Second Chance

14

"The mirrors are covered, and the living room is set up." Kurt announced as he led Blaine and Quinn into the kitchen. "Where's the rest of the food?"

"I'm pretty sure people are supposed to bring things." Puck stated.

"Do any of our friends know that?" Quinn wondered.

"You guys really made me sit through Christmas celebrations for, like, a full month for three years in glee club and you didn't bother learning anything about Jews or Jewish traditions?" Puck asked.

Quinn, Blaine, and Kurt looked at each other and then at Puck.

"Whatever." Puck rolled his eyes. "If they don't bring stuff, I'll run out."

"Everything else is all set." Blaine stated proudly.

"Good." Puck said as he led them into the living room. "The three of you can sit down and shut up until Rachel breaks the silence. They should be back any minute, and everyone else will be here any time after that."

On cue, the door opened, and Finn led Rachel and Beth inside.

Rachel put Beth down and she ran to Puck, hugging him tightly.

"Hey, B." Puck said softly as he stood up and put Beth on his hip.

"You guys don't have to do that thing where you're quiet until I say something." Rachel stated. "You've been here every day and have done more than enough."

"Well, you know we're sorry and we're here for you if you need anything." Kurt smiled.

"I know." Rachel said. "But Shelby always loved seeing all of us happy and laughing and being together, and I think that's what she would wanna see here, too."

"Yeah." Puck agreed. "She would."

Rachel walked around the apartment, noting the covered mirrors and the food. "Thanks, Noah."

"They helped." Puck said with a shrug. "I just told them what to do."

"Well, I appreciate it." Rachel smiled. "My dads are picking up more food, too."

"Yeah, I didn't know what you needed so..." Puck shrugged.

"It's good." Rachel nodded. "The service and the ceremony were nice. Beth was so strong."

Puck smiled slightly as he looked at Beth, who was resting her head on his shoulder.

"She must be exhausted." Rachel noted. "Do you think she'll N-A-P?"

"She'll probably freak out if we leave her alone, but if she falls asleep, Quinn and I will put her down inside." Puck said, looking at Quinn.

"Yeah, she'll be okay." Quinn nodded as the apartment door opened.

Rachel's dads entered with trays of food. They handed it off to Finn and Blaine to set up while they greeted the others.

Rachel propped the apartment door open to allow their friends to just walk right in.

-

Puck furrowed his eyebrow when his brother walked in. He walked over to Jake and greeted him.

"Hey, you didn't have to come to this." Puck said.

"I figured I'd stop by." Jake shrugged. "For Beth. How's she doing?"

"Not good." Puck said. "She's either crying or clinging to me or Quinn, but she's gonna be okay."

"She's gonna be okay." Jake repeated with a nod. "Sorry about Shelby."

Puck nodded. "Well, come in and eat or something."

"I should go say hi to Rachel." Jake nodded as he walked away.

Puck walked over to Quinn and Beth, who were with Santana and Brittany. He greeted the Latina and the blonde with kisses on their cheeks. "Thanks for coming."

Santana nodded and put her hand on Puck's arm. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay." Puck said. "I'm just trying to make sure Beth is."

"She's lucky she has you." Santana smiled.

"You're so good with her." Brittany added.

"I do my best." Puck nodded as he put his hand on Quinn's back and looked at her. "I'm gonna see if Rachel needs anything. Are you good with Beth?"

"Go ahead." Quinn replied as she adjusted Beth on her hip. "She's fine. I'm gonna see if she'll nap inside soon."

Puck nodded. "Let me know if you need anything."