This is a Glee Quinntana fanfic with mentions of characters from Pretty Little Liars, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, written in varying first person point of view. Inspired by Dianna Agron's upcoming movie, The Family.

Disclaimer: All characters mentioned herein belongs to their respective owners. All mistakes are mine.


You Spell Trouble

Chapter III

Present Day

Quinn Fabray

Since I was young, I was always fascinated by guns. I love to watch action movies where missing target was impossible. I even used to join my father whenever he did target shooting, one thing that I enjoyed doing with him.

So, despite my mom's great divergence to violence, I was able to convince her for me to be trained by one of her friends who was a known ace target shooter, Faith. Of all four of us, I was the one that could be entrusted with a gun, my mom said, since I hated violence as well.

I arrived at Palmento by lunch time. I was exhausted and starved to say the least so I was so eager to walked inside that two-storey beach house and be pampered. It was more than ten years since I last set a foot in this place. Besides the change of landscaping, everything was almost the same. Nostalgia took over myself for a minute. I heard my own laugh from the living room up to the second floor as I was chased for bath time.

A smile curved on my face.

Finally, I'm home.

I stepped on the wooden flooring towards the door. Part of it creaked but I ignored it. I knocked on the door eight consecutive times as I was told before. Nothing happened though which was curious because there was a motorcycle parked outside the garage.

"Hello?" I yelled as I peaked inside through the window.

Since no one answered, I went on and tried to turn the knob.

It was unlocked.

I slowly opened the door just enough for me to enter, and just as my eyes had a glimpse of the inside, my childhood flashed before my eyes. Everything inside was arranged just as how I remembered—from the ceiling fan overhead down to the carpet under my feet. I almost ran to the stairs upon seeing the painting hanged on its wall, the very same piece of art painted by my mother.

Then something hit me. My instinct told me to stay calm and still. I looked down, and noticed that I did hit something. It was a thin cord attached to both ends of the room.

My heart stopped.

Oh, crap.

Quickly, I stepped back. Soon after I moved, a large shiny axe swung from the far end ceiling down towards my direction and it finally hit the ceiling on the other side.

I heard something turned from above. I glanced up a bit to check if my impulse was right.

And I was.

I jumped forward and rolled on the floor once just in time to dodge the sharp daggers falling from the ceiling. I ended up face to face with a needle crammed couch. My eyes widened in surprise. Blood rushed through my ears. I could feel my heart pound so hard. I gulped once and listened closely, not daring to move or breathe.

What have I gotten myself into?

While my life was at great risk, I couldn't help but glanced at my mom's painting. It was telling me something. The moment was interrupted by the continued shaking of the ground. The fucking wooded floor was shaking.

It broke before I could move but I managed to hang on the center table. That too, however, was starting to fall. I pulled myself up, not looking down at the pitch black abyss down below. I gathered all energy I had left to pull harder and saved myself. I got some bruises on my thighs and feet but it all weren't that painful—or at least, not at that moment. I back away from the hole on the ground.

The open hallway to my right was eerily dark but it wasn't silent. Something shiny was coming from that direction. I focused my eyes and I realized that it was another booby trap aimed to pierce my body. I sidestep to avoid the dagger, but then there were more. I snatched the metallic plate that fell from the table to protect myself as I passed through the door's way towards the end of the staircase where my mother's painting was hanged.

"I always wonder when that'll be put to use."

Someone spoke from the mid landing of the staircase. She had her back leaning against the wall. Her messy brunette hair hid part of her face but I knew exactly how she looked like. Her sleepy eyes and her inviting lips, how can I forget? She's all the family I have left and we're not even blood related.

I slowly turned to her direction

"Is that how you greet your guests?" I asked as I panted.

"You've gotten slow. Your instinct is wearing." She scolded as she walked down the stairs.

I shot her a piercing look. "Time can't really change you, can it?"

"I miss you, too, Lucy." She smiled and gave me a hug.

It was Faith.

"You ruined my childhood home." I hit her on the shoulder as I stepped back.

She was probably six to ten years older than me yet she looked as young as I first met her. Seeing her in such state made me a bit conscious of how I look.

"Hey, you're the one who came in without prior notice! Besides, that trap won't be activated had you noticed my warning outside."

"It's that crack, wasn't it? Ugh. What if I want to surprise you?"

"Is that what you wanted?"


"So, what brought you back?" She asked as she tended my wounds.

"I…" I hesitated. I could trust Faith with my life but I didn't want to make big deal out of what happened. As my mother's confidant, I'm pretty sure she'll freak out once she learned what I just been through. I stared at my plate, keeping my eyes away from hers. "…miss the ocean, that's all." I continued.

She didn't say anything. I could feel that she wasn't convinced but I hoped that she'd drop it. Fortunately, I only got minor bruises, mainly scratches from the sharp ends of the broken wooden floor.

"You recently got into a fight?" She asked out of nowhere.

I crossed my eyebrows in confusion. "No, why would I be?" I shrugged.

I totally forgot about the wound I got from hitting a guy back at the Lopez manor. I looked back at Faith with a completely different expression on my face—anxious. She knew something was up, I could feel it under her gaze. I pretended to be unaware of her discovery.

"Well, this one's not fresh." She was referring to the bruise on my fist.

She got me. In my desire not to be followed on my here, I got rid of everything I had, even my bag. I was speechless for a moment, couldn't think of further excuse.

One reason why I'd rather keep that secret from her was the fact that she could take an army by herself. Don't be fooled by her good looks. She's nothing but badass, and with a gun on her hands, she's unstoppable.

The silence once again grew unbearable.

"What happened, Lucy?" She spoke. The way she talked to me reminded me of my mom. She had a point. She sat on the other side of the couch.

"Why did you come back?"


Sixty Hours Ago

Rachel Berry

Sunday. Five thirty in the morning.

My alarm went off at five thirty am as I rose early to properly start my day—a bit of running, a healthy, hearty breakfast, an update with the latest news, and a complete schedule for the whole day. Oh, I mean, Santana's schedule.

Technically, I wasn't employed by the Lopezes to assist Santana. Unlike Puck, and Mike for that matter, my reason for staying with her was completely grounded on friendship. Unknown to her, however, Mr. Lopez once asked me to help her out for whatever, whenever, wherever. I gladly obliged since… well, Santana occupied a special place in my heart.

It was almost seven in the morning by the time I arrived at the Lopez manor. I went straight to Santana's bedroom, since I knew she's still peacefully slumbered on her bed. It was a typical Sunday for us: me, trying to wake her up for a whole thirty minutes, and her, grunting like I was an alarm clock that can be snoozed. We were back to our daily routine, except for one tiny piece of peculiarity that I ignored that moment.

"San, we're running late. You've got to wake up now."

"Mhhmmm." She looked so adorable while sleeping, like a child that would not dare hurt a fly.

I sat at the foot of her bed and touched her foot. Surprisingly, that was one known weakness of her. I slightly stroke her foot which made her whimpered a little. A few more strokes and I finally won her consciousness.

"Mhmm… sto—" She muttered as she opened her eyes. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" She sat up straight, pulling her foot back. I couldn't keep my laughter.

"I'm sorry. I really had to wake you up already."

"AND YOU THINK THAT'S A VALID EXCUSE TO TOUCH MY FOOT? YOU CAN'T TOUCH THAT, YOU HERE ME? I'M UNTOUCHABLE!" She yelled at me. The look on her face was priceless. It was hilarious beyond belief.

"Stop shouting, San, and don't say you're untouchable. You don't even know what that means." I let out a chuckle.

"OF COURSE I DO! That means… you can't touch my foot!" She insisted. "…and my other foot."

"No, in India, untouchability was the least favored characteristic. To be an untouchable means you're at the bottom of their social system… and that you're ritually unclean."

"Oh, for Buddha's sake! It's too early for history lessons, Berry." She hid under the sheets, keeping her foot away from my direction.

I stood up and checked the schedule at my phone.

"Anyway, now that you're awake, you should go and take a bath. We need to be at Beverly Hills before lunch."

We were supposed to meet Isabelle Wright, a famous designer from Paris who was also an editor at Vogue magazine, at her shop in Beverly Hills to try on different dresses that Santana would wear tomorrow on her birthday celebration, among others.

She grunted. "Do I really have to come?"

"Yes, I already told you that."

"I always do dress rehearsals at home. Why should we go out this time?" She whined.

"Just do as I say, Santana Lopez." My voice was loud and stern. "Besides, don't you want to go out? We can go somewhere else right after the rehearsals if you want."

She laughed sarcastically. "Yeah, like we can go somewhere without your stupid suitor snooping right behind me like a lost puppy begging for attention."

That caught me off guard. Finn Hudson used to court me back in high school. He was a nice guy but I don't know… I didn't feel like we would click. Besides, I was already happy. I didn't think I need someone… a boyfriend, or something.

"I... N-no—what? That's… This is—" Ugh. I hate it when she does that to me.

"Whatever." Her last word before she took a shower.

Before I went on my way, I noticed that sort of peculiarity waving at me. I knew she'd forget about it so I took care of it and did Santana a favor.

She'll thank me for it.

Maybe.


Santana Lopez

After a warm bath, I put on my usual casual clothes on and went on my way to greet our guests. I wasn't expecting my dad to be there, too, but he was and he's disgustingly laughing with them over something.

I entered the dining room right after the soups were served. Tia Maria waved at me.

"¡Buenos diaz!" She greeted. I greeted her back with a fake smile.

Tio Carlos cleared his throat. "Mija, why don't you join us for breakfast?" He said.

Unlike the two of them, my dad simply stared at me as I entered the room. Not even a nod was given. I did the same to him. Quite a father-daughter relationship, I know.

"No, gracias, tio. I just want to greet you before I go. I have a dress rehearsal with Isabelle Wright." I said as proudly as possible.

"Isabelle Wright of L'exquis?" My aunt asked, astounded to say the least. She was referring to Isabelle's clothing line in France. My dad had that pleased look on his face. That's what he wanted—to brag everything he had that they didn't.

I nodded.

"Uau! I heard she made Kate Middleton's wedding dress, not to mention all other international personalities." She clapped her in excitement. I smiled—no, smirked at her.

I was about to go when my dad finally spoke. "Make sure you take a look at the list of eligible bachelors before you go, and choose your escort for tomorrow."

I stopped on my track.

"Yes, that's what we were talking about earlier. If you would ask me, I'll suggest Logan Lerman. Oh, such sweet young man."

If I didn't knew better, I'd say that list was a complete copy of all Hollywood celebrities, even if they're not that eligible.

My father shook his head. "What about Brody Weston? He's a—"

"…lieutenant, following the footsteps of his father." I cut him. That angered him a bit but I continued before he could open his mouth. "I appreciate you for putting together such list, but I do not intend to have an escort. I won't be alone though, I'll have Berry—Rachel, by my side."

Nobody said anything right after my speech. My father was probably already boiling inside. His face tells it all.

"Well, Sancho, you have an amazing daughter here. By going alone you'll be sure to demonstrate grace and independence, a true example of a modern day woman." My uncle Carlos broke the silence. He was sure to back me in times like that.

"Of course! What a bright young lady. But let's invite Logan anyway. I just love to look at him."

"If that's what you want." My father said as he gestured his hands up in defeat. That was one of the rare moments when he accepted defeat. I owe that to our guests, especially Uncle Carlos.

He winked at me and I smiled at him.

Why can't he be my father?


Rachel Berry

Everyone was silent on our way to Beverly Hills. Maybe Santana and his father had an argument again. I wanted to ask her about that thing I noticed earlier but I was afraid that it might be a bad idea. Just then, I received a text message from Sugar.

From: Motta, S.

From Dallas to Jacksonville at 0900s.

Although Santana called it off, I asked Sugar to monitor Quinn's whereabouts. I knew I made the right decision after what I witnessed earlier. Perhaps I should really I ask her about it.

"I noticed you had a goodnight sleep." I confidently asked.

"I noticed the gigantor's nowhere to be found. Where's the moron?" She instantly had a fitting counter.

It was true though. I asked Finn to go to Beverly Hills first and survey the area for no particular reason. Santana hated the guy and I knew she wouldn't want to share the same car with him, unlike Puck.

"He's already there. I thought you wouldn't want him in your car."

"My car? Definitely not. But this is my dad's car, Rachel. And that moron's my bodyguard. He's supposed to be with me at all times." She crossed her arms and eyed me. "Not unless you don't want to share the car with him."

See, that's a defensive Santana. She passes the spotlight to someone else just to keep her safe. We both knew what she actually meant and we both said nothing more about it.

All the more reason for me to keep an eye on Quinn.

"Am I right?" She asked again, that time with a smirk. I eyed her in response. "I knew it! I knew you like him! Wow, you really have an awful taste, Rach."

"What—no! I don't like him, okay? Quit it."

"You like him and I knew it even before you did." She crossed her arms. "It's fine, Rachel. I'm not forbidding you to go out with anyone, as long as it does not get in our way. You're mine before you become someone else's, remember that, okay?" She winked at me.

She was really full of herself, but I do love her. Without looking at gender, I'd say she's my first love. I hope she won't get mad at me once she learned what's really in stored for her in Beverly Hills.


Santana Lopez

"Bonjour! Welcome to L'exquis. They're already waiting for you. Come this way, s'il vous plaît!" A well dressed lady said as we entered the shop.

"They?" I whispered to Rachel and she just shrugged. She looked somewhat tensed, maybe because she was excited to see Isabelle, too. Oh, these celebrities.

There were a couple of actresses from some movie I can't remember hanging around the shop. Rachel waved at them like a fangirl. Wait, she was a fangirl.

The lady escorted us to a private showroom right at the back of the shop. All the dresses were displayed around. I counted twenty, but the lady said there were more to come.

"What's up with all of these dresses? There's too many of them." I turned to Rachel, who gave me no response. "They don't expect me to change every five minutes, do they?"

"San, I don't know. It's their gift. You should ask them."

Wow, I haven't seen her snapped in a while. Perhaps I pushed the Finn subject too far. I'll keep that in mind.

"She'll be with you in a moment." The lady peaked from the door and left us again. Rachel stood up and looked outside the window. She was walking to and fro.

"Rach, relax. It's just Isabelle. We can call her again just in case you don't get an autograph, okay?" I joked but she was too serious to make it.

A few moments later, Isabelle came in.

The designer was irritatingly giddy about the clothes and the party. I looked at Rachel but she was attentively listening to Isabelle. If the designer wasn't looking at me, I would've nudged her just to get her attention. Something was definitely not right.

"So, all of these dresses are yours to keep. Don't worry, I'll have them delivered to you before the day ends. Have you already chosen which one you'll wear for tomorrow?"

She awaited my response, but I couldn't think of a polite one.

"Why are we here then?" I said. "These clothes seemed to fit me well, and you'll have them delivered to my place. Don't tell me, we drove for hours just to hear an opinion."

I've got Rachel's attention now. They were both surprised at my remark, although there was something else.

"You really are a bright girl, Santana." Isabelle smiled. "I requested to your friend that you join me here today for some special reason, although she was clueless to my true intention until Friday. Don't get mad at her though, okay? I asked her to keep it a secret."

"Then why am I here?" That was my turn to snap. Isabelle gestured to her assistant and the lady exited the room.

"Just calm down, San." It was Rachel. She leaned in closer and touched my back.

"I don't like fucking games, okay?" I stood up and I was ready to leave.

That's when she entered the room.

"Santana! Mind your manners!"

A sweet painfully familiar voice echoed from behind. My heart skipped a beat upon hearing my name. It was the same voice I played inside my head over and over like a lullaby just to be able to sleep at my darkest nights.

It was my mom.

If I was the queen of the badland, she's the queen-in-absentia. She left home to tour the world, and finally found a home in London. Music was her first love, and that turned out to weigh more than us, her family. That was a heartbreaking truth. Although they weren't divorced, I knew it was impossible for my parents to be together again.

Nobody said anything until she's finally face-to-face with me.

"Can I not surprise my own daughter?" She continued. I looked away. I was never close to my father because I was always with my mom. She was my idol, an icon engraved to my heart.

At some point in my life, I hated her for leaving me with my father. I didn't understand why she had to go and live somewhere else, and why I can't be with her. Later, however, I learned that she was fulfilling her dreams, something that she wasn't able to do when she was with my father. And at the course of doing so, she met this one guy that made her felt like she was a queen, without having the same restrictions that my father conferred on her.

She was finally on top of the world.

I, too, was looking up at her. I can't say I fully understood her reasons now, but I guess I've grown to accept them.

"Rachel, darling, why don't you help me arrange the delivery of these clothes?" Isabelle asked Rachel.

She nodded and turned to me and whispered. "I'll be outside." Before leaving, she shook my mother's hand. "It's nice to see you, madam."

"Likewise, sweetheart."


"When did you arrive?" I asked as I looked out of the window. I stayed away from her, hiding the tears that formed in my eyes.

"Earlier today, and I'll be leaving later tonight. I just wanted to see you."

I'd be lying if I say that didn't hit me. I wanted to hug her and ask her to stay but of course, pride won't let me. I was pretty sure she'd decline anyway.

"I also want to personally give you my gift." To be honest, seeing her was enough present for me. She had other things in her mind though. I heard her walked closer from behind. I didn't turn around. I just waited for her to continue. "Come to London with me."

"What?"

"Come visit London. It'll be fun, I swear. I'll be your personal tour guide." I could imagine the smile on her face while saying those words.

"You mean, come to London with you, and live with your boyfriend, and tour London with you two smooching behind my back." I said as I faced her. "That's cute."

She would've slapped me. She wanted to. I mean, if I was in her position, I would've slapped myself. But she didn't. Instead, she sighed and touched my face with her hand.

"It's okay, baby girl." My heart leaped. Her touch was electrifying. It reminded me how much I missed her, how much I missed my mom. Love was a painful thing. "I can't imagine what you must be feeling, but I understand." She said as I turned away from her.

How can she not know and still understand? Pathetic. That's just guilt talking.

"It must be hard on you, sweetheart. I'm sorry for putting you through all these."

"If you have nothing more to say, I'm leaving." I waited for a couple of seconds before I started walking towards the door.

"Just one more thing." She said.

I turned around and saw her caught up to me. She was so close I could've hugged her. She took her necklace and put it around my neck. It has her meteor pendant. I can't fully remember the story behind that piece of jewelry, but I do remember seeing her wear it since I was a child. It was special.

"When you're ready, baby girl, the world shall, too."


Rachel Berry

Being with the Lopezes had its perks. One of them was meeting international celebrities every other day. Honestly, I was a bit excited about going to Los Angeles. We may live in California, but we rarely visit Hollywood or Beverly Hills.

My smile instantly faded upon seeing Santana rushing out of the showroom's door. I could see in her eyes that their conversation didn't go well.

"We're leaving." She uttered as she passed me by.

I made a quick turn to Isabelle and bid goodbye.

"On behalf of Santana, I sincerely thank you for everything."

She smiled at me. But what caught my attention was Santana's mom walking towards my direction with her eyes locked on the Latina who was already inside the car.

"You girls grew up fast." She said.

Seeing her was like seeing a future Santana, her brown eyes and brunette hair. Without all her hits and awards, I'd say she's just a typical mom who had a daughter that's an exact copy of her. I bet that's what Santana wished.

"Please look after her." She continued. I bowed to both of them before I went to follow Santana outside.

I never thought meeting an international singer would be that ordinary—known to the world as Jay Lopez.

I noticed Finn standing in front of the car when I came out. For one bodyguard he was doing… beyond that. He was oddly guarding the car. I was about to enter the car when the passenger seat door flew open. I looked inside and found Santana at the driver's seat.

"What are you doing? Where's the driver?"

"I sent him home."

"What? What about Finn?" I pointed up front. Something happened when I was still inside for sure.

"He's standing in front of the car thinking that can stop me from driving away."

"Wait, what are you doing to do, run him over? Where are we going?"

She didn't answer anymore questions though. She started the car and honked once. When Finn didn't budge, she put the car on reverse and moved back a little, just enough to avoid her bodyguard on her next acceleration.

"San—"

And we're off.


Present Day

Quinn Fabray

"So, what now?"

"Shush, I'm thinking about the list."

"What list?"

"The list." Baffled, I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, right, I forgot." She lowered her voice as she continued. "That's the list of all syndicates and their respective territories in Americas."

Now, it made sort of some sense.

"They said your group can't be considered notorious not unless you made it that list." She sat in front of me, and sipped on her coffee. "Listen, promise me you'll never mention that you have an idea that such list exists, okay? This is extremely classified. By simply having knowledge of that list can have you killed in a minute."

"But you do have an idea that such thing exists." I looked at her curiously. Does that mean she's in trouble? I knew she had knowledge of such stuff but I never got to ask her how come she knew.

I think. She ignored my question.

"Anyway, you said Lopez, right? That's easy. Santana Lopez is the daughter of Sancho Lopez. That guy is the leader of La Sombra, the Shadow. They are the most dominant group in the Western section of United States, although recently, their influence had gone to the east as well."

"So, am I in danger?"

"Well, you made it out," She stood up and stared outside the window. "But you're lucky to be alive."

"Wait, you mean, I'm supposed to be dead?"

She crossed her arms. The last time I saw that serious was when I almost hit my mom with an arrow to the head. "No one messes with Sancho Lopez and lives."

"Apparently, I did." I let out chuckle.

"This is serious, Lucy." Her fist slammed against the wall. "You made it out alive because you're different. You may be lucky, but even luck requires skill."

It was my turn to cross my arms and raise an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"

"If you didn't have an excellent trainer, you're probably colder than ice by the time you set a foot outside Cali."

That made me smile. "Yeah, if it weren't for your vampire slaying skills, I'm most definitely lying six feet under."

"Or dumped in some dark, smelly place, or burned at a stake."

We both laughed. I always joked about her being a slayer. People said she used to kill vampires in Europe. She laughed the idea off, and ever since I heard of it, I always used that to make fun of her.

"Something's bugging me though." She walked around, thinking. "You said, Santana's friend offered you something, right?"

"Rachel Berry—she gave me her address, and told me to wait there. She said she'll explain everything to me. " I shrugged.

"Why didn't you wait for her?"

"Why would I? For all I know they will probably mess up with me again. They couldn't have done something to keep me safe, right?"

"I see your point. But look, these kids, they don't meddle with Sancho's deals. They may have caused the trouble, but right after seeking shelter under his roof, they're hands off to whatever happens next."

"So, what does that mean? That they're keeping me safe from god that was Sancho?"

"I understand your skepticism. They messed with your life, I get it. But aren't you curious why would they do such thing?"

"I don't care, okay? My life's all fucked up. I just want to get away."

"You left your job, you haven't paid your bills, you disconnected from your friends, you abandoned your scholarship… Yeah, I would say your life's fucked up." She leaned on the wall and looked at me with a straight face. "…and you're sitting there letting the bad guys live rent free in your head."

She was right. My life was messed up, but I let it happened. When things go rough, I tend to bail—all the time. I always choose to run away than face whatever life has thrown at me.

"What do you want me to do? Go back there, confront theses royalties and ask for compensation? You said so yourself that my life is in danger!"

"Stand up for yourself, Lucy! Even just this once!"

I hate how right she was.

"How the hell am I suppose to do that?"


Forty Eight Hours Ago

Santana Lopez

It can't be.

I've buried the hatchet fifteen years ago. I can't go through this again.

A tear fell from my eye but I didn't mind it. I didn't even care about Rachel's consistent screaming beside me. I just wanted to get rid of this heavy feeling in my chest. I need it out of my system.

"Santana, stop it!"

I ignored her. I couldn't stop. The rush was slowly mending my heart. It felt too good.

"San, please! You're gonna get us killed!"

I geared up once more and stepped on the accelerator. The road was calling me, the wind clapping inside my ears. Tears were flowing away I could barely feel them.

"SANTANA LOPEZ YOU LISTEN TO ME RIGHT NOW!" Rachel yelled. "STOP THE CAR THIS INSTANT!"

Like a bell after a fight, Rachel's voice echoed inside my head. She brought me back to reality. Immediately, I stopped the car. A loud screeching sound followed. Dust flew outside.

I panted as the adrenaline wore off. Rachel was catching her breathe beside me.

"What on earth were you thinking?!"

I don't know. I totally forgot that I wasn't alone.

"Get out." I ordered.

"Absolutely not! You're more prone to doing crazy stuff when I'm not around, so no. I'm not leaving you!"

"Get the fuck out!" I shouted.

I wasn't mad. I just wanted to scream, to get rid of everything inside. Rachel was persistent though. She crossed her arms as she sat firmly on the passenger seat. She was crying. I heard her sob but she was trying to hide as she looked away. She was shaking too. Damn, she's really a lightweight.

"I…" I couldn't apologize. "I'm…"

I looked at her, but the moment was interrupted by the sound of police siren growing louder and louder.

I'm busted.


"License and registration please."

The policeman asked as he peaked on my window. I gave him what he asked for and went out of the car right after.

"W-wait, sir, I'm Rachel Berry." She took an ID out of her bag. "Can we please talk about it instead?" She always does that, save my ass whenever I was in trouble. I sighed as the police slightly shook his head.

"Sorry, ma'am. Laws are there for a reason."

"Please, can we do something about it? Nobody got hurt…"

Rachel was pale. If I get arrested, it'll be the next breaking news in an instant. The police turned pale, too, upon seeing my ID. I could sense that he was about to let us go, knowing who I was. Like I said, I was invincible.

"It's okay, Rach. I went over the limit. Let the officer do his job."

They both looked at me with widened eyes. I mean it. I wanted to go and get locked up for once. My dad would be outraged.

"Actually…"

"Come on, officer. Do your duty to your country." I mocked him. I entered the police car and waited inside. They talked among themselves, Rachel still pleading. The police was scratching his head, but later approached the door.

"Don't read her that." Rachel said from afar.

"Okay then, Ms. Lopez. I'll take you to the precinct."

Outside, Rachel called someone before she entered the other car. If there's something she can't do, that was to drive. She's a crappy driver. I hope she could make it to the precinct.


Rachel Berry

Accelerate, clutch, brake, gear up, gear down, reverse—it's easy to memorize but since my hand-eye coordination was next to zero, I completely suck at driving. That's no news.

I made it to the precinct anyway, with Finn to the rescue. I couldn't drive, that's it.

Santana was no longer there when I arrived. Later, I learned that she was held inside a prison for the time being since she cannot bail herself out. I've got to get her out of there.

"Uhm, excuse me. I'm looking for Santana Lopez."

A police officer chewing a gum unattractively turned to me. "She's right where she belongs." She said, followed by a snort.

And they call themselves men of justice? I would've punched her in the face if she wasn't an officer. Really. No one insults Santana in front of me.

"Is that so?"

She officer scratched her nose disgustingly. "Honey, this is no place for children. Go play with your Barbie doll somewhere else." She spat on the ground after that remark.

That's it.

She pushed too hard. I'll make sure she'll pay for it.

"Pardon, Ms. Berry. I think our officer right here must have forgotten her place." A not so familiar voice came from behind. He cleared his throat and the police woman instantly stood up, saluted him.

It was Lt. Brody Weston, son of California Highway Patrol chief of police, Bradly Weston. He was part of the losng list of guys asking Mr. Lopez for Santana's hands. Tough luck for him, Mr. Lopez respects Santana's love life. One of the very few…

"Officer, would you mind getting Ms. Santana Lopez for us?"

"No, sir!"

"Good, now get her."

I rolled my eyes at the police woman as she walked off.

"Is that how justice is served?"

"Forgive them. These officers… most of them already had encounters with the Lopezes, and some of them weren't a fan."

"Yeah, I could tell."

He chuckled. "Even among police force, you have quite a charm, you know."

That was… completely out of nowhere. I could feel my face burned so I looked down. He's just a pathetic womanizer. No wonder Santana basted her over and over.

"Oh, I don't…"

"You're even prettier when you blush." I didn't look at him. I heard him chuckled though.

It was getting awkward. Thankfully, another police officer came out running, panting.

"Sir, we have a problem."


Santana Lopez

The smell of these walls were one, their chant was united—revenge.

Only that time, I was the target.

The moment I step a foot inside the precinct, I knew what was going to happen. I've seen most of these faces before, their eyes raging in fury. Either with badges or someone from behind bars, they all have one thing in common. They didn't see me as someone who simply went over the speed limit; to them, I was Sancho Lopez walking into their lair, like a meat being handed out to thousands of starving lions ready to devour me any moment.

Well, they've got the wrong meat.

"Santana Lopez, this is you." The officer said, pointing to the cell with his baton. "You are to say here until your friend arrives."

There were three women inside the cell; one was not paying attention, the other two were piercing me with their sharp looks.

"Can you fetch her? We left her in the middle of the highway without a driver and she can't drive." I asked him, but he smirked in return.

"No can do." And then he walked away, sniggering.

As I turned my back against the bars and face my cellmates, one of them was already inches away from me.

"Why, if it isn't her majesty, Santana Lopez." She pretended to do the curtsey. The other woman, the fat one, did the same. They later both burst into laughter.

The fat one walked closer. "Is papa Sancho out of the country? Can't he save his dear little princess?" She mocked in a low voice. "Too bad prince charming is not here to save your fine ass."

They snickered and chortled until they're both out of breathe.

I rolled my eyes. They must be some small time drug dealers of whatever.

"Leave her alone." The blonde one sitting at the far end of the cell spoke. At first glance I thought it was Quinn—her blonde hair, that attitude. Obviously, though, I was wrong. She can't be in there. She's on her way somewhere far from me.

"Shut up, blondie! No one's asking for your stupid opinion!"

"Yeah, shut up!"

I crossed my arms and stared at them. "If you value your lives, you should listen to her."

"You don't tell me what to do, Satan. This is our hell." The thin one took a makeshift dagger out her shoes. The other one took a detachable metal part of the bed and held it firmly.

"I haven't got action in a long while."

"This will be fun." They laughed among themselves. "And don't even try to do anything, blondie, or I would slit your throat before you know it." I noticed the blonde had her hand tied to the foot of the bed, her blue eyes evading mine. Another proof that she wasn't Quinn? Her eyes. She was badly bruised but she seemed fine.

I laughed and that stopped the two rogues. They honestly dare fight me? I thought they already know who I was. Well, they're about to find out.

"You said this is hell, right?" I asked, but none of them answered my question. "…and you called me Satan." They looked at each other as I stood straight. "Well, newsflash, morons…" I walked closer to them. "Satan rules hell."

The thin one charged her blade forward. I hit her hand, knocking the blade out her grasp with my right fist. I kneed her stomach hard and she clutched down, yelping in pain.

"You bitch!" The fat one screamed.

Her voice reached my ears before the metal bar she held did. I caught it with my left hand, not noticing how sharp it was. She was pushing it towards my face with her hands, not to mention her big arms. With both hands, I managed to overpower her, and pushed it back to her. It hit her chin, just enough to knock her out.

Blood was dripping down my hand by then. But it wasn't over. The thin one got ahold of her blade again and lunged to my direction. I stepped back to dodge it, and I felt the cold metal bars against my back. I held her hand, the one with blade, and punched her elbow. I heard her bone cracked against my fist.

"Ahhh!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. Well, that would hurt for sure.

That caught the jail warden's attention.

"What the—" He hastily looked for keys which he wasn't holding so he walked back out.

I looked at my left hand and saw a deep cut beyond the blood. The blonde girl sitting at the far end of the cell didn't say anything all throughout the action. She wasn't even looking.

I tore part of my shirt to tie my wounded hand and stop the bleeding. "These crazies scare you?" I asked. She looked from her shoulder but didn't face my direction.

She shook her head. "No, blood does."

A couple of police officers arrived and opened the cell.

"Get out! Face the wall, hands on your head, right now! Move!" One of them yelled at me. "What the fuck happened here?!"

"Hell did." I whispered.

They checked the fat one's pulse and left her. The thin one didn't stop cursing. "You fucking bitch! I will kill you, you hear me? I'll kill you when I get back!"

I won't be there when she does though.


Rachel Berry

Lt. Weston looked back at me before he went on to check what happened.

"Just wait here." He said.

It appeared that there had been a brawl inside. My heart pounded inside my chest. I could feel that Santana was involved but I still prayed that she wasn't. I hoped that she's safe.

Santana wasn't a trouble maker.

Let me rephrase that: Santana was barely a trouble maker. She engaged in fights but most of the time, it wasn't her fault. Trouble seemed to find her everywhere she went. Maybe it comes with the name—something that she cannot definitely be blamed for.

It was her first time to be imprisoned. She'd been arrested for over speeding before, but officers barely record that. One glimpse of her name and she's already cleared. It's another mystery why she submitted herself for this. I knew her all her life but after that trip to Las Vegas, some things just changed.

Santana appeared by the doorway after I waited for what seemed like forever. On impulse, I ran to her and hugged her.

"Santana!" I sensed how her body tensed the moment I touched her. I couldn't remember for how long I stayed like that, I was just happy to see her.

"Uh, Rach…"

"Yeah? Oh, s-sorry. I'm just…" I distanced myself from her. That's when I noticed the blood on her hand. "Blood, there's blood… San, you're bleeding!" Horror dawned to me. Her left hand was bleeding badly and she's got bruises on her right knuckle, her shirt torn.

I opened my mouth but no words came out.

"I'm okay, Berry." Her cold treatment shouldn't be a surprise but it still shocked me. Lt. Weston came in from behind her with an apologetic look on his face.

"I'm so sorry. Two of her cellmates attacked her. On behalf of Captain Brass of Precinct 75, I sincerely apologize." He bowed to both of us. "We'll take care of medications. I'll have an ambulance come here as soon as possible."

He kept his eyes away from Santana, probably frightened by what she might say.

"Am I good to go?" She asked.

He turned to me, and back to Santana. "Y-yes, absolutely."

"Forget about the ambulance, I'm going home."

"But… your hand…" I tried to intervene but she was clearly not talking to me. She headed for the exit. But she stopped midway.

"Rachel will bail that blonde girl out of the cell." She said without looking before she continued outside.

Another surprise from Santana. Why was she doing all these things all of a sudden? Still, I wrote a check for whoever that was. Maybe we could talk about that later. I hope so.


Santana Lopez

The ride back home seemed longer than I could remember. I clutched my wounded hand closer. Rachel was mumbling but her words come and go from ear to ear. I was a little lightheaded but I could still move. I smiled to myself. I forgot the last time I beat someone. It felt good that I almost miss the fight clubs I joined in college.

In the middle of the ride, I remembered why I ended up with a bleeding hand. I looked down and saw my mom's necklace around my neck. Thank god, those bitches weren't smart enough to take it. I pulled the necklace off my neck.

I can't let anyone see it. Apparently, my mom was off limits at home. No pictures, no memorabilia, no talking about her—absolutely nothing. Just like the deals that he made, my father let my mom go on the note that she will never return. He loved her so much that he wanted to keep her to himself, caging her inside the lifeless mansion that we live in. Contrary to my father's desires, my mom was a bird who yearns to fly. She hated restrictions. She wanted freedom.

They fell in love but, unfortunately, love wasn't enough. It can't conquer everything.

I went straight to my room upon arriving at the manor. Fortunately, everybody was outside when we arrived so no one saw my bloody hand.

"I'll get Ms. Pillsburry." Rachel uttered as she went the other way.

I was breathing a little heavier than usual and my hand felt somewhat numb. I was exhausted but I needed to wash all the traces of that prison off my body so I headed to the shower. The cold water, however, burned my hand.

Physical pain has a way of lessening other pains.

I was a living proof of that.


Rachel Berry

"The stitch was less than an inch long. She should be fine." Ms. Pillsbury whispered to me.

"That's good to hear."

"But… I figured she lost quite some blood. She'll be weak for a while. Make sure she eats properly, okay?"

"I will. Thank you."

Despite her marriage with Mr. Schue, we managed to win Ms. Pillsbury's loyalty. I guess, for her, we were the children she never had.

Santana was already asleep by the time Ms. Pillsbury left the room. I was standing by her balcony when I heard her mumbled.

"Mhmmm…" She moved a little. Maybe she was dreaming. It was barely night yet she was already peacefully asleep. "Qumm…"

I walked to her bedside and checked her temperature. It was getting higher.

"Quinn… Imsorrymmm…"

"San, are you okay?" I tucked her in.

"I'm sorry… Quinn… p-please…"

I stopped at the revelation. It was just as I assumed. Whatever happened in Las Vegas changed our Santana. Part of me was jealous, to be honest. She probably saw something in that girl, something that was worth changing for.

I touched her forehead. She whimpered. "I'm sorry…"

"It's okay, Santana." I whispered to her. "We'll find her."


"…call me back when you can."

I kept on trying to reach Sugar but I was sent to her voicemail. Something must have happened. We had strict rules about phone calls. I guess I had to remind her of that.

A few seconds later, I received a message from her.

From: Motta, S.

In a meeting, sorry.

Lost track of Q. No access to surveillance at Jacksonville.

Well, that's perfect. We lost her just in time when Santana's true feelings were bared. She'd just been through a lot. The least I could do was find that girl for her.

We may have lost track of Quinn for now, but that doesn't mean we can no longer find her. I dialed Noah's number. He's the perfect guy for this.

"Hey, B. What's up?"

"Noah! Thank god you're available."

"Whoa, slow down. I can't say I'm available, but I can make exceptions for my friends." I could imagine the look on his face while he was saying that.

"No—this is serious, Noah. You need to go to Florida, right now."

"What? But I'm about too—"

"It's top priority. Find Quinn. I just received a message from Sugar, and they don't have access to surveillance cameras at Florida."

"That makes sense. Florida is not part of our territory, you know."

"I know that. So get yourself a plane ticket and fly to Jacksonville. We still have time. You may arrive there before her train does."

"Okay."

"And Noah," I sighed. "You can't let Santana know, okay? It'll be a surprise."

"Oh, a birthday present. I get it now. Roger that."

We need to find her.


Santana Lopez

For what I could remember, I slept out of exhaustion. When I woke up today, however, I was still tired. My body was too weak to move, to get out of bed. I closed my eyes to nap for a few more minutes but the noise outside was unbearable.

My hand still ached but it was tolerable. I managed to get out of bed and stretched a bit. Rachel hadn't arrived, which was odd, since she would normally barge in my room and do everything to wake me up.

No, actually, I was thankful that she's not around yet. Lying there on my bed was… Quinn's shirt. I couldn't remember how it got there or when or how.

The mystery of one Quinn Fabray still lingered in my mind. I wonder what could have happened if we met at a different time, on a different occasion.

That brought a smile to my face.

Never had I longed to know someone so much. It's a shame that all I had left were her clothes and the what ifs in my mind.

I took a shower and joined tio Carlos and tia Maria for breakfast. My dad was already busy setting things up for the night's event. It's been that way since I could remember. It may be my birthday but the celebration wasn't for me.

"Anything the matter, mija?" Tio Carlos spoke in the middle of breakfast. It was the same question he'd been asking me ever since.

I shook my head.

"You know, I've been thinking what I gave Calliope for her twenty third birth day…" He was referring to his youngest daughter, my cousin, Calliope Torres. "Maria, do you remember?"

My aunt patted a napkin on her chin and giddily responded. "Oh, of course! It was an Asian cruise. Aria was so jealous, poor child."

They were a picture of a happy, successful family. Callie was a well-known orthopedic surgeon in Seattle, while Aria was an established business woman in Ontario. They were both married to the person they really love. We, the Lopezes, were way wealthier than the Torres family, but I envied them. Their happiness was true and honest, for fuck's sake. They didn't have to pretend that money was everything.

"Say, what would you wish for your day, Santana?"

"This is exciting! What about a trip to Europe? Oh, I know… how about Maldives? I remembered you once wanted to have your own horse, right? What about Australia?"

My aunt went on with a never-ending list of world's top destination. Her giddiness was contagious, my uncle laughed at her. I've never seen our dining room lit up that way.

"Let the girl decide for herself, mi amor." And they both looked at me.

I never thought of that. Since day one, everything was already pre-decided. I had to do this, go there, and meet that. My dad never asked me what I want for a day like this.

Well, I would've answered a party out with my friends, just like what I did in Vegas two days ago. That was what I wanted. But asking me the same question now… I felt differently. I didn't want a celebration. For once in my life, I felt like doing something different, something that's unbecoming of Santana Lopez, something probably right.


Rachel Berry

Santana was already having a chat with her uncle by the time I arrived at the manor. Despite her injury, she looked fine—glowing actually. She smiling, laughing along with him. I've never seen her light up that way.

I hope she didn't hit her head in that cell.

Mr. Torres left Santana as I arrived. She was grinning at me.

"Guests will start to arrive at 6:00 pm. I called Kitty and she'll be here seven hours prior to that. As for now… we need to choose a dress for you."

Santana shrugged and headed to her room.

Since her hand was wounded, she had to wear gloves to hide it, especially to his dad. Isabelle's gifts were all lined up inside her room. Honestly, they all looked gorgeous.

"Although there are fifteen, you can only choose from these three right here," I said as I pointed to the dress. "These are the only ones that come with gloves."

She stared at them, but I could feel that she was seeing something else. Her attention was nowhere inside the room.

"Hey," I patted her shoulder and she almost jumped. "Are you okay? Does your hand hurt?"

"I'm fine, Rach, seriously."

There was something in her eyes that I haven't seen in a long time. It was glistening.

"How about…" She turned to face me, her hands on both ends of my shoulders. "…you go home and get ready for tonight? I got this."

"N-no, I'm okay. You need to get ready for tonight. We still have to—"

"Rach, I'm serious. Go home. Get yourself pampered."

"I-I can't. I need to make sure that you're ready for—"

"I can't have you stand beside me looking like a haggard secretary, so go home."

That made me conscious to how I look. Do I really look terrible? I know I haven't got enough sleep because of the research I did last night but I made sure I looked decent enough.

She went for the black one-shoulder gown embroidered with patterns and examined it.

"Besides, you're not my assistant, Rach." I looked away from her, hurt. "You're my friend."

That changed everything. I was stunned at her words. She never acted that way before. It's like having a same old brand new Santana. Her smile didn't fade.

Something was going to happen, I could feel it. But at that point, I couldn't figure her out.

Whatever happened to Santana?


Santana Lopez

Everything went on just as how Rachel mentioned it. Kitty arrived to fix my hair and make-up, guests arrived at around 6:00. They'll call me anytime now.

I sat in front of the mirror. With the meteor necklace around my neck, I could see my mom in front of me. She was a beacon of freedom, of dream, of passion. She was bold enough to stand for herself, to make a choice and stand by them.

I knew what I want and I already made up my mind.

As much as I love having Rachel around, I had to keep her out this time. I trust her with my life, but in order to protect her, I had to keep this a secret for now.

She'll forgive me, I know.

I hope so.


Present Day

Quinn Fabray

After our argument back at the beach house, Faith and I set off to meet someone at a café nearby.

"Who are we meeting anyway?" I asked.

"We're a few steps away, can't you really wait?"

"Ugh, what's with the suspense? You know what I've just been through, right?"

Faith laughed. "Actually, you've already met. This will just serve as a formal introduction."

I rolled my eyes and grunted. "You better not mess with me…"

"If you want a pay back from the goons in California, you'll need a back-up, so we're recruiting."

A few more steps and we were indeed at the café.

"Here we are." She said.

As I step a foot inside, I already knew who we were meeting. It was the same guy I met back at Las Vegas.

The instant our eyes met, he stood up and extended his hand.

"Hi."

"Lucy, this is—"

"Sam Evans." I answered. I took his hand as a courtesy.

"I figured you'd say that." Faith uttered as she sat on the other side of the table.

"Please, have a seat." He said since I was still standing even after shaking his hand. I knew there was something about him the first time we met. I just didn't expect it to be this much kind of something.

We all ordered coffee, although Faith had two orders of triple espresso. She had always been a fan of caffeine.

"So, who's going to explain what's happening?" I asked impatiently. Since my ex-trainer was busy reading a newspaper while enjoying her coffee orders, Sam took the initiative.

"Well…" I couldn't tell if he was hesitant or simply couldn't make a sense or two. He looked smart with his suit and tie on, but without it… let's just say he looked below ordinary.

Without taking her eyes off the newspaper, Faith interfered. "I made a promise to your mom that I'll keep an eye on you. I couldn't baby sit you so I just hired him to check on you occasionally."

"You already knew I was in Las Vegas."

"Yup."

"Then why didn't you help me?" I turned to Sam.

"I didn't know what happened to you exactly. I was there at the bar but I got kicked out because of some guy…"

"Wait, so you were the paparazzi?"

"I… I wasn't! I just saw Santana Lopez, and I took the opportunity… that's all." He looked down. "I'm sorry. I wasn't able to help you."

"You mean I'm sorry I wasn't able to do my job well." Faith intervened.

The guy kept his head low. I couldn't believe that Faith kept her word. All these time, I thought I was already disconnected from my past. I guess I couldn't really run away from it.

Our conversation was interrupted by flash news on the television. Normally, I would ignore that since I had long lost interest in the world.

Developing news: Santana Lopez gone missing?

Daughter of California governor, Federico, "Sancho" Lopez, who just turned 23 yesterday, was reported to be missing-in-action in her own celebration at the Lopez manor. Further reports suggested that happy-go-lucky Santana was found missing, although the renowned governor had yet to give a formal statement to confirm the allegations.

We have Artie Abrams reporting live from Long Beach, California. Artie?

Thanks, Joe. Nearly twenty hours had passed since a report that Santana Lopez was missing from their own home had erupted. An unknown source informed newsmen that things got fishy when the young Lopez didn't appear at her own birthday celebration.

In my interview with a guest from last night's party who opted not to be named, he said, and I quote, "She [Santana] did not appear for the formal presentation, but everyone assumed that she was there." Other guests claimed that they have seen Santana at the party.

Up to this moment, Joe, the Lopez manor is still closed to the media.

The news made me laugh. Oh, please. Santana was missing? For all I know, that's just another play, another set up. She and her friends were probably up to something, and they decided to make it big this time.

"You think this has something to do with Quinn?" Sam asked.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, please. She's just faking it. For all I know, she's just somewhere setting up someone for her own amusement."

Faith raised an eyebrow. "You really think so?"

"I know so. That's what they did to me. She and her friends… they're all in it together, covering her ass." My angst against the Latina returned, burning my insides. "She's just doing it again, taking it big this time. That news is a hoax."

Right after what I said, the news anchor choked out another news.

Breaking news, folks. California Governor Sancho Lopez called out an ambush press conference right this moment. Artie Abrams returns from Long Beach.

Yes, Joe. "Santana is missing", Governor Lopez confirmed just a few minutes ago. He called an ambush press conference inside the Lopez manor to formally give his statement on the allegations. Let's hear it from him,

"It is with my utmost grief and sorrow that I finally confirm to everyone that my daughter, Santana, is missing. Our primary suspect is my daughter's former bodyguard, Noah Puckerman, who had been recently suspended due to his grave neglect of duty. We are seeing retaliation as his motive for this crime. We are appealing to the public, if you have any information on the whereabouts of my daughter Santana or Noah Puckerman, please relay it to the authorities as soon as possible. I am willing to reward anyone with a just compensation for their help. Thank you."

Based on our sources, besides being a personal bodyguard, Noah Puckerman was also a former lover of the young Lopez. Others even assumed that the young Lopez must have runaway with her ex-bodyguard and lover, a young love at work. Back at you, Joe.

I could feel my stomach turned upon hearing the news. Her boy toy couldn't kidnap her for sure. I saw how she was in control of everyone around her back in Vegas. It's impossible. At that point my anger and hatred turned into disgust and disbelief.

Boys, girls—she'l probably make out with anything that moves!

How can she live like that? Was that the life of the rich and the famous?

I should have known better. I shouldn't have let my emotions took over that night. I should have known the first time I laid an eyes on her, she'll spell nothing but trouble.


TBC


A/N: (Correction) Back in Chapter I, I mentioned that Santana's mom was at the manor. That was a mistake. I already changed it, thanks.

Also, there will be a Quinntana interaction (finally!) on the next chapter.

As for the Spanish and French lines... I only used online translator so if there's any mistake, I'm sorry about that.

Thanks for the support. Reviews are loved!

-inksandpapers