fic: Ambitions Trilogy Deleted Scene Three: Meeting the Parents
Title: Ambitions Trilogy Deleted Scene Three: Meeting the Parents
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/OFC, Beth, Puck, Abby, Brittany, Mike/OFC
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Rachel and Santana decide it's time to tell Beth who exactly her birth parents are.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~6,600
Spoilers: Previous parts of this series. Ambitions part One & Two, especially.
A/N: So here's the third "deleted scene" from part two. Reminder, if there's something you wanted to see or know about, let me know and I'll do what I can to write it.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist| Part One: To Make an End is to Make a Beginning | Part Two: I Can, Therefore I Am
Autumn 2033
Still having a key, Beth lets herself into the apartment. She can’t believe she left her cell phone charger here. It must have been the excitement of Santana’s announcement. No one should be at home, but Beth tries to keep quiet anyway. She knows that once in a while Rachel or Santana will come home for lunch, just to get a moment of peace and she doesn’t want to disturb that.
Walking past the master bedroom, Beth hears Rachel and Santana arguing. She can’t help, but pause since she can count on one hand the amount of times she heard them having a legit fight like it sounds like they’re having now.
“San, we need to figure this out.”
“Do we have to do it right now?”
“When would you suggest we do it then?” Rachel asks.
“I don’t know. I like never. How about then?”
“San,” Rachel huffs. “You know I’m right.”
“Of course you are, dear, aren’t you always?”
“Ignoring your tone,” Rachel replies. “The answer is yes, I am.”
“If they haven’t attempted contact yet, then maybe they never will.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Of course I don’t know that, Rach,” Santana retorts. “I barely understood how their brains worked when we kept in contact.”
“So what? You just want to leave things as they are and hope for the best? Don’t you think that’s a bit dangerous?”
“Dangerous? Hardly. Unwise? Maybe.”
“I’d just feel better if we were the ones to tell her,” Rachel says.
“If I wasn’t running for governor, this wouldn’t be a concern,” Santana replies.
“Yes, San,” Rachel says, her tone sarcastic. “This whole thing is entirely your fault.”
“I’m allowed to wallow for a moment, Rach,” Santana tells her. “Besides, I noticed how you didn’t dispute my statement.”
“Because it’s paretly true,” Rachel replies. “But lamenting about it doesn’t change the fact that we both know with your blossoming career, the story is going to come up again and again.”
“Yeah, well it wasn’t my idea to use Beth or Abby as political gains.”
“It wasn’t my idea either,” Rachel retorts. “It was Collins. Which is why you fired him and got a new campaign manager. But the damage had already been done, so to speak.”
Beth hears Santana sigh and then silence. Her curiosity has escalated insanely. Worried, the conversation is over, she’s just about to high tail it out of there when Rachel begins speaking again.
“I really do feel like telling her now is a smart move.”
“I really think you’re making a problem before we need to.”
“San, every minute we don’t tell her, is a problem. Shelby might have done an excellent job with them, but she put us in a horrible position by insisting we keep this a secret. It’s been hanging over us from the second dinner we’ve had with them. I’m tired of it and I really don’t want it to blow up on us later.”
“Fine,” Santana sighs. “What do you want me to do?”
“I’ll take care of it,” Rachel replies. “I mean technically since she was my mother, it’s all my fault. Right?”
Beth is so busy trying to figure out what the hell they’re talking about, that she misses the sound of footsteps. The door swings open and Beth knows she’s screwed.
…
Rachel is extremely surprised to find Beth on the other side of their door. She looks like a deer caught in headlights, so Rachel’s pretty sure she overheard almost, if not everything.
“Hey Rachel.”
“Hi Beth. What brings you by?”
“Forgot my phone charger.” She holds it up. “But I found it. So I’ll just be on our way.”
Rachel sighs. “How much did you hear?”
Beth shrugs. “Most of it?”
Rachel looks back to Santana who checking her email on her phone. “You got some time?”
Santana nods.
“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Rachel says.
Beth follows Rachel into the kitchen as Santana stands and follows as well.
“So you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on. Right?”
Beth nods.
“Well, as you know, Shelby sought me out in high school sooner than she was supposed to. And it didn’t end so well for our relationship. It was, however, when she decided to adopt you. From a pregnant teenager mother.”
“I know all this,” Beth says. “So what? My parents kept tabs on me?”
“Not exactly. Well, maybe I don’t know,” Rachel replies. “We never really talked about it.”
“Then why are you suddenly so worried about them contacting me?”
“Your birth mother was Santana’s best friend in high school. Your birth father was mine.”
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that.”
“Santana and I know exactly who your birth parents are,” Rachel says. “We were friends with them in high school.”
“And you just suddenly decided to tell me?”
“Shelby asked us to keep quiet about it until you were eighteen. If you asked after that, we were to speak freely.”
“And then there’s this whole governor thing,” Santana adds. “Rach and I are just worried that they’re going to contact you. I mean, I’m sure hearing all those ridiculous reports about how we’re raising you guys is getting to them, well to Quinn, anyway.”
“Quinn?”
“Quinn Fabray and Noah Puckerman.”
“Wait, a minute? Noah? You mean, Puck? The lead singer from Guys in Vans, who you sang the duet with?”
Rachel nods.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Beth closes her eyes and takes several deep breaths. When she opens her eyes, she doesn’t seem much calmer. “Is that why you didn’t want us to come to LA with you?”
“It’s not the only reason,” Rachel replies.
“I can’t believe you would keep this from me!”
“We didn’t think it would be fair to dump all that on you right after Shelby passed,” Santana defends. “Besides, we gave your mother our word that we wouldn’t say anything about it before you were eighteen. And we keep our promises.”
“Do you really think you would have been able to deal with all that?” Rachel asks, gently.
“Well, no,” Beth pouts. “But you could have told me sooner.”
“We were trying to gauge your interest in knowing,” Rachel replies. “San and I honestly thought that with Shelby gone that maybe you’d be more interested, but you never seemed to be.”
“So what? Now that she’s going to be governor, you felt it was time?”
“Or we were concerned they might make a move and we wanted to circumvent a terrible situation,” Santana says. “Despite not having talked to Quinn in decades, I know this has to be killing her. I also know the only reason she hasn’t done anything to contact you is that Brittany convinced her not to.”
“Why would she do that?”
“Because we think everything will go better if you’re given all the information and allowed to make your own choices,” Santana explains. “If some random blonde shows up claiming to be your mother, what would you do?”
Beth shrugs.
“I know this is a lot to take in,” Rachel says. “So if you want to meet them, then we can help facilitate it. And we can be there or not. Whatever you want.”
“I need... time,” Beth says finally. “I’ll call you guys.”
“Okay. Of course. Anytime,” Rachel replies.
“Bye,” Beth says, distractedly.
…
Mike is surprised when he sees the name Beth Corcoran pop up on his phone. She has his number mainly for emergencies and vice versa. Mike feels a wave of cold wash over him. He hopes nothing has happened to Rachel or Santana.
"Hello?"
“You knew Rachel and Santana in high school, right?” Beth says when Mike answers.
He’s a bit taken aback, but goes with it. “I did.”
“Then that means you know my birth parents.”
“Uh… yeah. I did. I do. I… they decided to tell you?”
“Sorta,” Beth replies. “They were discussing how to tell me and I overheard them. Rachel was forced to explain.”
“Ah.”
“So you knew Noah and Quinn?”
“I did,” Mike nods. “We were all in glee together.”
“Oh. Well, were they nice?”
Mike gulps. “They could be.”
“Oh.”
Mike sighs. “Do you want to stop by?” he asks. “We don’t have to talk about it. You can just watch TV with CJ and me.”
The pause is so long that Mike wonders if his cell dropped the call. Then finally, “Yeah. Yeah, that’d be nice.”
…
"We fucked up," Rachel says as the front door slams shut.
"I just think that was incredibly unlucky," Santana replies, still checking her email.
"You have to go, don't you?"
Santana sighs. "Yeah, babe. Sorry. But you were going to handle this anyway, right?"
"I was. So, you go. It'll be fine. I hope."
"Things have a way of working out," Santana says. She gives Rachel a quick kiss before hurrying out the door.
…
When Zoe arrives home, she's surprised to find Beth Corcoran making dinner with Mike.
"Hey guys," she says warily.
"Oh hi, Zo," Mike greets. "Beth just got some life changing news, so I told her she could have dinner with us."
"Um… all right."
"Sorry," Beth shrugs. "I just… didn't know where else I could go."
"It's fine, Beth, really," Zoe says. "Mike says things are complicated for you."
"Apparently quite the understatement," Beth mutters.
"It'll all work out, kiddo," Mike tells her.
"If you say so, Mike," Beth replies. "If you say so."
…
When Beth finally heads home, it's late and she feels like she took up too much of Mike's time. She tries to apologizes, but he just hugs her and tells her she's always welcome. She smiles nervously and thanks him before slipping out the door.
Beth feels calmer about the situation, but still utterly confused. She supposes it's because she didn't ask Mike any of the questions that are swirling around her brain. She wanted to, but didn't feel comfortable. It's her, not Mike; Beth knows he'd do his best to answer her questions, but for some reason, she doesn't want his answers.
This is what prompts her to call Brittany. With the time difference, Beth figures the blonde is probably just getting home from work. And she did say, Beth and Abby could call her anytime about anything. It's almost as if Brittany knew something like this would happen. Then again, she seems to understand certain things so much quicker than everyone else.
She waits until she's home to call, scrolling through her contact list as she builds up the courage to make the call. But her thumb hits the call button before she feels ready and suddenly it's ringing.
Brittany picks up right before the voicemail kicks in.
"Uh, hu, yeah it's Beth. Corcoran?"
"I know who you are Beth," Brittany chuckles. "What's up?"
"Uh, I'm sorry for calling," Beth replies. "But I have all these questions and I don't know who else to ask."
"Okay."
"So today I overheard Rach and Santana talking about my birth parents," Beth starts.
"Oh."
"And then when they caught me, they had to explain," Beth continues.
"If they explained--"
"I know, right," Beth interrupts. "I guess I don't have questions , more like just one question."
"Which is?" Brittany asks.
"Should I contact them?"
"Oh."
Brittany is quiet for so long that Beth lets out an exasperated, "Well?"
"I'm thinking."
"Okay."
"Let me as you a few questions," Brittany says finally."
"All right."
"Do you want to meet them?"
"Uh… I don't know," Beth answers. "I mean before I kinda did, but I was worried of being rejected. You know? But now…"
"Do you feel better or worse now that you know?"
"Worse," Beth replies. "I mean you all kept this from me for years--"
"I meant about your birth parents," Brittany interrupts.
"Oh. Um, better?" Since I know the possibility of rejection is much lower."
"True."
"I mean, Rach said she had to warn Noah away from me."
"She did indeed," Brittany confirms. "We all felt that it was too soon. Besides, technically, it wasn't allowed."
"I hate that mom did that," Beth says.
"Hey, they signed an agreement," Brittany explains. "And Shelby was reacting off of her own messy situation with Rachel."
"I know," Beth sighs.
"Listen, kiddo," Brittany says. "I can't guarantee what their response will be. But I do know that they've thought about you every day since Shelby adopted you. Plus one of their first questions about you is whether or not you're happy."
"Okay."
"And if you do decide to meet them, you know me or Rach or San would go with you if you wanted."
"I know."
"How about this? You write them an email?" Brittany suggests. "Send it to me and then I'll forward it to them. I think a phone call would just be too much."
"Yeah."
"And then if I don't get an email from you, that'll be you saying you're not ready to meet them. Okay?"
"Yeah. That… I like that plan," Beth says.
"Maybe you should talk to Abby about this?"
"I don't know," Beth replies. "I guess I feel bad since her dad died and her mom ran off."
"You think you'll hurt her feelings?" Brittany asks.
"Well not exactly," Beth says. "More like I'm bringing up painful memories for her and then rubbing salt in the wounds, with my problems."
"Oh. You don't think enough time as has passed?"
Beth sighs. "Probably. I'm probably way over thinking this."
"It's possible," Brittany agrees.
"All right. Maybe I'll talk to Abby tomorrow," Beth says. "And I'll think about the email thing."
"Sounds good."
"Thanks Brittany."
"No problem, kiddo."
…
Beth apprehensively knocks on the apartment door. A few moments later the door is opened by Rachel.
“Beth,” she greets as she steps aside. “Why didn’t you use your key?”
“Well I know Sunday morning is your time together,” Beth explains.
“Didn’t want to walk in on anything, you mean?” Santana says from her spot at the table.
“Yeah,” Beth blushes
“So what’s up kid?” Santana asks.
“I decided I want to meet them,” Beth explains.
“Okay.”
“And I was hoping maybe Rach would come with,” Beth continues. “I’d like you both to be there, but I know your schedule is kinda hectic right now.”
“It is indeed,” Santana agrees.
“Of course I’ll be there,” Rachel says.
“Good,” Beth replies. “Between you and Abby I hopefully won’t panic too much.”
“So when and where is this happening?” Santana asks.
“I don’t know,” Beth says. “I emailed them, so we’ll see if they actually write back.”
“How’d you get their emails?” Rachel asks.
“Brittany,” Santana volunteers.
Beth nods. “Are you mad?”
“Course not, kid,” Santana says. “B’s a good neutral party in all this.”
“Good point,” Rachel agrees.
“You think they’ll want to meet?” Beth asks.
“Oh yeah,” Rachel replies. “I know Noah will. And Quinn will after she thinks about it too much.”
“And you’ll really fly out to Chicago with me?” Beth questions.
“If that’s where you’re meeting them, then yes.”
“It’ll be expensive,” Beth tries.
“We can afford it,” Rachel counters.
“Because Santana is a big shot Politian?” Beth asks.
“Actually because Rachel is a Broadway legend,” Santana answers.
“I’m definitely not a legend,” Rachel says. “But money isn’t an issue.”
“Oh, well, good, I guess.”
…
It’s Saturday and Quinn’s had a great morning. Kate woke up in a frisky mood and they used up all the hot water in the shower. The four of them made pancakes for breakfast and then cleaned up together.
Currently Kate is out running errands. Matthew is at Lacrosse practice while James is hanging out at his best friend, Kyle’s house. This leaves Quinn to leisurely read the news online and check her email.
Seeing an email from Brittany, Quinn opens it, wondering what she’s up to. She opens it and her smile quickly fades.
Hey guys,
As you may already know, Santana is running for governor of New York. Because of this, both Rachel and Santana thought it might be time for Beth to know the specifics of how we are all intertwined in relation to her birth.
After learning this, Beth asked me to forward an email to you both. So here it is.
Not sure she wants to read it, her eyes act without her permission and she finds herself reading Beth’s words.
Hello,
My name is Beth Corcoran, I’m 23 and you’re my birth parents. I suppose you already know this, but I have no idea how to start a letter like this.
Rachel and Santana explained a lot of things, but I’d still really like the chance to meet and talk with you both.
I understand if you’d rather not. High school was a long time again for both of you and I know meeting me might seem like dredging up the past. But I’d really like the chance to at least meet you. You can meet my sister and reconnect with Rach if you want.
I realize this is a lot to throw at you all at once. So take your time and if you want to get a hold of me, Brittany has my number and email.
Sincerely,
Beth
And then under that is another short note from Brittany.
I know this is a lot to take in, guys. Feel free to call, write, whatever if you need to.
Also, you guys need to talk. CALL EACH OTHER!
Quinn - 708-987-6543 P - 310-123-4567
It’s a moment she’s dreamed about for years, but now that it’s here, she’s not sure how to feel about it. Beth’s an adult. It’s not like she’s looking for her parents because her adopted ones suck. She’s just curious. Which Quinn supposes is better, there’s no pressure for either of them.
But she’s got her own life now, a life she’s really happy in. Meeting Beth almost seems like a step back. She also worries how James and Matthew will respond. Just because she didn’t give birth to them, doesn’t mean she doesn’t think of them as her own.
And Puck. Oh god. Quinn actually groans out loud.
She knows it’s been years and that Puck’s band actually ended up being pretty successful, but a little part of her will always think of him as the douchbag that got her drunk and then knocked her up.
She knows Britt said she should call her, but she’s not sure if she can or wants to.
…
Surprisingly, Puck solves the problem for her, calling a few hours later.
“Hey.”
“Hi Quinn.”
“Read the email, did you?”
“Why else would I be calling?”
“Right.”
“What do you think?” he asks.
“I don’t know.”
“I want to meet her,” he says.
“Yeah?”
“I always have,” Puck replies. “She’s the only kid I’m ever gonna have and even if she’s not really mine, anymore, I still want to meet her.”
Quinn sighs. “Yeah. I understand that.”
“But you don’t want to?”
“I do. I just worry. We have lives we like. We’ve moved on. Why rock the boat?”
“Or we could finally close that chapter of our lives,” Puck argues.
“Maybe.”
They both fall silent.
“Well I’m doing it,” Puck says, eventually. “I understand if you can’t, but I’m gonna if that helps.”
“Maybe,” Quinn admits. “I gotta talk to Kate. And the boys.”
Puck chuckles.
“What?” Quinn asks, defensive.
“You have the life you always wanted,” he replies. “I think it’s great.”
“Thanks Puckerman.”
“I know you need time, but maybe call me tomorrow night?” Puck asks.
“Okay,” Quinn agrees.
…
Katherine Renee Black is the oldest of three children born to Kevin and Jamie Minter. There’s an eight year difference between her and her sister, Lisa and an eleven year difference between her and her brother, Paul. She grew up doing well in most things and graduated 14th out of 347 students.
In college she majored in Industrial Engineering, graduated towards the top of her class and was able to find employment at a bio medical facility.
She met Ted Black while she was still in college, though things didn’t really become serious for several years. When he eventually proposed over dinner one night, Kate was caught off guard, not thinking he was ready for such a commitment.
James was born a few weeks after their second anniversary. Matthew came two years later.
And then one Saturday when James was three and Matthew sixteen months old, Kate woke up alone in bed. The house was silent and for some reason, Kate just knew that Ted was gone.
The note he left for her on the dresser simply read, Kate, I’m sorry. I tired, but I just can’t anymore. Ted
Examining the room reveals that he’d packed several suitcases and took off.
Trying to explain to her sons that their father was never coming back was difficult and it took several years for that fact to really sink in.
When Kate meets Quinn a year later, she’s instantly drawn to her. It’s probably why, despite the warning alarms that were going off in Kate’s head about Quinn’s commitment level, the relationship continued. Kate considers herself lucky; she knows most mother of two wouldn’t have stuck around for so long and gotten such perfect results.
…
Quinn is lying in bed when Kate returns.
“What’s wrong?”
“They told her.”
“Who?”
Quinn sits up. “Brittany forwarded me an email from Beth,” Quinn explains. “Seems that S and Berry told her the truth.”
“Oh.”
“She wants to meet us,” Quinn continues. “Me and Puck.”
“Do you want to meet her?” Kate asks.
“I… I don’t know. I think so. I just don’t know,” Quinn replies. “Part of me feels that it’s taking a huge step backwards. And it’s not like she wanted to meet us before. It’s as if knowing our identities made her want to meet us.”
“Or she did before, but didn’t know where to start,” Kate tries.
“Maybe.”
“Would you fly out there?” Kate asks.
“Probably,” Quinn replies. “I mean maybe she and Berry could fly out here.”
“Maybe that would make you more comfortable,” Kate suggests.
“True. I’m sure Puck would be okay with it.”
“It can’t hurt to ask.”
…
Quinn makes up her mind much quicker than she thought she would. So when she calls Puck Sunday night, she already knows her decision.
“Hey Q,” Puck answers.
“Puck.”
“So you decide yet?”
“Believe it or not, yes,” Quinn replies.
“No shit. I thought for sure you’d over think it for a bit longer.”
“Well then I guess I’m just full of surprises, huh?”
Puck chuckles. “You’re always gonna be defensive around me, Q, aren’t you?”
“If you’re always going to be a moron,” Quinn retorts.
“So what’s the plan?”
“Why is it my job to come up with a plan?” Quinn asks.
“Because I know you already did,” Puck replies.
“Fine,” Quinn growls. “You’re right. I'm hoping maybe Berry could fly out with Beth and we’d all meet here, at my house one afternoon.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” Quinn nods. “I figure it’s easier for them to fly out here, especially since I don’t think I can do this without Kate. And you’re certainly flexible enough that you could be here whenever, so I think it just makes sense.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“Good. I’ll email Britt. Okay?”
“Sounds good, Q.”
…
It takes a number of emails, but eventually a meeting time is set up and tickets are bought. Being the mediator of the whole thing, Brittany wonders why they don’t just email each other. Or better yet, why they don’t just call each other.
But it seems that Beth, Quinn and Puck all want to keep all sort of contact to a minimum until they meet face to face.
…
“Nervous?”
“What do you think, Puck?”
“Right. Stupid question.”
Quinn’s not entirely sure that meeting at her house is a good idea, but it’s too late now. Besides, the feeling of having home field advantage is really calming her nerves.
The boys are upstairs doing homework and Kate is in kitchen.
Rachel and Beth aren’t due for another thirty minutes, but Quinn’s willing to bet they show up in fifteen minutes; assuming Rachel’s still a stickler for showing up early. Puck keeps muttering that he could use a drink, but Quinn ignores him. It’s too early in the day for that. Besides, alcohol is the cause of all of this.
…
The doorbell rings exactly seventeen minutes later and Quinn feels reassured that some things never change. Nervously, she goes to answer it.
Quinn opens the door to find an immaculately dressed Rachel Berry, looking every bit the Broadway star/politian’s wife she is. If Quinn wasn’t expecting her, she wouldn’t have thought it was Rachel standing on her doorstep.
Next to her stands a young blonde looking achingly familiar and extremely nervous. And next to her is brunette that looks eerily like Rachel.
“Hello Quinn,” Rachel says. “I see time has treated you well.”
“I could say the same to you, Berry.”
“Do we hug?”
“Uh…”
Rachel just shakes her head and pulls Quinn in for a quick hug.
“And this,” Rachel says, once they step apart. “Is Beth.”
“Hi.”
“Hi. I’m Quinn. Obviously.”
“And that one at the end is Abby.”
“Hi.”
“Nice to meet you. Why don’t you guys come in?”
Rachel enters first, with Beth and Abby trotting after. Quinn closes the door and follows them into the living room.
There she finds Rachel being lifted off the ground by a bear hug from Puck. Once he sets her down, Rachel introduces Beth and Abby.
It’s awkward until Kate enters with a tray of lemonade which she sets on the coffee table. She introduces herself, shaking everyone’s hand.
They all sit and sip lemonade. Beth sits on the couch between Rachel and Abby. Puck leans against the fire place while Quinn sits in the other chair as Kate sits on the arm. It’s quiet until Kate breaks the tension.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “But I just have to say I’m a huge fan. Left Behind is one of my favorite songs.”
“Thank you,” Rachel says. “Though Noah wrote it.”
“Yeah, but the two of you sound great together. You completely deserved the Grammy for it.”
“Well, thank you. I appreciate it.”
The tension returns as everyone sips their lemonade.
“There has to be something one of you wants to say,” Rachel says, finally. “Or ask.”
“Who?” Puck asks.
“Anyone,” Rachel replies. “You guys wanted to meet, so that implies that you have something you want to know.”
“Maybe we just wanted to meet,” Quinn says. “To see… how things are.”
Rachel just nods as they all fall quiet again.
"So Quinn tells me you were all in glee club together?" Kate tries, the silence becoming too much.
"We were," Rachel nods. "Have you heard Quinn sing? I remember her being rather good."
"High praise indeed, Berry," Quinn remarks.
"Why do you call her that?" Abby asks.
"What?"
"Why do you call Rach, Berry?" Abby presses.
Quinn looks mildly embarrassed.
"An old habit I'm sure," Rachel throws out. "She did in high school. It's nice that some things don't change."
"But why?" Abby asks.
"It doesn't matter," Rachel tells her.
"It's weird," Abby whispers.
"You're weird," Beth retorts.
"You're weirder."
Rachel sighs. "Really guys? Now?"
"You know what?" Kate interjects. "Why don't Rachel, Abby and I go into the kitchen? Maybe Puck could join us?"
"What? No way, I--"
"Stand up, Noah," Rachel snaps. She turns to Beth. "Okay?"
She nods.
Rachel stands and waits for Puck to head into the kitchen first, Rachel follows, dragging Abby with as Kate kisses Quinn lightly and then leaves.
"I can't tell if this is going to be more awkward now or not," Beth quips.
"About the same, I think." Quinn leans forward a bit. "Shelby was a good mom?"
Beth nods. "Listen, I'm not here to demand anything. I just… I've always been curious. Who wouldn't be? But I thought since you gave me up as a teenager, that maybe I was just something in your past. I didn't want to risk the rejection."
"Understandable."
"And then when I found out… well, everything, you just become so much more real. Not just an idea or a concept." Beth sighs. "When I was growing up, Shelby never pretended I wasn't adopted. Sure, it might have been obvious, me being so blonde and her not, but when you're a kid, you don't see those differences, you just see the person you've been calling mom for, well, for as long as you can remember. And the idea that there's actually another person out there that's technically your mother too, well it's a lot to wrap your head around. You know?"
"I can imagine."
"And your first thought is to worry about what made you so horrible that your own mother can just hand you over to someone else. To wonder what you did just after you've being brought into the world… But then someone explains things a bit more and it makes sense. You understand that it was done out of love, of wanting something for you that she couldn't give you. It takes a long time to do that."
"Beth, I--"
"But even then the idea of a birth mother is more of an idea, a story, something about yourself that you know is true, but you don't really fully comprehend. You wonder if understanding it would help you understand yourself better. Is meeting your genetic makers going to shed more light on who you are, who you're becoming. Your birth mother may hold the key to so many things about yourself that you're still figuring out.
"And then I realized that the fact that you gave me blonde hair has little to do with me as a person, well, as who I've become. Because while you might have gotten me started. Shelby is the one who taught me to talk, that loved me totally, even if I can't carry a tune. Nearly everything that I am is because of her, not because of you.
"And I'm not saying this to hurt you," Beth says. "I swear. I just… I want you to understand where I'm coming from. Because while I'll admit I've always wondered, it really wasn't until you became a real person, with a name, an identity, history… that I wanted to meet you. To see where I began and maybe to see what you've become."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry," Beth says. "I shouldn't have said all that."
"No," Quinn sighs. "It's good. I guess. I mean, I was sort of curious why you're apparently just now showing interest."
"Is that why you agreed to meet?"
"It's not the only reason."
"Why did you agree to meet me then?" Beth asks.
Quinn sighs again. "I don't know. Part of me wanted to see you, what you've become, verify that I made the right choice. Maybe now I can feel completely at ease about it. You changed my life, Beth. Even though I gave you up, the very act of your conception and birth changed me, maybe even made me a better person. I think I'll always be grateful for that. I was becoming someone I didn't necessarily like, but I couldn't see a way out of it. You were the way."
"Oh."
…
"Noah, you're making me dizzy."
Puck stops his pacing. "Sorry, Rach. The wait is killing me. I don't see why I had to leave the room too."
"It's a chick thing," Abby pipes up.
Kate covers up a chuckle with a cough.
"She's right, Noah," Rachel says. "The mother daughter relationship is a complicated thing. It's best to just stay out of it."
Puck returns to his pacing, muttering about all the bossy, know-it-all women in his life.
…
"What about him?" Beth asks Quinn.
"Who? Puck? Berry might be a better one to ask about Puck. Except for the topic of you, we haven't talked since we graduated."
"Oh."
"You really never met him?" Quinn asks.
"I think Rachel thought it'd be best to keep us apart."
Quinn nods. "She was probably right. Puck has grown up some, but there are still some things…"
"Yeah, Rachel's filled me in on a few things."
"Don't get down on him too much," Quinn says. "When it first happened, I thought for sure he'd be a deadbeat about it, but he totally tried to step up. He tried to do right by you. It's just neither of us were really ready for that."
"I know," Beth replies. "I'm not mad."
…
"I can't take this waiting anymore, bro," Puck says.
Rachel sighs and turns to Kate. "You wanna go check on them?"
"Why me?"
"Quinn's always going to be a bit skittish around me, I think."
"All right."
…
"So now what?"
"What do you mean?" Beth asks.
"What's the next step?"
"I don't know if there is a next step," Beth replies. "Do you want there to be a next step?"
"I don't know," Quinn answers. "Do you?"
"Are you asking me if I want to keep in touch?"
…
"…keep in touch?"
"Uh guys?"
Beth and Quinn look up to find Kate in the doorway.
"I hate to interrupt, but the natives are getting restless. So to speak."
"You mean Puck?" Quinn asks.
Kate nods.
Quinn looks at Beth for a moment. "Tell him to relax. It'll just be a minute. Right?"
Beth nods.
"Okay."
…
A few moments later, Quinn enters the kitchen and tells Puck to go talk to Beth. Once he leaves, she sinks into a kitchen chair.
"So how are things, Berry?"
"They're just fine. How about you?" Rachel asks.
"Can't complain."
"That's good."
"How's San?"
"Busy," Rachel replies.
"That's how she likes it," Quinn says.
Rachel nods.
"So you really went to high school with Rachel and Santana?" Abby interrupts.
"I did."
"Did you know Mike Chang?" Abby asks.
Quinn nods. "I did."
"Oh. Cool. And Brittany?"
"She was one of my best friends," Quinn says.
"Cool."
Quinn is waiting for more questions. When no more come, she shoots Abby an odd look. "She is so related to you, Berry."
"Thanks," Rachel says. "What gave it away? I mean, besides how similar we look?"
"She's just as weird as you," Quinn replies. "Maybe weirder."
"Quinn, really?" Kate interjects.
"Don't worry about it, Kate," Rachel says.
"Yeah, Berry knows I don't mean any harm."
"Glad to see things worked out for you," Rachel says to Quinn.
"I could say the same to you," Quinn replies. "Guess you weren't as delusional in high school as everyone thought."
"How nice of you to say, Quinn," Rachel says. "I could tell you how nice it is to see that after you and Alyson broke up that you didn't dive head first back into the closet. Santana owes me twenty bucks."
Kate and Abby can only stare at the two as they continue to catch each other up on their lives while being incredibly sarcastic and back handedly complimentary.
…
"Hi," Puck says, sitting on the couch as far away from Beth as possible.
"Hey."
"So… Good talk with Q?"
"I think so," Beth replies. "Can I ask a question?"
"Sure."
"Why did you want to meet me?"
"Besides, the obvious?"
"What obvious?" Beth asks. "It's been over twenty years."
"So?"
"I mean, I know you and Rach had some difference of opinion about, me, a few years ago. Is it because you wanted to meet me then?"
"It is," Puck agrees.
"Why? Because I was with Rachel and Santana?"
"Because you're my kid and I finally had a tangible idea where you were," Puck explains. "We all agreed to keep it a closed adoption or whatever. I mean, that me and Q agreed to no contact before you were eighteen. And at the time, I was all right with it. But when I finally managed to graduate and mature a bit, I started to regret it. I know we're all better off how things are now, but you're the only child I'm ever going to have. You're always going to be a concern."
"Oh."
"Look, Beth," Puck says. "I'm not looking for anything from you. I just wanted to meet you, see you and for you to know that I'm out there and if you ever need anything, I will be there for you. You're the best thing I ever did with my life. The second best? Giving you to Shelby because it means you had a good life. I know things didn't turn out perfect, but I'm pretty sure being the daughter of two teenagers wouldn't have worked out so well."
"Probably not."
"I know you don't really have a father figure in your life," Puck continues. "And it's probably too late, but if you ever need a dad like figure in your life, or even a guy friend, I'm here for you."
…
Beth's quiet on the drive back to the hotel. Not that Rachel expected anything else. A lot happened today and even she needs time to sort through it all. Though Rachel's curious what Quinn and Puck said to her, she's pretty sure she shouldn't push.
They order room service since their flight is fairly early the next morning. Abby is in charge of the remote and picks a lighthearted comedy. She and Rachel watch it and eat, while Beth eats, thinking.
…
"So," Kate says once everyone's gone. "How are you?"
"I think I'm all right," Quinn replies.
"Yeah?"
Quinn nods. "I'm exhausted. But I think it went okay."
"So what? That's it? You guys all meet once and that's it?" Kate questions.
Quinn shrugs. "Seems so."
"That seems like a lot of worrying and stress for just a few hours."
"I'm finding the closure rather refreshing," Quinn replies.
"Good, I guess."
"I don't know," Quinn continues. "I wanted to meet her, see her, talk with her. And I did all that. Do I feel better? I don't know. But I do feel lighter. And now I know for sure, I made the right decision all those years ago."
"That is important."
"What about you? What'd you think of her?"
"She seems like a nice kid," Kate replies. "What I found more fascinating, was your relationship with Rachel."
"Really? Why?"
"It's so adversarial," Kate explains. "I don't know. I guess I just thought that after all these years that would have changed."
"I think since we haven't seen each other in so long, we just fell back into our usual pattern."
"Teenage you is just a mystery to me," Kate says.
"She's a mystery to me sometimes, too," Quinn says.
…
Puck really wishes he'd brought someone with. However, the girl he's currently sleeping with, is just a fling. And though the guys in the band are like some of his best friends, he didn't feel like having them with either.
Which is why he's currently at the hotel bar, drinking Guinness and trying to sort out his feelings. It's awkward because he's never really dealt with the whole Beth thing. At least not since he found out Shelby left custody to Rachel and Santana. He did some soul searching about whether or not violating the agreement he and Quinn made with Shelby was worth breaking, but he never really thought about what meeting Beth would really mean.
He feels better and worse at the same time. He orders another Guinness.
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/OFC, Beth, Puck, Abby, Brittany, Mike/OFC
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Rachel and Santana decide it's time to tell Beth who exactly her birth parents are.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~6,600
Spoilers: Previous parts of this series. Ambitions part One & Two, especially.
A/N: So here's the third "deleted scene" from part two. Reminder, if there's something you wanted to see or know about, let me know and I'll do what I can to write it.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist| Part One: To Make an End is to Make a Beginning | Part Two: I Can, Therefore I Am
Autumn 2033
Still having a key, Beth lets herself into the apartment. She can’t believe she left her cell phone charger here. It must have been the excitement of Santana’s announcement. No one should be at home, but Beth tries to keep quiet anyway. She knows that once in a while Rachel or Santana will come home for lunch, just to get a moment of peace and she doesn’t want to disturb that.
Walking past the master bedroom, Beth hears Rachel and Santana arguing. She can’t help, but pause since she can count on one hand the amount of times she heard them having a legit fight like it sounds like they’re having now.
“San, we need to figure this out.”
“Do we have to do it right now?”
“When would you suggest we do it then?” Rachel asks.
“I don’t know. I like never. How about then?”
“San,” Rachel huffs. “You know I’m right.”
“Of course you are, dear, aren’t you always?”
“Ignoring your tone,” Rachel replies. “The answer is yes, I am.”
“If they haven’t attempted contact yet, then maybe they never will.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Of course I don’t know that, Rach,” Santana retorts. “I barely understood how their brains worked when we kept in contact.”
“So what? You just want to leave things as they are and hope for the best? Don’t you think that’s a bit dangerous?”
“Dangerous? Hardly. Unwise? Maybe.”
“I’d just feel better if we were the ones to tell her,” Rachel says.
“If I wasn’t running for governor, this wouldn’t be a concern,” Santana replies.
“Yes, San,” Rachel says, her tone sarcastic. “This whole thing is entirely your fault.”
“I’m allowed to wallow for a moment, Rach,” Santana tells her. “Besides, I noticed how you didn’t dispute my statement.”
“Because it’s paretly true,” Rachel replies. “But lamenting about it doesn’t change the fact that we both know with your blossoming career, the story is going to come up again and again.”
“Yeah, well it wasn’t my idea to use Beth or Abby as political gains.”
“It wasn’t my idea either,” Rachel retorts. “It was Collins. Which is why you fired him and got a new campaign manager. But the damage had already been done, so to speak.”
Beth hears Santana sigh and then silence. Her curiosity has escalated insanely. Worried, the conversation is over, she’s just about to high tail it out of there when Rachel begins speaking again.
“I really do feel like telling her now is a smart move.”
“I really think you’re making a problem before we need to.”
“San, every minute we don’t tell her, is a problem. Shelby might have done an excellent job with them, but she put us in a horrible position by insisting we keep this a secret. It’s been hanging over us from the second dinner we’ve had with them. I’m tired of it and I really don’t want it to blow up on us later.”
“Fine,” Santana sighs. “What do you want me to do?”
“I’ll take care of it,” Rachel replies. “I mean technically since she was my mother, it’s all my fault. Right?”
Beth is so busy trying to figure out what the hell they’re talking about, that she misses the sound of footsteps. The door swings open and Beth knows she’s screwed.
…
Rachel is extremely surprised to find Beth on the other side of their door. She looks like a deer caught in headlights, so Rachel’s pretty sure she overheard almost, if not everything.
“Hey Rachel.”
“Hi Beth. What brings you by?”
“Forgot my phone charger.” She holds it up. “But I found it. So I’ll just be on our way.”
Rachel sighs. “How much did you hear?”
Beth shrugs. “Most of it?”
Rachel looks back to Santana who checking her email on her phone. “You got some time?”
Santana nods.
“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Rachel says.
Beth follows Rachel into the kitchen as Santana stands and follows as well.
“So you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on. Right?”
Beth nods.
“Well, as you know, Shelby sought me out in high school sooner than she was supposed to. And it didn’t end so well for our relationship. It was, however, when she decided to adopt you. From a pregnant teenager mother.”
“I know all this,” Beth says. “So what? My parents kept tabs on me?”
“Not exactly. Well, maybe I don’t know,” Rachel replies. “We never really talked about it.”
“Then why are you suddenly so worried about them contacting me?”
“Your birth mother was Santana’s best friend in high school. Your birth father was mine.”
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that.”
“Santana and I know exactly who your birth parents are,” Rachel says. “We were friends with them in high school.”
“And you just suddenly decided to tell me?”
“Shelby asked us to keep quiet about it until you were eighteen. If you asked after that, we were to speak freely.”
“And then there’s this whole governor thing,” Santana adds. “Rach and I are just worried that they’re going to contact you. I mean, I’m sure hearing all those ridiculous reports about how we’re raising you guys is getting to them, well to Quinn, anyway.”
“Quinn?”
“Quinn Fabray and Noah Puckerman.”
“Wait, a minute? Noah? You mean, Puck? The lead singer from Guys in Vans, who you sang the duet with?”
Rachel nods.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Beth closes her eyes and takes several deep breaths. When she opens her eyes, she doesn’t seem much calmer. “Is that why you didn’t want us to come to LA with you?”
“It’s not the only reason,” Rachel replies.
“I can’t believe you would keep this from me!”
“We didn’t think it would be fair to dump all that on you right after Shelby passed,” Santana defends. “Besides, we gave your mother our word that we wouldn’t say anything about it before you were eighteen. And we keep our promises.”
“Do you really think you would have been able to deal with all that?” Rachel asks, gently.
“Well, no,” Beth pouts. “But you could have told me sooner.”
“We were trying to gauge your interest in knowing,” Rachel replies. “San and I honestly thought that with Shelby gone that maybe you’d be more interested, but you never seemed to be.”
“So what? Now that she’s going to be governor, you felt it was time?”
“Or we were concerned they might make a move and we wanted to circumvent a terrible situation,” Santana says. “Despite not having talked to Quinn in decades, I know this has to be killing her. I also know the only reason she hasn’t done anything to contact you is that Brittany convinced her not to.”
“Why would she do that?”
“Because we think everything will go better if you’re given all the information and allowed to make your own choices,” Santana explains. “If some random blonde shows up claiming to be your mother, what would you do?”
Beth shrugs.
“I know this is a lot to take in,” Rachel says. “So if you want to meet them, then we can help facilitate it. And we can be there or not. Whatever you want.”
“I need... time,” Beth says finally. “I’ll call you guys.”
“Okay. Of course. Anytime,” Rachel replies.
“Bye,” Beth says, distractedly.
…
Mike is surprised when he sees the name Beth Corcoran pop up on his phone. She has his number mainly for emergencies and vice versa. Mike feels a wave of cold wash over him. He hopes nothing has happened to Rachel or Santana.
"Hello?"
“You knew Rachel and Santana in high school, right?” Beth says when Mike answers.
He’s a bit taken aback, but goes with it. “I did.”
“Then that means you know my birth parents.”
“Uh… yeah. I did. I do. I… they decided to tell you?”
“Sorta,” Beth replies. “They were discussing how to tell me and I overheard them. Rachel was forced to explain.”
“Ah.”
“So you knew Noah and Quinn?”
“I did,” Mike nods. “We were all in glee together.”
“Oh. Well, were they nice?”
Mike gulps. “They could be.”
“Oh.”
Mike sighs. “Do you want to stop by?” he asks. “We don’t have to talk about it. You can just watch TV with CJ and me.”
The pause is so long that Mike wonders if his cell dropped the call. Then finally, “Yeah. Yeah, that’d be nice.”
…
"We fucked up," Rachel says as the front door slams shut.
"I just think that was incredibly unlucky," Santana replies, still checking her email.
"You have to go, don't you?"
Santana sighs. "Yeah, babe. Sorry. But you were going to handle this anyway, right?"
"I was. So, you go. It'll be fine. I hope."
"Things have a way of working out," Santana says. She gives Rachel a quick kiss before hurrying out the door.
…
When Zoe arrives home, she's surprised to find Beth Corcoran making dinner with Mike.
"Hey guys," she says warily.
"Oh hi, Zo," Mike greets. "Beth just got some life changing news, so I told her she could have dinner with us."
"Um… all right."
"Sorry," Beth shrugs. "I just… didn't know where else I could go."
"It's fine, Beth, really," Zoe says. "Mike says things are complicated for you."
"Apparently quite the understatement," Beth mutters.
"It'll all work out, kiddo," Mike tells her.
"If you say so, Mike," Beth replies. "If you say so."
…
When Beth finally heads home, it's late and she feels like she took up too much of Mike's time. She tries to apologizes, but he just hugs her and tells her she's always welcome. She smiles nervously and thanks him before slipping out the door.
Beth feels calmer about the situation, but still utterly confused. She supposes it's because she didn't ask Mike any of the questions that are swirling around her brain. She wanted to, but didn't feel comfortable. It's her, not Mike; Beth knows he'd do his best to answer her questions, but for some reason, she doesn't want his answers.
This is what prompts her to call Brittany. With the time difference, Beth figures the blonde is probably just getting home from work. And she did say, Beth and Abby could call her anytime about anything. It's almost as if Brittany knew something like this would happen. Then again, she seems to understand certain things so much quicker than everyone else.
She waits until she's home to call, scrolling through her contact list as she builds up the courage to make the call. But her thumb hits the call button before she feels ready and suddenly it's ringing.
Brittany picks up right before the voicemail kicks in.
"Uh, hu, yeah it's Beth. Corcoran?"
"I know who you are Beth," Brittany chuckles. "What's up?"
"Uh, I'm sorry for calling," Beth replies. "But I have all these questions and I don't know who else to ask."
"Okay."
"So today I overheard Rach and Santana talking about my birth parents," Beth starts.
"Oh."
"And then when they caught me, they had to explain," Beth continues.
"If they explained--"
"I know, right," Beth interrupts. "I guess I don't have questions , more like just one question."
"Which is?" Brittany asks.
"Should I contact them?"
"Oh."
Brittany is quiet for so long that Beth lets out an exasperated, "Well?"
"I'm thinking."
"Okay."
"Let me as you a few questions," Brittany says finally."
"All right."
"Do you want to meet them?"
"Uh… I don't know," Beth answers. "I mean before I kinda did, but I was worried of being rejected. You know? But now…"
"Do you feel better or worse now that you know?"
"Worse," Beth replies. "I mean you all kept this from me for years--"
"I meant about your birth parents," Brittany interrupts.
"Oh. Um, better?" Since I know the possibility of rejection is much lower."
"True."
"I mean, Rach said she had to warn Noah away from me."
"She did indeed," Brittany confirms. "We all felt that it was too soon. Besides, technically, it wasn't allowed."
"I hate that mom did that," Beth says.
"Hey, they signed an agreement," Brittany explains. "And Shelby was reacting off of her own messy situation with Rachel."
"I know," Beth sighs.
"Listen, kiddo," Brittany says. "I can't guarantee what their response will be. But I do know that they've thought about you every day since Shelby adopted you. Plus one of their first questions about you is whether or not you're happy."
"Okay."
"And if you do decide to meet them, you know me or Rach or San would go with you if you wanted."
"I know."
"How about this? You write them an email?" Brittany suggests. "Send it to me and then I'll forward it to them. I think a phone call would just be too much."
"Yeah."
"And then if I don't get an email from you, that'll be you saying you're not ready to meet them. Okay?"
"Yeah. That… I like that plan," Beth says.
"Maybe you should talk to Abby about this?"
"I don't know," Beth replies. "I guess I feel bad since her dad died and her mom ran off."
"You think you'll hurt her feelings?" Brittany asks.
"Well not exactly," Beth says. "More like I'm bringing up painful memories for her and then rubbing salt in the wounds, with my problems."
"Oh. You don't think enough time as has passed?"
Beth sighs. "Probably. I'm probably way over thinking this."
"It's possible," Brittany agrees.
"All right. Maybe I'll talk to Abby tomorrow," Beth says. "And I'll think about the email thing."
"Sounds good."
"Thanks Brittany."
"No problem, kiddo."
…
Beth apprehensively knocks on the apartment door. A few moments later the door is opened by Rachel.
“Beth,” she greets as she steps aside. “Why didn’t you use your key?”
“Well I know Sunday morning is your time together,” Beth explains.
“Didn’t want to walk in on anything, you mean?” Santana says from her spot at the table.
“Yeah,” Beth blushes
“So what’s up kid?” Santana asks.
“I decided I want to meet them,” Beth explains.
“Okay.”
“And I was hoping maybe Rach would come with,” Beth continues. “I’d like you both to be there, but I know your schedule is kinda hectic right now.”
“It is indeed,” Santana agrees.
“Of course I’ll be there,” Rachel says.
“Good,” Beth replies. “Between you and Abby I hopefully won’t panic too much.”
“So when and where is this happening?” Santana asks.
“I don’t know,” Beth says. “I emailed them, so we’ll see if they actually write back.”
“How’d you get their emails?” Rachel asks.
“Brittany,” Santana volunteers.
Beth nods. “Are you mad?”
“Course not, kid,” Santana says. “B’s a good neutral party in all this.”
“Good point,” Rachel agrees.
“You think they’ll want to meet?” Beth asks.
“Oh yeah,” Rachel replies. “I know Noah will. And Quinn will after she thinks about it too much.”
“And you’ll really fly out to Chicago with me?” Beth questions.
“If that’s where you’re meeting them, then yes.”
“It’ll be expensive,” Beth tries.
“We can afford it,” Rachel counters.
“Because Santana is a big shot Politian?” Beth asks.
“Actually because Rachel is a Broadway legend,” Santana answers.
“I’m definitely not a legend,” Rachel says. “But money isn’t an issue.”
“Oh, well, good, I guess.”
…
It’s Saturday and Quinn’s had a great morning. Kate woke up in a frisky mood and they used up all the hot water in the shower. The four of them made pancakes for breakfast and then cleaned up together.
Currently Kate is out running errands. Matthew is at Lacrosse practice while James is hanging out at his best friend, Kyle’s house. This leaves Quinn to leisurely read the news online and check her email.
Seeing an email from Brittany, Quinn opens it, wondering what she’s up to. She opens it and her smile quickly fades.
Hey guys,
As you may already know, Santana is running for governor of New York. Because of this, both Rachel and Santana thought it might be time for Beth to know the specifics of how we are all intertwined in relation to her birth.
After learning this, Beth asked me to forward an email to you both. So here it is.
Not sure she wants to read it, her eyes act without her permission and she finds herself reading Beth’s words.
Hello,
My name is Beth Corcoran, I’m 23 and you’re my birth parents. I suppose you already know this, but I have no idea how to start a letter like this.
Rachel and Santana explained a lot of things, but I’d still really like the chance to meet and talk with you both.
I understand if you’d rather not. High school was a long time again for both of you and I know meeting me might seem like dredging up the past. But I’d really like the chance to at least meet you. You can meet my sister and reconnect with Rach if you want.
I realize this is a lot to throw at you all at once. So take your time and if you want to get a hold of me, Brittany has my number and email.
Sincerely,
Beth
And then under that is another short note from Brittany.
I know this is a lot to take in, guys. Feel free to call, write, whatever if you need to.
Also, you guys need to talk. CALL EACH OTHER!
Quinn - 708-987-6543 P - 310-123-4567
It’s a moment she’s dreamed about for years, but now that it’s here, she’s not sure how to feel about it. Beth’s an adult. It’s not like she’s looking for her parents because her adopted ones suck. She’s just curious. Which Quinn supposes is better, there’s no pressure for either of them.
But she’s got her own life now, a life she’s really happy in. Meeting Beth almost seems like a step back. She also worries how James and Matthew will respond. Just because she didn’t give birth to them, doesn’t mean she doesn’t think of them as her own.
And Puck. Oh god. Quinn actually groans out loud.
She knows it’s been years and that Puck’s band actually ended up being pretty successful, but a little part of her will always think of him as the douchbag that got her drunk and then knocked her up.
She knows Britt said she should call her, but she’s not sure if she can or wants to.
…
Surprisingly, Puck solves the problem for her, calling a few hours later.
“Hey.”
“Hi Quinn.”
“Read the email, did you?”
“Why else would I be calling?”
“Right.”
“What do you think?” he asks.
“I don’t know.”
“I want to meet her,” he says.
“Yeah?”
“I always have,” Puck replies. “She’s the only kid I’m ever gonna have and even if she’s not really mine, anymore, I still want to meet her.”
Quinn sighs. “Yeah. I understand that.”
“But you don’t want to?”
“I do. I just worry. We have lives we like. We’ve moved on. Why rock the boat?”
“Or we could finally close that chapter of our lives,” Puck argues.
“Maybe.”
They both fall silent.
“Well I’m doing it,” Puck says, eventually. “I understand if you can’t, but I’m gonna if that helps.”
“Maybe,” Quinn admits. “I gotta talk to Kate. And the boys.”
Puck chuckles.
“What?” Quinn asks, defensive.
“You have the life you always wanted,” he replies. “I think it’s great.”
“Thanks Puckerman.”
“I know you need time, but maybe call me tomorrow night?” Puck asks.
“Okay,” Quinn agrees.
…
Katherine Renee Black is the oldest of three children born to Kevin and Jamie Minter. There’s an eight year difference between her and her sister, Lisa and an eleven year difference between her and her brother, Paul. She grew up doing well in most things and graduated 14th out of 347 students.
In college she majored in Industrial Engineering, graduated towards the top of her class and was able to find employment at a bio medical facility.
She met Ted Black while she was still in college, though things didn’t really become serious for several years. When he eventually proposed over dinner one night, Kate was caught off guard, not thinking he was ready for such a commitment.
James was born a few weeks after their second anniversary. Matthew came two years later.
And then one Saturday when James was three and Matthew sixteen months old, Kate woke up alone in bed. The house was silent and for some reason, Kate just knew that Ted was gone.
The note he left for her on the dresser simply read, Kate, I’m sorry. I tired, but I just can’t anymore. Ted
Examining the room reveals that he’d packed several suitcases and took off.
Trying to explain to her sons that their father was never coming back was difficult and it took several years for that fact to really sink in.
When Kate meets Quinn a year later, she’s instantly drawn to her. It’s probably why, despite the warning alarms that were going off in Kate’s head about Quinn’s commitment level, the relationship continued. Kate considers herself lucky; she knows most mother of two wouldn’t have stuck around for so long and gotten such perfect results.
…
Quinn is lying in bed when Kate returns.
“What’s wrong?”
“They told her.”
“Who?”
Quinn sits up. “Brittany forwarded me an email from Beth,” Quinn explains. “Seems that S and Berry told her the truth.”
“Oh.”
“She wants to meet us,” Quinn continues. “Me and Puck.”
“Do you want to meet her?” Kate asks.
“I… I don’t know. I think so. I just don’t know,” Quinn replies. “Part of me feels that it’s taking a huge step backwards. And it’s not like she wanted to meet us before. It’s as if knowing our identities made her want to meet us.”
“Or she did before, but didn’t know where to start,” Kate tries.
“Maybe.”
“Would you fly out there?” Kate asks.
“Probably,” Quinn replies. “I mean maybe she and Berry could fly out here.”
“Maybe that would make you more comfortable,” Kate suggests.
“True. I’m sure Puck would be okay with it.”
“It can’t hurt to ask.”
…
Quinn makes up her mind much quicker than she thought she would. So when she calls Puck Sunday night, she already knows her decision.
“Hey Q,” Puck answers.
“Puck.”
“So you decide yet?”
“Believe it or not, yes,” Quinn replies.
“No shit. I thought for sure you’d over think it for a bit longer.”
“Well then I guess I’m just full of surprises, huh?”
Puck chuckles. “You’re always gonna be defensive around me, Q, aren’t you?”
“If you’re always going to be a moron,” Quinn retorts.
“So what’s the plan?”
“Why is it my job to come up with a plan?” Quinn asks.
“Because I know you already did,” Puck replies.
“Fine,” Quinn growls. “You’re right. I'm hoping maybe Berry could fly out with Beth and we’d all meet here, at my house one afternoon.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” Quinn nods. “I figure it’s easier for them to fly out here, especially since I don’t think I can do this without Kate. And you’re certainly flexible enough that you could be here whenever, so I think it just makes sense.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“Good. I’ll email Britt. Okay?”
“Sounds good, Q.”
…
It takes a number of emails, but eventually a meeting time is set up and tickets are bought. Being the mediator of the whole thing, Brittany wonders why they don’t just email each other. Or better yet, why they don’t just call each other.
But it seems that Beth, Quinn and Puck all want to keep all sort of contact to a minimum until they meet face to face.
…
“Nervous?”
“What do you think, Puck?”
“Right. Stupid question.”
Quinn’s not entirely sure that meeting at her house is a good idea, but it’s too late now. Besides, the feeling of having home field advantage is really calming her nerves.
The boys are upstairs doing homework and Kate is in kitchen.
Rachel and Beth aren’t due for another thirty minutes, but Quinn’s willing to bet they show up in fifteen minutes; assuming Rachel’s still a stickler for showing up early. Puck keeps muttering that he could use a drink, but Quinn ignores him. It’s too early in the day for that. Besides, alcohol is the cause of all of this.
…
The doorbell rings exactly seventeen minutes later and Quinn feels reassured that some things never change. Nervously, she goes to answer it.
Quinn opens the door to find an immaculately dressed Rachel Berry, looking every bit the Broadway star/politian’s wife she is. If Quinn wasn’t expecting her, she wouldn’t have thought it was Rachel standing on her doorstep.
Next to her stands a young blonde looking achingly familiar and extremely nervous. And next to her is brunette that looks eerily like Rachel.
“Hello Quinn,” Rachel says. “I see time has treated you well.”
“I could say the same to you, Berry.”
“Do we hug?”
“Uh…”
Rachel just shakes her head and pulls Quinn in for a quick hug.
“And this,” Rachel says, once they step apart. “Is Beth.”
“Hi.”
“Hi. I’m Quinn. Obviously.”
“And that one at the end is Abby.”
“Hi.”
“Nice to meet you. Why don’t you guys come in?”
Rachel enters first, with Beth and Abby trotting after. Quinn closes the door and follows them into the living room.
There she finds Rachel being lifted off the ground by a bear hug from Puck. Once he sets her down, Rachel introduces Beth and Abby.
It’s awkward until Kate enters with a tray of lemonade which she sets on the coffee table. She introduces herself, shaking everyone’s hand.
They all sit and sip lemonade. Beth sits on the couch between Rachel and Abby. Puck leans against the fire place while Quinn sits in the other chair as Kate sits on the arm. It’s quiet until Kate breaks the tension.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “But I just have to say I’m a huge fan. Left Behind is one of my favorite songs.”
“Thank you,” Rachel says. “Though Noah wrote it.”
“Yeah, but the two of you sound great together. You completely deserved the Grammy for it.”
“Well, thank you. I appreciate it.”
The tension returns as everyone sips their lemonade.
“There has to be something one of you wants to say,” Rachel says, finally. “Or ask.”
“Who?” Puck asks.
“Anyone,” Rachel replies. “You guys wanted to meet, so that implies that you have something you want to know.”
“Maybe we just wanted to meet,” Quinn says. “To see… how things are.”
Rachel just nods as they all fall quiet again.
"So Quinn tells me you were all in glee club together?" Kate tries, the silence becoming too much.
"We were," Rachel nods. "Have you heard Quinn sing? I remember her being rather good."
"High praise indeed, Berry," Quinn remarks.
"Why do you call her that?" Abby asks.
"What?"
"Why do you call Rach, Berry?" Abby presses.
Quinn looks mildly embarrassed.
"An old habit I'm sure," Rachel throws out. "She did in high school. It's nice that some things don't change."
"But why?" Abby asks.
"It doesn't matter," Rachel tells her.
"It's weird," Abby whispers.
"You're weird," Beth retorts.
"You're weirder."
Rachel sighs. "Really guys? Now?"
"You know what?" Kate interjects. "Why don't Rachel, Abby and I go into the kitchen? Maybe Puck could join us?"
"What? No way, I--"
"Stand up, Noah," Rachel snaps. She turns to Beth. "Okay?"
She nods.
Rachel stands and waits for Puck to head into the kitchen first, Rachel follows, dragging Abby with as Kate kisses Quinn lightly and then leaves.
"I can't tell if this is going to be more awkward now or not," Beth quips.
"About the same, I think." Quinn leans forward a bit. "Shelby was a good mom?"
Beth nods. "Listen, I'm not here to demand anything. I just… I've always been curious. Who wouldn't be? But I thought since you gave me up as a teenager, that maybe I was just something in your past. I didn't want to risk the rejection."
"Understandable."
"And then when I found out… well, everything, you just become so much more real. Not just an idea or a concept." Beth sighs. "When I was growing up, Shelby never pretended I wasn't adopted. Sure, it might have been obvious, me being so blonde and her not, but when you're a kid, you don't see those differences, you just see the person you've been calling mom for, well, for as long as you can remember. And the idea that there's actually another person out there that's technically your mother too, well it's a lot to wrap your head around. You know?"
"I can imagine."
"And your first thought is to worry about what made you so horrible that your own mother can just hand you over to someone else. To wonder what you did just after you've being brought into the world… But then someone explains things a bit more and it makes sense. You understand that it was done out of love, of wanting something for you that she couldn't give you. It takes a long time to do that."
"Beth, I--"
"But even then the idea of a birth mother is more of an idea, a story, something about yourself that you know is true, but you don't really fully comprehend. You wonder if understanding it would help you understand yourself better. Is meeting your genetic makers going to shed more light on who you are, who you're becoming. Your birth mother may hold the key to so many things about yourself that you're still figuring out.
"And then I realized that the fact that you gave me blonde hair has little to do with me as a person, well, as who I've become. Because while you might have gotten me started. Shelby is the one who taught me to talk, that loved me totally, even if I can't carry a tune. Nearly everything that I am is because of her, not because of you.
"And I'm not saying this to hurt you," Beth says. "I swear. I just… I want you to understand where I'm coming from. Because while I'll admit I've always wondered, it really wasn't until you became a real person, with a name, an identity, history… that I wanted to meet you. To see where I began and maybe to see what you've become."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry," Beth says. "I shouldn't have said all that."
"No," Quinn sighs. "It's good. I guess. I mean, I was sort of curious why you're apparently just now showing interest."
"Is that why you agreed to meet?"
"It's not the only reason."
"Why did you agree to meet me then?" Beth asks.
Quinn sighs again. "I don't know. Part of me wanted to see you, what you've become, verify that I made the right choice. Maybe now I can feel completely at ease about it. You changed my life, Beth. Even though I gave you up, the very act of your conception and birth changed me, maybe even made me a better person. I think I'll always be grateful for that. I was becoming someone I didn't necessarily like, but I couldn't see a way out of it. You were the way."
"Oh."
…
"Noah, you're making me dizzy."
Puck stops his pacing. "Sorry, Rach. The wait is killing me. I don't see why I had to leave the room too."
"It's a chick thing," Abby pipes up.
Kate covers up a chuckle with a cough.
"She's right, Noah," Rachel says. "The mother daughter relationship is a complicated thing. It's best to just stay out of it."
Puck returns to his pacing, muttering about all the bossy, know-it-all women in his life.
…
"What about him?" Beth asks Quinn.
"Who? Puck? Berry might be a better one to ask about Puck. Except for the topic of you, we haven't talked since we graduated."
"Oh."
"You really never met him?" Quinn asks.
"I think Rachel thought it'd be best to keep us apart."
Quinn nods. "She was probably right. Puck has grown up some, but there are still some things…"
"Yeah, Rachel's filled me in on a few things."
"Don't get down on him too much," Quinn says. "When it first happened, I thought for sure he'd be a deadbeat about it, but he totally tried to step up. He tried to do right by you. It's just neither of us were really ready for that."
"I know," Beth replies. "I'm not mad."
…
"I can't take this waiting anymore, bro," Puck says.
Rachel sighs and turns to Kate. "You wanna go check on them?"
"Why me?"
"Quinn's always going to be a bit skittish around me, I think."
"All right."
…
"So now what?"
"What do you mean?" Beth asks.
"What's the next step?"
"I don't know if there is a next step," Beth replies. "Do you want there to be a next step?"
"I don't know," Quinn answers. "Do you?"
"Are you asking me if I want to keep in touch?"
…
"…keep in touch?"
"Uh guys?"
Beth and Quinn look up to find Kate in the doorway.
"I hate to interrupt, but the natives are getting restless. So to speak."
"You mean Puck?" Quinn asks.
Kate nods.
Quinn looks at Beth for a moment. "Tell him to relax. It'll just be a minute. Right?"
Beth nods.
"Okay."
…
A few moments later, Quinn enters the kitchen and tells Puck to go talk to Beth. Once he leaves, she sinks into a kitchen chair.
"So how are things, Berry?"
"They're just fine. How about you?" Rachel asks.
"Can't complain."
"That's good."
"How's San?"
"Busy," Rachel replies.
"That's how she likes it," Quinn says.
Rachel nods.
"So you really went to high school with Rachel and Santana?" Abby interrupts.
"I did."
"Did you know Mike Chang?" Abby asks.
Quinn nods. "I did."
"Oh. Cool. And Brittany?"
"She was one of my best friends," Quinn says.
"Cool."
Quinn is waiting for more questions. When no more come, she shoots Abby an odd look. "She is so related to you, Berry."
"Thanks," Rachel says. "What gave it away? I mean, besides how similar we look?"
"She's just as weird as you," Quinn replies. "Maybe weirder."
"Quinn, really?" Kate interjects.
"Don't worry about it, Kate," Rachel says.
"Yeah, Berry knows I don't mean any harm."
"Glad to see things worked out for you," Rachel says to Quinn.
"I could say the same to you," Quinn replies. "Guess you weren't as delusional in high school as everyone thought."
"How nice of you to say, Quinn," Rachel says. "I could tell you how nice it is to see that after you and Alyson broke up that you didn't dive head first back into the closet. Santana owes me twenty bucks."
Kate and Abby can only stare at the two as they continue to catch each other up on their lives while being incredibly sarcastic and back handedly complimentary.
…
"Hi," Puck says, sitting on the couch as far away from Beth as possible.
"Hey."
"So… Good talk with Q?"
"I think so," Beth replies. "Can I ask a question?"
"Sure."
"Why did you want to meet me?"
"Besides, the obvious?"
"What obvious?" Beth asks. "It's been over twenty years."
"So?"
"I mean, I know you and Rach had some difference of opinion about, me, a few years ago. Is it because you wanted to meet me then?"
"It is," Puck agrees.
"Why? Because I was with Rachel and Santana?"
"Because you're my kid and I finally had a tangible idea where you were," Puck explains. "We all agreed to keep it a closed adoption or whatever. I mean, that me and Q agreed to no contact before you were eighteen. And at the time, I was all right with it. But when I finally managed to graduate and mature a bit, I started to regret it. I know we're all better off how things are now, but you're the only child I'm ever going to have. You're always going to be a concern."
"Oh."
"Look, Beth," Puck says. "I'm not looking for anything from you. I just wanted to meet you, see you and for you to know that I'm out there and if you ever need anything, I will be there for you. You're the best thing I ever did with my life. The second best? Giving you to Shelby because it means you had a good life. I know things didn't turn out perfect, but I'm pretty sure being the daughter of two teenagers wouldn't have worked out so well."
"Probably not."
"I know you don't really have a father figure in your life," Puck continues. "And it's probably too late, but if you ever need a dad like figure in your life, or even a guy friend, I'm here for you."
…
Beth's quiet on the drive back to the hotel. Not that Rachel expected anything else. A lot happened today and even she needs time to sort through it all. Though Rachel's curious what Quinn and Puck said to her, she's pretty sure she shouldn't push.
They order room service since their flight is fairly early the next morning. Abby is in charge of the remote and picks a lighthearted comedy. She and Rachel watch it and eat, while Beth eats, thinking.
…
"So," Kate says once everyone's gone. "How are you?"
"I think I'm all right," Quinn replies.
"Yeah?"
Quinn nods. "I'm exhausted. But I think it went okay."
"So what? That's it? You guys all meet once and that's it?" Kate questions.
Quinn shrugs. "Seems so."
"That seems like a lot of worrying and stress for just a few hours."
"I'm finding the closure rather refreshing," Quinn replies.
"Good, I guess."
"I don't know," Quinn continues. "I wanted to meet her, see her, talk with her. And I did all that. Do I feel better? I don't know. But I do feel lighter. And now I know for sure, I made the right decision all those years ago."
"That is important."
"What about you? What'd you think of her?"
"She seems like a nice kid," Kate replies. "What I found more fascinating, was your relationship with Rachel."
"Really? Why?"
"It's so adversarial," Kate explains. "I don't know. I guess I just thought that after all these years that would have changed."
"I think since we haven't seen each other in so long, we just fell back into our usual pattern."
"Teenage you is just a mystery to me," Kate says.
"She's a mystery to me sometimes, too," Quinn says.
…
Puck really wishes he'd brought someone with. However, the girl he's currently sleeping with, is just a fling. And though the guys in the band are like some of his best friends, he didn't feel like having them with either.
Which is why he's currently at the hotel bar, drinking Guinness and trying to sort out his feelings. It's awkward because he's never really dealt with the whole Beth thing. At least not since he found out Shelby left custody to Rachel and Santana. He did some soul searching about whether or not violating the agreement he and Quinn made with Shelby was worth breaking, but he never really thought about what meeting Beth would really mean.
He feels better and worse at the same time. He orders another Guinness.