Hi guys! So I was gone for a couple of days and I was able to write a couple chapters of this…so yes, here you go. Thanks for your patience.

Chapter 15: The heart is saying no

It's been almost a month since that scene between Zach and Beth. After that, whenever they see each other in school, or in the neighborhood, they barely speak, or even look at each other. Arnold was the one who communicated with Beth and Zach to remind them of the double date on Valentine's.

"You look wonderful," Quinn smiled as Beth came out of her room wearing a little Red dress. It was Valentine's Day and Beth told Quinn that she'll be going out with Arnold, Zach and Sophie. Arnold was talking to Puck at the garden.

"Thanks," Beth smiled lightly.

"But why the glum face?" Quinn asked. "Actually…make that…Why the glum face the past month? And…Why does it seem like you and Zach are ignoring each other?"

"Oh, no, we're not…"

"Beth,"

"I don't know," Beth muttered, "We're…we're okay. We're seeing each other later, you know, with Sophie."

Quinn took a deep breath, "Do you really love Arnold?"

"Mom, what—"

"Just answer me, Beth."

She took a deep breath, "I…I just…"

Quinn pursed her lips, "Oh, Bethie," She muttered and hugged Beth. Beth was trying hard not to cry.

"This is about Zach, isn't it?"

"He's my friend," Beth said, "I should be happy for him, and I am but…I just…God, I'm evil…Arnold's really wonderful," She went on, "But he's not…I don't know."

"And you're still planning to go through with this dinner?"

"It's all planned. And Arnold's here."

"But sweetheart, I can—"

"No, mom, please," Beth said, "I'll be fine."

"You're not."

"But I'll be."

Quinn took a deep breath, "Your letter from Yale arrived this morning. You didn't even bother talking to me about it."

"I'm not going to Yale."

"Sweetheart, don't do this to yourself. Please."

"Mom," Beth said, "I've made my choice."

Quinn took a deep breath.

"Look at that," Puck said as he and Arnold came inside the house, "Wow, Bethie, you sure got my genes."

Beth faked a laugh.

"You're beautiful." Arnold said, looking at Beth.

"Thanks," Beth muttered.

"So…" Arnold said, "Shall we?"

Beth nodded her head as she went up to Arnold and gave him her hand, "Let's."

"Bring her home later, okay?" Puck said, "Or else…"

Arnold laughed, "No worries, Mr. Puckerman."

Goodbye kisses and they left.

"I can't believe she's all grown up." Puck said as Arnold's engine revved away. He then noticed that Quinn looked worried, "Hey, baby, what's wrong?"

"She doesn't love Arnold."

"Huh? What? Why? What's wrong with Arnold? He's a nice boy…"

"I know that, Puck," Quinn said, "But Beth doesn't love him. Staying with him only makes her miserable. She's only doing it because of Zach."

"What does Zach have to do with this?"

Quinn gave him a knowing look.

"Whoa," Puck said, "Oh, Okay."

He then went up to Quinn and held her hand, "Beth will be fine," Puck said.

"I know, I'm just worried. She can't do this to herself. And she doesn't wanna go to Yale."

"What?"

"See." Quinn sighed. "I don't know what to do."

"I don't, either." Puck said, "But this is what I know. She's a strong girl, Quinn, she'll figure things out. I'm sure."

Quinn didn't say anything for a while and then, "I hope you're right."