Beginning Our Life
Last Time: The realization of being pregnant finally hit Sarah. While buying maternity clothes, Puck and Sarah saw Shelby and Beth. The two invited the Corcorans over for the Fourth of July. And that's what you missed on Beginning Our Life.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any songs that I may put in here.
Challenges on the Fourth
Puck's Point of View
Someone jumped on the bed and screamed, "Wake up!"
I groaned and blinked, "Grace, what are you doing?"
"Is there an emergency?" Sarah muttered while turning into my arm.
"No!" Grace smiled and sat on my stomach, "It's the Fourth of July!"
I carefully sat up as to not move Sarah too much and not to throw Grace off, "What's so special about the fourth?"
Grace climbed off me and sat on the mattress, "Fireworks, barbecue, pool, and Beth's coming over," she counted off her fingers.
"Can you guys leave?" Sarah whined.
"What's wrong?" Grace asked.
I held up a finger and stood from the bed, "Come on," I whispered.
Grace followed me from the room and as soon as I closed the door asked, "What is up with her?"
"She's just tired," I explained.
"She was kinda mean," Grace muttered.
"It's because she's pregnant," Kurt said while passing us to go get breakfast.
Grace's mouth dropped open and she turned to me, "Noah, this is your fault."
"What? No," I scoffed.
"She's right," Kurt called over his shoulder.
I glared at Grace before turning and following Kurt to the kitchen, "Moron," I muttered to him as I walked past.
Kurt spun around, "What do you want Puckerman?"
"For you to stop bugging me about getting Sarah pregnant," I shot back.
"Well it is your fault," Kurt glared, "You are the one who slept with her when she was 15. You know, you were 18, I think that's illegal."
I took a step closer, "Shut up right now or I'm going to kill you."
Kurt stepped forward, "Make me."
"That's it," I was about to lunge at him when an arm wrapped around my waist.
"No Puck," Finn warned.
I struggled as Finn was able to drag me back, "Let me go!"
Burt, Ms. Carole, and Grace came running in.
"What's going on?" Burt yelled while pulling me back even farther.
"Noah's angry because Sarah's angry because Noah put a baby inside her," Grace jumped up on the counter.
"Grace down," Ms. Carole scolded and stood between me and Kurt, "What happened?"
"Kurt's being a jerk," I answered and broke free of Burt and Finn's grasp.
"I was just saying the truth," Kurt shrugged.
"What truth?" Sarah walked in.
I fully took her in and realized how miserable she might have been. Her hair was all over the place and the t-shirt that she wore to bed was tucked into the back of her shorts, emphasizing her tiny baby bump. It didn't help that she had a dark scowl on her face.
"That Puck getting you pregnant was probably illegal," Finn replied.
I elbowed him in the stomach with a glare.
Sarah just rolled her eyes, "Whatever, let's just forget that whole fact and move on with life," she plopped down at the small, kitchen table and put her head in her arms.
We all exchanged a look before staring at Sarah.
"Sarah, are you sure you want Beth and Shelby to come over later?" Ms. Carole asked softly and put a hand on her daughter's back.
Sarah shot up and looked at me, "Yes, they're coming over."
I raised my eyebrows, "Great," I said slowly.
Sarah nodded, "I'm fine, really," she stood and started running around the kitchen to get breakfast ready, "Come on, I could use some help."
I walked over to her, "You ok?" I whispered in her ear.
Her head bobbed quickly, "Yup," she smiled.
I tried not to stare as she pushed past me to get the cereal.
"Just let it go," Burt whispered in my ear, "Carole was the same way at the beginning," he clapped my shoulder before walking away.
I groaned, these next few months were going to be hard.
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
I walked down the stairs after taking a shower and getting dressed for the day.
Grace ran up to me, "You're not wearing your special clothes!"
I looked down at my outfit, a plain grey t-shirt and black basketball shorts, "Why does it matter what I'm wearing?"
Sarah came over with a laugh, "Mom and Kurt bought us Fourth of July clothes that we're supposed to wear."
I took in her navy dress with red and white stars on it. Grace's red t-shirt had fireworks across the front and she was wearing white shorts. I do not want to wear something like that.
"Are you saying I have an outfit like that?" I asked.
Sarah laughed and grabbed my hand, "Come on, let's see if I can make your's a little less Kurt."
I followed her to my closet where she pulled out a bag and started going through it, "Here we go," she smiled. She pulled out a bright blue polo and white shorts.
I took a step back, "No, I'm not wearing that."
Sarah giggled and shoved the clothes at me, "Just put them on, I bet you'll look hot."
I shook my head and pushed the clothes back, "Stop, Sarah, do you see these?"
Sarah laughed and nodded, "Yes, I do, just put them on for my enjoyment."
I groaned and grabbed the clothes before going into the bathroom, "Sarah, I hate you!" I yelled through the door.
I was answered with a laugh and a, "Love you too!"
I grumbled while putting the clothes on. Reluctantly, I went back into my bedroom, "Sarah Rose Hudson, please let me take this off."
Sarah laughed and ran over to me, "Trust me, you look really hot."
I rolled my eyes, "I'm not wearing this."
Sarah ran a hand down my chest, "At least wear the polo."
"Sarah," I groaned.
She stood on her tip toes and pulled my neck so my ear was against her mouth, "Please Puck. Do it for me."
I turned her so her lips were against mine, "Just the polo. I'll pick out my own shorts."
Sarah pushed me backwards so the backs of my knees were against Kurt's mattress, "Fine."
I smirked and kissed her, "I need to change before Beth gets here."
"I'll help," Sarah whispered.
I chuckled and fell backwards with Sarah on my chest.
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
I sat in the lawn chair between Finn and Sarah while sticking my feet in the blow up pool Ms. Carole bought for Grace, and now Beth as well.
Grace wiggled over to me in her bathing suit, "Noah, you're not wearing your shorts that Kurt picked out."
I shrugged and smirked before taking a sip of my pop, "I'm a big boy, I can pick out my own clothes."
Grace laughed and dipped her face in the cold, hose water.
Finn nudged my shoulder, "Kurt hasn't said anything yet?"
I shook my head, "Nope."
"Daddy!"
I turned to see Beth run through the back door, "Hi monkey face!" I stood and walked around so her little legs could jump in my arms.
"Look Daddy!" Beth pulled away from me so she could pat her stomach.
I nodded at her pink, one piece bathing suit, "Very pretty Bethie."
She smiled and squirmed to see Sarah, "Sars! Look!"
Sarah laughed and stood next to us, "Super cute Beth."
Beth turned to look at me, "Swim?"
"Sure," I chuckled and bent down to set her in the pool next to Grace, "Be careful."
Finn hit my arm, "There's like a foot of water in there, she'll be fine."
I glared at him, "She could still drown."
"Oh, that's the perfect size for her," Shelby exclaimed while stepping into the yard.
We turned to see her, Ms. Carole, Burt, and Kurt walk out from the house.
"It's pretty small for Grace, but it'll do for the summer," Ms. Carole said.
"Hi everybody," Shelby smiled.
The three of us nodded and smiled back before turning to watch the girls in the pool. Grace was gently splashing water on Beth who was screaming in return.
"How are you?" I turned to see Shelby standing next to Sarah, looking down at her.
"I'm fine," Sarah smiled, but I could see it was a little forced.
I put a hand on her knee and squeezed softly.
Shelby nodded, "That's good, I hope everything goes well," she turned and walked over to Burt to see what he was grilling.
"Sars," Finn said softly.
"Yeah," Sarah looked over at him.
"Tell the truth," he told her.
Sarah took a deep breath and kneeled down next to the pool, "I'm great and ready to have fun today."
Finn bit his lip, but nodded and just continued watching his sister play with Grace and Beth.
I hit his shoulder and shook my head, "Just leave it," I whispered.
Sarah and Grace started laughing and we turned to see Beth sitting in the pool, blowing bubbles in the water.
I chuckled and knelt down next to Sarah, "What cha doing Beth?"
Beth looked up at me, "Bubbles Daddy."
I nodded, "Yeah, bubbles."
Beth laughed and clapped her hands on the water, "You Daddy!"
I raised my eyebrows, "Me bubbles?"
Grace, Sarah, and Finn all laughed at what I was about to do.
"Yes Daddy!" Beth smiled and laughed herself.
I bent down and blew bubbles next to her. Everyone laughed and I just ignored them, if this is what Beth wanted, then I was gonna do it.
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
Sarah sat on my lap, "Having fun?"
I nodded while looking at where Beth was playing with Kurt and Grace, "Of course."
"When the fireworks start later, we better be sharing a blanket," Sarah whispered.
I laughed and hugged her closer, "You bet."
Ms. Carole came over to us, "Did you guys eat enough?"
I groaned, "There was so much."
Ms. Carole laughed, "What about you Sarah? What'd you think?"
"Mom, you are a delicious cook," Sarah giggled.
Ms. Carole sat next to us with a sigh, "Only two and a half more months."
I stared at her pretty big stomach holding the tiny girl that almost pulled the family apart. Soon, that would be Sarah, but I don't know if we're ready.
"Does it hurt?" Sarah asked quietly.
I was shocked at the question and by the look on Ms. Carole's face, she was too.
However, her shock was quickly replaced by understanding, "Not really, just uncomfortable. Do you want to feel her kick? It'll feel differently when your baby kicks because they're inside of you, but you can sort of understand now."
Sarah slowly nodded and put her hand out.
Ms. Carole grabbed her daughter's shaking hand and softly set it on her stomach, "Can you feel it?"
Sarah smiled and nodded, "That feels so weird," she turned in my lap, "Puck, you have to feel this."
I chuckled and stuck my hand out, "Alright, where do I put it?"
Ms. Carole grabbed my hand and put it next to Sarah's, "Feel it?"
I smiled, "Yeah. That's cool."
Ms. Carole laughed, "It sure is," her laughter died away and she bit her lip.
"Something wrong, Mom?" Sarah asked quietly as the two of us pulled our hands away.
"Soon you'll be able to feel your own baby," Ms. Carole whispered before standing, "I have to go."
We watched her waddle away over to Shelby where she struck up a conversation on who knows what.
Sarah leaned into my shoulder, "Wonderful."
"Hey, look here," I turned her to look at me, "This isn't your fault."
Sarah raised her eyebrows, "And it's your's?"
I rolled my eyes, "Obviously."
"Hmm," Sarah sat back, "Interesting."
"What?" I asked.
Sarah stood and looked at me, "Who's fault is it?"
"Where are we going with this?" I was so confused, but I didn't want to start a fight.
"You gave me a baby, but if I remember correctly, I started it," Sarah started pacing in front of me, "So who's to blame?"
I shrugged, "I don't know, but does it matter? Either way we got a baby that we're gonna have to care for."
Sarah sat back down on my knee, "You're right, this is stupid."
"What's stupid?" Kurt asked while sitting next to me.
"Us fighting over who's fault it was with me getting pregnant," Sarah told him.
Kurt rolled his eyes, "You two. Does it matter?"
"That's what I said," I pointed out.
Kurt looked down at his water bottle, "Sorry," he muttered.
"For what?" Sarah asked.
"Not to you," Kurt looked up and turned to me, "Sorry, Puck. I kinda forced that fight this morning."
"It's fine," I assured.
Kurt stared at me, "We'll forget it ever happened?"
I nodded, "Sure, just don't do it again."
Grace came running over to us with Beth dangling in her arms, "Can we keep her?"
The three of us laughed and I grabbed my daughter, "Seeing as you almost ripped off her arms, I don't know."
"I'm sorry," Grace smiled and sat on the ground in front of us, "But please, can we keep her?"
I rubbed Beth's shoulders to help with the pain I'm guessing she was in, "Grace, we can't just take a baby."
"But she's your's," Grace begged, "Can't you just take her back?"
"I have to go," Kurt whispered and quickly walked away.
"I'm gonna see what else Shelby brought for dessert," Sarah stood and kissed my temple before running inside.
Grace looked up at me with wide eyes, "Noah..."
"Come here," I patted my knee.
Grace did as I said and grabbed Beth's hand, "I think I'm a great aunt."
"You are, but Grace," I didn't know what to say, last time I checked, ten year olds didn't exactly understand adoption, "She's not really mine anymore. I'm just her dad and I get to see her sometimes, but she's Shelby's now."
"Can't you just ask for Beth to live with us?" Grace asked.
I sighed, "It doesn't work like that. There's this whole thing that even I'm not completely sure about."
Grace stared at me. I thought we were done with this whole conversation until Grace started talking, "Can't you just sign a paper like Mom did?"
"Let's use names right now," I told her, confused with what she meant.
"Our real mom just signed a paper and gave me to Ms. Carole. Can't you do that?" Grace asked softly.
"I sort of already did. Quinn and I gave Beth to Shelby by signing a paper. Besides, what Mom did with Ms. Carole was a lot more complicated than that," I said.
Grace leaned into my shoulder and started rubbing circles on Beth's hand, "What if I asked Shelby?"
I softly groaned, "That's not how it works."
Grace stood and looked at me, "You just said a minute ago that you're not even completely sure what the whole thing is. I'm gonna try it."
I was about to protest when Grace ran over to Shelby. I glanced down at Beth who was now playing with a loose button on my shorts, "I don't think Aunt Grace is going to be happy with your mom."
Beth looked up at me, "Why?"
I chuckled, "Because Gracie wants you, but so does your mom."
"Why?" Beth repeated.
"Because you're cute and pretty and perfect," I smiled and tickled her stomach.
"Why?" Beth laughed.
"Is that the only word you know?" I asked while tickling her more.
"Why?" Beth cackled.
I laughed and started putting kisses across her face. I wish what Grace thought could just come true, that signing a paper or just asking Shelby really would give me back Beth.
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
I leaned back on my elbows on the blanket Sarah had laid out for us in the grass to wait for the fireworks. I smiled at my family scattered around the front yard. This might be the best fourth of July I've ever had, despite the small complications that occurred.
Sarah came and sat next to me with Beth in one arm and a plate of fruit in the other, "Beth wanted to watch fireworks with us."
I smiled and looked at Beth, "Ready?"
Beth just smiled before placing a blueberry in her mouth.
I chuckled and did the same.
"Do you think she's going to be scared?" Sarah asked softly.
I shrugged, "Maybe she'll get too distracted by the colors do hear the noise."
Sarah rolled her eyes, but lowered herself so she was laying across from me with Beth between us.
I glanced at Beth eating the fruit before reaching around her to kiss Sarah softly, "Are you gonna be scared?" I breathed.
Sarah giggled and shook her head, "No, but if I did get scared, would you protect me?"
"Of course," I smiled and pulled her closer.
"Ow!" Beth said softly.
The two of us looked at her and realized Sarah's leg kicked out and nudged Beth a little.
Sarah blushed and sat up, "Sorry Beth."
I sat up as well and pulled Beth onto my lap, "You're alright, right?"
"Good, good," Beth sang with a smile.
Sarah and I laughed as Beth started bouncing on my leg.
"What's so funny?"
Sarah and I jumped at the feeling of Grace suddenly behind us.
"Grace, don't do that," I scolded.
"Sorry," Grace came and sat in front of us, "But I need to ask you a question."
"And then could you leave?" I muttered.
Sarah elbowed me, but turned to Grace, "What's your question?"
"Why's Finn sad?" Grace asked.
I wasn't expecting that. I didn't even know where Finn was. After glancing around the yard, I found him leaning against the tree near the corner of the house alone.
"Probably because he's by himself," Sarah told Grace, "Why don't you go sit with him, Gracie?"
Grace crossed her arms, "I tried, but he said he wanted to be alone."
Sarah stared at me and I could see the pleading in her eyes.
I groaned, "Fine, I'll go get him."
I got up and started walking towards Finn. That's when I realized that everyone here was paired up, except for him. Blaine had come an hour or two ago, so he was with Kurt. And then there was Shelby, Burt, and Ms. Carole talking a little ways away.
I stopped in front of Finn and hesitantly sat next to him, "Hey."
Finn didn't bother to look over, "Hey."
"Um...so," I had no idea what to say.
"She's not here," Finn muttered.
I knew 'she' was Rachel, "What'd you guys do last Fourth of July?"
Finn turned to look at me, "There was a party at Brittany's. Don't you remember?"
I scanned my brain and vaguely remembered that night, I drank a lot of beer and I think slept with some Cheerio that was there.
"She was wearing a long, navy skirt and a white shirt that she got chocolate frosting on," Finn continued.
"Ok, stop," I interrupted, "Forget about Rachel right now."
Finn stared at me like I was crazy.
"I'm sorry, I really am sorry that she's gone, but can't you just move on for one night?" I asked him, "Grace is worried about you and now Sarah is too and it's the Fourth of July when you're supposed to have fun, but you're sitting here sulking and it's kinda ruining the moment."
Finn looked behind me to see Sarah and Grace talking softly with Beth still between them. He sighed, "I guess you're right."
"Sorry, that was a little harsh," I muttered.
Finn shrugged, "I guess I needed to hear it."
I stood, "You wanna come watch the fireworks with us? Grace won't say anything, but they scare her just a tiny bit cause they remind her of thunder, so she'll want someone to hold onto."
Finn chuckled and stood next to me, "And why can't you do that?"
"Because I have my own daughter I have to hold and Sarah," I told him as we started walking to them.
Finn shoved me, "Keep your hands to yourself tonight."
I laughed, "Whatever."
We sat down on the blanket where I put Beth on my thigh and pulled Sarah under my arm.
Sarah giggled and reached up to place a kiss under my jaw, "Thank you," she whispered.
I nodded, "It's fine."
The first firework shot in the air with a boom. Beth jumped and covered her ears.
I couldn't help but laugh and hold her tighter, "It's alright," I whispered, "Daddy's here, just look," I pointed towards the sky where another one went off, sending blue sparks across the sky.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Grace whisper something in Finn's ear. He smiled and nodded before allowing her to sit on his lap with her head against his shoulder. Over her head, Finn smirked at me which I returned.
I glanced down at Beth to see her hands still over her ears, but her eyes completely entranced by the colors exploding in the sky.
I heard Sarah sigh in content as she put her head against my arm, "Best Fourth of July ever."
I chuckled and hugged her closer, "Couldn't agree more."
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
A/N: I am so, so, SO SORRY that this took forever to post. I feel terrible. I went on vacation and ended up not writing it there, so I had to work as hard as possible these last few days. The good thing about car rides, though, is they're great for ideas and I have the next three chapters planned out. For anyone that's reading this story without the last one, I swear I don't make you wait this long every time, usually it's just a week until the next chapter, sometimes less than that. Now, what'd you think? Sorry if it's not my best, like I said, I sorta rushed it. I thought it was cute though. Despite having three chapters planned out and some of the future chapters, I could still use suggestions, so please give me some. PLEASE REVIEW with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions! I really appreciate them! I swear the next one will be up sooner!
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
raem9898 - Yes, your review made sense, lol. I hope you liked this one since it was more family time and Beth.
Tyra - I'm so sorry this was late! Please forgive me!
Ace5492 - Thanks!
Alex B. Goode - Thank you! Of course I'm going to keep going! Don't worry!
REDROBINS007 - Thanks! I hope this story turns out just as well as the last one.
~~~~~GLEE~~~~~
Sneak Peak: My heart dropped and all breathing stopped in the room. Where was he going with this?
Someone makes a decision to change their life for the better.
