Sam was in the living room, thoroughly enjoying his conversation with Rachel's siblings.
To be honest, it was refreshing to be talking to people his age who didn't care about how he dressed, how he sounded-the way he looks in general.
They seemed to be enjoying his company as well. It was like having friends though he's never had them before so he isn't sure if this is what it's like but he likes to believe it is.
A resounding beep from all the cell phones of Rachels siblings interrupted the conversation. Mercedes, Blaine, Mike, and David all checked the message, nodded to themselves but didn't say anything. Instead they went back to the conversation.
"So Sam-" Blaine began.
Just then a blonde guy walked in. He was just two inches taller than Sam, he then walked passed him while simultaneously bumping into him.
"Hey, watch it." The blonde guy sneered.
Sam looked at him confused because the guy bumped in to him not the other way around.
"Excuse me but I didn't do anything." Sam said respectfully.
"Like hell you didn't." The guy glared ferociously.
"What's your problem man?"
"Spencer, relax he didn't-" Blaine began but was cut off instantly.
"Mind your business Blaine, this is between me and mop top over here." Spencer said while shoving Sam roughly.
Sam felt him self flare in anger. It was clear to everyone in the room that Sam was holding back but if looks could kill Spencer would be six feet under.
"You know what? I'm not doing this. I don't know what your problem is but I'm not stooping to your level." Sam said surprising everyone with how calm he sounded.
"Yeah right, pussy! What would you do anyway? It's clear you're a fucking coward." Spencer scoffed out maliciously.
Sam clenched his jaw and his fists balled at his sides. He wanted to beat the shit out of the guy.
Spencer continued his assault. "I mean look at you. You look like the gum at the bottom of my shoe. You should remember that the next time you want to stand in my way."
Sam looked at all the eyes around him watching the exchange and remembered where he is.
"Just so we're clear, the only reason you're still standing is because this is Rachel's home and I'm in the presence of her family but make no mistake if you try that again outside and away from here, Know that I won't think twice." Sam replied and began to walk away.
Spencer scoffed. "Fucking loser."
Sam halted his steps and turned slightly to look Spencer right in the eyes. "You know, it's boys like you that make it hard to be a good man."
With that Sam left the kitchen unknowingly leaving everyone impressed. Spencer smirked as he pulled out his phone. Lifted it to his ear, he chuckled when the call picked up.
"You're right mama Fina, he did great."
Everyone in the kitchen smirked in satisfaction. They had all received the text that Sam was to be tested by Spencer and he didn't disappoint.
Rachel hid in the distance leaned back in her car with surprised curiosity. A few yards away stood one of Brody Weston's guys and with him stood Mckinely Highs cheer coach Roz Washington.
They seemed very familiar with each other. Roz didn't seem at all afraid. No, in fact she seemed very comfortable if the way they laughed together was anything to go on.
Rachel shot photo after the photo. Soon the man pulled a thick envelope from his breast pocket and handed it to her.
The two exchanged their fair wells and soon parted. Rachel waited as Roz and the guy got into their respected cars before pulling off.
The brunette waiting a few seconds before starting her car then began tailing Roz. She followed the woman all the way home.
She waited the few minutes it took for the woman to enter her house then she made her way across the street and rounded the house.
Rachel peeked through one of the lower windows. Roz was on the phone as she began emptying the envelope full with cash. The brunette took out her camcorder and began filming.
"-Yes, I know for sure."
The other person began speaking while Roz counted her money. Unfortunately Rachel couldn't hear their end of the conversation.
"No, Russell is coming. I've got solid proof but he ain't coming alone. From my understanding the damn fool is looking to settle."
Roz laughed as the other person spoke. Rachel listened and the more she heard the more her stomach churned unpleasantly.
Sam made it to the room he, Quinn and the kids were sharing and when he entered it Quinn was packing their things. She looked pissed.
"Quinn what's wrong?"
"Get your things together we're leaving."
Sam could tell Quinn reached a mid point of anger and should someone push her further she'd exploded.
"Quinn what happened?"
"I'll tell you later, I'm not really in the mood right now Sam. Please just pack."
"Okay." Sam sighed.
They didn't bring much but a bag with every ones change of clothing. So it wouldn't take long.
Just then there was a light knock on the door.
Quinn huffed in annoyance. She stormed to the door and was surprised to find Shelby on the other side. Mama Fina had asked her in passing to check on the two but didn't say anything else.
Shelby's eyes took in storming hazel and instantly knew the tests had been run. She could also see the two were gathering their things.
"How can we help you?" Quinn asked with as much control as she could.
Shelby's eyes cast back to hers. Without an ounce of emotion she replied: You two need a ride home?
Sam and Quinn's eyes widened in surprise.
"Uh-Yes, yes we do." Quinn said.
"Meet me downstairs in ten."
Without another word Shelby turned on her heel and walked off. Sam and Quinn looked at each other not at all understanding the woman. She seemed so closed off and unwilling to help but is now extending an olive branch, if it could be even called that.
"Why do you think she offered?" Sam asked.
"I have no idea but what other choice do we have? Rachel isn't here and I don't know about you but I don't have money for a taxi especially for one to drive this far out."
"I know." Sam sighed.
He was having a good morning for the first time in... Well he doesn't remember the last time he had a good morning.
If it wasn't for that douche bag downstairs he's sure his morning would have been great but now he just wants to go home.
"Alright I think that's everything." Quinn said as she zip her duffle bag.
"Alright kids, come on." Sam said as he gestured for his siblings to stand.
"But I don't want to leave." Charlie spoke up.
"Yeah, why do we have to go home?" Stevie followed.
"Guys, this isn't our home. We can't stay." Sam said.
"But it's so fun here and none of the bad men come here for us." Stacy said.
Quinn and Sam both felt their hearts break. It's true, none of the scum that their father brought into their lives could touch them there. They were safe but really how long would it last for?
It wasn't their home, it's Rachel's so even if they wanted to stay it wouldn't be permanent.
Quinn stepped forward and crouched in front of their siblings with sincere understanding shining in her eyes. Sam crouched down next to her in support.
"Hey.." Quinn began. "I know that this place is amazing and fun. I know that those bad men can't come here. I know there's delicious food, and the beds are comfy and cozy but the truth is, this isn't our home. I know where we live isn't as great as this place and I'm sorry that we can't do anything to change that for us right now but I promise you one day we will. One day Sam and I are going to get us all out of here but we have to be patient. We have to be strong and brave because though we don't have this nice house or all the nice things in it, we have each other and to me that's worth more than any of this. I love you guys more than anything and I promise if you give us some time we'll make it out of here. Together."
Quinn looked to Sam and he smiled with absolution. "Together."
The two looked at their siblings and Quinn raised her brow expectantly.
The kids smiled back. "Together." They said in unison.
"Come here you!" Quinn said pulling them toward her as they giggled and the small family had a much needed group hug.
"What the fuck do you mean he isn't there?!" Growled Brock Weston.
It was mid day and Judy Fabray was standing behind the chair of the man she despises more than life itself.
She's currently messaging his shoulders and doing her best not to choke over the thick smoke of his cigar.
It has been two weeks since she's been able to be home with her family. Two weeks since she's been able to hold her children.
She burst hysterically into tears when she heard the news that her husband had stopped by and dropped off not only the ten grand he owed but with an extra two grand in interest.
She had her mouth duct taped at the time because Brock had, had her tied to a chair with a gun to her head when he received the call about the money.
He warned her before-hand that if the money wasn't paid, he'd blow her head off and Quinn would take her place.
It had been traumatizing. All she could do was mourn and rage in anger at the thought of her eldest daughter taking her position. It had made her think of her husband and all that he's done.
She use to love her husband before all of this.
When they were teens in love but then after they graduated instead of going to college like he said he would.
He ended up taking a job with his despicable uncle and began "working" on cars for him, at the time Judy truly believed he was a mechanic.
She had no idea it was really a chop shop and they were stealing cars and doing illegal things.
He asked her to marry him right out of high school and her parents couldn't be happier.
She was adopted into a family that wasn't too bad. They were nice people but they were strict. She had to work on the family farm after school. She's an only child and her only friend in school had been Russell Fabray.
He didn't care about her overalls or the fact that she always smelled like a barn. He was her friend and when he told her he liked her in 11th grade she was shocked.
He asked her to be his girlfriend and she accepted. They were even more attached at the hip once they became a couple.
So when he asked for her hand in marriage, she felt like it had been written in the stars and this was her gift in life. A reparation for being abandoned by her biological parents, at least that's what she told herself.
So she never questioned Russell's decision when he decided to work for his uncle.
They were only married a few months before she got pregnant with Quinn and Sam. She had been worried about fitting the twins in their one bedroom house or if they could even afford twins to begin with.
Russell immediately put her fears to rest about the fact they only lived in a one bedroom apartment.
Three months after the conversation they were moving into their new house with enough room to expand their family.
He bought them new cars and she was gifted a new wardrobe though she told him not to, he insisted. She felt overwhelmed with how things seem to just fall into place for them.
Everything was like a fairytale.
Then after she gave birth to Sam and Quinn, he began coming home late but nothing else was amiss. More money was coming in and she thought that, that's how it went in business.
She grew up on a farm, she didn't know anything about auto repair shops or how they operated. He would go to his "meetings" and somehow would get bonuses and raises. Then he was chosen to run a new shop his uncle was opening.
She then became pregnant with Charlie. So Russell began "working harder" for the family.
Then it escalated to coming home tipsy but he only drank with his uncle to "get the edge off."
Soon she had Stevie and Stacy. Then he came home drunk and then money began missing.
Judy would check their bank account and add up the money for the bills and mortgage but the books were off.
Slowly but surely their finances began to dwindle. Until there was the foreclosure of their home and their bank account was negative zero.
Their cars were repossessed and they lost literally everything.
She didn't know back then.
She hadn't realized that she was just a child playing house before she even allowed herself to grow as not only a person but a woman.
That she jumped in the game of life before she even could comprehend what life means.
She's hates herself for her ignorance and naivety. How she didn't use her brain and think!
How could she have been so stupid and played the fool?
No, she didn't think and now this is her life.
Her children's lives had been at risk two weeks ago and she couldn't help but blame herself.
Blame her foolishness.
For loving a man who would only skip town the moment his life was in danger.
Rachel sighed in anxiousness as she stepped up to the door. She had rushed from her house to the motel the Fabray's called home after speaking with her grandmother.
FLASHBACK:
"What do you mean you tested them?!" Rachel asked in anger.
"Rachel." Mama Fina warned. "Do not take that tone with me."
Rachel swallowed her next words as she backed down. Knowing full well her grandmother didn't tolerate that kind of behaviors.
"You know I would never do anything without good reason." Mama Fina spoke calmly.
"Why? Why did you even think to?"
"Rachel, after spending time with Lucy and Samuel as well as being informed of pertinent information, I've come to a decision. Lucy and Samuel are vital to that decision and I wanted to be sure if they could hold their own."
Rachel went to speak but was cut off.
"-And no, you may not know. As of right now none of you are to know why."
"What if they don't speak to me anymore because of it. They're my only friends mama Fina." Rachel said dejectedly.
Mama Fina knew that their friendship meant everything to her granddaughter. Rachel has never had friends. None of her grandchildren have.
Having friends puts those friends lives in danger. It wouldn't be fair, so none of them attempted to make any. They just stuck to each other.
"I understand, sweetheart but I promise you that won't happen. In fact, I think Lucy would go on a rampage if anyone tried to stand between the two of you."
Rachel's eyes shot to mama Fina's. You could see the brunette didn't believe it to be true.
"Trust me, you should have seen how she handled Sue. She is not one who is easily deterred."
"How did they handle it?"
Mama Fina smiled as her mind took her back to that moment when it was cemented that Lucy and Samuel where more than capable to handle themselves.
Quinn and Sam gathered their things to leave. Mama Fina stepped from her office just as they were following Shelby out the door.
"Leaving so soon are you?"
Quinn and Sam turned to the woman in surprise that she caught them. They were hoping to leave without her knowing in case she tried to get them to stay.
"Yes ma'am." Quinn answered.
Mama Fina walked over to them. All eyes in the living room watching.
"Is there something the matter? Is someone troubling you?" Mama Fina said purposely as her eyes scanned the room while her hands made a light gesture toward all her grandchildren watching the exchange.
"No ma'am." Sam replied.
"Are you sure? If something is wrong you can tell me. I don't tolerate none sense or bullying. Are you uncomfortable?"
"No, of course not." Quinn replied her features sincere and her body language casual. She's working extra hard to make her delivery real. She wouldn't snitch but she also wouldn't put up with bullshit. "It's just that tomorrow we have school and we have to prepare. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind." Quinn said as her eyes did a quick scan to all the people in the room as she smiled generously at them. Surprising the group with her answer.
"Everyone has been nothing but hospitable mama Fina." Sam assured.
Mama Fina's eyes bore into their eyes searching for a chink in their armor but found none. A smile exploded on to her face knowingly.
"Alright then, you all have a safe journey home. Come now, give me a hug goodbye and remember you are always welcome here." Mama Fina said sweetly.
One by one each Fabray hugged her and thanked her for her hospitality and then they were sent off.
"Seriously?!" Rachel asked in shock.
"Yes, they acted as if Sue, Santana, and Spencer never approached them with hostility. They made a clean escape with a calm demeanor. They could easily get out of situations when cornered."
Rachel sighed tiredly she had been thinking about them all day. Worried beyond anything. "Mama Fina... How can I..."
Mama Fina watched Rachel's face contort with emotion.
"How can I help them? Their lives are literally hell on earth and what I just found out is only going to make matters worse."
"What did you find out?" Mama Fina asked seriously.
"It's their father... He coming back but isn't coming alone."
END OF FLASHBACK:
Rachel raised her fist to the door and knocked lightly. Rachel heard muffled urgent voices. It was clear they were scared.
"Wh-Who is it?" Quinn called out nervously.
"It's Rachel."
Immediately the locks were began clicking. Then the door opened and Rachel felt the breath leave her lungs.
Quinn's smile exploded on to her face. "Rachel! Hey, what are you doing here? Not that i'm not happy to see you!"
"Oh I uh.. I came to apologize."
Quinn furrowed her brow in confusion. "For what exactly?"
"For my family. I know they weren't nice to you guys and-"
"Rachel no, don't apologize. It wasn't anything horrible. I swear, I think they just didn't feel comfortable with us being there. I mean, they don't know us so why would they trust us?" Quinn dismissed.
Rachel stared at her dumbfounded. How is Quinn excusing their actions. It wasn't okay, nothing about this situation is okay!
"Quinn, I don't care if they don't trust you. You were guests in my house, there's no excuse!"
"Rachel, please. It's fine okay can we just forget about it? How are you? I haven't seen you since yesterday. How's your shoulder?" Quinn asked as she began scanning the brunette with her eyes in worry.
"I'm fine. How are you guys? I know the last few days haven't been easy."
"We're okay. The kids are already asleep and Sam's getting ready for bed."
"What about you?"
"I'm headed to bed after I get everything ready for tomorrow."
"Oh, okay.." Rachel said with a nod.
The two stared at each other both unsure of how to say what they wanted to say. It was Quinn who unconsciously spoke the words tumbling in her mind.
"I missed you."
Rachel's eyes widened as did Quinn's both for completely different reason. Quinn out of shock that the words came out and Rachel out of surprised awe that someone other than her family actually said it to her.
"Re-Really?" Rachel asked in disbelief.
"Yes."
Rachel was becoming nervous and Quinn could feel a flustered panic coming on.
"I missed you too."
It was the blonde's turn to be surprised only it came out in the form of a blush.
"Yeah?" Quinn asked bashfully.
"Yeah, I've actually wanted to see you all day but I had a lot of work to do."
"I wish we could have had more time to hang out. We didn't get to have our movie night."
"No we didn't. Again, I'm so sorry about Hester. She-"
"Rachel it's fine, really. How about we just make it for another day. It's not hard to reschedule. I don't know if you noticed but my social life is basically non-existent." Quinn said with a self deprecating laugh.
"Same! Look at that we're two pees in a pod." Rachel replied then her mind immediately scolding her for being such a dork.
"Yeah we are." Quinn giggled. "So how about later this week. Whenever you're free?"
"Okay. I'll let you know by tomorrow."
"Sounds good."
"Good."
Again the two stared into each others eyes smiling. It was Rachel who felt like a creep for staring so intently.
"Okay, so I'll see you tomorrow?"
"You'll be at school?" Quinn asked with hope.
Rachel chuckled. "Yes."
Quinn squealed before launching herself at the brunette causing Rachel to laugh as she wrapped her arms around the excited blonde in a hug they both desperately wanted.
"Oh my gosh! Your shoulder I'm so sorry!" Quinn squeaked before pulling back quickly.
"It's okay I'm fine, I swear."
"But Rachel-"
"I'm fine, I promise. You should head inside anyway it's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow." Rachel said sweetly.
"See you tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night."
With that Rachel turned on her heel and began to make her way toward the stairs with a dopey smile on her face.
Quinn shut the door with a happy sigh though honestly she didn't want Rachel to leave. She could feel her body tingling from being in Rachel's arms.
It was the perfect ending to a somewhat shitty day. The blonde knew that she won't be getting much sleep tonight because now she'll be wired with the excitement of actually having Rachel in school tomorrow.
