Promises Kept

Rachel had had every intention of continuing to hate Quinn with every fiber of her being. After all, Quinn had stolen her mother and was the daughter Shelby preferred over her.

Only that wasn't the case—at all.

Rachel had known things had been rough for Quinn after her parents found out about her pregnancy last year. It was well-known knowledge that Quinn's father had kicked her out. But things had turned around for the girl after Beth was born. Mrs. Fabray had shown up at Regionals to tell Quinn she'd kicked Mr. Fabray out and wanted her daughter to come home. Instead of answering, Quinn's water broke and baby Beth was born. Quinn had gone home with her mother once she'd been released from the hospital and that had been the last anyone had heard of Quinn's living arrangements.

It wasn't until the start of Hanukkah that Rachel suspected anything differently. But even then, she never could have imagined that Quinn was living with Shelby—or why.

Rachel Berry may not have been very popular or even well-liked at school, but there was no denying that she had hit the jackpot when it came to parents. Hiram and LeRoy Berry were both wonderful, attentive fathers. Rachel never once questioned that she was loved and wanted. And now that she had a clearer picture of just who birth mother Shelby Corcoran was—yeah, she'd gotten lucky there, too.

Shelby was loving and caring and good. Rachel was still hurt by the way things had started between them, but she understood it better now. And Quinn…Rachel understood why Shelby had done things the way she had.

As thoughts turned to the blonde teenager, Rachel found herself feeling something completely new towards the other girl. Quinn's fervent argument that she wasn't going to stay away from Shelby and nothing was going to change that made sense now. Shelby was the first adult who actually gave a damn about her—Rachel wouldn't give that up either. And she wasn't about to ask Quinn to do it, even if that adult was Shelby.

"It all sounds so silly now, but I didn't think there was a place for me in your life. You already have two amazing parents who have done a wonderful job raising you. You're so compassionate and smart and driven…what could I possibly offer you that they haven't already? But I've realized I can give you my love and be in your life in whatever capacity you want me to be. I'm here, Rachel, and I'm ready to be your mom—that is, if you want that and will have me?" Shelby finished, her heart pounding as she met brown eyes.

"I want that. I've always wanted that. I—I love you…Mom. From the very first moment I heard you sing on that cassette tape, and then when I realized it was you that day Quinn, Mercedes, and I snuck into your rehearsal, all I've wanted is for you to—to love me too."

"Oh, baby—I do. Of course I do. I've loved you from the moment I heard your heartbeat for the very first time. I love you so much it hurts. I'm sorry I ever made you doubt my love for you, Rachel, and I will spend every day from now until my very last making it up to you. I promise you that."

Jacob weathered Quinn's tears with a quiet strength. He'd heard enough from Shelby to know that the girl had been brought up to believe crying was a weakness and a failing. So rather than comfort her with shushing noises that she could misconstrue, he simply rubbed her back and waited for her to make the next move. And when Quinn did much sooner than he anticipated, Jacob took her by the hand and brought her to the living room.

Quinn hastily scrubbed at her face with her free hand, wanting to remove all traces of her tears. It was no use—new ones kept falling to replace the old and she was sure her eyes were red and puffy by now. Her nose was stuffy and runny. She was a mess. Her father would have been screaming at her by now for such a display. What was Zayde going to do?

The man didn't say a word as he led her into the living room and directly to the sofa. Quinn's throat tightened as Jacob released her to turn and hike his pants legs up before taking a seat. He reached for her once more and the teen was sure she was going to be upended just as he had threatened moments ago. She deserved it too, but that didn't mean she wasn't afraid now that it was upon her.

Her mind raced. Did she throw herself at his mercy and beg him not to spank her? Apologize profusely and promise never to speak to him in such a way again? Barter her way into another punishment—any other punishment? She opened her mouth (with no idea what was going to come out), but it was already too late. Zayde took her by the hand and guided her down…to sit beside him.

Jacob didn't miss the trepidation and confusion written all over the teenager's tear-stained face. Patting the girl's hand, he then reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a monogrammed handkerchief that Sally had made him many years ago. "Don't worry—it's clean," he said as he handed the cloth over to the girl. Quinn simply held it in her hand as she stared down at her lap.

Jacob waited briefly, then took his handkerchief back. Quinn's gaze never left her lap—not until the grandfather hooked a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. He then proceeded to clean her face as he had done for Shelby countless times in the past. "I know it's been a day, Quinnie, but if you want to talk…" He let his words trail off as he finished his task.

Quinn stared dumbfounded at the man, watching as he folded his now-damp handkerchief back up and returned it to his pocket. Her nose scrunched in disgust which she quickly tried to hide as brown eyes met hers. She had expected anger to be reflected in those eyes, but there wasn't an ounce of it anywhere. All she saw was love and understanding.

"Wha—I…You're not gonna—What I said…Aren't you mad?" Quinn's brow furrowed as she regarded the kindly grandfather as if he had two heads.

"I was surprised, certainly," Jacob answered. "But no, I'm not mad."

"S—So that's it? You're not gonna…do anything? I—I'm not in trouble?"

"Well, are you going to tell me where I can shove anything again?" Jacob asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"No, sir!" Quinn was quick to assure, her mouth going dry. She shifted her position as a phantom twinge shot through her bottom, reminding her of the sharp sting he'd delivered. "Never again," she said as much for her own words as for his hand.

"Good. Then it's settled," Jacob smiled. "So why don't you tell me what's going on inside your head? I'm a good listener, you know, and maybe things aren't as bad as you're imagining. At any rate, it'll make you feel better to get it off your chest."

That increasingly-familiar burn built behind Quinn's eyes and she blinked rapidly to clear it away. It was clear to her that Shelby had gotten her good heart from her father. Because here this man was, continuing to show Quinn kindness and understanding even after she had acted so poorly.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Zay—Sir. I'm sorry I was rude to you and said what I did. I didn't even mean it. And you're so kind and don't deserve to be spoken to like that and I—I know better, I do. I just…Today started off so good and it all went to sh—to crap—within, like, two-and-a-half hours of school—"

Jacob listened as Quinn poured her soul out, tears spilling unnoticed from hazel eyes as her words turned more frantic with every passing minute. Her fears were palpable and the grandfather wanted nothing more than to pull this child into his arms and hold her, but he didn't dare. Quinn was talking to him and he didn't want to risk her shutting herself off again. This was good for her to get out, and perhaps it would help Shelby's understanding of the situation when she returned.

"So I'm here because I'm in trouble with her and I've only made it worse because of what I said to you. And now Ma—Shel—she's over at Rachel's and probably hearing all of the horrible things I've ever done to her real daughter…She wouldn't even look at me in the office. And the guardianship went through not even a week ago so now she's stuck with me. What if she regrets that now that everything—after all the things I've done? I don't even blame her…I told her I was trouble and not worth—I know I don't deserve…But I love her and I just—I thought I finally had a fam—"

"In this family, Quinn, we love one each other unconditionally. That means that no matter what you do, your mama loves you. And I love you," Jacob told the girl in no uncertain terms as he tilted her chin up. The eyes that met his were like stormy seas.

"But what if she doesn't want to be my ma—" Quinn's voice cracked. She didn't want to finish that thought, too afraid it would become true if she spoke it into existence. "You didn't see her face, Zay—S-Sir."

"I know her heart, child. Just as I know yours. You are a good person, Quinnie. You've made mistakes—we all have. And I know you're scared and worried right now, but it's all going to work itself out. Just you wait and see," Jacob assured.

Quinn had disappeared into the relative safety of Shelby's childhood bedroom roughly half an hour ago. Zayde had let her go without fuss, for which Quinn was grateful. She'd apologized a dozen times to the man for her behavior and he had sworn up and down that the matter was settled between them. "Shelby has said much worse to me, kiddo, don't worry," he had promised.

But worry was the only thing she could do as she sat at Shelby's old desk, her homework once again open in front of her. It was all for show—she wasn't able to concentrate on anything, too preoccupied with thoughts about what was happening over at Rachel's and what Shelby would do and say when she finally returned. And all of her fears she'd shared with Zayde were still very much present, despite the man's best efforts to dispel them. Quinn certainly wanted to believe Zayde's promise that Shelby would continue to love her no matter what she did, but too many of Quinn's life experiences taught her otherwise.

Isn't Shelby teaching you differently now? that small inner voice Quinn had just begun to pay attention to questioned. It was the voice that insisted Quinn was worthy of love and good things. And it was the voice that, more often than not, sounded an awful lot like her mama.

Thoughts drifted to all of the examples of Shelby's unconditional love she'd shown Quinn these past several months. Shelby took her in without question, providing her a safe and loving home life. There were kisses and hugs and so much laughter. Shelby made sure she ate and did her homework and went to bed on time. She showered Quinn with praise. Even her scoldings were underlaid with love—and she always made sure Quinn knew it was her actions and behavior that Shelby was upset with and not Quinn herself.

Would that be the case today? Shelby seemed plenty angry with Quinn in the school's parking lot and then when they'd gotten to Zayde's…though Quinn's defiance certainly hadn't helped matters. And things were only going to get worse once the woman heard from Zayde about what Quinn had said. Would it all prove too much for Shelby to want to deal with?

The closing of a nearby car door brought the teenager out of her reflections as her heart began to beat rapidly. Was that Shelby? The sound of the front door being opened confirmed matters for her. Quinn gulped and her mind started to race as she waited for…whatever happened next.

Shelby pulled in next to her father's beat-up Ford Ranger and cut the engine in her own car. She sighed and rested her forehead on her steering wheel as she listened to the little pings and knocks of the engine shutting down. She was exhausted, her nerves were shot, and the day was far from over. But there was also a shining beacon of light in her life that wasn't there this morning. And it was only because of the bad parts of today that a truly wonderful thing happened. Shelby was working things out with her biological child, Rachel.

None of it would have been possible without Quinn. Quinn had taught Shelby that she really and truly could be a mother to a teenager. It had all come so easily with Quinn and made the very prospect of doing the same with Rachel attainable now.

The mother let out another sigh as she straightened up. She'd spent the last two hours setting things right between her, Rachel, and Rachel's fathers. Now it was time to take care of matters with Quinn. She just hoped her blonde daughter was in a better mood now than she was when she'd left her.

Jacob opened the front door as soon as he saw Shelby coming up the walk. "Hi, Dad," Shelby whispered as she drew nearer. Watery hazel eyes then lifted to meet Jacob and all at once, his daughter was a little girl again. The father opened his arms and Shelby flew into them, crying softly.

"Oh honey," Jacob soothed, rubbing his child's back. "Did it not go well?"

"N-No, it went wonderfully," Shelby answered, pulling back to stare up at her father in awe. "It went better than I ever could have expected. I'm taking Rachel out on Saturday for lunch and a bit of shopping."

Jacob nodded in understanding—these were happy tears. "That is wonderful. I'm glad you two are getting this chance," he said, guiding Shelby in and out of the cold. He shut the door behind them and motioned for his daughter to take a seat on the sofa. "Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot."

"Yeah, that'd be great," Shelby said, and followed her dad into the kitchen.

Jacob smiled to himself as he set about getting their drinks together, Shelby trailing after him and telling him everything that had happened over at the Berry residence. He could remember an excited six-year-old Shelby bouncing at his heels as she gave an animated account of her day at school. She did much the same at eleven, and fourteen—and he was pleased to see that even now, at thirty-seven, Shelby hadn't outgrown it.

"She's amazing, Dad," Shelby said as the two made their way back into the living room with their steaming cups. Shelby took a seat on the sofa while her father settled into his favorite recliner. "She's so full of kindness and empathy and sees the world for all the good in it. She's earnest and passionate and—a little intense. She throws her whole heart into everything she does and she gets hurt but she's so strong, Dad."

Shelby set her mug on the coffee table and wiped at her eyes that had once again started to tear up. She met her father's gaze and felt her chin tremble. "I was so stupid, Daddy," she said thickly. "I could have been doing this from the very beginning back in April. I'd already missed out on fifteen years with her and it's taken me another nine months to even get up the courage to—And it would have taken longer if it wasn't for everything that happened between the girls today at school."

Jacob set his own cup down and then stood up to move to Shelby's side. Sitting next to her, he pulled her into his arms as she cried. "The important thing is that you're here now. That's what matters, Shelby. Be here for Rachel now. She's still so young—you have her entire life left to be here for her. Focus on that."

By the time Shelby's tears had ended and they finished their talk about Rachel, their coffees had gone cold. Neither moved to refill them as the conversation turned to Quinn.

"So how was she?" Shelby asked after she had finished drying her eyes with the box of tissues her dad had gone to get her.

Jacob sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as he collected his thoughts.

"That bad?" Shelby winced.

"No, not that bad," Jacob assured. "She had a hard time. She's scared, Shelbs."

Shelby listened with a sad heart as her father gave her the rundown on Quinn's time with him. She wasn't happy to hear the girl had been throwing things at her dad's clock and was especially unhappy to discover what she'd said to him, but her father was right—Quinn was scared. Shelby had a lot to go over with her child.

"I'm now regretting the promise I made to her about getting into trouble with you," she reflected.

"She mentioned being in more trouble because of that," Jacob confirmed. "You need to follow through on it though. Right now what Quinn needs most is consistency—do what you say you will. That's what's going to help her feel safe and that she can trust you. Words mean very little to her when you say you love her and would never send her away. Why should she believe that when her own mother and father brushed her aside so easily? Continue to say those things, of course, but it's your actions that are going to make the most impact on her. Be that steady force she needs, Shelby."

It was now her turn to sigh as she carded a hand through her hair. Shelby knew her dad was right—but that didn't mean she had to like it!

Quinn had taken up pacing in Shelby's old room and worrying at her bottom lip as she waited for the inevitable moment when Shelby stormed in and went off on her for every horrible thing she'd done and said to Rachel—and now to Shelby's dad. It was taking longer than she expected (nearly twenty minutes by now!) and there was still no sign of Shelby. It wasn't until the girl had gone to look out the window and check that Shelby hadn't simply left her here (she didn't—her car was right there in the driveway) that the door opened. Quinn startled and spun on her heel, wide eyes finding the woman she'd come to see as her mother (and hoped still was).

Shelby needed only a millisecond to identify each and every one of Quinn's fears—they were etched all over the poor girl's face. Her heart ached at that and the deep hurt reflected in glassy hazel eyes. "Oh, Quinnie," she soothed as she stepped fully into the room and shut the door behind her. She was beside the girl in an instant and pulled her into a fierce hug.

The teenager sucked in a shaky breath as she found herself held in comforting arms. She buried her face in Shelby's neck and allowed herself to be comforted by the woman's familiar scent. She smelled like home. Quinn never wanted to let go.

Shelby pulled back after a moment, cupping Quinn's face in her hands and swiping under the girl's eyes to catch the tears that hadn't fallen yet. "I know you're worried, honey, but I promise you—nothing is as bad as you're making it out to be in your head," she reassured, pressing a kiss to her child's forehead.

The teenager's brows furrowed as she took a step back. Shelby's hands dropped and her eyes were soft when Quinn met them again. "But I thought…Aren't you—You were so mad in the parking lot. And after what you must have heard at Rachel's…I was sure you'd hate me." Quinn's head hung low and her shoulders were slumped in defeat by the time she finished, her words coming out in little more than a whisper. She could feel the tears burning behind her eyes and in her sinuses like molten lava.

Shelby's eyes flashed and she moved with renewed determination as her left hand darted out to get a secure grip on Quinn's chin. She tilted the girl's face up and leaned in until their noses practically touched.

"Now you listen to me, young lady," she began, her tone firm. Quinn didn't dare look away from her fierce gaze. That was good—Shelby wanted her undivided attention. "I do not now, nor will I ever, hate you. You are my child in my heart and now on paper. I'm responsible for you and will take care of you. I love you, Lucy Quinn. Even when I'm upset, even when you've done something wrong, I love you—"

Tears wound down youthful cheeks in a slow, somber trail and Shelby could feel her own eyes welling in answer. She cleared her throat of the lump that was forming. Both hands squeezed at Quinn's shoulders now as the mother touched her forehead to her teenager's.

"I know that doesn't make much sense to you right now. That wasn't ever a truth for you before. It is now, sweetheart. This is just how our family works and you are a part of this family. And I will continue to prove that to you until you can believe it yourself. Do you understand?" Her words were soft and when she took a step back, her eyes conveyed all of the love she felt for the child before her.

"But Rachel…I—I hurt Rachel," Quinn croaked. "She's your real dau—"

"Enough," Shelby said, not unkindly.

"But—"

Shelby's brow rose and she shook her head. With a sigh, she took Quinn's hand and led her to the bed. The mother sat and then pulled the girl down beside her.

"I know you hurt Rachel in the past. And I admit, I was angry with you in the office today when I learned of it. No one should be treated that way, young lady—" Shelby paused to level the girl with a stern glare.

"Yes, ma'am, I know!" Quinn hastened to agree. "I—I treated her horribly and I know this probably doesn't mean much, but I am so, so sorry—Honest, I am! I never should have treated her that way and I swear I haven't acted like that this year—the school year, I mean! Not—not just this year—"

"Hush, Quinn. Mama's talking," Shelby said, serious but with the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry," Quinn answered, subdued.

Shelby sighed and rubbed Quinn's back. "Honey, look at me," she told the girl and waited for timid eyes to find hers. "I'm glad to hear you know your actions were horrible and you're remorseful for them—you absolutely should be. That makes things easier for me—I don't have to lecture you over it. And I'm especially happy to hear you haven't acted that way again. We'd be having an entirely different conversation if that wasn't the case."

Quinn nodded along to Shelby's words in understanding, though the expression on her face told the mother it was anything but. Blonde brows were drawn together and the girl's mouth hung down in a deep frown. Her eyes reflected her confusion and uncertainty.

"That all happened in the past, Quinnie," Shelby reiterated. "You know it's wrong and regret it and have shown that by not doing it again. I'm not about to punish you or hold something from a year ago against you when you've already learned from it and changed your behavior. It's over and done and that's the end of matters as far as I am concerned."

The deep furrow and frown softened and Quinn nodded again. Shelby watched as the girl's body let go of some of the tension it had been holding and Quinn scooted ever-so-slightly closer. The mother smiled and cradled the left side of Quinn's head and drew her in to place a kiss to the girl's temple. As she pulled back, she regarded the girl seriously.

"Now, if that sort of behavior were to happen again at any point, you and I will absolutely be having a conversation—one where either a sturdy wooden spoon or hairbrush is given a featured presentation." Her words were met with flaming cheeks and a strangled gasp.

"It won't. I promise," Quinn swore.

"I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart," Shelby soothed. "As for the fight today—"

"Mama, I didn't start it," the girl was quick to point out. "Rachel—"

"I know, Quinn," Shelby quieted the teen. "I know Rachel started it. And I know what it was about. But I believe you did your own shoving and Principal Figgins mentioned 'explicit profanity' coming from you. Is that true?"

"Yes, ma'am," Quinn grimaced.

"We've talked about this before. I don't mind a curse here or there, but I don't want you directing it at someone," Shelby lectured.

"I know. I'm sorry," Quinn offered.

Shelby nodded and patted the girl's knee as she continued. "I don't know what you said and I'm not going to make you tell me, but I expect better from you. And I expect for this not to happen again."

"It won't!" the girl assured.

"Good," Shelby answered. "Now, on to what I'm going to do about it—" Quinn gulped and squirmed and Shelby let her sit in that feeling a moment. "Since your actions at school earned you a week's worth of detention, I think it's appropriate that they earn you the same length grounded. No electronics, early bedtimes, perhaps a few extra chores. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," Quinn agreed, relieved. That was much less than what she'd been expecting, and she was grateful.

Shelby let out a sigh, happy that that part was over. Her eyes then wandered over to the open books scattered across the desk's surface. "Did you finish your homework?"

The teenager groaned and ducked her head. "No, ma'am. I…I couldn't concentrate on it," she confessed. "I did try, I just couldn't—"

"It's okay, Quinn," Shelby reassured. "Zayde told me all about your struggles this afternoon. You can work on it when we get home. I'll even help you if you want."

A blonde head shot up and hazel eyes met Shelby's nervously. "When you say Zayde told you—"

"Yes, Quinn. He told me about everything that happened. The clock and then what you said," Shelby confirmed.

The teenager groaned and shifted in her spot. "Are—Are you going to—"

"Yes," Shelby said simply.

"But I'm sorry," Quinn couldn't help but whine. "I apologized to Zayde already too—A lot. And I know it was wrong and Zayde didn't deserve to be spoken to like that. I didn't even mean it, Mama, I swear! It—It just…came out."

"I know," Shelby acknowledged. "Zayde told me all of that too. And I know you're sorry. But what did I tell you I'd do if you acted out while you were over here?"

"But—"

"No, Quinn. What did I say?" Shelby pressed.

The teenager grimaced and tried to avoid her mother's eyes. "Lucy," Shelby prodded.

"You—You said you'd…spank me," Quinn answered in the smallest voice. "But Mama, Zayde already…handled it." Her cheeks grew warm as she recalled her quick correction at the man's hands.

Shelby quirked her eyebrow and gave her child a knowing smirk. "Four swats is hardly a spanking, Quinnie," she said, unable to keep the amusement from her voice. "But even if it was—" Her tone turned serious and she tilted Quinn's chin up to ensure eye contact, "I made you a promise and I intend to keep it."

"But—"

"That's enough," Shelby declared, standing up. She drew Quinn up after her. "Get your things together and we'll say goodbye to Zayde. We can finish the rest of this conversation at home." She sent the girl off with a firm pat to her bottom.