She's witty. We were just pitted against each other so often in the high school setting…it's been nice to have a redo and find out what we should have been."
"You always saw the best in her. Even when she was being a huge bitch to you. You still see the best in her."
"Well, underneath all her struggles, she's a really great and kind person. I always try to see the best in everyone," Rachel shrugged, watching as a car pulled up to the curb in front her home.
"And her coming out hasn't changed anything?" Mercedes asked after a long pause.
"Of course not. I've known Quinn was a lesbian for years now. I admit it was shocking when Santana first told me about Quinn's girlfriend while she was at Yale, but she's been nothing but honest with me about everything since our first day on set."
"Yeah," Mercedes said slowly.
"Whatever you're thinking, spit it out. We have an early morning and I've been limited to three cups of coffee a day by Alan. Your ride is here and I need my beauty rest," Rachel rolled her eyes.
"It's…nothing. I'm just glad Quinn has you. That's all."
Rachel stared at her for a second before nodding. They hugged briefly before Mercedes walked to the car. Rachel waved from her porch. Mercedes waved back before she and her roommate drove off.