Chapter 26: End of the Semester
Brittany's POV
Wednesday 30th November 2016
It's getting near the end of the first semester at university so I've got a lot of exams and things coming up but it also means that Christmas is quickly approaching too and I still have no idea what I could get Santana. I really want to get her something special since this will be our first Christmas together as a proper couple. I was thinking of some type of jewellery, maybe a necklace or something because I know…
"What are you doing?" Santana whispers in my ear giving me a fright. I quickly close my browser.
"You scared the hell out of me there" I say taking a deep breath.
"Sorry babe" she smiles. "So what are you up to?"
"Nothing" I state. "I didn't know you were coming over tonight."
"I managed to leave work early so I thought I'd come and see you. Your parents let me in" Santana replies.
"Cool" I nod.
"So what are you up to?" Santana asks while sitting down on the bed.
"You just asked me that" I tell her.
"I know baby but you're acting weird, you seem like you're up to something" she says.
"I'm not up to anything" I say, trying to sound normal.
"You really are acting suspicious babe" Santana laughs obviously seeing right through me. "I must admit it is adorable though" she tells me.
"I can assure you I'm not acting suspicious" I'm really trying to change the subject here but it's not working.
"Then tell me why you closed your web browser so quickly on your laptop?" Santana asks.
"I…I was just…I mean…" I stutter because I don't know what to say.
"I can judge people's reactions well, its quality I have which I think makes me a good lawyer" she admits.
"If you must know, I was Christmas shopping" I sigh.
"For me?" Santana smirks.
"Yes you so let's stop talking about it" I say embarrassed.
"Don't you want to tell me what you're planning on buying me?" Santana teases.
"No I do not, I want it to be a surprise" I state. "Unless you want to fill me in on what you plan on getting me for Christmas" I say.
"Yeah let's just change the subject" Santana agrees. "So other than online shopping, what are your plans for tonight?" she asks.
"Not much, I'll probably get something to eat soon. Do you want to stay for dinner?" I ask.
"Ok" Santana smiles.
"It's just you and me eating though because everyone else has had dinner already" I say.
"That's cool babe" Santana says. "Speaking of eating babe, are you free on Saturday because I want to take you to lunch?" she asks me.
"I'm not actually, I've got a shift at work" I reply.
"Oh" Santana frowns, "I thought you didn't work on Saturdays anymore" she says.
"I don't but with Christmas just around the corner then I could do with the extra money, you know" I shrug.
"That's ok, perhaps at another point then" Santana sighs.
"Definitely" I say. "Actually I'm free on Sunday if you want to do something" I suggest.
"I'm busy on Sunday" Santana replies. "Remember that friend I had from high school that moved away just before college, well she's coming back to visit family so we're going for coffee to catch up. Usually around this time she comes back and her family and her give each other their Christmas presents then and stuff since she can't actually be here around Christmas" she says.
"Perhaps we'll just have to hang out later in the week then" I say and Santana nods. For the last while, we have been trying extra hard and making an effort to spend time together but I just hope we don't go downhill again because of Christmas and exams coming up so our time is going to be limited again.
Santana's POV
Sunday 4th December 2016
"So what's happening with you at the moment?" Sarah, my old school friend, asks. "I feel like we haven't talked in ages" she says.
"I know, me too" I reply. "There's not really a lot going on at the moment for me, just working away as usual" I say.
"I'm the same to be honest, nothing to report really" she shrugs. "Actually I did get that promotion at work that I told you about the last time we talked" she says.
"That's fantastic Sarah, I'm really pleased for you. I guess hard work really does pay off huh?" I smile.
"It really does" she smiles back.
"I told you that you had nothing to worry about" I say. The last time we spoke, Sarah was really nervous about the interview because she thought there were stronger candidates than her but I just told her to stay positive and believe in herself.
"I know" Sarah says sipping on her coffee. "So how are the family, are your mom and dad doing ok?" she asks.
"Yeah they're doing really good, so are my brothers and my sister" I reply. "I saw your mom the other day and she seemed to be doing well and said your family were all well too" I say.
"They are, it sucks sometimes that I don't see them as much as I want to but I did what I had to do for my career. Who knows though, I might move back in time" Sarah says.
"I've never actually moved away but I imagine it must be a hard thing to be so far apart from everyone you love" I say. I just know I could never leave here especially now Brittany and I are together and doing so well.
"It is hard but I get used to it" she shrugs. "Anyway let's move on, I've only got a short time here so let's talk about something a bit happier" she suggests.
"You're right" I nod in agreement.
"What about your personal life, anything happening there that I should know about?" Sarah asks. "I mean are you dating anyone at the moment?" she queries.
"I'm actually in a relationship" I say smiling.
"Oh I can tell it's serious and you're in love judging by that look on your face" Sarah says. "Come on tell me, do I know her or did she go to school with us?" she asks.
"You don't know her and she didn't go to school with us" I reply. "She's actually a little younger than us" I state.
"Ok so she's about your brother Eddie's age then, about 23 or 24?" she guesses.
"More like my other brother's age" I state.
"But wait, Jason is 19" Sarah says confused.
"Yes exactly and my girlfriend is 18" I say and Sarah's mouth falls open in shock.
"You were right when you said younger but not a little younger, that's a lot younger Santana. How the hell did you manage to date an 18 year old?" she asks.
"Brittany works here actually which happens to be my favourite coffee shop" I reply. "Basically we just got to know one another from me coming here all the time and eventually we got together and have been together for ten months now" I say.
"That's great Santana, I'm really happy you're with someone and you're happy again" Sarah says genuinely.
XXX
"Before I go, there is something I should tell you" Sarah says nervously.
"Um…ok" I say confused. I don't know what she could possibly tell me that would make her nervous.
"My brother and Jen are now together" she says.
"Hold on a second, Jen as in my ex-wife?" I ask to clarify.
"Yeah" Sarah nods. "And they're kinda engaged now" she admits.
"Good luck to him then, he's going to need it" I say.
"Wait, that's all you have to say?" Sarah asks.
"Yeah, what do you want me to say?" I ask confused.
"Aren't you mad, I mean you used to be friends with him as well and now she's going to be my sister in law" Sarah says.
"Honestly Sarah, I don't really care. I moved on a long time ago so I've put all my mistakes behind me. Just be careful though because Jen can be a nasty person when she wants to" I reply. I must say though, when I met Sarah's mom in the grocery store the other day she was acting slightly weird towards me. She was pleasant but I just knew something was off so I'm guessing she didn't know whether to say anything or not.
"Ok well I just thought you should know" she says.
"It's fine but I should be going now but if I don't see you before you go then have a safe journey home" I tell her.
"I will, it was good seeing you Santana so hopefully we can catch up again sometime" she smiles.
"Yeah we'll keep in touch, bye now" I say before leaving.
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Tuesday 6th December 2016
"Brittany is coming over in a minute so I'd appreciate if you just get the carpet cleaner and leave" I say to Jason. My brother just came to collect the carpet cleaner that I borrowed from my mom and dad last night after Quinn decided my new white rug needed freshened up with some red wine.
"Don't worry, I won't overstay my welcome" he replies.
"Good" I nod. "Actually that is her pulling into the drive right now so how about you get going?" I suggest.
"Just give me a second Santana, jeez" Jason huffs. "I've only just got her so can't I quickly use the bathroom?"
"I'd rather you didn't if I'm honest" I reply.
"Oh come on Santana, I'll be two seconds" he says.
"Fine" I sigh.
"Thanks" he says before going to the bathroom.
"Hey babe" I smile when Brittany walks in the door. "Jason is just picking something up but he'll be away in a second once he's used the bathroom" I tell her.
"That's cool" she smiles back.
"Ok that's me Santana…oh hey Brittany" Jason says coming out of the downstairs bathroom.
"Hey how are you?" Brittany politely replies.
"Yeah I'm good, you?" Jason asks.
"Jason it's time to go" I say getting frustrated. I didn't get finished work until later tonight so Brittany doesn't have long to hang out so I'd rather not spend half of our time talking to my little brother.
"What is with you tonight, you're in an awful mood" Jason states while making his way to the door.
"I'm not in an awful mood; I'd just much rather you went home" I state.
"I'm just going, don't worry" he says heading out the door. "Oh Brittany, make sure Santana tells you everything about her coffee date with her ex on Sunday" Jason smirks.
"Jason just take the damn carpet cleaner and leave please" I snap earning a laugh in response. "Seriously go away" I say and he finally leaves.
"Let me just get this clear, Sarah is your ex and she's the one you went for coffee with the other day?" Brittany asks as we sit down in the living room.
"Yeah" I reply.
"Huh, I see…well maybe I should go for coffee with Jack in the next few days" Brittany mutters.
"Hold on a second…" I start to smirk, "are you jealous?" I ask.
"Jealous of what Santana?" Brittany asks.
"You seem pissed that I went to lunch with Sarah" I point out.
"Perhaps I am Santana because you don't see me hanging around with my exes" she states. "You never even mentioned Sarah was an ex."
"Babe, Sarah and I were never a serious thing. In fact I wouldn't even class us as exes, we were friends who kissed once or twice at a party who quickly realised we should remain friends" I tell her. "One night we both ended up alone at a party and kissed because we were drunk but there really wasn't an attraction there. I mean I'm not saying she's ugly or anything but I just didn't feel attracted to her."
"So it was only because you were both alone and drunk?" Brittany questions.
"Yes, we were just better off as friends so there's nothing you need to feel jealous about, ok?" I say.
"Jason seemed to think it was a big thing" she states.
"He only said that to wind me up because I was basically forcing him out the door. Trust me there is nothing to it plus I barely see Sarah anyway, we have coffee once a year or something and talk every few months over email" I say.
"Ok, I'm sorry" she sighs.
"It's ok. I'd probably feel the same if you were hanging out with an ex but neither of us are so let's not waste time and talk about that right now" I say.
"You're right" Brittany agrees. "So sex here or the bedroom?" Brittany jokes.
"You decide" I joke back.
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Saturday 10th December 2016
Brittany is working again this Saturday to get some extra money so I'm hoping after my run this morning she'll have a few minutes to talk to me when I go in to get coffee.
As soon as my run is over I make my way inside the coffee shop. "Hey" I smile at Brittany as I sit down at the counter in front of her.
"Oh hey babe" Brittany says looking up from what she was doing. "I'll be with you in 2 seconds, I just need to put this cake back in the fridge" she tells me.
"That's cool, just take your time" I reply. "I'm not in any rush today" I tell her. Once Brittany is sorted, she comes over and takes my order.
"So what are your plans for today?" Brittany asks as I sip on my coffee.
"Not much actually" I reply. "Hey, why don't you come over tonight where I'll cook and we can look over some of your books and I'll help you study for your upcoming exams" I suggest.
"Honestly Santana, I don't want you to waste your days off helping me. Why don't you hang out with your friends or something and have fun?" Brittany replies. "You'll be bored out of your mind helping me so just have fun" she says.
"No offence to my friends or anything but I'd much rather hang out and study with you this weekend" I say honestly.
"If you're honestly sure you'd rather study with me than go out for some drinks with friends then I'm cool with dinner" Brittany says.
"I am sure so be there for 7" I say.
"Ok babe" Brittany smiles. "So what are you cooking for me?" she asks.
"It's a surprise so you'll just have to wait and see later on" I reply. "I'm pretty sure you'll like it though so don't worry" I say.
"I'm not worried, I always like what you cook" she smiles again. "Oh I have a customer, I'll need to go just now but I'll talk to you in a second" she says before going over to serve a customer.
XXX
"Hi" Brittany whispers in my ear while wrapping her arms around me from behind.
"Hey" I say turning around to kiss her before going back to what I was doing which was cooking dinner. "Did you drive over?" I ask.
"Yeah, I brought a few of my books with me so I didn't want to carry them all so I just drove" Brittany replies before kissing my cheek.
"Someone is extra affectionate today…not that I'm complaining right enough" I say.
"Thanks for the flowers, they're lovely" she says while leaning her chin on my shoulder.
"You're welcome" I smile.
"I could just stay like this all day but I'm guessing you want me to move so you can finish cooking" she says.
"As much as I don't want you to move, I do need to finish cooking" I say regrettably.
"That's cool, how about I pour you some wine?" Brittany says while going over to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of wine.
"Thanks babe" I smile.
As soon as I have cooked dinner, we sit down and eat together in the kitchen before clearing up the dinner dishes. We're now sitting on the floor of the living room with all Brittany's books surrounding us. We're going over some of the main topic areas that Brittany needs to look at for her exams next week and then I'm going to make up some questions and test her to see how much she knows.
"How about we make this fun, every time you get a question correct I'll remove one layer of clothing and any time you get a question wrong, you have to remove a layer of clothing" I suggest.
"Ok deal" Brittany says excitedly. "Prepare to be naked Santana Lopez because I'm going to ace these questions."
"Let's just wait and see shall we?" I smile.
"I'm just saying I feel confident about this so you might want to make sure you have a blanket or something next to you" Brittany smirks. "I guarantee you're going to get very cold very quickly" she says.
"Yeah-yeah, let's just do this" I say while picking up the first card I have with the questions on it.
XXX
"Maybe we should stop there because I'm getting cold now" I say, currently wearing nothing but a bra and my boxers.
"I told you that you'd get very cold very quickly" Brittany says smugly. So far she has only answered one question wrong so the only clothing she lost was a sock whereas I really can't afford to lose anything else.
"I think you have proven how well you know this topic so perhaps we move on to something else now?" I suggest.
"You didn't say how many questions I had to answer so we should just keep going just now on these questions" Brittany smirks.
"Come on Brittany, don't be mean. I'm really cold" I whine but Brittany doesn't look the least bit sympathetic.
"Fine we can stop with the questions" she says.
"Oh thank god" I say while quickly putting my pants back on.
"Excuse me, I never said you could get dressed though" Brittany states.
"What am I meant to do then?" I ask confused.
"You can help me research the case study I was stuck with" she replies.
"Babe please just let me get dressed" I say almost whining again.
"I can't do that, you're too sexy like that" she states.
"If I have to stay like this then I want you to lose some clothing as well" I tell her. "It's only fair babe" I shrug.
"On second thoughts, you can get dressed" Brittany replies. "If I got undressed we'd stop focussing on my studying and right now I need to concentrate" she says.
"Ok" I nod before quickly getting dressed. "So is the case study on your laptop or do you have a hard copy?" I ask.
"It's on my laptop, why don't you open it up while I quickly use the bathroom" she suggests. "The document is just called case study 3" she says.
"Ok babe" I smile while logging into her laptop. "Uh Britt…"
"Don't look" she says while quickly lunging forward and closing the lid on her laptop.
"More Christmas shopping was that?" I smirk.
"Yes" Brittany laughs. "I really need to start closing my web pages before letting you use my laptop."
"It's ok I didn't see anything specific, I just noticed something about Christmas gifts" I reassure her that I didn't see anything.
"Ok good, anyway I'll be back in a second" she says while quickly kissing me and then going to the bathroom.
Brittany's POV
"Excuse me, what time do you call this?" I hear my dad ask after clearing his throat as he walks out of the kitchen to see me coming through the front door.
"There are many clocks in this house but I'll tell you anyway, its 11pm" I reply.
"Don't be smart with me Brittany, I expected you home a lot earlier than this" my dad says. "You do remember you have an exam on Monday, yes?" he questions.
"Of course I remember I have an exam on Monday, why do you think I'm holding these?" I say holding up my bag full of books.
"I don't have a problem with you going to Santana's house but this is an important time in your life at the moment so I want to make sure you're taking it seriously. I would have expected you to be revising tonight since you've got an exam on Monday" he says.
"You expected right then because I was studying. Santana cooked dinner for us and we spend the rest of the night looking over my notes and books" I reply.
"Oh is that what we're calling it now" Emma winks as she walks past.
"Piss off Emma" I say glaring at her before turning back to my dad. "Seriously dad, she was helping me study. I wouldn't lie about that because you know how much I take my studies seriously" I tell him.
"Ok sweetheart, I believe you" he smiles. "I just worry sometimes because I can see how stressed you've been getting lately so I don't want it to overwhelm you and you start to panic" he says and I think I know where he's coming from. Sometimes I have a tendency to hide away from my problems rather than tackling them head on so he's just worried I've been getting too stressed with studying.
"It's fine dad, Santana has been giving me some studying tips so I'm handling things better now" I say genuinely.
"If you ever need any help, you can always come to your mom or me" he says.
"I know dad and thank you" I smile.
"Ok well goodnight" he smiles back.
"Night dad" I say hugging him quickly before heading upstairs to my room.
"Nice studying session with Santana was it?" Emma smirks while air quoting the 'studying session'.
"What are you doing in here?" I ask, ignoring her question. "You do have your own room Emma" I point out.
"Are you honestly telling me all you did was study tonight?" she asks.
"Yes" I state firmly. "I don't know why that is so hard for you to comprehend Emma" I say while taking off my shoes and placing my studying books on my desk. "It is actually a common thing for grownups in a relationship to be able to see one another without jumping into bed all the time, you know there is more to life than just sex right?"
"Don't tell me the honeymoon period is over already" Emma says. "That's such a shame, I mean you're only 18 and you're acting like a boring married couple already."
"Why are you being so annoying tonight?" I ask.
"You need to lighten up Britt, I'm just messing around" Emma replies.
"I think you need to get yourself a boyfriend because you have too much time on your hands to annoy me not to mention you seem pretty clued up on how the perfect relationship should work so why don't you demonstrate that" I say.
"Maybe I don't want a relationship right now" she shrugs.
"Ok well in that case if you have no interest in relationships, stop being nosy about mine" I state.
"Ok fine, I can do that" she states confidently.
"Do you know something, I don't think you can" I say. "How about we make a bet, 50 dollars says you can't go a week without mentioning something about Santana and I or our relationship?"
"That's easy, deal" Emma holds out her hand for me to shake.
"Perhaps it's too easy, let's make it a month" I say.
"Ok, fine" she says not as confidently.
"You don't look so sure about that, do you just want to give up already?" I smirk.
"Don't be stupid, I can do it" she states.
"Good" I say shaking her hand. I just can't wait to annoy her about this because Christmas is coming up so Santana's firm usually takes most of the holiday off so I'm planning to see her a lot more in the upcoming weeks after my exams.
Let me know what you think.
I've decided that I will do a sequel for this story so it'll probably finish at chapter 30 and then I'll start the sequel. I'm hoping to update this as often as I can so I'm not dragging it out for too long and I can get started on the sequel.