Author's note: lots of Brittana in this chapter, hope you all enjoy it and please let me know what you think about the story so far.
/
Sophomore year, 2 years ago part III
I woke up next Monday with a pounding headache; I was still hangover from Saturday evening. I rubbed the sleep off my eyes and took a glance at my alarm clock. It was set on 7:30 which meant Quinn would be at my house to pick me up in one and a half hour. I stretched out and noticed a lump under my sheets. I picked the sheets up and found Lord Tubbington sleeping under it.
''Good morning Tubbs'', I said tickling his chin. The cat woke up and looked at her with big eyes. ''I know, I'm sorry I woke you up but in fact you're sleeping in my bed when you've got your own paradise downstairs. How would you feel if you woke up and found me in your bed?''
Brittany went to the mall a few weeks ago with her parents to buy Lord Tubbington this huge fluffy cat bed which even had different floors. Brittany persuaded her parents to buy it because she felt guilty she had to make Lord Tubbington stop drinking. But he had too, otherwise he would cheat on his girlfriend again. Or boyfriend, Brittany didn't know because she saw Lord Tubbington hanging out with the neighbor's tomcat a lot lately. She had to admit, it would be pretty awesome if her cat turned out to be gay. The fat cat started purring and licked Brittany's finger.
''You really should start exercising, you're getting a little chubby'', Brittany mumbled. The cat looked away. ''I know it's hard to admit but if you want your girlfriend back, or date Mr. Puss again you should be in good shape. Think about it.'' She planted a kiss on the cat's head and stood up. She packed her and other stuff. After a quick shower Brittany went downstairs. Her dad was sitting in 'his' chair reading the newspaper.
Brittany gave him a peck on his cheek. ''Morning dad.'' He looked at her with a smile. ''Morning Britt.'' I putted some Lucky Charms in a bowl, added milk and settled on the couch while watching Dora the Explorer. She was disturbed by a text from Santana.
Practice today?
Brittany smiled.
Meet me after school in the locker room. She replied.
After she ate her bowl of cereal she quickly ran upstairs to stuff her shorts and a tank top into her bag.
/
It was an ordinary day at school. Rachel stalked her with ideas for the set list for Sectionals, which Brittany didn't care about as long as she could dance. By second period Noah already tossed four freshmen in the dumpsters and during lunch she constantly catched Dave staring at her. He probably didn't understand the signs she gave him Saturday night, so she tried to avoid his glances.
''God Brittany, I'm sorry for setting you up with Karofsky'', Sam apologized when Dave was looking her way for the forty-sixth time –she was counting. - ''I'll try to make it clear to him again.''
''Don't bother, I think I can handle it'', Brittany smiled.
She noticed some commotion at the other side of the aula. It catched the attention of the other students as well because in no-time the whole aula was staring at the scene. A sharp, loud voice was yelling phrases. Brittany couldn't understand a word but it sounded beautiful, although the sound of it sounded hostile. Santana –the center of the attention- was hissing in Spanish at the canteen lady, who looked baffled. She probably didn't understand anything as well. Santana waved angry with her arms to put power to her words.
With one last ''Culo gordo'', she turned around and made her way through the crowd that had gathered around her towards the door. Brittany heard her cursing softly when she passed by. Miss Pillsbury mingled with the crowd and followed Santana, trying to talk to her. Santana held up her hand and firmly walked out of the canteen, leaving Miss Pillsbury confused.
''Geez'', Quinn hissed. ''She really think she can pull off everything around here doesn't she?''
''Damn, I like her guts'', Matt said with a determined expression on his face.
Quinn rolled her eyes. ''Don't even bother trying Matt.''
Matt scoffed. ''Why not? Every girl likes moi'', he said while pounding his chest.
''I just don't… You don't stand the ghost of a chance'', Quinn said.
''We'll see'', Matt hissed.
And that kind of was the peak of the day. After her last class Brittany walked to her locker with Quinn to get her sportswear.
''What are you going to do?'', Quinn asked raising her eyebrow.
''Oh I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I don't need a ride, I'm helping Sue out with the choreography for Sectionals'', I lied.
''Okay. Do you need any more help?'', Quinn looked hopefully.
Brittany bit on her lip. ''Thanks, but we're almost done.''
Quinn pouted and shrugged a little. ''Okay, see you tomorrow then.'' She gave me a hug and walked towards the parking lot.
I really didn't like lying to Quinn but if I told her I would be practicing with Santana she wouldn't allow me to. During break she saw the two of them exchanging nasty glances. Maybe something happened at the party, Brittany thought, but now wouldn't be the right time to tell Quinn about her rendezvous with Santana. I entered the locker room, which was still empty. Maybe Santana was a little late, or she was already done changing I thought. I put on my shorts and tank top and tied my hair up in a loose bun.
Luckily for us the sun was shining so it was perfect weather to practice outside. I walked over the empty football field, searching for Santana. I found her lying down on the bleachers, her leather jacket used as pillow, probably working on her tan. She wore silver ray-ban sunglasses, all-stars, denim shorts and a loose top. Stunning as always. I shook my head, trying to push the thought away.She was trying to blow circles of smoke from the cigarette she was smoking.
When I came closer I saw her opening a small silver can. She took a swig from the can and quickly shoved it back under her leather jacket. I stood still, a little confused. Was she drinking alcohol in the afternoon? I waited for a few seconds before walking closer to her, not wanting to give her the feeling I had been spying on her.
''Hi'', I greeted her, standing on the bleachers a few rows lower.
She quickly sat up, looking like she felt catched. ''God jesus, you scared the shit out of me.''
''I'm sorry'', I said walking upwards the bleachers.
She reached out the pack of cigarettes. ''Want one? They're menthol''
''No thanks'', I sat down a few meters away from her. ''Why are you smoking anyways?''
She blew out the last bit of smoke and threw her cigarette butts down the bleachers. ''Because.'' She looked at me. ''Why are you drinking alcohol?''
''Because I like the feeling it gives me. Except from the feeling afterwards.''
''Exactly'', she lay down again. ''I like the feeling smoking gives me, plus I don't have a hangover afterwards.''
''Seems legit'', I mumbled. ''But it still kills.''
''So does drinking alcohol'', she smiled at me.
I decided I would drop the topic. ''What happened at the canteen today?'', I asked curiously.
Santana looked at me with one eye. ''Why do you want to know everything? Are you so undercover or something?''
''I'm just interested'', I said hesitating. Her questions made me feel dumb, especially the way she looked at me when she asked them. Like I was interrupting her life or something like that. It was a 'are you fucking kidding me' look, at least I imagined that was what she was thinking.
She straightened and looked away. ''The canteen lady went to Miss Pillsbury to complain about me. Apparently I am not allowed to smoke inside because it damages her tots and gross lettuce or something like that.''
I laughed. She was unbelievable. ''You knew that wasn't allowed.''
Santana shrugged. ''Yeah but it's just funny as hell to ridicule her'', she said with a grin. God, even her grin was beautiful. Actually, I couldn't really find anything about her that wasn't beautiful. I wanted to ask her many more questions but I guess this wasn't the perfect time.
I stretched out and stood up. ''Shall we begin?'' I reached my hand out for her to take and guided her to the field. It felt good to hold her hand. Her skin was soft and welcoming, in contrast to what people might think of Santana when they first met.
/
Santana turned out to already know the basics of cheerleading. It was fun practicing with her because she knew some fun cheers.
Brittany wiped off some sweat from her face with a towel and took a sip from her bottle with water. ''Where did you learn that?'', she wondered.
Santana stretched her arms with a concentrated look on her face. ''I've been to a cheerleading camp a couple of years ago and I joined the squad at Carmel High for a while.'' She looked away when she mentioned Carmel High so Brittany didn't ask more questions. "May I?'', Santana asked, pointing at Brittany's bottle of water.
''Yeah, of course'', Brittany said as she watched Santana drinking the water. ''So uhm, I was wondering if you could maybe give me a ride home?'', she asked shyly. ''I came here with Quinn this morning and she kind of already left.''
''Fabray? Are you friends?'', Santana scoffed. Brittany swore she could see something change in her eyes when she asked that.
''Yep, do you know her?'', Brittany asked tense.
''Yeah, I saw her a few times before I came here, don't like her. Anyway, yes I can give you a ride, but I've got to drop some stuff at my house first'', Santana picked up her towel. ''So can I hit the showers coach?'', she asked playfully.
Brittany laughed as she started walking towards the locker room. ''Yes ma'am.''
/
They drove home in silence, but not an awkward silence. When Brittany looked outside she saw a sign that said they were entering 'Lima Heights'.
''Do you live here?'', Brittany asked, not looking at Santana. She knew Lima Heights was a bit like The Bronx in New York, but then in Lima of course.
''Uhu'', Santana mumbled. She turned left and drove into a –what looked pretty expensive- long street. She pulled over at a big white house and turned off the car.
''Do you wanna come in? I could order some Chinese or Italian if you like that better?'', Santana asked casually.
Brittany hesitated. Why would Santana invite her in? They weren't really friends and she wasn't sure if Santana was just kidding or serious. Maybe Santana would ask her on purpose because she assumed Brittany would say yes and then she could make fun of Brittany in front of her friends tomorrow at school. Brittany looked at Santana, who was still pending for the answer.
''Sure'', Brittany sighed softly and opened the door. Santana smirked. Was it a smirk of satisfaction or relief? Brittany couldn't figure out so she just followed Santana. They went around the back and to Brittany's amazement there was a pretty awesome backyard. There was a pool with lounge chairs next to it and a few meters away on a small wooden porch was a Jacuzzi. ''Wait a minute'', Santana said walking away. She walked over to a tree and stick her arm into an owl burrow. When she came back she held a key in her hand. I frowned.
Santana laughed. ''So I won't lose the key'', she explained. ''I've already lost a few.''
Inside Santana ordered Chinese with much effort –''No sir'', she said talking on the phone, '' Santana and Brittany, not Blittany, you moron. No, Brittany, do I seriously have to spell it for you? B, R, I, T, T, A, N, Y'', she said, putting emphasis on every letter. ''Is it so hard? Just Brittany, with an R'', she sighed. ''You know what, just put 'Santana' on the receipt.''- and settled down on the couch.
''Freakin' dumb people'', Santana hissed irritated. Brittany laughed at the serious expression on her face.
''Pff… yeah, just laugh. Next time you get to order'', Santana said walking into the kitchen.
Next time? Was there going to be a next time? Nah, Santana probably just said that out of habit Brittany told herself. Brittany hopped her legs up and rested them on an easy-chair next to the couch. Santana came back with two wineglasses and a bottle of wine. She looked at Brittany's feet lying on the chair.
''Feeling at home, don't you?'', she said sitting down on the couch.
Brittany felt her face turn red and removed her legs from the chair. She always had this habit of feeling home everywhere way too fast.
''Look at you, you're turning red'', Santana said laughing. ''That's cute, but I was just kidding, I don't mind, I like it.''
Cute? She was cute? Brittany laughed nervously and slowly putted her legs back on the chair.
Santana turned on the TV and poured wine into the glasses. She offered Brittany a glass. They sat on the couch for a while, watching TV when the bell rung. Santana walked to the front door to get their food. Brittany looked around the living room. It was a nice house, it was open with lots of windows –the whole wall at the backyard was practically made of glass- and it looked modern but not too static. It also smelled like Santana, or Santana smelled like the house; fresh like sea mixed with coconut.
She heard Santana coming back from the corridor, mumbling in herself.
''Brittany, you have to take a look at this'', she scoffed and gave Brittany the receipt that came with their food.
Santana poured in a new glass of wine.
'Santana & B.L.I.T.T.A.N.Y' it said. Brittany laughed. ''I guess I've got a new name then.''
Santana lowered next to her on the couch and opened the bag with food. A delicious scent of food spread across the room.
'Naaaants ingonyama bagithi babaaaaaaa. Sithi uhm ingonyamaaaaa. Naaaaan-'A melody busted out of Brittany's pockets. She quickly grabbed her phone, ashamed for her ringtone and answered the phone call.
''Yes dad?''
…
''Oh yeah I'm sorry I didn't call, I'm staying at Quinn's house.''
Santana frowned.
…
''Yep, I will, see you tomorrow.''
…
''Love you too.''
She hung up and looked at Santana who bursted out laughing. ''Serious? You've got The Lion King's soundtrack set as ringtone?''Santana wiped away a few tears from her eyes.
Brittany looked down. ''Yeah I always imitate the scene from The Lion King where Rafiki lifts Simba with Lord Tubbington and I like the song...''
''Hold up, hold up, Lord Tubbington? Who's that?''
''It's my cat'', Brittany's eyes brightened. ''You'll love him.''
Santana laughed and rolled her eyes. ''Shall we start eating? Otherwise it'll get cold.''
''Yep.'' Brittany stood up and took the bag of food. She putted it on the table. Santana looked at her with a questioning glance.
''Uh Brittany we can just eat in front of the TV'', Santana suggested.
''But aren't your parents going to get mad?''
Santana sighed. ''They aren't home anyway, so we can just eat here.'' Brittany sat back on the couch and exposed the food in the coffee table in front of them. They digged in.
''Where are you parents?'', Brittany asked.
Santana's face expression changed from happy into worried. ''You know, work and stuff.''
Brittany lifted her eyebrow. ''At 9.30 P.M? What kind of work?''
Santana sighed. ''My mother works for a TV channel so she's travelling around the world to make reports everywhere.''
Brittany's face lighted up. ''Sounds cool! When is she coming back?''
''I don't know'', Santana replied. ''Maybe next month, maybe in a few.'' She shrugged.
''I don't really see my mom often as well'', Brittany said with her mouth full, the food sputtering around. ''And where's your dad? Still at work?''
''He isn't coming back'', Santana mumbled.
''What do you mean he isn't coming back?'', Brittany scowled.
''Just like I said, he isn't coming back. He's dead Brittany.''
Brittany's mouth dropped. ''Oh shit, I'm so sorry Santana.''
''Yeah I know, everyone's always sorry. But please don't be because I don't want to be that girl everyone's sorry for because she lost her dad.''
Brittany didn't know what to do. Santana didn't seem like the person that wanted to have a good cry. She was scared that if she would give her a hug right now that she would push her away because she didn't want her pity.
''If you ever want to talk about it, or just, you know, I'm there for you'', Brittany said, placing her hand on Santana's.
Santana looked at their hands and sighed. ''I know, thanks.''
They finished their meal and Santana suggested to pop in a movie. They watched The Devil Wears Prada, one of Brittan's favorite movies. She looked at her watch when the movie finished.
''I'd better go home, it's already late'', I looked at Santana.
''Yeah you should'', she replied, looking into space.
I stood up and put on my shoes. I walked to the corridor to get my jacket and scarf. Back in the living room Santana was still sitting on the couch, blankly staring at the people on TV who desperately wanted to sell her a sandwich iron.
''Santana? I'm leaving.'' Brittany walked towards Santana and stood in front of the TV.
Santana looked like she doubting over something. Brittany crossed her arms and waited for her to say something. She looked at Santana who appeared very tired but also lonely in the light of the TV. Santana looked up and searched for her eyes.
''Brittany would you do something for me?'', she asked hesitatingly. Brittany didn't answer but nodded.
Santana played with her finger like she didn't know where to put her hands. ''Would you please not leave?'', she asked like she was a little girl begging her mother not to leave her bedroom and read another bedtime story. ''Please?'' She looked hopefully.
Brittany sighed and took off her shoes, jacket and scarf. ''Okay'', she replied. She took a random DVD and popped it in the DVD-player. She sat back on the couch, next to Santana.
''Thanks Britt'', Santana whispered.
Brittany didn't answer but stretched out her arm. Santana seemed to understand her intention and scooted closer to Brittany, leaning her head on her chest and putting an arm around Brittany's waist. Brittany pulled her a little closer and let out a sigh. They watched the movie in silence and on the half of the movie Santana's head sunk onto her stomach, clearly in a deep sleep. Brittany took the blanket which lay next to her and gently draped it around the two of them. She shifted a few hairs from Santana's face and planted a kiss on her forehead. After the movie finished she turned off the TV and leaned back, only a few minutes later falling into a deep sleep.
/
Brittany woke up next morning because of some noises. She straightened and stretched out; her body was stiff from lying on the couch the entire night. A delicious scent drove into the room and Brittany stood up, following the scent. She walked into the kitchen, finding Santana being busy cooking pancakes. She had her hair tied up and wore shorts and an oversized sweater –and with oversized I mean that even Lauren Zizes would fit it perfectly-, but it looked incredibly cute. I rubbed my eyes and shambled to the kitchen unit.
''Morning'', I mumbled with a husky voice.
Santana turned around with a smile. ''Good morning Britt.''
Britt.She liked that nickname. Of course everybody called her Britt, but to hear Santana say it…
''Smells delicious'', I said, playing with an apple I found.
''Duhh'', Santana said semi self-confident. ''Us Latinas can cook.''
Brittany smiled. ''What time is it actually?''
''10.30'', Santana mumbled, focused on her pancakes.
''Shit.'' Brittany walked back into the living room to take a look in her phone. She had four missed calls from Quinn. She dialed her number and called her back. Of course Quinn immediately picked up, probably assuming I got raped this morning from walking the enormous marathon from my front door to her car which was parked in front of my garage.
''Britt'', she hissed without greeting. ''Where are you?''
''Good morning to you too Quinn. Uh, I kind of lost track of time…'', I said.
''Your father asked me why I was standing at your front door because he assumed you were sleeping at my house'', Quinn hissed.
Brittany sighed, she forgot to call Quinn yesterday evening to tell her she would be 'sleeping at her'.
''Yeah, sorry I didn't call about that, I forgot'', I apologized.
''I told him this lame excuse that you forgot something and that you guys probably just missed each other. But anyway, where are you?''
I decided I couldn't lie to Quinn anymore. She would figure out eventually.
''I fell asleep at Santana's'', I confessed.
On the other side I heard Quinn gasping. ''No no no, that's bad Britt, bad.''
I started to get a little frustrated and annoyed. ''You know what you promised me Quinn? That you wouldn't instantly judge people.''
''Yes I know, but-''
''So don't'', I simply replied. I hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen. I was so done with Quinn and her complaining all the time. I was old enough to made my own decisions and choose my own friends.
''Did I just heard the beginning of a bitchfight?'', Santana asked, looking hopefully.
She put a plate with pancakes in front of me and I digged in, only then I noticed I was actually starving.
''Kind of'', I mumbled with my mouth full.
''Let me guess, Fabray trying to be all responsible and too maternal?'', Santana asked, leaning with her elbows on the kitchen unit.
I nodded.
''How typical'', Santana scoffed.
/
After dinner we went upstairs to get ready for the last hour –or two- at school, which would be pretty useless but okay. I said goodbye to Santana and went to Spanish class which I had with Sugar. I felt weird walking through the hallways. Something was different but she couldn't really see what. She looked around and saw some other students pointing at her and whispering when she passed them. Oh god, they are gossiping about me. I made my way to Spanish class as quick as possible, desperately looking for Sugar.
She was already sitting on our usual spot, claiming the chair next to her for me. By the expression on her face I could see that she was almost exploding of curiosity. I didn't even sit down with one buttock or her usual verbiage came out.
''Where were you last night?''
''Why did you skip almost all of your classes today?''
''Oh my god, I heard some rumors you got raped.''
''I heard you were seen at Breadstix, holding hands with Karofsky.''
''I heard you were seen at Breadstix, entering the toilets with Karofsky.''
''Is it true about you and Santana?''
The last one caught my attention. I looked surprised at her. ''Wait, hold up? What about Santana and me?''
Sugar leaned forward, whispering of excitement. ''That you guys are the new it-couple of McKinley? That would be totally fab if I may say.''
''Whoah, what the hell? Who told you that? And why would that be true?'' I felt my heart beating like crazy.
Sugar shrugged. ''Quinn told me and she heard Karofsky talking about it. And it wouldn't we really weird seen the whole school knows you are bisexual because you probably made out with everyone including the janitor. Although I didn't thought Santana would be the type to be into that.''
Brittany gritted her teeth together. ''Fuck you'', I mumbled softly.
Sugar lifted her eyebrow. ''What?''
''Nothing, just talking to myself'', I responded.
''So… is it true?'', Sugar asked tense.
I scowled. ''Not of course not, what do you people think? I just met her slightly more than a week ago. Why would we together all of the sudden? We're just friends.''
Sugar raised her hands, probably as sign to calm me down, or to defend herself in case I was going to beat the crap out of her. But I didn't of course. ''Okay, okay, I was just wondering.''
The remaining minutes of the hour we talked about the party last Saturday. Sugar was now officially dating Sam and she couldn't stop talking about it. During her very comprehensive description about her night with Sam –a little too comprehensive for me- my thoughts strayed off to what Sugar told me before. Why would Quinn tell everyone Santana and I were a couple? What did I do to Quinn to make her tell people that? It couldn't be about that morning because we often had a small miscommunication. As soon as the bell rung I stood up and made my way the last class of today; which I had with Quinn. I got to the other classroom as soon as possible, trying to avoid the glances in the hallway. But it was like trying to avoid pouring rain.
When I stepped into the room she was already there. She sat backwards on her chair, talking to Noah and Finn who sat behind her. I took a deep breath and walked to the chair next to her.
''Look who's finally there! Our local celebrity'', Noah grinned.
Quinn immediately turned around, looking a little shocked when she saw me, which I thought was weird because we always sat next to each other in this class, but okay.
''Hi'', I greeted them with a smile. Before Quinn could start talking I turned myself to Noah and Finn. ''What did you hear about me?''
Finn grinned. ''What didn't we hear?'', he looked at Noah. He leaned a little closer to me –like he was going to tell me a rumor the whole school didn't know yet-. ''You've had a pretty wild weekend, right?''
I didn't have much patience. ''Just tell me, okay?''
Noah coughed. ''We heard you went upstairs to the master bedroom with Karofsky last Saturday night.'' My mouth dropped. Noah seemed to enjoy the attention so he waited a moment before resuming his story.
''Then, after I dropped you off at your house you wandered around the street for a couple of hours. You went to this little pub called '24/7' and accepted every beverage older men offered you. Rumor has it you gave the owner a hand job at the public toilet and now you've got a job as waitress.''
Finn's eyes had never been this huge before. Perv, I thought, he's probably picturing everything in that dumb hollow head of his.
Noah continued. ''Karofsky took you out on a date Sunday afternoon and you two were spotted kissing. As cherry on top you went on a date with Miss Bossy Pants where you spent the night.'' He looked content with his own story and folded his arms.
''Fuck'', I mumbled. ''Unfortunately for you only the part about me going to a party Saturday is true, I immediately went home and slept there. The part about me sleeping at Santana, because that's her name, is also true but we're friends.''
I was satisfied seeing Noah and Finn so disappointed. But now I had to fix the whole Quinn-issue. The hour went by in silence and when we left the room I quickly grabbed Quinn's elbow. She looked surprised but didn't stop me when I dragged her away to the toilet.
''Why did you spread those rumors?'', I hissed at her.
''I didn't'', she said but not looking entirely sure of what she just said. She pressed her books closer to her chest.
''Please, we both know it was you, why did you do it?'', I said, rolling my eyes.
Quinn didn't know where to look. I was shocked to see that her shoulders started to shake and her eyes turned wet.
''I'm so sorry'', she wailed into my shoulders.
I didn't know where to put my hands so I started rubbing her back. ''It's okay'', I mumbled. ''I guess'', I added softly. ''But why?'', I asked her.
She tilted her head up and looked in my eyes. ''I didn't think about it. It just happened before I knew it. I just think…'', she started sobbing hysterically.
''What did you think?''
''I just had the feeling I was losing you, okay? I thought by telling these rumors you would come to me to cry your heart out because I'm your best friend, and we would be closer again'', Quinn rattled.
Seriously? She was jealous? I had a feeling why she was jealous but I needed to be sure. ''Jealous because of what?''
''Santana'', she mumbled indistinctly. I couldn't believe what I just heard.
''Quinn look at me'', I said, tilting her head up so she had to look at me. ''Don't be, okay? You are my best friend, and you'll always be. She isn't going to change that.''
More tears rolled down her face. ''You're sure?''
I pulled her closer, sighing. ''Yes Quinn, of course I'm sure. I'm a hundred percent sure.''
Quinn let out a huge sigh and smiled at me through her tears. ''Okay.''
''But I've got one favor to ask…'', I started. She nodded. ''Would you please just tell everybody it isn't true?'', I pouted. ''This is kind of messing up my reputation.''
Quinn smiled with one last sob. ''Yeah, of course Britt.''
''Great.'' I let go of her and linked our arms. ''Now let's go get you a slushee.''
/
After we had a slushee we parted because I had to talk to Coach Sue. I looked at Quinn while she walked away. Just when I wanted to turn around I saw an arm grabbing Quinn's arm when she turned around the corner. I sneaked along the lockers to get closer. To my surprise I heard Quinn's and Santana's voices. They were speaking indistinctly and it didn't sound like a friendly chat to me.
''Why did you do that?'', I heard Santana hissing at Quinn.
''I already told Brittany I'm sorry, please just let it go'', Quinn whispered.
A long silence followed. It was Santana who broke the silence.
''If you're pulling my leg again, I swear I will ends you Fabray'', she sounded angry.
''Why would I? We both know how it ended last time, not well for neither of us'', Quinn whispered.
Another silence. ''Fuck you Caboosey'', Santana hissed. Brittany heard footsteps coming her direction so she quickly escaped into a classroom behind her.
/
She let out a sigh of relief. She didn't quite understand what she just heard. I was clear they knew each already other before Santana transferred. Something had happened between them, but Brittany couldn't think of anything. She took a seat on the nearest chair to process everything she just heard.
'Naaaants ingonyama bagithi baba-'
Brittany's heart jumped a little when the silence in the room was interrupted by her ringtone again. She really had to chance it soon. She took a look at her screen to see who was calling. Santana. She took a deep breath and answered her phone.
''Britt!'', Santana yelled in her ear. ''Are you still at school?''
''Yep, why?'', Brittany felt ashamed because she just eavesdropped her conversation with Quinn.
She heard a small laugh. ''I want to show to something, meet me at the parking lot.''
Brittany, curious as she always was immediately went outside. She found Santana at the parking lot, lying on the roof of her car. As usual she was tanning and smoking.
''So what do you want to show me?'', Brittany wondered.
Santana straightened and slipped off the roof. ''Get in the car'', she said with a smirk.
After a ride from certainly half an hour Santana pulled over in the middle of nowhere. She walked around the car and opened Brittany's door. ''I'm so curious'', Brittany laughed. Santana reached out her pinkie so Brittany could link it with hers. Santana guided her through shrubs and trees. After a few minutes she stopped.
''Close your eyes'', she demanded Brittany. Brittany did what she told her and covered her eyes with her hands. Santana stood right behind her, grabbing her waist and placing her hands over Brittany's so she was sure she couldn't peak. Brittany shivered when she felt the same electricity she felt Saturday night when Santana linked her pinkies for the first time. Standing very close to her, Santana started walking, carefully pushing branches away so Brittany could walk freely.
''Just one more minute'', Santana whispered in her ear. ''Don't peak'', she said, removing her hands. Brittany felt the ground under her shoes hardening.
''Now sit down carefully.''
''Okay, take a look'', she said once Brittany sat down.
Brittany removed her hands, immediately dropping her mouth. Santana had to laugh at the expression on Brittany's face. She placed one hand on Brittany's shoulder and gently bend down, taking a seat next to her. ''And?''
''Isn't the expression on my face enough?'', Brittany waffled. ''It's stunning.'' Brittany and Santana sat on the top of a rock. They had a perfect view over an enormous lake about 60 feet below them. The lake was surrounded by other hills and trees. A few swans were floating in the middle of the lake and they were surrounded by sounds of birds. Right below them was a little waterfall which discharged into the lake. Alongside of the lake stood a little wooden boathouse, looking very outdated. A wooden staircase led from the top of the rock to the little beach of the lake. A small rowing boat floated in the harbor. Brittany let the water from the waterfall run through her hand. The view was mesmerizing.
''It's really pretty'', Brittany muttered softly, impressed by the view.
Santana smiled dreamy. ''I know right?'' She picked up a small rock and started playing with it.
''But why did you wanted me to see this San?'', Brittany asked.
She saw a laugh crossing Santana's face when she heard the nickname. Santana let out a sigh. ''I like to come here when I don't know what to do. It's so peaceful and it gives me hope. It gives me hope to see such a beautiful, quiet place because it makes me feel like everything's going to be alright. I came here a lot when I was processing my father's death. I spent so many hours here on this rock, trying to figure out why my dad died. Just why my dad? He'd never hurt anybody. God, I sound stupid and cheesy right?''
Brittany shook her head. ''No you don't. It makes sense, I know 'cause I can feel it too.''
''I changed so much since my dad passed away'', Santana said, looking sad. I built these walls around me so nobody could hurt me again. They are like walls people built around castles, that thick and high. And when I notice somebody almost climbs across them I just let them fall and build them 2 meters higher than they were. I know it's not good but without those walls anything could happen to me, so I'm rather sure I've got some protection.''
Santana closed her eyes and lay down on the rock they were sitting on.
''San? Can I ask you something?''
''You just did'', she said with a smile, not opening her eyes.
''I heard the conversation between Quinn and you today at school'', Brittany said, feeling kind of ashamed because it sounded like she was stalking Santana or something. ''Why were you so mad?''
Santana didn't immediately react. She took a deep inhale through her nose. ''I snapped because I don't like the way she talked about you, you know throwing around all those nasty rumors and making a fool out of you in front of all those people. And about me too of course'', she added.
Brittany frowned. ''Did you know her before you transferred?''
''Yeah'', Santana replied.
''What happened?'', Brittany lay down next to Santana.
''I met her at cheerleading camp, and she started telling everyone rumors about me to turn them against me. Things I didn't do, and I didn't know why she told people these things anyway. And when it happened again today at school I got the same feeling as I had back in cheerleading camp, so I snapped.''
Brittany looked at her. Why would anybody ever bully this girl? ''Such as?''
Santana opened her eyes and looked into Brittany's. ''Just horrible things, believe me when I say that.''
''I believe you'', I muttered, dreaming away in Santana's eyes. A smile came across Brittany's face when she thought about the conversation she heard. ''I've got to compliment you upon being very subtle towards Quinn. You're about as subtle as an elephant.''
Santana laughed. ''I know, not my best quality.''
Brittany would just be perfectly happy if she could lay her with Santana all day; talking about feelings and silly random stuff. It wouldn't be something she would be able to do with Quinn.
''So'', Santana continued, ''If you'd like, I want to share this place with you. You have to know this is a rare opportunity since I've never told anybody else about this before 'cause I don't want their stinking asses up here, polluting the place and stuff'', she laughed.
I smiled. ''I'd love to.''
Santana held up her pinkie ant waited for me to link it with mine. I linked our pinkies and we lay down on the rock for the rest of the day, talking and laughing.