I turn my chin music up
And I'm puffing my chest
I'm getting red in the face
You can call me obsessed
It's not your fault that they hover
I mean no disrespect
It's my right to be hellish
(...is it?)
(Nick Jonas - Jealous)
I watched the boys from the corner of my eye while we practiced. Rhys has lots of potential. He hasn't been to his gymnastics class since last year, but as he practices with Leo, he slowly regains his skill. They stretched with us, and Rhys learned that he could still do the splits facing the right, but it hurt too much to do the left. He left his hair down today, but was wearing one of the thin black headbands that I bought for him. Leonardo gelled up his mohawk.
Now, Leo is holding up Rhys while my brother stands on his hands.
"Think you can walk?" I heard Leo ask.
"Think so," Rhys said to him. Leo carefully let go, leaving Rhys to manage on his own. He made it a few feet before putting his legs back on the ground to stand straight up. I went to them when practice ended.
"I saw you, kiddo," I smiled proudly. "You still have it."
"I want to start taking classes again," he said, and his face was still a little pink from being upside down.
"Or I can teach you," I offered.
"Both of us," Leo smiled hopefully.
"Of course," I nodded. "Let's go back to the house, I'll get changed then we can go."
When we walked inside, I immediately hid in the hallway. Santana had a friend over. I think his name is Clint, he doesn't even go to Mckinley, but he seems to be friendly enough with the Black Jacks to be considered one of them. He and Santana are sitting awfully close on the couch. My stomach turned at the image, but I'm glad she didn't see me.
"That's Leo, and… his friend, Rhys," I heard Santana tell Clint.
"It's very nice to meet you, bud," Clint said.
"We're going to the park," Leo said as his way of greeting, "would you like to come with us?"
"No," Santana said firmly. Clint, on the other hand, had different ideas.
"Actually, it's a nice day out," he said. I scoffed. "Can we go, San?" He's such an obnoxious child. How could Santana settle for him?
"Actually, I kind of wanted to stay here. To talk." Santana said suggestively. Clint lit up like a Christmas tree. At that, I walked away and to my room. I don't want to hear Santana talking about hooking up with other guys, or anyone, and I certainly, don't like Clint. His voice is too annoying. That's why I don't like him, it has nothing to do with Santana. It's his stupid voice.
I went to my room to change into some clothes, and quickly convinced myself that I wasn't trying to impress anyone. No, I'm wearing this short white sleeveless dress and this really cute white and black striped cardigan for myself. Showing just the right amount of cleavage for myself, of course. And this - I dabbed some lipstick on my lips - is for myself too. I slipped on some white flats, then smiled at my reflection in the bathroom's mirror.
Without thinking, I walked right into the living room. I shouldn't have done this, I should have snuck out, but there's no going back now. I gained the attention of everyone in the room, Clint included. His square shaped jaw dropped, along with Santana's.
"Quinn Fabray," he uttered, "what are you doing here?"
I gave him a small, fake smile, "I'm taking my brother and his friend to the park."
"You look beautiful, Quinnie," Rhys smiled cheekily. I ran my fingers through his hair as a silent way of thanking him.
"Ready to go, Leo and Rhys?" I asked them. I took note of the way Santana's eyes scanned me. "Are you two tagging along?" I asked Santana innocently.
"No." Clint said. I didn't even bother with trying to hold back my scoff.
"Actually," Santana cleared her throat, "I could use some fresh air."
The three of us sat down on the bench while Leo held his hands near an upside down Rhys' feet, hovering around them ready to steady him if the little blonde was about to fall.
"So, they're friends?" Clint asked awkwardly. "Leonardo seems a little older than Rhys."
"They're close," I answered shortly. Clint sat between Santana and I, probably wishing he was anywhere else in the world. At least, if I was in his position, I would too. I looked back to the playground, and Rhys and Leo were now talking to two familiar looking kids. One was a girl, the other a boy. They look like Stevie and Stacey, and if they're here, that means Sam is -
"Quinn?" He asked as he approached us. He glanced at Santana, who stared him down confidently. "What are you doing here?"
"Rhys wanted to check out the park," I smiled kindly and stood up to hug him. I didn't miss the way Santana dropped eye contact.
"Ah," he nodded. "You look nice."
"Thank you," I tucked a stray hair behind my ear. Santana coughed, so I looked at her, but she had her attention on Leo and Rhys.
"I actually wanted to talk to you, want to go for a little walk?" He asked me.
"I'm watching my brother," I reminded him with an arched eyebrow.
"Oh, I'm sure he'll be fine," Sam waved it off.
"As long as we stay close."
He nodded, "I can do close."
"Charming," Santana mumbled. I don't think she meant for it to be heard, but at the same time, I don't think she cares.
I chose to ignore it, and instead turned to her with a faux smile in place. "Can you watch Rhys for a minute please?"
"Sure," she said after a few empty seconds. Sam playfully held out his arm for me to take, so I giggled and wrapped mine around his.
"So," he started once we were out of hearing range from Santana and Clint, "you're hanging out with Lopez."
"Our brothers are friends," I explained. He nodded, but something tells me that didn't lighten the situation. To my surprise he, smiled.
"Today is beautiful, isn't it?" He asked me. He was right. It was warm, but not hot. A cool breezed traveled through the air, refreshing everything in it's presence.
"It is," I nodded in agreement.
"How is planning for the dance going?"
"It's coming along. I just have to call to arrange a performance," I told him.
"Will you go to the dance with me, Quinn?" He blurted. I blinked. I didn't expect him to just come out with it. As if it was on cue, which it probably was, Stevie ran up to us with a white carnation - my favorite flower. I thanked him and took it.
"Of course," I gave Sam a tight lipped smile, then glanced back at Santana. My stomach dropped. Clint had taken Santana's chin between his fingers, and kissed her. Suddenly, the day didn't seem so nice. It's way too hot, and I think it's a good idea for me to take the boys home. Sam followed my gaze and scowled when he saw Santana and Clint making out. Me too, Sam. But for completely different reasons that I'm not even really sure of. "My mom wants Rhys and I home," I uttered.
"When?" Sam asked.
"Now," I said before turning on my heel and going straight to Rhys and Leo. "It's time to go," I said to them.
"I can give you a ride!" Sam called. I shook my head. Before I could say anything, Rhys crossed his arms defiantly.
"But it's only been ten minutes," Rhys whined.
"Why?" Leo asked, his arms were crossed as well, but they looked a lot less childish than Rhys'. He even tilted his head to the side, seemingly willing to actually listen to my explanation - it's a shame that I don't have a good one.
"I don't feel well," I said truthfully.
"San's still here, we can stay with her," Leo reminded me. I glanced back at Santana, who was now basically half way on Clint's lap. I winced.
"She's occupied," I managed to say. "Look, I'll bring you back tomorrow."
"After church?" Rhys asked.
"Sure," I nodded. "After church. Now, we can make some ice cream sundays when we get home." I took both of their hands and started to walk to my car.
"Hey!" Santana called after us. Looks like she needed to come up for air.
"What?" I snapped. She blinked, a little taken back by my tone. I rolled my eyes when she didn't respond.
"Where are you guys going?" She asked.
"We're leaving."
"You can't just take my brother," she said harshly.
"Fine. Leo can stay," I tried to let go of his hand, but he held on.
"I want ice cream," he told me.
"Rhys can stay too," Santana offered. I shook my head.
"You look a little busy," I nodded bitterly towards Clint, who blushed immediately. "Bye, Santana."
"Bye," she said softly. I walked away with the boys, and could feel Sam and Santana watching me.
Dear Diary,
Santana told the Pastor that her father used to hit her. I think that's why she wanted to be a part of the Black Jacks, and I think that she's not as bad as she wants everyone to think. I space out a lot more often now. And when I do, I think about Santana. I think about those camps. I don't think I've ever thought about someone this much before. And Clint today, God I wanted to slap that smug little smile off of his face. Who does she think she is anyway? I can have him slushied up until graduation, and he doesn't even go to McKinley! Because of his stupid voice. Not the kiss, his voice. But the kiss sucked too, I bet he's a terrible kisser.
Until next time,
Lucy
After putting my journal away, this time on top of the nightstand, I checked the time as I did every night. It's almost midnight, just as it is after I do my homework and write in my journal. My life is becoming clockwork, and there's hardly anything I can do to stop it. I slid out of bed and downstairs, not exactly sure of what I was hoping to find. Sure enough, there stood Santana. She was leaning over the counter, her back facing me.
"Leo just went to bed," she said without turning, "I know it's you, Quinn."
After a few seconds, I found my voice. "It is," I admitted quietly. Finally, she turned to face me. She pointed to a pot that sat idly on the stove.
"Want some hot chocolate?" She asked me. I shook my head, a small smile formed on my lips.
"But thank you," I told her. She nodded, then went back to tracing the rim of her mug of cocoa with her index finger. I stood there awkwardly, unsure of why I stayed, but positive that I wouldn't be able to walk away if I tried. "So…" I started, "Clint, huh?"
"I suppose," Santana said carefully. I nodded. Questions flew through my mind faster than I could process them. You used to like me? For how long? Why? What changed? Did you notice that we're complete opposites? How did - "Well, I'm going to sleep," Santana blurted. I nodded. "Good night," she said to me. Again, all I could do was nod. With that, she brushed past me and upstairs to her room. I exhaled a deep breath that I didn't know I was holding, then went back upstairs once I decided that I didn't like being down here all alone.
I don't remember falling asleep, but I sure as hell remember waking up. As much as I hate my dreams, I hate waking up from them the most. The raw soreness of my throat from involuntarily screaming has to be the worst part. I sit up and rest my hand on my chest, struggling to get my breathing under control. Tonight's was the scariest. I could hear Rhys crying for me, begging me to find him. My hair is matted to my forehead, and my heart feels like it's about to burst from my chest. Those two knocks sound like music to my ears.
"Come in," I said, my voice raspy and shaky from crying.
"Are you okay?" Santana asked in a small voice. "Want me to get your mom or something?"
"No!" I choked out quickly.
"Okay…" She said hesitantly. "Well -"
"Santana?"
"Yeah?" She didn't move from the door.
"Stay?" I asked softly. I couldn't see very clearly, but I can tell she hasn't moved from her spot. For a moment, I start internally panicking, afraid that I've overstepped my bounds and she's over me and it's not really her fault that I don't know how or what to feel - I felt someone dip into my bed. I turned to face her, and could make out brown eyes staring right back into mine. I looked into them until my eyelids grew too heavy, then gave in.
It wasn't long before I was sitting up again, terrified. This time, the person beside me wrapped themselves around my to stop my kicking. Instead of feeling suffocated, I welcomed their soft touch and sank into their embrace, and the way they whispered, "Everything is okay," sounded like music to my ears.
When I woke up clinging to someone, my first instinct was to smile. I clung a little closer. Then that 'someone' started to stir. I forced my eyes to open fully, and nearly jumped out of my skin. Santana is laying in my bed. Santana is sleeping.
"Hey," I said hesitantly. She didn't react. "Wake up," I hissed a little harsher than I intended to, but it seemed to do the job.
"No," she pouted without opening her eyes. I bit my lip to hold back the smile. Maybe I can get used to waking up to this. I let her lay for a while longer, and decided to lay back down with her. "Quinn?" I heard her ask. I let my eyes flutter open. Almost as soon as I did so, she jumped from the bed, and I sat up abruptly.
"Good morning," I said before taking my bottom lip between my teeth.
"Good morning?" She snapped, scrunching up her eyebrows. Some how, in a mere matter of seconds she's managed to move several feet away from my bed.
I rolled my eyes, "It's usually what people say in the morning."
She took a deep breath, then she wet her lips. "Good morning," she said finally. With that, she walked out of my room.
I'm loving the reactions to this. I hope you guys liked the little cuddle thingy :)
And also, to the person to mentioned 'Kingdom Come' (thedragontheprincessthewriter) : YES. & Anyone who is not reading that, please start, it's fantastic.
To those of you who asked questions-
Rhys might be gay, but keep in mind, he's only 8 and doesn't have a father figure, so he doesn't really distinguish masculine and feminine things yet. All he knows is that his big sister is really cool, so he wants to be like her.
Other Glee kids that are not a part of the Jocks and Cheerios or Black Jacks are in Glee Club, which will come into play soon. Remember when Rachel and Kurt asked if the club could sing for the dance?
Sexist Crap- I'm sorry that I made you feel that way, and I hope that you can forgive me. I never meant to offend any one, I was watching that episode of Glee while writing that chapter. And also, Quinn's character has been defined by men before in the show, but that was not the purpose of that chapter. I'm sorry, and I'll try not to make it seem that way again for either of the girls, but it's difficult when there are so many awesome lead male characters. I'll try to add more girls, and thank you for your review.
Quinn doesn't trust Judy because of what went down before her father died. That will be expressed later
I'm working on the next chapter to keep the updates speedy, see ya next time c:
