This chapter contains mention of eating disorders and body image issues

JanePOV-

I can hear the music before I even reach the doors, so I know she won't hear me.

I am in no way happy about this, but it has to be done. I knew that I was crossing a line by insulting my son's girlfriend… my son's ex-girlfriend. Blair's self-esteem was obviously going down with every comment I made on her parenting, talent, and body. I knew she'd eventually break, or she and Ryder would not last.

Looks like I got what I wished for, but at the cost of my son's happiness.

The music is louder when I open the doors, not that Blair even notices me.

She is moving gracefully, like liquid pouring from a faucet.

Ryder wasn't lying when he told me that Blair is talented.

The music ends, and she catches my eyes in the mirror.

''Hello, Ms. Coleman,'' Blair rests her hands on her hips ,''Please come in. Is there anything I can do to help you?''

Her tone is pleasant, but it is forced. Something tells me that if this wasn't her place of work, Blair wouldn't be so polite.

Not that I deserve it at all.

''Good morning, Blair. I was hoping that you were on break?''

Blair glances at the clock, biting her lip, ''As a matter of fact, I am. Is there something that you are interested in? Signing up for our classes, perhaps?''

''No. It's more of a personal topic. Could we please talk?''

Ryder has a pint. I was horrible to her. I may not want to accept her as my son's girlfriend, but she is still human.

''Alright,'' she stands in front of the mirror, ''Go ahead.''

She's still dancing, slowing her movements down.

Distracting herself.

''Look, we have had a horrible past. But I want to get everything out in the open. I think it is only fair that you go first.''

''Alright,'' Blair turns towards me, gesturing to her shorts and short sleeve top, ''It took a long time before I was comfortable enough with my body to dress like this again. As you know already. Yet you made the most hateful comments about my body. I spent a lot of my life trying to be smart enough, talented enough, and good enough. I tried to ignore everyone's negativity, but that was no good. Everything that they said was something that I already thought about myself, and it only seemed to 'confirm' my own sense of inferiority. I tried to ignore you, but it was brutally challenging. I am still recovering from my eating disorder. It's going to take time, especially since I can't go to my doctor as much as I need to. I am my own worst critic. That being said, I define my worth. Not you. This is the body that carried and gave birth to two beautiful, loving children.''

''I know. I know what it is like to have body image issues. Growing up, I was always considered too skinny by my classmates. When I was pregnant with Ryder, I gained a lot of weight. I still hated my body, and I was miserable.''

''I don't want to be rude,'' she begins ,''But I don't understand. I don't want you to apologize just because Ryder asked you to. I appreciate the effort, but no apology is better than a forced apology.''

Alright. I will actually have to tell the truth.

''You know what, Blair? You're right. You are absolutely right. Let me start by saying that you are a wonderful mom. Between the two of you, I know that Noah will grow up just fine. And I know that you only wanted Grace to be adopted so that she would have everything she needs. That is the sign of a good parent. As for the comments I made on your body, that was wrong. You are a beautiful young woman, and your body is fine. I guess you could say that I was jealous of your confidence.''

''Thank you. And as bad as our past was, you are a beautiful woman. Strong, determined, and smart.''

''Thank you, Blair. Now, I need you to know what I had what seemed like a valid reason for everything that I put you through,'' I look away ,''As you know, I had Ryder when I was in high school.''

''I am well aware of that, yes.''

''And his dad and I had to work long hours at first, so we didn't really have time with him. I assume that he told you everything that has happened, even the not so good things.''

I blame myself always, wishing I could have protected him from all of it.

''Yes,'' Blair looks at her fingers ,''What does that have to do with me?''

''He's cried because of you, Blair. Especially when you couldn't decide between him and your ex-girlfriend. My son was miserable. I know that neither one of you treated the other right at first, but I am always biased towards my son. I see a lot of Daniel's qualities in you, a lot of mine in Ryder. You are determined, but insecure. Same with Daniel. And look at what he did to our marriage, because of his own insecurities. Why would I just sit back and let that happen to my son, Blair?''

''I may be a lot like him., but I am not Mr. Lynn,'' Blair sighs ,''Ryder and I treated each other like crap, yes. And it was stupid and childish of me to lead both him and Kate on the way that I did. But I made my decision, and Ryder made his. Even on days when all I wanted to do was yell at Ryder, I wouldn't dare sleep with anyone else.''

I know that. I have no reasons for tormenting you the way that I did anymore.

''I was losing him the day that he told us you were pregnant with Grace,'' I laugh humorlessly ,''My baby was having a baby.''

''I love him,'' Blair continues ,''Ryder and I were young, okay? We thought that me getting pregnant so young wouldn't have happened to us. But it did. And I love Grace just as much as I love Noah. I also know that I can't protect them forever. With all due respect, Ms. Coleman, you can't protect Ryder, either. Just know that you raised a smart, driven, loving young man. He's a great dad, a wonderful person, and he is going to be just fine.''

''I know. As will you. I know that it won't erase our bad memories,,'' I begin, holding out my hand ,''But I do hope that you will accept my apology.''

''If my dad taught me anything, it's this: negativity and bitterness can weigh you down. Sometimes you have to forgive. So, yes,'' she shakes my hand ,''I accept your apology.''

Just like that, I feel...free. Lighter, as if an enormous weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

''I do hope that you and Ryder will get back together,'' I admit ,''You two are good together. I'll see you soon, Blair. Have a great rest of your day.''

''You, too, Ms. Coleman.''

Blair may never fully trust me, and that is understandable. But Ryder's happiness means more to me than my pride, so I had to do the right thing and apologize to Blair.

I just hope that it has the desired effects.

BPOV-

''Thank you so much for watching them, Sebastian. I know you have a class today,'' I hang my coat up ,''I had to go to the store, and pick up their missed homework.''

''No problem. Since this adoption was finalized, Dave and I are going to have a little one soon,'' he and I are going to learn how to do this together. I'm going to be doing this all over again.''

''I know that you aren't nervous, Sebastian,'' I laugh when he pretends to glare ,''I remember a confident, flirtatious Sebastian roaming the halls of Dalton Academy. What happened to him?''

''He grew up, got married, and now he has to figure out how to take care of this tiny life again.''

''It's scary. We both know that. Hell, I was worried when I adopted Blair. SHe was only ten, and that's probably why I was so overprotective for so long: I didn't want anything to happen to her. All we can do is be there for them. For the record, your kids turned out great. Kate is a smart, talented, driven young woman.''

''Thanks. I… I know I had to change some things about myself. That being said, I don't regret any of it. I love my kids more than I love myself. Kate told me what she did to Blair. It's the same thing I would have done in high school, and-''

''And that is not your fault. Kate and Blair made their choices, and dealt with the consequences.''

''Thanks. I needed to hear that. I just don't want to mess this up, Blaine,'' he confesses.

''That's what makes you a parent, Sebastian. Rory and Blair have grown up, moved out, and have kids of their own. That doesn't mean I don't worry about them still,'' I shrug ,''You are always going to worry about if you're messing this up or not. And you will make mistakes, because everyone does. But it'll all be worth it again.''

Being a dad is one of the most rewarding things i have ever experienced.

''Thank you, Blaine,'' he grins, ''I needed that. I've got to go, though. David and I are having lunch together. Good bye.''

''Bye, Sebastian,'' I close the door behind him.

About an hour and a half later,after Grace and Jacob have eaten and are taking their naps, Blair walks into the living room

''Hey. Sorry, I used the key that you and Kurt gave us for emergencies. You didn't answer, and I got worried.''

''Sorry,'' I set my computer aside ,''I was listening to music and working on my first lesson plans. Come sit down. I have something for you'

I head to the kitchen, returning with two sandwiches and cups of soup.

''Chicken noodle soup, and sandwiches from your favorite deli,'' I sit next to her on the couch ,''This used to be a tradition for us, remember? Every other weekend after school.''

''Thanks, dad,'' she smiles ,''You know, I miss this.''

As much as I love all of my kids the same, I have to admit that I miss this, too.

''Well, you grew up,'' I joke ,''And had a baby of your own. Look, I know this hasn't been easy for you, and I know this past week has sucked. But you know you can talk to me.''

''I know,'' Blair tucks her hair behind her ear ,''Dad, I need help. I don't know what I'm doing.''

''With what, honey?''

''With anything,'' she looks down at the discolorations in the coffee table ,''Being a parent, a student… with Ryder. I'm trying to be an adult about everything but it's all really, really stressful.''

''I understand. Look, you have been through a lot. And I wish that I could protect you, and your brothers and sisters, from all of it. But I can't. You take responsibilities for your actions, and you are a great mom. You sacrificed a lot- including your own health- for Noah. That is what a parent does: unconditional love and sacrifices for their children.''

''Thank you dad,'' Blair runs a hand through her hair ,''I don't say this enough, but I appreciate everything that you and Kurt have done for us. Especially you. I really, really hope that I'm going to be as good as a parent as you are.''

''I appreciate that. Don't worry, Blair, Your kids are going to turn out fine, just like their mom.''

''Thank you,'' Blair wipes at her eyes ,''I needed that.''

''No problem. You're my daughter, Blair. I love you, and I'm here for you. Now, tell me what is going on between you and Ryder.''

''As you know, we broke up. I didn't want to do it, dad, but I had to. His mom was making me miserable, even though I tried so hard not to let her get to me. If I did something to ruin Ryder and my relationship...''

''I know.''

She feels the way about Ryder that I feel about Kurt: he's the only one.

''His mom apologized to me today,'' Blair explains, letting out a heavy sigh ,''And I forgave her. It wasn't easy, but I don't want to carry around the negativity with me.''

''I understand,'' I shrug, because I have forgiven Chase, Andrew, and even my dad.

I need to be as positive as I can. I know that I, personally, need that if to raise the kids.

And I don't want to take my own pessimistic thoughts, or insecurities, out on Kurt again.

''Do you want to be with Ryder?''

''Yes. I just don't know if.. if I should rush back into it. I would hate to do something that we regret. Besides, we have Noah to worry about. He needs at least some stability. If Ryder and I don't last again, he will have to readjust,'' Blair lays her head on my shoulder ,''I don't know what I should do.''

''I can't tell you what to do, Blair. But I do know that the way Ryder looks at you, and the way you look at him… you two are in love. If you decide to get back together with him, I will be here for you. And if not, then I know you are going to meet someone who recognizes how amazing you are. I know, I know. I'm biased. But any man or woman worth your time is going to give you the same love that you give them.''

It took Kurt a while to see that, but he finally does.

I just hope my daughter finds that for herself, like Rory has.

''Thank you, daddy,'' she lifts her head off of my shoulder, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek ,''This was so much easier back in pre-school.''

''Speaking of which, I think Grace and her 'boyfriend' had to 'break up'. She came home pouting because he pinched her.''

''Daddy, that's normal. This scar,'' she lifts up her sleeve to show me her elbow ,''Is where Sam Abrams pushed me off of the slide in pre-school. And he has a scar on his left leg from where I through a block at him. And we only did that because we had crushes on each other.''

''Well, I'm glad you've matured since then,'' she laughs when I roll my eyes ,''Now, let's eat lunch before it gets cold, and the kids wake up.''

I hate what Blair is going through, and I wish Sugar and Rory nothing but the best.

However, it makes me even more grateful that I have Kurt in my life. As much as my husband credits me for saving him, he did the same for me. I was pretty confident when we met, but my sense of self worth has only increased. This is love, with a man who has given more to me than he will ever know.

But I plan on spending every day of our lives together repaying him for it.

KPOV-

''I knew marriage was going to be hard, I just didn't think it was going to feel this impossible,'' Rory explains, sitting his water back down on the table.

He's explained the whole Sugar situation to is obviously exhausted, and in need of some advice.

''I get it, alright?,'' I reassure him ,''Blaine can drive me insane sometimes. Whether it's something like disagreements on how to raise the kids, or something as stupid as him not putting his clothes straight into the hamper. It's a part of life, Rory.''

It's a part of any relationship, whether I like it or not.

''I know, dad, it just,'' his breath falters ,''She is keeping things from the fact that we may have another mouth to feed.''

''She's pregnant?''

'Possibly,'' Rory picks at his food before setting the fork down on my desk ,''As the man she is having kids with, I thought that I deserved to know.''

''Have you told her how you feel,'' I question.

''Yes. And then Sugar said that maybe it was a mistake to get married so young.''

I was afraid of this.

''Yes, you two did get married pretty young. But it was what you wanted, and you thought it over, and decided that the time was right. Not even three months later, you find out you are going to be parents. I have to say, I am proud of the maturity that you two have shown throughout all of this.''

''Thank you, dad.''

''But I also have to say that I wish there had been some time in between all of this. If it felt rushed for me, I can only imagine how it felt for you. In a lot of ways, you are both still kids,'' I remind him.

''I know, dad,'' he looks down at his hands, ''But I love my family. I don't regret getting married. I love Wendy and Finn, I love my wife. I would do anything for my family.''

''I know. And that's what reassures me of what I already know: you have turned into an incredible young man.''

I can admit I was pretty protective of him, and that I never want to see him hurt. But I have seen him hurt, and I have seen the same person come out stronger on the other side.

For that, I am very proud of him.

''I love Blaine, Rory. A lot. He is my soulmate. And I know it seems like we always have it together, but we don't. Know one sees what happens behind the scenes. The glossy magazines, interview, and polite smiles only show so much. I have seen Blaine at his worst moments, just like he has seen me at mine. We are still going strong, despite some moments where I thought it would all collapse. I know we are going to be together for the rest of our lives.''

If I really think about it, I wouldn't have thought that was possible.

Oh, how time changes things.

''So what you're saying is that this is just one of those bad moments that Sugar and I have to work through,'' Rory sighs ,''Alright. I understand.''

''You remember the vows. 'For better or worse'. This is just one of the worst moments.''

''Does it ever get easier?''

''I think so. Keep in mind I've only been married a little while longer than you. But you've seen your grandparents, and they're doing pretty well, right?''

''Yeah,'' Rory smiles ,''I look up to them.''

So do I.

''And that is fine. but you also have to remember that you and Sugar are two different people, and you are in your own completely unique marriage. It's not going to be the same.''

But it'll be worth it.

''Do you think it'll all be okay in the end if we work for it,'' Rory questions.

''I do. Anything worth having is worth making an effort and fighting for.''

Another thing that being with a man as incredible as Blaine has taught me.

''Thank you, dad. I'll talk to Sugar as soon as she gets in tonight,'' he look at the clock ,''I have to go, though. Just so you know, I hope I'm as good a dad as you are to my kids. I'll see you soon, dad.''

''I'm actually headed out to meet Santana,'' I grab my coat ,''I'll go with you.''

''I'll see you later, dad,'' Rory hugs me before we part ways ,''Love you.''

''Love you, too.''

He'll never know how proud I am of him, the young man that he has become.

And I know that his kids will grow up just as wonderfully as he has.

''I've forgotten how much I miss this city,'' Santana looks up as we walk towards the studio after brunch.

''Well, darling,'' I loop her arm through mine ,''Don't be such a stranger to it.''

''I'm back for a few months, and then I start filming for a new movie, Dani will be back right before Christmas.''

''Perfect,'' I smirk ,''So the two of you can watch the kids so that Blaine and I can go out for our anniversary?''

''Not a chance, Hummel,'' she scoffs ,''I haven't seen my baby in months, and I need some alone time with her before she leaves again. Besides, we were planning on going to TImes Square for New Year's Eve.''

Actually…

''Would you mind having two more people join you? I think Blaine and I need to do something a little different than going to dinner and then getting a room at the hotel.''

''And by something different, you mean freezing our asses off for hours on end, then taking your bowtie-loving husband back to a hotel room so that the two of you can warm eachother up by-''

''Tana,'' I stop her blunt comment ,''Would you and Dani be okay with that or not? It's been forever since we all did something together.''

''You have a point,'' Santana agrees ,''Alright, my dear sweet Hummel.''

''Anderson-Hummel,'' I fondly correct her.

''Right,'' she waves me off with a perfectly manicured hand ,''Mike and Tina, Rachel, and Sam and Mercedes will be here, too. We can make it a group thing.''

''That'd be great.''

It's been so long since we've all been together. The New Directions were my home away from home.

''It's a date. Look, I know I'm snarky and sarcastic, and a pain in the ass sometimes. But I do have to admit that I am happy you found Blaine. Frankly, I was ready to kick Andrew's arrogant ass for hurting you the way he did. You deserved better, and you always will. And I'm glad that you finally learned that.''

The warm feeling either comes from Santana's heartfelt statement, or the heating as we enter the building.

Either way, I love it.

''Thank you, 'Tana,'' I wrap my arm around her shoulders, kissing her cheek ,''Dani is so lucky to have a woman like you in her life.''

Just as lucky as I am to have Blaine.

And I'm even luckier to have friends like you.

BlairPOV-

''Thank you, Blair. He has trouble sleeping when you're not here,'' Ryder speaks as I gather my things to head back to my own apartment.

''He's my son, Ryder. I'd do anything for him.''

An awkward silence comes over us, and I assume it's time I tell Ryder everything.

''Your mom stopped by the studio today,'' I sit on the couch next to him.

''Y-yeah?''

''She apologized. I know that you had something to do with that. You didn't have to do that, Ryder.''

I am really grateful that you did, though.

''I hope you realize that it wasn't some… some scheme to get you back, Blair. You deserved the apology.''

''Thank you. I appreciate that,'' I state honestly ,''We told each other the truth. Now, I need to tell you the truth.''

Whether or not you believe me or not, you need to hear this.

''Alright,'' Ryder situates himself so that he's facing me ,''Let's talk.''

''Ryder, I love you. You do know that, right?''

''Yes,'' he clears his throat, a sign that he is nervous, ''I love you, too.''

''That being said, I honestly did think it was in our best interest to break up. I knew that with all of your mom's comments, I wouldn't be able to maintain a healthy image of myself. And I have to be healthy to take care of Noah. That's not the only reason though. It sometimes feel like I lost a lot of people. My birth dad wasn't in my life until I was sixteen, my girlfriend cheated on me, and my mom...''

''Yeah,'' he takes my hand, squeezing gently, ''Yeah, I know.''

''And I trust you enough to know that these secrets stay between us: I'm kind of afraid of commitment. Dad- Blaine- has never hurt me enough to destroy my trust. He's been a consistent part of my life, ever since I was born. In my experience, if I get attached then I get hurt. So I tried … I believe that I tried to hurt you before you could hurt me.''

''We both did that,'' he reminds me ,''Please don't do that to yourself.''

Not for the first time, and definitely not for the last, I am taking the leap.

I hope he'd catch me like I'd catch him.

''It would be a lie to say that I haven't been thinking about that this past week. I just need you to make sure that this is what you want.''

''It is. If it's not what you want, then I understand. But I need you to know how I feel.''

''It's what I want. I've really missed you,'' Ryder brings his lips to mine.

I never realize how much I love something until I have to go without it.

The kiss is heated, Ryder repositioning us so I'm on his lap.

''Wait,'' I whisper against his lips ,''There have to be some rules. We do have Noah to consider. If this doesn't work, if your mom hasn't really had a change of heart or something else forces us apart, I'd hate to have to move Noah again.''

''I understand. I think this transition is confusing enough. So what were you thinking?''

''Alright. First of all, we are not engaged. We are boyfriend and girlfriend, and we have a son. If this goes well, then I think the engagement can be back on. I think we should see how this plays out before I move back in.''

''Okay,'' Ryder sighs ,''I guess that makes sense.''

''We are going to have to take this slow. We both will have more responsibilities soon, and we shouldn't jump right back into this. Which means no sleeping together. We can not afford another baby, I have to refill my birth control prescription now that I've found something I can take, and we both know how ineffective condoms can be.''

''Fair enough,'' Ryder smiles, moving some hair off of my shoulder ,''I love you.''

''I love you, too. And, just so we're clear, kissing is okay,'' I kiss my boyfriend ,''Maybe a little more than kissing, and that's it.''

I don't know if this is going to work this time around, but I sincerely wish that it does.

Dad always tells me that any good relationship requires hard work, and each has to give an equal amount, take an equal amount. He must know what he is talking about. He and Kurt certainly seem to have it all together.

Maybe now it's my turn.

RoryPOV-

''Please, I am begging you to be quiet,'' I whisper to Sugar a she sets her bag on the kitchen table, ''I just got Wendy and Finn to sleep.''

''Sorry I'm late. I needed time to think,'' Sugar sits across from me ,''I never say this enough, but I appreciate how much you do around here.''

''Thank you. You do your share too, Sugar,'' I remind her ,''Did you get my message.''

''Yes. Look, I am really sorry about last night.''

We haven't spoken on topics that don't deal with the twins, but we'd hate to go to bed angry for a second night in a row.

''Sugar, I am your husband. Those are my kids, too. I love them. I love them with all my heart. But I know that this is not easy. We graduated high school, got married, and started preparing for babies all within the same year. It sucks how much our parents have to help us out sometimes. I know that neither one of us is where we want to be yet, but we will get there. Everything will be ours, just the way we have talked about this. We'll be settled in careers, providing for the twins… we can do this. Not if we have no communication, though.''

''You really mean that,'' she picks at her chipped nail polish.

''Of course I do. We make mistakes, and we get some things right. We fight. Hell, dad and Blaine fight, and they seem like the perfect couple.,'' I reach across the table and take her hand ,''We wouldn't have done this if we didn't think that we could make it through anything.''

I know you haven't changed your mind. You never give up.

''The doctor called today. He said I can come in tomorrow, and suggested that I bring you with me. What if I am pregnant,'' she raises an eyebrow ,''Then what?''

''Then we will figure something out. You're not alone in this, Sugar. You never will be, I promise.''

You just have to trust me.

''Everything in me is scared. I'm not ready for another baby,'' she reminds me ,''But my results come in tomorrow. And if they're positive, we are really going to have to get this together. Which means adjusting hours, and making more money.''

''I know. Look, we have both had long days. Can we get some sleep and work things out as they come our way?''

''Yeah. Yes, that sounds nice.''

One thing my dad said is to only go to bed angry if continuing the fight will make things worse. Of all of the advice that I have taken from him, that is probably the one that has given this marriage more strength. Together and Blaine truly are a once-in-a-lifetime couple.

Maybe, just maybe, we will turn out as good as he and Blaine are.

So what do you think? And should Sugar and Rory have another baby so soon?

Next chapter- Klaine bonds with the family

Disclaimer- glee belongs to Fox and Ryan Murphy