A/N Just wanted to say how much I loved the reviews from last chapter. I'm really glad all my hours of watching nothing but Ellen interviews helped in writing her character into the story, I was afraid I wasn't going to get her right. Keep it up, love hearing what you guys have to say! ( :
CHAPTER 7
One Week Later;
"So everyone at school still thinks I'm awesome.." Bryce bragged on the other end of the phone. I chuckled to myself and wedged the phone between my ear and shoulder as I made a sandwich.
"Yeah, it sort of pays off to have a super cool big sister." I teased while spreading some mayonnaise on a slice of bread. "I still can't believe Ellen scared me like that on national tv-"
"Oh my God, that was the best part!" Bryce laughed and it made me roll my eyes. "I pretty much died, I was so weak!"
"It was embarrassing.."
"No, it was funny."
"Embarrassing."
"Funny!"
"Embarrassing!"
"Are you seriously arguing about that again?" Santana sighed as she walked through the kitchen and swatted at my butt as she passed. "You two don't ever quit!"
"She started it.." I huffed but Santana just giggled a little more.
"Not uh!" Bryce fired back and started to yell a little louder so that Santana could hear.
"You're blowing my ear drum, can you not?" I laughed as I handed San the sandwich I had made for her. I waited for a snarky comment from my baby sis, but nothing. "Hello?" I took the phone in my hand and checked to see if I might've accidently hung up on her, but nope she was still there. "Bryce?"
"Is that Brittany you're talking to?" I heard my mom ask from a distance and I instantly felt my throat close up. There were some muffled noises and a few lies that came from Bryce's mouth before I heard my mo's voice getting closer. Crap, they're going to be so mad at me! "Bryce, hand it over." Oh man, oh man, here it comes. "Brittany?"
"Uhh-Hiii, mom." I answered sweetly as I sat down next to Santana on the couch. "H-How are you?"
"I'm fine." She answered shortly.
"That's g-"
"How about we talk about why you haven't called in months?" She cut in making me cringe. I really didn't have a good reason for that. I knew I should've called sooner, but I just got busy and kept pushing it off further and further until I started feeling a little guilty about it then I'd push it off even more because I didn't want them to be mad at me and lecture me whenever I did call which was an even worse idea because now they're definitely upset.
"I-uhh.." I stammered and looked over at Santana who had herself propped up on the armrest of the couch with her plate in her lap, eyeing me with concern. "I-I've just been really busy with work and setting up-"
"But you had time to call your sister?" She cut in again sounding a little hurt.
"I know, I'm sorry mom.." I sighed and looked down at my lap in shame. I felt Santana's hand slide on to my thigh making me look up at her with a pout.
"We haven't even met your fiancé yet," My mom huffed, "It's a little strange getting to know her by reading magazine articles and seeing her on tv." She had a point, Santana and I have been together for a little over two years yet they've never met. Again, I blame work. Our schedules never matched so when Quinn and I would take Bella to see my parents which was only just a couple times during the summer, Santana would be working, but I'm sure now that our schedules sort of go hand in hand I could've made a greater effort.
"I know, mom, we were going to fly there as soon as work quieted down." I answered softly. That's the problem though, work never quiets down. Just as I was thinking up a better excuse, Santana slid her hand off my thigh and scribbled down something on a napkin then pushed it to me.
Fly them here
I look over at her to find her grinning widely. "You sure?" I mouthed as my mom continued to give me the guilt trip. She nodded confidently.
"I'll have Jenna set up a flight and cancel our appointments for the weekend." She shrugged then patted my knee. I looked at her skeptically because I wasn't sure if we could really just call everything off like that just so we could have my parents come here. "It's fine, babe, I'll take care of everything." She smiled sweetly.
"I know, I understand.." I answer as I hear the end of another thing that my mom's disappointed about. "I was actually talking to Bryce because I wanted to surprise you guys."
"Surprise?"
"Yeah, how'd you guys like to come up here? San's already searching for flights for this weekend, all you have to do is say 'yes' and it's done." I asked with a hopeful voice. "You know, since we can't ever find the time to come there, it'd just be easier to have you come here." Santana scooted over to me and pressed her ear to the other side of the phone so that we could both hear her answer.
"I-uh-we don't have that kind of money to just up and go somewhere like that," she finally replied. "It's a great idea, but-"Santana and I both giggled, like we were actually going to let my parents pay for plane tickets.
"Mom, I'll pay for it." I laughed, "Take it as like an I'm sorry I've been such a bad daughter peace offering." I heard her finally laugh on the other end and instantly made me feel a lot better.
"Is it okay with Santana? I don't want us to show up and her not be prepared to meet us." She asked cautiously. San and I exchanged loving smiles before I answered.
"It was actually her idea." I grinned into the phone. "So, you guys will come?"
"Of course! We've all been dying to meet her." My mom answers cheerfully and it's like a sigh of relief.
"Great! You're going to love her."
"If it was her idea to fly us up there, then I'm pretty sure I already do." I looked over at Santana smiling bashfully up at me.
"Well, I'll call you when we sort out all the details." We said our goodbyes and spent the next couple of hours setting up their flights and postponing appointments and cancelling practices until everything was planned.
That Weekend;
It was early in the afternoon when Santana and I pulled up to the airport and parked in the arriving section of the parking garage. We successfully cleared our schedules, but only long enough for the weekend. I guess that's fine though, at least my parents will have at least two days to interrogate my fiancé which I begged them not to do but parents never listen. The closer we got to their gate, the more nervous Santana became. It was sort of cute in a way because she kept asking if this was okay or if they liked people who day that or if they were cool with this. She was really trying to make a good impression, which was funny because my parents are the easiest people to get along with.
"Alright, I think this is their gate." I said as I stared up at the big letters above the entrance then looked over to Santana who had tucked her bottom lip between her teeth and began wringing out her hands. "Babe, you've got nothing to be nervous about." I said softly and ran my hands down the sides of her arms.
"I know, but I-I just-I've never met anyone's parents before..." She muttered with her eyes averted from mine. "What if they don't like me? What if-"I quieted her with a soft kiss to her lips then cupped her cheeks so that she had to look up at me.
"Everything will be fine, and they'll love you almost as much as I do. Okay?" She looked up at me and gave a weak nod. "Don't worry." I smiled then kissed her lips until she smiled too. I dropped my hands from her face and laced our fingers together as we waited for the passengers to come walking through the hall. It wasn't really that hard to spot my family even though there seemed to be millions of people exiting that one plane. I found my dad first since he's the tallest of the family, I think that's who I got my height from, he's like a skyscraper! I waved to him until he saw me. He smiled a big toothy grin as he threw up a hand to wave back. "There's my dad." I pointed for San to see. Next I person I saw was Bryce. Actually, I didn't have any time to spot her before she tackled me. I successfully caught her though since she took me by surprise, she was always really good at sneaking around; she probably picked that up from Quinn when we were younger. Thankfully she hadn't mysteriously turned into a three hundred pound sumo wrestler because she would've probably broken me.
"Britt!" She screamed in my ear as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "Oh my God, I missed jumping on you!" She laughed as I set her back to the ground.
"Yeah, good thing you still weigh the same amount as a sack of potatoes! You might've broken my back or something!" I giggled as I took in how much older she looked since the last time I saw her. Her blonde hair was layered this time and she had finally got those side bangs she's wanted since ever, it looked good on her, made her look grown up. Her growth spurt still hadn't kicked in yet though, I'm guessing she takes after my mom because when I was 14 I think I had already reached 5'6; and right now she's about an inch or two shorter than Santana. She was also wearing her glasses again, black rimmed; I remembered how much she hated wearing them when she was little but I guess that's changed too. "Awh, my little sister's getting all womanly now!" I teased and pinched at her cheek but she swatted my hand away.
"Alright, girls, let's not start that now.." My dad's booming voice echoed from behind her. Man, he hadn't aged not one bit! I mean, his dirty blonde hair was now speckled with a little grey and his jaw hinted that he hadn't shaved in like a couple days, but he still looked as I remembered. I pushed at Bryce's shoulder one last time before running up to throw my arms around him. I hadn't realized just how much I missed my family until now; remind me to call them every second of ever day, well, maybe not that much. "Hey sweetheart!" He chuckled as he hugged me back and picked me up off the ground a little. My mom was following close behind and when I finally picked my head up from his shoulder, my eyes fell on her.
"Mom!" I squeaked and threw my arms around her next. Her arms snaked around my torso as we buried each other's faces into blonde hair. "Wait, are you crying?" I laughed and picked my head up to see her red eyes.
"It's been so long, you've grown up so much!" She whimpered through all smiles and pulled me to her in a body crushing hug. "God, don't ever not call like that again!" She tried to scold but I couldn't really take her seriously because she was pretty much crushing my lungs.
"I'm. Sorry. Too. Tight." I muttered with a strained voice. She instantly let go and I could finally start breathing normally again. "I'm really sorry, mom, I promise to visit or call or something! Really." I nodded sternly and hugged her again.
"Well, it seems like there's one other person that needs an introduction." My dad teased as I remembered Santana had been hiding behind me the whole time.
"Oh, right!" I laughed and reached for Santana's hand and tugged her to my side. I couldn't understand how she, who regularly talked on radio stations and did interviews on tv in front of millions, could be this nervous when she's just meeting my parents. I laced our fingers and gave her a reassuring smile. "Well, you know Bryce."
"What!? How?!" My parents both gasped. Bryce glared at me and I quickly changed my story.
"I mean, know stories about her. She knows stories about 've never met."
"Nope, never." Bryce frantically shook her head. "Who are you again? Samantha?" I glared back at Bryce because being a good liar wasn't something that ran in the family. I looked to my parents who stared at Bryce and I with raised brows.
"So yeah, that's Bryce, my younger sister." I laughed nervously and gestured to the younger blonde. Santana smiled to her timidly and nodded.
"I'm Daniel Pierce, Britt's dad." My dad said politely making Santana hold out her hand but he just swatted it away. "We don't shake hands in this family.." He laughed and proceeded to give her a big hug.
"Santana, nice to finally meet you Mr. Pierce." San replied softly, her voice wavering a little because she was still being a nervous wreck.
"Mr. Pierce? You think I'm that old?" He laughed as he pulled away from their hug. "You can call me Dan." Santana nodded bashfully as I went to introduce my mom.
"This is my mom, mom this is Santana." The two of them exchanged sweet smiles before my mom stepped forward to give her a friendly hug.
"You can call me Tara, thank you for setting all this up. We're all so happy to meet you." My mom cheered into Santana's brunette hair.
"Oh, it was nothing! Britt's been wanting for you guys to visit for so long, it's great to finally meet all of you." Santana answered with a bright smile as I snuck an arm around her waist and watched the smiles form on everyone's faces.
"Alright, now that's all over," Bryce chimed in after we picked up their luggage, "Can we eat? I feel like I'm about to pass out I'm so freaking hungry, like do you have any snacks or I don't know, a plate of spaghet-"
"Okay!" I laughed and bopped her on the back of the head. "We'll find somewhere to eat near the apartment. I'll call Quinn too! She and Bella have been really excited to see you guys."
Breadstix;
"So, Quinn, Britt told us about a new guy in your life.." My mom teased as she brought her chin to rest in her hands. I looked to Q and tried to hide a little behind Santana but she still was able to send me a glare.
"Sammy?" Bella squeaked from beside Quinn then looked up at her mom. "He's really nice! He and mommy love each other and they're going to get married and I'm gunna get a brother or sister!" The whole table erupted in laughter at Bella's outburst while Quinn just hid her face in her hands. "What's wrong, mama, did I say something bad?"
"Uhm, no baby, you didn't say anything bad." Quinn sighed as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment then looked back up at mom and dad. "But-uhm-yeah..how about we change the focus to the brides to be, huh?" Quinn laughed nervously and gestured over to Santana and I. "I bet you guys are dying to know how she did it, right? You know, how she popped the question.." I scowled at her but she just stuck her tongue out at me.
"Oh yes, Britt, tell us!"My mom cheered happily while Bryce just groaned. "Hey, quiet, one day that'll be you sitting over there telling us how it happened."
"I'm not gay!" She answered a little too loudly making all of our heads turn to her.
"Honey, I meant telling the story of how you got engaged.." Mom said softly making Bryce nod casually and then shrug. I looked down at Santana eying my sister curiously but when she caught me staring at her she quickly smiled up at me.
"Oh man, where do I even start?" I asked as our hands entangled underneath the table. She snickered from beside me and squeezed a little on our joined hands. "Well, I wanted to propose first. When I was shopping with Bella for San's birthday gift, I accidently started browsing in the engagement rings section-"
"I remember that!" Bella giggled as she scribbled at her coloring book page the waitress had given her. "It's that one, right there!" She pointed to my left hand with a big grin.
"Oh, I haven't even taken a look yet!" My mom huffed as I placed my hand in hers. "Oh, this is beautiful."
"Yeah, I was originally going to propose to her with it." I answered as my dad leaned in to look at it. "But, San here beat me to it."
"Yeah, I was so freaking nervous!"
"Almost as nervous as you are now?" Bryce teased but Santana just smirked at her.
"Yeah, probably even more." Santana sighed then looked at me with a smile. "It was so hard trying to keep it a secret; I mean, at first I thought that it might've been to early but when I was out shopping with Q and Bella for another chain for the necklace B got me for my birthday," San's fingers dipped into her shirt and pulled out the heart shaped pendant and twirled it in her fingers, "Bella wanted to show me what B had originally planned on getting me, but when she ended up pulling me towards the engagement rings section, I knew it would never be too early to propose."
"She got that sneakiness from her mom, that's for sure." I grumbled and shot a look at Quinn who just grinned smugly. "Bella was always on my side until San came, now she always sides with the enemy!" Bella laughed as she wiggled closer to Santana.
"Quinn and I got to planning as soon as the idea popped into my head." Santana said as she smiled to Quinn. "It's funny; I actually went to her first to see what she thought of me proposing." Santana added as she laughed at the memory.
"She basically asked my permission." Quinn teased making Santana's eyes bulge. "It was great, she was so scared I'd say it'd be too early or there was no way I'd let her marry Britt, but ever since the first day they ever spoke a word to each other, I knew they'd be married one day." My parents smiled over and Santana and I affectionately while Bryce tried so hard to make it look like she was too cool to hear about a love story, but I knew that grimace, she was as into the story as mom was.
"She actually almost blew our cover one day." Santana added as she directed a glare at Quinn and I finally was starting to connect the dots on what day she was referring to. "We had just packed up Britt's stuff to have her move in with me, and Q and I were in the early stages of planning out the proposal." Quinn started grinning wildly as San continued with her story. "I guess she thought it would be cute to mention how getting married was next on the list since we were moving in together."
"What?!" I gasped and shot Quinn a glare. "You were working both sides even as early as that?" Quinn just rolled her head back laughing just as hard as my parents and Bryce were. "I can't believe that! And to think that I thought San reacted like that because I thought it was too early to talk about marriage.."
"All part of the plan, my dear." Quinn laughed as I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Yeah, I've definitely heard that before.."
"Anyway, I went through like four different songs before I finally stuck with one and felt confident about it."
"She really could've sung me twinkle twinkle litte stars and I still would've said yes." I joked making my dad's shoulders bounce as he let out a deep chuckle.
"I had called Quinn a million times before Britt and I headed to Showtimes for the New Year's Eve performances-"
"Wait, I never heard you talking on the phone?" I cut in when I'd realized I was missing part of the story.
"You were in the shower, babe." Santana smiled.
"She was a nervous wreck," Quinn teased, "She was so worried that Britt would say no in front of all those people and it'd be all over the magazines and tv shows, but I just kept having to repeat how much Britt loved her, how much she loved her way before San even realized how in love Britt was with her. There was no freaking way she would've said no."
"I didn't tell Britt, but I had secretly invited Q and Sam just in case for some strange reason Britt would say yes, she would've wanted them to witness that-"
"There's no strange reason. I love you and you love me and that's why you proposed." I added sternly. I hated hearing her doubt herself like that, like I was crazy to love someone like her as she would referrer to herself. It was just crazy talk. She smiled up at me though with her eyes staring deeply into mine before she continued with her story.
"I talked the details over with Noah the owner of Showtimes, who happens to be one of my very good friends, and arranged to have him bring me a mic near the middle of the performances."
"Huh, that explains why he had a mic in his jacket.."
"Yeah, I sang the song, she said yes, and that's how it happened."
"Well, what a lovely way to propose." My mom complimented as she gestured to my dad. "He asked me in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant." My dad's cheeks flushed while Santana and I both laughed.
"Geez, dad, how romantic of you!" Bryce teased as she focused on her phone with a scowl. She had been staring at her phone the whole time, something must've really had her attention.
"Hey, she said yes didn't she?" He argued with a gentle smile. "And quit texting, this is family bonding time!"
"But dad, Kenzie needs me..her boyfriend just broke up with her and she's going through a really rough time without me there!" She whined as she started to pout but my dad just shook his head at her making her tuck her phone away.
"I swear you two spend way too much time together, you can't last just a weekend without talking to her?" My dad asked as he bumped Bryce's shoulder with his elbow but she didn't play along with him like she normally would.
"She's my best friend, dad, that's how it's supposed to be.." Bryce sighed like she's rehearsed the answer to a statement she must've heard a billion times before.
"Well, you can talk to her all you want later..right now you're spending time with your sisters." He said and gestured to Quinn, me, and then Santana. The rest of lunch consisted of other stories of me and Santana's crazy lives due to the paparazzi and just casual catching up. It was nice having all my family, Santana included, finally sitting together just talking and have a good time. It made me happy seeing how well San fit even though she stuck out like sore thumb in the group of blondes.
Later That Night;
Santana and I arranged for my parents and Bryce to sleep at our apartment since we have two extra rooms and it'd just be easier than renting them a hotel room for just one night. It was late and mom and dad had just gone to sleep, so it was just Santana and I still up watching tv with Bryce texting away on the other couch.
"I bet she's talking to a boy." I whispered to Santana as I nodded over to Bryce who smiled crazily at her screen then began tapping away furiously. Santana just shook her head and folded her arms over me as I lay on her.
" I doubt it." Santana replied as her eyes set back on the tv. I watched my sister a little longer, seeing how after each time she'd read a text her face would just light up and she wouldn't stop smiling until she sent the text. Something was definitely up, or maybe she was just talking to a really funny person.
"Well, I'm going to go to sleep now." Bryce announced as she stands up from her side of the couch. "Watching how cute you two are all cuddled up on the couch like that gives me so many feels and I can't take it.." Santana and I both exchange a confused look before shrugging her off.
"Alright, have fun talking to you boyfriend." I teased but she just tensed up for a quick second before finally easing up again.
"I don't have a boyfriend." She sighed as she walked past.
"Well have fun talking to a boy." I called after her as she disappeared into the hallway.
"Not a boy!" She replied as we heard the door of her temporary room shut.
"You think she's-" Santana started to ask but just shook her head.
"Nah, she was probably just talking to Kenzie again."
"My point exactly." Santana replied. "She smiled at those texts the way you smile when I tell you how cute you look when you're angry.."
"Well, we Pierce's are easily flattered.."
"Yeah, maybe..Well, never mind." She muttered. I shrugged then went back to watching whatever she was watching for a few more minutes until I started feeling myself doze off. "You tired, baby?"
"Mm..no, I'm just resting my eyes." I mumbled struggling to keep my eyelids from drooping.
"Yeah, uh huh." She laughed softly as she ran her fingers through my hair the pressed her lips to my forehead. "Come on, let's go to bed."She said and moved to shut off the tv. "It's been a really long day and we're both exhausted."
"Mm, mmkay." I hummed and mindlessly shuffled to our room with Santana pulling me along, making sure I don't bump into any walls or doors in my current state.
"Hop in, sleepyhead." She teased as she flipped the bed sheets over so I could wiggle beneath them then she walked around to her side and the instant her body hit the mattress, I was already finding myself snuggling into her, like our bodies were magnets and in order for me to sleep properly some part of us had to be touching. I felt her hand begin to caress my back as I rested my head on her chest close enough to her heart where I could hear its steady thumps which made the best lullaby in the world. "Night B, love you and I love being a part of your family now."
"Love you too, and I wouldn't have it any other way." I mumbled lazily as I settled into her body, the sound of her soft breathing filling my ears as I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
The Next Morning;
"Britt, can you go get your sister?" My mom sighed as she started setting the table for breakfast that her and Santana had cooked up. "I've been calling her but she's just staying locked up in the room." I saw Santana glance up at me like she wanted to say something but she didn't.
"Oh, okay..she might still be sleeping." I shrugged and made my way to the spare room. I tapped at the door but when I didn't hear an answer, I just opened it. She's my baby sister, I used to change her diapers I think so if she was changing it's not like I haven't seen her before. Thankfully she wasn't though. She was actually sitting on the edge of the bed with her hair shielding her face as she looked down at her phone. "Hey kid, mom's been calling you." I said but she didn't reply. "There's food.." Still nothing which was shocking because that girl loves to eat! Mentioning food is like an instant attention grabber for her. I saw her let out a deep then heard a sniffle signaling that maybe now wasn't the time for jokes. I sat down next to her and draped an arm around her shoulders then tugged her to my chest. "What's up, baby sis?" I asked softly but she just snaked her arms around my torso and buried her face into my neck. "Boy troubles?" She shook her head. "Well, what is it?"
"They got back together.."
"Who? Matt and Naya?" She picked her head up from my neck and stared at me with an extremely confused look. "Okay, not them..who?"
"Kenzie and Jase." She muttered bitterly.
"Ohh.." I sighed feeling somewhat confused. "Isn't that a good thing though?" Bryce didn't answer; she just shrugged and looked down at the floor. I couldn't really understand why she was so upset. Her best friend got back together with her boyfriend, and that means they worked out their problems and now they're going to be happy again. That's a good thing, right? "Bryce, I'm really not getting why this is upsetting you." I sighed in frustration. "Is he mean to her or something?" Maybe he's like Brooke was so Santana? That's definitely a good reason to not want them to get back together. She shook her head again.
"She deserves so much more than that jerkoff could ever give her." She mutters a bit harshly. Nothing comes to mind when it comes to giving some sort of advice because I really don't know what's wrong. All I could do was rub at her back and tell her how everything's going to be alright and all that nice stuff until there was a soft tap at the door.
"Can I come in?" Santana asked as she poked her head in.
"Looks like you already did." Bryce quipped making Santana grin.
"Bryce.." I warned but Santana just laughed.
"I like her, she's funny." Santana teased as she sat down on the other side of the younger blonde. "Everything alright?"
"Just peachy." Bryce muttered but I knew she wasn't purposely being rude to Santana, this is just how she acts when she's upset. Luckily, Santana's feelings don't get hurt too easily when it comes to snarky comments. "Sorry.."
"You know, San might actually do better giving advice about this kind of stuff than me.." I said making Bryce pick her head up to look at me then at Santana. "San's smart."
"B, you're smart too.." Santana sighed and sent me a loving smile. "But yeah, if you need to talk about anything, and I mean anything you can always come to me too." She shrugged and Bryce just nodded. "Well, breakfast is ready and if you two don't get out there soon your mom will probably come in here and drag all of us out by our ears or something." After a lot of coaxing, the three of us finally made it to breakfast and the food was still remotely warm. The rest of the morning went by fast though and it seemed like it was just an hour ago when we were picking up everyone from the airport, now we're back to drop them off. We all exchanged hugs and goodbyes, but when it came round for Bryce, Santana hugged her tight.
"Like I said, if you ever need to talk and Britt isn't getting it, you can always call me." Santana said softly and rubbed at the girl's back. "And I mean anything, I got you." Bryce and Santana exchanged this knowing look that I wasn't able to read before Bryce walked over and gave me my finally hug goodbye then whispered in my ear.
"Your fiancé is weird." Bryce teases and we all depart with teary eyes and weak smiles. But one thing is for sure, I will certainly be making these sort of visits more frequently, definitely not trying to get the guilt trip again.
A/N ugh, this chapter was a bitch to write..I don't know why, I just hate writing about parents if there isn't any drama connected. Whatevs, they're still vital to the story I guess. Still nothing too important yet, but when one set of parents is introduced you know the other isn't too far off behind. Also, I've got some messages about wanting to know what's up with Bryce/Kenzie..that'll be fun to write more about ( ; Let me know!