Extraordinary
Summary:
Comic books, photos, photos of babies, more comic books, friends, family, Friday night movies and one incredible woman. G!P Santana
Chapter One – Comic Book Madness
1 January 2014 – Wednesday
6:50 a.m.
These numbers flash red on my alarm clock as I hurriedly get dressed. I'm twenty minutes late; I'm never late. I'm usually first in line, first inside, first to get the latest copy… Not this morning, apparently.
I yank my shoes on and frantically tie my hair up while racing to the front door of my apartment. I have to get there before they're all sold out. It's crucial. Especially because today is the first day in the history of ever that two comics are on sale. The only day that two new comics come out and I'm late. It's times like these that I hate sleeping. Sleeping's a bitch right now.
I decide against the elevator and practically fly down two flights of stairs and out the front door of my building into the brisk Columbus air. Running along the snow toward my car, I feel like I should be in some insane action movie. Except, in the movies, the hero drives some sexy sports car, not a 1963 VW Beetle. But, I love my car. Sports cars are confusing anyways.
I stick my car keys into the key hole on the door and turn my hand while my other hand pulls up on the handle and yanks back.
"Shit!" door's not opening, "Come on, baby, don't do this to me now. Please – not now."
I take my keys out and race around the car to the passenger side. Thank god the passenger door opens. I climb in and across the seat, keys in hand as I reach over and pull the passenger door shut before putting the keys in the ignition.
"Okay, Peaches, today's the day you start first try." I mumble, stroking the steering wheel as I turn the keys. A little cough is all I get. I check my phone and try not to freak out.
7:10 a.m.
"I know it's cold, baby, but I really need you to start for me." I say before I try again. Nothing, "Please! Start!" I yell as I try again. Peaches splutters into a start and I smile in relief, "Good morning."
I pull off the curb and onto the icy road. I know I can't speed on this road so early in the morning. Especially because of all the unfortunate pot holes. It's okay, though, because as soon as I get to the right turn in direction of the comic book store, I can drive as fast as I want. The only problem is that this may just be the longest freaking road in all of Columbus.
When I eventually get to my turn off, the time makes me wanna pull all my hair out.
7:20 a.m.
Fifty minutes late! Are you kidding?! Now I'm speeding. All I see as I zoom my way down the road is the tree at my next turn off. I practically Vin Diesel my turn off and step on the accelerator after changing gears. Now I see that red and black colored sign on the right hand side of the street as tons of people flood out of the store. I park my car and shoulder the door open after grabbing my purse.
"Please don't be sold out." I chant as I run toward the store, internally hissing as snowflakes hit my cheeks. I turn into the warmth of Rare-ass Comics and catch the cashier's eye, "Rory! Please don't tell me they're all gone." I beg as I approach him.
"I managed to keep a copy of Cat and Dot for you. It's the last one. But all the copies of Wonderland are gone. It's really popular." He says as he slides the last edition and last copy of Cat and Dot across the counter, "More stock comes in on the fifteenth. You'll have to come back then. I'm really sorry, Brittany."
I sigh and nod, sliding my credit card across the counter. At least I got the very last part to the Cat and Dot series. It's called: Love Is Mostly A Secret.
"Thanks for holding this for me. Good man." I say as I type in my pin.
"No problem, Brittany." He says as he takes my card out and gives it back to me, "I know how much you love Nootrac's work."
"Yeah, he's my favorite comic book artist." I say, tucking my card into my purse and taking the receipt, "Thanks again, Rory."
"Anytime. Have a good day."
I smile and tell him the same before leaving the store. After getting into my car I sit and read over the front of the comic as well as the back. Cat and Dot is definitely the fluffier series in all of Tudor Nootrac's comics. Some of his comics are very blunt and straight forward which I find hilarious. He makes fun of a lot of things in his comics which I love. My absolute favorite comic series he writes is definitely Wonderland. He makes fun of how the movie Alice In Wonderland is the product of oh-so-many drugs. Too bad I missed getting the latest issue called: The Queen of Darts.
I place Cat and Dot on the passenger seat and pull back onto the road. I drive slow and steady in the direction of my photo studio. My first appointment is only at one-thirty so, I have plenty time seeing as though it's only 7:40 now.
I'm really fortunate with my studio. It's not huge but I bought it myself. I've only had it for a year and a half now and so many new mommies and daddies are making appointments for their babies to have their pictures taken. I suppose it may have had something to do with two of my best friends, Blaine and Kurt, running down the streets of Columbus handing out my card to anyone with a stroller.
I always feel so proud when I pull into my spot at work and look up at my sign, the words Buzzy Bee's Baby Photography Studio in rainbow colored letters standing out completely.
I never used to enjoy photography as much as I do now. It wasn't until my father forced me to take a photography course over the summer vacation in senior year that I actually really found my passion in it. I found my passion in capturing beautiful and happy moments with photos. I only really decided on baby and toddler photography in my last week of the photography course when our assignment was to take an action shot and I got one of a baby laughing.
I pull into my spot and look up at the sign... so, so proud.
As soon as I'm inside I open the diary on my desk and go over my appointments for the day. I only have two but they're both pretty hectic. My first appointment is from one-thirty to three-thirty and that's with twin boys, Lucas and Alfie Lopez. And my second appointment is from four to five and that's with a two year old named Melissa Carmine. And both appointments have different themes.
I better get my camera set up to pass the time before lunch at twelve.
8:14 a.m.
I'll set up really slowly.
12:05 p.m. – Lunch with Quinn, Blaine and Kurt.
"This sandwich looks so good," I say as I stare at a picture of a sandwich on the menu, "Kurt, what are you getting?"
"Caesar salad." He answers as his hands busy themselves with the sugar sachets in the middle of the table. I roll my eyes and shake my head.
"How exciting," I say with a cheeky smile in Kurt's direction, "What about you, Blaine?"
"Grilled cheese." The one with the exciting looking bowtie answers. I scrunch my nose and look at the blonde beside me.
"Quinn?" I ask in wait as she smiles, amused.
"Nachos. And an ice tea."
"You're gonna mix them together?" I curiously ask.
"Brittany, don't be nasty."
I smile and look back at the menu.
"I think I'll just have the club sandwich," I say, closing the menu and placing it on top of the other three in the middle of the table, "And a coffee. It's freezing."
"It's winter." Quinn says as the waiter arrives at the table and picks up the menus before clumsily taking out his tiny notepad and broken pencil.
"What can I get you guys?" he asks, touching the pencil to the pad with shaky hands in wait. I look at his nametag and back at his awfully young face.
"One Caesar salad, one grilled cheese, one plate of nachos and one club sandwich." Quinn says and I watch as this poor kid writes it down as fast as he can.
"Anything to drink?" he asks, brushing a curl out of his eye.
"You look very young to be working, Duke." I say, "Do you have a baby to support?"
He visibly gulps and nods. I decide to leave it at that.
"One ice tea – peach. Two coffees and one hot chocolate." I say with a smile. He nods and writes it down, struggling to keep the menus under his arm.
"Will that be all?" he asks. I nod and put one leg over the other.
"That's it, Duke. Thanks." He gives me a nervous smile and awkwardly tries to make his way back to the kitchen, menus tightly being held under his arm, "Poor kid." I start, "He looks about fifteen, sixteen? Way too young to be a dad."
"Well, kids are stupid sometimes." Quinn says. I ignore her and look at Blaine, eyebrow raised.
"You've been awfully quiet." I say, "You got both comics didn't you?"
"Yeah," Blaine says. I roll my eyes and stare at him, "No, you can't buy them off me."
"Blaine, please? I just need the Wonderland issue. I have Cat and Dot but, I didn't get to the store in time this morning." I say, turning on my pout, "You know how much I love the Wonderland series, Blaine."
"Don't pout at me, Britt. It won't work. Not this time." He says, "I'm not pawning the comic off to you and that's final."
"Okay, fine. But, good luck in your next life as a dung beetle." I say. Kurt chuckles and kisses Blaine's cheek, "Seriously, you've got karma on your ass now."
"I don't get why everyone gets so hyped up about this Nootrac guy." Quinn says, "It's just a comic book. That's all it is. Just a bunch of meaningless pictures and words sprawled out across a piece of paper."
"First of all, it's pronounced Noo-raa. And second of all, it is not just a comic book. It is art, okay?" I start.
"Okay, Britt, sure."
"I'm not finished." I say, watching her hazel eyes become amused as I get worked up, "The pictures and words are not meaningless nor are they sprawled across a piece of paper. The pictures tell the story and the words make the story pretty fucking funny. And just because you've never even read Nootrac's work, doesn't mean it's not good."
"Britt—"
"Oh, look at me, I'm Quinn. I'm too good for the comics, I'm too good for the comics." I mock. Pretty immature on my part but I would jump off the top of the Empire State building and land on a bicycle with no seat in defense of Nootrac's comics. I'm committed.
Quinn chuckles.
"Well, then let me read one."
"Oh, no, I can't take them out of their protective sleeves a second time – are you kidding?" I say, shocked at her statement, "I read them once. After that they go on my shelf and become collector's items. Jesus, Quinn, do you know me at all?"
Quinn puts her hands up defensively and sighs out a laugh.
"Sorry," she says, "Jeez."
"Thanks, Duke." I say along with Kurt as Duke puts our drinks down in front of us.
"Yeah, thank you." Says Blaine.
"Thanks." Quinn says as well. Duke nods and steps back.
"Food will be out in about ten minutes." He says.
"Awesome," I say, "Tell me, Duke. Do you know of Tudor—"
"Nootrac?" Duke finishes, "Love his comics. I'm missing a few but, yeah, he's brilliant."
I smile and look at Quinn.
"And, how many times do you read his comics?" I ask, eyes on Quinn.
"Once. Then they stay in their protective sleeves." He says. I smile.
"Thanks, Duke." I say, "You're a smart kid."
Duke smiles and walks away.
"Quinn, our waiter knows me better than you do and I've known him for, what, twenty minutes?" I say, "You better study my every move from this day forward."
"Thanks for the offer but I'd rather study law."
"Whatever," I say with a playful eye roll, "How is studying? You're nearly done right?"
"Brittany, I have two years left. How is two years nearly done?"
"Oh, look at that, I guess I don't know you either." I tease.
"Should have seen that coming, Q." Kurt says with a smile as he high-five's me over the table. Quinn shakes her head.
"Studying's fine."
"I'm sorry your talking time is over." I say, picking up my mug of coffee and taking a sip, "How's work, Kurt? Or have you not gone back yet? I forget it's New Year's day."
"Yeah, I haven't gone back yet but, I go back on the sixth." Kurt replies, stirring sugar into his coffee.
"Hey, that's the day after Nat's birthday." Quinn says. My eyes widen.
"It is. She actually goes back to work then too." I say, "You know her and Tyson are trying for a baby. It's pretty exciting."
Natalie's my older sister. She's the most amazing sister in the world, too. She's turning thirty-one on Sunday. Crap, I haven't gotten her anything...
"What? That's so great." Kurt says as he helps Blaine wipe the whipped cream off his upper lip and nose from his hot chocolate.
"Yeah, that is great. I just don't understand why she married Tyson. The guy's a lazy jackass." Quinn says earning a nod from me.
"...and he's unemployed. While it's great that Nat wants to start a family, I just really think that she should look at it logically. She'll be giving birth and supporting all three of them. That's just not fair to her." I say, "But, she's stubborn and won't listen to me."
"Speaking of babies, why do you have to be at work today, Britt?" Blaine asks.
"Well, lots of babies were born in the holidays and people were calling in and making appointments on the first day." I say, "Besides, a great way to start off a new year is seeing little babies."
"One grilled cheese, one plate of nachos, one Caesar salad and one club sandwich." Duke says as he puts our food in front of us. I didn't even see him approach our table.
"Thanks a bunch, Duke." I say and watch as he walks away, "Man, I am starving. Don't be too jealous of my amazing sandwich, Kurt. You just enjoy your boring salad."
13:00 p.m. – Back at the studio
In a half hour my first appointment for the day will arrive and after that eventful lunch with my crazy friends as well as giving Duke my card, it has been decided that I set up the scene for the twin boys, Lucas and Alfie.
I feel really good about giving Duke my card. Being a waiter when you're sixteen and trying to support a baby must suck so, I decided that he'd be a great help at the studio helping me set up before each appointment as well as helping me pack up after each appointment. At least if he were working for me he'd get all his money in salary instead of in tips. Besides, it's just me at the studio and it gets lonely.
As I move to the back of the studio, I remember I left the key to the storeroom in my car.
Brittany, why must you make missions?
As soon as I have the key, I open up the storeroom and switch on the light.
"Jesus, did a bomb go off in here or something?" I mumble as I look down at all the stuffed animals and bean-bags scattering the floor, "Okay, Spanish matador and bull."
I figure the Spanish matador and bull theme idea is the mom's.
"Ah-ha!" I exclaim as I spot a two month olds Spanish matador outfit as well as a bull outfit I didn't even know I had. I took the outfits to the mini stage and hung them on the rack before laying out a soft, fluffy black mat across the stage, "Black backdrop's up... Uh... what else? Oh! Red blanket."
I hurriedly lay the red blanket down atop the stage and press down, making sure it's soft enough in case one of the boys falls and hits his head on the stage.
Perfectly cozy.
Time check. 13:20 p.m.
"Okay, perfect." I say to myself as I place my hands on my hips and look at the scene. Then I remember that this appointment is two hours because they want the Spanish theme and a simple black and white theme, "Black and white outfits."
I run back to the storeroom and yank the white blanket off of the second shelf before hurriedly searching for a black onesie and a white onesie.
"Oh, thank Jesus." I say as I find what I'm looking for. I move back to the stage and hang up the onesies before placing the blanket down on the floor next to the stage.
Just as I was about to turn on my camera, the door opens and in walks who I assume to be the Lopez's. The woman is very fit for someone who had twins two months ago. She's incredibly beautiful, though. Blonde hair, dark eyes and a perfect height compared to her husband who is holding open the door for her before he walks in pushing a twin stroller.
"Hi, you must be Mr and Mrs Lopez. It's nice to meet you, I'm the photographer, Brittany." I say as I shake the woman's hand.
"Brittany, wow. Hi. You're very pretty. I'm Anna and this is my husband, Leo." Anna says as I let go of her hand.
"Thank you, you're very pretty as well." I compliment back, "It's nice to meet you, Leo." I say, sticking out my hand, feeling a strong warmth rush over me as he shakes it – he's very fatherly.
"You as well, Brittany." He says, "Aren't you going to tell me I'm pretty too?" I laugh with Anna and Leo smiles.
"Please come in," I say as they walk further inside while I close the door, "Can I get either of you coffee or tea or water before we start?"
"Nothing for me, thank you." Anna says.
"Me neither, thank you, Brittany." Leo says as well.
"No problem. If you want anything just let me know." I say, moving toward the stage area as Anna and Leo follow.
"Wow, this is perfect." Anna comments.
"Oh, thank you. Before we start, I must let you know that a lot of parents come in with their newborns and their toddlers and their immediate response to the stage is: 'It's too hard. The surface will hurt my baby.' So, I just need to let you two know that if you press down on the stage you'll feel it's soft," I say, watching as both Leo and Anna lean forward and press on the stage, "It's covered with a protective mat so that if your little ones have a bit of a wobble and fall face first, they won't get hurt. They probably won't even feel it."
"See – I told you she'd be different." Anna says to Leo, "We've been to so many photographers and all of them just put a sheet on the floor and said 'smile'. I could fall asleep on this."
I chuckle and adjust the lens on my camera, looking at the screen and putting the lens cap back on.
"If you don't mind me asking, who's idea was the Spanish matador and bull theme?" I ask as I move to the clothing rack, pulling it toward where the stage is.
"That was all Leo. He thought it'd be cute." Anna says as the blue blanket in the stroller moves. She stands from her seat on the stage and kneels next to the stroller, peering in, "I think someone's awake. Hi, Alfie. Leo, help me get him out." I smile and watch as the baby's face is revealed.
Lord help me today.
Leo lifts Alfie's tiny form out of the stroller and the baby doesn't make a sound. His dark eyes look around curiously as a bit of gob dribbles down his chin. Anna uses his bib to wipe it off before kissing his cheek.
"Brittany, this is Alfie. He's three minutes older than Lucas and isn't as colicky." Anna says. I smile and greet the baby by putting out my index finger and smiling as he grips it in his chubby little hand with a gurgle.
"Hi, gorgeous." I say, looking at his beautiful eyes, "What are you gonna be today? The bull or the matador?"
He stares at me before giving me the tiniest smile as more gob dribbles down his chin. I chuckle.
"He's adorable." I say as I move my finger up and down in a hand shake before he lets go, "I have all the outfits we need for today. It's just up to you to decide who wears what. Do you want each of them to have a turn in each outfit?"
"Yes, actually, if it's not too much trouble." Anna says as Alfie busies himself with Leo's face, "We'll be here for, what, two hours? That's enough time, right?"
"Yeah. I figured we could spend an hour on each theme. Sound good?" I ask as I grab the two pairs of outfits off the clothing rack and hold them up for Anna and Leo to look at.
"Sounds perfect. That's adorable." Anna says, "Should we do the matador and bull theme first?"
"Yeah. Lucas is waking up now too so, we can start soon." Leo says as he hands Alfie to Anna and slowly helps Lucas wake up. I smile when I see the little one's face. And then I realize – they're identical.
"Oh, wow. How do you tell the difference?" I ask, looking between Alfie and Lucas, who is on the verge of bursting into tears. Leo chuckles.
"Lucas has dimples, Alfie doesn't." he says, "Alfie has dark hair, Lucas has blonde. Their hairs are really fine so you can't tell unless you're with them all the time."
A tiny whine leaves Lucas's mouth as his brown eyes fill with tears.
"Ssh, pookie, don't cry." Anna says, running her hand over the infant's head as she holds Alfie who is pulling on the loose strands of her hair.
I pout as Lucas cries before an idea comes to mind.
Lucas's head is resting on Leo's shoulder as he wails. I make my way to the stereo and put in a CD, hitting track four and smiling as the song starts.
"This was my favorite song when I was younger." I say, looking at Lucas as I start to dance. The words to Witchdoctor putting a glint in Lucas's eyes as he slows his crying. I bop my head along with the music and purposely dance horribly. Lucas frowns slightly when I start doing the running man. He's frowning but he sure isn't crying anymore, "I used to jump around in the living room like a mad person when this song was on."
Lucas now has his chubby fist in his mouth as he watches me dance, the frown gone from his face.
"He likes it." Anna says as I moonwalk to the stereo and do my amazing noodle arm move to turn it off.
And, just like that, we have two happy babies.
"That could have been useful all those nights we had to rock them back to sleep." Leo says as he starts a slow bounce.
"That was incredible." Anna says. I smile.
"I knew I took dance for a reason." I joke while picking up the outfits which I'd put on the front desk, "Let's get started, yeah?"
"Yes. Absolutely."
"That's perfect." I mumble as I take the last few photos of the cutest Spanish matador and bull I've ever seen.
Time check. 14:32 p.m.
"Okay, we've got about thirty photos here. I'm sure that's enough? Should we move on to the black and white theme?"
"Yeah," Anna says, looking at the small screen sitting next to my camera's tripod at the bottom of the stage. It's connected to my camera and whatever pictures I take will display on the screen, "I love this one."
It's a picture of Lucas holding Alfie's hand as he looks straight into the camera while Alfie smiles slightly at the camera, his eyes looking up at Anna who was behind the camera.
"Yeah, you two have gorgeous kids. They're very photogenic." I say as I make my way to the clothes rack. I'm about to ask if either Leo or Anna can undress the boys but I turn to see both of them one step ahead of me. I put the black onesie down in front of Leo and Anna first before doing the same with the white onesie, "If you want my opinion on who should wear which, go with their hair colors. You said Lucas is blonde so he should wear the black onesie and Alfie should wear the white." I suggest.
Anna playfully hits Leo's arm and he looks at her, shocked.
"I told you." Anna says and looks at me, "Straight men... I mean, really."
"...and you want half in black and white and the other half in color?" I ask as Leo and Anna sit on the chairs opposite the desk while the boys sleep in their stroller.
"Yes." Anna confirms.
"And three copies of each photo?" I ask, scribbling everything down.
"That's right." Leo says. I nod.
"Okay, you picked out ten of the black and white themed photos so, you want thirty of those and fifteen in black and white?"
Leo confirms with a nod.
"Okay and for the Spanish matador and bull theme you picked out fifteen photos so, you want forty-five of those and—"
"One of each three photos in black and white so, fifteen black and white, the other thirty color." Anna says. I smile and write that down.
"Alrighty. That'll be two hundred and twenty-five dollars." I say. Anna's eyes widen and Leo takes out the money.
"Two twenty-five? For seventy-five photos? That's practically nothing." She says. Leo pays me two hundred and thirty so I give him five dollars change as I shoot a smile in Anna's direction.
"It actually would've been more but, it's New Year's day, so..." I say, putting the money away, "And your boys are the most well behaved babies I've worked with."
"Well, they seem to really like you." Anna says, taking my pen and scribbling something down, "We should go to coffee sometime. I like you, Brittany. And you're an incredible photographer."
"Oh, thank you. I'd love to go to coffee sometime." I reply, looking at the piece of paper.
"The number you have already is Leo's. That's mine." Anna says, standing up after putting my pen down and grabbing her purse.
"Oh, great. Thanks." I say, placing the number on my diary, "The photos will be ready tomorrow by about ten."
"Perfect. My sister will come pick them up. Her name's Santana and she's basically the shorter, female version of me." Leo says with a playful wink, "You shouldn't be confused."
I chuckle.
"Okay, perfect." I say with a nod, now standing at the open door with my cardigan covering my hands, "Make sure you keep those gorgeous little monkeys warm. It's gotten colder since you arrived."
"We will. Even though it's almost impossible to keep that blanket covering Lucas." Leo says, moving the stroller outside. Anna smiles and leans in to peck my cheek.
"Bye, sweetie. You better call me about that coffee." Anna says.
"I definitely will."
"Good." She says, "Thank you for taking all those magical photos, Brittany. We'll definitely be back on their first birthday."
"No problem. Drive safely." I say as they walk to their car.
"We will if I'm driving." Leo teases, opening the back door to start putting the babies in. Anna hits his arm and he chuckles.
"Put your sons in the car, you horrible."
I stand at the door until they've driven away safely. One more appointment today.
Time check. 15:45 p.m.
Fifteen minutes to pack up and set up. Butterfly theme, here we go.
17:30 p.m. – Home
I am so relieved to be home. My last appointment was a nightmare. It was nothing but tantrums. All I wanted to do from beginning to end was come home, have dinner and drink a bowl sized glass of wine.
I put my camera and other stuff on the coffee table after taking off my shoes. I sigh and shrug off my hoodie before walking into the kitchen. I open the fridge and look at what I can make for dinner.
"...a side salad." I mumble, "What'll that be on the side of?"
I open the freezer and look inside.
"Chicken!" I exclaim, taking out the chicken and looking at the expiry date, "Use by May 2012... Well, Brittany, I believe your side salad will be on the side of your stale cheese and crackers."
I toss the chicken into the trash and pick up my cell phone.
"Chinese food it is then."
As soon as I'd finished eating, I made a grocery list and stuck it on my front door so I'll remember it in the morning.
Now, with my large glass of wine, I stand in my dark room hanging up Leo and Anna's photos to let the ink dry. They all look so beautiful. I'm proud of myself.
As soon as all the photos are hanging up I sit in my living room and put my wine on the coffee table.
No liquids are allowed around the comics.
I carefully remove Cat and Dot from its protective sleeve and start to read it.
I'm sad that this is the last comic in the Cat and Dot series. It's such a good series. But the fact that Cat and Dot is done means that there'll be more of the series Ass Trix and Ogled Dix as well as Wonderland. Those are hilarious. Ass Trix and Ogled Dix is a mockery comic of Asterix and Obelix. It's brilliant.
Love is mostly a secret is definitely a good way to end off this series. It revealed my suspicions since the very first one was released. Cat and Dot are lesbians.
I knew it.
Now, as I put the comic back in its protective sleeve and slide it into the Cat and Dot category on my shelf, I think about how I'm gonna get The Queen of Darts before the fifteenth. I can't wait that long. I must have it now... not in a sexual way, though.
Seriously, I don't masturbate to comics. I love them but I don't feel that way about them.
2 January 2014 – Thursday
I'm at work going through the black and white photos of Lucas and Alfie. The color photos are taking a while to set so, I'll have to tell Leo's sister to come back for the second batch at one.
Time check. 9:58 a.m.
My first appointment is at one and Leo's sister is getting here around ten.
Time check. 9:59 a.m.
And the door opens.
I look up as I put the photos in the large yellow envelope and the woman who's just walked in is absolutely stunning.
"Hi," I manage to get out, "You must be Santana?"
She smiles... fuck.
"Yeah. Brittany, right?" she says as she walks up to the desk. I nod.
"Yeah. Hi— I mean, I already said that." I mutter, internally slapping myself. Santana chuckles and I die, "Um, sorry. Your brother told me you looked like the female version of him but you're very pretty."
Brittany!
"I mean, not that your brother's not pretty. He's very handsome but—"
"I understand." She says with a soft chuckle.
"Okay, uh, here are the black and white photos from yesterday. The color photos are still setting so, if—"
"I'll pop back in at one, one-thirty?" she says. I nod.
"That'd be great."
I see her eyes glance at my shirt and back up at me as she takes the envelope.
"You a fan of that comic guy? Tudor something?" she asks.
I'm wearing my Wonderland shirt.
"Uh, yeah. I love his comics. I have all of them. Well, all except one. The Queen of Darts. I overslept yesterday and didn't manage to get it but, I'll find a way." I say. Santana nods and smiles.
"Committed. Nice. I'm not such a fan. I do think he's pretty funny, though." She says. I smile.
"I think he's brilliant."
"I got that." She says with a wink, "I'll be back at one-thirty. Thanks for this."
"Oh, no problem." I say as she backs out of the studio. She gives me one last smile, envelope in hand as she closes the door.
Jesus Christ, Leo, a little more of a warning would have been great.
Lunch – 12:25 p.m. – Natalie's Law Firm
"...and they were so adorable. Their parents were great too. But, my god, the father's sister is woah-my-god hot." I'm saying as I sip on my coffee while picking at my fries, "I mean, she came to pick up the photos this morning and I was stumbling over my words—"
"Brittany—"
"—I mean, I'm not usually like that but, let me tell you this, whoever gets to screw her is the luckiest bastard in the world." I finish with a nod.
"That's awesome, Bee." Natalie says as she sips her latte.
"What about you? How come you're at work today? I thought you started on the sixth?" I ask.
"I do. But I wanted to get ahead on my cases." She replies.
"Ah. So, how's the baby making coming along? Anything you wanna tell me?" I ask, wiggling my eyebrows with an excited smile.
"Nope. No luck. I've already had, like, five negative tests. I've just about given up trying." Nat says sadly. My smile fades and I reach across the table to touch my sister's hand.
"I'm sorry." I say, "I didn't mean to ramble on about babies."
"No, Bee, that's okay. If I'm not meant to have a baby then, I'm not meant to have a baby." Nat says, "Everything happens for a reason."
"I'm really sorry, Nat."
"Don't be. I'm only thirty. There's plenty of time for me to have a baby."
"There's also plenty of time for you to find another husband." I mumble, looking down into my mug.
"Don't start with that crap, Brittany." Nat says, her eyes – a warning sign. But, I don't listen nor do I read the sign. I just jump.
"Tyson is an asshole. And he's unemployed. So, what, now you wanna make a baby with him and have to support all three of you while he sits at home all day probably not even taking care of the baby?" I say, "No! Unacceptable. I'm just saying, Natalie."
"Well don't just say." Natalie snaps, "Brittany, my marriage doesn't have anything to do with you."
"You're my sister, Natalie. I want you to be married to a man – not a lazy, cowardly little boy who can't protect or support you." I say firmly. She sighs.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing this crap."
"Then fucking do something about it. Divorce him."
Natalie stands and throws her bag over her shoulder.
"I'll talk to you later, Brittany." She says before walking out of the law firm's cafeteria and in direction of her office.
Jesus, Nat.
13:24 p.m. – Work
After lunch with my horribly stubborn older sister, I went home to grab the color photos. They were all done. Thank god.
Now, as the envelope sits on the front desk, I'm trying to take photos of yesterday's last appointment, Melissa Carmine. Today is her second and last session. She's the most difficult child I've ever taken photos of.
"Oh, god, Melissa. Sweetie, don't make that face." Mrs Carmine says as she stands behind me, "Sorry, Brittany. Would you mind if I took her to the restroom to calm her down?"
"Not at all. Go ahead." I say. Mrs Carmine takes Melissa to the restroom to calm her as I lean against the desk and bury my face in my hands. I'm pretty sure I've been sitting with my face in my hands for six minutes before I feel a brisk cold drift into the studio. I look toward the door and smile.
Santana.
"Hi," I say as I seal the envelope shut and stand up. She smiles and shifts her shoulder bag further onto her shoulder.
"Hey," she says, "You look like you've just been enduring a nightmare."
"You hit the nail right on the head." I say as I give her the envelope. That's when Mrs Carmine and Melissa walk back out of the restroom.
"Sorry again, Brittany. She promises she'll behave." Mrs Carmine says.
Santana smiles. My entire spine gets shivers.
"No problem. I'll be right there." I say before turning back to Santana, "I guess I'll see you around, Santana."
"Yeah," she smiles, "See you around. Enjoy that."
I chuckle as I make my way back to Melissa.
"Okay, princess, let's try this again." I say as the door opens and closes behind Santana.
It's gonna be an awfully long rest of the day.
16:00 p.m. – End of Shoot
Finally Melissa's photos are done being taken and Mrs Carmine has chosen and paid for them. I charged her quite a bit too for the fact that her daughter's tantrums made me postpone my other appointments.
I finish setting up for my – what would have been two-thirty – four-thirty appointment before moving to my desk to take a breather.
I rest my hands in my hair and sigh, letting my eyes drift from my stapler, to my keyboard, to my pens, to my diary, to my—
"Wait, what?" I ask in confusion as something underneath my diary catches my eye. I move my diary out of the way and pull it out.
Holy. Crap.
"No way. How did this—?" that's when I see the pink sticky note on the back of the most amazing thing I've ever held.
I didn't want it anyways. Like I said earlier, Nootrac's funny but I'm really not a fan. I'm glad some use may come out of it. See you around, Brittany - Santana
In my hands I hold the latest issue of Wonderland. And who did I get it from?
Santana Lopez.
And what is she?
She's a saint.
A/N:
I'm sorry that I haven't been updating any of my stories. I've been going through some things recently and haven't had any motivation whatsoever to write. I've been holding on to this story for a year and a half and will only be updating my other stories as soon as this is done as all the chapters are already written.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Tell me what you think and if you want me to continue.
AuntySnix