Simple Parts (from fanfiction.net)

Chapter Two- Trouble

Simple Parts

Chapter Two- Trouble

I'm in trouble, I'm an addict, I'm addicted to this girl. She's got my heart tied in a knot and my stomach in a whirl. And even worse I can't stop callin her, she's all I want and more. I mean damn, what's not to adore?

QFRB

After what felt like forever but was actually only thirty very tense seconds, the older Rachel regained control of her legs and pulled herself from her son's arms, breaking eye contact with her younger self for the first time. She took a shaky breath.

"Mom?" Alex asked, rubbing her back gently with one of his big hands.

"Would you go get some water, Puppy?" she asked once her breathing had calmed.

"Yes ma'm." The boy ran off towards the stage with no further instruction.

Both girls took the time he was gone as an opportunity to openly observe this older Rachel. She seemed taller, somehow, though they could both see that she hadn't grown any more after high school. They both guessed that she was at least forty and probably a little older, but she looked good. There were no signs that she had had any cosmetic work done and the only real change in her appearance was that she had lost the roundness of youth.

She probably dyes her hair. Quinn ruminated with a thoughtful tilt of her head. She didn't feel hypocritical at all.

Rachel was beyond pleased with what she was seeing. I look so professional and...and sleek. I knew that my rigorous diet and all those hours on the elliptical would pay off in the long run, but to see it so clearly is definitely heartening. I'm glad I never allow myself to slip in my schedule.

He arrived back just as quickly as he left with a bottle of water. "Are you ok, Mom?"

"I'm gonna be fine. I just had a rather intense flashback."

Alex tilted his head to one side and both younger girls immediately understood the nickname Puppy. "Huh?"

"Nothing, I'll explain later."

The buzzing of a phone interrupted any further conversation. Older Rachel snapped up the phone lying on the table and checked the display. "Kurt," she answered breathlessly but she didn't have time to say anything more before the man on the other line started speaking. "Oh, thank goodness, he's alright?" More chatter from the other side occurred. "No, I haven't heard from anyone else yet. I have Rachel and Quinn," she paused, "yes, we were together, I think it's because we were touching when the shift happened." The man on the other line spoke some more. "Ok, you get in touch with Mercedes and Finn. I'll get Santana and Brittany...well of course I'll call Quinn." She rolled her eyes. "Yes, tell them to spread it to the others. Ok, bye."

She ended the call but scrolled over her screen in search of a number. She didn't look up at either of the girls or her son.

Rachel and Quinn had listened to the call with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it was apparent now that they weren't the only ones that had been dragged into the future. On the other, it was clear that this older Rachel knew what was happening and she had yet to try and explain anything to them. Quinn was, in fact about to point this out, but Alex got his mouth open first.

He looked warily between his mother and the two girls he'd led to her before speaking. "Mom, what's going on?"

"I'll explain in a minute, baby boy. I have some phone calls to make first." As she said this she brought the phone to her ear. "Hi, Donny, is Quinn in?...I see, is she expected back?...No, no message. Thank you." She ended the call and chose another number. The other end was apparently ringing for a long time. "Quinn, call me back, it's important," she said eventually, apparently leaving a message before she hung up again.