A Ray Of Hope
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee.
Chapter 1: Keep Holding On
Noah Puckerman found himself in a predicament when he snuck into Tracy Anderson's hospital room after midnight. Noah, the sole survivor of a recent attack on her family, had been seeking comfort and support in the aftermath of the tragedy. He had no idea Tracy was an orphan with no one but him to count on.
As Noah entered Tracy's room, his pulse raced with fear and resolve, and he felt a connection to her. Tracy, though not blood-related, had become his family through the tough times. They were survivors, united by an experience that had challenged their perseverance and resilience..
Noah could feel Tracy's body warmth as he lay down beside her. Despite the coolness of the hospital air, her presence provided a cozy cocoon that soothed his suffering soul. At this moment of vulnerability, they discovered an unspoken bond between themselves. They were family by choice, not by blood, but their love and strength were profound.
In the darkness of the night, surrounded by beeping monitors and hospital staff whispers, Noah and Tracy found solace in each other's presence. They discussed their difficulties, anxieties, and hopes for the future. The hospital provided an environment where they could be honest and share secrets.
As the night progressed, Noah knew that Tracy had become the most important person in his life. She was the daughter he never had, and he became her confidant she could call on at any time. They couldn't erase the sorrow and loss they had experienced, but they could build their own families on a foundation of love and compassion.
Tracy was now Noah's only remaining family member, except for his sister Sarah. They created an unshakable bond, a love that went beyond biological ties and societal norms. In each other's arms, they could find peace and the fortitude to confront whatever obstacles arose. Together, they would overcome hurdles and conquer the world, one step at a time.
At thirty, Noah is now Tracy's father, who is four years old. Noah lay in a hospital bed while surrounded by medical equipment and monitors. As he thought about his new job and his dedication to Tracy, he couldn't help but reflect on everything that had led him to this moment.
Tracy was an orphan after losing her parents and grandparents in the attack. It didn't matter to Noah if Blaine Anderson and Rachel Berry were her biological parents. Noah was now responsible for her health and future. With a heavy heart, he accepted this new responsibility and promised to be the father Tracy needed.
Noah understood that becoming Tracy's father would require patience, understanding, and a lot of love. He promised her a safe home where she might thrive and feel secure. He would listen to her experiences, help her navigate life's problems, and be there for her every step of the way.
Noah silently promised Tracy that he would cherish every moment they spent together. He knew the journey ahead would have its ups and downs, but he was determined to make it a memorable experience for them.
Noah understood that Tracy's blood didn't define their relationship. She was now his daughter, and he planned to spend as much time as possible with her.
Noah knew it would be difficult, but he believed they could build a lovely life together. They would face the world, confront their concerns, and enjoy every victory and milestone. Noah was determined to be the father Tracy needed and would go to any lengths to keep her happy and safe.
As Noah fell asleep, he prayed that Tracy would be his second chance at fatherhood. Noah would prove to Lima that he was no longer a Lima Loser while providing Tracy with everything she needed.
Noah woke up in the morning to see Artie's mother, Nancy Abrams. Nancy glanced at Tracy and told Noah, "Sarah moved in with me after Norma kicked her out. By the way, I moved you in here with Tracy, and I'm the new head nurse in charge of the nursing staff here."
Noah sighs and says, "I'm sorry about Artie. Mr. H protected us before I was shot in the leg. I'm not sure why they would shoot at Tracy. She was the only one I could get out."
He embraced Tracy and said, "Mr. H was helping Artie in the bathroom when the attack began. Tracy and I ran in to hide, and we were shot at. Mr. H was holding the door shut when he and Artie were shot. I didn't realize I'd been shot until I got Tracy out. We were hiding in the bathtub when I blacked out. I awoke to her calling my name. She led the way as we crept out, and then I grabbed her when they started shooting at us."
Tracy immediately said, "Daddy, you had a panic attack and imagined you were overseas. I held you and begged you to get us out of there. I felt a sting in my arm as you got us out, and you fell on me once we were outside. The next thing I knew, Nurse Nancy was yelling at the other nurses and telling them to save your leg."
Nancy whispers, "I yelled at your mother after you were brought in, and she acted like she didn't care. I know she let Quinn live with you when she had Beth, but when Sarah turned thirteen, she returned to being the mother you grew up with."
Noah rolls his eyes and replies, "That does not surprise me. I've been more of a parent to Sarah than my own parents were. Hell, Mr. and Mrs. H were more like parents to her than they were."
Nancy leads Noah outside and whispers, "Blaine's parents haven't come to see Tracy since she was admitted. I tried calling them several times, but they didn't respond."
Noah grabs his phone and tells Nancy, "Cooper came here yesterday and told me I'm Tracy's godfather. Blaine's parents have heard a lot from me this week. They refuse to see her because they believe she is Kurt's daughter, not Blaine's." He quickly shows Nancy a photo of his gun closet.
He chuckles as Nancy responds, "Sarah already showed me that picture, Puck." They enter Tracy's hospital room and observe her browsing the channels. She turns on a music station and listens to Tim McGraw's song, "My Little Girl." Then Noah soon sits on the bed beside Tracy, singing along.
Nancy's phone soon rings as she observes them. She realizes it's Patrick Anderson, Tracy's grandfather. She leaves the room and answers the phone, saying, "This is Nancy Abrams, Artie's mother! I work in the hospital where your granddaughter is staying! I have been trying to reach you for a week! Blaine has already been buried, and Tracy is left with only you."
Soon, Noah approaches Nancy and snatches her phone. Then he yells, "Hey! This is Puck. Or Tracy's new 'dad'! You might have heard Tracy call me 'Uncle Hulk!'"
He lets Patrick speak first, yelling, "I saved your granddaughter, but you have the guts to call me a loser! You are the real loser for abandoning your granddaughter!" He then ends the call and returns Nancy's phone.
They walked into Tracy's hospital room and saw her sleeping. Noah chuckled and told Nancy, "Now I understand why I'm her godfather. Do you remember how Mr. H was before he married Mrs. H?"
Nancy shows Sarah's Facebook photo of a gun cabinet and says, "She shared this six months ago. Blaine changed his will about the same time. Tracy was going to return to Rachel if they died."
She checks Tracy's I.V. and says, "Cooper will return in two weeks. He intends to move here to be closer to her."
Judy Fabray, the mother of Noah's girlfriend, Quinn, who died when Tracy's family perished, walks into Tracy's room and says, "Puck, I thought you should know that Quinn was pregnant. I doubt she ever knew, and the medical examiner does too. She was two weeks along."
Noah's voice cracked as he said, "She told me at the party. I asked her to marry me, and she accepted."
He cries and adds, "I'm sorry I couldn't save her. I'm not sure why Tracy calls me 'Uncle Hulk.' I wasn't strong enough to fight back and lost all my friends."
Judy and Nancy whispered, "It's because of your temper, Mr. P."
Noah rolls his eyes and adds, "I bet that's another reason why Tracy made me her godfather."
Judy glances at Tracy and adds, "I asked Shelby to bring Beth to see you when she came to the funeral. She refused and called you a loser."
Judy sighs and says, "I'm sorry for making Quinn put Beth up for adoption."
Noah held Judy close and whispered, "No, you're sorry. You won't see me acting like Mr. H around Beth's dates." Judy shook her head and walked away with Nancy.
Noah watches Tracy sleep until their breakfast arrives. As they eat breakfast, Tracy says, "Daddy Blaine went to see your mama and yelled at her for Aunt Sarah. Your mama hit her in front of my parents several times. Aunt Sarah went to Uncle Sam for help. She told him not to tell you and said she knew about your mama hurting you. Your Nana Connie told her before she died."
After breakfast, Nancy brought Sarah to see them. Sarah sat on Tracy's bed and told Noah, "Dad and Mom are back together. They started seeing each other when I was thirteen. They made a game of seeing how many bruises they could give me before I ran away."
She glances away and replies, "Puck, Mom didn't kick Dad out. I did. He wanted a polygamous marriage, and I had a fit. I didn't want a second mother, and I didn't want Jake as a brother."
Tracy holds Sarah's hand and says, "We're a family now, and I'll need someone to stop Daddy from killing my future boyfriends. I heard about what he did with your ex-boyfriend."
Sarah glares at Noah, who chuckles. Then she cries, "You fired paintballs at them! I had to meet my boyfriends at Nana's house to keep them from getting hurt! My friends assumed you were my father until I was thirteen! They had no idea I had a mother until you left me there to attend college with Finn! Then, after he died, you left me alone with Mom! Do you know how much I have gone to Sam's place since you left? He was the only friend who acted as if I still mattered! I lied to Mrs. Abrams! I only went to her house so Sam could keep his job."
Tracy soon hugs Sarah and says, "My parents tried to get you out of there before I was born. I bet Uncle Sam told Daddy Blaine about your mother. My mother, Rachel, also attempted to help, but your mother refused. Your mother told them she wasn't done with you and asked them to return when you were eighteen. They told Aunt Quinn at the party before Daddy Noah arrived."
She looks at Noah and adds, "They told Grandpa Burt and Nana Carol about me when I was born. Nana Carol and Aunt Quinn spoke with your mother over the phone before you arrived."
Nancy quickly received a text from someone and departed without returning. She had Noah get into the wheelchair, and Sarah stayed with Tracy. As they approached an elevator, Nancy added, "Your parents have arrived. I asked security to notify me if your parents or Tracy's grandparents arrived."
As they enter the elevator, Noah remarks, "After Dad left, I felt that Mom had changed. I assumed Sarah would be safe now and wouldn't have to go through what I did. I can't believe Mom lets Dad back into her life, or they'll both hurt Sarah."
When Noah sees his parents, he stands up and cries, "You had no right to hurt Sarah! I forgive you for what you did to me, but Sarah did not deserve it! What has Sarah ever done to you? I cared for her for seven years with the help of Finn's mother, Carole, and Nana Connie, until she passed away! Then, after, I almost died! I learned that Sarah is staying with Mrs. Abrams! What the hell? If you didn't want children, why did you have us?" He hits his father, Nick, in the nose before glaring at Norma as they leave.
As they return to the elevator, Noah tells Nancy, "I know I can't replace Artie, but I was wondering."
Nancy says with a chuckle, "I was about to ask you the same thing, Puck. I hate that your parents would do that to you and Sarah, but I'm glad you stepped up for Tracy's sake. She is just a baby, and Blaine's parents turning their backs on her like that isn't right."
Noah chuckled and asked Nancy, "Why didn't you ever go to school when I bullied Artie?"
Nancy sighs and says, "Like Kurt did with Burt, Artie never told me about it. Until he dated Kitty, I wasn't told about a lot."
Noah sighed and said, "I hope Tracy doesn't do that to me. I mean, she's told me about the brats at daycare."
Nancy says, "You know Tracy's bullies will be girls, right? I hope she doesn't find a boy like you to be her boyfriend."
Noah glares at Nancy. Then he chuckles and says, "So, are you saying you'll play paintball with me now?" Before long, they went to the hospital room of Noah and Tracy.
As they entered the room, Tracy stood on her hospital bed, watching the 49ers and Chiefs play against each other in the Super Bowl. Then she yelled, "How can you make a call like that?"
Nancy elbowed Noah and said, "Burt would post videos of her crying every time the Chiefs lost a game."
Noah shows Nancy a video on his phone. It was of him yelling at the TV, and he tells her, "Finn and I have watched the Super Bowl since we were kids. Blaine said a few months ago that he plans to sign Tracy up for Peewee football next year."
Chapter 2 will be up soon.