Second Chance

15

As the apartment filled up, everyone sat down in the living room. Puck looked for Quinn and Beth, who were missing.

"Quinn went to put Beth to bed." Santana said softly as she and Brittany sat down by Puck, saving a seat for Quinn right beside him.

Puck nodded and looked at Rachel, who was standing in front of everyone with Finn at her side.

"I wanted to thank you all for coming." Rachel began as she smiled at her friends and family members. "It means a lot that so many of you were able to get here."

Puck nodded and looked at Quinn, who had returned from the guest room and took a seat beside him.

Quinn took Puck's hand and glanced at him.

"Shelby was strong, fearless, and super talented. Those are all things I got from her and things I've seen in Beth." Rachel continued as tears filled her eyes. "She was taken away from us way too soon, but..."

"Daddy." Beth muttered.

"Come here, B." Puck said softly. "Shhh."

Beth ran to Puck, and he pulled her onto his knee.

Puck wrapped his arm around Beth and she leaned against him. He held Quinn's hand with his free hand.

"Shelby was a fighter, even until the end." Rachel continued. "She was a good teacher and mother, and even a friend. She pushed me to work harder and she made me into a better performer. I'll miss her performance advice and how she was always willing to sing with me."

Finn smiled slightly at the memories of sitting through all of those performances.

"And I'll just miss her." Rachel said softly as she wiped her eyes. "I can't talk anymore. Does anyone wanna come up and say anything?"

After everyone who wanted to speak got a chance to, the apartment started emptying out. It had been pretty packed; Shelby knew a lot of people from her career and because of Rachel and Beth.

"Beth, it's late." Puck said as he held Beth. "You should get to bed."

Beth shook her head as she reached for Quinn.

"Mama Quinn can tuck you in if you want." Puck told Beth as he passed her to Quinn.

Beth looked at Puck. "Will you come, too, Daddy?"

"Sure, B." Puck responded as Rachel walked over to the trio.

"My dads are taking the guest room and Finn and I are gonna sleep in our room." Rachel stated. "Would you be okay sleeping in the living room? We can set up the couch bed with fresh sheets."

"Are you sure? The three of us could go grab a hotel or something." Puck said.

Rachel shook her head. "Shelby's lawyer is coming tomorrow, so you guys should stay."

"Alright." Puck gave in. "Thanks."

"Of course." Rachel nodded. "Thanks for all of your help today."

"Of course."