When Glee is dismissed, I tell Santana and Brittany to wait while I run to catch up to Sam. "Sam! Wait up!"
Reluctantly, he turns to face me. "What?"
"I was thinking we could practice for our duet," I say sweetly.
"Quinn, we don't even know what it is yet."
"I know. I figured we could do a couple practice songs."
He sighs, looking wary. "Look Quinn, I have football practice, and I'm not sure --"
"Just think about it." My facade breaks at this, showing the desperation that I really feel. His eyes widen and he opens his mouth, but I can't bring myself to hear what he says. I turn and leave, making my way to my friends.
Brittany and Santana are waiting for me, and I just say, "He'll come around. Let's go shopping."
***
"See you tomorrow!" I call to Santana and Brittany's retreating figures. I haul my bags of new clothes up the stairs, and then promptly collapse on my bed.
Even though I love how I look in my Cheerios costume, its not so comfy. So I take it off, and exchange it for some sweats and an oversized T-shirt. I take out my ponytail, comb through my hair with my fingers, and put on my glasses. As I stare into the mirror, I see the old Quinn.
My eyes stray to the framed picture front and center on my vanity table. Rachel and I, our faces squashed together, laughing uncontrollably. We were so happy, I think, tears welling in my eyes. I compare it to the new pictures with Santana and Brittany, pinned to my bulletin board. They can't compare to Rachel.
Of course not. Who had been my best friend for years? Who made me laugh when Santana or Brittany or Finn had mocked me and made me feel worthless? Who's face immediately made me smile and feel at home?
And suddenly I was searching through my bag, my hand wrapping around my cell phone. I called her number -- blocking mine, because she would ignore any call from me. She answered on the second ring. "Hello? Hello, is anyone there?"
Just wanted to hear your voice, Rach. I hung up, the phone falling to the bed. And then I curled up on my side and began to sob. I miss you. Oh, I miss you so much.
