A/N- So, here's another really full chapter. It's a buddy chapter, but it's still relevant to the story. Lots of Shelby. This was almost two separate chapters but, I managed to stop myself before I took it too far. I hope you like it. Oh, and to the person who pointed out my "Of corse" mistake, thank you for that. I honestly didn't notice, because my spell check didn't correct it, and I appreciate you saying something, I know you weren't trying to be insulting. Outfits count in this chapter. Remember, add the "h" before the "ttp" and remove the spaces after the periods. I love you guys lots.
Rachel & Jade-
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/cgi/set?id=39107466
The Unholy Trinity-
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/lunch_with_shelby/set?id=39107439
Rachel Berry stood, quietly outside of Santana's bedroom door. She couldn't move. On the other side of that door lay her best friend, who was loosing a child that she had never even asked for. A girl who cared for people more than most. A girl who tried extra hard to hide her pain, just for the sake of not wanting to bother anybody. Rachel wanted more than anything to open the door, and hug her best friend tight. To kiss her on the cheek, and tell her everything was going to be okay. However, she couldn't even bring herself to open the door. After a few minutes, she felt a loving pair of arms wrap around her from behind.
"What are you waiting for", asked Quinn.
"What do I say to her", asked Rachel, in almost a whisper.
"That doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter if you didn't say anything at all. I think just having you close by is something she'd appreciate."
"Quinn...this happening to any girl is terrible enough, but why her", asked Rachel, breaking in tears."I've always known certain families take no issue with hurting another member of the family. That's a given, but...to hurt your sister that way...I don't understand."
"Rachel, just go. You have her blanket, and she needs it. She also needs a hug from her best friend", said Quinn, kissing Rachel on the cheek. She reached in front of the smaller girl, opened the door, and walked back into the living room. Rachel took a deep breath, and stepped inside. The only light in the room was coming from Santana's bathroom, but it was bright enough for Rachel to see that Jade was awake. She hadn't seemed to notice that anybody had came into the room. That was until Rachel slowly walked over to the bed, and looked down at her. She looked up, and smiled.
"Hi Rea Rea."
Rachel didn't say a word. She simply crawled onto the bed next to Jade. She handed the girl her baby blanket, and wrapped her arms around her. She kissed her forehead, than both cheeks. She knew Jade liked kisses, she knew she loved being hugged. So, if speaking wasn't an option, she would do whatever she could to make her understand that she was there for her.
"It's alright that you don't know what to say, Rach."
The tiny girl was blown away by her best friend's statement. It was as if she knew exactly what she was thinking. It had always been like that with her.
"It would be better if you didn't know...but you do. I kinda' figured it would only be a matter of time before you were here. I hate that I'm disturbing your life, but I can't lie...I'm so happy to see your face."
Rachel let more tears fall, as she squeezed her friend tighter.
"Don't be sad for me...please...it's alright. We all go through different things. This is just one of my things."
"Jade, stop."
She couldn't take it anymore.
"Stop what, Rea Rea?"
"Stop thinking that you don't matter."
"I don't think I matter very much. I'm sorry."
"God...seriously, how can you believe that", cried Rachel.
"I don't know...it's just how I feel."
"This is not your fault...".
"It might be...".
"You...t-told me that...he used a condom...".
Jade didn't say a word.
"I know you hate talking about this...I know it, but please...please tell me why you let him hurt you like he does."
"He's my brother...and it's not very easy for me to stop loving a person. No matter how much they hurt me...", answered Jade, sadly.
For some reason she herself didn't even understand, Rachel couldn't help but wonder if Jade thought of her brother as a lover, or a boyfriend. She didn't want to believe such a thing, but the situation was unfamiliar, so her mind took her to places that she didn't want to go. She wanted to let those thoughts out, let them be known to Jade, only to be sure she was wrong. She was so lost in holding the girl, so deep into her own thoughts, that she hadn't even noticed Quinn, Santana, and Brittany entering the room. Quinn and protested interrupting the two, however Santana and Brittany couldn't stand not knowing what they were talking about. The three former Cheerios stood just inside the room, waiting and listening.
"How do you love him", Rachel finally asked, nervously.
"Like a brother."
"Nothing more?"
"No, nothing more."
"That's why you let him do that to you?"
"Yes."
"Oh God...Jade he hurt you like no brother should...how do you still love him", asked Rachel, through her tears.
"I dunno' but...I do. He has a problem...but he doesn't let himself acknowledge it. I try to help him, I try so hard, but he...he scares me."
"I know he scares you, sweetie, that's why I really want you to stay away from him."
"Rachel, can we please stop talking about this now", asked Jade, with such calmness, that it confused the little diva.
"No...", said Rachel, still in tears. "You're hurting, and even if you choose to ignore it...I won't."
"You're dealing with enough, Rea Rea. I won't let my issues get in the way."
"I don't care what I'm dealing with. I love you, Jade. I love you, and I refuse to let him hurt you anymore."
"Well, I refuse to let Jesse hurt you anymore", answered the darker girl.
"He doesn't hurt me anymore."
"I think he does. Maybe he doesn't hit you, or physically hurt you anymore...but emotionally...yeah he does, Rachel. It needs to stop, and I'm gonna' do whatever I have to do to put an end to that."
"Only to take attention from yourself. I know you mean well, Jade. I really do, and I'll trust that until the day I die. But...why won't you let us help you?"
"Rachel...can we please stop talking about this? Please...", asked Jade again, only this time she sounded desperate.
Rachel just cried some more, and pulled Jade as close as she could. The other three quietly turned around, and walked out into the living room. They all sat down, and Brittany did her best to explain what had happened during Jade's exam. How Jade had thought it was her time of the month, and the cramps were just really bad. How she hadn't figured out what was really happening until that morning. Brittany than went on to explain what Mindy had said after she examined Jade. She said the worst of it was over, and in a couple days Jade would be okay.
"This is so horrible...", said Quinn.
"Where are Puck and Jonah", asked Brittany.
"Puck's back at their apartment waiting for Jonah to get home. We kinda' figured it would be better for Jonah to hear it from him", answered Quinn.
"Hopefully, they go take their rage out on that piece of shit, wherever he's hiding", growled Santana."Seriously, why is he here?"
"He's probably staying at Jesse's since the two of them seem to be attached at the disgusting hip", sneered Quinn."I hate that I have to say this, but it really makes sense that they're friends."
"What are we gonna' do to stop them", asked Brittany.
"At this point, I could stab the both of them, feeling zero remorse", said Santana, as she stood up from the couch."Anybody want something to eat?"
"I do", said Brittany.
"No, I'm good. Could you bring me a glass of water though?"
Santana nodded, and headed into the kitchen.
"Q...remember how you caught your dad", asked Brittany, quietly.
"Yeah...".
Brittany just looked nervously away.
"Oh God, no...we can't do that B...not in this situation."
"Why not?"
"It would just end up hurting both of them more", said Quinn.
"What would", asked Santana. She handed a Brittany a fruit roll up, and Quinn a glass of water. She than sat back down, and bit into a cupcake.
"She thinks we should catch Jesse and Mika in the act, on video. Like I did with my dad."
"No no no, Britts we can't do that. It might work if they ever had to go to court, but there is just no way", said the Latina.
"But, if it would work...".
"Wait a second...what do you think they'd have to be doing on the video, Britt", asked Quinn.
"I don't know, just like yell at them about hurting them. You'd just have to be able to hear them talking about hurting them, right?"
"Oh, if only...no, B. Jesse would actually have to hit Rachel on video, and Mika would have to-"
"Oh God! Okay never mind...I didn't know that! Forget I said that...oh my God...", said Brittany, shaking her head.
"It's okay, Britts", said Santana, with a smile. She the girl meant well.
"I'll be right back, I need to pee", said Brittany, and she stood up and left the room.
"Okay, real quick before she gets back...neither of us like fruit roll ups. Why is it that we have a box of them in the snack cupboard?"
"Why do you think", snapped Santana.
"Wow...and it starts", breathed Quinn.
"What starts? I know she likes them, so I keep some around, what's the big deal?"
"If you have to ask that, than why bother even trying to explain it to you,S?"
"So you think keeping certain things at your place for your friends is a bad thing?"
"Oh my God, no I don't, but with her...for you...it's a Hell of a lot more than just that, and don't you dare try to tell me otherwise."
Before Santana could respond, Brittany was back.
"I don't hear them talking anymore, so I guess she's sleeping again", said the taller blond, sitting back down.
"It's her blanket", said Santana."She's had it since she was a baby, so I think she has big problems staying asleep without it."
"I was like that. I really miss Lord Tubbington, he was like another pillow for me at night", said Brittany, sadly.
"I'm sorry, B", said Quinn, sympathetically.
"It's okay, my parents are taking good care of him."
"Oh speaking of parents", said Santana, finishing her cupcake."What was with Shelby being at the apartment?"
"Ms. Cocoran", asked Brittany, in shock.
"Yeah, she's in town for a few days, and wanted to see Rachel", said Quinn.
"And...Rachel actually wanted to see her", asked Santana.
"At first no, but Shelby opened up about a few things, and now...I think if she's telling the truth, with a little time, they could probably have an actual relationship."
"Do we trust her", asked Santana.
Quinn couldn't help but smile at Santana's use of the word we. To her, it meant that she indeed was holding onto her soft spot for Rachel.
"I'll have to get back to you on that one", she answered.
A few minutes passed by, before Rachel emerged from Santana's bedroom, and made herself comfortable in Quinn's lap.
"Is she sleeping", asked Santana.
"Finally, yes", answered Rachel, tiredly."She really needed her blanket."
"Told you", said Santana, with a small smile.
"She won't let us help...", mumbled Rachel, sadly.
"She doesn't have a choice, and if she really thinks we're gonna' keep letting this happen, she's crazy", said Quinn.
"I can promise you right now, Mika's going down hard. I'm sorry, but you do not hurt any girl like that. Especially not your own sister, or when you're one of my girls", said Santana. "You're not protesting that we go after St. Prick Face, are you, Rach?"
"Not at all. I just wish Quinn wouldn't have beat him up. No offense, honey", said Rachel, as she leaned in and kissed her girlfriend on the lips."It's just...now that you've done that, he's planning something. It's the only reason why he hasn't done anything yet, because he's planning on hitting back, and he's planning on hitting hard."
"And Rach, you helped Sunshine, so now he's gonna' be even more mad at you. This isn't good", said Brittany, in a very worried tone.
"I meant to ask...how the Hell did Sunshine get money to fly back home", asked Quinn."I mean, not that her getting away isn't amazing, but she worked a minimum wage job, earning money that I can only assume Jesse controlled most of."
"Jade paid for her plane ticket, which was first class. Also, she paid for a undercover police escort just to be safe. She even gave her some extra cash, just because", answered Rachel.
"Holy shit...", breathed Santana."I feel like a bad girlfriend asking this but, can she afford that?"
"Actually, it's weird because I love Jade and Jonah to death, but for the short time I've been hanging around them...I don't know a lot about their family. I knew they had money, and I do know that Mr. Price is kind of a douche bag. I've overheard him and my Dad talking at church before. But, since Jonah didn't go to our school, and Jade was always hiding...", said Quinn.
"Alright, I don't know if you guys have noticed, but Jade and Jonah are pretty well off. I've known that since I started spending time with Jade...just look at our apartment. Puck doesn't pay rent, and I don't even pay half. Not that Dad and Daddy don't send me money, on a weekly basis...but Jade and Jonah are generous like that. They just don't like throwing their money in people's faces, they know it's available to them, so they share their good fourtain. Their parents call and yell at them all the time about what they spend money on, but in the end it never matters. I think their dad is just happy that they're running his bar so well", said Rachel.
"I have to wonder sometimes...", said Santana."How is it that he can own a bar, knowing damn well that most of the customers are underage college students?"
"I've learned not to ask questions like that. Other than the fact that most of the people that go there have fake ID's...I don't know how the two of them run the bar the way they do. Jade's our age, and Jonah is only a year older. They get away with it though", said Rachel."It's a really awkward family, we're just lucky to know the only two good people within that family. Obviously, Mika is a disgusting ass hole...and their sister, Nessa...she's such a bitch", exclaimed Rachel.
"Is she mean", asked Brittany.
"She's the type of person that goes out of her way to make you feel like shit. She purposely makes people feel uncomfortable, and it's just so damn frustrating. Last time she came to visit, Puck and her got into it bad. I think her nickname for Jade was little emo cunt...and for Jonah...something about being a skater fag. She was going on and on about how the two of them are racially confused, and it's gross to her that they act and dress like white people, whatever that means. She always makes them feel like they're nothing...calling them retards all the damn time. Noah didn't like that, and the two of them laid into each other. Jade and Jonah felt horrible for how she acted, but they seemed...scared of her somehow."
"How come they let her visit", asked Quinn.
"They don't argue with anything the rest of the family wants. At least not usually. Their parents always send Nessa to spy on them. They'd send Mika too, although now, I get why Jade was always especially nervous when he came around. I thought he lived back at home, but he's been around a lot more lately. I really hope he didn't move here...".
"What if he moved in with Jesse", asked Brittany.
"I say we set his apartment on fire...",snorted Santana.
"I wish", said Quinn.
"No, we can't do anything that would put us at risk of getting caught", said Rachel, shaking her head."We have to hit him where it hurts the most."
"I know what we should do. We go after his career", said Quinn.
"Nice...", said Santana, with a huge smile on her face.
"What, like mess up his show", asked Brittany.
"Not just Jersey Boys. We'll make sure he never works on Broadway again. Hell, he took Rachel's lively hood away...so I say we take his, and use it to fucking destroy him", laughed Quinn.
"That could work. I almost got his ass kicked using sex, after all", laughed Santana. Rachel and Brittney stared at her, mouths open."Oh that's right...you guys don't know about that."
"Santana Lopez, you better explain...", warned Rachel.
The next morning was one that moved quickly. Quinn and Santana had class, so they needed to be awake early enough to get ready for the day. Santana had Brittany and Jade in her bedroom, while she showered, and dressed. As she sat on her bedroom floor, looking into a mirror, getting her make up done, she couldn't help but be amused by Brittany and Jade's conversation.
"...okay clowns, I get. Lots of people are scared of clowns, but how can you be scared of mimes too", Brittany was asking.
"It just doesn't make sense that they can't get out of that invisible box. They're always climbing an invisible rope, so why don't they use the the invisible rope to escape the invisible box", Jade said.
"Oh my God, I never even thought about it like that before", exclaimed Brittany.
"Right? So, if they have the rope, why are they so desperate to get out of the box? Mimes cannot be trusted...that's all I'm saying."
"Jade...you're a genius!"
"I don't know about that, but I'm glad somebody finally understands", said Jade.
Santana burst into laughter, and the two of them just looked at her cluelessly.
"What's so funny, San", asked Brittany.
"Nothing...you two just made my day...".
Across the hall, Rachel sat on Quinn's bed, messing with her phone as Quinn did her make up.
"You know, it's funny...I hadn't realized just how much you've changed since home. You're clothing for one, and I don't remember you wearing make up at all."
"I didn't. My Dad used to tell me that make up was for whores. Which I knew he didn't really believe since my Mom wears it every single day just to keep him happy. As for my clothes, not much has changed. I discovered jeans in a big way, but I still love my dresses. That's what happens when you spend most of your high school years wearing a cheer leading uniform. Now, it's different. I don't have my Dad in my ear telling me what to do. Screw diamonds...make up is a girls best friend", answered Quinn."You're one to talk Ms. Berry...I mean, I remember you'd wear make up, but not as much as you wear on a daily basis now."
"Yes, well...things...change I guess...", the shorter girl mumbled."There is more to a wardrobe than short skirts, and argyle sweaters. Sexy School Girl Librarian Sheik...although a style I will always be proud of coming up with...isn't right for a place like this."
"You miss those animal sweaters, I know you do", teased Quinn.
"Oh you know, huh", giggled Rachel.
Quinn smiled, as was about to say something, when Rachel's phone rang.
"It's Shelby...", she said, nervously.
"Answer it...", said Quinn.
Rachel rolled her eyes, but answered her phone.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Rachel."
"Morning...".
"Is everything alright? Your friend okay?"
"Yeah...she's...better, I guess. Sorry about last night, I didn't mean to blow you off."
"No, don't be sorry, I understand that you have other things going on, but I would like to see you again before I go back home...if that's okay with you."
"Well, I'm not going to work today. My boss has personal things going on, and texted me saying I have the day off, with pay."
"Oh, wow, that's nice of your boss. I have breakfast plans. After, that I'm free for the day."
"You could come to my apartment this afternoon if you want", said Rachel. She was so concentrated on her phone conversation that she didn't notice Quinn smiling at her.
"Okay, I'll do that. What time would you like me there?"
"Anytime really, I'm at Quinn's now, but I'll be heading home within the next half hour or so."
"Alright, well I should be done visiting with Jesse around noon, or one. How about I come to your place around then?"
Rachel wanted to throw up all of the sudden. The little bit of hope she had towards Shelby was being questioned, just like that.
"You're...seeing Jesse?"
At that question, Quinn's proud smile faded, and she dropped her hair brush to the ground.
"Yeah, I ran into him when I was leaving your place last night ,and he asked if I would meet him for breakfast."
"Oh...".
Quinn stood up, and grabbed the phone away from Rachel.
"Shelby...this is Quinn."
"Oh..well, good morning Quinn, how are you?"
"Don't you dare", said Quinn.
"Excuse me?"
"If you love Rachel at all, and really do want to make everything alright with her, you will not go anywhere near Jesse."
"What? I don't understand...".
"I get that you don't understand, but trust me, Shelby. You're in the dark when it comes to a lot things. You have every right to see who you choose to see. But, if you want to fix things with your daughter, you will not talk to that bastard."
There was a long pause before Shelby could think of anything to say. While waiting for the woman to speak, Quinn turned to look at Rachel. She was looking back at her with a worried expression on her face.
"Okay", she finally answered.
"Okay, what", asked Quinn.
"I won't go, I will cancel with him...but, you or Rachel, or somebody has to tell me why."
"That's really not up to me. I'll give you back to Rachel, just a second", said Quinn, lowering the phone, and covering the speaker.
"She says she won't go, but we have to tell her why...".
Rachel shook her head.
"Rach...it's the only way. Plus, maybe if she knows...she can help us. She can...help you."
Although she was really against it, Rachel knew Quinn was right. She nodded her head, and Quinn smiled a little when she handed her the phone.
"Shelby?"
"Rachel, what happened?"
"I'll tell you, I promise, but can it wait until you come over later? I feel like telling you on the phone would be kinda' rude. You are here for a short amount of time after all."
"Sure. I'll be at your place around one o'clock."
"Alright, I'll see you at one", said Rachel, and she hung up.
"Trust me, sweetie", said Quinn, leaning down."I don't see the harm in her knowing." She kissed her on the cheek, and continued getting dressed.
"She...said she ran into him leaving my apartment last night...", said Rachel, quietly.
"What", asked Quinn.
"I guess he's watching me closer than I thought he was", said Rachel, eyes filling with tears."Quinn...I'm so dead."
"Don't say that", said the blond, sitting down on her bed, and pulling Rachel into a tight hug."I won't let that happen. None of us will let that happen."
Later that afternoon, Santana was sitting on campus, waiting very impatiently. After what seemed like forever, Quinn came rushing over to her out of breath.
"Come on, we need to go S, why are you just sitting there", she asked.
"Where's your phone", asked Santana, calmly, standing up.
"It's in my pocket, why?"
"It's turned off, right?"
"Yes, I turn it off for certain classes, you know this! Now let's go, I promised Rachel we'd be at their apartment for lunch. She can't talk to Shelby without me!"
"See, if you would have bothered to turn your phone back on right after your class, you'd see several texts from me, and probably Rachel, explaining that plans have changed. But no, you just ran clear across campus for no reason. Congratulations", said Santana, sarcastically.
"What are you talking about?"
"We're not going to their apartment. Rach and Jade got into a huge argument with Puck and Jonah, and don't wanna' be there right now. So, as soon as Britts gets here, we're meeting them at that cafe that's next door to Smashed", the Latina explained.
"Oh. Okay, well...now I know. Thank you", said Quinn."Why were they fighting with the boys?"
"I have no idea, none of them will talk about it."
"Must of been bad", said Quinn, a hint of worry masking her tone.
Santana nodded her head.
"Hey you guys", said Brittany, as she bounced over to them. She smiled happily, and hugged them both.
"Hey B, like your outfit", said Quinn.
"Really? I'm in my dance sweats", laughed the taller blond.
"Yeah, but the pink stripes on your shirt are really cute."
"Oh, well thanks, Q. You both look pretty hot today, not that I should be surprised", she laughed.
Once the three of them arrived at the cafe, they noticed Shelby sitting at a table all by herself. They strolled over to her, and sat down at the table.
"Oh...hello girls", said the woman, nicely."Wasn't expecting you."
"Hi Ms. Cocoran, how are you", asked Brittany, cheerfully.
"I'm fine. It's nice to see you all."
"Rachel's not here yet", asked Quinn, looking around.
"Not yet, but I was a little early so...wait...never mind, I see her, and that other girl. Um, do they always do that", she asked, laughing a little.
"Do what" ,asked Santana, turning around."Okay, wow."
Rachel and Jade were walking into the cafe, holding hands. They were both wearing the same hooded sweater, with a skull and cross bones on the front of it. The only difference being that Rachel's was orange, and Jade's was baby blue. They both had headbands on with bows attached, and converse sneakers.
"That is so cute", squealed Brittany, clapping her hands, as they approached.
"Hey girls", said Rachel, leaning down to kiss Quinn."Sorry we're late."
"Well, obviously you had some outfit planning do you, so it's okay", laughed Quinn.
Rachel sat in between Quinn and Shelby, while Jade made herself comfortable in between Santana and Brittany. Santana was some what suspicious as to why Jade hadn't spoken a word, but she chose to leave it alone for the moment.
"I'm sorry, I forgot your name, sweetie. Although you do look very familiar", said Shelby, looking at Jade.
"I'm Jade", answered the darker girl."You've probably just seen at McKinley or something."
She sounded upset, but it was obvious she was trying to hide it.
"Well, it's nice to meet you."
Jade just smiled.
"Okay, what is her deal", asked Quinn, under her breath.
"Trust me, you don't wanna' go there", Rachel mumbled back.
"Not that I mind Rachel, but I was under the impression that you were coming alone. Is this something that all of your friends need to know?"
"They all know already, it's alright. Honestly, there is no way I could have done this without them being here", answered Rachel, shyly.
"Okay, well that's fair", said the older woman.
"Why don't we order first, and then we can talk", suggested Quinn, and they all agreed.
Halfway through their meals, Brittany looked at Jade's plate and noticed she had barely eaten any of her food. She casually reached behind Jade, and tapped Santana on the shoulder. The Latina looked, and Brittany pointed at Jade's plate. She frowned, and put her attention on her quiet, mopey, girlfriend.
"What's with you, baby? Aren't you feeling well?"
Jade just shook her head.
"Well, you need to eat a little more than that."
Jade just shook her head again.
"Awe, come on my sweet little emo baby...we'll watch Alice in Wonderland later...", teased Santana.
Jade shook her head again.
"Nightmare before Christmas?"
Again, the darker girl shook her head.
"Oh, you wanna' play this game?"
Jade just crossed her arms, and pouted. Quinn and Brittany exchanged looks of amusement, because Jade looked like a pissed off little toddler,and it was adorable.
"Jade...seriously, I know you're angry but you need to eat something. Eating like a bird won't make you feel any better", said Rachel, trying not to laugh.
"Awe come on, we ordered the same thing, it's so good. See", asked Brittany, as she ate of her food."Sooooo good."
"Jade", said Rachel firmly, and they locked eyes. Neither of them would look away, or say a word.
"Here we go", said Quinn.
Rachel tilted her head, as a sign that she wasn't joking, but Jade just did the same.
"Moist", said Rachel.
Jade's expression went from hard to defeated within a second, and she picked her fork up.
"That's what I thought."
"Jesus, you really do hate that word, huh", laughed Santana.
"So, Shelby...just out of curiosity, what did you tell Jesse when you broke your plans with him this morning", asked Quinn.
"Uh, I just told him something had come up, and hopefully I'd either see him before I left. At the very least, I want to go see him in Jersey Boys, he was my best student after all."
The girls all exchanged looks.
"What did he say", asked Rachel, shyly.
"He was fine with it."
"Interesting", said Quinn.
"What's this about, why don't you think I should be around him?"
"Because, he beat the living piss out of your daughter. That's why", said Santana. Shelby just stared at her."Oh lady, I'm not lying."
"San...calm down, don't be so mean", said Brittany.
"Rachel, is that true", asked Shelby.
"When we moved here, he was fine. After while he got...a little abusive", said Rachel, quietly.
"No, he got a lot abusive", said Quinn.
"Oh...my...Rachel...why didn't you...I mean, I know why you didn't...oh my God I'm so sorry", said Shelby, breaking into tears. For the next hour, Shelby sat and listened to the girls explain the entire situation, including what had happened with Sunshine. She didn't want to believe that Jesse was that person, but she knew the girls weren't lying. She could almost feel how uncomfortable Rachel was having to talk about it. Once everything was explained, the woman sat there, trying to think of something to say. All she could think of was to tell her once more, how sorry she was, but she didn't want to say it again. She knew it wouldn't turn back the hands of time, and prevent it from happening. After a few silent minutes, Quinn finally decided to speak up.
"We're sorry you had to hear it this way, but you did need to know."
Shelby just nodded her head. She reached over, and placed her hand on Rachel's, without making eye contact.
"You won't go see his show now, right", asked Brittany.
"Of course not", she answered, her voice raspy."I should go find the little bastard, and smash his face in."
"Oh...taken care of, believe me", said Quinn.
"Is there a reason why you haven't tried getting the police involved?"
"It's her word against his, and they probably would have taken his side. That's what always happens", said Jade, quietly.
"But, if her and Sunshine would have talked to somebody, there might have been some proof. Especially if you would have taken her to the hospital after he violated her", said Shelby.
"She..just wanted to go home", said Rachel.
"So, now...what? He's following you around?"
"He thinks we're hiding Sunshine", said Santana.
"You need to call the police, because obviously he's not going to leave you alone, until he finds her, Rachel."
"We're taking care of it, don't worry", said Quinn.
"You're all much too young to be dealing with something like this all by yourselves."
"We're not by ourselves, we have each other", said Brittany.
"Ms. Cocoran...we're not gonna' let him near her. She's never alone now, Puckerman even takes her to work, and goes back to get her when she's done. She's safe", said Santana.
Shelby shook her head. She didn't seem convinced.
"Look, we're taking him down ourselves. It's the only way we can be sure he'll knock this off. He'll be so distracted by his life going to Hell, that he won't have time to fuck-...I mean...mess with Rachel", said Quinn.
"Alright, girls, listen to me", said Shelby, clearing her throat."I'm only here a few more days. For now, I will trust you to take care of this, but...", she said, looking at her daughter."If it gets out of hand, or something goes wrong...I need you to promise me that you will call the police."
Rachel finally looked up and Shelby, and wiped some stray tears away.
"I promise", she said, softly.
Shelby nodded, and a small smile appeared, but it faded just as quickly as it had spread. She looked at Rachel, and couldn't stop the fresh set of tears from falling.
"Shelby, it's alright", said Rachel, softly.
"No...no...it's not, because...if I wouldn't have screwed up so badly with you before, none of this would have happened. Rachel...I'm sorry."
"I could never blame you for this. As angry as I was at you for everything else, this isn't something that I couldn't blame you for, even if I wanted to."
"Did he hurt you when you dated him back at home?"
"No."
"Do you swear?"
"Yes, I swear."
The other girls just sat there, with their heads down, felling slightly awkward being there given the nature of the conversation.
"God, if I just would have been brave, and told you how I really felt...you would have been safe", cried Shelby.
"No...no, don't say that, please", begged Rachel.
"I can't believe this...I was so stupid. How did I not see through his bullshit? I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."
"Mom", said Rachel, grabbing the woman's hands. She had gotten the entire tables attention when she said it."It's not your fault."
The girls couldn't hide their smiles. Shelby looked totally shocked that Rachel had just called her Mom, but there was a hint of happiness to be seen as well. Rachel smiled shyly, and squeezed her hands even tighter. Shelby moved forward and embraced her tiny daughter, kissing her softly on the forehead.
After lunch, Quinn headed back to campus for her second class, and Brittany went back to the dance studio to teach a hip hop lesson. Jade decided to get some work done, so Santana went with her next door, to Smashed. Rachel and Shelby were going to spend some time together by themselves. However, Rachel needed to use the bathroom before they left, so they stopped into Smashed. Her and Santana hurried into the restroom, while Jade put her backpack down, and walked behind the bar.
Shelby strolled around slowly, looking at some of the photos that hung on the walls.
"Oh my God, see this is why I know you, Jade", she said, pointing at a picture of Jade's band.
"Alyson, she was the drummer for Vocal Adrenalin."
Jade just smiled, and nodded.
"Didn't she move here to go to NYU", asked Shelby, and Jade nodded once more.
"Sweetheart, are you feeling alright", asked the older woman, walking closer to the bar counter, and leaning on it.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking", said Jade, sweetly.
Shelby didn't believe her, but she decided to let it go. She smiled at the dark skinned girl.
"I guess I should thank you."
"Me? For what", asked Jade, looking away.
"Saving my Rachel."
"Oh, well...I can't take all the credit. Noah helped too."
"And I will be sure to thank him when I see him again, but for now, you're here, and your modesty won't scare me away. Look at me, sweetheart."
Jade looked.
"Thank you for saving her."
"You're welcome", said Jade, and she turned away again.
Santana and Rachel emerged from the hallway, laughing with each other.
"Ready to go", asked Rachel.
"Sure. Maybe you can explain to me how you guys are able to manage and work in a bar...", said Shelby, smirking a little.
"Uh, yeah...we can...talk about that...maybe...", said Rachel, nervously. She picked up her bag, and approached Jade.
"Are you okay, honey?"
"Yeah, just have cramps. Go on, I'll see you later", said Jade.
Rachel smiled, and gave Jade a big hug. Jade was so proud of her best friend. Although their lunch with Shelby had been somewhat depressing, she could see a happiness in Rachel that she hadn't seen in a long time. All of the girls did. She kissed her on the cheek, and let go of her.
"I love you."
"I love you too ,Rea Rea."
Rachel went to Santana, and gave her a hug.
"Thank you for being here with me today, Santana. I really appreciate it."
"No problem, loud mouth tiny", laughed Santana, squeezing her back.
With that, Shelby and Rachel were out the door.
Santana looked at Jade, and she smiled weakly.
"Come on, sweetness", said the Latina, as she extended her hand. Jade happily took her hand, and let her girlfriend lead her into the back office. She laid down on the couch, and guided the darker girl down to lay on top of her. She cuddled her into her arms, and rubbed her back softly.
"It will be over soon, Jade...I promise the pain will go away", she whispered.
Jade buried her face into Santana, and took a deep breath.
"If you need to cry...let it out, baby."
Without any hesitation, Jade started crying, as Santana rubbed her back, and tightened her hold on her body.
"It's okay...everything's okay. You and Rachel...both of you will be okay."
Little did Santana know just how wrong she was.
Please don't forget to review and leave your feedback. I have the perfect readers for that! Love you all, *high fives*