Beth

Chapter 1 - The Balancing Act

Within a few days Quinn and Beth were released from the hospital and headed back home with Judy. Quinn had been losing the weight rapidly which she was glad for but she still opted to wear a flowing navy and white dress with a pink cardigan home as they wheeled her out to the car holding Beth who was wrapped up in a pink blanket. Quinn carefully put Beth in her carseat buckling her up and double checking to make sure Beth was secure as she then took her own seat in the car next to her baby as Judy drove them home.

"Mom...would it be okay if I went to school today?" Quinn asked as Judy nodded. "I don't see why not. I can watch Beth for a few hours, especially now that you don't have any after school activities. You can focus on your studies," Judy said as Quinn nodded, in a way relieved that Glee Club would be ending for the year but at the same time saddened by the fact that next year she wouldn't have Glee to look forward to.

Judy dropped Quinn off at McKinley High as she handed in her paperwork for the few days she had been out. "Welcome back Miss Fabray," Donna, the secretary said smiling at Quinn. "Thank you," Quinn said as she made her way down the hall as she was stopped by Rachel. "Quinn! Thank God you're back and right on time!" Rachel grinned as Quinn chuckled seeming confused by what Rachel was saying. "Back in time for what?" Quinn asked. "Our one last song. We're going to perform one last time for Mr. Schue to thank him for what he'd given us in Glee this year," Rachel said as Quinn thought about it. "Count me in," Quinn said as Rachel grinned celebrating that she had gotten Quinn, the final puzzle piece to agree to perform in the auditorium one last time.

The New Directions were all seated on stools as Quinn took the stool next to Puck. "How's she doing?" Puck asked, clearly concerned about their newborn daughter. "She's fine...my mom's watching her while I'm in school," Quinn explained as Puck nodded, seeming relieved to know that Beth was okay. "I'm glad you're back," Puck told Quinn seriously who smiled a bit. "I just got out of the hospital, there's no need for my studies to slip even though I did miss a few days," Quinn said honestly as Puck laughed shaking his head. "Same old Quinn. I admire your ambition though, Beth needs that," Puck said as Quinn was clearly touched by what Puck had to say but they were interrupted by Rachel entering the auditorium with Mr. Schue.

Rachel took the stool in the front and center next to Finn as she stood onstage. "So we have something we need to say to you," Rachel said honestly as Matt then took the lead. "In the beginning of this year, I was just another football player," Matt said honestly. "I had a stutter," Tina said. "I was a closeted diva," Mercedes said. "I used to be captain of the Cheerios," Quinn said still somewhat missing her days on the squad. "I was afraid to dance outside my room," Mike admitted. "I hated everyone in this club," Santana said. "So did I," Brittany agreed. "I wasn't honest about who I was," Kurt said emotionally. "I was tossing kids into Dumpsters," Puck admitted. "I had never kissed a girl before," Artie admitted as he and Tina exchanged a look. "And I was getting slushied," Rachel frowned. "I didn't-I didn't have a father. Someone I could look up to. Model myself after. Someone who could show me what it really meant to be a man," Finn said. "We don't care what the judges say. We won. Because we had you as a teacher," Rachel said as Mr. Schue seemed touched. "And Glee Club will never end, Mr. Shue, because... you are Glee Club. And you're in all of us now," Mercedes said as the Glee Club began to perform 'To Sir With Love' onstage together thinking it would be their last time performing as a group.

Mr. Schue blew the emotional New Directions a kiss as they walked offstage, most of them in tears. Quinn who was only a few days postpartum was incredibly emotional, especially since the New Directions were some of the only people who didn't turn their backs on her when she was pregnant. Puck saw the tears in her eyes and wrapped his arms around her. "Sorry," Quinn said emotionally. "Don't be," Puck said letting Quinn cry into his chest as he rubbed her back. "I just can't believe it's over," Quinn said in between tears. "I know... I was hoping by now Principal Figgins would change his mind but I guess not," Puck said as Quinn sighed. "It just feels like a bad dream....the club ending. Things aren't going to be any easier now that it's over," Quinn said as Puck nodded. "I get it," Puck said as the bell rang. "I've got to get to class," Quinn said as she pulled away from Puck. "Hey...if you need anything, you know I'm here for you," Puck said seriously as Quinn smiled. "I appreciate it," Quinn smiled a bit as she walked off to class wondering if things would ever go back to normal for her.

Quinn arrived back home after school as promised as she unlocked the door. "Look who's home," Judy smiled holding Beth who was awake is cooing. "Hey baby girl," Quinn smiled tearing up as Judy handed Beth to Quinn. Beth began to cry a bit. "Shhhh..." Quinn said rocking Beth trying to get her to stop crying. "Sorry it's time to feed her again," Judy said as she handed Quinn the bottle who then fed Beth who quieted down drinking the bottle as Quinn then burped her. Beth soon feel asleep in Quinn's arms. Quinn held her for a bit before putting her down. "She looks so peaceful," Quinn said smiling at Beth. "All babies are like that when they're asleep," Judy chuckled a bit to her daughter. "Thanks for this mom," Quinn said. "Of course. Besides, I'm enjoying having a baby at home once again," Judy said as Quinn smiled a bit glad to have her mother's support.

As the weeks went on raising a baby wasn't quite as easy as it seemed. Quinn got very little rest throughout the weeks, especially since Beth woke up every few hours to eat. With finals coming up, Quinn knew whatever time she didn't spend taking care of Beth, she was going to have to spend studying for her finals so she could move on to her junior year. When she arrived at school towards the end of the year, her phone went off. "Emergency Meeting in the choir room". It read. It was from Mr. Schue. Quinn seemed confused as she headed to the choir room. Glee Club had been over for weeks but she decided to come to the choir room with the rest of the New Directions. She took a chair next to Kurt and Mercedes. "Do you know what this is about?" Quinn asked as Kurt and Mercedes both shook their heads as Mr. Schue entered the choir room, ready to give his big announcement. "We've got another year," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions all looked shocked. "WHAT!" Everyone exclaimed. "Come on we've got another year," Mr. Schue cheered as the New Directions celebrated hugging each other. Rachel interrupted the celebration by taking over. "Okay, you guys, I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to start rehearsing for next year's Sectionals immediately..." Rachel began as Mr. Schue put his arms on Rachel's shoulders. "Guys, you've all worked really hard this year, and you deserve a break," Mr. Schue said. "But I have ideas," Rachel objected as Mr. Schue guided her back to her seat. "Take the summer off. Have some fun. Oh, but before you go, I have something for you," Mr. Schue smiled a bit as he got out his ukulele. "You all sang for me the other day, so today I'd like to return the favor. Puck, if you're ready," Mr. Schue said calling Puck down as Quinn looked at him. Had Puck known about Glee Club coming back? Had he done this for Quinn. Whatever it was Quinn couldn't help but watch him and Mr. Schue perform 'Over the Rainbow' feeling more and more grateful that the club wasn't over.