Age is Just a Number
Chapter 1: Introduction
I am currently having a conversation with my family that I don't think needs to be had. Well I say a conversation but it's not really, it's more of a disagreement between me and my family. My parents aren't overly thrilled with the idea that I'm dating someone a bit older than myself even though they haven't even met my girlfriend yet. My brother and sister on the other hand think it's hilarious because I've never really had a girlfriend before so not only is the prospect of me dating someone quite amusing to them, also the fact my girlfriend could be older than them seems worth laughing about.
"Santana you're only 16" My mom, Maria says.
"I know how old I am mom" I say with a sigh as I lean my head back on the back of the couch in frustration.
"Look sweetheart we're not saying she'll not be a great girl but she's 21 Santana and you're still in high school" My dad Carlos replies.
"But…" I start off to defend myself again when I'm interrupted as usual.
"Look she has so much more life experience than you so maybe you want to think about this" my mom says with a sigh. "I mean the girl is graduating university next June and you don't even graduate high school until another year after that."
"I can't believe you are doing this to me" I say angrily.
"Sweetheart" my mom says sympathetically. It's not that she wants to hurt me I don't think; she just wants to make sure I know what I'm doing I guess.
"Can't you all just be happy for me, for once?" I ask, still clearly frustrated.
"We do want you to be happy and I'm sure she is a wonderful girl we're just worried you're too young" My dad says genuinely.
"Dad I'm 16, and what do you mean too young? What am I too young for?" I ask confused.
"You both are at different levels of maturity, you're 16 and she's 21" he replies. "We just don't want you to get hurt" he says as he takes a seat on one of the chairs.
"This is way not fair" I say while hitting the side of the sofa in frustration. "If you met her, you'd like her" I state, because it's true. There's no way anyone could dislike her.
"We have nothing against the girl, we just want you to act like a 16 year old" My mom replies.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask while glaring at my mom.
"I think what mom and dad are trying to say is at 21 you can go out for a drink with mates and go to parties and stuff…." my brother, Jason tries to reason but I'm having none of it so I cut him off.
"And what at 16 you have to stay in and watch TV with mommy and daddy?" I ask cheekily.
"Santana none of us have anything against Bethany, we just think you need to be careful because you are still in school so make sure you concentrate on that as well" my sister Emily says.
"Yeah and we are sure she's a great girl honestly, it's just what happens on a Friday night when you are trying to revise for a biology exam? Where will your girlfriend be?" Jason asks.
Emily nods in agreement "Yeah I mean she might be at a club with friends whereas you can't go because you're underage or she might be out driving her car."
"What does driving her car have anything to do with it?" I ask confused. I mean yeah she can drive and maybe I can't but I don't see the relevance in that right now, it doesn't make a difference.
"Well you haven't got your license yet" Emily replies.
"Yeah so" I say laughing. "It's not like I'm going to drive her car so that really has no relevance Emily. I think you were just pointing out the fact she can clearly do something I can't because she is older" I state.
"I was merely making it obvious that you both are at different stages in life. She is almost done with college and is living a bit more of a grown up lifestyle with regards to going to work and being able to drive etc. whereas you're still in school" Emily replies.
"We really don't have anything against her we just think your lives are different right now but say in a couple of years it might be different" my mom states.
"So what because I can't drink and haven't passed my driving test yet, I can't hang out with my girlfriend?" I ask.
"We just think 5 years of an age gap at this stage in life is a lot different compared to maybe being 25 and 30" my dad says.
"I don't really see how it's that different, I mean sure a little different but not that big of a thing" I say, I mean he is right but it shouldn't make a vast difference.
"She does seem really nice from what you have said previously, I'm not going to lie" my mom says honestly. "But I'd hate for you two to get so close and then one of you gets disappointed."
"What do you mean? Disappointed how?" I ask while sitting up on the couch properly.
"Well let's go back to the Friday night scenario and you have your biology exam on the Monday so you're revising" my mom says to which I nod to show I'm following what she is saying. "But you're girlfriend wanted to hang out then what are you going to do?" she asks.
"Take my biology books to her place and she'll help me study" I reply as if it's obvious.
"Oh right, ok" my mom nods.
"Well how about this, it's her best friend's birthday and the friend is hosting it at a club and Bethany wants to go. What do you do?" Jason asks.
"I don't do anything" I reply while popping the piece of gum in my mouth. I am so bored of this conversation now, it's my life not theirs.
"But wouldn't you be upset that you can't go too because you're underage and have a biology exam?" Jason asks.
"No because that way she gets to be happy and I get to study. She would understand because she has been through high school herself so she knows how hard it can be sometimes when you have tests and stuff" I reply.
"Ok so it's a few months down the line, you're getting really close even spending every weekend together, and you have a night off from studying but she can't hang out that week because she's working so what do you do then?" my dad asks.
"We reschedule" I reply. "It's as simple as that."
"But you have to study every night" my mom says.
"Look you are making a big deal out of nothing because we talked about this and we respect each other" I say while taking a pause before continuing. "I understand she works and goes to uni and she gets that I'm in school. I mean she studies too you know."
"But when she finishes university and works full time, it will be work during the day and party at night for her whereas you're still sitting here studying for another year" my mom states.
"Look I'm not some immature kid and she's not some party animal either. I know things work differently for us but we understand that and we get one another" I respond.
"We're not saying you're immature or anything, we just think you both have very different lives right now and we'd hate it to cause problems" my dad states.
"From what I've heard about Bethany she seems awesome but sometimes you can't help things getting in the way" Emily says before take a breath. "I mean what if she moves away after uni to get a job, she might have better opportunities elsewhere?" she asks.
"She won't" I state confidently. "She won't leave me here while she moves away, it just won't happen."
"How do you know because with her type of career it could be all over the world?" my dad queries.
"If she does want to move away then she'll wait for me and when I finish school I'll go with her" I answer.
"But Santana what about college?" my mom asks, concerned for her daughter's education I guess.
"I might not go to college; I might just get a job" I say with a shrug. "If I did go to college then I guess we'll just do long distance until I finish and then I'll move to wherever she is."
"It's not that simple sweetheart" my dad says sympathetically. "Long distance doesn't always work."
"Dad, I am not some kid that doesn't understand relationships" I say, anger evident in my voice. I don't understand why my parents are being so awkward, my girlfriend and I love each other so we aren't going to let anything come between us.
"I'm not saying that" my dad says softly.
"I love her and she loves me so that's the most important thing" I state, I can't help smiling because I'm really so madly in love.
"And we respect you love one another, we just want you to be careful and aware of things" my mom says.
"Look, no way in hell am I breaking up with her" I state proudly. No one is making me break things off with the girl I love.
"Oh sweetheart, we didn't mean that" my mom says.
"You didn't?" I ask confused.
"No of course not" my dad replies while shaking his head.
"So what was your angle in this whole conversation then?" I ask. "You made it sound like I should break up with her" I state.
"We just wanted you to be really careful and watch your feelings don't get hurt" my mom replies.
"Oh ok" I say understanding that my parents were only trying to look out for me.
"We believe that you love her so we would never get in the way but we just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into" my dad says.
"I do know what I'm getting myself into so don't worry, I can handle it" I say while smiling slightly.
"Ok good" the others say, happy that I didn't get too offended with the conversation.
"So, can I ask a question?" I say, suddenly getting a little nervous.
"Of course" my mom says with a smile.
"Can I bring Brittany home for dinner one night because I really want you to meet her?" I ask.
"Of course you can" my dad replies. "The conversation wasn't because we didn't want you to see her, we just wanted to make you aware about things so Brittany is more than welcome here anytime."
"Really?" I ask while smiling brightly to which my dad nods. "Cool. That means a lot" I say as I continue to smile, I'm so excited for Brittany to meet my family now. "I'll need to ask her first but I think she'll want to meet you" I say.
"Ok well tell us a night and we can pencil her in" my mom says with a smile.
"Ok I will" I say as I stand up from the couch. "In fact I will go and text her right now."
"Ok sweetheart" my mom replies.
"Don't think we don't like her though because Bethany seems great, it's just we are worried that because of the different lifestyles that there will come a point that may change everything" Emily says.
"I know what you're saying but Brittany's not like you Emily, she doesn't constantly go out on the town every weekend just because she can" I state.
"I am not saying that, I am just saying you wouldn't catch me revising for a school biology exam with a 16 year old" Emily says while shrugging.
"No you would be the biology exam" Jason states.
"What does that mean?" Emily asks confused while glaring.
"Well you'd get boys to examine the human body sorry your human body and then you could teach them a little about how things work you know..." Jason says while laughing before being interrupted.
"That's enough Jason, that's not even funny" my dad says.
"I'm going to my room" I state while walking towards the living room door. "I'm not listening to his stupidity."
"Wait a second sweetheart" my mom says and I stand where I currently am.
"Look I am not listening to him be rude because I actually do have some biology homework to do and furthermore Brittany would actually help me with the actual homework" I state.
"Let's just move on ok" my mom says to all three of us. "So Santana let us know as soon as for dinner and we'll get it sorted."
"Ok mom, I'll text her right now" I state before quickly proceeding up the stairs to my room. Once in my room I grab my phone and quickly text Brittany.
Hey, it's me. Can I ask a question? X
Of course you can. B xx
Would you like to have dinner with me and my parents some time? X
Really? JI'd love to. B xx
Cool xoxo
So would it be this week or next? I mean I don't mind which. B xx
Well I was hoping this week but it depends what day suits you. X
How about Friday since I am not working or at uni on Saturday so I don't need to worry about getting home early to go to bed. B xx
Wait and I'll make sure my parents are free. X
Cool, text back when you know
I quickly run downstairs and asks my parents what night suits them best for Brittany coming over. They all agree that Friday night would be the best option so I then run back upstairs and text Brittany.
Hey Friday seems good with my family. X
Cool so what time or do you want to discuss it and text me during the week? B xx
Yeah I'll tell you later in the week because with my parents working and stuff it might be changed a few times. X
That's fine so can we talk now or are you busy? B xx
No I can talk, hey maybe I'll call you. Just give me two seconds and I will tell my parents Friday is good with you too. X
Sure thing babe. B xx
I run back downstairs once again and let my parents know that Friday is fine for Brittany.
"Oh and before I go back upstairs I need to say something Emily, my girlfriend is called Brittany not Bethany so can you please stop saying the wrong name because it's rather disrespectful" I say while glaring.
"Yeah sorry, I keep getting mixed up" Emily responds.
"I don't know how, I am constantly talking about Brittany" I say.
"Well I am sorry, I'll try and remember" Emily replies to which I nod.
"Oh and another thing Brittany was the one that suggested Friday so now you all know what she does on a Friday night and it's not to get trashed like Emily over there who by the way is staying for dinner" I state.
"Actually I was going to meet some friends and give mom and dad a chance to meet Bethany on their own" Emily says, hoping to get out of the dinner. She's probably thinking how she really doesn't want to sit and try to make chit chat with someone she probably won't get on with. She probably thinks from the way I talk about Brittany, she doesn't think she'll be her type of person.
"Yeah me too" Jason says, agreeing with Emily.
"Oh come on, I wanted Brittany to meet everyone, not just mom and dad" I say.
"And she will" my dad says.
"How if they are not planning on staying?" I say with a groan.
"Oh believe me Santana, they're staying" my mom says while glaring at her other two children.
"No I'm not" Emily almost shouts.
"Yes you are young lady because the number of times Santana had to sit at dinner while we met a few number of boys that you were supposedly dating so you can repay Santana just one night for about the million you made her sit through" my mom says.
"Argh fine" Emily says through gritted teeth. "I had planned on going to a few clubs with my friends on Friday" she states with sighing loudly.
"Well now you're not so you can go out with your friends another time" my dad says. At this point I am sitting down smirking, happy with the fact that Emily has to do what she is told. "Same goes for you young man" my dad says to his son who nods in response.
"Well I'm going back to my room now but thanks for letting Brittany come to dinner this week" I say before making my way to the door.
"It's no problem" my mom says to me with a smile and then I quickly head upstairs to my room. As soon as I'm in my room I throw myself to the bed and lie down, just thinking about my previous conversations with my parents. I think mom and dad will like Brittany. I mean sure they seemed weird starting that conversation earlier but they seem happy that she is coming to dinner and they want Emily and Jason there too so they know this is important to me. I guess I do understand where they are coming from because she is 5 years older than me and has way more experience with everything but she is so down to earth and mature that she's not some care free girl like Emily. I mean Emily and Brittany are the same age but yet Brittany is so like me.
I lie there thinking for at least another five minutes before quickly leaping off the bed and grabbing my phone. 'Shit, shit, shit' I say aloud to myself before immediately dialling Brittany's number, just remembering that I was supposed to call Brittany back right away, not have a lie down in bed. It's no longer than a second later when Brittany answers.
Hey babe she says cheerfully.
Hey, are you mad? I ask nervously.
Why would I be mad?
Because I kind of forgot to text you or call.
Well I didn't think it would take that long just to say Friday is on and then come upstairs.
Yeah and it didn't, it's just I got up here and saw my homework so I remembered I was doing my essay so I was thinking that's what I was going to do when I got up here so I completely forgot I was going to call you.
Oh babe you should have said, will I just call back later and let you study.
No don't be silly.
Are you sure?
Yeah honest and maybe you could help me with my homework.
Over the phone though, right? It's just I've got my dinner in the oven so I can't leave the house.
Yeah, so what are you making?
It's just a ready meal, some chicken and bacon pasta bake thing.
Sounds quite nice actually.
It is for being a ready meal, I've had it before and I like it so yeah. So what are you eating for dinner?
My mom is cooking roast beef.
Sounds good, so anyway the homework.
Well it's an essay on the kidney and its functions so is there any way you could give me some pointers? It's a short essay question so it's only like worth 10 marks or something, it's not a full on essay. It's due on Wednesday though.
Ok, well do you have to do it tonight?
Not necessarily, why?
Well I finish uni at 1pm tomorrow so I can get home and get all my work done and you could come over after school and I'll help you.
Ok cool, it's a date.
So do you have anything else to do tonight or was it just the biology homework.
No that's me for tonight, well apart from talking to you. What have you got planned for tonight?
Not much just going to chill out in front of the TV.
Cool. There is a knock at my door. Hold on a second babe there is knock on my door. "Who is it?" I shout towards the door.
"Its mom can I come in?" my mom replies. I quickly shout over to say it's ok before she walks into the room. "Oh are you on the phone" she asks me.
"Yeah I am talking to Britt" I reply with a smile.
"Ok well I just wanted to ask something about Friday. Is Brittany a vegetarian?" she asks.
"Oh yeah, uh-huh. Doesn't eat meat at all" I reply and quickly see the smile drop from my mom's face.
"Oh right does she not?" my mom says.
"She's like really fussy and I mean really fussy. Won't eat anything slightly burned it has to be just right. Very picky girl you see" I say with a slight hint of a smile but not enough that my mom can see.
"Oh ok I'll keep that in mind" my mom says worriedly before suddenly there is a voice screaming my name down the phone. "Eh Santana I think Brittany wants you" my mom says.
"You think?" I say laughing while picking up my phone and putting it to my ear. You screamed for me.
Tell your mom I'm not a vegetarian please.
Why.
Babe just tell her please.
Ok fine I then pull the phone away from my ear.
"Everything ok?" my mom asks.
"She heard you asking me if she was a vegetarian so she was just saying you've not to make her that awful fake meat stuff" I say smiling.
"Oh right" my mom says annoyed before we hear Brittany screaming my name down the phone again.
"I am joking mom" I say laughing. "Brittany's not a vegetarian and she's not fussy or picky either so that is why she is screaming because she doesn't want to come across like that even if it is a joke" I tell her. I was only winding my mom up but I probably shouldn't have because Brittany doesn't want to give a bad impression.
"Ok then well I'll leave you to your phone call and I'll give you a shout at dinner" my mom says before leaving. I then pick up the phone again. Ok I'm back.
You're a little bitch Santana.
A sexy one I hope I say with a smirk.
Uh-huh she says laughing.
Do you think I'm sexy like seriously.
Yeah of course.
So why do you never tell me.
Oh don't give me that.
Well you don't I say smiling while lying back down on my bed.
Santana.
Yes Brittany.
You're sexy.
That doesn't count because I told you to tell me that I say smiling.
Ok well how about I just list your qualities over the phone to you just now.
Sounds good to me.
Ok well we established sexy but you're also super-hot.
It amounts to about the same but I'll take the compliment Brittany laughs at my response. Is making you laugh and being funny one of my qualities?
Yes definitely.
Ok so keep going.
You're an amazing kisser.
Uh-huh keep talking.
You're a...shit.
Excuse me!
No sorry I forgot I am cooking dinner and it's sort of burning right now.
Oh right do you want me to just call you later.
Yeah that might be best because I have to go now.
Ok well I'll speak to you soon.
Wait I'll call you tonight ok.
Babe I don't mind calling you back.
No honestly I'll call you because I get free calls after 6pm so I'll call you after 6pm.
Oh is that so, I am just some cheap phone call to you I say smiling.
Look babe I'd love to stay on the line here and flirt but I really should go
Ok I'll speak to you soon I say laughing.
Bye, I love you.
See you babe, I love you too.
We both hang up and then at 7pm Brittany is calling me back again. Yo babe whatz up? I say and Brittany bursts out laughing. What? I ask while laughing also.
Since when do you address me on the telephone like that?
Oh telephone, you make it sound sexy I normally just say cell phone I say trying to flirt with Brittany.
Maybe that's because I am sexy.
Most probably.
So school tomorrow for you, you'll need to get up early.
Yeah I know.
I remember that feeling on a Sunday night of going back to school the next day, god 4 years seems ages ago, well technically 3 years.
I guess it does because I was only 12 or 13 then Brittany suddenly starts laughing it's not funny babe isn't that weird you were 17 when I was 12
It's not weird it's just funny because you're 16 now and I'm 21 but anyway moving on, so are you allowed to come to mine tomorrow to study?
Yeah of course my parents trust me.
Why wouldn't they trust you?
You know because I am going to my girlfriend's place and we would be alone.
Yeah but it's not like anything would happen.
Yeah I know, so it should be fine to come to yours tomorrow.
Do you find it weird people knowing we're dating now?
Well one we're more than dating because come on I love you and two, people don't really know we're dating yet because my family has never met you and I've never met yours.
True but I just meant does it feel weird saying to your parents you're going to your girlfriend's place or saying you love Brittany.
A bit but not a bad weird, weird in a good way. I mean sometimes I forget I can actually say your name and not say I am hanging out with a friend.
Well it's only some of my friends who know your name but I do say I have a girlfriend and once we meet each other's parents then we can tell anyone. Not that we can't just now but I would like to know your parents before I meet any of your friends if you get me.
Yeah of course and me too, so will I come straight from school tomorrow or after dinner?
Well do you want to come after school and maybe we could order pizza for dinner and then I can drive you home?
Ok cool.
Excited to have dinner with your girl?
What tomorrow or Friday?
Either one.
Well I'm excited about Friday because finally everyone can see who has captured my heart and I am excited for tomorrow because I haven't see you in ages.
You saw me yesterday.
I know but I miss seeing you, I miss that beautiful face.
It is beautiful isn't it?
Mm hmm I can't help a smile gracing my lips, Brittany really is beautiful.
It pays the bills you see.
Really? I say laughing I thought that was your dancing ability.
Yeah it is I am joking.
You could so be a model though.
Hah maybe but just not a face model, I'm not that attractive and to be a model you have to be like super-hot.
But you are super-hot.
Well yes I am I am pretty sure I could sense a hint of arrogance in her voice.
You only said that so I could say you were hot again I say laughing.
You caught me she says laughing.
I caught you 4 months ago.
Wow has it been 4 months already, we should so celebrate at some point, like on the actual day or so many weeks or whatever.
Yeah I'd like that.
So pardon my ignorance but what date was it.
Well we knew each other miles before but we decided to start dating on the first of December and you took me out to dinner that same night.
Oh yeah it was a Saturday wasn't it, how about on the Saturday before our anniversary we do something, I could cook.
Ok cool, so um I think I should go now but I'll see you tomorrow.
Ok so are you just walking or do you want me to pick you up from school.
I'll just walk because it's not that far and you wouldn't be able to get parked.
Ok if you're sure, I'll just see you tomorrow then.
Night.
Night, sweet dreams.