Santana sat in the passenger seat while Brittany drove them to Glendale to meet Diego and his grandmother. Xander and Aracely sat in the back playing with some stuffed animals. The whole family was on the way to meet their possible new member of their family.
"I'm a little nervous," Santana said, "What if he doesn't like us?"
"Don't talk like that," Brittany said, "Nothing but positive thoughts in this car."
Santana smiled. No matter how nervous, scared or anxious she would get, Brittany would always calm her, "Positive thoughts," Santana said softly.
Twenty minutes later, the GPS alerted them they would be reaching their destination in less than half a mile.
"They live so close to us," Santana said, "OK, maybe not that close, but at least it's not Orange County."
"Yeah," Brittany said, "This will make it easier for his grandmother to visit." She bit her lip trying to to get her hopes up too high. She was already talking like this was a done deal, but Brittany reminded herself that this could turn out exactly like last time.
Santana looked over Diego's file again. Peter had been kind enough to give them a copy. Santana and Brittany had looked at it so much that they had it practically memorized.
Diego Bernal was 18 months old and had one living relative that resided in the United States, his grandmother, Rosa Bernal. His parents, Carlos and Sylvia were killed in a car accident eight months ago by drunk driver.
"We're here," Brittany said, now getting a little nervous. She parked in front of the building and soon they were all at the front gate talking through the intercom. Brittany carried Aracely and Santana took Xander's hand and punched in apartment 256.
"Hello?"
"Hi," Santana said, "It's...Santana and Brittany Pierce-Lopez."
"Oh hi. It's Peter," she said, "I'll buzz you up."
Peter buzzed them in and they made their way to Mrs. Bernal's apartment. As they walked through the building they saw a few seniors sitting outside in patio tables just talking. Brittany couldn't help but think that this was not a place for a kid.
They reached the apartment and knocked. The door opened to revealing a smiling Peter. "Hi," he said with a smile, "Come in." Peter lead them through a wide hallway and into a fairly large living room. This was more than just a standard senior housing building. These were luxury condos.
The place was huge and everything from the couch to the lamps was in pristine condition. If it weren't for the occasional toys thrown on some parts of the floor, it would have been hard to imagine a child lived here. Peter informed them Rosa had taken Diego to the part but would be back soon.
"We are too early," Santana said again.
"It's fine," Peter said. She turned to Xander, "You must be Xander."
"Hi," Xander said, shyly. He wasn't a fan of meeting new people.
"He's adorable," Peter said before giving his attention to Aracely. "So is she. Hi sweetie."
Aracely just stared at Peter, trying to figure out who this strange person was. Brittany bounced her on her knee a bit to get her to smile or giggle, but Aracely just started at Peter. "She's shy."
They heard the door open and a small boy was running, or tried to anyway, into the living room. When he saw everyone, he stopped and stared.
"Hi Diego," Peter said, "Did you have fun at the park?"
Brittany wasn't sure how it happened, but she was instantly in love with this little boy. His picture captured his jet black hair and brown eyes, but the photo didn't capture his energy, his playfulness or his curiosity.
Santana almost got up to comfort Diego who looked a little scared. He was more adorable in person and she could easily see Diego in their house playing with Xander and Aracely.
Instead of answering, Diego ran back out of the living room but crashed into his grandmother. "Slow down Diego," Rosa said.
Santana and Brittany instinctively stood up to greet the woman.
"Oh, you're here," the old woman said, in a slight accent, "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's fine," Brittany said with a smile, "We're early."
"Santana, Brittany," Peter said also getting up, "This is Rosa Bernal and her grandson, Diego."
"Nice to meet you," Santana and Brittany said at the same time.
"Hi!" Xander said still sitting down, "I'm Alexander Pierce-Lopez. The baby is my sister, Aracely."
"Hello young man," Rosa said with a smile, "All of you please sit. It's nice to meet you."
Rosa took Diego by the hand and lead him to a sofa chair that, by the looks of it, was the woman's favorite place to sit.
"Diego, say hi to the nice ladies," Rosa said gently.
Diego put his hand to his mouth and began to sway a bit. He looked at everyone with curiosity, no doubt wondering who all these strangers were. "Hi," he finally said and smiled.
Santana let out a small laugh, "Hi."
"Hi Diego," Brittany said, also smiling.
"He's a bit shy around new people," Rosa said, "Just give him 10 minutes to get used to you and he'll want you to play with him. Once he gives you one of his toys, you know he likes you."
Brittany looked at the small woman and marveled at the fact that she did not look 77. She looked 10 years younger and in good health. The thought of them taking her grandson away made Brittany sad, even though that's what Rosa wanted.
"So," Rosa said, "You are looking to foster?"
Brittany nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"I read your file," Rosa continued, "And I like what I read, well, except the part of you being celebrities. I'm not sure I want my boy in a Hollywood home."
"Oh no!" Brittany held Aracely closer and inched forward a bit. "We're not like crazy Hollywood celebrities. We keep our family very private and don't expose our kids to that. Santana and I aren't like Angelina Jolie famous. I mean, people know who we are but for the most part, they leave us alone. We'll protect Diego like we have our kids."
"We want our kids to have a normal childhood," Santana added, "We feel that's very important. And honestly, the only time the media pay attention to us is when we have a project coming out."
"No, it's fine," Rosa said smiling, "I did my research. I couldn't find anything bad about you two for the last few years. The worst thing I read was you having a fight with Brad Pitt."
Brittany frowned. "That was totally a lie."
Santana jumped in, "Mrs. Bernal, we firmly believe in being involved in our children's lives as much as possible, spending time with them, supporting them...it's important to us that we have a strong family bond. Our careers, come second to our children."
"Good, good," Rosa said, looking relieved, "I know anyone can just throw money at a child...these days it seems the nannies take care of the children. As you can see from where I live, I have money too but never used it to spoil my child or grandson."
"Well, we don't have a nanny," Santana admitted, "We are lucky. My parents and Brittany's parents are retired and help us out. Plus we have a lot of friends and we help take care of each other's kids. And we don't spoil our kids."
"Good," Rosa said, "You are a teacher and a writer, right?" Santana nodded. "My father was a writer and poet," the grandmother said, "I have some of his original books in storage. I hope to leave them to Diego."
"That's great," Santana said, happy that she had something in common with the woman, "I'd love to see them one day."
"That would be great," Rosa said, "I'd love a professional to give them a look. He was quite revered in Mexico."
Diego seemed to be getting comfortable around everyone and soon left his grandmother's side and headed across the room to a spot where his toys were. There were airplanes, trucks, blocks and legos. On his way there he quickly looked at Xander.
"You want to play with him?" Rosa asked Xander.
"OK," Xander said and climbed off the couch and joined Diego.
"Now," Peter began, "You've both read each others' files and approve of each other?"
Santana and Brittany nodded, they looked to Mrs. Bernal, who nodded as well.
"May I ask," Santana began, carefully, "Why us?"
"You would think someone my age would be all about traditional things, right?" she said with a chuckle, "I'm not. I never was. I married an artist and moved to California, not what may family wanted. I've seen a lot of discrimination in my life, been a victim of it even. I don't care that you're gay, I just want my grandchild to have a good home. I would take care of him, but my heart isn't as strong as it should be and I'm afraid one day, something will happen and..."
Santana saw the old woman wipe away a tear, "We understand."
"I read other files," Rosa continued, now recovered, "Met other couples, and either they didn't like the idea of my still being a part of his life, or were just too career focused for my liking. I even considered moving back to Mexico and having Diego raised by one of my nieces but his parents wanted him raised here. And so do I. Then I read your file, and Peter told me about you, and now here you are and I was right. You'd be perfect for Diego."
Brittany took a deep breath, her eyes watering a little. Aracely was already fidgeting, sensing the shift in her mother's emotions. "We'll give him a good home. We can promise you that. We'll give him a good home with lots of love and we would love to have you still be part of his life."
"Good," the grandmother said, "Good," She turned to Peter, "So how does this work? They don't take him now do they?"
"No, not today," Peter said, "We have to go through some paperwork and we can't just take Diego way suddenly."
Santana looked over to the kids and saw that they were playing and getting along. Xander was showing Diego how to build a house with his blocks. Xander was going to love having two younger siblings to teach.
"I'll make sure the processing happens quickly," Peter said, "Santana and Brittany will be the guardians of Diego and Mrs. Bernal will be allowed to visit and spend time with him. Agreed?"
"Yes," Santana and Brittany said.
"Thank you," Rosa said.
Diego looked up and seemed to be having a great time with Xander. He clumsily got up, a toy airplane in his hand, and walked towards Brittany.
"Hi," Brittany said gently, "Is that your airplane?"
"Up!" Diego said, moving the airplane back and forth making Aracely giggle.
"That's right," Brittany said, "The plane goes up!"
"Up!" he said again smiling and handed the plane to Brittany.
"Is this for me?" Brittany took the plane and Diego ran back to his toys.
"He likes you," Rosa said, "His mother had blond hair, maybe he remembers the color."
"I'm so sorry for your loss," Brittany said, sympathetically.
"Thank you," Rosa said, "It was hard, but I had to be strong for Diego. I'd rather not talk about this, if you don't mind."
"Oh course," Santana said, "We understand."
"One more thing," Rosa said, "Now I won't interfere with your parenting, or tell you how to raise him, but it would be nice if he learned Spanish and about his culture."
"Oh," Santana said, "Of course!. We all speak Spanish and my parents are around our kids all the time and they speak Spanish them all the time."
"Thank you," Rosa said, "I'm sure you understand how it is to grow up with two different cultures, Mrs. Pierce-Lopez."
"Please, call me Santana. Yes, I do understand."
Diego came running back, this time a toy truck in his hand, and went to Santana.
"Is that a car?" Santana asked sweetly.
"Vooom! Vooom!" Diego said.
"That's right," Santana said smiling, "That's the sound the car makes."
Diego smiled and gave Santana the car then ran back to Xander.
"Well," Peter said smiling, "Looks like Diego likes you both."
"Yeah," Santana said softly.
"How about we all go to the park tomorrow?" Rosa suggested, "Spend more time together, have Diego get used to you."
"That would be great!" Santana said.
"That would be fine," Peter said, "But I would have to come along since nothing has been signed yet."
"Of course," Brittany said.
Mrs. Bernal got up and so did everyone else, "I'm sorry, but Diego should take his nap."
"Yes, of course," Brittany said.
"Are we leaving?" Xander asked.
"Yes sweetie, we are," Brittany said, "It's Diego's nap time."
"He's coming with us, too?" Xander asked, excited, "I'm teaching him how to build things. But he keeps making it fall down again."
"He's staying here," Santana said, "We'll visit tomorrow."
"Oh, OK," Xander said disappointed.
Diego noticed everyone had gotten up and walked to Santana and Brittany. "Up! Voom! Voom!" he said.
Santana and Brittany handed back his toys and he took them to his play area then quickly came back and stood in front of them.
Brittany bent down, carefully balancing her daughter in her arms. "Thank you for showing us your toys," she said gently.
Diego gave her a shy smile.
Santana also bent down, "Do you want to go to the park with us tomorrow? We can play."
"Play!" Diego repeated, "Voom! Voom!"
"Yes," Santana said with a laugh, "We can play voom voom."
"Well," Peter began, "Let's plan on meeting at the park here tomorrow at 10 am? Does that work for everyone?"
"Fine," Brittany said, "We saw a park close to here, is that the one you were thinking about?"
"If you don't mind," Rosa said, "We can walk there."
"No problem," Santana said quickly, both she and Brittany standing up again.
"I'll walk you out," Peter said. She turned to the grandmother, "I'll send the paperwork to your lawyer and hopefully we can have Diego start living with Santana and Brittany soon."
"OK," Rosa said sadly.
"You're not having second thought, are you?" Santana asked, a bit of panic in her voice.
"No, dear," Rosa said, "I would love you to be his parents, I'm just going to miss him."
"Don't worry," Brittany said gently, "You'll still be part of his life. We can come pick you up on the weekends and have you stay with us if you'd like, we'll invite you to family outings...we won't keep him from you."
Mrs. Bernal fought to keep her tears at bay, "Thank you. See, I knew I made the right choice."
Santana offered her a sympathetic smile, "You did."
They bid their farewells and headed to the car. Once inside, Santana spoke. "I love him already."
"Me too," Brittany said, "Xander, did you like Diego?"
"Yes! I want him to come live with us already," Xander said, "I have to finish teaching him the blocks."
Santana was glad the two kids seemed to have already bonded.
"We have so much to do," Brittany said.
"Yeah," Santana said, "Starting with figuring out where he's going to sleep. We can't have him alone in the guest room downstairs."
"Definitely not," Brittany said laughing, "He'll have to share a room with Xander for now. That room is big enough. And Rosa can stay in the guest room whenever she wants to stay over."
"This is going to be great," Santana said.
###
Santana laid on the bed wearing only shorts and and a thin undershirt. She was exhausted. They had spent the whole day with Diego, Mrs. Bernal and Peter. It had been tiring, but wonderful.
For a while, Diego had called Brittany "Up Up" and Santana "Voom Voom" which made everyone laugh.
"That's so adorable," Brittany had said, "He remembers the toys he gave us."
Xander was already proving to be very protective of the little boy. Aracely kept up with the two boys and all three got along great.
"This is what he needs," Mrs. Bernal had said, "To be around other kids and not a bunch of old cranky folks. And honestly, I can't keep up with him anymore. Not all day."
Santana couldn't wait until Diego came to live with them. He had the cutest laugh that made everyone around him laugh as well. Santana also found that she really liked and respected Mrs. Bernal. She and Brittany had listened to the old woman tell her life story and all about her family.
When their day at the park had come to and end, Santana and Brittany were surprised when Diego wanted to go with them.
"Not yet sweetie," Brittany had said as she carried him in her arms, "But soon. We have your room all ready and soon you'll come stay with us."
Now in bed, Santana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The big family she and Brittany had dreamt of was becoming a reality.
"You asleep?" Brittany asked coming into the bedroom.
"No," Santana said opening her eyes, "Just thinking."
"About what?" Brittany asked climbing to her side of the bed, also wearing shorts and a tank top. Xander and Aracely were asleep. Lord Tubbington opting to stay in the little girl's room this night.
"Our family," Santana said smiling.
Brittany leaned over and placed a kiss on Santana's lips and rubbed Santana's stomach, "He'll be here soon."
"I can't wait," Santana said, "Maybe we should invite Rosa over that day, have her spend the day or the weekend, and we can introduce her to everyone."
"That would be great," Brittany said smiling, "Actually, how about we have a party? A welcoming party for our new son."
"Perfect," Santana repeated softly, "We were due for another party to welcome a baby. Mercedes' party for her baby girl was so long ago."
"You mean last week," Brittany said with a laugh, "Monique's party was awesome."
Santana laughed. "Yeah. Only a few weeks old and she already throws an A-list party."
Brittany laid flat on the bed and motioned for her wife to snuggle closer. Santana moved to rest her head on Brittany's chest, and Brittany ran her hands through Santana's hair. After all these years, Santana continued to be amazed at how perfect they fit together.
"I love you," Brittany said softly, "Thank you for supporting me in fostering."
"I should be thanking you," Santana said, "You were right about doing this. This is perfect for us."
"Now we plan for kid number four," Brittany teased.
"No more kids right now," Santana laughed, "I'll leave you."
"No, you won't."
"No, I won't," Santana said with a smile, "Never."