A/N- Okay, sorry for taking so long guys. It's been an oober crazy holiday for me. Just want to point out a few important things with this update. First, the whole Quinn and Beth situation. It's like the exact opposite of how they wrote it for the show. I have no issue with how Quinn handled herself in the show. But, if you've been paying attention to this story, you'll notice that Quinn never really had her nervous breakdown, so she handles seeing Beth and being around Shelby in a much more positive way. I'm sorry if that bothers any of you, but it's how I felt like it needed to be written for this story. Also, I know usually tell you the songs at the end of the chapter, but in this case I think it's a little different. If you can, find a way to listen to the Boyce Avenue Version of "Will you Be There." I just think it would make reading this chapter a little easier. I'll put the link just incase some people can't find it. Last but not least, the clothing is a need to know in this chapter. So, as always, add the "h" before the "ttp" and take out the spaces after the periods. Again, sorry for taking so long, I hope you like this update, and thank you so damn much for hanging in here with me, you are all awesome. I love you. Reviews and feedback are always more than just a little welcome.
Song-
ttp:/www. youtube. com/watch?v=k7Ilpnhr0kM
Outfits-
Puck, Mercedes, Jade & Jonah
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/thanksgiving_at_shelbys/set?id=41403918
Quinn & Rachel
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/thanksgiving_at_shelbys/set?id=41403968
Santana & Brittany
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/thanksgiving_at_shelbys/set?id=41404014
Shelby, Judy & Beth
ttp:/www. polyvore. com/thanksgiving_at_shelbys/set?id=41404041
Rachel Berry stood in her bathroom, at the sink. She was running warm water over a wash cloth, fighting tears. She wasn't sure how long she had been standing there, although she was almost sure it was too long. She just kept soaking the wash cloth, and ringing it out. A few times, pretending it was Russell Fabray's neck. Months before, she was amazed that she was even dating Quinn Fabray. Now, here she was infuriated, and upset because somebody had actually had the nerve to hurt her perfect girlfriend. Quinn had protected her from Jesse the best she could, now it was her turn to protect Quinn from her Monster, and she was ready to do so. True, he was a grown man, much larger than Jesse, but that didn't matter to her. He had hurt Quinn. She cleared her head, and hurried back into her bedroom, where Quinn sat sobbing on her bed. She sat down next to her, and lightly wiped her face with the wash cloth.
"So...you tried protecting her...and he snapped?"
"I've never done that before...", said Quinn."Ever...".
"Done what, honey?"
"Protected her. I've always known that I should have...but...I just never did. I really really should have...".
"You did this time...that counts for something, even if you don't think it does."
"We have to go back and get her...can you wake your Dads up?"
"Don't worry...I've called Santana, she'll be here any minute now", said Rachel, as she set the wash cloth down. She leaned forward, and lightly kissed Quinn on the cheek. Russell hadn't left any marks, but the redness didn't seem to be going away. The smaller girl shook her head as she examined Quinn's face, closely.
"God...he really smacked you did he...", she whispered."I'm so sorry...".
"It's not your fault."
"Well, it's not your either."
Quinn looked at Rachel. Her eyes were full of tears, but she was smiling just a little.
"You ran to me...".
"What?"
"You ran to me, you found me...".
Rachel smiled.
"I'll always find you."
Rachel climbed further onto the bed, and got onto her knees behind Quinn. She wrapped her arms around her, and held her tight.
"I'll always find you...always hold you...and I'll always love you", she whispered in her ear. Quinn smiled, and melted into the embrace. As horrible as she felt, as sad, and angry as she was, there was no other place Quinn wanted to be at that moment. In Rachel's arms was where she belonged, and she knew that. She'd never seen the tiny diva's bedroom before, but it was everything she expected it to be. It didn't look too much different than her bedroom at the apartment. The only real difference was the paint color. The room they were in was a happier, upbeat tone. The walls of her New York bedroom were painted the same color that all the walls were in that apartment. A gray so dark, that it was almost black.
"I wish...I would have been there to stop him. Tonight...and all the times he's done this before...", said Rachel.
"There is no stopping him...", said Quinn, tiredly.
"I would have found a way...".
"He would have hurt you."
"That wouldn't have mattered. I wanted you...I would have done anything to save you, Quinn. Anything."
Quinn smiled, and brought her face to Rachel's. They kissed, softly for a few moments, before melting back into each other.
"All I wanted was you...", Rachel sang, quietly."All I wanted was you...".
"What do you think everyone's gonna' say if they find out about us...", asked Quinn.
"Everyone meaning, who?"
"I dunno'...people from school, I guess. Like...Finn."
"Oh God, he'll probably get some stupid idea in his head that he had something to do with it", said Rachel.
"Yeah, probably. Even if that were true...I'd still be happy", breathed Quinn. Rachel smiled, and tightened her grasped around the blond. The next ten minutes was nothing but the tiny brunette holding her girlfriend. Kissing her, and telling her that everything was going to be alright. They could have stayed like that for hours, however, Rachel's phone started ringing from the nightstand. She let go of Quinn, grabbed it, and looked at the screen.
"I'll be right back", she said, climbing off of her bed. She hurried out of her bedroom, and a few minutes later, returned, Santana, and Jonah behind her. Santana wasted no time getting to Quinn, and hugging her.
"I'm gonna' kill him", she said, as she leaned back, and looked at Quinn's face."Jesus...".
"It's nothing. He's done worse, and I'm sure my Mother's feeling much worse than I am", said Quinn."We have to go get her...".
"Your Dad did that to you", asked Jonah, and Quinn just nodded."What the Hell...no wonder him and my Dad get along so well."
"Yeah...it all makes sense now, doesn't it", said Quinn.
As Rachel stood there, she caught a scent moving through the air. It was indescribable, yet somewhat familiar. For some reason, it put her at ease, and she smiled for a moment before she realized exactly what it was.
"Oh my God...you saw her", she said, looking at Santana.
"What, tiny", asked Santana.
Rachel looked at the Latina, and realized she was wearing one of Jade's hoodies. Without thinking, she moved forward and grabbed Santana. She pulled her close, and breathed deep.
"You saw her...".
Santana smiled, and hugged Rachel right.
"Yeah...I did, and I'm supposed to give this to you."
She squeezed Rachel a little tighter, and picked her up.
Quinn and Jonah just laughed a little.
"She misses you...so much...", said Santana, as she put Rachel back on her feet.
"Is she okay", asked Rachel, hopefully.
"No, not exactly...", said Jonah."...but we have a plan. One that works in Jade's and Mrs. Fabray's favor."
"Really", asked Quinn.
"Yeah, and Q...at first you're not gonna' like this...but you have to trust us. It's the best thing to do for now, okay? You need to just...hear us out", said Santana, as she knelt down in front of the blond.
"We're not going to get my Mom tonight, are we", asked Quinn, sadly. Santana just shook her head.
"Jade either", asked Rachel.
"No Rach, but trust us. We got this figured out...", said Jonah, confidently.
"Where is she right now", asked Quinn.
"At home. We were gonna' bring her with, but...she's just too tired", said Santana, sadly.
"What about Mika...has be been hurting her", asked Rachel.
"Don't worry about that right now, Rach. For now, it's okay because he ain't even home. My Dad made him and Nessa take our cousins to Jolted. They'll be there drinking all night, and by the time he gets home, he'll pass out. By the time he wakes up, I'll be home, than we have Shelby's for dinner so...he won't touch her while I'm around. I promise."
"Maybe...I should wake my Dads up...let them know what's going on. Daddy's a lawyer, he'll know how to get them out of this...", said Rachel.
"No...no don't Rach. We can't involve law...at least not yet", warned Jonah.
"Don't you trust us, Tiny", asked Santana."I may not be a lawyer yet, but you better believe I know enough to see that we have to do this our way."
"I do trust you, yes...but honestly...I don't wanna' take any risks. Not with Quinn's Mother, or with Jade. I just want them both safe. What if we can't handle this on our own?"
"You can't think like that", said Jonah.
"No, you can't. We can do this, we just have to stick together. We're a Hell of a lot smarter than people give us credit for. Let's not give anyone a reason to doubt that", said Santana, laughing a little.
"Whoa...hang on a minute. Since when did you two start working together", asked Quinn, looking back and forth between her best friend, and the tall darker guy in the room.
Santana and Jonah looked at each other.
"We worked things out", said Jonah.
"Really", asked Rachel.
"Yeah, really. I told him he better start being nice to me. I'll be his sister in law one day after all", said Santana, winking at him. He smiled, and shook his head.
"Santana, marrying the same sex is legal in New York, but having a three-way marriage? Yeah, I feel like that's a whole different gay right", said Quinn.
"Hey...let's solve one problem at a time, shall we Q", laughed Santana. Quinn just smiled, and shook her head.
The next day, around Noon, Quinn nervously approached the side of her parent's house. She opened the door leading into the garage, but before she moved forward she glanced over at the car that sitting a few houses down. She took a deep breath, and went inside. Inside the car, sat Rachel, and Santana.
"Shit...she really doesn't wanna' do this...", whined Rachel, from the passengers seat.
"Relax, she can handle it. Not that it's a good thing, but she's been handling it for a while. We have to make this seem like any other day, otherwise her prick of a father will catch on", said Santana."Don't worry...everything will be fine."
Rachel nodded, and put her attention back on the house. She already missed Quinn, and wanted to know what was going on inside of the house. As she was staring, she hadn't even realized that tears were falling down her cheeks. It wasn't until she felt Santana's hand wiping them away, that she knew they were there.
"I wish I would have known...", she said, quietly.
"Yeah, well I did know...and I didn't even do anything about it. Looking back on how I treated the situation, and going by how you feel now...I'd say you are the better person when it comes to this", said Santana. Rachel looked at her, sympathy within her expression, and grabbed the Latina's hand.
"Did she tell you what was going on?"
"No. I just figured it out. Told her I knew, made my threats, but it didn't matter."
"Why didn't it matter? Did she ask you not to say anything?"
Santana just nodded.
"That makes you a true friend. I understand why you feel bad, but...at least you did what she wanted. That's real friendship, San. People will always fight against that notion, and it seems logical. But...if you're on the opposite side of things like this...it's not always easy to understand why secrets are sometimes better than honesty."
Santana smiled. She liked the words that had just come from Rachel's mouth. She had always felt bad about keeping Quinn's secret, and most likely always would. However, what Rachel had just said to her, made her feel a little better about it. Mostly because, she really believed it.
Inside the house, Quinn was walking up the stairs. It was quiet, but she was used to it. When she reached the top, she heard her parents bedroom door open, and close again, and she froze. Russell came strolling down the hallway, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and yawning. When he noticed Quinn standing there, he rolled his eyes.
"Well if it isn't my little runaway...", he scoffed.
"Where's Mom", asked Quinn, knowing full well that she was out with Shelby.
"She left early this morning to go Black Friday shopping. What, are you stupid? She does it every year...", he said, stopping a few feet in front of her."She' won't be home until much later. Why do you ask?"
"I...was just wondering...that's all", answered Quinn, nervously. Russell laughed to himself, and stepped so close to his daughter, that he was looking down at her. He could tell she was scared, and he loved it.
"If you're so concerned, why don't you go find her?"
"I...I...I'm not", she stuttered."I was just...w-wondering."
"Where did you run off to last night", he asked, sternly. She knew exactly what he was doing. Trying to scare her,and catch her off guard. She blinked a few times, but couldn't think of anything to say. She was holding her breath, fighting tears so hard, she thought she might explode. Sure, she was used to him playing mind games, and trying to freak her out, but this was different. Things were about to happen, and it was like he knew. True, there was no way he could know, but the feeling wouldn't go away, and it was making her nervous.
"Tell me...right now...where you went last night", he said, in such a low tone, it only scared Quinn more.
"To...a a friend's house...".
"I see. Well, I can only assume the mess in the kitchen is still there. Waiting for you to clean it up...".
She wanted to vomit on him. She wanted to vomit, and run back outside to where her best friend, and girlfriend were waiting for her. He wouldn't back away, he wouldn't move. All she could smell was a mixture of his disgusting morning breath, and scotch.
"I...I have to be somewhere right now...I just came to change my clothes."
Russell smiled, and grabbed Quinn by the arm. His grip wasn't tight, or rough in anyway, but she still couldn't keep the whimper inside.
"Oh relax, if I really wanted to punish you right now, I could easily do so. See, it's different now, Quinn. I know for a fact you haven't set up any of your little hidden cameras."
"I...didn't do that to hurt you, Dad. I swear...".
"Oh you didn't do it to hurt me...well that's original. I would have expected this behavior from your sister, but not you. Maybe if you wouldn't have turned into such a whore, you'd be normal."
"I...I'm not a w-whore...".
"Don't be so modest. No reason to try and hide it now."
"Dad...".
"I don't care what you do today...", he said, letting go on her arm."...just clean up the mess in the kitchen before you go anywhere. And if you do see you're mother today, tell her not to bother buying me a shot glass set this year."
She wanted to say something. She wanted to tell him just how much she hated him, and that he didn't deserve her mother in his life, but she couldn't. A mixture of fear, and something Jonah had said, were preventing her. Jonah had told her to act like everything was normal. Not to let her pride get the best of her, and just try her hardest to act as if nothing was going to change.
He walked by her, and towards the stairs. Quinn waited until he was downstairs, and heard the door to the den close. She hurried into her old bedroom, gathered everything she had brought back with her, and placed it outside in the hallway. Once she was sure she had everything, she hurried into her parents bedroom. She went into the walk-in closet, and scanned her mother's side of the space. Eventually, she found her travel bag, and grabbed it down from the top shelf. She spent the next ten minutes packing everything she thought her mother might need for a few days. Once she was finished she left the bedroom, gathered her's and Judy's things, and headed down the stairs. She debated before she headed for the garage.
Should I clean that glass up in the kitchen...?
She really didn't want to, but she knew if Judy didn't listen to reason, and ended up back home later that night, she'd get in trouble for having left the mess. She put the things down, and slowly walked into the kitchen. Fifteen minutes later, Santana and Rachel saw her exiting the house, and hurrying with all her stuff to the car. Rachel got out, and helped her get everything into the backseat.
"God...five more minutes Q, and I was coming in there with a led pipe", said Santana, as Quinn climbed into the car.
"You okay", asked Rachel, as she got back into the passengers seat.
"I'm fine", said Quinn, with a small smile."Let's just get out of here."
That evening, around five o'clock, Rachel and Quinn were walking into Shelby's apartment. They were the first to arrive, only because they decided to go early.
"Hey you", said Shelby, as she hugged Rachel tight.
"Hi Mom", said Rachel, happily."It smells amazing in here."
"Yes, well Judy's been busy...hey there, Quinn", said Shelby, hugging the blond.
"Hello Shelby, thank you for having us. I'd ask where my Mom is, but I can only assume she's in your kitchen", laughed Quinn.
"You'd actually be wrong, she's in Beth's room changing her diaper. Although, I'm sure as soon as she's finished, yeah...she'll be back in my kitchen", laughed the woman. Quinn just smiled and shook her head. The two younger girls kicked their shoes off, and made themselves comfortable."You both look adorable. Believe it or not, I got Judy to wear jeans today."
"No way...", said Quinn.
"Yes way. Go see for yourself", laughed the older woman.
"Which way is Beth's room", asked Quinn.
"Down the hall, to your right", answered Shelby, with a smile.
"Great, thank you", said Quinn, and she casually walked down the hall. She found a door that was half open, and heard Judy's voice coming from the room.
"Aweee, such a good girl...yes you are...yes you are", Judy was saying, as she tickled a giggling Beth on the changing table.
"Mom", said Quinn, walking in.
"Quinny! Hi", said Judy, as she turned around. Quinn rushed to her, and hugged her right."I was so worried about you...where did you run off to last night? Why didn't you answer your phone this morning?"
"I went to Rachel's...I had no charger so my phone died as soon as I got there...I'm sorry...".
"No, don't be sorry", said Judy, leaning back. She grabbed Quinn by the chin, and tilted her head."I'm just happy to see he didn't leave any visible marks...".
"You could have called me while you were shopping. I tried calling you, but you didn't answer."
"Well, I was with Shelby, I didn't want her to think anything was wrong", said Judy.
"Mom...", said Quinn, but Judy just turned around, and lifted Beth from the Changing table.
"Look at her, Quinny...she's so beautiful, just like you. She's a lot like you when you were a baby. So well behaved, so precious", she said, nuzzling the little girl."You should hold her...".
Quinn knew her Mother was using Beth as a distraction, but she decided to forgive that for the moment. She reached out, and took Beth from Judy's arms. Beth just stared at Quinn, wide eyed, face filled with confusion. Quinn was so nervous at first, she had no idea what to do. She loved when Shelby, and Judy would send pictures of the little girl, or talk about her on the phone. However, this was different. Being there, holding her in her arms, was so much different. She internally worked through her fear, and smiled wide.
"Hi Beth...", she said.
And just like that, Beth smiled, and giggled a little.
"Yeah...Hi pretty little girl...".
She wanted to cry. She was so happy to be holding her again. Just the fact that the beautiful little girl was smiling at her filled her heart with joy.
"Happy Thanksgiving cutie", she laughed.
Judy couldn't help but be proud of Quinn. Whether or not it was just feeling, or mother's intuition, she knew her daughter might have a hard time holding Beth. A baby, she had given birth to, but wasn't her own. The older woman could see that Quinn was doing great so far, and she loved watching her hold the little girl.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Rachel had started to help Shelby get plates and silverware out, so they could set the table.
"So...how much shopping did you two get done today", she asked.
"Well, we planned on meeting up at the mall around five...but that changed fast", laughed Shelby.
"Really? How come?"
"Beth was up and down a lot of the night, and Judy said she was up late cleaning up after guests. That's so like her...not waiting until the next day to clean up. Anyways, we both over slept, and the babysitter was sort of late, so we didn't meet until about seven thirty. But...we got a lot of shopping done, and made it back here in time to start cooking."
"That's good...", said Rachel. She hadn't meant to sound sad, but she was. She couldn't help it, she knew Quinn's mother probably hadn't gotten much sleep. She just wanted Shelby to know the truth, but she couldn't say a word. At least not yet.
"What's the matter", asked Shelby, suspiciously.
"Nothing...why?"
"No, something's wrong...you're worried about something...", said Shelby."Oh, I know. You're anxious to see Jade."
Rachel smiled, and nodded.
"Yeah...you caught me...", she said, looking down.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't infiltrate that family...God, even Judy tried but she was on lock down for some stupid reason. I really hope she's alright. Her and her brother are joining us, right?"
"Yes, they are, and I can't wait to see her", answered Rachel.
A while later, there was a knock on the door, and Rachel hurried to answer it. She wanted it to be the Price siblings, but it wasn't. Still, she was happy to see Santana, Brittany, and Mercedes.
"Hey girl", said Mercedes as they all walked inside.
"Is she here yet", asked Brittany, eagerly.
"Not yet, Britt...", said Rachel sadly.
"Well, they had to stop and grab Puckerman...so, they might be a little while longer", said Santana.
The three of them kicked their shoes off, and headed towards the living room area. Quinn sat happily on the ground, with Beth in her arms.
"Look at you, Q", laughed Santana.
"Isn't she adorable", laughed Quinn."She's such a good baby."
"Really? Well, that must be something she picked up from Shelby. She is the spawn of you and Puckerman after all", laughed Santana.
"Oh, shut up", said Quinn, with a smile.
"She's so cute, she's like a little Q doll", said Brittany, as she sat down on the ground, next to Quinn."Hey there little doll."
Beth smiled, and flailed her arms around happily. Santana, and Mercedes sat down on the couch, while Rachel took a seat on the floor, by Quinn and Brittany.
"You were right, Quinn. She does have Noah's nose", the tiny girl observed."Other than that, she's the spitting image of her beautiful birth mother."
"Stop...", said Quinn."She's really not. If anything, she looks like my Mom."
"I don't see it...", said Mercedes."I see you, girl."
"I see a little Quinn doll", said Brittany.
"Yeah, sorry Q...I see you", said Santana."Let's just hope she doesn't acquire a taste for wine coolers when she hits high school."
Everyone in the room started laughing, and Quinn flipped Santana the middle finger. About fifteen minutes passed, and there was still no sign of Puck, Jade, or Jonah. The friends were all calling, and sending numerous texts. Finally, around six thirty, Rachel got a text from Puck.
Hey fun size...sry for the delay- P
Where in the Hell are you guys?- R
Outside Shelbys building...can U come out here? alone tho...- P
Be right there. - R
Rachel was confused, but wasn't about to ask any questions.
"I'll be right back", she said, leaving the living room in a hurry. She headed for the door, and put her shoes on as fast as she could.
"Rachel...", said Shelby, watching her from the kitchen."What are you up to?"
"Nothing...I'll be right back", she said, hurrying out the door. She ran down the hallway, and outside. She looked around, and finally spotted Puck getting out the back of a big black truck. She ran towards him.
"Hey...what's going on?"
Puck just smiled, and opened the passengers side door. There was Jade, smiling lovingly.
"Oh my God...", said Rachel, as she flew forward. Before she had a chance to climb onto the truck, she was being lifted into the air, and placed onto Jade's lap, by Puck. She wrapped her arms around Jade, and squeezed her as tight as she could.
"Rea Rea...", whispered Jade, as she squeezed back."I missed you...".
Rachel couldn't even find words. She was crying tears of pure joy, her face buried into Jade's neck.
Jonah got out of the driver's side, and wandered over towards Puck. They smiled at each other, as they watched the two best friends.
Rachel pulled, ever so slightly, away from the hug, and looked at Jade right in the eyes.
"God...", she cried."Do you have any idea how worried I've been about you? Huh?"
Jade just smiled, leaned forward, and kissed Rachel softly on the cheek. The smaller girl latched onto her again. Puck glanced up at Jonah, and noticed he looked like he was about to cry himself. He patted him on the back.
"Our sisters are adorable, huh', he laughed sarcastically.
"They sure are, Puckerman", he laughed."Too damn adorable."
A Few minutes later, they all walked into Shelby's apartment. Brittany, Quinn, and Mercedes flew at Jade, and attacked her with hugs, and kisses, and of course, tears. It was such a relief to all of them to see her standing there. Santana, since she had seen her already, decided to hang back. She stood, holding Beth, and watched from across the room as Jade was given one of the most intense hugs she had ever seen. Brittany damn near squeezed Jade to death, but it was out of love, so nobody bothered to say anything. Soon enough, dinner was ready, and they all sat down to eat.
"So, Jade...I've heard so much about you, dear. It's very nice to see you, I hope you're feeling better...", said Judy.
"It's nice to see you too, Mrs. Fabray. Thank you", said Jade, politely.
"I tried to visit you", said Shelby, as she passed a random plate to her left."...but you're Mother said you were too sick to have visitors."
Jonah just rolled is eyes.
"I was, but thank you for trying to visit me."
Jade was sitting in between Santana and Brittany, and for some reason she couldn't figure out, she never felt more comfortable. However, at the same time, she couldn't help but notice a weird tension that seemed to be hovering between the three. She kept catching the two of them staring at her, or at each other, with shy smiles plastered across their faces. Whatever it was, she decided not to think too much about it. She was just happy to be surrounded by the people she had missed the most in the two months that had passed.
"You're coming back with us, right girl", asked Mercedes.
Jade didn't say a word, she just glanced over at Jonah.
"Oh yeah, she's coming back with us. No doubt", he said, as he swallowed some of his food. Jade just smiled sadly, and looked down at her lap.
"Don't tell me you'd rather stay here in Lima", said Shelby, noticing Jade's reaction.
"There's no way she'd rather stay here...she has to come back", said Rachel.
"That's right", agreed Santana."Life just isn't the same without that cute little face."
Judy couldn't help but notice how upset Jade seemed. It was familiar to her. She could tell just by looking at the girl that she really wanted to be back in New York. She knew that's where she belonged, yet something was holding her back. Judy knew exactly what it was, because she used to see it every day on her own daughter's face, before she had moved away.
Guilt.
"Jade...", she said, sweetly, and she looked up at her."You really should go back, dear."
"It's just...my Dad wants my help with his bar here...", she answered, shyly.
"Tough for him", scoffed Jonah."He doesn't need you here, he's just being...him. Smashed needs you. Lots of our regular customers have been wondering where you've been."
"They really have. Jonah's been doing a bang up job running the place, but it's not the same without you, girl. Everybody knows it too. Face it...you're missed", said Mercedes.
Jade giggled a little.
"Oh, by the way...Ms. Jasper says Hi, Jade", laughed Quinn."She stopped me outside your building last week, to inform me that she knows you're gone and should probably come back because it's chaos without you."
"What the Hell...how would she know that", asked Puck.
"Do you really even have to ask", laughed Mercedes."That woman is a hot nosy mess."
"Awe, I kinda' miss her being all up in my business", laughed Jade.
"Who are you guys talking about", asked Shelby.
"Oh God, our neighbor back in the city...this lady is ten different kinds of twisted", laughed Jonah, and he started telling Shelby, and Judy about her. As the conversation continued, Brittany pulled a little plastic bag from her hoodie pocket. It was filled with Lucky Charms marshmallows. She took some from the bag, put them in her mashed potatoes, and mixed it all together. As if she had done it a million times before, Jade picked the bag up, and very causally did the same. Without realizing that they were both being watched, the two of them just went about eating the potatoes, as if the marshmallows were a regular ingredient. Santana, and Rachel exchanged looks of amusement as they watched the two of them.
"You do that too", asked Brittany,happily.
"Yeah, since I was little. Works with Boo Berry marshmallows too, but...Lucky Charms are seriously better", answered Jade.
Santana and Rachel couldn't help but laugh under their breath, since they were the only two paying attention to the conversation. It wasn't just what they were talking about, it was the fact that it was yet another thing that made them seem like the same person.
"Sooo good", said Brittany, as she shoved another fork full of potatoes into her mouth."Potatoes don't taste the right without the marshmallows anymore."
"I know, right? It's like super awkward without them. My Mom thinks it's gross, so I usually just put them in when she isn't looking, and eat them real fast before she notices that they are turning colors."
That did it. Santana, and Rachel couldn't hold their laughter in anymore. The two of them let it all out, putting a halt on any and all other conversation that was happening at the table.
"What's so funny you two", asked Quinn.
"Oh God...", said Santana, who was laughing so hard, she could barely breathe.
"Nothing...don't worry about it, we'll explain later", laughed Rachel.
"Oh dear, Brittany...your potatoes are tuning blue and purple...", observed Judy, as the laughter between Santana and Rachel got even louder.
"No worries Mrs. Fabray", said Brittany, happily."That's just the way I like them."
As the dinner went on, Jade started to feel a little better. Everybody was having so much fun, and the two older women were enjoying the company of their daughters, and their friends. After a while, the table was cleared, and pie was served. As Quinn sat watching Puck with Beth on his lap, she smiled. Sure, she wasn't with him, and Beth was somebody else's baby, but she was still so happy. She smiled to herself as she watched him feed her little tiny bites of apple pie. She looked so happy, as if she knew that Puck was her Daddy, and that he cared about her more than anything else in the world. She watched, as Rachel leaned towards Puck, and talked to Beth. She than glanced over at her mother. Shelby had her arm around her, and the two of them were talking and laughing to themselves. She could tell their friendship was a good one, and that Shelby would be more than just a little help to the situation. She had never seen her mother so happy, and she was proud of her for making a friend that that wasn't as stuck up and fake as her other friends. Quinn than put her attention on Santana, Brittany, and Jade. The Latina had her arms wrapped around Jade from behind, as Brittany sat in front of the darker girl, talking and making faces. It was easy to see that the three of them could be very happy together. Quinn hoped they would soon tell Jade that they wanted to be with her together. Finally, she brought her attention to Jonah, and Mercedes. They were deep in conversation about something, but it didn't matter. They were snuggled together, holding hands, and the love between them was obvious. Jonah seemed to be much happier than he had been in the last couple months. It was true, being back around his sister really did make him a much happier guy.
"This is to too much fun, I'm so happy you were all able to join us today", said Judy.
"I agree, this is probably one of the best Thanksgivings I've had in a long time", said Shelby."I think it's time to break out the alcohol."
"Oh, that's a very good idea", laughed Judy."...and I think we both know these kids can handle their alcohol."
"Very true. I'm actually pretty sure they handle it much better than I do", laughed Shelby."Although...Jade...should you really have anything to drink? You've been sick, I feel like alcohol will only make it worse."
"Actually, alcohol makes it better", said Jade, shyly."I promise, I'm not just saying that."
Everybody exchanged looks of suspicion.
"She'll have wine...", said Rachel."...Red wine, and nothing else."
"Awe, come on Rea Rea...vodka is so much more fun", whined Jade, who was still cuddled into Santana's body.
"No, she's right, Jade. That's all you need for right now", said Jonah.
"Awe fine", said Jade, sticking her bottom lip out.
"Aweeeeee, sad puppy face", cooed Brittany."So cute."
Judy and Shelby stood up, and excused themselves from the table, taking some random dishes with them into the kitchen.
"Hey Q...", said Brittany, taking her phone from her pocket."...get with Rachey, I wanna' take a picture of you guys."
"Wait, wait wait", said Jade, standing up. Santana immediately missed the contact."...I brought my camera, hang on."
Jade went to backpack, and pulled her camera out.
"I brought mine too", said Quinn, standing up. She went and grabbed her purse from the living room, and wandered back over towards the table."First, let's get a group shot."
The next thirty minutes was nothing but cameras, and random photos being taken. Some regular group and couple photos, and of course some goofy ones. Once that was done, everybody's concentration was on their drinks, and fun, happy conversation. Somehow, they had started a game of never have I ever. Even Shelby, who wasn't drinking anything besides water. She did have Beth to take care of after all. She had one glass of wine, than switched to water, just to be safe.
"Okay...never have I ever...drank in front of my parents", said Brittany. Those who needed to drank. The only exceptions were Puck, and Mercedes.
"Oh my God, Puck you have so totally been drunk in front of your Mom", said Santana, as she swallowed her drink.
"True, but she's never actually seen me drinking...so...yeah", he laughed.
"My Mom would kill me if she ever saw me drink", laughed Mercedes."Not that I ever get out of control, but it wouldn't matter to her."
"Puck...", said Rachel."...it's your turn."
"Alright...um...never have I ever...worn an argyle sweater...", he said, laughing a little.
"Oh come on, low blow", said Rachel, as they all laughed."I haven't worn one of those in so long."
"No, but you looked so cute in those Rea Rea", said Jade."I liked them."
"I like the sweater you're wearing today...", said Mercedes."It's so classic Rachel."
"I picked it out", stated Quinn, proudly."Her closet at her Dad's still has some of her older clothes in it, and I found that one. She looks precious...".
"Stop it...", whined Rachel.
"Oh, it looks great, sweetheart", said Judy.
"Thank you, Mrs. Fabray", said Rachel, with a smile.
"We really need to stop playing this game...swear to God, I'm like one drink away from getting too drunk to drive home", said Santana.
"Well, if that happens Santana, you are more than welcome to crash here. That goes for all of you", said Shelby.
"Actually, we should probably get outta' here pretty soon Puckerman", said Jonah, giving him an expectant look.
"Yeah, we should. I almost forgot, we have something to take care of", said Puck.
"Like what", asked Brittany, cluselessly.
"Just something, don't even worry about it", said Jonah, winking at her.
"Well, don't go just yet, I noticed Noah brought his guitar. It would be great to hear him, or somebody sing something", said Judy.
"Yeah, I brought it to sing something for this little princess", said Puck, as he bounced a happy, giggling Beth on his lap."Now, I guess I'll have to sing something for everybody."
"What are you gonna' sing, man", asked Jonah.
"Will you be there."
"Oh wow, Micheal Jackson. That's a strange pick, even for you", Santana laughed."But, I'm sure you can handle it, Puckerman.
"Well, it's not his version it's a different version", said Puck, lifting Beth, and setting her on Rachel's lap."One that Jade listens to all the time."
He jumped up, and hurried towards the door to grab his guitar.
"Oh God...", laughed Jade, who was half asleep, still cuddled into Santana."The Boyce Avenue version?"
"Yep...", said Puck, as he brought his guitar back over to the table, and sat down."...and I think...yeah. I'm turning this into the shuffle game", he laughed.
"Nooooo", whined almost everybody at the table.
"What's the shuffle game", asked Shelby.
"He'll sing the first verse, than whoever he looks at when he's done has to take the next one. Than that person looks at the next person, and so on and so on", said Quinn.
"Yes, I love this game", said Brittany, clapping her hands."Let's do it."
"Shelby...weird question...do you own a keyboard", asked Puck.
"Actually, yes I do...", she laughed."I'll grab it, hang on."
She got up from the table, and hurried into her bedroom.
"Noah Puckerman, I am not playing the keyboard right now. I love you but...no", laughed Jade.
"No, you really are. If we're playing the shuffle game, you're playing some music", said Rachel."That's that...".
Jade just shook her head, and smiled.
"You have to, cutie", said Brittany."We all wanna' hear you play...", she continued, and she poked Jade in the side a few times, earning a few random squirms, and giggles.
"Ahhhh! Okay, okay...God, okay!"
"Oh, this is so exciting", said Judy, with a huge smile on her face.
"It must be, look how happy Beth is right now", said Rachel, as she held the little girl on her lap.
Everybody looked, and sure enough, Beth was smiling wide, and clapping her little hands.
"So cute...", said Quinn.
"Aweee...she's trying to be like Britts", laughed Santana."Britts...do you're happy hand clapping thing."
Brittany smiled, clapped her hands happily, and Beth copied her.
"That's awesome", laughed Jonah.
"Great", said Shelby, as she returned with a huge electric keyboard in her arms."You taught her something that involves making noise. Here you go Jade, it's all yours sweetie."
She set the keyboard down on the table in front of Jade, who than sat up, and switched it on.
"Alright, come on, I'm all excited for this now...", said Shelby, as she took her seat.
Puck smiled, and started playing his guitar. He didn't know who he was gonna' choose yet, so he just looked at Beth to start out.
Puck-
Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend
Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?
During the piano break Jade played, he decided to mess with everybody for a minute. He kept his eyes away from everyone, until the last possible second, and just in time, he looked at Rachel.
Rachel-
Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
When Wrong, Will You Scold Me
When Lost Will You Find Me?
Rachel decided to be a smart as, and she looked back at Puck.
Puck-
But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I'm Only Human
After another music break, Puck looked up and directly at Quinn.
Quinn-
Everyone's Taking Control Of Me
Seems That The World's
Got A Role For Me
I'm So Confused
Will You Show To Me
You'll Be There For Me
And Care Enough To Bear Me
At the end of the verse, Quinn clapped her hands together twice, than stuck them out in front of her. It was the official game single that everybody was supposed to sing. With everyone else singing, Puck concentrated on the back up, while Jade sung the harmony. It all came together no nicely, Judy and Shelby just sat and listened peacefully.
Everybody-
(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)
(Lead Me)
(Love Me And Feed Me)
(Kiss Me And Free Me)
(I Will Feel Blessed)
(Carry)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me There)
(Save Me)
(Heal Me And Bathe Me)
(Softly You Say To Me)
(I Will Be There)
(Lift Me)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Show Me You Care)
(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)
Puck-
Carry me there...
Oh I will be there...
Yeah I will be there.
When they finished, the two older women clapped.
"That was beautiful, wow", said Judy.
"See, even without the rest of the Glee Club, you guys still sound like rock stars. Very good", said Shelby.
"Sing something else, please? I want to hear more, I love hearing you kids sing", said Judy.
They all looked at each other, and laughed a little. Four songs, and many drinks later, it was getting to be ten o'clock. Puck and Quinn stood in Beth's room, just having put her into her crib. She was fast asleep, and they just stood there, looking down at her.
"She really does look just like you...", said Puck, quietly.
"That nose...".
"Trust me...she looks just like you", he laughed.
"Okay, if you say so."
He looked at her, and smiled a little.
"It's weird, ya' know? Out of all the wrong things we did during school...we actually did something right. She's perfect."
"Yeah, it is weird...but you're right. She's...perfect. I'm really happy we get to be a part of her life now."
"Me too. I mean yeah, we aren't your typical, average, family but...we're still a family in some way, right?"
Quinn smiled.
"Right."
"After tonight...it all changes. Hopefully for the better. You ready for that, Baby Mama?"
"I am."
A few minutes later, Puck and Quinn were standing outside with Jonah, Santana, and Rachel. Brittany, Mercedes and Jade were still inside with Shelby and Judy.
"So...you're sure this will work", Rachel was asking.
"Oh yeah, we're sure", said Jonah."As long as we stick to the plan, we're in the clear. It might take us a while to get Jade's stuff packed up, but we can do it."
"You're absolutely sure your family won't be back until after you've got it all packed", asked Quinn.
"Yeah, it's like clockwork. Night after Thanksgiving, they take the visiting relatives out. They never, ever get back anytime before one o'clock in the morning. By that time, her stuff will be packed, and we'll have gotten it to the service. We'll have it shipped overnight, that way it will be waiting for us by the time we get back to the city", said Jonah."So, are you sure you're mother will listen to reason?"
"No...but, we're involving Shelby whether she likes it or not, and we're pretty sure that Shelby will be able to convince her to stay here with her", answered Quinn.
"This is making me very nervous...I really don't like it", said Rachel, almost crying."I mean, what if your family finds a way to make Jade stay? What if your Dad finds a way to make your Mom go back to him", she asked, looking up at Quinn.
"Don't do that, Tiny", warned Santana."I'm telling you, those what if questions are just so damn dangerous...".
"At this point...all we can do it try, Rach", said Quinn, pulling her close.
"Exactly", said Puck.
"Alright y'all...we had a really good night tonight, this was so much damn fun", said Jonah."Let's make it even better by getting Quinn's Dad to fuck off, and bringing my little sister back to where she belongs, okay?"
"Hell yes", said Santana.
"Let's do this", said Puck.
"Yes, okay so...Quinn and I will hang back, talk to her Mom and Shelby...", said Rachel.
"Me, Mercedes, and Puckerman are heading to my parents house to pack up, and than we'll chill there until my family gets back so we can all have a little chat...", said Jonah.
"Yup, and me and Britts will take Jade back to my house until we hear something from one of you", said Santana.
Fifteen minutes later, Quinn and Rachel sat in Shelby's living room. They were on the couch, holding hands, waiting for their mothers to come in.
"What are they doing, did you tell your Mom we needed to talk to them", asked Quinn, nervously.
"Yes, she said just give them a minute", answered Rachel.
"Rach...I'm scared."
"I know, I'm scared too...but it's like you said...all we can do is try, right?"
Quinn nodded, and leaned in to kiss Rachel. In the middle of their kiss, their mothers walked into the room.
"Oh no...not again", laughed Judy."That's exactly how I found out about them."
The two younger girls broke the kiss.
"Seriously? That's how I found out too", laughed Shelby, as they sat down opposite the their daughters.
"Sorry", said Rachel.
"It's alright, sweetheart, don't worry", said Judy, with a smile.
"So, what did you want to talk to us about", asked Shelby.
Rachel and Quinn exchanged worried looks.
"Girls...", asked Judy, suspiciously.
"I...can't pretend anymore, Mom", said Quinn, looking down at her lap."I can't pretend that you're not being hurt, and I refuse to ignore it any longer."
"Quinny...".
"What do you mean", asked Shelby.
"Mom...can Judy stay with you? Please...", asked Rachel, nervously. She hadn't meant to be so forward, but her nerves were taking over.
"Girls...don't do this...", said Judy, who was suddenly, on the verge of tears.
Quinn ignored her mother's desperate plea, and stood up.
"Rach, can you get my purse for me please", she asked, quietly. Rachel nodded, and headed for the kitchen table. Quinn sat down next to her mother, and grabbed her hands.
"It's never too late, Mom...I know that's what you think, I know that's why you stay", said Quinn, tears running down her face."...but I need you to understand...you can't go on like this...it will kill you. He will kill you...".
"Quinn...stop. Right now, I need you to stop", said Judy. She was trying to sound stern, but it wasn't happening. She couldn't hold it together. Shelby just sat there, staring at the two of them, trying to figure out what was going on.
"I'm not stopping. I love you too much...we may of had our issues before, but...it's different now. I love you too much to let this go on, Mom. I love you too much...", cried the younger Fabray. Judy just let some tears fall, as she looked at her daughter in disbelief. Rachel knelt down on the floor beside Quinn, and placed her purse on her lap.
"Shelby...do you care about her", Quinn asked, as she dug around in her purse.
"Of course I do. She's a fantastic woman, I can honestly say I don't know what I'd do without her. Why are you asking me that? What is going on here", asked Shelby, placing her hand on Judy's shoulder. Quinn took some make up remover from her purse, and put some on a wad of tissues that Rachel was holding.
"No...no no no...Quinny please don't...please", begged Judy, through her tears.
"Just...hold still, Mom. Everything's gonna' be okay...".
With that, Quinn lightly wiped the make up from Judy's face. After just a few swipes of the tissue, the black and blue bruise around her eye was out int he open. Shelby gasped, and covered her hand with her mouth.
"Shelby...please...", cried Quinn, not taking her eyes away from her Mother."...please tell her she has to leave him."
Thank you guys for reading, I really hope you liked this update. Don't forget to review, and leave your feedback. I really really really love you all.
The song was "Will You Be There" the version by Boyce Avenue.