"Ohmygosh Santana, I have so much homework. It's ridiculous."

"Sometimes, I just want to shoot myself in the head, it's way too much," I agree with a good friend, Colby, as we walk to the cafeteria.

After retrieving our food, we find our group of friends in the cafeteria.

"I need to eat fast and get out of here quickly," she says, biting into her sandwich.

"Why?" I ask.

"I have to talk to Mr. Schue about Spanish and then I should probably get Mrs. Hansen's help because… I have no idea what to do."

"Oh, she's not here today, the student teacher is though, she helped me on it some this morning." I felt my heart beat a little through my chest as I said that. I had no idea why. "Wait, I speak Spanish... What do you need?"

"Oh, it's not that, it's about an assignment. You know I wouldn't have thought twice to ask you about that..." She grinned.

After Colby finishes eating, I talk with some of the other girls at the table before walking looking over to Puck a few tables away. He was sitting with his football guys with two empty boxes of pizza in front of them, the usual. He saw me and waved me over. I went over and said hi to all the guys and gave Puck a kiss.

"Do you have early practice?" He asked me.

"No, it's later, from 4:30 to 6:30."

He frowned, "Damn, you're always swimming! Can we hang out after?"

"Yeah, Puck," I say, more annoyed that I wanted it to be. I recover by telling him that I'll text him when I get out of practice.

"Sounds like a plan." He pulled me down for a hug.

Puck really is a nice guy and he's usually pretty sweet. Puck used to be a bad kid, his 8th grade and freshman year. He was dating girls who were juniors and sophomores and dating a ton of them. I never had thought of him as someone to date, he was basically unattainable. I just dated whoever and they eventually just became faces in the hallway. When Puck asked me out a few summers ago, I was ecstatic. Our relationship wasn't perfect but he treated me right and we were basically McKinley's "Golden Couple." Puck even started to care more about his grades and was trying a lot harder in school. We studied a lot together and I know it really helped him. He's a solid B student now!

I went through the motions of the rest of the day. I subtly observed Miss. Pierce in English while trying to look busy and then realized I had better help Colby with her essay.

Admittedly, at the end of the day, I was very excited to have Miss. Pierce read the rest of my essay. I need to stop feeling like this about her. I don't know what's up with this today. I mean, she's just a college student. That's all. She's going to be a teacher. It's stupid. I'm just a high school kid to her.

"Hey, Santana," she said as I walked in after school. On my way to the class room, I passed the substitute on her way out so I knew it would just be Miss. Pierce and myself

"Hi, Miss. Pierce." I said while taking the essay out of my folder. "Thanks for reading the rest of the essay."

"It's my pleasure." She started reading the essay and I checked my phone for messages. I opened one from my mom.

Santana, since you don't work, could you start dinner for you and Ellie after practice? We're both stuck at the hospital and we'll be home late. Ellie, well her real name is Eliana, is my sister; she was a sophomore this year.

My mom and dad never seem to be home lately. They're both doctors at St. Rita's Medical Center where patients came from all around Ohio and Indiana to get care. My mom, Isabella, is a general surgeon and my dad is The Jorge Lopez. He's an orthopedic surgeon and the chief-of-staff at the hospital. Apparently, he's been offered the chief position many times but wanted to wait and take it when his kids were "older." They worked a lot regularly so they could take time off to go to my swim meets or school competitions or all of Ellie's stuff. I sigh a little too loudly.

"Are you okay?" Miss. Pierce says as she finishes reading my essay with a concerned expression.

"…Yeah. I guess. It's just my parents aren't ever home. They're both doctors. It just gets stressful sometimes. It's whatever though, I deal with it."

"Well if it's any consolation to you, your essay is absolutely great. I have no doubt that you'll get an A. I marked up a few parts that I think you could revise a little."

I smiled.

"And I understand. My mom is a lawyer and my dad is a businessman. I always seemed to be looking out for my brother more than them." She put her hand on my shoulder. I felt my body jump while trying to control the outside so it didn't show. "I know you don't want to talk to an old college student but if you ever need to talk…" She left it open ended with a small shrug and a smile.

I don't know why, but I felt comfortable with her. There was something about her that I couldn't really put my finger on; something that made me drawn to her. I wanted to know her. I wanted to know everything about her.

Miss. Pierce and I ended up talking for at least an hour. We didn't talk about English class or my essay. We talked about ourselves and our lives. I found out that we had a lot in common nothing about her didn't pique my interest. She had an inherit quirkiness to her and it drew me even closer as I hung on every word she said. I really wanted to be good friends with her. I wanted her. No I didn't, I couldn't. I don't have these feelings. I can't have these feelings.

I glanced at the clock, it was 4:15. "Oh, shit. I need to go, I have swim practice. Thanks for talking to me. I'm so sorry for holding you up. I know you probably have other things to do."

"You are too cute." My heart started thumping again. I hope she couldn't hear it. "It's fine. I enjoyed it. I was just planning on grading but talking to you was much more exciting. You get going. Try not to drown at practice."

I chuckled and walked to the door. I turned around, "No guarantees but I'll try not to. I'll see you tomorrow… I mean, if I don't drown."

I heard her laugh as I turned back around and left school.

I walk onto the pool deck with seconds to spare. After an intense distance workout, I throw on a pair of running shorts over my wet swimsuit and hurry back home. On the way, I call Puck.

"Hi, baby," he answers.

"Hey. I just got out of practice. You still up for hanging out? I just need to take a quick shower and I'll be ready. Oh and my mom texted me and she wants me to make dinner for tonight, they're not going to be home and Ellie can't cook dinner for herself, you know how she is."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want your house burnt down." Puck says with a laugh. "I can come and help make dinner and then we can just chill. I have to talk to you."

"Oh, you do? Is it bad?"

"No. It's not."

"Well, now I'm intrigued. But that sounds great. I'll see you in just a little."

I parked my car in the garage and kept it open. Puck lives close by and he'll just come in through there. I walked into my house, threw my keys on the table, and take a look around to see if there was any place I should clean before he came. The house was immaculate as usual and he wouldn't have cared if it wasn't though.

"ELLIE! WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR DINNER!?" I scream because I don't really know where she is.

"Shit Santana, calm down, we're in here," Ellie said from the living room.

"We?" I scoffed.

"Yeah, there's just a few of us." Ever since I could remember, our house was the place where everyone came to hang out, or study, or do anything really so this wasn't surprising.

I walk into the living room still clad in just a swimsuit and shorts. Ellie and her four friends watching TV with their books and binders sprawled about the floor. "Hey, guys, are you all staying for dinner? Because, uh, then you might have to just fend for yourself."

"Blair is. If that's okay, Santana. These idiots are leaving soon so we can actually do homework." Ellie pointed to the three guys in the room.

"Yeah that's fine, I gotta shower real quick and then Puck's coming soon. Mom and dad won't be home until later. What do you want?"

"Anything." Blair and Ellie both say. "If you need help cooking, just holler."

"Alright."

As I walked away, I heard one of her friends say. "Ellie, your sister is so freaking hot in that swim suit. Damn! I wish I lived here, I would just… Ow!" I grinned to myself and rolled my eyes.

After a quick shower, I walked back to see Puck sitting on the counter on his phone with a few bags next to him.

"Awwh, you brought dinner?"

"Yeah, I know you're stressed with homework, swimming, and all. I just want to help out."

I walk over to him and put my arms around his neck. I lean in and kiss him. He slid off the counter and feel his tongue slip into my mouth. He's not a bad kisser but it's just gotten so predictable and routine. I let Puck continue to make out with me until I hear a noise in coming from behind him. I end the kiss and open my eyes. I jump off the counter as I see one of Ellie's friends, Zach, standing next to the fridge. Puck, seeing how startled I became, turned around.

"…Hey man. How long have you been there?"

"Uhhhh, not long. Uhm, I just came to get a bottle of Gatorade."

Puck opened the fridge and tossed one to him. "Good job today at practice, keep it up."

Zach nodded and left the room.

"That was so embarrassing Puck!"

"He's just a kid. I would have been watching too. You're so hot." He put his hands on my hips and tried to kiss me again but I jokingly pushed him away.

"Let's, uh, get dinner ready. What did you get?"

"It's already ready, it's Breadstix. Did you know they have meals that you can just buy and heat up?"

I arched an eyebrow. "I think that's just buying the meal and heating it up."

He contemplated. "Well, whatever." He took out some containers and put them in the microwave to heat up.

"Okay. I have to tell you something, Santana."

"Uh, okay?"

"I don't know how, but I'm nominated for Homecoming King and they told me that I needed to have someone like walk with me on the field, I forgot what they're called."

"Your escort…" He wasn't really the brightest, despite out constant studying but it was kind of cute though.

"Yeah! So will you be my escort for Homecoming? And go to the dance with me?"

"Puck! That's great. I'm so happy for you. Of course I will!"

Puck smiled and said he would be right back; he needed to go to the bathroom. I started to set the table and get everything ready. He came back a few minutes later with a bouquet of lilies, my favorite flowers. It was actually really surprising and really sweet.

"Thank you, Santana. For everything. I really don't know how you put up with me but I'm so glad that you do. I love you."

"I love you too." I said giving him a huge hug. I had said it a million times before but this time when I said it, it didn't feel the same.

The next weeks went by routinely. Every time I had English class, I would share a shy smile with Miss. Pierce. I was paying so much more attention in English because of her, because I really didn't want to take my eyes off of her. And she's a good teacher too; all the kids pay attention more, maybe that's just because she's so stunning though. There was a lot of Homecoming preparation done by the whole school. All of it though, it was just hype. I really didn't like any of it too much but I played my part though, with a fake smile on my face as any good member of the senior class.

It was a few nights before Homecoming and I had just finished up my homework. I looked at the clock and saw it was 7:30. I started debating whether I should call Puck to hang out or to just chill by myself and take a break for one night. I was almost decided on the latter when my phone rang, it was Puck.

"Hey, Santana. Do you want to come over and watch a movie with Brooke and Jared?" Brooke was a pretty good friend of mine and Jared was really good friends with Puck.

"Are they finally dating yet?"

"I'm not sure, come over and then we'll see… I already told them you were coming."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, that's fine. I'll be there in 10."

"Okay, bye. Love you."

"Love you."

I told my mom where I was going and she kissed me on the forehead and told me to be home by 11:30. I drove over to Puck's house and walked in. His house was modest but it was warm and cozy. I saw Mrs. Puckerman in the kitchen cleaning up from their dinner.

"Hey, Mrs. Puckerman. Do you need any help cleaning up?"

"Well hello, Santana! What a pleasant surprise. And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Debbie?!" She said with a giant hug, "I'm actually just about done, thank you though, you are so sweet."

Puck came from downstairs and gave me a huge hug as well.

"We're going to watch the movie in the basement, they'll be here soon. They're stopping at Redbox."

"Alright. It was nice seeing you, Mrs.-Debbie."

Debbie laughed, "You two have fun."

When we got downstairs, Puck playfully pushed me on the couch, gently lies down on top of me, and we start making out. He puts one hand on the arm rest of the couch to balance and the other hand under my shirt and starts feeling my boobs through my bra.

"I want you so bad right now." He whispers while kissing my neck.

I mumble a response. He gets up off me and picks me up like I'm a feather and we head to his room. He sets me down on the bed and starts to kiss me again, roughly.

I didn't lose my virginity to Puck, it was to some meaningless boyfriend that I had early on in high school because every other girl was doing it and I thought it would be the cool thing to do. It really wasn't though. It was rough and it hurt but I never let on. I always kept my cool exterior. When I got together with Puck, it wasn't long before we started having sex but I could guarantee that it was never really for me, it was for him. I could have spent our whole relationship so far without it. I almost wish I did because it would have given something to look forward to. To share when we were actually really loved each other. But Puck's not like that and I wanted to make him happy. I just wish that he didn't just assume that I wanted to right away. Sex is kind of meaningless now, not completely, but almost.

"I don't know Puck, they'll be here any minute." I say through his kisses.

Puck took off his shirt and shows his sculpted abs, his face shows genuine dejection. "I mean… if you're sure, Santana. We can stop."

I know there's no use in fighting so I take off my shirt, "You have protection right?"

He grinned and unbuttoned his jeans.

After we finished and I'm pulling up my shorts, Puck says, "Hey, I love you. So much. You know that right?"

"Yes, I love you too." I said, knowing that it doesn't feel right anymore.

We walked out of the bedroom and find Jared and Brooke cuddling on the couch.

"Whoooooaaaa. What were you two doing?!" Brooke says, she gets up, gives me a hug, and whispers, "keep it down next time, horndogs."

I laughed and gave her a crooked smile, "What movie did you guys get?"

Jared mumbled the name of some cheesy scary movie and we settled onto the couch, it was big enough for all four of us to be on, with Brooke and I in the middle. The movie started to actually get scary. I squeezed Puck's hand. Unexpectedly, I felt another hand on my right. It was Brooke. Just as I was about to pull my hand away from her, I let it linger awhile longer. Brooke's hand was soft and petite. It was different from Puck's huge calloused hands. Part of me envied Brooke, she was always open and kissing her friends on the cheeks and holding their hands. I always wished I was like her, to be so open and confident with her sexuality. Part of me was scared though, if I did that, people would think I like girls. But I don't. And neither does Brooke. And no one thinks Brooke likes girls, even when she does that. Eventually, she let go, and I'm catapulted out of my thoughts. When the movie ended, it was 10:30.

"When's your curfew, Santana?" Brooke asked me.

"Eleven thirty."

"Can you give me a ride home? I need to talk to you."

"Certainly."

"You don't want me to give you a ride, babe?" Jared asked.

"No, it's okay. You and Puck can hang out for awhile, it's fine."

We left and I asked her what she needed to talk about.

"Well, it's not my place and I know that you and Puck have been together for a really long time but I saw him talking to Quinn after football today."

Quinn and Brooke are both Cheerios. Quinn cheers and then swims either on her own or with the team when we have late practice.

"Quinn? She's always talking to him though, mostly to piss me off."

"No, Santana, this wasn't just talking. She was flirting and touching him all over his chest and face. He wasn't stopping her either. Then they hugged. You're my best friend and I just wanted you to know. I mean, I don't want you to think anything about it because he obviously loves you. I just… I don't know. I just want what's best for you."

I felt my heart drop as she was telling me this. As bad as Puck used to be or seems to be, I see a different side of him, a softer side. I trusted Puck with everything. He's told me many times that he's would never cheat on me, that he's different now. And I thought we were doing pretty good.

"Thank you Brooke." I said as we arrived at her house. "You're a good friend. I just need time to think."

Brooke leaned over and gave me the best hug she could in a car. "If you need anything, at anytime, just call me."

I went through the rest of the week without saying anything about Quinn to Puck yet, the last thing I wanted to do was ruin senior Homecoming. It was Friday and the Homecoming parade and game awaited us for the night. For the parade, Puck was able to get his uncle to drive us in his Porsche convertible. I enjoyed riding through the streets, seeing everyone in the city out watching. As I scanned the crowd, someone particular caught my eye; Miss. Pierce. She was standing with a group of guys and girls, probably her college friends. Why would they all want to go to a high school homecoming parade? I extra-smiled and waved at her, she smiled back.

"Who was that?" Puck asked, though his smile.

"Oh, just Miss. Pierce.'

"That hot student teacher in English?"

"Umm, yeah." Ironically, I actually did agree.

The parade ended and Puck did his pregame things with his football buddies while I took a much needed nap. When I woke up, I got dressed and fixed my hair with a few other friends. I arrived at the game and took my place to be Puck's escort. I watched as all the other nominees lined up. I looked at all the Queen nominees. Unfortunately, Quinn was going to win, I could feel it. I exchanged a friendly smile with Quinn. She shot back a half-hearted smirk. Whatever.

They read off the Queen nominees with their bios first. Then the King nominees were read off.

"Noah Puckerman, the son of Deborah and Nathan Puckerman." Then she proceeded to read off all of his activities and athletic achievements. "Noah would like to thank his parents and his girlfriend Santana. 'Although I may not be the best, you guys are always there to pick me up. Santana, thank you for being the best girlfriend that any guy could ask for. I love you so much.'" Here was a collective "Awww" throughout the crowd. I looked up at him and smiled.

"And your William McKinley High Homecoming Queen is….Quinn Fabray!"

An abundance of cheers exploded through the stands. The cheers subsided after what felt like hours.

"And your William McKinley High Homecoming King is….Noah Puckerman!"

Even more cheers exploded through the stands. I let out a small scream and jumped into a hug. Puck gave me and his mom a hug. The King from last year came over to crown him and then a school official led him over to where Quinn was. They shared a tight hug, which I couldn't help but feel jealous, knowing what Brooke said.

After all of the pictures and commotion died down, I made my way back to the stands and towards my friends. Puck did some amazing football play thing that I will still will never understand why everyone gets so excited about. The team won. I told my friends goodbye and that I couldn't go to the party afterwards, I was practicing with Lima University swim team tomorrow morning, it was unofficial but it was still a really big deal.

I got home and as I was about to fall asleep, Puck called.

"Hey, San. Are you already at the party?"

"No, I went home. I need to rest for that practice."

"No you don't, come on. You went to swim practice the day after prom last year, you'll be fine."

"Puck, this is college, it's really important! I can't. This means a lot to me right now, they'll be other parties."

"Well, I'm glad to know my girlfriend is so fucking supportive of me." He said in a cross tone and then hung up.

This wasn't like Puck, he never usually got mad at things like this. I don't know what was up with him. I had to put it out of my mind and not think about it. This practice was much more important right now. I went to sleep and woke up, refreshed and ready. I checked my phone before leaving; there was a text from Puck.

I'm so sorry for being rude. I love you so much. I can't wait to dance with the most beautiful girl tonight. Swim fast!

I went to the college and practiced with the team. I had already been on a recruiting visit but I was just seeing how I would fit in again. I liked it alright, but I still hadn't been to some of my top choice schools. After the practice, I was wiped out. I walked out to my car from the aquatic center and a familiar face was walking towards me. It was Miss. Pierce. My heart started beating faster. I guessed from her attire that she had just finished working out at the recreation center connected to the aquatic center.

"Fancy meeting you here, Santana," she said taking out her headphones.

"Hey, Miss. Pierce, I was just practicing with the LU team, what about you?"

"I just went on a run and then I went in here to do some weight training. Well, first I had to turn in my fourth week student teaching report."

I leaned against my car and replied, "Ironic. I hope it's been a fun experience so far."

"Definitely, I love teaching; it's such a passion of mine. I like your class especially; everyone really likes talking to me and knowing about me."

I let out a small laugh.

"What?" She asks, quizzically.

"Nothing… it's just because the guys all think you're hot and the girls think you're sweet." I couldn't really believe that I said that to her out loud.

She blushes, "Well, I'm flattered. Wait, the girls don't think I'm hot?"She asked, being completely serious.

I shrugged, trying to stay cool. "Maybe a few of them."

She grinned. "So how was Homecoming?"

"It was good, Puck got homecoming King and….Quinn."

"That's must have been exciting for you! You don't like Quinn?"

"We're just huge swim team rivals and she's not the greatest person to me. But yeah, it was very exciting. I'm excited for the dance tonight."

"You should be. It is your senior year! And I totally know what you mean, I've spent my half of my life rivaling with this one girl who was at my dance studio."

"You dance?! That's cool! I love dancing. Of course it's not like… legit but I love ballets and musicals and all that kind of stuff, it's astounding."

"No, dancing is dancing, no matter what!"

"Do you still dance?" I ask her. My curiosity was growing.

"Well, kind of. I actually teach at a studio around here. It's a huge passion of mine. I danced with a studio ever since I was super young and up until I was out of high school. Then I also did Glee club in high school."

"The Glee club here is pretty good, Puck is in it."

"That's what I've heard! I'll have to check them out sometime."

I nod and try to think of something to say without sounding stupid.

She breaks the silence, "Hey, you don't need to be home right now, do you?"

"No, I just need to be home in enough time to get ready for the dance. Like 4. It doesn't start until 8."

She looks at her watch, it's around noon. "Well, do you want to get a coffee? Instead of standing here by your car, which I really like, by the way."

I laughed, "Thanks and sure. But I don't know if we should, uhh, you know, you're my teacher, kind of."

She shrugged. "I don't think that work and personal life shouldn't mix. It's bound to happen. It's not a big deal. My apartment's across the street from The Lima Bean. We can talk there. I mean, if you want."

"Those new apartments?" She nodded. "Well then I'll follow you out, Miss. Pierce."

"Pssshht. We're not in school, call me Brittany. By the way, how old are you?"

I smirked. "Does it really matter?" Was I… flirting with her?

She laughed bashfully. "Hmmm. No, it doesn't. I'm in the red bug."

"You drive a bug?"

"I love my bug!" She yelled over her shoulder as she walked towards it.

I smiled to myself as I followed her bug out of the parking lot. I did wonder how old she was, she was already getting her bachelor's so she had to be at least a few years older than me. I followed her out of the parking lot and in just a few minutes, we were at The Lima Bean. We got in line.

"I'll have a tall espresso and whatever she needs," 'Brittany' said.

"Uhh, I'll have a tall Americano."

Brittany gives the cashier some cash and tells her to keep the change and we stand aside to let the other customers order.

"You didn't have to do that," I told her.

"Oh, it's not a big deal!"

We get our coffee and walk across the street to her apartment. She gets her keys out and opens the door for me. Her apartment it nicely furnished for and did not look like a college students. It was clean and had a refreshing smell. Her apartment was just luxurious. The whole place was very open, the kitchen, dining area, and living room were all an open space with a hallway on the opposite end. There was an L-shaped couch in the living room with a nice sized TV placed on the wall above a fire place. Across the living room was a little nook with a desk.

There were pictures neatly placed around the white walls of the apartment. There were pictures of dancing and groups and people holding trophies. It was all so interesting and I just wanted to get a closer look at all of them. Some other pictures were standard beach and friend pictures. She was so freaking gorgeous. There were other pictures too and some artwork.

After finally taking all of her apartment in, I said, "I really, really like your place, it's so gorgeous. Do you live here by yourself?"

"Yeah. I had a roommate here last year but she became president of her sorority this year and had to leave. It's nice though. Friends are always in and out of here though. Well actually I'm not alone, the cat, Lord Tubbington, is here somewhere."

"Lord Tubbington?" I asked confused.

She laughs. "Or LT, whichever is easier. He's a fatty. Here, take a seat." She waved her towards the couch. "So you're thinking about going to swim for LU?"

"I'm not sure. I love the pool there and it's a gorgeous campus, plus one of the best schools in the country. I'm just not sure."

"What aren't you sure about it?"

"They're swimming program isn't the best. I'm really looking at Brooklyn-Hale University, Georgia, and Virginia. They're programs are much more up and coming. UVA and BHU have won their conference 5 years in a row and placed nationally in the top ten. Georgia consistently places high in the top 5, nationally."

"That makes sense. Isn't BHU in Hamilton? Like two hours away?"

"Yep, that's the one. And it's a really great school too."

"It is! LU is a great school but unless you're a real homebody, you wouldn't want to stick around. Those two are great colleges as well. So you're pretty much going to get a swimming scholarship anywhere you want?"

"Eh, I don't want to sound conceited but maybe. Right now, after this summer season, I'm ranked in the top 10 swimming recruits."

"In the nation?!"

"Yeah," I say modestly.

"That's incredible." She smiles. "Have you ever thought about going anywhere like really far to swim?"

"No, not really. There's some great schools in California for swimming but it would be nice to stay kind of close. Coming home wouldn't involve a plane ticket or a long ass drive. Really though, it'll start to be less about the swimming itself and more about the whole package; education, swimming, campus. I'm sure you know what I mean…"

"Absolutely…"

We ended up talking long after we had emptied our coffees. It was so easy to talk to her. We had so much in common and she was so interesting, smart, funny, and kind. It was a conversation with depth too. I soaked in her moral, ethics, and views. I let up my defenses and told her things that it took me years to tell Tina and Brooke. I felt safe with her. I had to go eventually and Brittany even walked me back to the parking lot to my car.

"Well, I really enjoyed talking to you! I hope you have a good night at the dance."

"Yeah, thanks for the coffee… and the company," I said, getting into my car. "By the way, I'm 18. And you?"

"21. And no, I'm not going to buy you alcohol." I laughed, I knew she was kidding. "Oh, Santana, I don't think we should really, um, mention this to anyone else. You know, I think this was a little unprofessional."

"My lips are sealed. See you on Monday…Miss. Pierce."

She smiles and closes my door.

Thanks for reading! :) I have a lot in store for this story!