How can one girl look so beautiful? Brittany was sitting up looking at the entrance the girl had just walked into and couldn't get the image of her out of her head. She had been wearing a cheerleading outfit, which did wonders for her body, and had what looked like was caramel skin tone. She was clearly a Latina or something along those lines with the way she looked. Her hair had been in a high pony, which was most likely due to the cheerleading, and her legs were just another story. Just thinking about her definitely gave her something else to think about. Not that anything would happen between them but there was no harm in looking. It wasn't illegal or anything so she should be okay, it might just seem creepy. Brittany kept her eyes on the entrance for a while longer then shook her head to get the thought of the girl out of her head. She couldn't be thinking about her and torturing herself since it would never happen anyway. Someone like that would never be interested in a girl as broken as her.
She wasn't always like this, though. She used to be a happy person who believed in all sorts, such as Santa, but now she doesn't even dare. As her step-father always told her, 'don't be so gullible and grow up'. After hearing that so much she just ended up believing him and stopped believing in, well, everything else. Why should she if he says it's just her being stupid? She hated that word now and anyone who ever told her that she was would regret it. There was one good thing about having someone tear you down so much, as hard to believe as it may be, it makes you stand up for yourself more. By someone constantly tearing you down you make it your life's mission to prove them wrong. Brittany's life was so much better without him in it but she didn't have a choice. Her mother married him which meant she was stuck with him, as family mainly. She hated his guts and she was pretty sure he hated hers too. Wait, take that back, she knows he hates her just as much as she hates him. There was no doubt about it. Brittany remembers the first time she met the man when her mother introduced him to her.
- 2010 -
Brittany had just finished school and she couldn't wait to get home and just spend some quality time with her mother. She was close to her more than anyone since it had always just been the both of them and she didn't want anyone else involved. Yes, she had plenty of friends at school and around the neighborhood too but she liked just spending time with her mom occasionally. They usually did something like going to the movies or go for a meal together so they could talk which was always nice. She liked it because not many people that she knew of had that type of bond with their mothers. They spent more time out of the house than in which seemed absurd to her but that was just her opinion. Her friends, on the other hand, didn't get how she was so close to her and how she was okay with her dad living somewhere else. It didn't bother her, at all as a matter of fact. She was used to it.
Brittany walked into the house throwing her bag down on the couch and was about to call out to her mom when she heard giggling and a deep voice which was definitely not her mothers. She followed the voice and the giggling to the kitchen where she saw her mother with a man. Who was this man exactly? She hadn't been told about her dating again so who exactly was he? She frowned at him when her mom took notice and saw her standing in the doorway.
"Brittany, honey, you're home."
She nodded her head taking her eyes away from the man sat next to her. "It's 4:30. I always come home at that time."
She watched as her mom looked at the clock on the wall then looked back at the man who seemed to be giving her a look that made her incredibly uncomfortable. It was as though he was giving her the stare down and she definitely felt very exposed right now which made her want to just leave the room but she couldn't without it looking suspicious.
"Oh, I'm sorry Brittany I've been preoccupied with speaking with Jason." She said with an apologetic smile. "He's someone I met at work and we decided to come back here and get to know each other. Jason, this is my daughter Brittany."
Brittany noticed that he seemed to change his tone with her mother watching him. She would definitely have to be wary of him in the future. "It's very nice to meet you, Brittany. I hope you don't mind me keeping your mother occupied for a little while."
She just wanted to hit him and tell him to stay away from her but she couldn't. Her mom looked happy for once and she wasn't going to take that away from her. She hadn't been happy for a long time since her father left so she had to give this guy a chance, no matter how uncomfortable she felt around him. Brittany shook her head forcing a smile onto her face.
"No, I don't mind. She's all yours. I have homework to do anyway." She lied walking back towards the door.
"Honey what about spending some time down here for a bit?" Her mother asked before she opened the door. "It's not like you to do your homework straight away"
"It's alright mom you spend time with Jason and I'll see you later."
Before her mother could get a word in she walked upstairs and ran up the stairs away from the man downstairs. She got into her room closing the door leaning her head against it feeling a sense of safety hidden away. She didn't have him watching her but one thing was for sure. She had to make sure her mother didn't fall for this man. She loved her mom and wanted her happy but she liked to feel safe too. She needed to feel safe within her own house and right now with him here, she didn't. Now just to figure out how to do this without hurting her mom. Brittany spotted the paper on her desk and walked over to it sitting down at her desk picking up a crayon and started to think of some ideas.
- 2014 -
Ever since that day, things turned out from bad to worse and now look at her. Running away from home and moving to another town far away from there. She still wasn't technically safe here but she was a lot better off than back at her house. But she shouldn't be thinking of the past when she had the possibility of having a good life here. What her next action was going to be was beyond her at the moment but she'd think of something which didn't include sitting in a tree watching over the students that went in and out of the school. Well, she saw a few teachers too...and now she seemed like a stalker. She wasn't well known around the town so someone seeing her that didn't know her wasn't going to help things. She didn't want to be seen as weird or anything like that. She wanted to be accepted for who she was and there was no way she was going to let anyone know about...well that didn't matter. It was in her past now and she wanted to keep it that way. Brittany didn't think there would be anyone here she could open up to anyway.
She leant her back against the trunk of the tree opening her backpack taking out the family picture she had stored in there. Looking at it now she looked happy and so did the both of them, but that didn't last forever like it's meant to. Her parents ended up not staying together which meant the both of them would be finding new partner's which they did. Well, her mother before her father but still. Her father lived in Phoenix now with his girlfriend so she never got to see him. She hadn't even met his girlfriend which proved how much she saw the man. She obviously cared but not as much as she probably should about not seeing him. She sighed and put the picture away again. She couldn't help but wonder about what happened in the school and even though she didn't want to think about it, what was happening with that girl she saw. She was a cheerleader by the looks of her uniform so her day had to have something exciting involved, right?
Xxxxxxxxxx
Being head cheerleader wasn't always as cracked up to be as it may seem. Santana had to think about her appearance constantly, had to keep up her reputation all the time as well as keeping up with her classes to make sure she was getting good grades. Her parents had gotten good grades in school too since her father was a Neurosurgeon and her mother was a nurse which meant that they would have both had to work hard. She didn't particularly want to follow in their footsteps but she wanted to have good grades so that when she decided what she wanted to do, she'd have the grades to do it. She also needed good grades to stay on the Cheerios due to it being an extracurricular and her coach only wanted the best on her squad. The co-captain was her friend Quinn Fabray. They had been friends since freshman year when they met in homeroom. She was the one who convinced her to try out for the Cheerios cheerleading team since it was one of the best in the state. She now knew why it was the best; all Cheerleaders were pushed beyond what they were capable of. She definitely felt it.
One thing that Santana was grateful for was Glee Club. She would never admit this to anyone, but it was actually the best part of her day. Ever since she was a little girl she had always loved performing and singing. She remembers when she got a karaoke for Christmas and all she did for the rest of the day was sing and perform for the family they had over that day. But even though she still loved to sing and dance whilst growing up, she had other commitments but Glee allowed her to do what she loved without judgement. Funnily enough, even Quinn was part of it, but Santana knew she was only there because the coach had forced her to since she wanted someone to keep an eye on her. It was stupid frankly but she didn't argue and anyway Finn was part of Glee too and she liked him but the problem was he liked Rachel but she was too into being a diva or whatever to care about that which she was surprised at since Santana thought Rachel liked the lad. She was wrong clearly but then again the way she looked at him told a different story.
"What you thinking about?" Mercedes whispered in her ear which made her jump slightly. She forgot she was in Glee at the moment and got lost in her own thoughts.
"Berry liking lumps the clown with two left feet."
"Santana you can't say that!" Mercedes said and laughed shaking her head. "Finn ain't that bad."
"Isn't that bad? Have you seen his dancing? A drunken dog could dance better than him!"
"I can hear you, you know," Finn grumbles glancing over to them. "If you're gonna talk about someone then at least be quiet so they can't hear you."
Santana laughed glancing at him. "You shouldn't be listening in on our conversation Hudson. I know your life is boring as hell and you hardly have any friends but that don't give you the right to listen in on mine. No me gusta!"
"But-"
"Now turn your fat head around and stop talking to me. It's actually exhausting to look at you right now." Santana exaggerated rolling her eyes turning around looking at her nails. Mercedes just looked at the girl and burst out laughing.
"You are horrible!"
Santana shrugged then smirked. "But I look good doing it."
Their teacher, Mr Schue who ran the Glee Club, walked in and everyone quietened down as he started to talk about their assignment for the week. She had no choice but to act like a bitch in school to keep up appearances but generally, at home, she was a completely different person. She liked being different away from the pressure and stress that she had at school. She could be, well, herself and she liked that. She didn't have to pretend to be someone she wasn't which included not being defensive all the time. She pretended not to care whilst Mr Schue talked when in actual fact she was excited about singing. Just she wouldn't tell anyone.
"Okay I want you all to think about your dreams for this assignment and I want you all to perform something about what you are passionate about. I want you all to open up a little this week. Dig deep."Mr Schue explained giving a small smile to everyone. "Yes, Puckerman everyone has to participate."
Before anyone could say another word the bell went off signifying the end of the club so everyone stood up making their way out of the room. Santana put her bag on her shoulder walking out along with everyone else. She was about to walk to class when she realized she had forgotten to pick up her Math book earlier which meant walking home to pick it up. She sighed and walked out toward the car park to walk home when she saw someone in the distance leaning against a tree with her backpack on the ground beside her feet. She didn't know why but her feet seemed to be leading her in that direction towards her instead of where she was supposed to be doing. Damn, what was she doing? Before she knew it she was standing in front of the girl, which Santana knew was the girl from earlier on. Why was she at the school exactly when she doesn't even attend? She looked at her for a few seconds before she shook her head looking away not wanting to seem creepy even though she was being like that now. She heard the girl chuckle in front of her.
"Are you standing here in front of me for fun?" Brittany asked amused folding her arms trying to keep her heart rate down, which had started to race since she had noticed the girl walking towards her moments ago. "I mean don't get me wrong it's nice to see a new person, but I'm sure you have something more interesting to do with your time than stand there like a lemon."
Her voice made Santana raise her head. She noticed how her hair did look quite messy but in a sexy kind of way. Not that she thought she was...but yeah. She was wearing what looked like a casual jacket along with a pair of jeans and black converses. Santana wasn't sure where she came from but wherever she did come from, it seemed like a while away since she blonde looked quite tired. She was quite observant and she noticed the bags under her eyes; overall though she did look good, especially her legs. She shook her head shaking the thoughts of the blonde in front of her out of her head. Not the time Santana.
"Sorry I just...I saw you and I haven't seen you around before" Santana said with a curious look. "Who are you exactly? Not to be rude or anything."
"I'm Brittany. Brittany Pierce. I just moved here."
"Oh yeah? Where from?"
Brittany looked at the girl curiously this time. "Does that matter? I mean I don't even know you, no offense."
"I guess not," Santana responded shrugging her shoulders gripping the strap on her bag. "Got nothing else to do but to hang outside a school? Not got unpacking to do?"
The blonde shook her head. "Nah travelled light and I was just looking around and I ended up here. Anyway don't let me keep you, you seemed to be going somewhere before you stopped and noticed me."
"I wasn't doing anything interesting. I just forgot my Math book at home but now you mention it I should probably get going." Santana agreed nodding her head taking a step back but not before giving the blonde a smile. "Will I see you around here soon?"
"Maybe. Don't get your hopes up, though." Brittany replied leaning back against the tree then allowed a smile to appear on her face. She couldn't help herself.
Santana nodded her head backing away letting her eyes glance over her whispering a 'bye' and walking through the car park towards the school gate. She was going to make her way home when she heard the bell signifying the start of the lesson. Sighing she realized she'd have to make do without her notebook and made her way inside but before she did she glanced over at the blonde who was making her way up the tree to sit in it. She couldn't help but smile before walking inside and to her classroom. She mumbled a sorry to her teacher before sitting down at her seat.
"Where were you?" Quinn asked making her jump in surprise. She forgot Quinn was in the same class as her. "It's not like you to be late."
"I know but I was about to make my way home to grab my Math book but it was too late and the bell went off. Mind me borrowing some paper?"
Quinn gave Santana a curious look before nodding her head ripping some paper out of her book handing them to Santana. Santana thanked the blonde and got her pencil case out starting to write out the equations on the board trying to forget about the conversation she had with the blonde outside earlier. Why was the blonde outside the school when she could be at home unpacking or being with her parents? Santana tried ignoring the thoughts and questions in her head and got on with the work the teacher had set. She could wonder about her in her free time but not now. Now was definitely not a good time.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Brittany kept looking at the school all afternoon trying to figure out if it was a good idea to try and get a place at the school. She would have no parents for the school to talk to and it wasn't like you can just call someone to pretend to be your parents or ask people off the street. It would be a bit of an odd request to ask a couple of people to pretend to be your parents when they don't know you. She had one family member in the town but she didn't know exactly how she could approach them since her grandmother passed away a couple of years ago and it wasn't like she went to her funeral either because, funnily enough, she hadn't been allowed, which is definitely weird just thinking of it. She didn't know what she would say to her grandpa about why she wasn't there. It wasn't long after her mother got into a coma that they passed away but that was another story completely. Brittany thought about it and she knew she would be safer if she was in school during the day instead of out on the streets but that did mean attending school. She wouldn't know anyone but she would get to see the brunette more. Now Brittany thought about it, she never got the girl's name so next time she would have to do that.
After sitting in the tree for a while she decided to get down whilst no one was around and walk away from the school to look around the town. She would be living here for a while so she needed to know where things were. She had no money hardly so she would have to seriously preserve the money she had so it wasn't going to waste. She knew she would have to get some food at some point though so looking for a shop wouldn't hurt. Brittany turned the corner and noticed a small food corner shop so she walked up to it and inside. It wasn't very big at all, maybe about the size of a movie theater screen, but it had food and that's all she came in for since her stomach was starting to rumble. She walked around and decided on picking up an apple, a bag of chips and a smoothie for her to drink. She walked up to the till putting everything onto the counter getting her money out. She felt eyes on her and raised her head to see the woman on the till looking at her with a smile.
"Can I help you?" Brittany asked frowning at her not enjoying someone staring at her. She's never enjoyed it, not even when her girlfriend at the time did it last year.
"Sorry, I've just not seen you around dear, forgive me." She apologized with a smile scanning her items. "We don't get new people around here usually without someone finding out who they are. I've not heard about you."
"Well, I don't intend to let anyone know me so don't worry I won't be a bother," Brittany responded putting her money on the counter, taking her items and shoving them in her bag. "Keep the change."
Brittany walked out before the woman could say another word back onto the street. She took the chips out of her bag and opened them whilst walking back towards the school looking at the building. There were pros and cons as to why she should or shouldn't go there but the main reason she really wanted to listen to was the fact that she had to be safe. She couldn't be out on the street all the time and she knew that she had to get an education. That was one thing she knew her mom would want, for her to be in education and get a good job afterwards and not be a low life as she called them. It was what her father was and she didn't intend on being the same. She was going to be different and she wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to be just yet but if she wanted to be anything then she needed the school.
Brittany put the empty chip packet in the trash making the decision and walked up to the school walking inside. The hallways were empty luckily so no one would see her and ask questions. She didn't need that. Brittany walked around until she saw an office which looked like somewhere the Principal of the school would have. She knocked on the door and a woman on the inside looked up and smiled walking up to the the door which she could see since it was glass all around, and opened the door. The woman let her step inside then closed the door behind her.
"Hello, what can I do for you? Shouldn't you be in class?" The woman asked. Brittany couldn't help but notice how clean it was in the office. It was as though no one even worked in there and, if she was being honest, it made her a little uncomfortable.
"I don't actually go here. I was looking for the Principal's office. I...I kind of just moved to Lima and I wanted to...you know...apply or whatever." Brittany mumbled standing uncomfortably in front of her desk looking at the floor.
The woman looked at the blonde in front of her before moving towards her putting a hand on her arm giving her a warm smile. "How about I take you there so you can talk to him?"
Brittany nods her head and allows herself to be led by this woman out of the room and down the corridor. She had no idea what was going to happen or if he would even be allowed to join the school but there was no harm in trying right? She still had to figure out how she was going to join a school with no parents but she would figure it out. It would definitely not be the first time she had to lie about something but this was a huge lie so it could either go good or bad depending on her luck. The woman stopped in front of another room with glass around it which had a woman typing at a desk. Seriously, what was with important offices being able to be seen? Anyone could see who was being sent to the Principal's office which was hardly fair. Brittany turned her head giving the woman a small smile
"Thanks."
The woman smiled back. "No problem. My name is Miss Pilsbury and I'm the guidance counsellor at the school, so if you need anything when you join us let me know. You know where my office is." Miss Pilsbury said before walking away down the corridor. Wait, how did she-?
"How do you know I'll be accepted?" Brittany called down to her questioning her answer with a frown. "I could be rejected."
Miss Pilsbury gave Brittany a warm smile as she turned back to face her. "You'll be accepted. Good luck."
With that answering lingering, the woman disappeared around the corner and out of sight. Brittany had a questionable look on her face wondering how she knew but she decided to shake that thought out of her mind and enter the office. She had to try so this was the first step in doing that. She was doing this to be safe after all.
Xxxxxxxxxx
As meetings go Brittany's didn't turn out too bad. It did take a while to convince him that she wanted to be at the school and why she hadn't filled out an application. She had offered to but the Principal, which she found out was called Principal Figgins, told her it didn't matter and that it could be sorted electronically. She had filled out an online application but she was told that she had to bring in her grandpa on her first day so they knew she was living with him. Yes, she had lied about who she was living with since she hadn't exactly planned on going to see him but now she would have to so she could get into the school. He was her only hope which meant that she would have to go and see him. He wasn't far away from the school so she could just pop in but what would she say to him? 'Sorry I wasn't at grandma's funeral but I wasn't allowed?' How would that look exactly? God, it sounded stupid just thinking of that. He would probably hate her or think she was lying.
Brittany sighed and walked through the street stopping in front of his house looking up at the building. It hadn't changed one bit but she wasn't surprised. Her grandparents had always been so in love with one another that her grandpa let her decorate it with the exception of having a few places in the house as his own. She apparently accepted that and went on to decorate the place but Brittany always loved it. It was homey which was why she always loved going there for Christmas and birthdays but she hadn't been for a while now. She hadn't been able to. Taking a deep breath Brittany allowed her feet to move towards the front door. Fear started to escalate through her body when she stopped in front of it knowing who was on the other side. Was he going to hate her? Would he hit her? Would he close the door in front of her face? She didn't know, but she knew she needed this man. Heck, she wanted her grandpa back in her life again. She needed him right now and not just for the application either.
Brittany was about to knock on the door when she felt guilt rush through her. She couldn't do this. She couldn't just expect him to be there for her when she wasn't for him. That was not the person she wanted to be. She looked down at her feet and noticed at the mess she was in. Things weren't supposed to get this hard but what could she do now? She looked up at the sky and sighed backing away from the building and walking away. She heard giggling in the distance and noticed the brunette she met earlier. She hid behind the nearest tree and watched her from afar. She didn't want to stop her time with her friends since she knew that if she saw her she'd most likely walk towards her asking questions and neither of them needed that. Brittany watched until the group went around the corner allowing Brittany to breathe a sigh of relief. School must be over now which meant she would have the chance to find somewhere to stay.
The blonde walked towards the school once more but didn't stop at the tree. She walked further into the car park and around a corner when she noticed the field. It was empty luckily which meant no one would be able to see her. She looked around and noticed the bleachers and the space underneath them which gave Brittany an idea. She walked underneath them and into a corner where she knew she couldn't be seen and sat down on the ground. Not the best place to spend the night but at least she was covered and no one would see her. Well, no one would see her from afar. She took a look around and ran her fingers through her hair. It was better than being out in public on the streets where someone could see her in plain daylight. Brittany sighed and laid down putting her bag underneath her head looking up at the bottom of the bleachers. Well, it was no house that's for sure, but she didn't need someone pitying her. She could take care of herself even if that meant not being in a warm house. She folded her arms and closed her eyes. She knew she had to try and talk to her grandfather tomorrow even if it meant he hated her. She needed him right now and with that thought in mind, she fell asleep.