A/N: Sorry for the late updates. Started work and it takes up a lot of time. Hope you like this chapter. We are starting to get into the story now as Quinn's life pertains to High School. Judy's sections may start to be reduced or not be in every chapter as Quinn's story within McKinely High develops. There is just more to write about in regards to Quinn, but I won't completely forget about Judy, as her story and her feelings as her relationship with Quinn develops is important too. Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any of its characters. Glee is property of FOX and it's creators. Enjoy and PLEASE review.
Ch. 15
Wanted part time librarian. $10 an hour. Contact Mrs. Grubb 578-844-0932. Biting the top off of her pen Quinn circled the ad in the classifieds. Librarian was an enticing job, she could relax and get off her feet, she'd need that later on in her pregnancy, and she could read books on her down time.
"Quinn."
Quinn startled as she looked from the newspaper in front of her to the brunette standing next to her. "God Rachel, you scared me. What are you a mini ninja I didn't even hear you come in." Quinn remarked as she casually closed the paper and turned her attention to the other girl.
"I called in three times." Rachel replied as she sat and pulled the orange juice container towards her and effectively stole the last of Quinn's juice.
"Really? Oh well I was busy."
"Clearly. What were you doing?" Rachel eyed the paper Quinn closed; the apartment ads were now showing.
"I'm not moving if that is your thought. I was however looking for a part time job." Quinn rose taking her cereal bowl to the sink before crossing to the refrigerator and taking out the carton of apple juice which she then drank straight from the bottle.
"That is very unhygienic and inconsiderate Quinn."
Quinn shrugged and put the bottle back, " Judy doesn't drink it, it's mine as is the orange juice." Rachel glanced down at the juice in her glass and blanched while pushing it away.
"Ugh, gross Quinn. Remind me to never drink anything here again." Quinn held back her smirk. Exactly what she wanted. Personally she agreed with Rachel, drinking straight out of the bottle was gross, but if it kept Rachel Berry from bursting into her home and drinking her juice without asking then she'd let the small girl think she had this gross habit.
"So why are you looking for a job?" Rachel asked when Quinn had sat down again.
"I'm having a baby." Quinn gestured to her stomach, "They aren't cheap."
"But your mom will pay for everything."
Quinn shook her head, "It isn't her responsibility too. I got myself pregnant and I will be the one to take care of the baby anyway I can."
"So you're keeping it?" Rachel asked now staring at the gradually growing bump of Quinn's stomach.
"I don't know, but I want to be prepared. You never know what's going to happen. Come on now it's almost time for school. You riding with me today?"
Rachel shrugged, "I guess. I mean your right it is a little redundant and pointless to have my dad drive me."
Grabbing her keys Quinn went to her car and waited for Rachel to reappear with her school bag. They were nearly to school when Rachel spoke again. "Everyone is talking about how you stood up to Marsha."
Quinn didn't respond.
"Why did you? I told you that she could ruin your popularity status with a snap of her perfectly French manicured fingers."
"Cause I wanted to sit outside, it was a nice day out and more importantly because no one tells me what I can and can't do. Remember I was head cheerleader once, and never did I use my power the way she and the other Cheerios do. I won't be bullied."
"But you'll be slushied and named a loser."
"I don't care about popularity Rachel, not anymore, I have more important things to worry in my life. As for the slushies, it can't be that bad."
"You won't be saying that when you get one to the face. It's like being hit in the face with a giant snowball."
Quinn didn't reply as they had finally parked. Getting out she waved goodbye to Rachel and headed to her locker which was down the hall from the brunette.
The second day of school when much like the first, Quinn attended her classes and kept her head down. The only difference was the occasional looks and points she got. Voice flittered to her ears "Stood up to Marsha like it was nothing.", "Is so dead when Marsha gets through with her.", "Heard she is from Florida, attended some expensive private school.",
"Marsha says she just got out of Juvile Detention for stabbing a teacher with a pencil." The rumor flew around but Quinn ignored them, none were remotely true and she knew if she ignored them they'd eventually go away.
It was just before lunch when Quinn discovered what Rachel had been talking about when she said slushie's were like getting hit in the face with a snowball. She was on her way to the cafeteria when a hand and cup came flying out of nowhere. Tiny ice pellets both simultaneously numbed and sliced into her cheeks at the same time. It was as if thousands of tiny ice needs had been jabbed into her skin. Her eye stung furiously and all she could she was an image of blurred oaf high-fiving and walking away chanting loser. Not to be out done and humiliated Quinn reached out and grabbed one of the jocks jersey pulled if forcefully toward her whipped off her face with it and let go as she looked up and smiled at him. "Thanks for the help. Next time make it cherry, it really brings out my eyes." Then she walked into the cafeteria, past the cheerios where she nodded to Marsha, before she sat in the same place she had the day before.
Marsha was on her in two seconds along with her heard of sheep. "In case you didn't get the message moron, that was your only warning. Now go back to where all the losers sit."
Quinn glance up, "I would love to sit with you but there aren't any seats left seeing as the biggest loser takes up two seats."
Quinn watched as Marsha's face slowly grew redder and redder. "Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to read now. And just in case you don't know this is called a book, smart people read them."
Marsha stepped forward her hand raised and Quinn closed her eyes as she saw it begin to fall towards her, however the familiar stink didn't come. Peeking from behind her eyelashes she saw Puck, of all people, holding onto Marsha's wrist.
"What the hell are you doing Puckerman, let me go."
"I'm stopping you from getting suspened seeing as Miss. Pillsbury and Mr. Shuester are watching you right now."
Quinn looked over and saw that in face two teacher stood at the enterance to the courtyard, both looked nervous and anxious.
Marsha must have seen too as she sighed and stepped back. "This isn't done loser." Then she and her sheep were gone.
Puck however stayed. "You look cold, you should probably get changed."
Quinn shrugged, "I have no extra clothes."
"You can borrow my gym shirt and I am sure Rachel has shorts or something."
Quinn shook her head. "Nah I'm fine, didn't like this outfit anyway. Thanks for the help though."
It was Puck's turn to shrug. "Couldn't let a pretty face get even more messed up," then he two left. Quinn just looked at his retreating back and shook her head, jocks.
The end of school eventually came around and Quinn once again found herself watching cheerleading, though instead of the entire team it was just Santana and Brittany. Most of the team was standing around, Quinn guessed until practice really started, but Brittany and Santana were off to the side and practicing the routine. Like before Quinn noticed they were good but they could be a lot better, if they just got rid of some of their bad habits. Knowing that this would probably blow up in her face Quinn approached the two.
"You know if you push of more with your legs you'll get more air time which will allow you to stretch out more in pike position." She said as Brittany had just finished a round off into a laid out flip.
Santana who'd be watching Brittany turned glared at Quinn. "Why should she listen to you loser, what do you even know about cheerleading?"
Quinn ignored her and turned her attention to Brittany who looked to actually be interested in. "The more spring and power you get off from the roundoff the more height you'll have for the first flip, which means when you go into a second you'll have that much extra power to do another laid out flip instead of a regular one."
Brittany just nodded before taking off and trying out Quinn's suggestion of using her legs more. She was indeed higher during her first flip and nearly completed a perfect second one in pike position. "Great job." Quinn smiled.
"Thanks. It's so simple but I didn't think of it I was really just relying on my arms to great my power throughout the whole move."
Quinn heard Santana snort next to her. "You need to slow done some of your dance moves. They are two quick and jerky. Sometimes slowing them down and pronouncing them is better than preforming a quick succession of multiple moves. Change the tempo according to the rhythm of the song you are dancing to. It'll look more elegant and smooth."
"Again why should I listen to you, newbie. You aren't even on the team." Brittany leaned over and whispered into Santana's ear. Quinn watched the Latina's eyes widen and give a slight nod of her head. Before Santana could say anything Marsha's voice called them and the two were gone.
Quinn remained hidden next to the blechers and watched the craziness that was Sue Sylvesters newst routine.
"For someone who says they aren't spying you do an awful lot of it." The snide voice of Sue came from behind Quinn.
"I was just watching the circus routine." Quinn smirked at Sue who instead of blowing up at Quinn like she'd expected cocked her head raised an eyebrow.
"Circus routine, you say? I see poor genius. Fire throwers mixed with BMX trick riding. No way the judges don't give us a high score."
Quinn shook her head. "I think your just bored and trying to top yourself with extravagant routine after routine. Didn't Nationals, when you had stilt walkers, teach you anything? Extravagance wins nothing. You'd do better to tone it down get back to focusing on the cheerleading. I'd also be featuring Santana and Brittany. Santana is you best gymnast and Brittany your best dancer. Marsha is horrible, by the way, messy. You're losing your edge Sylvester."
By the end of her little speech Sue was steaming. "How dare you speak to me like that. What do you know about Cheerleading, Barbie. With tiny ankles and the blotting middle I am surprised you haven't toppled over yet." Quinn held her face blank, not letting Sue know her words hit the mark.
"I'm the Barbie who beat you last year." Quinn quipped and walked away. Later she'd regret hinting to Sue who she really was, but in the moment the look on Sue's face was priceless. Confidently Quinn walked to her car and it was only when she was safely in her own car, her personal haven for months now, did she lay her hand to her stomach and let a tear run down her cheek.
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Judy heard Quinn come in before she saw her, but when she did she was at her daughter's side. She'd seen Rachel covered in red and purple before and knew exactly what had happened to her daughter. Her blood boiled at the idea of her daughter being bullied, especially after all Quinn had been through. She could not and would not let Quinn continue to be treated in such a horrible manner. "Oh Quinnie are you alright? Did you report this to the principal?"
Quinn through her book bag on the couch and moved towards the kitchen. "I'm fine and no I didn't report it."
"Why not? Quinn you can't let them get away with this. They slushied Rachel all last year."
"It'll just get worse if I report them Judy. I'll be fine."
Judy shook her head, "Quinn it isn't right."
"Maybe but it's how it is. I can deal. I'm going to go get a shower and start my homework"
Judy watched leave and sighed. Clearly this was going to be long year. Heading over the Berries Judy saw Hiram sitting at the table. "Doing work from home?"
"Yeah. The advantages to being in financial advisor, you make your own hours, and can work anywhere. The office is being fumigated anyway, so I'm here for the next day or so."
"Quinn came home with slushy on her clothes."
Hiram looked up, "No. Did she report it?"
"No. She said the same thing as Rachel has, that it would make things worse and she was fine."
Hiram shook his head, "I am really getting tired of this. The school should do something there is no way the teachers and Figgins don't know what is going on."
Judy slid into the chair next to him, "What should we do?"
Hiram gave her a sympathetic smile and rubbed her back gentle, "We have to talk to Leroy, he'll know what to do."
"I guess. I just don't want Quinn the get hurt any longer."
"We'll figure something out."
Later that night Judy sat with Quinn as they watched the late night news. It was the one time of day that Judy knew she would always have with Quinn. They would sit next to each other quietly as they learned about what happened that day. Quinn would make comments here or their which Judy would respond to. Judy learned so much about her daughter during this time. She discovered that Quinn was rather conservative, Republican, but she was sensible. She knew when it was time to compromise and when maybe her party was wrong. "I think you should vote for who is best for the country, not just the person who from your party." Quinn said one evening as the reports were discussing the voting trends of different populations. "I'm republican and I know it, but some of the Democrat's social programs are good ideas, if implemented correctly." Judy's favorite part was that by the end of the half hour Quinn generally ended up leaning against Judy's shoulder. It was moments like this that gave Judy hope that Quinn was warming up to her and that one day they'd have a great relationship.
The news end and Judy nudged a dozing Quinn awake. "Bed time sweetheart." Quinn looked around drowsily, "mmkay." Judy giggled as Quinn dragged her blanket behind her like she had as a toddler. "Love you honey." Judy called as Quinn entered the hall.
"mmkay momma," was the reply as Quinn's door shut. Judy's heart jumped. Quinn had called her momma, just like when she was little. Judy tried to not get too excited though. Quinn was clearly exhausted and half asleep; she probably didn't even know what she had called Judy. But Judy saw it as another sign that things were getting better.
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