Romance in the Rain (Quinntana)

Ch. 8 Don't Be Fickle

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Fabray Estate

The family of six was having breakfast in the dining room when Russell handed an envelope to Brittany.

"This is $300, take this money to Auntie Judy's on your way to school. I think it's better that you do it," Russell said calmly. "Each time I sent Sam, he'd come back with the money untouched."

Brittany looked at her father quizzically. "What if she doesn't take it?"

"Then make sure she does."

Sam and Brittany exchanged a look. After having found out about Quinn's job, Sam heeded Brittany's advice on keeping quiet, but that didn't mean he wasn't still sore about getting beaten by Schuester's guards.

"Pa, forget about Quinn," Sam said. "She's very capable, who knows she may be earning big bucks and leading a good life now. She doesn't need your money."

Brittany shot him a look.

Russell's eyebrows rose at his words. "What do you mean by that? What kind of work can a 19-year-old possibly find? Besides, it isn't easy to find a job at this time. Fancy you talking in that way when you can't even do the job I sent you to do."

"Quinn won't starve to death, if she would, she'd be dead a long time ago."

"Sam that's enough," Brittany whispered to him.

"I think it's gonna be a difficult task," Martha said. "Hasn't Sam had enough of her rebuff? He went there to give and not to take, who could force her to take the money if she didn't want to? That daughter of yours is truly something."

"Yes, this daughter is indeed something," Russell replied. "She's like a young panther with sharp fangs and claws. None of you are capable of taking her on."

He was complimenting Quinn in a way, Russell Fabray in his battle days was notoriously known as "The Panther" and he believed his children carried on that same pride. Despite their tumultuous relationship, he admired the size of the fight in Quinn. Although infuriating, Quinn's personality was reminiscent of himself.

"Papa, we don't want to fight her," Kitty said. "If we want to fight her, then we'd show her what we're made of."

"If she is a young panther, what would you make of our Brittany and Kitty? House cats?" Martha scoffed. "If she is unrivaled, why should we send Brittany there to be chided? Let me go."

"If I were to send you then I might as well gift you the money," Russell said, continuing with his breakfast. "Martha, Judy, and Quinn went through a lot in the last few years. They had to watch your mood whenever they came for their monthly expenses. You should be more generous, don't make life so hard for Quinn."

Martha let out a dry chuckle. "Me making life difficult for Quinn? What's that supposed to mean dear? She's so short-tempered that I don't even want to offend her, never mind make life difficult for her. Besides, it was you who whipped her on that day, I wouldn't dare touch her hair."

"That's enough," his tone was low and warning.

"Papa, don't worry. I'll send the money over," Brittany promised. "No matter how mad Quinn is, I'll talk her into keeping the money and settling her debts. Whatever it is, she's my sister. Leave it to me."

Russell nodded and let out a slow breath.

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