(Quinn's point of view)
I woke up to Mali Music's voice and figured Puck must've been making breakfast.
It's been two weeks since he got out the hospital and even if he didn't want to admit it, he still needed to take it easy, so he's been cooking and telling me about Beth.
I smiled remembering how his eyes would glow when he told me about Beth. She really changed his life.
A part of me was hoping that there was still time for me to change hers.
I sighed, loving how great it felt to be around him.
My parents and I finally got a buyer for the house after packing it up, so I either needed to find a new place to live or go back to New York, but a part of me doesn't want to go back. Besides, I had 15 grand from the sale of the house plus almost 10 grand for Daniel's engagement ring that I sold.
It felt good, the timing of everything.
Since I wasn't in a hurry to get back to the crappy bartending job in New York, I called my boss and extended my stay so that I could stick around with Puck and help him get better.
I stretched, before making my way to the kitchen.
"I hope you're hungry. I made some pancakes and my super omelet." He beamed.
I froze, forgetting how charming he could be.
"Yum, thanks." I said casually, when I noticed what he was wearing.
He wore his old McKinley football T-shirt. It showed off his muscles nicely even though I'm pretty sure it was fitted because he out grew the shirt.
"It's my house shirt. I cut the sleeves because they were too tight." He said snickering.
My eyes found my plate, embarrassed that he caught me looking at him and surprised that he didn't say anything dirty. He really changed.
Sensing my silence, he changed the topic.
"Quinn, how would you like to meet Beth?"
My eyes met his.
"Really?" I asked unsure.
"Really." He said.
I jumped up and hugged him, forgetting about his injuries.
"Sorry! I completely forgot."
"You're good." He said gently squeezing my shoulder.
"I'll call Shelby."
…
(Anonymous point of view)
I was nervous. Mommy was taking me home today.
Santa told me that daddy wasn't feeling well and that he had a lot of booboos that needed to be fixed.
But she also told me that with enough sleep and veggies that daddy would race me in the park again when it got warmer. I believed her. I just hope that daddy wasn't in too much pain.
…..
(Quinn's point of view)
I was losing my mind!
Was I ready to meet our daughter?
What if she didn't like me? What if she was upset with me for leaving? Did she think I didn't love her?
I was flustered. Puck was on the phone setting up things with Shelby, which meant that I probably had a few hours before I would meet Beth for the first time in 5 years.
A sigh left my lips.
It was so overwhelming that I dialed the familiar number with sweat on my palms.
"Quinnie, how are you my dear?" I smiled. Mom answered on the first ring.
"Mom?" I struggled.
"Go on sweetheart. I'm here." That's when the tears welled up in my eyes.
"I'm scared. What if I fail her?" I said.
She chuckled.
"Quinnie, you're nothing like the mother that I was." I let out a gasp.
I paused waiting for her to continue.
"You can do this sweetheart. Puck trusts you so trust yourself." She said.
My mom always knew what I needed to hear. I was surprised that she was so supportive, but I guess divorce can make a person reevaluate life going forward.
The doorbell rang so I thanked my mom and hung up.
"You ready?" Puck asked standing in the doorway of Beth's room. I'd been staying in her room for the past two weeks. With my back to him, I took a deep breath and nodded.
"As ready as I'll ever be." I reassured when I turned to face him.
He squeezed my hand before leading me to meet Beth.
…
I was frozen in place in front of the door.
Puck sensing my panic took my hand in his, promising not to let go.
I smiled at him. My mouth was dry. My palms were starting to sweat again. I could hear my heart pounding, or was it my ears?
Puck opened the door with his other hand and there stood Shelby and the most beautiful little girl that I've ever seen.
Just moments ago, I was afraid, but everything in me froze in awe.
She was no taller than my waist, and her hair fell gracefully beside her face. She was a replica of me, more stunning than the picture.
"Daddy!" She shouted before jumping into his arms.
"Hey baby! How have you been?" He asked, still holding onto my hand.
I watched them. I watched the man that stole my heart fall in love with his family in a way that surprised even me. I haven't seen that is such a long time.
I was rambling in my head when Shelby closed the door and embraced me.
"Welcome back Quinn." She whispered in my ear.
"It's good to be back." I said before letting her go.
Puck held Beth's other hand and kissed it.
"Beth, I want you to meet your mommy. Quinn." It felt so surreal, so right.
Her eyes met mine, and I couldn't help but be excited that she was excited to see me.
"You're actually here!" Beth said before running into my arms.
Surprised, I wrapped her in my free arm before whispering, "It's great to see you Beth."
…..
It was warm enough, so Beth and I walked over to the park across the street. Well, more like ran. Ever since she hugged me, me and her were best friends.
She showed me to her room and shared with me what she does when she's afraid. She even told on Puck and how he lets her stay up late on Sundays and Thursdays to watch the basketball and football games with him.
I laughed, admitting that I used to do that with Finn before I moved away. She looked at me funny.
"Finn is a friend." I said.
"Mommy, look at what daddy and Santa gave me!" She grabbed me by the hand. My heart warmed when she called me mommy.
She gave me the bear that I found when I first came, but she opened the Velcro part and switched it on.
"Squeeze it mommy."
I squeezed it and every memory from glee came crashing all at once.
Just know you're not alone
cause I'm going to make this place your home
This was the last song that I sang when I last visited Lima.
Santana must have recorded my voice and put it in my favorite bear.
"Mommy, you're crying. Are you sad?"
"No sweetheart, I'm happy. I haven't sung that song in a long time and I'm glad that you have it kept safe." I managed as she wiped my tears away.
After that, I couldn't seem to keep up with her on the playground. She giggled running faster each time.
I was really out of shape, and these jeans were more fitted than I remember.
(Shelby's point of view)
"She missed you. She was worried sick. We all were." I started.
Puck took the seat near the window, watching Quinn and Beth play outside.
"Shelby.."
"Puck, I forgive you."
He gawked at me.
"When Rachel was a baby, I forfeited my rights just like Quinn did, only I never looked back. It was a brave thing that you did and I'm happy that you worked it out with Finn." I finished.
"For now everything is fine." Puck said, avoiding the obvious.
"So, is she staying?"
Puck fell silent, maybe because he too was afraid of her answer.
"I got a call from my agent who set me up in Chicago." I said finding my pants pockets.
"How long?"
"I leave in a week."
The silence made me think he would never respond.
"I have to talk to Quinn." He finally managed.
"Puck, look at me." His eyes met mine. He looked sad maybe?
"I love Beth! She was my second chance. If Quinn wants that, if you want that..then stay. Beth deserves to be happy and safe with her parents." I said.
"Shelby…"
"I mean it Puck." I said before my phone buzzed.
(Puck's point of view)
Quinn and Beth came back inside when the sun went down.
Beth was fast asleep in her arms when Shelby decided to leave for the night.
Quinn rested her on the couch and took off her coat.
After sometime of staring at Beth, she stroked her cheek and whispered, "Puck, I don't think I can leave her again."
I kissed the top of Quinn's head before lighting the fire.
Quinn took off Beth's shoes before taking Beth to her bed. There was no waking her up once she was asleep.
Quinn must have read my mind because she admitted to getting food for Beth before bringing her back home.
Quinn, deep in thought went to the kitchen to grab a water. I followed suit, standing close enough to hear her breathing speed up the closer I got.
"Puck..Thank you." She whispered wrapping her arms around my waist before kissing me on the cheek. We paused, our breathing matching. My forehead rested against hers.
She turned to escape me when I held onto her shoulder.
I gently took her face in my hands and kissed her slowly.
I guess I wasn't thinking, but neither was she because the Quinn that I knew would have slapped me five years ago.
After sometime kissing, she pushed me away, staring into my eyes before finding my lips again.
We kissed each other, me lifting her onto the table, my arms capturing her waist and hers grasping at my neck.
Her lips trailed to my nose, my neck, and my shoulders.
My hands trailed up and down her spine, sending chills down her arm.
She bit her lip smiling before taking off my shirt.
I couldn't resist her if I wanted to. I didn't. I didn't want to let this moment slip.
She must have thought the same thing because her shirt hit the floor and before we could change our minds, we ran to my bedroom where we made love over and over and over until she fell asleep in my arms.
…..
(Quinn's point of view)
I didn't remember falling asleep in his arms. I rolled over and kissed his chest before getting up to put the fireplace out.
I searched for a shirt and settled for another old high school shirt.
The floor was cold against my feet, but standing by the fireplace made everything all better. I put out the fire, reflecting on my time with Beth. I loved that she felt comfortable enough to share with me. She had so much energy, just like her dad.
I bit my lip as my thoughts drifted to Puck. He was so gentle with me, so passionate. I inhaled his familiar scent in his shirt.
If you told me five years ago that we would be here, I wouldn't have believed it.
Smiling, I got up turning off all the lights and locking the front door.
For a second, I thought about taking the couch, but as soon as the thought came it left. I poked my head in Beth's room, grabbing her bear and tucking it under her arm before kissing the top of her head and shutting the door.
For the first time in a long time, I was genuinely happy. I guess this is what Puck wanted to share with me in letters, and that's when the idea came to me.
…..
I woke up to a lot of giggling and I instantly thought of Beth.
"Good morning beautiful." Puck said in between kisses.
"You look so peaceful when you sleep." He said pushing my hair out of my face.
I propped my elbow on his chest and I couldn't help but stare.
"Puck when did you become so beautiful?" I didn't realize I said that aloud until we started kissing again.
"So, when you're done, I found this shirt on the floor. Maybe you can put it on so we can all chat." Santana offered sarcastically on the other side of the door.
I took the sheets and covered my head blushing while Puck laughed.
"How did she get in?" I mouthed.
"She has a key." He said.
"I heard that. Beth and I are hungry. Puck we need your card to go pick up breakfast." She said.
"I'll transfer the money to you."
With that, the apartment fell silent.
I turned to get up when I saw the papers on Puck's transfer to the military base in Chicago. He sensed my eyes focus in on it and he kissed my cheek.
"I won't go if you stay." He said quietly. His eyes focused on my facial expression.
I threw back the sheets. Stay as in be Beth's mom? What about Shelby I wondered.
"Shelby is going. She got an opportunity to launch her singing. She's hoping to work her way up to theater." He said.
"And the two of you are leaving with her." I finished with my back to him.
He left the bed and held me against his chest.
"I don't want to lose you again." He said in my ear.
The goosebumps came and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
I turned to face him, my arms behind his neck.
"Puck…I still have a life in New York." I said leaning my forehead against his shoulder.
We stood there for so long that our breathing was in sync.
"Say something Puck."
"What am I going to tell Beth when she asks about you?"
"I don't know. Give me some time to figure it out?" He opened his eyes, kissed my hand then went for the shower.
I sat on his bed hugging my arm.
What am I going to do?