I Can Be Your Strength Pt. 4
Title: I Can Be Your Strength (Part 4)
Author: Me
Length: 2091
Rating: R
Spoilers: Kinda AU, all episodes just to be safe
Summary: Something has been off about Rachel. For a long time. It usually was just forgotten. But, now, it's gotten worse and from what she learns, it's only going to progressively worsen. Is she strong enough to keep fighting?
Warning: This is gonna be pretty angsty. So..if you don't like that, TURN AWAY! But there will be nice parts so...just read it =D
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Quinn had attempted friendship with Rachel throughout the next two weeks, but it all ended the same. Rachel was still pretty distant with her. However, Quinn soon realized that what Rachel wanted was more than what the blond was offering. She didn't mind talking to Rachel and in fact, enjoyed her company, but the girl was Berry after all. Being head cheerleader, Quinn couldn't be more than just secret friends with Rachel. It would be social suicide and she couldn't do that. She had worked so hard to get back to the top and could not just throw it all away for Rachel Berry, could she?
A gust of wind flew by Quinn's sides as two red figures quickly walked past her. She looked down at their hands to see each male holding one slushee. A lump formed in her throat as her eyes followed the slushees all the way to their target: Rachel.
The chilled liquid slapped the brunette in the face. In her moment of blindness, Rachel fell to the ground. The two jocks high-fived each other as the rest of the hallway howled with laughter. Quinn stood frozen by the lockers. Rachel's eyes were clenched shut, but Quinn knew tears were streaming down her cheeks, masked by the blue slushee. Quinn's eyes darted around and it seemed as if all eyes were upon her once again. She began hyperventilating as she saw Rachel's deep brown eyes begged for help.
Quinn shut her eyes and with the turn of her heel, she walked away. She couldn't do it. Her status was everything. If she were to fall again, she would be at the bottom again. Alone. No, with Rachel. With Rachel. The cheerleader shook her head. How could she do this to Rachel? The girl deserves a friend she could depend on. Quinn turned around and began to jog back to the hallway.
Upon arriving, Quinn saw no sign of Rachel on the floor. She looked around and didn't see the tiny brunette. Her eyes zeroed in on the droplets of slushee on the floor. She jogged again, following the liquid to the nearest bathroom. She entered to the sound of sniffling. Rachel's eyes met Quinn's and the brunette ran (more like stumbled) into the nearest stall.
"Rachel," Quinn began. The door slammed shut.
"Go away!" Rachel yelled.
Quinn walked over to the stall.
"Rachel, I'm sorry. Please let me help you."
"You don' wanna 'elp."
The cheerleader sighed. "How do you know what I want to do?"
'I know you better 'an you know yourself."
"Just open the door, Rachel. I promise all I want to do is help you."
"I don' need your help."
Quinn growled. "Quit being so stubborn, Berry and open this damn door!"
The cheerleader pushed the door in a fit of anger and it swung open, revealing a wet and sticky Rachel sitting on the toilet.
"It was open all this time?" Quinn growled again.
"Of course it was open all this time," Rachel mumbled. "If you really wanted t' come in all you had t' do was apply some effort."
The anger faded way from Quinn. Somehow, she had a feeling that what Rachel was referring to wasn't really the door. Quinn stepped in and extended a hand. Rachel's sticky hand accepted it and the brunette was pulled out of the stall.
"I took care o' it."
Quinn set her red duffel on the counter. "Nonsense. I can still see some remnants of the slushee.”
She opened the bag and pulled out a small white towel.
"Quinn."
The cheerleader ran some water over the towel.
"Don't worry. It's clean." Quinn stated and began to dab at Rachel's face.
"I can do it m'self, Quinn." Rachel mumbled softly
Quinn bit her lip as she saw some of the slushee had traveled down Rachel's shirt and left a stain all the way down to her tacky skirt. Quinn handed Rachel the towel.
"You're right. Sorry."
The blonde took a step back.
"Thank you."
Quinn nodded. "Do you have a change of clothes?"
"No. I jus' forgot. God, I'm an idiot."
Quinn rolled her eyes.
"No you're not," she turned to her bag. "Here, you can borrow my cheerio sweats."
Rachel's eyes widened. "You're lettin' me wear your sweats?"
"Yeah," Quinn said and picked up the pants to cover her blush, "now take them before I change my mind."
The brunette took them and stared at Quinn.
"Can you turn 'round?"
"Yeah." Quinn turned around.
She heard the sliding of material and the eventual drop of clothes. Her eyes accidentally turned to the mirror and they happened to fall on Rachel's legs. As the brunette lifted one to slide into the sweats, Quinn noticed a bruise. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger. She quickly turned to face Rachel.
"Who's beating you?"
Rachel squeaked and jumped, colliding with the wall and falling down, one leg in the pants. Quinn shut her eyes.
"Sorry!"
"Wha-what are you talkin' 'bout?"
Quinn opened one eye and saw Rachel fully clothed. She opened the other.
"I - I - I saw the bruise on your leg! Who beat you?"
"No one beat me, Quinn."
The cheerleader scoffed. "You're lying! Who is it?"
"I fell, Quinn."
"That's B.S." She went over to Rachel. "Tell me." Quinn's eyes softened.
"I seriously fell."
"Don't be afraid to tell me."
"Haven' you noticed how clumsy I am? I fell."
Quinn nodded. "But if someone was -"
"I'd tell you."
The blond grinned at being found trustworthy and Rachel found herself smiling as well. Their eyes met, but Quinn quickly looked away.
"Do you need a shirt too?"
"You 'ave an extra one in your bag?"
"Well it's a t-shirt I work out with, but it's clean. I swear."
"You'd let me wear it?"
"I guess."
Quinn went back to her bag and pulled out a dark grey t-shirt with the letters WMHS Cheerios emblazoned on the front. Quinn turned it around.
"Oh. It has Fabray on the back. Maybe you shouldn't wear this."
Rachel frowned. "Why? 'Cause you don' wan' anyone to know you shared clothes wit' me?"
"What? No! I just didn't think you would want to wear it."
Rachel snatched the shirt from Quinn.
"Well I don' have much of a clothing choice, do I? Now can you turn around and not look at me while I'm changin'?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Berry." Quinn muttered as she turned her back towards Rachel.
"You do it fo' me, 'uinn."
The cheerleader would never admit it to anyone, but Rachel sounded adorable when she slurred. Especially when it was Quinn's own name.
After Rachel had changed, Quinn faced her. The clothes were rather large on the brunette.
"I think my clothes are little too tight on you."
Rachel playfully slapped the blond's shoulder and then the bell rang.
"Well, I shou' get to class." Rachel mumbled.
"I'll walk you."
"Really?" Rachel looked up at Quinn with new-found happiness in her eyes.
Quinn looked away and nodded as she put her towel back in her duffel bag.
"Do you want to put your clothes in here?" Quinn asked, pointing to her bag.
"No, it's okay."
The blond zipped up her duffel and swung it across her shoulder.
"Are you going to uh -"
Rachel shook her head and began to head for the door.
"So - so do you want to hang out after school?"
The brunette stopped and turned back to see Quinn biting her lower lip and looking down.
"Don' you have Glee?" Rachel asked.
The blond looked up and walked to her. "Well, yeah, but I can play hooky." with you.
Rachel gave a small smile. "'Kay."
"Great!" Quinn exclaimed, but then instantly tried to deflate her excitement as they headed for the door.
She took a deep breath as Rachel opened the door. Here goes. She wasn't afraid of falling anymore. She didn't care if she hit rock bottom. Not if it meant being there with Rachel. The girl's company wasn't too bad.
-
As soon as the bell to let out school rang, Quinn dashed from the locker rooms to Rachel's classroom.
"What the hell, Fabray?" Santana yelled when Quinn knocked Brittany down on her ass.
The head cheerleader didn't hear Santana and continued running. Brittany stood up, rubbing her butt cheeks. She kissed a fuming Santana on the cheek.
"It's okay, San. Leave her alone. She's in love."
The latina's eyes softened at the realization.
"R-Rachel!" Quinn called making the brunette as well as the students around her flinch.
"Oh, hi, 'uinn."
"So, where do you want to go?" Quinn asked with a grin.
Rachel looked at the blond with confusion.
"What do you mean?"
The cheerleader's smile dropped.
"You - you didn't forget, did you?"
"I thought you would."
"Well I didn't," Quinn mumbled. "So where?"
Rachel began to walk slowly to the exit and Quinn followed, waiting anxiously for the brunette's response.
"Wherever you wan' is fine."
"Come on, Rach." Quinn laughed.
"I'm kinda hungry, I guess."
Quinn nodded eagerly. "Perfect. I know of a vegan restaurant just outside of Lima."
"On no, Quinn, it's -"
"But we have to hurry." Quinn grabbed Rachel's hand and began to pull her to the exit.
The blond would never admit that she googled vegan restaurants on her phone even before she planned to hang out with Rachel. She would never admit how she made sure it was the best of the best. For Rachel. Of course, she also had to make sure it wouldn't burn a hole in her pocket, so some adjustments had to be made (Quinn couldn't afford the best of the best). The blond christian cheerleader would also never admit that the reason she researched vegan restaurants was in case Rachel ever wanted to go to one. With Quinn. As a date. No, not a date, Quinn reminded herself. As a meal with a friend. The blond would never admit to a lot of things.
When the two girls arrived and walked side by side, Quinn wondered how they must look. I should have changed out of my uniform, Quinn thought as they entered.
"Table for two?" The perky greeter asked.
The two girls nodded and he lead them to their table. He set the menus on the table and walked away. Quinn was seated across from Rachel and began to look around. The place looked decent enough. Quinn had expected the place to be overrun with hippie beatnik lesbians or something.
Rachel's eyes scanned the menu, wondering what to eat. It all seemed delicious, but she knew she couldn't try everything. The brunette sighed, finally deciding on some grilled tofu with soba noodles. She looked up to find Quinn staring at the menu as if it was written in some weird foreign language. She saw the blond's eyes darting from left to right and the further she read, the deeper her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Rachel smiled at how endearing the blond looked; she half expected Quinn to turn the menu upside down.
"Need 'elp?" Rachel asked with a smile.
Quinn looked up, her eyes begging. "Please? I don't know what anything is."
"Wan' me to make a suggestion?"
The blond nodded.
"I wou' try the Porcini Mushroo' Soup."
"I don't like mushrooms."
Rachel chuckled then looked back at the menu.
"Wha' about the Matchstick Pasta?"
"Um, yeah, it sounds good. What are you getting?"
"Soba noodles with tofu. Now if you'll excuse me, I 'ave to go to the restroom."
"Okay." Quinn said.
The waiter than came over with glasses of water and Quinn gave both their orders. When he left, the blond's cell phone buzzed on the glass table. She picked it up and saw Santana had texted her.
Where are u?
The cheerleader just put the phone on her lap. She didn't want to distract herself with the text message when she was supposed to be out with Rachel. Her phone vibrated twice. She picked it up.
Q? Where are you?? From Brittany.
Hey ur w Berry huh? Hahahah From Santana.
Quinn scowled and began to punch out a response when her phone started to vibrate continuously.
San says you're with Rachel! Cute! :) Brittany
Whoa, u went lesbo? Lemme watch! ;] Puck
Quinn! Wat's up wit u n Rach? Mercedes
Welcome 2 da gay club! <3 Kurt
Hey mom im gonna b coming home L8 Finn
Quinn's eyebrows furrowed.
Sorry Quinn. I ment 2 send that 2 my mom.
The blond rolled her eyes. Leave it to Finn to be clueless. She went to her last message.
Btw is it tru yr w/ Rachel?
The blond let out a growl and turned off her phone. She was so going to kick Santana's ass for this. She turned to the restroom sign and saw Rachel talking to someone. At first Quinn thought nothing of it, but then saw Rachel smile and blush. Quinn's eyes darted to the girl next to Rachel.
Her hair was blond, cropped short, and styled in a way that reminded Quinn of Justin Bieber. She towered over Rachel (then again who didn't), but she looked taller than Brittany as well. The stranger was wearing an unbuttoned red plaid shirt, revealing a plain white t-shirt underneath. Quinn heard Rachel laugh and her eyes shifted back to the blond's face which was sporting a cocky smile. A familiar feeling of jealousy swelled up inside Quinn. The girl lifted her arm to brush her bangs aside (Quinn was surprised no hair flip was done) and on her wrist was a very noticeable rainbow bracelet. The cheerleader's eyes narrowed. Plaid, short hair, rainbow - a stereotypical lesbian.
Quinn faced forward, angry and jealous. What did that lesbian think, talking to Rachel? Flirting with her like she had a chance! Rachel wasn't gay! There was Finn and Puck and Jesse to prove otherwise. Rachel couldn't be gay.
"Quinn? You okay?"
The blond blinked, awakening from her thoughts.
"Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. Who was that girl?"
Rachel's eyes widened.
"Wha' girl?"
"The one you were talking to." Quinn spoke as calmly as she could.
"Oh. That's Alex."
Their food came and Rachel quickly began to eat, but Quinn stood watching her.
"Do you know her from somewhere?"
Rachel stopped chewing and looked up. She swallowed.
"Bay's."
"She goes there?" Quinn asked and looked down at her food.
"She 'elps me." Rachel mumbled.
The blond looked back up.
"With what?"
"The exercises."
"I thought you don't need any help." Quinn stated as she began to poke at her meal.
Rachel shrugged and continued eating. No more talking was done throughout the whole meal. Quinn was pretty pissed and Rachel didn't know why.
Even as they were leaving, the blond was still in a very sour and jealous mood. Rachel strayed off and Quinn absently followed.
"Bye, Alex."
Quinn looked to see the girl from before.
"See you later, Rach." Alex then turned to Quinn.
"This is my frien, Quinn."
"Fabray." The cheerleader blurted.
Alex's blue eyes widened. "No way! You're Quinn Fabray! Riley's little sister? I'm Alex Cantos."
Quinn's eyebrows furrowed. The name sounded eerily familiar and the blond didn't know from where.
"How do you know my sister?"
"I was part of her graduating class from Mckinley. How is she?"
"Happily married. With a baby boy on the way." Quinn spoke bitterly.
"Really? Already? Wow. Tell her I said hi."
"She might not remember you."
Alex chuckled. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. I knew your sister."
"Maybe she didn't know you."
"I think we shou' go." Rachel said.
"Okay." Alex responded with a smile.
Quinn and Rachel walked away and exited the restaurant.
"Why were you so mean to her?" Rachel asked offended.
"I don't know know what you're talking about, Berry."
"You were a bitch!" Rachel spoke angrily.
Quinn turned to the brunette.
"Well how dare she think my sister would talk to her, let alone remember her!"
"How do you know who your sister socialized with?"
"Listen, my sister was more of a prude and a Christian than I am. No way would she ever talk to a dyke like her!"
Rachel's jaw dropped.
"Don' call Alex that!"
"Well that's what she is isn't she? A fucking dyke?"
"Quinn!"
"Why do you even talk to her and let her flirt with you? It's gross. She's not only a girl but she's way older than you."
Rachel just shook her head. "Open your car."
The blond unlocked the car and both girls entered.
"Are you going to answer me?"
"Jus' take me home already." Rachel said with her arms crossed.
"Well then answer me."
"Wha' I do in my life is none of your business, Quinn. And she's only 25."
The blond started the car and began driving.
"But she's a lesbian. She's - she's sinful!"
"Oh, I wouldn' even be talkin' Fabray!" Rachel blurted and covered her mouth.
Quinn put both feet on the brake. "What?"
"You - you're talking 'bout sinful and - and look at you. You had a baby before wedlock."
"So? It's not like I'm a queer!"
Rachel shook her head. "Jus' shut up!"
"My sin doesn't even compare to hers."
"You're right. She doesn' try to hide who she is."
Quinn scoffed. "What makes you think I'm hiding who I really am?"
"Jus' take me home already!"
The cheerleader began driving again. Now both girls were angry. However, Rachel was hurt when Quinn began to bash homosexuals. She had thought the pregnancy had changed Quinn. Suddenly, before the car entered the driveway, the blond screeched to a stop again. Rachel turned to her and saw the cheerleaders eyes were wide open.
"Quinn? What's wrong?"
"My sister was a lesbian."
"What?"
"Alex Cantos. I knew I remembered that name. Riley was crying to me once saying that she loved this boy named Alex Cantos but our parents would never understand. I figured it was 'cause he was Catholic, but she said no. It would be something I'd understand when I grew up. Oh man, my sister was a fucking lesbian!"
"M-maybe it was a different one."
Quinn turned to Rachel.
"You think so?"
The brunette shook her head. Quinn let out a sob.
"But you said she's happily married."
"But she dated a girl! And liked it! Loved it!"
"It doesn' mean she's gay, Quinn. Besides, it's not like it's a bad thing."
The cheerleader had set her forehead on the steering wheel and when Rachel finished her sentence, she looked up at the brunette with hate in her eyes.
"Not a bad thing? Do you remember the shit my parents gave me for being pregnant! How they wished I was my sister instead of me? How they praised my sister's perfectness and called me out on my sin? At least I have had relationships with men and not women! I hate her! I'm gonna tell my parents."
"Don't! Don't, Quinn. Don't ruin their view of her."
"Why? They need to see the truth -"
"No! You don't understand the gravity of that statement. Your father, Quinn."
"He always compared me to her, Rachel. I was never good enough. I tried Rachel. I tried. But never! I was never deserving of my father's love!"
"And you think he'll love you after this? After you ruin his image of his daughter?"
"I'm his daughter too!" Quinn cried. "I deserve my daddy's love!"
Rachel stood silent as the blond began to cry. She placed a hand on Quinn's shoulder and began to rub her back.
"Do you wan' to talk about this inside? I'll make some tea." Rachel spoke softly.
Quinn shook her head. "I should get home."
"Quinn."
The cheerleader's reddened hazel eyes turned to Rachel. "Okay."
Author: Me
Length: 2091
Rating: R
Spoilers: Kinda AU, all episodes just to be safe
Summary: Something has been off about Rachel. For a long time. It usually was just forgotten. But, now, it's gotten worse and from what she learns, it's only going to progressively worsen. Is she strong enough to keep fighting?
Warning: This is gonna be pretty angsty. So..if you don't like that, TURN AWAY! But there will be nice parts so...just read it =D
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Quinn had attempted friendship with Rachel throughout the next two weeks, but it all ended the same. Rachel was still pretty distant with her. However, Quinn soon realized that what Rachel wanted was more than what the blond was offering. She didn't mind talking to Rachel and in fact, enjoyed her company, but the girl was Berry after all. Being head cheerleader, Quinn couldn't be more than just secret friends with Rachel. It would be social suicide and she couldn't do that. She had worked so hard to get back to the top and could not just throw it all away for Rachel Berry, could she?
A gust of wind flew by Quinn's sides as two red figures quickly walked past her. She looked down at their hands to see each male holding one slushee. A lump formed in her throat as her eyes followed the slushees all the way to their target: Rachel.
The chilled liquid slapped the brunette in the face. In her moment of blindness, Rachel fell to the ground. The two jocks high-fived each other as the rest of the hallway howled with laughter. Quinn stood frozen by the lockers. Rachel's eyes were clenched shut, but Quinn knew tears were streaming down her cheeks, masked by the blue slushee. Quinn's eyes darted around and it seemed as if all eyes were upon her once again. She began hyperventilating as she saw Rachel's deep brown eyes begged for help.
Quinn shut her eyes and with the turn of her heel, she walked away. She couldn't do it. Her status was everything. If she were to fall again, she would be at the bottom again. Alone. No, with Rachel. With Rachel. The cheerleader shook her head. How could she do this to Rachel? The girl deserves a friend she could depend on. Quinn turned around and began to jog back to the hallway.
Upon arriving, Quinn saw no sign of Rachel on the floor. She looked around and didn't see the tiny brunette. Her eyes zeroed in on the droplets of slushee on the floor. She jogged again, following the liquid to the nearest bathroom. She entered to the sound of sniffling. Rachel's eyes met Quinn's and the brunette ran (more like stumbled) into the nearest stall.
"Rachel," Quinn began. The door slammed shut.
"Go away!" Rachel yelled.
Quinn walked over to the stall.
"Rachel, I'm sorry. Please let me help you."
"You don' wanna 'elp."
The cheerleader sighed. "How do you know what I want to do?"
'I know you better 'an you know yourself."
"Just open the door, Rachel. I promise all I want to do is help you."
"I don' need your help."
Quinn growled. "Quit being so stubborn, Berry and open this damn door!"
The cheerleader pushed the door in a fit of anger and it swung open, revealing a wet and sticky Rachel sitting on the toilet.
"It was open all this time?" Quinn growled again.
"Of course it was open all this time," Rachel mumbled. "If you really wanted t' come in all you had t' do was apply some effort."
The anger faded way from Quinn. Somehow, she had a feeling that what Rachel was referring to wasn't really the door. Quinn stepped in and extended a hand. Rachel's sticky hand accepted it and the brunette was pulled out of the stall.
"I took care o' it."
Quinn set her red duffel on the counter. "Nonsense. I can still see some remnants of the slushee.”
She opened the bag and pulled out a small white towel.
"Quinn."
The cheerleader ran some water over the towel.
"Don't worry. It's clean." Quinn stated and began to dab at Rachel's face.
"I can do it m'self, Quinn." Rachel mumbled softly
Quinn bit her lip as she saw some of the slushee had traveled down Rachel's shirt and left a stain all the way down to her tacky skirt. Quinn handed Rachel the towel.
"You're right. Sorry."
The blonde took a step back.
"Thank you."
Quinn nodded. "Do you have a change of clothes?"
"No. I jus' forgot. God, I'm an idiot."
Quinn rolled her eyes.
"No you're not," she turned to her bag. "Here, you can borrow my cheerio sweats."
Rachel's eyes widened. "You're lettin' me wear your sweats?"
"Yeah," Quinn said and picked up the pants to cover her blush, "now take them before I change my mind."
The brunette took them and stared at Quinn.
"Can you turn 'round?"
"Yeah." Quinn turned around.
She heard the sliding of material and the eventual drop of clothes. Her eyes accidentally turned to the mirror and they happened to fall on Rachel's legs. As the brunette lifted one to slide into the sweats, Quinn noticed a bruise. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger. She quickly turned to face Rachel.
"Who's beating you?"
Rachel squeaked and jumped, colliding with the wall and falling down, one leg in the pants. Quinn shut her eyes.
"Sorry!"
"Wha-what are you talkin' 'bout?"
Quinn opened one eye and saw Rachel fully clothed. She opened the other.
"I - I - I saw the bruise on your leg! Who beat you?"
"No one beat me, Quinn."
The cheerleader scoffed. "You're lying! Who is it?"
"I fell, Quinn."
"That's B.S." She went over to Rachel. "Tell me." Quinn's eyes softened.
"I seriously fell."
"Don't be afraid to tell me."
"Haven' you noticed how clumsy I am? I fell."
Quinn nodded. "But if someone was -"
"I'd tell you."
The blond grinned at being found trustworthy and Rachel found herself smiling as well. Their eyes met, but Quinn quickly looked away.
"Do you need a shirt too?"
"You 'ave an extra one in your bag?"
"Well it's a t-shirt I work out with, but it's clean. I swear."
"You'd let me wear it?"
"I guess."
Quinn went back to her bag and pulled out a dark grey t-shirt with the letters WMHS Cheerios emblazoned on the front. Quinn turned it around.
"Oh. It has Fabray on the back. Maybe you shouldn't wear this."
Rachel frowned. "Why? 'Cause you don' wan' anyone to know you shared clothes wit' me?"
"What? No! I just didn't think you would want to wear it."
Rachel snatched the shirt from Quinn.
"Well I don' have much of a clothing choice, do I? Now can you turn around and not look at me while I'm changin'?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Berry." Quinn muttered as she turned her back towards Rachel.
"You do it fo' me, 'uinn."
The cheerleader would never admit it to anyone, but Rachel sounded adorable when she slurred. Especially when it was Quinn's own name.
After Rachel had changed, Quinn faced her. The clothes were rather large on the brunette.
"I think my clothes are little too tight on you."
Rachel playfully slapped the blond's shoulder and then the bell rang.
"Well, I shou' get to class." Rachel mumbled.
"I'll walk you."
"Really?" Rachel looked up at Quinn with new-found happiness in her eyes.
Quinn looked away and nodded as she put her towel back in her duffel bag.
"Do you want to put your clothes in here?" Quinn asked, pointing to her bag.
"No, it's okay."
The blond zipped up her duffel and swung it across her shoulder.
"Are you going to uh -"
Rachel shook her head and began to head for the door.
"So - so do you want to hang out after school?"
The brunette stopped and turned back to see Quinn biting her lower lip and looking down.
"Don' you have Glee?" Rachel asked.
The blond looked up and walked to her. "Well, yeah, but I can play hooky." with you.
Rachel gave a small smile. "'Kay."
"Great!" Quinn exclaimed, but then instantly tried to deflate her excitement as they headed for the door.
She took a deep breath as Rachel opened the door. Here goes. She wasn't afraid of falling anymore. She didn't care if she hit rock bottom. Not if it meant being there with Rachel. The girl's company wasn't too bad.
-
As soon as the bell to let out school rang, Quinn dashed from the locker rooms to Rachel's classroom.
"What the hell, Fabray?" Santana yelled when Quinn knocked Brittany down on her ass.
The head cheerleader didn't hear Santana and continued running. Brittany stood up, rubbing her butt cheeks. She kissed a fuming Santana on the cheek.
"It's okay, San. Leave her alone. She's in love."
The latina's eyes softened at the realization.
"R-Rachel!" Quinn called making the brunette as well as the students around her flinch.
"Oh, hi, 'uinn."
"So, where do you want to go?" Quinn asked with a grin.
Rachel looked at the blond with confusion.
"What do you mean?"
The cheerleader's smile dropped.
"You - you didn't forget, did you?"
"I thought you would."
"Well I didn't," Quinn mumbled. "So where?"
Rachel began to walk slowly to the exit and Quinn followed, waiting anxiously for the brunette's response.
"Wherever you wan' is fine."
"Come on, Rach." Quinn laughed.
"I'm kinda hungry, I guess."
Quinn nodded eagerly. "Perfect. I know of a vegan restaurant just outside of Lima."
"On no, Quinn, it's -"
"But we have to hurry." Quinn grabbed Rachel's hand and began to pull her to the exit.
The blond would never admit that she googled vegan restaurants on her phone even before she planned to hang out with Rachel. She would never admit how she made sure it was the best of the best. For Rachel. Of course, she also had to make sure it wouldn't burn a hole in her pocket, so some adjustments had to be made (Quinn couldn't afford the best of the best). The blond christian cheerleader would also never admit that the reason she researched vegan restaurants was in case Rachel ever wanted to go to one. With Quinn. As a date. No, not a date, Quinn reminded herself. As a meal with a friend. The blond would never admit to a lot of things.
When the two girls arrived and walked side by side, Quinn wondered how they must look. I should have changed out of my uniform, Quinn thought as they entered.
"Table for two?" The perky greeter asked.
The two girls nodded and he lead them to their table. He set the menus on the table and walked away. Quinn was seated across from Rachel and began to look around. The place looked decent enough. Quinn had expected the place to be overrun with hippie beatnik lesbians or something.
Rachel's eyes scanned the menu, wondering what to eat. It all seemed delicious, but she knew she couldn't try everything. The brunette sighed, finally deciding on some grilled tofu with soba noodles. She looked up to find Quinn staring at the menu as if it was written in some weird foreign language. She saw the blond's eyes darting from left to right and the further she read, the deeper her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Rachel smiled at how endearing the blond looked; she half expected Quinn to turn the menu upside down.
"Need 'elp?" Rachel asked with a smile.
Quinn looked up, her eyes begging. "Please? I don't know what anything is."
"Wan' me to make a suggestion?"
The blond nodded.
"I wou' try the Porcini Mushroo' Soup."
"I don't like mushrooms."
Rachel chuckled then looked back at the menu.
"Wha' about the Matchstick Pasta?"
"Um, yeah, it sounds good. What are you getting?"
"Soba noodles with tofu. Now if you'll excuse me, I 'ave to go to the restroom."
"Okay." Quinn said.
The waiter than came over with glasses of water and Quinn gave both their orders. When he left, the blond's cell phone buzzed on the glass table. She picked it up and saw Santana had texted her.
Where are u?
The cheerleader just put the phone on her lap. She didn't want to distract herself with the text message when she was supposed to be out with Rachel. Her phone vibrated twice. She picked it up.
Q? Where are you?? From Brittany.
Hey ur w Berry huh? Hahahah From Santana.
Quinn scowled and began to punch out a response when her phone started to vibrate continuously.
San says you're with Rachel! Cute! :) Brittany
Whoa, u went lesbo? Lemme watch! ;] Puck
Quinn! Wat's up wit u n Rach? Mercedes
Welcome 2 da gay club! <3 Kurt
Hey mom im gonna b coming home L8 Finn
Quinn's eyebrows furrowed.
Sorry Quinn. I ment 2 send that 2 my mom.
The blond rolled her eyes. Leave it to Finn to be clueless. She went to her last message.
Btw is it tru yr w/ Rachel?
The blond let out a growl and turned off her phone. She was so going to kick Santana's ass for this. She turned to the restroom sign and saw Rachel talking to someone. At first Quinn thought nothing of it, but then saw Rachel smile and blush. Quinn's eyes darted to the girl next to Rachel.
Her hair was blond, cropped short, and styled in a way that reminded Quinn of Justin Bieber. She towered over Rachel (then again who didn't), but she looked taller than Brittany as well. The stranger was wearing an unbuttoned red plaid shirt, revealing a plain white t-shirt underneath. Quinn heard Rachel laugh and her eyes shifted back to the blond's face which was sporting a cocky smile. A familiar feeling of jealousy swelled up inside Quinn. The girl lifted her arm to brush her bangs aside (Quinn was surprised no hair flip was done) and on her wrist was a very noticeable rainbow bracelet. The cheerleader's eyes narrowed. Plaid, short hair, rainbow - a stereotypical lesbian.
Quinn faced forward, angry and jealous. What did that lesbian think, talking to Rachel? Flirting with her like she had a chance! Rachel wasn't gay! There was Finn and Puck and Jesse to prove otherwise. Rachel couldn't be gay.
"Quinn? You okay?"
The blond blinked, awakening from her thoughts.
"Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. Who was that girl?"
Rachel's eyes widened.
"Wha' girl?"
"The one you were talking to." Quinn spoke as calmly as she could.
"Oh. That's Alex."
Their food came and Rachel quickly began to eat, but Quinn stood watching her.
"Do you know her from somewhere?"
Rachel stopped chewing and looked up. She swallowed.
"Bay's."
"She goes there?" Quinn asked and looked down at her food.
"She 'elps me." Rachel mumbled.
The blond looked back up.
"With what?"
"The exercises."
"I thought you don't need any help." Quinn stated as she began to poke at her meal.
Rachel shrugged and continued eating. No more talking was done throughout the whole meal. Quinn was pretty pissed and Rachel didn't know why.
Even as they were leaving, the blond was still in a very sour and jealous mood. Rachel strayed off and Quinn absently followed.
"Bye, Alex."
Quinn looked to see the girl from before.
"See you later, Rach." Alex then turned to Quinn.
"This is my frien, Quinn."
"Fabray." The cheerleader blurted.
Alex's blue eyes widened. "No way! You're Quinn Fabray! Riley's little sister? I'm Alex Cantos."
Quinn's eyebrows furrowed. The name sounded eerily familiar and the blond didn't know from where.
"How do you know my sister?"
"I was part of her graduating class from Mckinley. How is she?"
"Happily married. With a baby boy on the way." Quinn spoke bitterly.
"Really? Already? Wow. Tell her I said hi."
"She might not remember you."
Alex chuckled. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. I knew your sister."
"Maybe she didn't know you."
"I think we shou' go." Rachel said.
"Okay." Alex responded with a smile.
Quinn and Rachel walked away and exited the restaurant.
"Why were you so mean to her?" Rachel asked offended.
"I don't know know what you're talking about, Berry."
"You were a bitch!" Rachel spoke angrily.
Quinn turned to the brunette.
"Well how dare she think my sister would talk to her, let alone remember her!"
"How do you know who your sister socialized with?"
"Listen, my sister was more of a prude and a Christian than I am. No way would she ever talk to a dyke like her!"
Rachel's jaw dropped.
"Don' call Alex that!"
"Well that's what she is isn't she? A fucking dyke?"
"Quinn!"
"Why do you even talk to her and let her flirt with you? It's gross. She's not only a girl but she's way older than you."
Rachel just shook her head. "Open your car."
The blond unlocked the car and both girls entered.
"Are you going to answer me?"
"Jus' take me home already." Rachel said with her arms crossed.
"Well then answer me."
"Wha' I do in my life is none of your business, Quinn. And she's only 25."
The blond started the car and began driving.
"But she's a lesbian. She's - she's sinful!"
"Oh, I wouldn' even be talkin' Fabray!" Rachel blurted and covered her mouth.
Quinn put both feet on the brake. "What?"
"You - you're talking 'bout sinful and - and look at you. You had a baby before wedlock."
"So? It's not like I'm a queer!"
Rachel shook her head. "Jus' shut up!"
"My sin doesn't even compare to hers."
"You're right. She doesn' try to hide who she is."
Quinn scoffed. "What makes you think I'm hiding who I really am?"
"Jus' take me home already!"
The cheerleader began driving again. Now both girls were angry. However, Rachel was hurt when Quinn began to bash homosexuals. She had thought the pregnancy had changed Quinn. Suddenly, before the car entered the driveway, the blond screeched to a stop again. Rachel turned to her and saw the cheerleaders eyes were wide open.
"Quinn? What's wrong?"
"My sister was a lesbian."
"What?"
"Alex Cantos. I knew I remembered that name. Riley was crying to me once saying that she loved this boy named Alex Cantos but our parents would never understand. I figured it was 'cause he was Catholic, but she said no. It would be something I'd understand when I grew up. Oh man, my sister was a fucking lesbian!"
"M-maybe it was a different one."
Quinn turned to Rachel.
"You think so?"
The brunette shook her head. Quinn let out a sob.
"But you said she's happily married."
"But she dated a girl! And liked it! Loved it!"
"It doesn' mean she's gay, Quinn. Besides, it's not like it's a bad thing."
The cheerleader had set her forehead on the steering wheel and when Rachel finished her sentence, she looked up at the brunette with hate in her eyes.
"Not a bad thing? Do you remember the shit my parents gave me for being pregnant! How they wished I was my sister instead of me? How they praised my sister's perfectness and called me out on my sin? At least I have had relationships with men and not women! I hate her! I'm gonna tell my parents."
"Don't! Don't, Quinn. Don't ruin their view of her."
"Why? They need to see the truth -"
"No! You don't understand the gravity of that statement. Your father, Quinn."
"He always compared me to her, Rachel. I was never good enough. I tried Rachel. I tried. But never! I was never deserving of my father's love!"
"And you think he'll love you after this? After you ruin his image of his daughter?"
"I'm his daughter too!" Quinn cried. "I deserve my daddy's love!"
Rachel stood silent as the blond began to cry. She placed a hand on Quinn's shoulder and began to rub her back.
"Do you wan' to talk about this inside? I'll make some tea." Rachel spoke softly.
Quinn shook her head. "I should get home."
"Quinn."
The cheerleader's reddened hazel eyes turned to Rachel. "Okay."