A/N - So, as promised, I'm trying to update quicker. I hope this is quick enough. Thank you to those of you who hoped I was doing better, that meant a lot, and I am doing a little better. Thank you those of you who have stuck with me this whole story, and who are leaving reviews and feedback. I hope you like this update, it's kind of a bittersweet chapter, but it's all really important, I swear. I hope you all like it.
Rachel Berry was a person that knew a little something about adrenalin. She felt it when she sang, she felt it when she walked in certain parts of the city. She even felt it when she was at her job, doing the work she was supposed to be doing. However, she had never felt it when simply sitting around with her friends and family. There she was, at her mother's apartment after what had been probably one of the longest, emotional nights in her young life, yet she was pumped. She was on the couch, next to Mercedes, looking towards the kitchen. She watched as Quinn and Judy hugged, and had what looked to be a very serious, loving, pride filled conversation. There were tears, but Rachel could tell that they were a bittersweet mixture of joyful and fearful tears. She was so concentrated on the two of them talking, that she didn't hear Mercedes talking to her.
"Rachel...you hear me girl?"
"What? No...no, I'm sorry Mercedes, what did you say?"
"I asked if you were alright."
Rachel smiled warmly.
"I'm fine, just...tired I guess. What about you, are you alright", she asked, placing her hand on the girl's knee."This was hard for all of us...but...you feel the same amount of pride as I do...don't you?"
"I feel the pride, trust me I do. At the same though, I'm like really worked up. It was scary...".
"Yeah...it was a little scary", said Rachel.
"I dunno' Rach...it's like...I know we did a few different good things tonight. I know that, but...I can't get the nonsense out of my head. I wanna' be strong for my man, and his sister...but...this whole thing was just so damn crazy, you know?"
"Yeah, I know, but Mercedes if you feel like you want to be strong, than that's the feeling you have to stick with. This whole situation was terrifying for me, because I know what it meant to our friends. Jade, being my best friend, I didn't have a choice in any of this. I had to fight. Same with Quinn, and her mother. Quinn and I, we were never very close while being here in Lima. Neither of us were able to admit how we really felt. After tonight, going through all this...I can't help but blame myself. I know, deep down inside that had I been up front about how I felt, maybe I could have helped Quinn and her Mother a lot sooner. Now, here I sit, blaming myself for so many different things that were out of my control. But...it ended tonight, we won. So, I think that is what you need to be thinking about right now. You and Jonah, weren't together before, but you are now. This is when we're meant to be here for them, this is when we're meant to help, no matter how much our minds force us to think about the past. We're here now, and that means a lot to them. Do you get what I'm saying?"
Mercedes smiled, and nodded her head.
"I get you girl...and I think you're right. Thank you...".
"You're welcome", said Rachel, and the two of them hugged.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Quinn was hugging Judy tight. She couldn't help but feel so right, holding her own mother in her arms. She felt a sense of happiness, and accomplishment that she hadn't felt in a long time. She was proud of her mother, and she knew that Judy felt the same. It was all over for her, she was finally about to move on with her life, and be free of everything.
"Mom...I know you're still really freaked out, but trust me...you did what you needed to do."
"It's not over yet, You know that, right", asked Judy.
"Of course it's not over, and yeah I know that, but you're on the right path."
"All we did was scare him."
"Okay, true but we scared him enough for him to stay away from you. We weren't bluffing about the recordings. I didn't know about it until we got there, but...Puck slipped me a voice recorder. Once he did that, I understood...and I pissed Dad off on purpose. You loosing your mind on him was a pretty damn good bonus...".
"That type of thing might not hold up in court."
"Yes, it will. Trust me, I've done my research on things like that", laughed Quinn.
"Have you?"
"Yes, the first time I caught him on camera...I made sure doing that would actually have some consequences, and it does. He knows that too, that's why he let me go away for school, and why he pays my rent."
"Oh God...what if he doesn't do that anymore? What if by doing all this tonight, he stops giving you money?"
"Don't worry, he won't."
"How can you be so sure, Quinny?"
"Because he's a coward, and he will hide behind whatever he can to hide who he really is."
Judy trusted Quinn, but her fear was keeping her from truly trusting her words. She wanted to believe it all, but it was going to take some time and convincing. She smiled sadly, and closed her eyes.
"Quinny...I'm so proud of you, I can't believe you hit him like you did", cried the older Fabray.
"Me", asked Quinn, in shock."What about you? Mom, the look on his face when you punched him...Oh my god it was priceless!"
Judy looked at her daughter and smiled a little through her tears.
"I couldn't have done this without you. Who would have thought? My youngest daughter stepping forward and defending me...I don't know what I would do without you."
"I don't know what I would do without you either, Mom. Thank you for standing up for...the both of us. That meant the world to me, and it always will."
"I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too, Mom", said Quinn, wiping some of her mother's tears away. A few minutes later, Puck and Shelby came strolling in from outside. They were laughing about something, and Quinn smiled at the two of them."What's so funny?"
"Noah was just telling me about his wrestling matches with Mika Price. He's claiming he made him cry three different times...", said Shelby, shaking her head.
"No, four times. Four, and that was only the first time I kicked his sorry ass. Pretty sure Jonah got him to cry too, it was awesome", laughed Puck."It's a damn shame he's not in prison, he wouldn't last a day."
"Where is Jonah", asked Judy.
"Outside. He's on the phone with Jade's doctor", answered Shelby.
"Oh, amazing...what did Mindy say", asked Quinn.
"Believe it or not, she's meeting us at the airport with an ambulance. She doesn't even want us to take Jade home, she wants her at the hospital for tests and everything right away. You should have heard how pissed she was when we told her about the sleeping pills. And she feels really bad for calling Mr. and Mrs. Price... swear to God, she started crying...", said Puck, shaking his head.
"She sounds like a really great doctor", said Judy.
"Yeah, Dr. Andrews is amazing. She loves Jade, she really cares about her...I'm not surprised that she's so upset about this", said Quinn.
"I'm seriously disgusted with Lacy Price", said Shelby, shaking her head, and walking towards the refrigerator."I mean...drugging your own child, are you kidding me?"
She pulled an ice pack from the freezer, walked back to Puck, and handed it to him.
"It's Mr. Price that I really wanted to beat the piss out of. That dude thinks Jade is playing sick for attention. What an ass hole", said Puck, as he yawned.
"Puck, come on", whined Quinn.
*YAWN*
"Sorry...".
"Alright, Jonah needs to come inside when he gets done talking on the phone. It's very late, it's been a horribly long night, and I want you kids to get some sleep", said Judy.
"Yeah, I'm with Judy on that one. I know you're all young adults, and capable of deciding your own bed times, but not tonight. Let's go", said Shelby, patting Puck on the back."You guys can all crash in the living room, I'll go grab some blankets and pillows."
"Okay, thank you, Shelby", said Quinn, as they all moved towards the living room.
"Hold on, where's Jade", asked Puck.
"She's in the bathroom with San, and Britt. I...wouldn't go in there right now if I were you...", said Quinn.
"Why not...?"
In the bathroom, Brittany was holding Jade's trembling body, as she hovered over the toilet. She had been throwing up even since they had gotten to Shelby's. Santana was sitting a few feet away, on her phone. She was rambling on in Spanish, so neither Brittany or Jade knew what she was talking about. Not that Jade would have noticed. She as too busy vomiting into the toilet. Brittany just held her in her arms, looking down at her sadly, and rubbing her back. Santana took a hair band from her wrist, and handed it too Brittany. The tall blond gladly took it, and pulled Jade's hair back into it. The way the two of them were in sync with each other, made it seem like they had been taking care of Jade for years.
"No papá, no podemos llevar el Jade el hospital...".
All Brittany understood from that statement was the word hospital, and the Jade's name. She looked over at Santana, worry all over her face.
"Nuestro vuelo se va mañana, y ella tiene que estar con nosotros. Si la tomamos en el hospital esta noche, la guardarán aquí. Rechazamos dejarla aquí...".
Jade had finished throwing up for the time being.
"Okay, come here...look at me, baby, head this way", said Brittany. Jade looked up, and accepted the water that Brittany was pouring into her mouth. She moved it around inside of her mouth.
"Spit."
After rinsing and spitting a few times, Brittany pulled her back so she could rest on her. Santana was just getting off the phone, and rolled her eyes.
"Él es frustración tan maldita...".
"San, you know I can't understand Spanish...speak American", said Brittany.
"Oh, yeah sorry. I'm just saying my Dad is super frustrating, he's not listening to me at all."
"Why were you talking about a hospital?"
"He wants us to take her to the hospital, but I told him we can't because than they will keep her. He says it doesn't matter, but I told him our flight leaves tomorrow and we're not leaving here. Simple as that. So than he got all pissed off, and said he doesn't even know why I bother calling him for advice, blah blah blah...".
Brittany nodded, and looked down at Jade. She could barely keep her eyes open, and her body was still trembling.
"Jade, are you cold", asked Santana, leaning down, and rubbing her arm. Jade didn't respond, she just closed her eyes."Jade...", she tried again.
Nothing.
Brittany's eyes started filling up with tears, and she sniffled a little bit.
"No no no, Britts please don't cry, than I'm gonna' cry...it's alright. She's just sleepy."
Brittany nodded, but couldn't keep the tears from rolling down her cheeks.
"Look, we'll stay in here a few more minutes, just in case she throws up again. If not, we'll get her teeth brushed and move her into the living room, alright?"
"Okay", said Brittany, softly.
"I'll be right back", said Santana, and she stepped into the hallway, and closed the door behind her. She wanted to cry, but she didn't. As upsetting as it was to see one of her girls half dead, and the other one crying, she knew crying herself wouldn't make it all go away. Jonah came strolling over, yawning.
"Damn you, Jolly Brown Giant."
*YAWN*
"Sorry."
"Did you talk to Mindy?"
"Yeah, she's meeting us at the airport, and taking Jade in."
"Perfect."
"How is she?"
"Barf-tastic...".
"Shit. Well that figures. What about you?"
"Me", asked Santana.
"Yeah, you, are you doin' alright?"
"Honestly, I'm tired as all Hell, and it's been an absolutely fun filled Thanksgiving break...but I'm ready to go home", she said. Jonah smiled at the girl's sarcasm."Aren't you?"
"Yeah...I'm ready. Just so you know...I'm really glad that my sister has you, and Brittany. At first I thought it sounded pretty twisted, but I thought about it. To me, it makes sense, only because my sister...she needs all the love she can get. Having two girlfriends...well, she'll get all that she needs."
Santana smiled and nodded.
"Thank you for helping out with all of this. It means a lot to me, and I'm sure it means a lot to Quinn and her Mom too."
"My pleasure, and I owe you a thank you too for reminding me of something just now. Before we go home tomorrow night, I should probably tell my family that I'm dating two girls. That might be something they wanna' know...", laughed the Latina.
"You think you're parents will be alright with that?"
"Who the Hell knows. It was bad enough telling them about me liking girls. There is no way for me to know how they'll take this. Doesn't matter though, I love both of them, and I'm not about to hide it from my parents. They'll probably be alright with it after a little convincing."
Jonah smiled and nodded, tiredly.
"Well, you and Puckerman were clearly masterminds behind this entire thing tonight. Speaking of that...you boys have some serious explaining to do", she laughed.
"That will have to wait...we're all being sent to bed", he laughed.
The next afternoon, everybody, with the exception of Brittany, Jade, and little Beth, were sitting around Shelby's kitchen table again. They were eating lunch, and listening to the boys talk about what had happened the night before.
"Before we got here for dinner last night, we stopped and grabbed some things from Jacob", Puck was saying.
"Whoa...Jacob, as in Jew Fro", asked Santana, receiving motherly looks from both Judy and Shelby.
"I mean, Jacob Ben-Israel...", she asked, laughing a little.
"Yeah...I called Artie to see where we could get some surveillance type stuff, and he gave me Jacob's number. Luckily, he's home for Thanksgiving too. So he gave us a bunch of little cameras, and voice recorder things."
"No, he didn't give us anything...I had to pay him like eighty bucks", said Jonah."It's whatever though, we got it."
"Wait, so why didn't you tell us you were planning on setting that up", asked Rachel, looking at Mercedes.
"Don't look at me girl, they didn't even let me in on that...", she said defensively.
"We didn't want you guys to get nervous, and freak out about it", said Jonah.
"What the Hell, you really think we would have freaked out? Even if we would have, what were we gonna' do, tell Mr. Fabray and company that they were being recorded", asked Santana.
"You cannot sit there and tell me that if Brittany would have known, she wouldn't have somehow opened her mouth about it...", said Puck.
"Yeah, and Jade would have somehow let that out too...when she gets nervous, she talks...", said Jonah.
"I might have messed that up, had I known...", admitted Rachel.
Santana and Quinn looked at other, thoughtfully.
"Okay, fair enough...", mumbled Santana, as Quinn nodded her head.
"What about the rest of us, though", asked Quinn.
"We just wanted to be safe about it, that's all. So, after we left here, we went to the Price's house, set up the camera's while Mercedes was carrying Jade's stuff from the basement...", continued Puck.
"Oh, so that's why you made me move all her stuff by myself, I wanted to slap the Hell out of both you for that...just saying...", said Mercedes.
"Yeah, after it was all in the truck, Mika came home, and started his shit. We got him all worked up, got him to throw all the first punches. We really didn't mean to get in so many different fights, that was just a plus. He doesn't even know when he's beat, he's always been stupid like that", said Jonah."Anyways...after we knocked him around a bunch for the camera, my parents and Russell get back, and tell Mercedes to go get you guys. And that was it."
"Yup, I slipped Quinn my recorder, knowing she would catch on, and Jonah had his. The video feed was being recorded onto my laptop upstairs in my old room. But, before we left last night, I told Nessa to grab the cameras and make sure she got my computer from behind the closet door...".
"Wait wait wait, I meant to ask you about that. Do you really think it's a good idea to trust her", asked Quinn.
"I don't, I hate that sorry bitch", said Santana.
"Santana, language please...", warned Judy.
"Sorry...".
"She actually stepped up last night. I was really surprised, but I had no idea how I was getting the cameras and my computer from the house after it was over. So, I figured after how she was kinda' on our side, there wasn't any harm in asking for her help", said Jonah.
"Now...the question is...will she actually show up here to drop your computer off...", laughed Puck.
"I really hope so...when I woke up I had a text from her saying she'd drop it off sometime before we left for the airport", said Jonah.
"Speaking of which, what time does your flight leave", asked Shelby.
"Not until eight o'clock tonight", said Rachel."Which gives us plenty of time to head to my parent's house, so Judy can speak with Daddy about the divorce."
"Oh God...", mumbled Judy."That's such a bad idea. I take it back, I'm not going."
"No, Mom...you're going, he's already more than just a little willing to help", argued Quinn.
"Really", asked the older woman.
"Oh God yes, my Dads have never liked Russell", said Rachel.
"Well, they shouldn't...he's always been very vocal about their sexuality, and just how much he doesn't like it", said Judy."That's why I don't want to talk to them, they probably don't like me very much because of that."
"Please, they won't hold anything against you because of him. They aren't like that, I promise", said Rachel, with a smile. Judy smiled back, but she was still very nervous.
"Where are Brittany, and Jade", asked Quinn, finally noticing that they weren't at the table.
"Oh...", laughed Shelby."...they're in the living room watching The Little Einsteins with Beth."
"Are you serious", asked Santana, half laughing.
"No way...", said Rachel.
"Yes way, go see for yourselves", said Shelby. Quinn, Santana, and Rachel quickly got up, and went to the living room. Sure enough, The Little Einsteins was on the TV, and there laid Brittany on her stomach. Jade's body was laying across her back, and Beth was perched happily on Jade's back. All three of them had their eyes glued to the TV.
"Oh my God, they made a person pile...that is so cute", whispered Rachel.
"Great. We're leaving tonight. Don't even tell me it won't be hard to tear these two away from that little girl of yours", laughed Santana, looking at Quinn.
Quinn just smiled.
Later that afternoon, every body split up to do their own thing. Jonah dropped Mercedes off at her parents house, than went to ship his sister's things back to New York. Puck, Santana and Brittany went to see their families, while Jade stayed at Shelby's getting some rest and spending some time with little Beth. Quinn and Rachel took Judy to see Rachel's Dads. When they arrived at the Berry household, Judy felt so uncomfortable. Little did she know that the the Berry men would welcome her into their home with welcome arms. The two of them hugged her warmly upon the arrival, and made her feel more comfortable than she expected. After the loving welcome, they all settled in the living room to discuss everything.
"So...you're finally leaving Russell. It's about time", laughed Leroy.
Judy just nodded, and smiled nervously.
"Daddy...this is a very difficult situation", explained Rachel."Be gentle...".
"Sweetheart, you don't have to tell me, I already know. Divorce is hard enough, but when you're dealing with an abusive spouse...it's even harder", he said, looking right at Judy.
"How did you know", asked Quinn, in shock.
"I've always known."
"Daddy...", warned Rachel.
"Don't worry, I understand. I've dealt with scum like Russell before, and I will gladly take him down for you, Judy. I just need to know that you're ready for it. This isn't going to be easy, and changing your mind isn't going to be an option. I need to know that you're ready for this."
Judy looked to Quinn, who just nodded her head.
"I...I'm ready."
"Good", said Leroy, with a smile on his face."Just one more thing before we get into that. Rachel sweetheart...exactly how long have you been dating Quinn?"
"What", asked Rachel and Quinn in unison.
"You heard me", he said, smiling. Hiram emerged from the kitchen, with a smile on his face.
"Yes, Rachel...please tell us", he said, half laughing.
"Oh God...", said Quinn, her cheeks turning a light pinkish color.
"Okay, oh my God...how did you two know", asked Rachel, in shock.
"That's irrelevant, Rachel. There's only one question needing to be asked right now, and that is...why haven't you told us", asked Leroy, with a smirk on his face that only further frustrated his daughter.
"Well...I mean...I didn't know how you'd take it. Not that it should be a difficult task telling your gay fathers that you're dating a g-girl...but...still. I wasn't sure how y-you'd react", she stuttered, nervously.
"React to our daughter being attracted to girls, or react to the girl she's attracted to", asked Hiram.
"Well, both I guess. Mainly...who I'm attracted to...", admitted Rachel. She was clearly ashamed, and every person in the room knew it."Can you blame me? I mean, I used to come home from school telling you horror stories about how she treated me. I didn't think you'd trust her."
"Fair enough. You were right to be nervous about it, because as your parents, yes...Quinn wasn't a person we wanted you to be around", admitted Leroy. Quinn suddenly felt just as uncomfortable as her mother did. Gaining Rachel's trust had been hard, yes, but not as hard as gaining trust from her parents. She had felt horrible enough for everything in the past, but sitting in the Berry household, in front of the Berry men, was making her feel even worse.
"However...", continued Leroy."...it's obvious that whatever the two of you had against each other during high school, had something to do with how you were feeling towards one another. No matter how upset we got when you'd come home with stories about how kids treated you, one name always stood out. Quinn Fabray", he said, looking right at the younger blond."True, certain things you said, and certain things you did made us angry. However...there was always a very specific way our baby always talked about you. It was almost...loving. It was didn't matter what horror story she told us about you, she always had high hopes that one day...you'd let your guard down."
Rachel was mortified. She knew her father was only being honest, but it didn't make it any less embarrassing. Quinn, on the other hand, ashamed as she was, actually trusted in everything that was being said to her.
"They way we see it...high school bullying stems from a number of different things, and usually goes in either one of two different directions. One being, the bullys end up going much further than anybody ever expected. True, some see the error of their ways, others don't. The other direction, the bully ends up being on the same level of those they pick on. Quinn, we've always known the type of man your father is, and that you were raised to believe certain things. But you know, it's different with you. There's always been a sense of humanity inside of you, a lot of which most likely comes from your beautiful mother here."
Judy smiled, shyly.
"I guess my point is, Hiram and I...we understand that you were going through things during high school, which caused you to lash out towards our daughter. We also trust that you didn't mean most of those things, and the fact that you're now with Rachel means a lot. Probably more than you even realize yourself", said Leroy.
Quinn smiled, tears filling her eyes.
"You have our blessing, and helping you and you're mother would be our pleasure. We know how much you mean to our daughter, and she didn't even have to tell us. You don't have to be ashamed, you don't have to feel bad. Everything will be okay, and we will make sure of that", said Hiram.
Quinn nodded, as she let her tears fall. Words couldn't explain how happy she was to hear everything that she had just heard, so she didn't even bother to say anything. Rachel on the other hands stood up, and walked towards her fathers.
"Dad...Daddy...thank you so much", she cried. Leroy stood up, and the three of them hugged. Afterwords, the Berrys, Quinn and Judy started talking about the divorce, and how they were going to destroy Russell.
Meanwhile, at Shelby's, she had had just finished putting Beth in for a nap. As she was exiting the little girl's bedroom, she heard a crash from inside the bathroom. She rushed over, and knocked on the door frantically.
"Jade...are you okay, do you need me to come in here?"
There was a long pause before Jade answered. Much longer than Shelby would have liked.
"No, no no...I'm...fine, I just...I fell", she said, whimpering a little.
"Okay, are you still in the shower?"
"Yes ma'am...".
"Alright, cover up what you don't want me to see, because I'm coming in, sweetheart."
"No...please don't...", begged Jade, but Shelby didn't listen. She walked into the bathroom, and could see Jade was down on the inside the tub. The glass door was tinted and foggy, so even if she wanted to see Jade, she couldn't.
"You okay", asked Shelby, staying at a comfortable distance."I mean...did you hit your head, are you dizzy at all?"
"I...I'm a little dizzy, but I didn't hit my head...".
"Do you need my help getting out?"
"I...uh...".
"It's alright if you need my help, Jade. I just need you to tell me."
Jade knew she needed help. She knew if she tried to stand on her own, she would just fall again. She was going to have to swallow her pride, and risk Shelby seeing her naked.
"Yes...I d-do", she answered, breaking into tears."Please...don't judge me...".
"Why would I-"
"There's some things you're going to see...".
"Like what?"
"Just things. Please...".
"Okay, okay, Jade I will not judge you, let's just get you out of there so you can go lay down."
Shelby stepped forward, and pulled the sliding door back. She kept her focus on Jade's face, just for the sake of making her more comfortable. She leaned down, wrapped linked her arms under Jade's, and lifted her up. Once she was on her feet, she grabbed a towel from the rack. She wasn't sure what made her do it. Might have been the awkwardness of the situation, or just sheer curiosity, but Shelby looked down. The only thing she seemed to notice was the scars Jade had all over her stomach, and just below her chest. She didn't say a word, she just wrapped the towel around Jade's shivering body. Fifteen minutes later, Jade was dressed, and sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea in front of her. Shelby, with her own cup of tea, sat down across from her.
"Still dizzy", she asked, sipping from her cup.
Jade just shook her head.
"See? I told you, tea helps everything", laughed the older woman.
"Yeah, Rachel says that sometimes. I guess it makes sense now, huh?"
"You know what, Jade? I'm really happy that she has you in her life. I know I've thanked you once before for saving her, and I meant it, but...I think now more than ever I see why you're so important to her. Not even just her, but to all of them. You're so strong...".
Jade just smiled, and sipped her tea.
"You don't believe that, do you?"
"To be honest know, but I appreciate you saying so."
"I understand why you'd think the worst of yourself, believe it or not."
"You do", asked Jade, quietly.
Shelby couldn't help but smile a little. She knew the girl was modest, but she thought it was somewhat adorable.
"I do. You've spent most of your life with a family that doesn't know ho to appreciate you. I get that after years of hearing nothing but insults, and being punished for who you are, you feel useless...".
Jade just looked down.
"You're not useless. You're better than your family will ever be, both you and Jonah are. I really hope you're able to start believing that."
"Thank you."
"Your brother, and Rachel...and all of them, they are just so happy that they get to take you home. I'm excited for you to get out of here, and get to New York."
"I don't wanna' go...", said Jade.
"Yes you do", laughed Shelby."You just feel guilty."
"If I stay here, they won't have to take care of me."
"Jade, they want to take care of you."
"But, I'll be in the way. I hate being in the way, I just want them to be happy, and have lives of their own. I want my brother to get on with his life, I want Santana and Brittany to be happy, and I want Rachel to reach for the stars again." Shelby smiled at that. She admired the way Jade had worded Rachel's life goals."...I want the best for all of them, because...I know they have a chance. Who the Hell am I to get in the way of that?"
"You're Jonah's sister. You're Rachel's best friend, you mean the world to all of them. Jade, you mean the world to me, and I know Alyson loves you. That girl would do anything for you. I know you can't just stop feeling the way you feel, but you need to try. You are not the problem you think you are. You're sick, and yeah you need people to take care of you, but Jade they love you, and want you safe. Just because you're going through some things, doesn't make them love you any less. They want you healthy, and I guarantee that they want all the same things you want for them. You want Rachel to reach for the stars, right? Well, what about you, what do you want?"
"For the people I love to be happy."
"I mean for you, what do you want for you?"
"That is what I want for me."
"Okay, I know what you're saying...", said Shelby. She was getting a little frustrated with Jade, but she wasn't about to show it."...but is their happiness gonna' help towards the goals you have for yourself?"
Jade had nothing to say, she just looked down again.
"I didn't think so. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, sweetheart. I just want you to stop hating yourself."
"I didn't say I hated myself...".
"No, but those scars tell me that you hate yourself...", said Shelby, instantly wanting to take it back.
Jade just shook her head, and fought back the tears that threatened to fall.
"Look...I'm happy that you want everybody else to be at peace with life, and get the things they want. I really am, I think that's very sweet. But, they want the same for you, and if you want to make them happy, part of that is letting them help you. Letting your doctor help you, letting us be there for you. Loving yourself, and getting away from people who hold you back for their own selfish reasons. Now, I don't know what you have planned in that complicated little mind of yours, but I do know you have a plan. One that involves not getting on that plane tonight..."
Jade just looked up, as if she had just gotten caught thinking out loud.
"Uh-huh, I know it, but I'm telling you right now, Jade. You will get on that plane, and you will go back to New York. And you know what, if I ever find you back here in Lima, and you are anywhere near your families home, I will come get you, and drive you to New York myself. Do you hear me?"
Jade just started at Shelby. She was at a total loss for words.
"I'm not kidding, and I know you know that. Promise me right now, that you're getting on that plane tonight."
"I...I..uh...I...", she stuttered.
"Right now."
"I...promise...", said Jade, tears rolling down her face.
Shelby leaned back in her seat, and smiled.
"Good girl."
"I can tell that you like doing that", said Jade, shyly.
"Doing what, sweetie?"
"Calling people out on things...".
"Wow...", laughed Shelby."...you're not wrong about that."
"Would you mind...if I...called you out on something?"
Shelby could tell how uncomfortable Jade was asking that question. However, since she respected her so much, she decided to humor her.
"Go ahead."
"When are you gonna' tell Quinn about Beth's development problems?"
"What do you mean", asked Shelby, looking away.
"Well, I was the same as Beth when I was little. She's...a toddler...but she doesn't speak, and she's not potty trained. I know why you haven't explained that to Quinn, and I'm really surprised that she hasn't noticed, or said anything about it", said Jade.
"I'm surprised too. Santana, and Mercedes have both asked me about that."
"They have?"
"Yes, they have. Judy noticed right away, but I asked her not to talk to Quinn about it. I need to be able to explain that to her on my own. You said you know why I haven't explained yet...tell me."
"Ms. Concoran, please don't be mad at me, I'm not trying to insult you, I swear to God...I'm so sorry", rambled Jade.
"Stop. Don't be sorry, I'm not mad, just tell me."
"You're afraid...", said Jade, shyly. It was clear that she was unsure of whether or not she wanted to bother to continue.
"Go on...", said Shelby, with a reassuring smile.
"You're afraid that Quinn will get mad, and blame you for Beth being...under developed. I can't say that I blame you for that. You think she'll get pissed off, and regret letting you take her...".
Shelby smirked, and nodded her head.
"You're right."
"Really?"
"Jade, you're so damn insightful...wow."
"That's funny...Rachel tells me that a lot."
"Well ,she's right. You're dead on about that."
"She won't get mad at you. Maybe...Lima Quinn would have. She's New York Quinn now...she's a lot less tense and, she's learning to embrace the real her. Give it a chance...she'll understand, I know she will."
"I believe you...", said Shelby, looking down."...you're right, she's not Lima Quinn anymore. She's changed for the better, and I can't say I hate that."
"My brother's told me before...I wasn't potty trained until I was four years old, and I didn't speak until I was five. Sure, I'm...a little messed up now, but that has nothing to do with that. She'll be fine, you just have to be as patient as I know you have been. I know that if I had you as a mother...I'd be alright", said Jade, with a smile.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah...I mean that. I think you're frustrated. There's music to go with frustration, you know that, don't you", asked Jade, hopefully.
"Yes, I suppose I know that."
"Do you know music by Linkin Park?"
"I do not, and admitting that makes me feet old...wow", laughed Shelby.
Jade laughed a little.
"There's this song by them...it's called Cure For The Itch. There isn't words, it's just music. Still...it makes you feel. The song starts off clumsy, like it doesn't really know where it's going itself...". As Jade was talking, Shelby could sense a real passion from her. It was in her eyes, and her tone."...once you get passed the initial frustration of the song...it all comes together, and ends up being...pure amazingness."
Shelby smiled at the girl.
"Oh my God...it's just like Rachel told me. You really do speak music as a language...".
Jade just smiled.
"Got that song on your iPod?"
"Of course I do", said Jade, laughing a little.
Outside, Jonah was just getting back from his errand. As he got out of his truck, he noticed Nessa pulling up behind him. He smirked, and walked towards her car.
"Hey little man...", she said, getting out of her car. She was carrying his laptop, and all four of the camera statues."What's up, where are you coming from?"
"Wouldn't you like to know...", he said, laughing a little.
"Look...about the massive amount of fucking nonsense that took place at the house last night...touche baby brother. Seriously, well played, I was like blown away", she said sincerely.
"You mean that?"
"I meant all the things I said last night. I hope, and Jada know that. I mean, I can't do what you guys are doing, I can't tell Mom and Dad to fuck off, and blow to New York."
"Why not?"
"I'm the oldest, I been dealing with their shit for a lot longer than you guys have. I hate to say it, but...I'm used to it. I...really am...sorry for all the things I ever said or did to you guys. But...I'm stuck here, Jonah. I made my bed...I'm gonna' lay and pass out in it. My life is here with our sorry ass excuse of a totally fucked up family. You and her though...you can accomplish some things. I know that now, and I...respect you both for fighting back."
Jonah could tell that Nessa was being honest with him, and although he would never admit it, he loved that she was having a hard time getting her words out. He just smiled, and nodded his head as he listed to her talk.
"Just take care of her, okay? I'll stay here, and keep Mika in line...just like I should have been doing our entire lives. Keep her safe, Jonah", she said, handing him his computer and things.
"I will, I swear I will, and...thank you Nessa. I honestly don't think we could have done this without you."
"You're...welcome, little man."
"You need to stop calling me that", he laughed."...I mean I know you're older, but you come up to my chest...I earned the title big man with this height right here."
"Oh God...fine...", she laughed."...You're welcome, big man."
Before anything else was said, Jade appeared.
"Hi Nessa."
"Oh wow...", said Nessa, turning towards her little sister."...Jada, you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I feel a little better. Thank you for asking."
Nessa just nodded.
"Do you wanna' come inside? I'm sure Shelby don't mind...", said Jade, nervously.
"No, no...I just wanted to drop Jonah's stuff off. I need to get to the bar, and do some work.", said Nessa.
"Oh. Okay...well...thank you for last night", said Jade. She was kind of sad to see Nessa go, but she also understood that her big sister wasn't ready to be a a big sister just yet."...I'm...really happy you were there to help."
"Jada Marie...don't you let anybody hurt you like that anymore, okay? You...really don't deserve that."
Jade just smiled, and nodded.
"The both of you need to get the fuck away from here...and stay away. I'm not joking", said Nessa, her voice breaking.
Jade and Jonah both nodded.
"Oh...and...I owe you this...", said Nessa, and she moved towards Jade, and pulled her into a tight hug."...I do love you...and...I...really am sorry", she said, fighting her tears. Jade wanted to cry, but she held back. Nessa on the other hand knew she was loosing the battle, and her tears were falling. She broke the hug, and hurried back to her car. Without saying another word to either of her siblings, she started the engine, and took off.
Back at the Berry residence, Rachel and Quinn were upstairs in Rachel's old bedroom once again. Hiram and Leroy were downstairs talking with Judy. Quinn was sitting on the bed, watching as Rachel wandered around the room, smiling to herself.
"Look at you...", said the blond, a huge smile on her face.
"What", asked Rachel.
"Just...look at you, how smiley you are. It's beautiful."
"You're beautiful...", said Rachel, as she walked over, and settled herself into Quinn's lap."...I am so proud of you, I can't even believe all of this is happening."
"It is. My mom's gonna' be safe...and my Dad's finally getting what's coming to him."
Rachel smiled, and ran her fingers through Quinn's soft, golden hair. She leaned in, and kissed her on the lips. The kiss was amazing to the shorter girl. She almost felt like she could actually feel how much Quinn loved her when they kissed, and it never got old.
"I couldn't have done any of this without you...", said Quinn, as the kiss broke."...whenever you're around I feel...so powerful...like I could conquer the world."
"You probably could conquer the world. Especially if you had your Cheerio uniform on", laughed Rachel.
"Oh come on", said Quinn, snuggling close to Rachel.
"No, really. Those uniforms were pretty terrifying from my end, trust me. Ask anyone. Oh my God, ask Jade...", she laughed."...she used to have more nightmares involving the Cheerios, it was almost unbelievable."
"Speaking of Jade...how happy are you that we get to steal her away from here", asked Quinn, moving Rachel's hair from her face.
"You know damn well I'm happier than ever about that. Can you even imagine how much better things will be once we get back? We'll have Jade, you won't have to worry about your Mother being hurt anymore...our parents are okay with us being together. I can't believe it...".
"What can't you believe", asked Quinn, smiling wide.
"That...we all have an actual chance at being happy. At least for a little while, you know? Like, we changed things for ourselves, and we did it together. Now, we'll get to go back to the city...and...just...".
"Be happy", said Quinn, finishing her girlfriend's sentence.
"Yeah. Be happy...".
"Does that mean...you'll maybe at least think about trying to get an agent, and going on some auditions", asked Quinn, hopefully.
Rachel smiled shyly, and nodded her head. Quinn's eyes grew wide with excitement, and she squeezed Rachel's little body closer to her.
"Wait, really?"
"After everything I've gone through...like with high school, and Jesse...and just...all of it...I know it's alright now. I know that because you found me, and you...loved me. Quinn...you loved me, and you helped me, and you fought for me...". The tiny girl couldn't help but tear up."...that happening...you happening, it means so much to me. More than I think I will ever be able to express to you, or anyone. If this can happen...if me being with you can happen...it makes me believe that anything can happen. I loved you for so long before we were ever even together, and knowing that I had a chance, knowing that you felt the same, being here with you now makes me think that I could conquer the world too. Quinn...I can do the things I've always wanted to do, and you are a huge part of why I know that...".
"I am?"
Rachel let her tears fall. She was overwhelmed by pure happiness, and wasn't going to be afraid of it.
"Yes. You are. Don't you get it, don't you realize? Quinn...we're not trapped anymore. We fixed it, we fixed everything. We can make our dreams come true...".
"Rachel Berry...you are a dream come true. Everything that you're saying...I get it, I love you, I love you for it. You really mean that? You really think that...I helped you to feel like you can go after what you want? You're actually gonna'...try?"
The tiny diva smiled, and wiped some of her own tears away.
"Just for you...I'll try, Quinn. I love you, and I want to try...for you."
Quinn's eyes filled with tears, and she kissed Rachel. In the middle of them kissing, the door flew open, and they stopped.
"Oh dear God", laughed Hiram."...it's a little too late to put the open door policy into play, but I swear I'll do it."
"You know something, that is exactly how I found out about them being together", laughed Judy. Rachel and Quinn looked at each other, both of their faces turning red with embarrassment.
"That's it, from now on...when you two visit, this door stays open", said Leroy.
"What are you worried about, Mr. Berry", asked Quinn."...it's not like either of us will end up pregnant."
I'm thinking there is one more chapter, and it's ending. Again, thank you guys for your concern, writing on this story has made me feel so much damn better. Don't forget to review, and leave me feedback, I love you all!