A/N: Okay so…this is my first time writing fan fiction. I've read it for a long time but have just now decided to try and write. I have more story ideas but this was the prominent of them all. So we will see how this goes…
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of the characters associated with it.
Santana Lopez understood many things.
She understood why she's climbing up a green hilltop with very low- oxygenated air on her way to some small village in Brazil. She understood why the pack on her back weighs 50 pounds. She also understood that her mission here as a wildlife biologist from the University of California, San Diego is to research and gain information on as many native animals as she can. Santana understood and accepted all of these things. What she doesn't understand is why her guide up this steep incline will NOT shut the hell up.
She scowled at the tiny brunette woman ahead of her and turned her head to her research assistant, as well as best friend, to make a snide comment but her jaw dropped when she saw the enamored look on Quinn's face. Santana snorted to herself and shoved Quinn lightly to snap her out if it. Before Quinn could protest, Santana spoke,
"I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
The brunette stopped mid-sentence and smiled
"Rachel Barbra Berry!" she beamed at the two biologists, but holding Quinn's stare a while longer. Santana rolled her eyes.
"Well, Rachel", she mocked," Can you please quit your squawking? I'd like to enjoy at least some of the peace and quiet this rainforest offers."
The smile fell from Rachel's face as she opened her mouth to reply, but Quinn beat her to it.
"Don't mind S, she's just cranky she didn't have her three cups of coffee this morning after we landed." Santana shot a glare Quinn's way but it was unnoticed by the small guide.
"Well that explains it!", Rachel announced, "Do not worry Dr. Lopez, we have plenty of coffee up at the village! And may I say, the Peace-Corp is very thrilled to have two highly acclaimed scientists to share camp with! Oh! I failed to mention all the activities you can participate in with us and the natives…" While Rachel babbled on about bonfires, Santana's thoughts were much more serious in nature. She thought back to the last time she had been in this jungle…
20 years ago
"Papi!", a five year old Santana squealed, "look at all the pretty colors!"
Dr. Ricardo Lopez turned to look at his daughter,
"Aye mija", he agreed while staring as a flock of Royal Macaws flew through the tropical landscape, "the colors are how the birds find love." Santana cocked her head back to her father questioningly. Ricardo smiled,
"When a parrot sees another parrots colors, they decide whether or not they are a match. If the colors aren't bright enough or don't have much variety, the parrot searches until it finds its match."
Santana's eyes widened,
"But how do the birds know if it's the right match?" She asked excitedly. Before Ricardo could reply, his wife Maria stepped into the mosquito netted tent in which they were staying.
"Santana, our car has arrived. We must leave soon if we want to catch our plane." Santana shook her head from side to side.
"But Mami! Why can't I stay with Papi in the rainforest like in summer? I don't like California! It doesn't have pretty birds or other animals!", She pouted to her mother. Ricardo chuckled at his daughters words.
"Mija, go with your mother. I will be home just as soon as I find what I'm looking for." Santana slowly nodded her head and threw her arms around her father's neck.
"Come home soon this time. Promise?" She questioned. Ricardo looked into his daughters brown eyes that were his own and nodded.
"I promise, Santana." And with that, Santana left with her mother and jumped into the waiting car. Turning around in her seat, she stared out the back window at the tent one last time. As the campsite grew out of site, it started to rain, and she hoped that her father would be careful in the now muddy jungle. But she hoped in vain. That was the last time she saw ever saw him.
Present Day
"Santana?"…. "Santana!" , Quinn's voice rang out, tearing her out of her thoughts. She turned to the blonde in question.
"Sorry, what were you saying?" Santana asked. Quinn raised an eyebrow.
"We just arrived at camp….Are you okay?" She questioned quietly. Santana nodded quickly. Quinn smiled.
"He'd be proud of you, you know." She said softly while giving Santana a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. Santana just nodded and took a deep breath, knowing thoughts of the past would get her nowhere, and stepped into the small village that would be her home for the next six months.
Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.