Authors Note: After a year of writing, I finally finished my first story! I've been reading fanfiction for a better part of 8 years and finally decided to take a shot at writing. It's been a long journey, but one I've enjoyed very much! The story is complete with 16 chapters. I plan on posting one chapter a week, most likely every Sunday! Hope you guys enjoy. Don't forget to like, favorite, and comment!
Chapter 1: Let's Go On A Trip
June 2016 - Santana POV
Lima, Ohio.
I've always loved coming back home.
Things are so much simpler around here. You have your local businesses and the one local grocery that everyone goes to, the one library, which I practically lived at my junior year of High School, and you have your neighbors who are practically family. It's just everything that home represents, and I am so happy to be back this summer.
Last week I graduated from NYU with a degree in Biology. NYU was the best college experience I could have asked for. Thanks to my dad, I was able to have a two-bedroom apartment which I shared with Quinn, my best friend from High School. Honestly, I would not have gotten through the past four years if it wasn't for her. Even though a majority of my time was spent studying or putting in hours in the lab for research, I definitely indulged in the New York lifestyle. There is nothing better than a slice of authentic New York Pizza, well, maybe the unlimited breadsticks from Breadstix, but this is New York!
In some ways, I am still the bookworm teenager that never made time for fun. Ever since I can remember, school has been my life. I was McKinley's Class of 2012 Valedictorian and a devoted member of any club that would boost my chances of getting into the best schools. Quinn and I joined Glee Club our freshman year and I fell in love immediately. Singing has always been my biggest passion. It was the one place where I would forget about tests, papers, SAT's and every other pressure that comes with being a high schooler. I was also a part of our schools Model UN, which I also enjoyed a lot. I know. Total nerd.
It's crazy how fast time goes. One minute I am standing in the halls of McKinley with Quinn by my side, two scared 14-year old's not knowing what lies ahead, to now, 22 years old, college graduate and back in Lima. Most people my age would be so excited to celebrate and party the summer away. I mean, graduating college is a big deal and definitely something worthy of celebrating but not me. My summer plans are going to consist of me, myself and I studying for the MCAT in order to apply to Ph.D. programs.
My dad is a well-known Orthopedic Surgeon in Lima and my mom, although is not a working mom, has always been involved with charity work. I have always grown up privileged and never taken anything that was handed to me for granted. My parents never pressured me to follow in my dad's footsteps, but they definitely made sure to guide me into a profession that was, in their minds, worthy. I do love the idea of becoming a doctor and have already chosen a specialty in Cardiothoracic Surgery, but it was never my passion, just a way to live a successful life, and a way to make my parents proud, my parents who have always given me everything I could imagine in life.
I can't control the huge smile that is taking over my face as I pull up on my street. As soon as I turn the corner I can already see my mom waiting for me outside.
"My baby! I am so happy you're here. How was your drive? Did you take enough breaks? Did you get tired? Did you stop to eat?" My mom mouthed off one-question after another. This was just how she was, caring.
"Yes, mom. I stopped, I ate and I was rested. The roads were clear. It was actually a really nice drive! And I am happy to be here too. I miss being around you guys all the time," I say genuinely as she engulfs me into a tight hug. "Is dad home?"
"Yes! He's in the backyard firing up the grill. We wanted to have a nice meal as a family. He is very excited to have you home. He mentioned that he had some news for you! Go wash up and see him," my mom said. I wonder what kind of news my dad would have for me?
"Okay. I can get my bags later. Let's go inside."
As we walk through the front door I can already smell the food being cooked throughout the living room and I immediately start salivating. There is nothing like a home cooked meal, especially one cooked by The Maribel Lopez.
"Mom, everything smells amazing! I hope you haven't been in the kitchen all day just for me," I say even though I can't wait to dive into everything she has prepared.
"Nonsense! You know I love to cook especially when it's for you. The last four years have just been me and your dad so please let me spoil you a little bit. Plus let's be honest, your father loves my cooking and we all know he is a much happier man with a full belly," she giggles. I nod, knowing all too well that my dad loves food.
"Santana!" I hear my dad shout as I walk through the back-yard door. I don't even try to resist the urge to run right into his waiting arms. I've always been a daddy's girl. I remember growing up wanting to do everything with him. Things like mowing the lawn or waking up early on Saturday mornings to go to the local flower shop to pick the freshest flowers to bring to my mom. I can even clearly recall the day that I came out to my parents. I never feared how my mom would react but for some reason, I was afraid I would disappoint my dad. But the second the words 'I'm gay' came out of my mouth my dad quickly wrapped me up in his safe and warm arms and whispered, "No matter who you love, you will always be my baby girl. I will always be your biggest supporter and don't ever let anyone ever make you feel any less than the special person you are. I love you, Santana."
"How was your drive? You made good time! And I picked the best piece of steak just for you, baby," he tells me with a proud smile.
"Thanks, dad! I can't wait to eat. You know you're my favorite grill master," I wink at him.
"Well, food is ready! Let's eat!" My dad says grabbing the plate of perfectly grilled steak and walking over to the table in the backyard. "So, baby, what's your game plan for this summer? Have to make sure you stay on top of it for med-school apps."
"Yes, I know dad." I sigh. "I'll be studying for the MCAT all summer. Don't worry."
"I have some good news actually!" My dad says with a huge smile on his face. "I was able to get you an internship at the hospital. This will be great for your resume and your schedule will still allow you to have time for studying."
"Oh, wow dad. Th-That's, um, that's awesome," I say, trying to sound convinced. It's not that I don't appreciate him helping me, but I want to do this for myself. Plus, it would be really nice to have somewhat of a summer break. I can't remember the last time I just chilled. The summer before high school? I don't know but I want it so bad. "When does the internship start? I was kind of hoping to, you know, be able to relax a little aside from all the hours of studying I'll be doing…" I whisper out the last part with my head hanging down, trying to avoid eye contact with my parents.
"Relax? Sweetheart, this is the time to work the hardest. You have to put in the work now to enjoy the rewards later." My dad's voice sounds a little shocked at what I was suggesting. I look over at my mom who has a sympathetic look on her face.
I start to get frustrated and decide to end this conversation for now. "Okay. Yeah, you're right. Um, well dinner was delicious, but I just really want to take a shower and start unpacking. It's been a long day," I say and excuse myself from the table.
/
"SANTANA! SANTANAAAA!"
I am peacefully asleep when I hear my name being yelled at from downstairs. "Ughhh," I grunt as I bury my head under my pillow and pull the covers up to hide my face. Maybe she'll stop if I ignore her. I peak a glance at the time and am not happy to see 8:30 am.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Santana? Are you awake? Wake up, sweetheart. I am going to the grocery store in a bit and wanted to see if you wanted to come with me," she says gently as she takes a seat on the corner of my bed, successfully waking me up against my will as she rubs my back.
"Sure. Can I go back to sleep now? Pleaseeeee," I ask my mom with a little annoyance in my voice.
"Sure baby. There are coffee and bagels in the kitchen for when you wake up," she tells me as she leans over to kiss me on my forehead.
A couple more hours of sleep, a nice shower and a cup of coffee later I am in the car with my mom to the grocery store. Going grocery shopping with my mom can be a whole day thing. The woman loves to cook, and she is very particular with her ingredients. What feels like 10 hours later, we are finally in line to check out and I get side track by those gossip magazines when I think I hear my name.
"Santana?" I look up to see where it's coming from. "Oh my god. It is you!" The sales clerk says to me. I recognize her right away from high school.
"Wo-wow Sugar. Uh, hi! How are you?" I asked shocked that she even knows my name. I wasn't an outcast in high school, but Sugar was part of the 'popular' group. Her best friends were Puck and Brittany and it seemed everyone knew who they were. I wonder if they're all still close?
"I'm good! Back in Lima. Just graduated from UCLA with a degree in art. Just been working here to help out my dad run the shop," she informs me. Art major, that's pretty cool. Sometimes I wish I could go to school for music but that would never work. I shake away that ridiculous thought. "What have you been up to since high school?"
"Oh, that's cool. Um, well, I graduated from NYU and start taking entrance exams for med school," I say slightly embarrassed at how nerdy that sounds.
"Oh damn! I mean, I'm not that shocked. You were our valedictorian and always had the highest grades in all your classes. Just doesn't sound very fun to me," she shrugs. "Actually, Puck, Brittany and I are leaving in a couple days on this month-long tour of Europe! I can't wait!" She says as she hands me the flyer. "You can keep that I have extras at home!"
"Thanks. Well, uh looks like we're done here. It was nice to see you Sugar. Have a good time in Europe. I'll see you around," I say.
Back at home, I can't help but think back to what Sugar was talking about. So, she is still close with Brittany and Puck. Sometimes it makes me sad that I didn't make more friends in high school or experience things normal teenagers do. I never really went to parties, never really drank and definitely didn't date. Sure, I had crushes, but they were never a realistic possibility. Speaking of crushes, Brittany S. Pierce. I definitely had a huge crush on her for most of high school. She's the reason I realized I was into girls. First, I thought she was just cool and wanted to be friends with her but then I realized my thoughts would turn to how it might feel to hold her hand or kiss her, and yup, that's how I knew. I mean, who wouldn't! You would have to be blind to not see how hot she was. But it was more than that. I had math class with her senior year and she just exudes coolness. She was friends with everyone and just always looked like she was enjoying life. I would always hear her talking about her future and how she is going to travel the world. I envied her.
A knock on my door shakes me from my thoughts. "Come in!"
"Hey, just wanted to let you know your dad and I are going to go out for a bit. Call if you need anything!" My mom tells me.
"Okay. See you guys later," I shout as I hear her my door shut behind my mom.
The flyer that Sugar gave me earlier that day keeps taunting me, so I decide to pull out my laptop and see what this is all about.
"Wow," I breathe out, my eyes wide the more I read. Venice, Munich, Swiss Alps! All in one trip. This is insane. What I would do to go on a trip like this, I think to myself as I continue to scroll through the photos on the website. Well… I maybe COULD do this. I mean, it's only for a month. That isn't that big of a deal. I can study on my downtime while I'm there and if I don't do this now, then when? Probably never! I mean, med-school then residencies then a full-time surgeon.
I close my laptop and jump on my bed, face down in the pillows as I release a frustrated groan. I turn over on my back and just stare at the ceiling. This is so not like me! I would never think to do something so spontaneous. "QUINN!" I yell to no one as I practically fall off my bed trying to grab my phone to call my best friend.
Ring Ring
"Well hello there, stranger! Miss your favorite roomie already?" I can just imagine her smirk as she answers the phone.
I roll my eyes but have a smile on my face. Of course, I miss her, but I would never admit that to her. "In your dreams, Fabray. But, um, I kinda need your help with something."
"Oh, okay yeah sure what's up?"
"So, remember Sugar from high school? Kind of weird girl, loud, hung around Brittany and Puck all the time?" I ask.
"Yeah, of course, I remember Sugar," she asks sounding more intrigued.
"Okay, so I ran into her the other day at the grocery store that her dad owns. Anyways, that's not important. She sort of mentioned this trip that they are going on, like a backpacking trip through Europe, and she gave me the flyer and like, now I'm thinking about going. But that's insane, right? Like I can't just drop everything and go that would be stupid and so irresponsible and so not like me and-"
"SANTANA! Back-up," she cuts off my rant. "Since when do you want to do anything like this anyways?"
"Since I realized that I am 22 and done nothing but school! That can't be my life, Quinn. It just can't. If I don't do this now, then when? Never!" I start to yell.
"Okay breathe. Honestly? I think it's a great idea," she says, and I can't believe what I am hearing.
"You do?" I whisper.
"Absolutely. Shit Santana, you are way too uptight! You need something like this. I am in full support and totally jealous, by the way," she tells me.
"Ye-yeah. Yeah! You're right! I'm going. I'm doing this!" I say with growing confidence. "Fuck, I need to pack, I need to tell my parents, I need to buy my tickets. Do you think there are tickets left? What do I pack? Do I really need a 'backpack' to backpack through Europe? What do I-"
"SANTANA! You're doing it again. Breathe. Pack comfy clothes for sightseeing and some nice outfits for going out at night. Plus, never know who you might meet. Don't over pack you'll probably be washing clothes while you are there. Go have fun, let loose Santana. And bring me something cool!" I can hear the smirk in her voice again.
"Yeah yeah. Thanks, Quinn. I'll make sure to bring you the best keychain I can find," I laugh out. "Bye."
Fuck. I am really doing this! Okay, um so first step ticket, and then pack, then tell my parents.
Shit. They are so going to freak out on me.
Somewhere between me buying tickets and packing, I hear my parents walk in the house. All of a sudden, I'm nervous and regretting my decision of going. They are totally going to flip but I already bought my tickets and I'm an adult! They can't tell me what to do. Well, they kind of can. And my dad got me that internship at the hospital. What is he going to say?
I go downstairs to see if my mom needs any help with dinner. "Hey, mom. Need any help?"
"No. I'm okay. I've had the roast in the slow cooker all day anyway, so dinner should be ready soon. Just going to make some sides and we can eat. What have you been up to while we were gone?" She asks as she starts to chop some onions for a salad.
"Oh, um, not much. I researched some books that might help me while I study and talked to Quinn for a bit to see how she is doing. Yeah. That's all!" I say, trying to not sound distracted with the trip I've already paid for.
"That's good. She should come over for dinner soon. I miss that best friend of yours," she laughs. Quinn was treated like a second daughter in my household and was always around when we were growing up. "Go wash up and get your father for me. Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes," she asks.
Sitting at the dinner table has never been so uncomfortable for me. I am usually very chatty, but I can't seem to get myself to look up from my plate as I play around with the food on it. I keep thinking of how I can bring up the fact that I leave for Europe for the next month in two days. My head shoots up when I hear my dad clear his throat.
"Santana. Is everything okay? You seem very quiet," he asks concerned.
"Yeah, dad I'm good. Everything is good. Just really enjoying moms' food," I tell him with a forced smile, trying to sound as convincing as I can.
"Okay. So, I hope you have some free time tomorrow morning because you need to stop by the hospital to complete some paperwork for the internship. How does 10 sound?" He asks as he raises his fork to his mouth.
"Uh, su-sure dad that should work for me," I lie. I can't go tomorrow! I need to tell him that I won't be doing this internship but how. I'm so dead. I should've been more of a rebel when I was younger. Oh, who are you kidding Lopez, aka Miss Goody Two Shoes. "Actually. Mom, Dad. Um, so I don't think I want to do the internship anymore," I say hesitantly as my voice cracks. I haven't even made eye contact with my dad and I can already tell that this is not going to be good.
"That's funny, Santana." My dad mutters through a laugh. I hear my mom giggle too and they both go back to eating. "So 10 tomorrow."
"No, dad. I'm actually serious. I've been doing some thinking and I think I want to travel for a little bit before I settle down with school and a career," I tell them with hope. "There is this trip that is a 30-day tour through Europe and it looks absolutely amazing!"
"What are you talking about? Europe? That wasn't the plan, Santana. You can't just drop everything and go. You are not a child anymore. This is your life and your future we are talking about," he says with a hint of anger in his voice. It's rare to see him yell and I'm hoping this doesn't turn into one of those rare moments.
"Santana, honey, where is this coming from?" I can tell from my mom's voice that she is trying to ease the situation, so my dad doesn't lose it at the dinner table. "It just doesn't sound like you. Is this about a girl? Are you dating someone, and you didn't tell us?" I can hear the excitement when she brings up a potential girlfriend. I've only really been in one relationship, but none that I've introduced to my parents.
"No mom. This isn't about a girl or anything like that. Remember when we ran into Sugar at the grocery store the other day? Well, she mentioned that she and some friends were going on this backpacking trip through Europe and it just got me thinking. I want to be able to see the world and enjoy myself when I still can. I'm young and I just don't want to grow up one day and regret my life, my youth," my shoulders slump as I tell my mom my fears.
I feel her hand on my back. "I understand fully and support your decision. When do you leave? Have you packed? Do you need-"
My mom is suddenly interrupted by a loud bang. "What are you talking about Maribel!" He shouts as he slams his hands on the table. "WE do not support her decision!" He yells, shooting my mom a glare and then turns to me. "I do not support your decision. Do you know what I had to do to get you that internship this summer, the strings I had to pull to even get you into that program? Do you know how far back you will fall if you do not study for your entrance exams? This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!" That is the last thing he says as he storms out of the kitchen.
I sigh and hang my head in defeat. I knew this wasn't going to go well.
"It's okay baby. I will make him understand. I do support you. When do you leave, honey?" She asks softly.
"In two days. I think I have most of my clothes packed but wanted to run to the store to get some last-minute stuff." I look at my mom. "Do you want to maybe come with me?" I ask.
"I would love to. Go to your room to get some stuff packed. I'll be up in a minute," she says as she gets up and wraps her arms around me. "I love you, Santana and I know you are going to have a wonderful time." She leaves a kiss on my forehead as she goes to find my dad.
About an hour goes by and I've been busy researching all the different places we are going to visit, my excitement growing by the minute! A hear a strong knock on my door, a knock only strong enough to be my dad.
"Come in," I say strongly.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" He says with less force than he was using during dinner.
I nod. He comes over and sits on the edge of my bed as he taps the space next to me, wanting me to come closer. I hesitate but end up moving next to him, keeping some distance.
"You know, ever since you were little I knew you were going to do great things," he sighs and looks at me. "Deep down I always hoped that you would have this passion for medicine like I did but I never wanted to pressure you into something that you couldn't put your whole heart into. Over the years, I have seen you work your butt off in everything you did, and I am so proud of who you have become. I really am sorry for how I reacted earlier. I just want you to understand where I was coming from. All of a sudden, it just seemed like you were throwing all that hard work away to just run off without a plan. But your mother, God bless that woman and her brains, made me realize that you're an adult and we can't hold you back from making your own decisions. If this is what you want to do, then you should do it," he says. I look up to see a small tear falling from his eye.
I can't help but launch myself into his arms like I did so many times when I was younger. "Thanks, Dad. I really think this will be good for me! It's a new experience for me and it's only for a month. I'm not running away from my future or anything like that. I still plan on coming back and passing my entrance exams. I just want to be able to have different experiences before real life kicks in, you know?" I tell him, his arms still wrapped around me.
He nods in understanding. "I love you, baby girl." He gives me a kiss on my cheek and gets up to leave. "You really are going to have a great time."
/
Words can't describe how excited I am for this! I'm currently sitting at the airport bar closest to my gate, waiting for my plane to board. I still have about an hour to kill so I decided to get something to eat while enjoying a nice cold beer. My mom was able to help me pack everything I might need for the trip and my dad even bought me a travel neck pillow, his way of saying sorry, again. The bartender comes over and asks if I would like another beer. I nod and look to my left and see someone a couple seats away staring at me. I recognize him immediately. Noah Puckerman. He has not changed one bit since high school. He still has that mohawk that made all the girls in our school go crazy and is still wearing the leather jacket that he wore practically every day. I notice I have been staring too as he gets up and starts walking towards me.
"Hey. Sorry, I don't mean to be a creeper or anything, but you look so familiar. I was trying to figure out where I know you from. Maybe we met at a party?" He rambles.
I just nod unable to find my words. Noah, or Puck as most called him around school, was definitely popular.
"Um okay. How do we know each other? I'm a little disappointed in myself for not remembering meeting such a beautiful girl," he says with a flirtatious smirk. Is he flirting with me? "Hello? You okay? Do you speak?"
"Yes. I speak," I snap at him as I cross my arms over my chest. "I went to McKinley. We had geography together junior year with Ms. Marks. My name is Santana. Santana Lopez," I say with a softer tone.
"Oh, Santana! Wait. You were the really smart chick that I tried to cheat off most…" He stops himself with wide eyes as he realizes what he was about the confess.
I can't help but laugh. "It's okay. You think I didn't know what you were doing? You weren't very subtle with the cheating." I see him calm down a little and takes the seat next to me, signaling to the bartender for a refill of his drink. "So, you're going on that trip with Sugar, right?"
"How do you know about that?" He asks and takes a sip of his drink.
"Actually, I'm on my way there too! I ran into her the other day and she mentioned going with you and your other friend Brittany," I mention, trying to hide my blushing face with the mention of the blonde, which is stupid because I haven't seen her in 4 years and not to mention never had a full conversation with her, ever. One time in class she asked me if she can borrow a pen and I nodded like a dumbass and handed her the pen from my hand. I remember her giggling as she thanked me and turned back to her work. I suddenly realize that Puck has been talking to me and I didn't hear a word he said thanks to the trip down memory lane. "Sorry, what did you just say?"
He laughed. "I asked you if you knew anyone else going on the trip?"
"No, just Sugar, kind of," I tell him shyly.
"No problem. Stick with me and you'll have an unforgettable trip," he winks at me as he puts his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer to him.
"Uh, Noah? Not to make this awkward or anything but um are you flirting with me?"
He immediately lets me go and looks at me in shock. "Uh, n-no uh why, ha why would you think that? And please, call me Puck. Noah just sounds like I'm in trouble."
"Okay, Puck. No reason." I smirk at him, finally getting my confidence back. "… I'm gay by the way."
"No way! Sweet, like my girl Brittany! I'm totally cool with that by the way. I love me some lady loving besties." He tells me as he lifts his drink as a cheer. My cheeks immediately become heated at the mention of Brittany's sexual orientation. I mean, it was never a secret in high school. Unlike me, she was very open about who she was. Another thing I found so attractive about her, her confidence.
Talking to Puck makes the time fly by and next thing you know we are being called to board the plane. While we were at the bar we realized that we are in the same row, which is awesome because it'll be nice to have someone to talk to during the next 10 hours. I put my bag under my seat and sit back as I see Puck coming up to our row. He is talking to someone and next thing I know he is in the seat directly next to me.
"What's up flying partner!" He shouts as he situates himself. "I was able to switch with the lady that was originally going to sit here. Hope that's okay, Lopez. You're stuck with me!"
I love how comfortable I am around Puck. It's funny how after high school popularity means nothing.
"I don't mind. Can I tell you something?" I ask him as I turn to face him as I fold my legs under me. "I kind of hate flying. The furthest I've been is to New York and I was a mess the entire flight."
"It's cool. The Puckster is here to make sure you're safe. Also, alcohol helps," he laughs and so do I.
We've been in the air for about two hours now and my nerves have eased down a lot. Puck has his headphones in and is watching a movie as I look through some of the entrance exam books my dad had bought me.
"What are you reading?" He asks as he pulls his headphones out of his ears.
"It's a study guide for the MCAT. I am working on going to med school, so I have to study this summer to take the entrance exams."
"Sounds boring as shit. Don't tell me you are going to be studying while were there? Because, I don't know if anyone told you this Lopez, but that is not what you do on vacation," he says in a serious tone.
"Yeah, I know that! I'm not going to study there. I just figured I can read a little since we have some down time and I don't know if YOU know this Puckerman, but we're kind of in the air right now with nothing to see," I tease him trying to hide the fact that I definitely planned on studying while I was in Europe. Yeah. I know. Nerd.
"Well how about we get to know each other a little better then, since we're going to be with each other for the next month," he says as he grabs my book out of my hands.
The next few hours go by quickly as Puck and I shoot questions back and forth to get to know each other and exchange stories from college. He had plenty which was fun to hear about. There is about an hour left of the flight and my excitement is growing by the minute to start this trip.
"Hey so, when we get there want to grab a drink? Sugar and Brittany are already there and I'm sure they'll want to go out," he asks.
"Isn't it going to be late?" I ask shocked.
"Are you serious? It'll be like a little after 1 am when we land. That's not late. And we're in Rome! The night life doesn't stop."
I smile at the thought of the streets lit up and people walking around with no worries. "Okay."
The landing is smooth, and Puck and I are in a cab on our way to our hotel which we will be staying at for the next few days while in Rome. We arrive and check in easily since everything is taken care of for us through the program. I tell Puck that I'm going to go up to my room to freshen up and change and that we can meet back downstairs in 30 minutes.
First thing I do as I enter my room is strip all my clothes and jump in the shower. It feels amazing to wash the flight off my body. After my shower, I quickly call my mom to let her know that I arrived safe and sound. Then I call Quinn.
"Santana! Did you just land? How is it? What are you doing? What time is it there?" She fires one question after another.
"Hey! I actually just got out of the shower, we landed not too long ago. We're 5 hours ahead of you guys so it's a little after 1 am," I tell her. "I don't have a lot of time to talk, I'm meeting Puck, Sugar, and Brittany downstairs soon to grab some drinks."
"Oh yeah?" She giggles. "You excited to see Brittany? Still have a huge crush on her? Oh my god, remember that time we were changing in the locker room and she came running inside and ripped her shirt off and you stood there with drool running down your face? That was the best. You got mad game, San," I hear the teasing tone on the other end of the line.
"Shut up Quinn! I was NOT drooling, and she had a nice body, can't blame me for checking her out. Even your straight ass can admit her body is perfect," I shrug. "And anyways, that was like a million years ago. A high school crush. It was nothing," I say, not sure if I'm trying to convince myself or Quinn. "But, I need to get ready so just wanted to call and say hi!"
"Bye S! Have fun with Brittany," She sings the last part out, again teasing me.
I sigh and roll my eyes. "Bye Fabray."
I'm in the gift shop in the lobby, trying to pass time as I wait for the rest to come down. I see a keychain that says Rome in big letters. It's the most obnoxious one I can find and immediately decide to buy it for Quinn. I know she'll have a good laugh. I check out and walk back towards the elevators when the door opens and out comes Puck and Sugar.
"Hey, Lopez! Ready to get this night started?" Puck says excitedly.
"Yeah! Hey, Sugar."
"Hi, Santana," she says as she hugs me, taking me off guard. "I'm glad I gave you the flyer that day at the grocery store. Didn't think you'd actually come. This is going to be so much fun!"
We start walking towards the front entrance when I realize that Brittany is not with them. "Uh, where's Brittany?" I wonder, trying my best to not sound too interested.
"Oh, she left 10 minutes ago to get some footage," Sugar says as we continue down the streets of Rome.
"Footage?" I ask curiously.
"Yeah. Brittany was a film major at USC. She always has a camera attached to her hand ready. I think she is applying to a few schools for a Master's Degree so she wanted to put a film together of this trip to add to her portfolio as if she needs anymore. She's a genius when it comes to film," Sugar tells me.
I want to keep asking questions, so I can get to know Brittany but decide against it. I 'm bummed that she didn't come out tonight, but I shake it off, remembering it's only our first night, after all.
"That sounds awesome! So, do we know where we're going?" I ask, seeing as we are aimlessly walking.
"Not really. I figured we would just walk around until we see somewhere cool to check out," Puck says.
After another 10 minutes of walking, we find a little café that has live music playing in the garden seating. We get a table and order a cocktail and a cheese plate to share. The music is a light Jazz and sets the perfect mood for us. We each got another drink and decide to head back and get some sleep since we have a long day ahead of us.
The three of us are standing in the elevator, a comfortable silence surrounding us, when suddenly it dings indicating that we are stopping on a level 2 below the one we are trying to get to. The door opens and standing there is Brittany looking even more beautiful than I remember. She has one jeans and a white v-neck, the cut just low enough to expose the soft pale skin of her chest, her hair pulled up in a messy buy. I quickly look down and stand there awkwardly.
"Hey, Britt! How was your night? Get anything good?" Sugar asks as Brittany enters the elevator.
"It was good! Got some good footage but excited to get more during the day." She tells her and starts turning towards me. "Hey. Brittany," she says as she extends her hand out to me.
"Dude, you remember the super smart chick from school?" Puck asks Brittany as he taps her shoulder.
Brittany nods still not taking her eyes off mine and hand still extended.
"That's her! Santana."
"No way!" All of a sudden Brittany's arms are around me as she hugs me tightly. My hands stay down on my sides since I was not prepared for that kind of greeting. "Four McKinley graduates embarking on this trip. This just got even better!" She says as she lets me go. I continue to get lost in her perfectly shaded blue orbs, only able to nod.
The giggle coming from Puck snaps me out of my trance, as I send a glare his way. "Well this is us," he says as Sugar and Puck exit the elevator. "See you guys in the morning."
The elevator shuts, and I start to panic when I realize that it's just me and Brittany left in the elevator, for another 3 floors. Fucking wonderful.
"So, Santana," she says breaking the silence. "Ever been to Europe?"
"Uh, n-no actually. First time," I mumble like an idiot. Jesus Lopez. Pull yourself together.
"Well, you are going to fall in love!" She beams. "We're on the same floor?"
I look at her but try to avoid eye contact and nod as we get off the elevator.
"Sweet! I'll see you tomorrow! Sleep well," she says as walks down the hall towards her room with a wave.
I wave back as words fail me yet again and see her disappear further down the hall and into her room. I put the key into my door and close it as I slam my head against the door once it is shut and I am alone. "What the hell Santana! That was so not smooth! Sure, you can give speeches in front of hundreds of people for Model UN but talk to a pretty girl? Impossible." I fall face first into the pillows on the perfectly made bed and grunt. Tomorrow is a new day.