A/N: Sorry about the long wait for the next chapter, I had a bit of a writers block plus my world got a little crazy. Hope you like this one. Next Chapter is Quinn at McKinley. Please review and thank you to those of you who already have. I appreciate the comments and it helps with my writing. Disclaimer: I do not own GLEE or any of its characters. GLEE is the property of FOX and it's creators.
Chapter 13
The ride to the mall was mainly quiet only interrupted by Rachel occasionally whispering a song. Quinn had a feeling that Rachel usually busted out in song loudly in the car by the way Judy kept glancing back at Rachel with a confused look on her face. Quinn didn't mind the girl's restraint. She liked quiet car rides, she was used to them. Her father rarely if ever talked to her in the car.
As they pulled up to the Millville Mall which had been Quinn's home for to many weeks she felt an odd sense of relief to see it, to be back. Though it had been lonely and scary at times to live in the car in the parking lot, she'd met several kind people here. In particularly Mr. Freeman or Spencer as Quinn called him.
The threesome exited the car and headed towards the main entrance. Out front, in her old spot, was a juggler/magician. There was a decent size crowd in front of him.
"Grace? Oh my it is Grace." Quinn heard a familiar old deep husky voice call from next to her. Stopping she turned to see an old man in the blue and white mall Greeter uniform. He looked to be seventy with sandy white hair and caring cerulean blue eyes.
"Spencer!" Quinn laughed and hugged the man. She hardly noticed Judy and Rachel's confused looks as she took comfort in the arms of her only friend during the hardest time in her life. "Don't tell me you're back here?" Spencer asked as he pulled away. "Though I was worried to see you gone, I was hopeful you found your way."
Quinn nodded, "I'm actually here to shop if you can believe it." Turning she gestured towards Judy, "This is my mother Judy and this is Rachel Berry."
Spencer stepped forward to Judy first and offered his hand, "Winston Freeman. A pleasure to meet you, you have an amazing daughter. You should be proud." Though he wasn't mean about it, it was clear by his firm tone that Spencer was reprimanding Judy.
"I am. I'm so happy to have her back," said taking his hand. Spencer looked at Judy a moment longer before turning to Rachel, "Pleasure to meet you young lady."
Rachel took the offered hand, "The pleasure is mine sir. But may I ask why you called Quinn Grace?"
Spencer chuckled as did Quinn who began to blush, "Because never have I met a young woman who not only resembles Grace Kelly in looks but in grace and demeanor. There are so few true Ladies these days and Quinn is most definitely one of those rare flowers."
Quinn looked away and bit her lip before adding to the conversation, "It's his nickname for me and I call him Spencer because he instantly reminded me of Spencer Tracy."
"Too kind as always Grace." Spencer looked over at the performer who was finishing up, "He doesn't nearly draw the crowds you did."
Quinn shook her head, "I did draw that many people."
"Modest as always as well. No you had much bigger crowds."
Quinn shook her head, "He looks to be doing just fine, he's packing up already."
"No one stays all day like you did. Not that I'm complaining. I could listen to you sing all day. I miss it. I miss you."
Quinn side hugged the older man, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was leaving."
"I had Ernst look for you for a week."
"Spence." Quinn felt herself tearing up at how much he cared.
"You're the closet thing to a granddaughter I have," Spencer said earnestly.
"And you're like my grandfather, and you'll be this one's too." Quinn said placing his bigger older hand on her stomach.
"Really?"
"Of course, you took care of me when I had no one, if I keep this baby, it'll know it's grandpa Spencer."
"Three meals and conversation rarely counts as 'taking care of'"
Quinn pecked his cheek and looked at him sincerely "it mattered more than you know."
Spencer hugged her than for a long time before pulling away. "I should go back to greeting. You'll visit?"
"Definitely. We'll do dinner soon, promise."
"Good." Spencer beamed before turning back to Judy who had a thoughtful expression on her face. "She really is a top notch girl."
Judy smiled, "I know. We'll see you soon and thank you for looking out for Quinn."
"No need to thank me. It was my honor."
Quinn resisted the urge to shake her head. Spencer always made it sound like she was tis amazing person, but she wasn't. She was just Quinn.
The threesome finally bade Spencer goodbye and headed into the mall. The were barely in the doors when Rachel spoke, "What did Spencer mean by you drew larger crowds?"
"I used to sing in front of the mall for money." Quinn shrugged. "Hey lets go in here, " she said pointing out a cute boutique that had maternity clothes in the window.
"What about this one?" Rachel held up a light blue maternity dress to Quinn. They'd been at the mall for an hour and half and Quinn had gotten several new maternity dresses, a pair of jeans, some shirts, and pajamas.
"That's nice, but I think I have enough," Quinn looked at her bags.
"Just one more, this would look great." Rachel insisted. Quinn glanced at Judy who smiled and nodded.
"You know your so lucky, Quinn, maternity clothes were not his nice when I had you or Frannie."
"Well that's because society accepts pregnant women now. Before it was as if it was something to be ashamed of and women's bellies were hidden away." Rachel interjected as she handed Quinn a white cardigan to go with the strapless dress.
Quinn refrained from rolling her eyes. Rachel was probably the most annoying person Quinn had ever met, but she was also being very kind and helpful so Quinn resisted the urge to make witty comments. Her sarcasm had always been a little sharp and could get her in trouble. Quinn didn't want Judy to think she was being mean to Rachel or that she hated the brunette who'd taken her place.
Quinn stepped out of the dressing room to both Judy and Rachel's smiles of approval. "Your getting it." Judy commanded much to Quinn's excitement. This definitely was her favorite dress.
"Okay, but now we look for Rachel."
Quinn followed Rachel towards Aeropastle , a nice store but past the times and Rachel's age. As Quinn appraised Rachel's wardrobe, argyle, sweaters with animals, and knee highs, she shuttered.
"No." Quinn stopped. Both Judy and Rachel turned to her.
"What?" asked Rachel
"Time fore a wardrobe update, Rachel. You're a sophomore in high school. Fashion matters. Come on, we're hitting American Eagle, Hollister, and then Charlotte Russ." Excepting nothing but compliance Quinn headed towards American Eagle.
Once in the store Quinn started looking for styles that would compliment Rachel's figure. "Now I'm not saying dress like a slut with midriff showing and short short skirts, but add some edge or personality to your wardrobe. Your clothes should reflex your personality, your likes, hobbies. What era of clothing do you like the best? What styles, Euro, beach, indie?"
Rachel stood a second thinking, "I like dresses and skirts, like you. Umm I liked the sixties and seventies clothes."
"There is a lot out there no what has the sixties vibe and influence but modern. Also your short with a short torso so you want to pick clothes that will elongate your torso. Try adding some thin, not thick belts around the waist and dresses that go out from the waist or just below. A.E. is more outdoors looking like fashionable preppy beach and camping wear. But we could find some cool sundresses, some shorts, you've got killer legs so show them off, and some sweaters with no animals."
Handing Rachel a white and yellow dress she pushed the girl towards the fitting room. Once alone Judy placed a hand on Quinn's shoulder. "Thank you for doing this. I know she gets picked on for her clothing a lot."
Quinn shrugged, "I just didn't want to see another animal or bird sweater."
An hour into shopping for Rachel Judy was tired. Normally Judy could shop for two and half hours with no problem, but with the events of the last week she was exhausted. Besides it was odd and emotionally taxing to go maternity shopping with your sixteen year old daughter. The upside to this whole scenario Quinn actually looked as if she was enjoying herself. Sadly Judy had yet se Quinn truly smile, a smile that reached her eyes and sparkled, like when she was a little girl and she would come running to Judy to tell her about the newest book she was reading. The closest to that special smile Judy had seen since Quinn reentering her life was when Quinn saw Spencer. It was obvious that the old man had made a special place for himself in Quinn's heart in a short amount of time and Quinn in the elderly man's. It stung Judy a little that Quinn could so easily connect with a stranger but still held herself back from Judy and the Berry's. Perhaps it was easier to trust Spencer than Judy, if Spencer left or disappointed Quinn it would hurt as much because he was new, a stranger, and not family. Judy didn't know, all she could wish for was that one day Quinn would let her in, all the way.
Quinn hadn't actually smiled since leaving Spencer but she'd given little smirks or small barley there thin lip smiles when she tried on something she actually liked. The blue dress at the end especially had been a favorite. Now as they watched Rachel try on new clothes, many that the young girl would never have considered for herself Judy watched as Quinn held in her amusement. It was funny to see Rachel try on rather modest clothes only to as if it was too revealing or edgy. At one point Quinn had giggled and asked Rachel "Do I look like a girl who wears slutty clothes?" When Rachel glanced down at Quinn's stomach Quinn rolled her eyes and continued, "The answer is no, I am a dress girl all the way. I would never put you in something that I wouldn't wear myself Rachel, trust me." Quinn had been true to her word and every outfit she thrust into the hesitant brunette's hands had been classy, modest, yet attractive and sexy at the same time. The clothes were cut to show off Rachel's assets, like her curves and great legs, but didn't reveal much skin nor was too tight, it left just the right amount to imagination.
Now they were finished and were heading to the upper level to get some food from the food court. Normally Judy and Rachel would take the stairs, but Quinn looked tired to Judy so she suggested the elevator just a few feet away.
"Let's take the elevator, my feet are killing me too much to walk the stairs today."
Quinn looked at the elevator cautiously and then over to the stairs before glancing at Judy. "Um, I think I may take the stairs."
"Come on Quinn, I can tell your feet hurt too. Just enjoy the ride for a moment." Rachel insisted as they headed towards the elevator.
"How about the escalator?"
"You know its on the other side of the mall, and I am really hungry." Rachel replied. Sighing Quinn nodded, "Yeah okay, lets go."
Judy was curious about Quinn's apprehension to use the elevator but decided to ask her daughter in private away from Rachel later, she may be more willing to talk then.
They entered the elevator and Rachel hit the third floor button. Quinn had pressed herself against the back wall and closed her eyes and started to take deep long breaths. Concerned Judy approached her daughter "You all right?"
Quinn nodded, "Yeah, tired I guess."
Just then the elevator jolted and stopped. Rachel let out a high pitched squeaked and Quinn gasped. Her eye frantically looked around the elevator before running up to the door and pushing the open button. "Oh no, no no." She whined.
"Quinn sweetie, that won't help. We have to wait for someone to come."
Quinn turned to Judy and all Judy saw was pure fear in her daughter's eyes. It was heartbreaking and terrifying to see. "No we can't be stuck." Quinn practically screamed but her voice was oddly low.
"Looks like it." Rachel shrugged as she picked up the emergency phone in the panel.
"Hi yes, we are stuck in the elevator it just stopped. Um…between the second and third floor. Thanks." Rachel turned to the two blondes, one looking as if she would faint and the other worriedly staring at the younger blonde, "Yeah, so their on their way but they don't know how long it'll take, something about a short circuit or power surge. The whole mall's power went out."
Quinn groaned and slid the ground and covered her hands over her head while placing her head between her knees and began to rock. Judy could hear her muttering but she couldn't understand. Worried Judy dropped next to Quinn. "Quinn? What's wrong?"
Quinn didn't answer she just started to rock faster as her breathing began to pick up pace rabidly. Judy feared she'd start hyperventilating.
"Quinn, look at me please, what's wrong?"
"Not closing in, can't. Walls can't close in. I'm not there, I'm not there." Quinn muttered a little louder.
"Quinn are you claustrophobic?" Rachel asked gently as she took a knee next to Quinn as well."
"Yes." Quinn choked out.
Judy glanced over at Rachel and she knew she had to get her daughter out as soon as possible. "Rachel call them back let them know they have to get us out fast."
Rachel obeyed and Judy turned her attention back to Quinn who continued to breathe fast and mutter while rocking. "Quinn, honey, listen to me everything will be alright, we'll get out of her soon. Your safe."
"No!" Quinn yelled and jumped on her feet and started pounding on the door. "Let us out! Let us out!" She pounded and pounded. Judy tired to stop her but couldn't get close enough do to Quinn's flying fist. "I can't breathe, Let me out! Please let me out." Quinn whispered the end part and collapsed to the floor in exhaustion. Lowering herself to the floor and lifting Quinn's face she could see the girl's face was pale save her tear stained red eyes, and her lips were turning purple. "Come here." Judy pulled Quinn's back flush against her chest and wrapped her arms around Quinn tightly holding her, letting Quinn know she was there that Quinn was safe.
"Breathe with me Quinnie, like we did with the pneumonia. Slowly with me honey, please."
Quinn tried to comply but it was difficult Judy could tell. She'd have Quinn calming down and then she'd start back up. Glancing at Rachel "Sing something low and calm." Nodding Rachel sat in front of Quinn and began to sing lullabies she'd learned softly. Judy turned her lips to Quinn's left ear and began to softly talk to her. "Shh… I have you, your alright. Your safe. That's it breathe with me, slowly in and out."
This went on for nearly an hour and at sometime Quinn fell asleep. Neither Rachel or Judy stopped singing or talking, except for when Rachel called her Father's to let them know what was happening.
An hour and twenty minutes after the elevator stopped, it finally opened and Judy saw Leroy and Hiram waiting. Both men took in the few of Judy wrapped around Quinn who was still fast asleep and Rachel at both blondes knees. "I got her." Leroy said as he lifted Quinn into his arms. "Is she alright? Do we need a doctor?"
Judy shook her head as she stood, her knees cracking with stiffness, "No she fell asleep. Let's take her home.
They did just that. Quinn stirred some in the car but remained asleep. Leroy once again carried her and placed her in her bed. The Berries left and Judy sat on her daughter's bed and brushed her bangs from her face. "Oh my baby, what has happened to you?" Sighing Judy kissed Quinn's forehead before leaving the room.
Leroy was waiting for her just outside the door. Judy through her arms around him and began to cry. "It was so scary. She started hyperventilating and crying. I've never seen her so terrified. I felt so helpless."
"But you weren't. You calmed her got her sleeping. She's fine Judy. Claustrophobia can be very scary. But you did well."
Judy nodded, "With Rachel's help. She did so well."
"She got to sing, she was happy." Leroy laughed and Judy couldn't help but giggle.
Quinn woke and hour or so later and trudged out to the living room where Judy was resting on the couch. Rubbing her tired eyes the younger blonde sat next to Judy and cuddled into her side just as the evening news came on. "I really like Brian Williams, he's no Tom Brokaw, but he is good." Quinn muttered. It was clear that Quinn wanted to forget today's events and Judy complied. They'd discuss it another day when Quinn wasn't so tired and Judy could figure out exactly what to say, but as a mother she couldn't completely let the issue go with out checking to see if her daughter was alright. "You feeling okay?"
"Yes, thank you." Quinn turned her head slightly and looked into Judy's eyes and she knew Quinn was thanking her everything.
"Your welcome. We'll talk later." Quinn turned her attention back to the table and shrugged but nodded. Judy took that as a yes and just pulled Quinn closer to her, kissed the top of her head, and watched as Brian Williams talked about upcoming election.
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