Anniversary

"Can you believe it?" asked Shelby as she sipped on her champagne, "ten years already" she smiled.

Terry smiled brightly as he looked across the small dinner table for two, "and the best is yet to come" he said as he leaned his glass over for Shelby to clink against his, "most definitely" she said in agreement.

They were in New York to enjoy their anniversary weekend and were currently sitting in their preferred restaurant, being treated to the finest food by their most favorite chef in the world.

It was actually Santana's idea for them to have a getaway trip since things at home have been tensed of late. Terry was all for it and had begun making plans but as usual it took some time to convince Shelby to leave the two youngest with her mother and have a four day weekend all to themselves.

"So what do you have planned for us after dinner tonight Mr. Corcoran-Johnson?" asked Shelby, fighting hard not to blush but failing miserably. Even after all these years she still turned to mush when he looked at her in a certain way.

"Well I'm thinking we can take a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park, then I have tickets to go to the theater" he responded with a smirk.

"To see Rachel?!" gasped Shelby with excitement.

"Of course" replied Terry chuckling, "This makes how many times now?" he asked.

"Four and definitely not enough" said Shelby.

"I agree. I've always wanted to see her while we were on a date" said Terry.

"Me too" replied Shelby quietly.

A small mousy type young lady walked up with their first course, bringing their conversation to a brief close while both Shelby and Terry basked in the familiarity of the smell and sight of the food, which was prickling almost all of their senses. While they were being served, their waiter refilled their glasses with Shelby's favorite wine. Shelby thanked the young pair for their service while Terry seemed to be mesmerized by the food in front of them, "The chef is really showing off tonight huh?" he said.

"Umm hmm" replied Shelby with a mouth already filled with food. Terry laughed and took the hint as the celebrating couple began to partake of their meal. The rest of dinner was filled with meaningful talk about where the couple was in their relationship and what the future held for them. They were in agreement that things between them had been great thus far. Of course they had arguments, all couples do, but they both made it a point to hash things out once they calmed down. Their marriage was great and Shelby felt blessed that she wasn't tired of her husband yet. There were days where she still got butterflies and still felt like she was on her honeymoon and Terry clearly wasn't sick of her because he was still as protective as ever, a loving, caring husband and father.

"Compliments to the chef" said Terry to their waitress after their final dish was cleared.

"I will definitely let her know" smiled the small woman.

"Actually could you tell her we would like to see her" announced Shelby with a smile.

"Yes ma'am" said the waitress as she scurried off quickly. Less than five minutes later Shelby and Terry both broke into large smiles and stood up as they watched Santana make her way from the back of the restaurant and towards their table.

"Happy anniversary!" laughed Santana as Shelby pulled her into a tight hug and begun placing an abundance of kisses on her cheek, while telling her between each one how much she loved and missed her eldest daughter.

"The food was delicious!" exclaimed Shelby as she passed Santana to Terry who almost squished the petite chef with a bone crushing hug. "Hey dad" smiled Santana as she hugged him back just as strongly while Terry briefly picked her up off her feet.

"How's it going Peanut?" asked Terry as he placed her gently back on the ground and the couple returned to their seats.

"It's going good" smiled Santana genuinely, "really good."

Shelby could see that smile reach Santana's eyes and she knew her daughter was being honest. It had taken years but her baby was finally happy and seemed to be satisfied with what life had been offering her as of late.

"You're looking happy" said Terry voicing what Shelby was thinking internally.

"That's cause I am" agreed Santana with a nod, "the restaurant is doing really awesome. The boss seems to be happy because of how busy we always are and I'm figuring out plans to open up my own spot in a few years. I'm thinking about calling it Nana's" shrugged Santana.

"Oh San, she would love that" replied Shelby softly.

"Yeah I think so too. The only problem is deciding where to open up, but I'll figure that out and due time" said Santana with a slight blush to her face.

"Well the food was freaking amazing kiddo. We definitely miss this cooking back at home but we're both glad you've found your happiness here in the Big Apple" said Terry in his deep voice.

"Thanks dad, that really means a lot" said Santana, whom Shelby noticed couldn't wipe that giant smile off her face even if she tried.

"I think it's time for a picture to mark this momentous occasion" said Shelby as she stood and pulled out her phone. They got their waitress to snap the shot, Emily was her name, something Shelby couldn't remember the entire evening. Several photos were taken and when they were done Santana instructed them to take their seat because she and Terry were going to enjoy a special desert, compliments of the restaurant.

Their glasses were refilled again, along with two cool glasses of water as a young lady with a chef coat on, walked to their table with the most delectable chocolate cake Shelby had ever seen. She honestly couldn't take her eyes off of it, and she was sure it would taste as good as it looked.

"San you made this as well?" asked Terry and Shelby could tell his mouth was watering.

"Uh nope…you know baking really isn't my forte" replied Santana, "but let me introduce you to our pastry chef" she said as she pushed the young blonde up, "Ashley."

Shelby held out her hand to Ashley and the young woman immediately shook it and did the same to Terry as well, "It's an honor to meet you both, Santana has told me so much about the two of you" said Ashley excitedly.

She and Terry shared a look before she looked back at the young lady and smiled brightly. It was clear to her now the real reason Santana was truly happy.

"I hope you both enjoy the desert" stated Ashley, "Santana said you both really like chocolate" said Ashley with a smile that showed off the deep set dimples in her cheeks.

"Well it's clear I like chocolate" said Shelby flirtatiously as she looked over at Terry, "but I don't know about my husband" she said as Terry eyes darkened slightly and he chuckled softly.

"Oh my gosh, mom" said Santana as she held her head down in embarrassment.

Ashley laughed heartily as she looked at the couple in front of her, "I think it's adorably sweet" said Ashley as she sat down two small cups of vanilla ice cream, "bon appétit" she said before excusing herself and walking back to the kitchen.

"So how long have you two been seeing one another?" asked Terry as he watched Santana, watching Ashley's movements back into the kitchen.

"Wh-what?" Santana replied, obviously startled by the question.

"How long you two been messing around girl?" said Terry with a sly smile.

"Yeah, I thought you said you were done with blondes" added Shelby as she and her husband broke into a fit of giggles.

"Ha ha, very funny" replied Santana while rolling her eyes and trying her best to fight off another blush.

"But seriously, how long?" said Shelby as she reached for Santana's hand and began rubbing her thumb over the back of it in a comforting manner.

"Like a month…we're taking things slow but I really, really like her and its freaking me out" replied Santana honestly, "because I was done with blondes…and brunettes for that matter."

"You're an awesome woman Santana. You're twenty-eight, with an amazing career and the only responsibility you have is you. Go for it Peanut, protect your heart but go for it. It's clear she's into you, hell she made your parents desert for their anniversary, and she don't even know us like that" said Terry.

"True" Santana softly responded. "Look guys I've got to get back but I'm so happy you decided to celebrate up here" said Santana as leaned over to give her parents another hug. "We gotta hang out before you go back to Ohio."

"That's a deal" said Shelby as she placed another kiss on Santana's cheek. "Do me a favor and call Beth and Brandon this evening when you get a chance."

"Okay I promise" said Santana, "she still being thirteen?"

"Yeah but honestly she has every reason to be angry" whispered Shelby in response.

Santana nodded before wishing them another happy anniversary and making her way back to the kitchen. When Shelby turned back around after watching her she saw that Terry had already started on the chocolate cake and ice cream. Shelby laughed softly before joining him as they ate for the first time that night in silence.

"Stop worrying Shells" said Terry in his deep voice that she still loved.

"I'm trying, I really am but you know how hard that is for me" she whispered.

"I know but you know we're gonna get through this rough patch with Beth" he said, "honestly I get why she's upset but at this point I think she's being a little unreasonable with her anger. I mean she has yet to call today" he said.

Shelby sighed heavily as she felt unwanted tears cloud her vision.

"Hey now, stop that" said Terry as he got up quickly, and scooped Shelby up as if she weighed nothing. "Today is a joyous day, our day, no sadness allowed" he whispered in her ear as he rubbed her back.

"I know" she replied emotionally, "I just wish things were better."

"They will be…in due time things will go back to being awesome, but for now, we have to go through the fire" said Terry softly as he wiped a tear that escaped from Shelby's eye. "Now we have to put those things aside for the night, okay. No worries, just for the night my love" whispered Terry.

Shelby nodded as she lay her head against his chest, "I love you Mr. Corcoran-Johnson" Shelby said emotionally.

"And I love you Mrs. Corcoran-Johnson" replied Terry strongly.

They were unaware that Santana was watching through the window of the kitchen door. She knew her dad only picked up her mom liked that when she was upset and Santana had a good idea why her mother was having a poignant moment. She tutted in irritation, a habit she'd gotten from her grandmother, and turned around from the door and walked into the corner of the kitchen. Taking out her phone she dialed a familiar number and smiled when her grandmother answered with a cheery 'hello'.

"Hey Nana, how goes it?" replied Santana.

"It goes good" replied the elder woman, "and what did I do to get the honor of you calling me today?"

"You know how much I love you Nana, but I actually was calling for the blonde thirteen year old with the stank attitude" said Santana.

"Ah, I understand, she's been rather moody all day so it's really been Brandon and I doing most of the hanging out" replied Nana.

"Well he's a cool person to hang out with" laughed Santana.

Nana chuckled, "that's for sure, and he doesn't even realize how cool he is yet. I hope it stays that way" she said.

"Me too, but it won't…he's too cute" said Santana with a smirk.

"I'm gonna go and get Beth" she heard her grandmother say, while laughing at her last statement. Santana walked back to the kitchen doors and immediately noticed her parents had separated and were now finishing up their wine and desert. From her angle she could tell that her dad was still trying to put her mom back in good spirits. Santana felt some of that rage in her spirit that she'd always tried to keep at bay.

"Hello" said the young voice of Beth, causing Santana to get even angrier.

"Why haven't you called mom and dad and wished them a happy anniversary?" said Santana sharply deciding to get straight to the point.

"How did you even know I didn't?" responded Beth with the same sharp tone as Santana.

Santana felt her nostrils flare before she responded, "look here you little ungrateful jackass, I get why you're angry with mom. I really do. She should've told you the truth, hell for that matter we all should have said something sooner. But that woman, who you've been ignoring for the better part of a month now, has been there since the day you were born. The day you were born Beth, she's been taking care of you. Loving you, wiping your little stinky ass, bathing you, comforting you when you were sick, washing your clothing, shopping and doing everything to make sure you had a great life. Not just a good life but a great fucking life and the least you can do is call her and make her fucking day on her anniversary" snapped Santana with a ferocity she hadn't had to use in years.

"I'm still mad" sniffled Beth emotionally.

"So the fuck what" was Santana's immediate response.

There was a tense moment of silence between them before Santana continued. She needed that time to remind herself to calm down.

"You better call mom once I get off the phone with you" she said tersely into the phone, noticing that her dad was signaling Emily so he could pay the bill.

"And if I don't" replied Beth with some bite.

"If you don't I swear I will fly to Ohio tonight and beat the shit out of you" threatened Santana, "and you know I'll do it. You know my past and you know I don't make a promise and not keep it. You keep hurting my mother and I promise to ends you" said Santana as her accent peaked through at the moment. She hung up the phone without waiting for a response and watched.

She watched as Emily explained that the bill had already been taken care of, by Santana of course, and she raised her brow up when she saw her mother reach for her phone and answer it. Even though her mother's back was towards her, she could tell it was Beth simply by how much her mother's body language perked up and her father held a satisfied expression. She locked eyes with the dark man and he nodded in appreciation and Santana nodded back with a tight smile. By the time she looked back at her mom, Shelby had hung up from the call but she could see the woman speaking animatedly with her dad.

She could feel her cell phone vibrating in her hand and she answered it without looking to see who was calling.

"I did it" said Beth quietly into the phone.

"You better had" replied Santana. She could almost feel Beth rolling her eyes. "Look I'm sorry for being such a bitch but I take this stuff seriously Beth. Mom and dad have been there for all of us when they didn't have to be. I know you're upset with her for not telling you about Quinn and who Quinn actually was to you. We all handled the situation incorrectly but you finding out who Quinn really is, doesn't change what Shelby Corcoran-Johnson has done and ultimately who she is…and that is your mother Beth. She's your mom, yes Quinn gave birth to you but the person that raised you is Shelby" said Santana as she hoped to impart some type of wisdom into her little sister. "You're hurting her by not talking, even after she's apologized. You hurt her a lot today by not calling her and wishing her a happy anniversary, dad too. That's not fair Beth, that's not fair at all."

She could hear her little sister crying into the phone, "it isn't f-fa-fair that she lied to me. Her and Quinn lied" stuttered out Beth.

"No it's not fair. Life isn't fair kid and the older you get the more you'll realize that. I know it hurts, trust me I know what it's like to be hurt like that but being angry and not forgiving anyone isn't the way to go. I've been there and done that and I'm telling you now the only person you're hurting is yourself. You don't want to live that way Beth. Talk to Nana or go to Marissa, you know she's our entire family's therapist but don't shut everyone out" said Santana calmly, "okay?"

"Okay" replied Beth softly on the other end.

"Look I love you kid, I hope you know how much" said Santana.

"I love you too Peanut" whispered Beth.

"Alright, I promise to come home and visit sometime and we can go hang out, just you and me" she said.

For the first time she heard her little sister smile into the phone since they talked that day. Beth readily agreed and they hung up from one another. By the time Santana looked back out the kitchen door her parents had gone.


Shelby was beyond ecstatic, after the carriage ride she had and the play she'd just seen. She was standing on a Broadway stage getting a standing ovation from the audience that she was just a part of. She and Terry was holding hands as they looked out into the audience and over to Rachel, who had just called them up and handed them a beautiful bouquet of flowers for their special day.

Once the crowd settled, Rachel took the opportunity to explain to the audience how Shelby and Terry had in essence saved her life and had been with her at one of the most tumultuous time periods during her twenty-seven years. Shelby felt tears spill out of her eyes and down her cheeks as Rachel spoke so eloquently about what she and Terry meant to her and all of her siblings. She explained that if it wasn't for Shelby and all the sacrifices the two parents made, Rachel wasn't sure if she'd be on stage, doing what she dreamed about for years.

Once Rachel ended with an emotional "I love you" Shelby and Terry both embraced the small diva with a bone crushing hug. She heard the audience give another rousing applause as the family broke away and Rachel led them to take a bow and they quickly made their exit backstage.

"Oh Rachel" was all Shelby could get out once they were back in her dressing room. She was just to overcome with emotion as she went in for another hug from her first born. "Thank you for all of this" said Shelby.

"No problem mom" replied Rachel as she leaned into her mother's embrace. Physical proximity from her loved ones is something Rachel still loved and craved. "Ten years is a big deal and should be celebrated accordingly" she replied.

Shelby chuckled as she pulled Rachel back and looked down at her doppelganger, "I'm so proud of you my darling girl and the changes you've done with the character makes the play even better" said Shelby.

Terry quickly found a seat knowing that mother and daughter would be having a long conversation about the current musical Rachel was a part of. He took in his surrounding of Rachel's dressing room, noting that everything in there, even down to the couch had Rachel's personality all over it. What caught his attention the most were the pictures she had all over her wall. Plenty of family photos and photos of her with her cast mates and friends. There was a picture of Rachel with Finn, which he'd never seen before that he kept starring at. It clearly was taken after they had graduated high school and it seemed to be taken at Hummel's Auto Shop.

As they stood next to one another, he couldn't help but notice how Finn looked down at Rachel, as his daughter looked straight ahead. It was clear that Finn was still in love with Rachel when that photo was taken and Terry felt himself be filled with sadness.

"You're awfully quiet" said Shelby coming over to sit in her husband's lap.

"Sorry, I was just letting you and Rachel catch up" said Terry smiling up at Shelby, "where is she? I didn't hear her leave."

"She's gone to shower" said Shelby, "I figured we could drop her back to the condo and then I have my own surprise for us."

"Oh really, what exactly do you have planned my lovely wife" said Terry, with a big smile.

"Well I somehow managed to get you, us, a private concert from your favorite jazz musician and his band" said Shelby with a huge smile. She laughed vociferously as Terry's mouth dropped open in surprise, "you got us a private show from Christian McBride!" exclaimed Terry.

"Yup" nodded Shelby, "so I hope you aren't getting tired, because the night is young love."

"I'm definitely wide awake and you better believe I'm not getting tired yet, because I still have my own private gift to give you later" he said wiggling his eyebrows up and down.

"You're so nasty, it's like you are a teenage boy sometimes" smiled Shelby as she shook her head, while he just shrugged in agreement.

Shelby heard the shower stop next door and took this as her cue, "stop starring at the picture Terry…it's making her uncomfortable" said Shelby quietly.

"Oh…I swear I didn't mean to. I didn't even realize I was doing it" he whispered in reply.

"I know" replied Shelby in understanding.

Once Rachel was ready the trio made their way to the rented car that Terry had gotten for the evening. They engaged in easy going conversation and hugged once again as they separated at the condo. Terry and Shelby made their way to an upscale lounge, where they enjoyed some of the best live jazz she'd ever heard in her life. By the time they made it back to their hotel room, Shelby was exhausted but she could tell from Terry he had other plans on his mind.

She wasn't surprised in the least, when she was finally able to close her eyes contently; the sun was peaking up out of the sky. Overall this was their best anniversary yet and she prayed to the Lord as she dozed off that they would have more together in the future.


It was a week or so after her parents left to go back to Ohio and she missed them dearly. She'd already promised Beth that she would come back for the weekend sometime; the only problem was that she really didn't have time. She was pulling double shifts at the restaurant and she barely had enough time to sleep, let alone go and visit family.

Santana was pondering this as she walked out of the back of the restaurant and into the night air, with Ashley right behind her.

"So CJ, we hanging out tonight?" asked Ashley as they made their way towards the bustle of the New York City streets.

Santana laughed at Ashley's insistence to call her CJ. Chef's normally called one another by their last name and one day Ashley said Corcoran-Johnson was just 'too damn long' so CJ she's been since. Of all her nicknames, it was the one she laughed at every time she heard it.

"Naw, I can't hang tonight…I've got something to do at home" said Santana as they made a right and began walking towards the subway.

"That sucks, I really miss spending time with you" said Ashley as she stopped suddenly causing Santana to do the same. "I miss spending time with you as well, but these past couple of weeks have been crazy busy for me. I promise, we'll hang out…I like you too much not too" said Santana as she stepped closer towards Ashley so that they were eye to eye. Ashley smiled, showcasing the dimples that Santana loved and moved closer to Santana.

"I'm holding you to that CJ…don't disappoint me" Ashley said quietly before pressing a soft kiss to Santana's lips. The kiss lingered for awhile before Ashley pulled away, winked and walked away down the subway stairs. Santana sighed heavily as she watched the blonde woman leave. It took everything in her not to run after Ashley and ravish her right in subway terminal, but she had more pressing issues and she needed to get home.

Hailing a taxi, she quickly got in and promised the cabby more money if he got her home quickly. Soon enough Santana was making her way up the elevator to her condo.

It was only she and Rachel in town thus far. Mercedes was away on tour and since the debacle with Beth; Quinn ran off with Kitty somewhere. She calls every few days but doesn't tell anyone where they are.

Santana walks in shrugging off her jacket and throwing her keys on the hook. She drops her chef bag off in the kitchen before heading upstairs towards Rachel's room.

She wasn't surprised to see her sister lying on her side, with the curtains wide open, the television on and Rachel not watching it at all. Santana kicked off her shoes and discarded her work clothes on the floor, before walking over to Rachel's closet and finding an oversized shirt and putting it on. Climbing into the bed she inched closer to Rachel and pulled her sister closer to her so that her hand was firmly around Rachel's waist and her sister's back was against her front.

Santana looked down and saw the dry tear stains on her sister's face and there looked to be fresh tears in Rachel's long lashes.

"Can you believe it's been ten years already San?" Rachel said emotionally, "he would've been ten this year" she hitched out.

Santana didn't say anything but placed a tender kiss on the back of Rachel's head.

"It's almost been five years for Finn as well" whispered Rachel as she began sobbing quietly. Santana just pulled the smaller woman into her and held her tightly.

"Why does this still hurt so bad Santana?" cried out Rachel as Santana hugged her even more tightly.

Santana knew the reason but she didn't dare voice it aloud.

She just accepted that it was the ten year anniversary of them losing Joshua and she needed to be here for her sister. By tomorrow, Rachel would be fine and she would move on and it would be the regular schedule programming in their lives. But ever since Finn passed unexpectedly almost five years ago, Rachel has been taking the loss of Joshua even harder. No one should experience as much tragedy as her family has gone through and Santana hated the fact that they've suffered so much. But one thing for sure is, she would always be there for her sister to help her grieve and let all the pain out.

Santana shushed Rachel a little and placed several soft kisses on her head, while she rubbed her back softly.

"It's gonna be okay Munchkin…it's gonna be okay" she whispered.