Brittany hadn't been able to believe her ears when Santana told her she didn't know how to ride a bike. Her 7-year-old brain couldn't imagine what life would be like without the thrill of racing down a slope, the wind blowing through her hair. Riding her pink bike had quickly become one of her favorite things to do ever since her hands had first touched the handlebars two years ago. And now here they were, standing in Brittany's driveway, the sparkly pink bike between them.
"Come on, San. What are you waiting for?" They had been standing there like this for a while, and Brittany was starting to become impatient. "You aren't scared, are you?"
"Of course I'm not scared, Britt! Why would I be afraid of a bike? I'm not scared of anything!" The Latina's response is quick and sharp, but the anxious look in her dark eyes and her hesitant demeanor betray her.
"You don't have to do this if you don't want to," Brittany offers, catching on to her friend's insecurities.
"Lets just get this over with." Santana mounts the bike, resting her hands on the handlebars and fitting her feet to the pedals. "You promise you'll help me?"
"Sure I will, San! I'd do anything for you." Brittany smiles at her best friend. "Now just push down on the pedals and I'll hold on to you so you don't fall over."
"Don't let go of me!" The brunette's uneasiness is clearly palpable as the bike starts to move and she struggles to keep her balance.
Brittany runs along behind Santana, steadying her. Slowly, her hand slips from the bike's seat and she watches her best friend, delighted by her accomplishment. The feeling of pride is soon replaced by dread as the bike topples over, taking the brunette with it.
Brittany desperately sprints towards Santana. "San, are you OK? I'm so sorry! I... I thought you were ready."
She is answered by sobbing as Santana curls into a ball on the asphalt, arms hugging her scraped knees. Brittany reaches her friend and pulls her into a comforting hug. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."
Santana buries her head into the blonde's shoulder, letting her tears flow freely. "You promised you wouldn't let go. You promised."
"I know, San. I'm very sorry. I wish I hadn't." Brittany's voice is brimming with remorse. "I won't ever let go again, I promise."