Lying on my stomach, a book carefully placed on top of the soft surface of the bed, one of my hands supporting my tired head while the other one pushed a pair of glasses up my nose to get a better view of the small font that seemed to transform into blurry lines every now and then. I haven't given up contacts yet, but putting them away was one of the things I did whenever I was home alone.

Home, right, as if this rat hole could be categorized as a home. It was small, too small, and way too small if you compared it to my parent's house. But I had to get out of there, that place wasn't a home either. That place was war inside four walls and that was the best description I can give it. To be completely honest, getting out of there was what brought me to this place to start with so I can't really complain, it was my decision and I have to face the consequences. Now that I come to think about it, it was a smart decision. Yes, a smart one despite it all.

Rolling so that I was now supported by my back, I rested my head on top of the open book. A tired sigh escaped my lips informing me how over studying I really was. The book, now on page 75 had been opened and re-read for about four hours now and the funniest thing is those four hours could be an exact representation of how my life had been for the past six months. With absolutely no possibility of a scholarship, since I quit the cheerleading squad, I had to do something I wouldn't have thought on doing, something I had never done in high school, a little thing people called studying.

If anyone could see me now, they would certainly laugh at the sight. My once straightened hair was now in a mess of curls falling around my face, my once extremely petite physique had filled up to a "normal" size, my ex-long nails were now chopped since I had no time to take care of them as I once maniacally did. But, probably, I would laugh at their faces too. Leaving my shallow self behind had allowed me to win a scholarship at NYU due to my grades and it had allowed me to get a part time job at that same institution by doing some tutoring. The payment wasn't much, but it was enough to keep me from resourcing to call my parents and beg them to take me back under their wing. Even if I was starving, I would never do that.

A soft grumble coming right from my stomach told me it was time to take a break, one that lasted more than five minutes. With a groan, I got up from bed. God, my back, I must be getting old already. Almost dragging my feet, I managed to put on a sweater and leave the apartment in search of some caffeine. I knew, in the back of my mind, I should have gotten instant coffee when I got the chance but, well, no use crying over spilt milk.

Not too windy outside, nice. I could tell the harsh New York winter was close to starting but I prayed every day for it to get delayed as much as possible. I hated winter, too much shivering, too much hunger, too many clothes.

Adjusting my glasses once again, I went into the nearest Starbucks just a block away from my place, go figure. As I walked to the counter, my eyes scanned the infinite coffee possibilities even though I already knew what I was going to ask for, and so did the cashier. Just as my lips parted to let some sound out…

"Santana, Santana Lopez?"

The name resounded in my ears as I tried to figure out where I had heard that familiar tone before. It took me less that a second to turn around and, with wide eyes, stare at the tall figure in front of me but it felt like an eternity.

Strongly built, brown hair, small but intense brown eyes, loopsided grin. Finn Hudson, he hadn't change a bit. It was right there, as my mouth opened and closed resembling a fish out of water, that I knew I should have wore my contacts before heading out.

"Hey"

I muttered a simple word, a simple syllable as I tucked a curl behind my ear unsuccessfully trying to look somewhat decent. As far as I knew, he should still be in Lima helping to coach the new generation of Glee Clubbers. What was he doing in New York, in my neighborhood, in my Starbucks? The whole situation was awkward to say the least. There we were, I was still standing in line and he was right behind me, both under the impatient look of the cashier whose face I had memorized by now. Neither of us knew what to do, it was pretty clear to me.

Should I hug him, kiss his cheek or maybe shake his hand? God, were we even friends? Yes, I knew him form high school and yes I took his virginity away just like I did to half of the boys in my year but that didn't meant we were on a friendly basis.

Thankfully enough, he was the first one to cut the awkwardness of the moment by giving me a hug. Not a tight hug, not a bear hug, just a hug that made me chuckle lightly. Wow, I could chuckle. I had almost forgotten what that sound was like.

"You should probably order before she kills you" Finn whispered as he let go of me making me instantaneously face the cashier.

"One double cinnamon latte, please" I ordered with no hesitation

"It's on me"

Nice, always the gentleman.