2 Months Later

Breadstix was always buzzing with families on Friday nights. The funny thing was though, Santana never expected to be a part of one of those families.

She and Emma sat across the table from Will, laughing at the stories he recalled from his days at McKinley.

After their main course, Emma took Santana's hand in hers. "So, it's been two whole months since you first moved in. How does it feel?"

Santana laughed at her Emma's guidance councillor tone. "Well, I'm gonna having to go all Lima Heights if you repeat this to anyone, but I think it feels nice. I used to draw this perfect family in my diary when I was like eight, but I just never thought it would happen, you know?"

"You're a good kid Santana Lopez. I always knew it," smiled Will.

Santana had to laugh. "Ah, cut the shit, Mr Shue – I was a brat!"

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Though, brat might be too light a word…"

Emma swatted at her fiancé's arm. "Shut your mouth, Will Shuester!"

"I think you said 'perfect family' too soon, Santana," said Will, laughing into his drink.

Santana looked to the floor with a small smile. Perfect. She never thought she could say those words and really mean it. School, the glee club, Will and Emma – everything was just too good to be true.

She and Quinn and reignited their friendship, and the Holy Trinity was together once more. Santana's snarky comments had reduced too, though she still never missed an opportunity to discuss Finn's man boobs. All in all, they were on the road to Regionals with a great song list, including a solo for Santana. Life just didn't seem real.

"Hey, do you guys mind if I head out now? Finn and Kurt are having a party," said Santana.

Will sighed and looked at his watch. "Alright, but be home by 12:30, alright?"

"No hay problema, Senor Shue!" she grinned as she grabbed her bag and waved goodbye.

"Keep safe, Santana, alright?" Emma called after her.

Will shook his head at his fiancé with a smile. "You're such a moany mother."

oOoOo

Puck and Brittany met Santana outside, and together they walked through the darkening streets of Lima.

"So Puck," said Santana, elbowing her friend playfully, "You gonna get lucky with some desperate freshman tonight?"

He scratched his mohawk thoughtfully. "Hmm. I'll see where the night takes me. Though I have noticed the clear drop in quality among freshmen these days."

"The tragic life of a high school player," sighed Santana.

Brittany giggled and looped her arm through Santana's.

The three friends took a shortcut down a deserted alleyway, Puck taking the protective lead.

Brittany stuck close to Santana's side, unsure of her surroundings. Santana gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, when out of nowhere Puck was tackled to the side. Santana and Brittany felt rough hands grab them from behind and pin them up against the wall. Out of the corner of their eyes they could make out Puck held on the ground, the dark silhouette of a handgun pointed to his head.

"Empty your pockets! Ahora!" barked the coarse voice looming over Puck. The two men restraining Santana and Brittany grabbed for the girls' bags. They took Brittany's with ease, but Santana resisted.

"Hand it over, puta!" the guy roared.

"¡Vete a la mierda!" snarled Santana, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

The dark figure grabbed her by her face and spun her around to meet his eyes. Suddenly, his hand dropped, and he stood in silence.

"Santana?" he questioned, a wide grin growing on his once serious face.

"Fernando?" Santana exclaimed, laughing in surprise.

Brittany and Puck exchanged terrified looks.

"Long time no see, chica!" said another of the muggers pulling Santana into a warm embrace. "Haven't seen you around the barrio since I got out of reform school!"

"How's Alvaro keeping?" asked Santana. "And my mom?"

The mugger holding Puck to the ground tucking in his gun and laughed. "Ah, you know Alvaro – still up to the same hustle."

"I saw your madre the other day actually," said Fernando, "She's looking better. I heard she was asking around for you."

"You serious? Shit, I've been so caught up in stuff lately, I…" Santana shook her head.

She turned to Brittany and Puck, who was slowly picking himself up off the ground. "Hey, would you guys tell everyone I can't make it to the party? I gotta head home for a bit," said Santana.

"Home?" questioned Puck, warily.

Santana shrugged. "I gotta go see my people."
Fernando placed a strong hand on her shoulder. "C'mon, Santana. We'll give you lift."
With that, Santana disappeared in the midst of the three large figures, into the darkness of her familiar streets.