Summary: Quinn returns to Lima after four years and finds out that not everything you leave behind remains the same.

Calls Me Home

Chapter 1

I'm glad some things never change.

I sigh softly as I stare aimlessly out the window at the familiar buildings I haven't seen in over four years. Four years and Lima still looks exactly how I left it. I'm not surprised in the least, it is Lima after all, but what does catch me off guard is the small grin that graces my face as we slowly pass the local park. Memories of my childhood flash through my mind and I can't help but feel happy to be back in the place I swore I'd never miss.

Four years ago, my father moved our family to New York City after he received a job offer from a high-end law firm he couldn't refuse. Within a month we were packed up and headed to our newly furnished New York home. I never looked back. I thought it would be easier that way, getting a fresh start in a new town, in a new state. I never expected to come back.

And yet, here I am.

My mother continues to drive carefully around town, taking in the familiar surroundings much like myself. I notice her head bobbing along as I go to turn the radio up higher, Frank Sinatra—her favourite. She turns to give me a smile and pats my thigh twice reassuringly, "It's nice to be back, isn't it Quinnie?"

I beam back at her and nod, not wanting to ruin her good mood or smile. They've been so seldom over the last few months, I can't bear to be the one that breaks her spirit—not after the divorce. It was only a few months ago she found my father and his secretary together in his office. Apparently she had her suspicions for a while, but it took finally catching him in the act for her to realize she needed to end things with the man. When my grandma called a few weeks ago to tell us had fallen and broken her hip, my mother jumped at the opportunity to return to Lima to take care of her. With Frannie off at college and my father staying in New York, I decided to follow my mother.

As much as I had come to love the city, New York didn't hold anything special enough for me to stay.

I sigh again before noticing that we've come to a complete stop. My mother has already gotten out of the car and has started unpacking things from the trunk. "Quinnie dear, come help your mother with these bags!" I hear her yell at me from outside.

As I get out of the car and grab the bags in my mother's hands, I notice the surrounding neighbours already coming out of their houses to conveniently grab their mail or trim their already pristine hedges. In actuality, they're prepping to start sharing the newest round of Lima gossip. I shake my head at the ridiculousness of some small town people and enter my grandma's house behind my mother.

I drop the bags in the foyer as my mother walks out from the kitchen. "Well I'm going to go the hospital to check on your grandmother. After her hip replacement surgery, she should be in the hospital for a few more days. If you want to stay here and unpack, your room is in the basement, dear. Just down the hall and to your left. I thought it would be a little more private," she gives me another warm smile as she grabs her purse and keys.

"Thanks mom," I reply as she goes to give me a kiss on the top of my head.

"I won't be too long. I'll even grab us some groceries on the way home for dinner." I can hear her heels click along the hardwood floors as she walks towards the front door and calls loudly over her shoulder, "Bye sweetie!"

It only takes me a bit over an hour to unpack all the bags I took with me from New York. The movers were coming in a couple of days with the rest of our things so I only had the few bags we were able to pack in our car. The basement was fairly large and consisted of four rooms; the laundry room, a bathroom, bedroom and a common area with a screen glass door leading to the backyard and a huge projection TV screen that looked about twenty years old. I had to admit, it was kind of perfect.

Well, besides the old grandmother house smell.

I grab my camera and Ipod from my nightstand before walking out the screen door into the backyard. The pool remains calm as there is only a brisk wind in the air. "The perfect summer weather," I whisper to myself as I close my eyes and inhale the strong smell of my grandma's lilacs. I throw in my ear buds and hit play on my Ipod as I unlock the gate to walk out onto the main street.

I picked up a weird fascination with people watching within the first year of living in New York. By the second year, my parents bought me a camera to try and focus my energy to harness it into something more productive. It had bloomed into a full-out hobby by the time I hit high school. It was my own little escape from the world.

When I realize I've completely dazed out, I find myself in front of the park we drove past earlier, the one that flanks my mind with childhood memories. I spot a group of children on the swings laughing loudly amongst themselves and I snap a picture as I come to remember a group of four childhood friends who used to do the same.

My heart drops and a feeling of guilt washes over me as I lower my camera and take another glance at the playing children. After a year of unanswered phone calls and texts, the majority of my friends that I left here in Lima stopped trying. Like I said, I thought it would be easier that way.

A complete disconnect, so very Fabray of me.

I notice two girls running hand in hand towards the jungle gym, leaving the other two remaining on the swings. I can't resist lifting my camera up and taking another snapshot. The effortless joy on the brunette's face as she twirls happily around is truly captivating and with the slightly taller blonde laughing off in the background, it makes for a wonderful picture.

The carefree innocence of children usually does.

I smile to myself as I continue to walk further into the park, passing the children on the swings on the way. The lone boy glances up and makes eye contact, giving me a wide grin and a friendly wave. The other girls remain in their own little world as I wave back at the little blonde boy, smiling until he looks away and begins swinging again.

I daze back out to my music as I wander aimlessly down a dirt path surrounded by trees that further leads into the park. As I round the corner of the last row of trees, I spot an opening and I know where my feet are automatically taking me. Near the far end of the park, I find my old favourite spot upon a hill that overlooks a part of town. I don't falter from faded memories, I know the exact spot.

It was where I spent so many of my nights and summer days.

It was where I had endured endless picnic after picnic.

It was where I broke my first, second and fourth bone.

It was even where I innocently had my first kiss.

They haven't changed the park too much since I've been here last, only adding a line of benches at the top of the hill and maybe an occasional tree or two. I run my hand along the length of the bench before sitting down at the end. There's a gold plate on the bench with an inscription but I can't seem to bother moving to read it. I stare out at the town as I shiver, trying to shake a weird feeling crawling in my veins. I don't know if it's the wind or because I'm back in Lima but I throw my arms together and rub them for warmth.

This end of the park is fairly secluded, a reason we loved it so much as kids. As I glance around, I only notice one other person sitting on the benches with me. A petite teenage girl sits two benches down from me reading a book that rests on her lap. Her head is slightly tilted downwards, her straight hair cascading over her shoulders and blocking the view of her face. I can only assume she's enjoying the book as I notice her nod her head every few minutes.

My hands fidget on my camera as I contemplate whether I should snap a photograph of the stranger, wary of being too creepy as we're the only ones in the vicinity. My eyes remain focused on the girl that couldn't be much older than me as I can't resist taking a quick shot of the girl reading. I don't notice how long I've been staring until I see the girl look up from her book. I quickly return my sights to the view of the town, hoping I didn't get caught in the act.

I feel my face becoming flush and a sudden wave of giggles overwhelm me as it dawns on me that the girl was wearing an argyle sweater. I mean really, argyle? The only person I know who even owns argyle is—Oh my god.

My eyes jolt open as I look back towards the girl. She's is no longer sitting on the bench and as I glance around, I only manage to catch the quick whisk of dark brown hair disappearing around the corner.

"It couldn't be." I hear my voice croak out. I sit there frozen on the bench, my hands unable to let go of the bench. Even if I subconsciously wanted to run after the girl to confirm my suspicions, my feet are cemented to the ground. It's only when I feel my phone vibrate in my jacket pocket that I am able to pry my hands off the bench and move to reach for the device.

Hey honey, I just got home and noticed you had left. I have a surprise for you when you get home, don't be gone too long! – Mom

Just at the park, be home shortly. I text her back as I get up slowly from the bench and take one final glance at the vacant bench where the girl sat. I still can't shake that weird feeling as I turn to walk home. My eyes stay glued to the picture on my camera's display and I don't even bother to glance at the children as I pass them on the way out as my thoughts become completely consumed by the mysterious brunette on my screen.

When I arrive at my grandma's house, I immediately hear some loud rustling from upstairs. I follow the sound to find my mother rustling around in one of her suitcases, dresses spread out all over her bed and heels are scattered everywhere.

I wouldn't exactly call it productive unpacking, but to each their own.

My eyebrow instinctively rises as I look at her expectantly, "Mom?"

"Oh, Quinnie—good, you're home!" She turns around and gives me a vibrant smile. "I have a few things to tell you. Here, sit down." She pats the space beside her on the bed and pushes the dresses over so I won't sit on the material. I swear she's hopped up on loads of caffeine or just really excited to tell me this news. Either way, I haven't seen her this excited in ages.

She waits until I sit down and holds my attention, knowing far too well of my tendencies to daze off. "First off, Grandma is doing fine. They'll be moving her to a rehabilitation centre tomorrow for three weeks before she's able to come back home. I'll need your help moving her." I just nod in agreement, edging her to continue as I look down at my feet and notice I didn't even bother to take off my shoes. "Secondly, I know there's a little less than two weeks until school so I must insist if you are out after midnight that you let me know where you are. I don't like the idea of you wandering around alone at night. Even if we aren't in New York anymore, you're still my baby girl and I want you to be safe." I feel her squeeze my leg and I know far too well that she's giving me her concerned eyes. "And lastly, the surprise..." She pauses for dramatic effect and so that I raise my head and look at her. A smile once again spread across her face. "I ran into Mary Evans at the grocery store and she invited the two of us over for dinner. I figured it'd be nice to see Sam again now that we're back. I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on."

She swore from an early age that Sam and I would end up getting married, but I never saw it. It was always platonic between the two of us and never saw it as anything other than that, just best friends. My mother still liked to live in denial though.

"Mom."

"I know, honey. I'm sorry." She rolls her eyes and shakes her head knowingly. "You know how I am; I just want you to be happy. But that still means you're coming to dinner tonight, we're leaving in thirty." She doesn't wait for me to respond until she's up and searching through her dresses once again. I'm assuming she's trying to figure out what to wear and as I leave the room to do the same, wondering how Sam and the others will react to my return.

.

.

By the time my mother and I reach the Evans house, the sun is just nearly over the horizon and I can feel the brisk August wind on my face as I get out of the car. I decided to wear one of my favourite yellow sundresses with a light jacket over top, nothing too fancy—just comfortable.

My mother waits for me to walk around the car so we can walk to the front door together. She hands me the flowers we picked up on the way for Mrs. Evans and goes to ring the doorbell. I can see my mother out of the corner of my eye fixing her hair last minute before Mrs. Evans opens the door and greets us.

I see the surprise in her face as she makes eye contact with me. "Oh my Lord, look at you! You've grown into such a beautiful young lady." She shrieks before pulling me into a tight hug. I glance over to see my mother beaming at me with a proud smile. "Just wait until Samuel sees you, Quinn."

I roll my eyes playfully as Mrs. Evans releases her grip around me and goes to hug my mother. I stand there with my arms crossed as I glare at my mother. I wouldn't put it past my mother to start planning with Mrs. Evans now that we're back in town.

"Mary, I've been told I'm not supposed to interfere in that department of Quinnie's life." My mother pats my shoulder gently as she walks past nonchalant and takes off her jacket. I'm almost certain there's a smirk on her face.

"That is correct." I reiterate for both the older woman, making direct eye contact with my mother as she turns to look at me. I step inside and hand the flowers to Mrs. Evans with a polite smile, knowing that proper manners are still expected.

"Oh sweetie, we're just playing with you. But you know both Judy and I would be thrilled and completely supportive if—"

"Mom? Was that the door?" A loud voice booms down the staircase before a tall figure appears at the top of the stairs. All I really can make out from the angle I'm at is blonde hair and a red letterman jacket.

"Yes honey, the Fabray's are here." Mrs. Evans calls back in a calm tone, her smile getting wider as her eyes move from the top of the staircase back to me. She throws me a wink and laughs heartedly to herself.

I hear several loud thuds from Sam descending the stairs rather quickly before he appears at the bottom. He tosses his hair, smile beaming on his face as he takes a step towards the three of us. "Hey Quinn," His voice is dramatically lower than I remember it being, but his goofy smile is the same old Sam I know and love.

Some things never change.

"Hi, Sam." I return a genuine smile because I sincerely did miss my best friend, even if it's taken coming back here in the first place to remember all that. My arms naturally find their way around his lower body and I find two strong arms pulling me in closer towards him. Sam has obviously started bulking up since high school and with the jacket, I can only assume he's on the football team.

Whatever the reason, I feel safe in his arms.

My smile fades slightly when I see both our mothers watching us closely, giggling amongst themselves like little school girls.

"We're going to check on the kids, you two are more than welcome to catch up. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. I'll call you two when it's ready." The two older women disappear quickly into the kitchen leaving just Sam and I in the main foyer. It couldn't have been more obvious if they tried and both Sam and I are just staring at each other with matching smirks.

I hear Sam laugh before he tosses his hair again and then nods over towards the back of the house, "You want to go out back and sit by the pool?"

I simply nod and start walking beside the much taller blonde towards the back. He opens the screen door and lets me go out first, "So… you're back?" His voice actually sounds timid and it's how I know that my friend hasn't changed too much.

"I hope so," I reply honestly as we both take our shoes off and sit down by the pool, just putting our feet in so they dangle in the water. "We came back to take care of my grandma. My parent's just got a divorce, so my mother said it felt like the right time to come home."

"Oh, I'm sorry Quinn. I didn't know." He drops his head and winces, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. My mother still cries sometimes at night, but I think being back here will help. I already see her smile a lot more." I start making circle patterns in the water with my feet and study the ripples of the water. "I think helping my grandma will take her mind off of it for a while too. We're moving her to the rehab centre tomorrow."

"Did you maybe want to go out for a bite to eat afterwards? There's this party tomorrow night at Puck's if you want to come too, make your big comeback before school starts." He tilts his head to the side and gives me a charming smile, trying to make the pot more enticing. He knows that I can't say no to that smile.

I shrug and let out a soft sigh, "Sure, I guess I can't leave the inevitable too long. Plus it would be nice to see everyone again."

There's a long pause before Sam scratches behind his ear and glances down quickly before looking back at me. "It is really good to see you, Quinn." He lets out a deep sigh and whispers softly, "I really missed you."

"Me too, Sam. And I'm sorry—for disconnecting completely like that." I can't even look at him while I'm talking because I'm too ashamed. I could've easily kept in contact someway, but it was just easier to let go and move on. But now I see I was just a coward. "I just thought…"

"—Hey, it's fine. I know you and why you did it, Quinn." His voice is reassuring as he throws his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into him. I know he's trying to make me feel better, but I still feel like a complete ass. "You're here now so we're cool. Besides, you don't have to worry about me—I'm the forgiving one."

That comment really hits me. Because he's right; and suddenly I'm feeling very nervous. How will the others react to my return? I couldn't honestly expect to be welcomed back with open arms, could I?

"Does she know yet?" My face contorts as guilt rushes through me. After four years of little to no guilt, it throws me completely off my feet.

"Neither one of them do I think," He shook his head and glanced down, playing with the water as a distraction. "When my mother told me you were coming over for dinner, hell, I didn't even fully believe it. I didn't want to tell anyone to get their hopes up. Not until I knew for sure."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize when I left that I'd actually be leaving people behind. I thought you'd just forget about me."

I hear him sigh deeply before he looks me straight in the eyes, "It hasn't been the same since you left, Quinn. I don't know what happened, but you were kind of the glue that held us together."

I frown learning the disconcerting news and that feeling of guilt in my stomach nearly doubles at Sam's words. "You don't all hang out anymore?"

"We barely talk anymore, Quinn. At least since high school started, you know how it works. I might talk to Santana sometimes because she's head cheerleader and all, but we aren't all friends like we used to be." He looks down at the water trying to hide his sadness, but I can tell. It's in his voice. "I know I can't blame you for it either—that wouldn't be fair, but I feel as though I have to be honest with you. You leaving, it destroyed them both. They handled it both differently, of coruse, but it still broke them each in their own way." He only slightly tilts his chin up to look me in the eye as a very small smile appears on his face. "Just wait until they find out you're back."

I chuckle nervously, still not knowing what to completely expect myself. "I have a feeling there will be more resistance from Santana. Is she going to be at this party tomorrow?" I'm not exactly sure a party is necessarily the greatest idea for my first confrontation with Santana in four years.

"Most likely since she's dating Puck, but don't worry I'll protect you." I roll my eyes and push him back slightly as a goofy grin wipes across his face and he begins to laugh loudly. "Come on, it'll be fine. Fun even and you'll have plenty of stories to tell people after living in New York for four years. Rachel's going to be super jealous."

I swallow deeply at the sound of her name. "How is she—"

"Kids! Dinner!" I hear Mrs. Evans yell from inside the house. "Sam, be a dear and grab Stacey and Stevie as well!"

"Later." He nods to me as he pulls his feet out of the pool and unfolds his jeans back down. "I'll meet you inside, Quinn." He throws me that goofy smile before he runs off to grab his younger siblings.

Dinner went off without any real incidents, Stacy and Stevie being there held the two older women in check with their off-sided comments about Sam and me. It was mostly just Mrs. Evans asking about how my four years in New York were and whether I enjoyed my time there. She gushed about how Sam was on the football team and how Mr. Evans had just received a promotion recently at work. And by the end of the night, Stacy and Stevie had snuck back up to their rooms leaving the four of us standing in the main foyer.

"Well Mary, thank you for a fine evening." My mother speaks up and leans in to give the woman a warm hug goodbye.

I turn to Sam and notice he's already standing close beside me. I wrap my arms around his lower body as he leans in closer to the hug, resting his chin on top of my head.

"I'll call you tomorrow. Please, answer it this time." He whispers as he pulls away and steps back.

"I will, goodnight Sam." I nod and give him a sincere smile before turning to Mrs. Evans who already has her arms wide open. "Thank you again Mrs. Evans for inviting us over for dinner, it was lovely."

"My pleasure, dear. Any time for you." She squeezes me tighter before letting me go. As my mother and I walk through the door, I can hear Mrs. Evans' faint voice calling behind us, "Have a safe drive home you two."

.

.

It was just about noon when my mother and I pulled out of the hospital with my grandma. We were moving my grandma right from the hospital into a specialized rehabilitation centre for the elderly. She told my mother that she didn't want to be a burden for us while she was still recovering. Neither of us bothered to argue with the woman. We knew better than that.

We get her settled into her room and make sure she's comfortable before we leave her, seeing the obvious exhaustion in the older woman. My mother informs her that we'll be back another day as she begins to walk to the front office. "Quinnie, can you go grab the car? I just have a few papers to sign and then I'll meet you out there." She fishes the car keys out of her purse and hands them to me before turning the opposite direction.

I continue to walk the way we came in, almost making it out of the wing when I'm stopped in my tracks by a familiar soft voice calling my name in the distance.

"Quinn?"

I hear the voice again, much louder this time and my body stiffens. The voice sounding almost directly behind me and as I turn around slowly towards the voice, my assumption is correct as a familiar brunette stands in front of me.

"It is you." Rachel whispers quietly in disbelief.

"Rachel." I breathe out unbelievably and gaze at the petite girl as she breaks into her earth-shattering smile that hasn't shaken me in over four years. She tilts her head to the side slightly before leaping forward and wrapping her arms securely around my body, almost on instinct her grip tightens and I can't breathe. "Rachel." I choke out in a whisper and it takes another minute before she releases her hold on me and takes a step back.

"I'm sorry Quinn, it's just—y-you're here. I can't believe it." Her smile hasn't so much flinched as she beams up at me, her hands beginning to fidget nervously as her eyes look at me expectantly. "What are you doing here?"

I take a second to just smile at the girl who I haven't talked to in what seems to be forever. "My mother and I moved back to town. She thought my grandma shouldn't be alone, especially after breaking her hip and having surgery. She's staying here for a while and then my mother will take care of her." I look around and notice that the hallway is completely empty besides the two of us. Most of the people have retreated to their rooms, it seems. "What are you doing here?" I ask as I'm confused on why she's at a rehabilitation centre for the elderly on a Saturday afternoon.

"I volunteer to do karaoke and dancing for the seniors here on Saturdays." She says plainly, shrugging and dismissing the fact as my return is far more intriguing to her. "So you're really home, for good?"

The side of my mouth quirks as I can hear the soft timid tone behind the girl's question, "I don't think my mother has any intention of relocating any time soon."

The smile on Rachel's face explodes as she pulls me into a hug, this time I'm able to reciprocate the embrace. My arms fall softly around her shoulders as her arms go around my lower body and her head softly falls onto my chest. I can feel her let out a soft sigh as she relaxes under my touch. "I thought I was imagining things when I thought I saw you at the park earlier. It was you, wasn't it?" Her voice is so soft and I can almost hear the sadness in her voice as she expects rejection. It makes my heart feel heavy when she pulls away.

Her eyes find mine somehow as she awaits my response. The unfamiliar shade of brown in her eyes leaves me speechless and all I can manage is a simple nod. The four years have definitely done Rachel Berry some good, still remaining just as petite and adorable as ever but behind her eyes is what truly memorizes me. "I love that park." I whisper as I finally find my voice, trying not to stare too deeply into the brown orbs that hold my gaze. They're remarkably captivating and I can't believe I haven't noticed their intensity before. "I went out for a walk and ended up there somehow."

She smiles at me knowingly and giggles, "Your feet usually were miles ahead of your brain. You and that dazing out problem of yours."

I huff and roll my eyes, "I'm working on it."

"Have you been back long? Have a chance to see any of the others?"

The second question throws me slightly off after what Sam told me about none of them talking anymore. Of course Rachel still cared about them. I try to not frown as I answer the girl, "We've only been back a couple of days. Mrs. Evans had my mother and me over for dinner last night so I've seen Sam. He plans on taking me to a party later tonight, he said there's a good possibility of Santana being there."

"Oh, well that sounds lovely." She gives me a small smile as she remains sounding as genuine as ever, but I can tell as her smile doesn't reach her eyes and I immediately feel guilty. It all fell apart after I left, how could I not hold myself accountable?

"Will I see you there?" I immediately regret asking the question as I see the girl's face noticeably sink. It looks completely destroyed and I know I don't need an answer, "I'm sorry, Rach. Sam told me what happened."

"He did?" Her eyes shoot up to mine in shock and I can see the fear in her face.

"Yeah, how you guys all went your separate ways after I left. I'm really sorry if my absence had anything to do with it."

She looks down at the ground shyly, avoiding any eye contact with me. My heart breaks a little because Rachel never lost eye contact while talking. She commanded your full attention. "Oh, that… it wasn't your fault, Quinn." Her arms cross in front of her body as she continues to keep her gaze to the ground, her feet beginning to shift from one side to the other. I don't like this.

The guilt of making this girl on the verge of tears literally pulls on my heart strings and I know I need to set things right. "I still feel slightly responsible and in need of making it up. Plus I missed you, Rach." As her eyes jump up to mine and the smile reaches them just as fast, I know that I've said the right thing. And I know it is right when I pull the small brunette into me again and embrace her one more time. My head drifts down to lean on the top of her head as my eyes close in the feeling of serene comfort.

I only pry my eyes open at the sound of the girl in my arms sniffling against my chest. "I missed you too, Quinn. A lot."

"Quinnie, there you are!"

I turn around to see my mother calling me from down the hall with her arm raised above her head. I let go of Rachel and take two steps back, I see her look down and shyly stand there like we just got caught in the act. Her reaction puzzles me as we were always touchy-feely friends growing up and my mother seeing us hug surely wasn't anything new.

I see my mother motioning for me to come to her before I look back at Rachel whose eyes are glued to the ground again. Great. "I got to go but I'll see you later?" My voice sounds hopefully as I try and get her eyes to meet mine again.

I can see the girl's eyebrows furrow and contemplate the decision for a few seconds. Before I can dwell on her reaction, her face goes soft and she lets out a gentle sigh before she nods and smiles at me, "Of course, Quinn. Have a wonderful time at Noah's party." Her eyes aren't nearly as vibrant as before but her voice sounds genuine enough. I can't properly place if she's actually being genuine or just acting to let me down easy, but I let it go and give her one last smile before running towards my mother.

I glance back at the girl as I'm about halfway towards my mother and notice her holding her flushed cheek as she retreats herself. I'm left puzzled at the girl nearly skipping away, but then again Rachel Berry has always confused me and I don't think that was going to change any time soon.