Present day

Four days after running into Brittany, Santana felt back in control again. Things at work were going wonderful, they had just signed Rachel's new contract for an original musical that was very promising, so Rachel took her out to celebrate. Santana rarely hung out with just Rachel, but they had left the meeting feeling giddy and it had seemed like a good idea. They went to a popular Broadway hang-out and settled in a corner booth, where Rachel immediately ordered champagne. The waiter filled their glasses and Rachel cleared her throat. Santana rolled her eyes playfully, sure she was about to hear another famous Rachel speech.

"So, here's to you, my wonderful publicist, for forcing me to meet with the producers of this show even though I specifically said I wasn't looking for a new opportunity right now. I think this show is gonna be great and I'm super happy I get to be a part of it. I know it's only 11 am but I feel we deserve a drink. Cheers!" They clinked glasses and downed about half of the champagne at once.

"Yeah, I know you wanted a break but think about it: This is in the early stages now, so you'll have rehearsals and stuff for a few months before there's any actual work to be done, so don't worry."

They ordered a late breakfast and had a good time. Santana kept her snark in check because she had to admit that this was a great opportunity for Rachel and she was happy for her friend and for her client, also.

After eating, Santana walked Rachel to the stage door so she could get ready for her show, and then walked to her office to get some work done. Shortly before 3, she got in her car and went to pick up Sophia from preschool. Just as she got in her car, her phone rang. She saw the caller ID and smiled.

Talk to me Cedes.

Hey girl, I'm coming over to your office right now with some new tracks I want you to check out.

I just left, the tunnel is closed today so I have to beat traffic to get to Sophia's school on time.

Santana heard Mercedes snort.

You cut your days so short cause you gotta drive all the way back out the city to pick up the little one. Why didn't you just enroll her in the school three blocks from your office anyway?

Cause Hentworth's is the best school around and my kid is gonna get the best damn everything she can, Wheezy, that's why. And plus, it gives me an excuse to leave the office on time and actually spend time with my daughter.

Alright Miss Mom, can I drop by your house later today to check out the songs? I need your input on them.

Sure, we'll be there.

Cool, see ya!

Santana turned up the radio and sang along the rest of the way. When she got to the school's parking lot, she turned off the engine and walked out to pick up Sophia. The little one ran over to her mom and hugged her tight. Santana took her backpack and lunchbox from the teacher and walked hand in hand with Sophia to the car.

"Did you have a good day mija?"

Sophia nodded as Santana buckled her up in the car seat. "Uh huh, we started dance hour today!"

"Oh, that's right! How was it? Did you have fun?"

Sophia was safely in her seat, so Santana handed her the little Tupperware with cut up apples before closing the back door and settling in the front seat.

"Yeeeeees, and Miss Brittany remembered me and made us spin really fast in class."

Santana dropped her keys and whipped her head back to Sophia, absolutely sure she had misheard her daughter.

"Miss Brittany?"

Sophia nodded as she bit on an apple slice. "Mhhmm your friend from the grocery store mommy, she's my dance teacher and she's pretty and funny."

Fuck.

Santana took a deep breath. "Stay here for a sec ok mija? I forgot something inside, I will be right back."

Sophia shrugged ok and continued to eat her apples and hum.

Santana left the windows down and walked steadily towards the school, her hands balled up into fists. She burst into Sophia's classroom and Ms. Tilly, Sophia's teacher, jumped.

"Oh, Miss Lopez! Did Sophia forget something?"

"Um, no, erm, where's her dance teacher? I need to have a word with her."

Ms. Tilly looked uncertain, but something about Santana's fiery stare made her answer just the same. "In the old gym, down the hall. She might still be there."

Santana gave a curt nod and left. She burst into the gym and saw Brittany packing up her stuff. Brittany looked startled and the color drained from her face as she saw Santana approaching. She seemed to brace herself for what she knew was coming.

"What the HELL are you doing here?"

Brittany put her hands up in front of her and kept her voice steady and low, in contrast to Santana's dangerous growling. "Santana, relax, I had no idea Sophia went to this school and I just started my new job here."

Santana crossed her arms in front of her with such force that Brittany thought she'd break her own arms. "Well you can't work here."

"That's not up to you to decide, and I'm not doing anything wrong."

Santana took a step forward and looked directly at Brittany. "I just don't feel comfortable with you teaching my daughter."

Brittany didn't break the gaze, but tried to soften her tone. "I'm sorry, I understand that. But I can't just quit, and I won't. It's clear that you don't want to see me, so I'll just be your daughter's dance teacher three times a week, ok? I promise I'll stay out of your way."

When Santana didn't reply, Brittany gathered her stuff and left, leaving Santana fuming and with her teeth gritted. Santana counted to fifteen – twice – before walking back out to her car, where Sophia was just finishing her snack. She forced a smile on her face as she got in the car.

That afternoon after lunch, Sophia was in the living room drawing when Mercedes showed up. Santana was already on her second beer, pacing the kitchen.

"Hey hey, what's wrong?"

Santana shook her head as Mercedes got comfortable. "Just got some news today that I'm still not sure how to process. Get this, Brittany took a job at Sophia's school, and she's teaching her dance."

Mercedes took a second to gauge her friend's demeanor before answering. "Well, good for Brittany right? That's a pretty prestigious school, so not everyone can teach there."

Santana took another swig of her beer as she sat in front of Mercedes. "Sure, but why Sophia's school though? It just… it bothers me, ok?"

"Knowing Brittany, we both know it wasn't on purpose and there's nothing you can do about it, so chill. Can we focus on the songs I brought you now, please?"

Santana shrugged and nodded, as she settled into PR mode and spent the next few hours going over song choice, promos, tweets, etc, with Mercedes while Sophia danced to the beats, showing off the new moves she had learned in school.

That evening, sitting in the living room with an exhausted Sophia on her lap, Santana picked up her phone.

Hey Q, I was wondering if you could give me Brittany's number. I'm not gonna yell at her, promise.

Santana set her phone down and picked Sophia up to take her to her bed. She knew Quinn would debate over giving her the number or not for a few minutes, so she took her time. After kissing her daughter good night and tucking her in, Santana grabbed another bottle of beer before flopping on the couch once more, reading the message that just came in.

Ok, I believe you. I'm sending you her contact info now. Remember this Sunday it's potluck at your place! X

Santana quickly sent a thank you message to Quinn and saved the number that she sent. She downed almost half the bottle at once before typing madly on her phone, stopping, rereading, erasing and retyping almost 5 times before she grew tired and just hit send without giving herself time to think about it. After sending the message, she threw her phone towards the other end of the couch and got up and paced around the living room.

The message read:

Sorry I yelled at you today, it took me by surprise and I didn't handle it well.

A few minutes later – or what seemed like hours for Santana – her phone buzzed and she stopped pacing. She looked at the device, bit her lip and walked slowly towards it. She got comfortable in the couch, pulled up her legs under her, took another swig of beer and then grabbed the phone.

I understand, when I saw Sophia walk into my class I kind of knew it was coming at some point. Thank you for apologizing.

This time the words came out faster.

I figured it was necessary. By the way, she loved the class; she was dancing all afternoon around the house.

Santana didn't set the phone down; she just kept it open in front of her, a smile etching on her face.

Oh that's cute! She picked up the moves pretty fast, too. She's got a lot of energy.

Haha yeah, she's a ball of fire. The good thing is that she got tired out so she's already asleep.

I can imagine, three classes a day with those little ones is more exercise than I've been used to for a while!

You will get the hang of it soon enough. But you must be tired then too, so I will let you sleep. I said what I wanted to say already.

Oh. Ok. Well, good night Santana, and thanks again.

Yeah, I mean, I owed you an apology. Good night

Santana let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It was all over in less than 3 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime. Santana threw out the empty bottle and went up to her room. She lay in bed for a while, thinking things over, remembering conversations from years ago, where texts were followed by hushed calls and falling asleep with the phone by her ear, listening to Brittany's steady breath. When she closed her eyes she could almost hear Brittany's faint words as mumbled from another lifetime. It soothed her and soon enough, she was floating on clouds, following Brittany's voice through the ebbs of her dreams. Dreams she wouldn't remember when she woke up the next morning.

The next few days went by as usual, except for the excessive nervousness as Santana pulled up to the parking lot to pick up Sophia. She never got in the school, but looked around as she greeted Sophia. It was a sunny Thursday when Sophia ran out of the school with a bright paper in her hand.

"Ma, look what I drew today!" She kissed Santana and jumped up and down as she gave her mom the picture. It was a picture of the both of them in what appeared to be the gym with a jukebox on one side and musical notes in the air. "We're dancing!"

Santana laughed and hugged Sophia tightly. "I can see that mija, it looks beautiful! Do you want to hang it up in the kitchen wall?" Sophia nodded excitedly as she got in the car. Santana opened the trunk to put Sophia's things, when she heard a little scream escape the little one.

"What's wrong mija?" Sophia bit her lip.

"I forgot my jacket in the class…" Santana let out a sigh.

"Ok, stay put, I'll go get it."

Santana left Sophia strapped into her car seat with the radio on and the windows down and rushed back to the school to get Sophia's jacket. After finding it hanging from the hippo hanger that had Sophia's name on it, she turned to leave when she heard a familiar song drifting from the other side of the school. Her feet moved alone and before she knew it, she was standing in front of the double doors to the gym looking through the small windows.

Brittany was there in purple leggings and an oversized gray sweater, going over what Santana knew to be an old Cheerios routine. Santana couldn't help but smile as she watched Brittany dancing effortlessly with a grin on her face and her eyes closed. She stayed put for a few more minutes before she remembered Sophia was waiting in the car and left being careful not to be seen by Brittany.

She got in the car, handed her jacket over to Sophia and backed up.

After dinner that night, Santana snuggled with Sophia and watched a Tinkerbell movie. It was one of Sophia's favorites and she usually fell asleep halfway through, but this time, Santana noticed that Sophia's face was screwed up in thought. She hit pause on the remote and turned towards her daughter.

"Is something wrong mija?" Sophia shook her head.

"Uh-uh, I was just thinking that Tinkerbell looks like Ms. Brittany but with wings."

Santana smiled. "Do you think so?"

Sophia nodded and opened her eyes wide. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Do you think she's a fairy too?"

Santana laughed. "No baby, she's not a fairy. But now that you mention it, she kind of looks like Tinkerbell. Must be the hair, huh?"

"And the way she moves too, cause when Ms. Brittany dances it's like she's floating and she looks pretty."

Santana stared at something far away. "Yeah, she does."

Sophia snuggled closer to her mom and hugged her. After a few minutes, she nudged her mom, who jerked awake. "Mooooooom, push plaaaaaaaaay."

"Y-yeah mija, sorry." Santana resumed the movie and started caressing Sophia's arm as the little one drifted off to sleep.


Brittany

My first week teaching is officially over today, and it has been the most tiring work I've done in a long time. I bounce up the steps to the school early because Erika asked me to meet her in her office this morning before my first class. I knock on the Principal's door and hear a faint "come in" from inside, so I push it open. The smell of coffee is the first thing that greets me. Erika is behind her desk, smiling. I wave at her and take the seat opposite her.

"Good morning! That smells nice."

"Do you want a cup?" She turns around as if to pour me a coffee, but I shake my head.

"Oh no, thanks, the kids give me enough energy as it is, and if I drink coffee I'll just be bouncing up the walls all day." I clamp my mouth shut because I know I tend to be too chatty, but Erika just laughs and agrees with me.

"I'm not as fortunate as you, seeing as I don't deal with the kids as much as the parents and the board, so I need this energy in liquid form." She takes another sip of her coffee and sets it in front of her. I start wiggling one leg under me. She takes a deep breath and leans forward in her chair. "So, the reason I wanted to see you this morning is to tell you that we've decided to have a sort of end of term recital. Dance recital."

My eyes widen. All I can say is "Oh."

She keeps going, as though that was all that was required of me. "It's a good chance to let the parents see what the kids are doing, we usually have a play around Christmas time and events for Easter and whatnot, so we thought it would be a good idea to introduce the dance program. Some people on the board weren't too convinced with it, but so far I see it's going great so do you feel you can put together a program where each class presents something?"

I can feel my brain whirring around and I need to sit on my hands to stop them from flailing around. I count to five before I answer. "Absolutely, we can have group dances and one or two solo acts or so, we can make it themed as well or something like that."

Erika is nodding along and smiling. "Excellent, well, I will leave the details of the program to you, we are thinking it could be the last Thursday before term ends and that's in … 9 weeks. Of course we will have to meet again a few times to get everything straightened out, but I wanted to give you enough time to plan and prepare."

"Yeah, sounds great! I will start thinking of ideas and things that would work."

She claps her hands. "Excellent! Ok well, I will let you get to it, what do you say we meet every Friday at this time to just see where we're at with this recital?"

I just nod, since it sounds like it's already a plan. We say goodbye and I head back to the gym. I sit down on the bench to really think about what's going on. A recital? I haven't organized one of those in… nope, never, really! I have been a part of many, of course, but actually planning the choreography, dance numbers, music, and all that? It sounds like a lot. I can feel my palms getting sweaty, but I stand up and pace around. Isn't this what I wanted, though? This chance to show everything I can do and that I'm capable of not only dancing, but teaching? And if I want to run my own studio, I need the exposure. Ok, ok, this is working, I can think now! The first thing I need is… hmmmm a theme. Yeah, if I have a theme then everything else can start working itself out. I got it! I'll ask the kids! I mean, it's their recital as much as mine anyways. And I remember the best lessons we had in Glee Club or in the Cheerios were when we got to pick what to do. Ok, so that's what I'll do today!

Alright, one day down and not too many good ideas, but that was expected. I look down at my notebook where I wrote down the kids' ideas and the votes each got. So far we have: Sports (9 votes), Movies (14 votes), Food (1 vote, although I think Aubrey was just hungry), the beach (4 votes), astronauts (5 votes), cowboys (3 votes) and eight who couldn't decide. It's not much, but it's a start. I think we could do some sort of classical movie night, but with kids' movies.

On my way home, I start mentally sorting kids' movies into categories, ones that would work and what type of music we could use, etc. I barely notice what I'm doing until I sit down on the couch with my bowl of Frosted Flakes. I open my computer and find my list of Disney songs and I blast it through the apartment, to find some inspiration. I feel my phone buzzing halfway through "Hakuna Matata" and I pick it up, dropping my spoon in the process. I can't believe the name on the ID. Is she texting me to apologize again?

I think you created a monster. Sophia won't stop dancing to that Tangled song!

I smile. I can already see it. She's the most enthusiastic kid in my classes, too. I pick up my spoon and lay it on the table in front of me.

Oh no! A dance monster, those are the worst. And at least it's a good song, so count your blessings.

I quickly scribble down "Tangled" on my pad, because since they already know the basic choreography to that song, it would be easy as a group number!

True. Still, I might accidentally delete that track. I can make no promises.

You might not want to hear that I was planning on using that song for the dance recital at the end of the term. It's still kind of in progress, so the kids don't know yet. I was actually just working on the songs I would use.

Ughhhh fine, fine, I will buy earplugs. A dance recital? Sounds interesting. Is it a competition? Cause my Sophe would kill it.

I chuckle. Of course Santana would want it to be a competition.

They're four years old, so no. It's just a show for the parents.

It's never too early to start winning, I say. But I can't wait, I'm sure anything you come up with will be awesome.

I'm blushing. Really bad.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. It means a lot.

I want to see her. I do. But I can't say it, can I? I'm scared of ruining this.

Sure, you know it's true, you're great at what you do. I gotta go, my dancing monkey is losing her steam. Good night

Oh.

Have a good night!

I stare at my phone longer than I have to. I don't know how I feel, really. She's reaching out, which is good, but then she closes up? I rub my eyes until they start hurting. I know it's my fault and I need to find some way to talk to her about … about everything. I guess slow and steady, like my dad always said.

I try to work a little bit more on the recital stuff, but my mind isn't cooperating. I just give up, take a shower and climb into bed.


Santana

Sunday morning, Santana woke up early to the bouncing form of Sophia next to her.

"Buenos dias mamiiiiiii"

Santana let out a groan as she tried to catch Sophia, who just jumped away. "Buenos dias hija, wanna get started on breakfast?"

Sophia jumped off the bed and raced out of the room. Santana stretched before getting up and splashing some water on her face. When she got to the kitchen, Sophia had already put the two glasses, orange juice and milk on the table and was standing next to the unplugged waffle iron, bouncing in place.

"You seem extra bouncy today…" Santana went to the fridge to gather the waffle ingredients while Sophia carried the big bowl over. They had their Sunday routine down to a science: Sophia poured into the measuring cup and Santana stirred the batter.

"Luke and Chris are bringing a new Frisbee today so we can play!" Shit. Santana had completely forgot that it was her turn to host the potluck, even though she knew Quinn had reminded her during the week. Luckily, there wasn't much she had to do to prepare, just clean up a bit and buy some charcoal and steaks for the grill. When the batter was done and the waffle iron was heating up, Santana ran upstairs to fish out her phone. She quickly typed as she walked back downstairs.

Hey Q, please make sure this Frisbee I've been hearing about won't mess up my yard.

Sure, Rachel already gave the boys a lecture on correct Frisbee etiquette this morning.

Santana rolled her eyes because of course the Troll would do that. Either way, she was glad her plants wouldn't be in danger this afternoon. She helped Sophia sit on her chair and brought the waffles and fixings over to the table, where Sophia was studiously pouring orange juice into the two glasses. Her brow was furrowed in concentration and the tip of her tongue stuck out of her mouth. When she was done, she exhaled and Santana clapped.

"Well done Sophe! You're getting better and better at that, no more spills!" Sophia did a little happy dance in place and began eating her waffles.

After breakfast, Santana let Sophia get changed by herself as she took a quick shower and threw on some sweats to run out to the store to pick up the few things she needed. Half an hour later, they were on their way to the grocery store singing their favorite songs in the car and laughing all the way. When they got to the store, Sophia rushed to pick up the basket.

"Ok mija, how about I carry the basket and you can be in charge of putting stuff in it?" Sophia pondered that for a second before flashing her mom a big smile and saying "Cool!" Santana grabbed the basket and made a show of reading over her list as they walked into the store.

"Hmmmm ok, the first thing we need is skewers. Do you know where they are?"

Sophia bit her lip while she looked around. "Um, with the paper plates?"

"Bingo! Let's go find them!" And so mother and daughter headed down the aisle, where Sophia decided on which skewers to get and put them in the basket. After getting charcoal, steaks, shrimp and garlic, they were ready for the checkout counter. Santana felt a tug at her side.

"Mami, can I get some popsicles please?" Santana looked at the long line at the counter and sighed.

"Ok, let's go quick before this line gets any longer."

"No! I can get them."

Santana frowned.

"Are you sure mija?"

Sophia grinned and nodded. "Yup, I know where they are."

Santana knew the frozen aisle was just two aisles away, and she could see all the exits from here.

"Ok Sophe, you go get ONE box of popsicles and then you come right back. Entendido? I will be right here in this line, I won't move away."

Sophia gave her mom the thumbs up. "Entendido ma."

"What happens if a stranger wants to talk to you or grab you?"

"I shout really loud and run away!"

Santana nodded. "Good girl, go, hurry."

Santana watched Sophia skip away and sighed. She knew it was important to give her daughter some responsibilities and this was their regular grocery store after all.

Sophia knew exactly where her favorite popsicles were, but when she got there, she realized the grape ones were a little out of her reach. She tried standing on her toes and stretching as far as her arm could to reach them, but it was no good. Maybe if I stand on this edge I can get to it. Just as she was about to open the door and climb on the lower shelf, she heard a voice behind her.

"Hi Sophie, what are you doing?"

Sophia whipped around, ready to shout, but when she saw who it was, she smiled and blushed. "Hi Ms. Brittany, I'm trying to get the grape popsicles."

Brittany opened the door and grabbed a box and handed it to Sophia.

"Here you go, you know, you shouldn't climb on that shelf cause it could be dangerous."

Sophia received the box and blushed. "Thanks, I promise I won't."

Brittany looked around, concerned. "Where's your mom? Did you get lost?"

Sophia shook her head, lifted her chin and smiled. "Nope, she's at the counter, I got permission to come get the popsicles by myself."

Brittany chuckled. "That's awesome."

Sophia bit her lip. "I gotta go back now."

"Yeah you should, or your mom might get worried."

Sophia looked around, unsure of where to go.

Brittany bent down to be at eye level with the little Latina. "Do you know which way to go?"

"Um, kind of, I think."

"How about I come with you, just to make sure you get there safe."

Sophia shrugged. "Ok."

She grabbed Brittany's hand and they walked back to the counter, where a frantic Santana was waiting. She took a big breath when she saw little Sophia walking towards her.

"Oh god, there you are! I was getting worried." Santana looked at Brittany and half smiled.

"I couldn't reach the popsicles ma, but Ms. Brittany helped me."

Brittany blushed as she let go of Sophia's hand to hoist her own basket. "You can just call me Britt when we're not in school, Sophia. Yeah, um, I saw her and figured I could give her a hand."

Santana took the box of popsicles and put it in with the rest of their stuff before looking back at Brittany. "Thanks for helping her out, for some reason I thought they were on the lower shelf."

Brittany waved it off. "No problem." The line was still moving slowly. They all stayed in silence for a minute.

"What is that?" Sophia pointed at a white and green box in Brittany's basket. Brittany chuckled.

"Um, that's a frozen meal, it's ready, and you just put it in the microwave."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Oh cool!" She looked up at Brittany. "Is it yummy?"

This time, both Brittany and Santana laughed. "It's alright, really. I like them cause they're quick."

Santana shook her head. "You know those thing are super bad for you, right?"

Brittany shrugged. "Yeah but it's Sunday and I didn't feel like cooking much."

Santana bit her lip, but it was no good, because she blurted out: "Come over to our house then." Brittany looked at her with a blank look. Santana stammered on. "Uh, I mean, um, Quinn, Rachel and their troop, Mercedes and Sam and I have this potluck thing every Sunday and we take turns hosting it and today is my turn so they're all coming over and I mean if you're not busy, you should stop by." She took a deep breath. "It's better than that fish thing you have anyways."

Sophia was bouncing in her place, looking from her mom to Brittany. Brittany was trying to find her words again, as Santana wrung her wrists. "Yeah, that sounds great. I'd love to. What should I bring?"

Santana shrugged. "Not that, that's for sure." They both chuckled nervously. "Just bring something to drink, like a bottle of wine or whatever, cause Mercedes always brings way too much food anyways."

"Alright, I can do that." They locked eyes and neither spoke until Sophia tugged on her mom's sleeve to tell her the line was moving.

"Um, I'll text you my address, and we usually get together around 3."

"Cool, I'll go finish up my groceries and I'll see you both later then." Brittany stuck her fist down towards Sophia. "See ya Sophe." Sophia giggled as she bumped her fist with Brittany's.

"Byeeee."

Santana waved awkwardly as Brittany flashed her a smile and walked away. She took a deep breath and shook her head before turning towards the cashier and unloading her groceries. She couldn't stop smiling.


Thoughts?