AN: Hello and welcome to my first ever story. The inspiration behind this theme is the image i had in my head about Rachel being there with Quinn at Beths delivery instead of Mercedes. I don't know how things will work to get there but is just an idea that has sparked in my mind.

I don't own any of the characters used here or the songs mentioned.

Chapter 1

Rachel Berry was sitting in front of her makeup desk slowly brushing her hair and going through her regular bedtime routine. The soundtrack to Wicked was playing softly in the background. This teenage diva was deep in thought, plagued by the same topic that haunted her mind a lot lately. The blonde enigma that was Quinn Fabray. Sure the last 2 years had seemed to place the queen of McKinley High as Rachel's nemesis, but in the last few weeks had caused quite a change with Quinn now dealing with a teen pregnancy and no longer the top of the social pyramid. This caused a lot of mental struggle for Rachel because sure she was mad at Quinn for all the slushes and all the vile name calling, but her heart still went out to her having to deal with shit no 16 year old girl should have too. Then there was something else about Quinn that had Rachel really mystified, really just some strange indescribable feeling she had that she couldn't really identify.

Rachel was shaken out of her musings by a soft knock on her bedroom door.

"Come in." She said, knowing it was probably her dads coming to say goodnight as the usually did at this time of the night.

She smiled brightly at Hiram and Leroy Berry, looking at them in the reflection of the mirror as they came in to join her but she whipped around in her seat as she noticed the worried looks on their faces.

"What's happened?! Who died?!" Rachel exclaimed, instantly going into panic mode.

"Calm down sweetheart," Leroy started calmly "No one has died, but we do need to have a family discussion." He told her while passing her a mug of her favourite evening herbal tea, then settling himself next to Hiram on the chez bench across from her makeup table.

Rachel was slightly relieved that no one was hurt or died. She took a calming breath and a sip of her tea while waiting for Dad to begin what they needed to discuss.

"So sweetie, I received a strange letter at the office today but before I show you I want you to into more detail about what has happened with your classmate Quinn Fabray. I know you briefly mentioned she was going through an unexpectedly pregnancy."

Rachel was shocked momentarily that this discussion was going to revolve around Quinn.

"Yes she is pregnant and sadly she just got kicked out of her home by her father when Finn went over to the Fabray's and stupidly sang a song to Quinn and spilled all the beans. It sounds like she got 30 min to pack as much as she could carry and then they were yelled out of the house. She is staying at the Hudson's right now." She stopped for a moment to sip her tea some more. "I also think that will be a bad idea at some point because I'm 95% sure at this point that Finn isn't even the father of the baby." She glanced at her slippered feel at the looks of shock on her dads faces.

"How do you deduce something like that baby?" Hiram asked her "that's a pretty serious accusation."

Rachel shrugged a little before answering. "I watch and listen like I always have. Noah Puckerman has been around Quinn more recently, giving her a hard time and then I've seen him starring daggers between at her and Finn in the choir room. Then I also overheard Finn talking with Noah about the "infamous night" in the hall at school and the details included swim shorts still being on and in the hot tub." She took a breath and another sip of tea before finishing while avoiding her daddy's eyes, a little ashamed of this last part.

"All this led me to trick Quinn a little when I made up a story about a genetic disease that only happens when there is one Jewish parent." Hiram and Leroy both gasped and Rachel continued to stare at the floor. Feeling worse and worse about being so underhanded.

"She made a direct beeline to Noah and pulled him into the corner of the choir room and had a very intense discussion with him. That was really all the confirmation I needed."

The Berry's sat in silence for a few minutes while everyone processed this information.

Leroy recovered first. "What did you plan on doing with this information baby?"

Rachel thought for a moment, "Nothing at the moment," she said with I sigh, "I was thinking about telling Finn but I don't see how that works out without a lot of people getting hurt, including Quinn, witch I know she doesn't need right now ether."

"I think that is very noble of you honey." Hiram said, clearly sounding relived.

"I do too," Leroy said, "I also think all this can be tied together into what we originally came in to talk to you about baby."

Rachel finally looked up into his eyes and found concern there, while he reached into his jacket to putt out an opened letter from his inside pocket. He leaned over and passed it to Rachel to have a look at. The envelope was plain and there was just "Leroy Berry" written on the front. Inside was one single sheet of expensive parchment like paper, Rachel unfolded the letter on her lap.

He kicked her out... please help her if you can

I'm sorry

J

These simple words were all that she found there. The ink had been blotched in places and Rachel new the writer had been crying, she had written enough of her own tearstained letters or journals to recognize the signs.

Rachel looked up at her Dad questioningly.

"I'll start from the beginning to explain best baby," he began with a small smile. "This letter is from Judy Fabray. She was one of my best friends in high school, and one of the few friends that stuck with me and even defended me when I came out as gay." Rachel just sat their stunned at this proclamation. "Once Everyone moved into Post secondary Judy's father exerted more control over her life and she got involved with Russel, Quinn's father. Unfortunately that man is an angry controlling bigot, who clearly rejects things that challenge his views and life. Judy and I had a falling out before their wedding and I haven't been able to talk to her in any way since." He took a calming breath before continuing. "I believe the Judy that was my friend is still there somewhere and I think it is that side of her that somehow got me this letter. I think she is still trapped in the views of society and doing what is expected of her. Truly I feel a bit sorry for her and pity her situation a little and this is where we come back to the letter. Obviously I believe the "her" referred to is Quinn and I think it would be good for us to try and help her if we can. I know I really don't owe Judy or Quinn anything but I have always said we should put more love out in the world to counter the hate we receive. I have discussed this with Daddy and we want to know what you think. Do you think we could offer Quinn a safe place to stay here with us? We have the spare room and business is doing well for Daddy and I so we can afford to help her. What do you think Baby?"

Rachel was stunned completely silent. She had no idea what to think right now. The girl who seemed to make it her personal mission to make Rachel's life hell could be coming to stay at her house?! All at once the internal struggle about how she felt about Quinn and what she was going through can rushing back into her head. As she sat there thinking it all through something her dad had said came back to the forefront of the battle. He felt that the Judy he knew years ago was still burred deep inside the timid housewife she had become. With the power of a gong going off In her mind, a memory came flashing back to her, making Rachel think this might be the same for Quinn.

*Flashback*

Freshman Rachel Berry wandered through the Cafeteria smiling, shaking hands and introducing herself to the other freshman of her year. It was the welcome dinner at McKinley High were the new class got a chance to meet each other and start networking with kids from other junior highs. She was half pleased that her Dads were running late at the office and had not made it yet. She berated herself right away for thinking that way but she also cling to the glimmer of hope that she could make some friends and let people get to know her a bit better before there judgment of "the girl with two dads" coloured their impressions. She had been a bit cunning and only introduced herself as "Rachel" and so far she had been able to have some good conversations with some of her fellow classmates.

As one of the groups in the room shifted she caught a glimpse of a girl who seemed to look on the outside, like how she felt on the inside. She was sitting on the outskirts of the room. Her beautiful blonde hair was done up in a braided bun and she had a very nice floral summer dress on. Rachel watched for a moment as this girl looked forlornly toward the door. Thinking that this girl looks like she could use some company and Rachel could at least try to cheer her up a bit, Rachel grabbed two glasses of fruit punch, walked over to her and sat down right next to her. This did seem to startle the girl out of her glum thoughts as she was able to hitch a smile on towards Rachel and accepted the offered drink.

"Hi, I'm Rachel." She greeted cheerfully.

"Hi Rachel, my name is Quinn." The girl replied quite genuinely. "Thanks for the drink." And she cheered Rachel and took a sip.

"Not a problem," Rachel smiled and cheered her back. "You have a pretty name by the way."

Quinn did smile back at Rachel at the compliment but there was something in her eyes that made Rachel think it was a hollow smile, she filed that away for another time.

"Thanks, I don't really remember where my mom picked it from but I like it too."

"Feel up for another round of 2 truths and a lie?" Rachel asked, referring to the ice breaker game the Senior greeters had introduced to them earlier in the evening.

Quinn rolled her eyes slightly at the game but she wasn't completely against the company of this new girl. She had a friendly vibe and honestly looked kind of cute in her black and white polka dot dress.

"Sure." She shrugged. Rachel had caught the eye roll though and suggested an alternative.

"I know the game is getting a little old. How about we change it up to 2 truths and a secret? Nothing too big, just something you haven't shared yet tonight."

Not one to pass up on something possibly gossip worthy, Quinn nodded, kind of intrigued.

"I don't mind starting." Began Rachel. "I will be a Broadway Star, I love to dance and I'm adopted." Thinking that a bit of a veiled truth would make Quinn open up a bit.

"Broadway huh, that's a high goal to reach for." Quinn replied, finding herself thinking this had the makings of a Broadway Diva and feeling slightly impressed by such big dreams in someone her own age. "I will be a Cheerio, I love to sing and my actual first name is Lucy." As soon as her secret came out Quinn's eyes bugged out and she slapped both hands over her mouth. Of course Rachel would not know the significance of this secret but Quinn could t believe it had just slipped out like that! There was just something about her that seemed she could be trusted, friends even, and something else, and elusive feeling Quinn couldn't identify coming from deep inside her...

Rachel looked at Quinn, reached out a reassuring hand and rubbed her shoulder a bit. "Don't worry, that's also a nice name but I'll keep it to myself. Clearly it's important to you." Realizing that through their game they had found some common ground, Rachel had an idea that might help Quinn feel better and keep this new acquaintance going. She stood up and offered her hand to Quinn. "I got a fun idea if your up for it?" She said with a smile. Quinn looked at the proffered hand suspiciously for a moment, then shrugged and took Rachel's hand in hers and allowed herself to be pulled out of her seat. The both deposited their empty drink glasses on a table on the way out of the gym and into the hall. Rachel knew where they were going roughly because she had of course seen the room name on the wall when she entered the school. She pulled Quinn along behind her giggling a little in her excitement. With a right turn down the next hall she found the door she was looking for.

S. Ryerson

Music

Was on the placard outside the door. Rachel looked both ways down the hall and tried the door knowing they were alone.

"Damn!" She cursed quietly. "Locked."

Seeing the placard and catching on to what Rachel might have in mind, Quinn reached up to her hair, pulling a bobby pin from her braid, while gently pushing Rachel aside with her other hand.

"Quinn! Lock-picking skills?!" Rachel exclaimed looking at her with surprise. "Another interesting secret character trait?!" Watching her start carefully pull and bump the pin in the lock, also growing very impressed with her counterpart.

"Hardly a secret," Quinn chuckled "I have an older sister and it's all out prank war at our house usually so I needed to pick up a few tricks. Gotcha!" She finish's while the knob clicks open!

Both girls giggled together and ducked into the Choir room quickly before anyone else noticed them in the hall. Rachel strode purposefully to the grand piano in the centre of the room with Quinn following behind her. She sat on the stool and ran her fingers gently over the keys, while Quinn came up beside her and leaned against the top of the piano.

"Quick Quinn," Rachel chuckled. "Name that tune!" And she reached out and skilfully stroked the keys forming a beautiful melody, humming quietly long with the tune. Quinn listened hard to the notes, very impressed with this little diva's skill at the piano.

"Ah ha!" She exclaimed when she caught a certain chord progression. "Irreplaceable, Queen B of course!" Rachel nodded and gave her a dazzling smile. "It sounds so good just on piano"

"Again." And Rachel changed the notes she was playing flawlessly.

Quinn got the next one even quicker, "My Favourite things from the Sound of Music!" She laughed "I love Julie Andrews voice, my sister and I would sing along to that movie all the time when we were younger." Then she looked away from Rachel looking a little upset at the memory. Sudden inspiration hit Rachel as she shifted the notes for a third time.

"Let out a bit of that emotion and sing it if you know it." She whispered.

Quinn let the melody wash over her for a few moments, shocked at how well the song fit what had been going on this evening without Rachel even knowing all details. Then taking a deep breath she sang out joining her voice to Rachel's playing.

I always needed time on my own

I never thought I'd

Need you there when I cry

And the days feel like years when I'm alone

And the bed where you lie

Is made up on your side

When you walk away

I count the steps that you take

Do you see how much I need you right now?

Quinn turned back to look at Rachel when she heard the girl add her voice to Quinns for the chorus. Both girls were shocked at the depth of emotion they both had, the song tugging deep into their souls for their own different reasons.

When you're gone

The pieces of my heart are missin' you

When you're gone

The face I came to know is missin', too

When you're gone

The words I need to hear

To always get me through the day

And make it okay

I miss you

I've never felt this way before

Everything that I do

Reminds me of you

And the clothes you left, they lie on the floor

And they smell just like you

I love the things that you do

When you walk away

I count the steps that you take

Do you see how much I need you right now?

As they continued to sing together Quinn was blown away by the vocal power Rachel had. Meanwhile Rachel couldn't believe the vocal harmony she had found singing with Quinn. Their voices melded in such a magical way she had never heard before. That thought brought some tears to her eyes because she usually had to sing alone.

When you're gone

The pieces of my heart are missin' you

When you're gone

The face I came to know is missin', too

When you're gone

The words I need to hear

To always get me through the day

And make it okay

I miss you

We were made for each other

Out here forever

I know we were

Yeah, yeah

And all I ever wanted was for you to know

Everything I do, I give my heart and soul

I can hardly breathe; I need to feel you here with me

Yeah

Both girls put their heart and souls into the final chorus.

When you're gone

The pieces of my heart are missin' you

When you're gone

The face I came to know is missin', too

When you're gone

The words I need to hear

Will always get me through the day

And make it okay

I miss you

Their special musical chemistry echoing around the choir room, reverberating around them in an invisible nimbus of harmony. Then their eyes met, deep pools of dark chocolate looking up into hazel green, unshed tears clinging to lashes. As the last notes of the song rang out they felt they were the only people in the whole world. The air was still as no one was breathing, just one girl starring into the eyes of the other, faces barley a foot between them, a strange indescribable forming in both souls bared to the other thanks to the magic of song.

CRASH

Both girls leaped apart as if electrified, Rachel knocking over the piano stool. The door to the choir room had been thrown open hard, smashing into the wall behind it. Framed in the doorway was a stock tall man in a suit with a face red with rage.

"Quinn." Breathed the man, anger dripping from his tone. Rachel glanced at her and she was white as a sheet looking at the man. This must be her father Rachel surmised. "We are leaving now!" And she scurried over to him to comply quickly. He turned to let her out of the room, waited a few seconds before turning his red face back to Rachel, "Stay the hell away from my daughter you piece of filth!" Every word dripping with hate and malice. He turned around and walked down the hall to catch Quinn, grabbing her roughly around the arm and dragging her along beside him to get out of the school quicker. Rachel, shocked, hurt just stood there watching them down the hall.

Mr. Fabray didn't waste any time to continue his verbal assault, this time at Quinn. "You are never to go near that thing ever again Quinn!" He raged down at her. "That is the devil spawn of those two Gaylord's, the Berry's!" Rachel watched in slow motion as Quinn looked back in her direction with a look of mixed shock, confusion and sadness. Then she was gone, her father pulling her around the corner and out of sight. Rachel just stood their in shock, fear, and unbearable sadness at that tyrants cruel barbs. They had cut deep into her soul causing her to struggle to breath like a knife to the heart would have. Tears began to drop uncontrollably. This was how her dads found her just a short ten minutes later. She offered no explanation and just made them take her home.

Everything was different from that night on.

*End Flashback*

"Honey?!" Rachels dad Leroy was gently shaking her shoulder as she came out of her memory. She blinked a few times then looked up at him. He had a look of deep concern.

"Sorry," she said giving him a sad smile. She reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes that had formed there from the pain of that memory. "I got a little lost in thought while I processed everything."

"I'll say, you were unresponsive for about 10 full minutes." Leroy said looking a little relieved as he sat back down next to Hiram. "Did you come up with any solutions?"

"I think we could really offer Quinn a lot in care and a safe place to live here." She said smiling to the Berry men. "If I can convince her to come that is. I'll need this letter to help." She said holding it up.

"That's fine dear. Give us a few days to move some things around the house and free up the guest room while you try and figure out what to say."

"We'll let you sleep on it." Hiram said getting up.

Rachel thought that was a good idea, she suddenly felt emotionally wrong out and still very much on information overload. She got up, gave them both hugs goodnight and crawled into bed. As she snuggled into a pillow trying to wind down her brain, Rachel couldn't help but get that strange indescribable feeling again when she thought of even the slight possibility of Quinn Fabray coming to live at her house.

AN: Please read and review as this is my first story. I welcome any constructive feedback or suggestions. The plan from here is to go into the interactions of the show and change or tweet them slightly to get them to fit my end goal.

Song Used: When your gone by Avril Lavigne.