Chapter 26

I stood in a puddle of orange juice in the middle of my new kitchen.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" I asked, beyond surprised to see Santana standing in front of me. She was smiling as she took in my situation. I sighed,

"Wait, let me go put on some clothes, this won't be a very good first impression if my new roommate walks in," I say, slipping back up to my room. "I'm super happy you're here though." I went to hug her and caught myself. Clothes first, then hug, I think.

"Jam, wait!" Santana said, laughing.

"I'll be one second," I promised. What is happening? At least she seems happy to be here; it is probably a nice break from Lima, I think to myself. I throw on my track pants and sports bra, grabbing my new UofL long sleeve tee and head back down stairs. Santana had her back to me, bent over, cleaning up the spill.

"Hey, you don't have to clean that, I'll get it," I say, bending down next to her.

"Well I don't want to live in a sticky kitchen," she said looking at me. I laughed.

"Live? How long are you planning on visiting for?" I asked, not sure what the policy was on visitors.

"Haven't you noticed all this stuff?" She asked.

"Uh, yeah, actually I noticed last night when I got home, but with practice I'm out of the house all day. She was in bed when I got home."

"Least we know you're not a snoop," she says, shaking her head. Santana walked over to a box and opened it.

"San? What are you doing? I'm going to look crazy!" I whisper, worried whose ever stuff this was would hear me.

"Really Jamie? Still not getting it eh? she said, pulling out a picture frame and handing it to me. It was a picture of San and I after the lacrosse championship. She had her arms wrapped around me. We look incredibly happy, much like the cute couple I wish we were. I look up at her,

"This is your stuff?" I ask, feeling ridiculous for taking so long to put it together.

"You're looking at your newest Cardinal Cheerleader!" She said throwing her arms up in a cheerleading pose.

"You're kidding," I say, staring at her.

"You're shocked? You should have seen my face when I walked in and saw your stuff! I couldn't believe we had been placed in the same house. I ran right to your room but you weren't home, then we kept missing each other," she said, still smiling, "then seeing your name on your dorky note this morning made me feel less crazy. I wanted to run in and jump on you but I knew you'd be exhausted."

I stepped closer to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, lifting her feet off the ground as she fit her arms around my shoulders.

"I'm so happy you're going to be here with me," I said, not being able to control the smile that was planting itself on my face once again.

"Me too," she whispered against my ear. I put her back down and looked at her.

"Wait, this isn't going to work," I say, grabbing her hand.

"Why? This is perfect. You think because we both like girls?" She asked looking at me seriously.

"They told me when I got here that housing was for athletes, what if they find out you're only a cheerleader?" I say, having trouble controlling my grin.

"Really? You're going to start this game?" she says, smacking my arm and laughing.

We sat down together while I had a bowl of cereal. Santana had asked about training and I was filling her in on how I almost threw up my first and second day. She showed me her training schedule, which looked similar to mine, however less drills and on a different field. As I was looking at her intense program, she asked me if I would help her find her coach's office. I agreed and went up to change. We headed into the village looking for her building. As we walked, our shoulders would casually bump into one another's. I was enjoying the thought of her being with me at school so much, I was afraid to ask, but decided that I had to know.

"So San, what made you choose college over New York?" I asked, not wanting to bring up Brittany's name just yet.

"Well, I kept thinking of that talk we had a little while ago about having a back up plan. I just figured you couldn't have a back up plan if you don't have an education. That, and I couldn't let you come out here alone and have all the fun by yourself," she said, bumping my shoulder again. I stop causing her to stop and look at me.

"So what you're saying is, I was gone for a week and you realized how you missed me uncontrollably?" I said smirking at her and raising an eyebrow.

"Easy champ, we need your head to fit through the door whenever we find this building," she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me along.

"You're not denying it," I say, smiling at her.

"Of course I missed you. I missed you before you left," she admitted.

We walked a little further until we found the cheer building. I followed Santana inside where she met her head coach. She looked like a younger, more normal version of Sue Sylvester. She shook Santana's hand as they exchanged pleasantries, then she turned her attention to me.

"And you are?" She asked.

"Oh, Uh, Jamie, but I'm just tagging along," I explained.

"You don't want to be a Cheerleader and support your school?" She continued.

"Um, you know, I'd love too, but I've already made a previous commitment," I reply.

"That's a shame, you have a stunning frame, you'd do well in competitive cheer," she complimented.

"Thanks," I say unsure and chancing a look at Santana, who was a second away from bursting out in full-blown laughter.

"As for you Miss Lopez, I look forward to seeing your skills on the field. Your stuff is in the corner, don't forget it," she said, turning back to San.

"Thank you Miss, I'll see you tomorrow," she said, grabbing her stuff and handing me a bag. We barely made it outside the office before we both started laughing.

"Can you imagine me as a cheerleader, I'd be too busy checking out the competition!"

We started to walk home, neither saying much until I finally spoke up.

"So, what's the deal with you and Brit, if you're going to be out here?" I say, finally asking, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.

"We're good, we're going to try the long distance thing," she said, not hesitating.

"Oh, I see," I replied.

"What?" She asked, "You don't think we can do it?"

I wanted to say no. I wanted to tell her that long distance never works out and that she should start in Louisville with a clean slate and give us a chance; but instead I smiled and said, "I feel like you can do anything."

She smiled and we went back to our quiet walk. I felt, as I normally did, discouraged at the chance of our relationship progressing. Maybe it was finally time I moved on and stopped waiting for something I'd never have.

When we finally got back, I helped her move some boxes up to her room, before heading to my space to clean up a little. I was hanging up some laundry when Santana knocked on my door. I turned around to find her leaning against the wall, wearing her new uniform.

"Wow, you look amazing," I say, unable to tear my eyes off her.

"Are you sure? It feels weird not having McKinley on it," she said, running her hand across the letters that read 'Cards'.

"Absolutely. It'll take some getting used to; not that I'll ever get used to seeing you in that," I said, wanting to take it back as soon as I said it and blushing. Santana blushed as well, "is that how you feel about your new team?" She asked.

"I miss my old one but it's a chance to move forward and meet new people," I laugh, realizing how cheesy that sounded, "expand your horizons, you know, that stuff."

She laughs and walked to my bed and lies down. I lay down next to her and she grabbed my hand.

"You think we'll be okay here?" She asks.

"I know as long as you're here with me, I'll be just fine," I reply.

"Good," she says looking over at me, "I better head to bed, tomorrow is going to kick my ass."

"Yeah, good call," I say, wishing she would stay.

The next week proved as crazy as the last, training continued to bring long days. I barely saw San, while my training began to end earlier, hers went later and we both were falling into bed at the end of the day. We finally caught up with each other on Thursday. I was lying on my bed when I heard Santana's shower stop. I made sure to give her enough time to get dressed before I went to see her.

"Hey sunshine," I said, standing in her doorway.

"Hey you," she said, smiling.

"Well, you can still muster a smile, that must be a good sign," I replied, moving towards her bed. I flop down on the end next to her.

"I think I'm dying," she said, as she stretched her legs, "I literally couldn't feel my legs on my way home tonight. However, I only felt like my lungs would explode twice today, so that must be an improvement," she said, turning to look at me.

"I think it gets a little easier, but that could be the endorphins talking," I say, looking back at her.

"I feel like I haven't seen you much this week," she said, her eyes closing.

"I know, it's crazy," I say, feeling my body starting to relax. I know I should get up but I'm so tired I can't peel myself off the bed.

When I wake, Santana is curled into me with my arm around her waist. I find her clock, 3:49am. I start to get up to head back to my room, when a hand pulls my arm.

"Don't go," she murmurs, not fully awake. I know I should, but I can't. I lay back down next to her and she moves her body against mine, taking my hand in hers. I've never felt so at home. How can something that feels so right, be so wrong?

I heard my alarm a few hours later sounding from my room. I took in my situation and didn't want to move. Santana's head was resting on my shoulder, while her hand was still entwined in mine. As I lay there, finding the energy and motivation to move, Santana began to stir. Suddenly, she rolled over and smacked her alarm clock. When the annoying buzz didn't stop, she lifted her head and looked around, "what the hell? What is happening?" She asked, still half asleep.

I laughed a little. "It's my alarm. I'll go turn it off," I say, finally rolling out from under her.

"No, you're so warm. Don't leave," she says into her pillow.

"We both have practice soon. Want to do dinner tonight," I whisper before leaving.

"Yeah, sounds good," she says, pulling the blankets up around her chin.

I take one more look at her before heading out. If only everyday started off this way, I think to myself.

Practice was easier today; after our run we spilt into two teams and had a scrimmage. The team looks pretty good. I was looking forward to dinner tonight and hearing about San's first week. I was home before her, as usual. I threw my stuff in the laundry room to be washed for my next week of insanity and then jumped in the shower. When I got out, I could hear Santana talking to someone. I felt a grin reach my face, I thought about going to dinner with two cheerleaders; not bad for my first month at college. I got dressed for dinner and threw on my best sneakers. My hair was doing its crazy after shower wave thing, so I decided just to throw it up in my usual messy bun. I practically skipped down the stairs, having trouble controlling my excitement. As I turned the corner into the kitchen, it was felt like I walked I into a wall; sitting at the table was Brittany. She was grinning ear to ear while Santana was telling her about her first week. I tried to sneak back upstairs before they saw me.

"Hey Jelly, miss me?" She asked, before I had the chance.

"More and more everyday Brit," I said, getting a glass of water.

"Hey Jam, do you mind if Brit comes to dinner with us? I want to show her around," asks San.

Seriously? I think to myself. Okay, quick thinking time. Time to abort this mission.

"Yeah, about dinner, I don't know if I'm feeling up to it. I'm pretty tired. I think I might just grab some food and head to bed," I say, trying to avoid eye contact with Santana so she can't tell I'm lying.

"Really?" She asks looking at me.

"Yeah, besides, I'm sure Brit wants to spend time with her girlfriend," I say, looking at Brit, who still had a huge grin on her face. Ugh, what I'd give to wipe that grin off for her.

"Are you sure? You're all dressed like you're ready to go out," San asks, moving a little closer but appropriately far enough away. I look at her, which was my mistake; before I looked away she could tell by my eyes.

"I'm sure, I guess it just hit me. I'll see you later," I smile and head back up to my room. I hear Brittany downstairs giggling as they leave. I lay down on my bed; frustrated.

A moment later, Santana comes through my door and stands in front of me, "I'm sorry Jam, I didn't know she was coming," she says quietly.

"Yeah, no, I understand, it's cool, really," I say, leaning up on my elbows.

She moved closer so that her legs were in between mine. She leaned down to hug me.

"You're the best," she said, stepping back towards the door. I just smiled as she turned to go.

"Yeah, feels like the best," I mumbled.

I stood up to get undressed when my phone went off. I went to check it.

Lauren: Hey Rookie, you had dinner yet? Teams getting together at the south pub. Meet us there?

I replied back saying I'd be there in fifteen. I threw on a fresh t-shirt and decided to straighten my hair.

Ten minutes later, I grabbed my keys and fake ID and headed to the south pub. When I got there the whole team and the two other rookies were there.

"Rookie's here!" Yelled Sammy, she was a defense and very loud. I laughed and walked up to say hi.

"Hey Rook," I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to find Lauren standing behind me.

"Hey Lauren, thanks for invite," I say.

"Don't thank me yet," she replied. I looked at her funny, not quite sure what she meant by that. Before I had time to ask, Sammy had brought over two drinks and was handing both to me.

"Drink up buttercup!" She hollered, before helping me tip back both glasses.

"Ugh, what was that?!" I ask, after a second to hold it down.

"A special blend Rookie, no questions!" Sammy replied.

"It changes every week," said Lauren, who was standing a little closer now.

"She can never remember what is it," she explained, laughing. Lauren handed me another drink, "it's tradition that the rookie has a drink with everyone on the team."

"That's not a bad tradition," I say, accepting the drink.

"Wait until the morning, cheers!" She said clinking her glass with mine.

"Cheers," I replied.

The night continued and I was about half way through the team and their drinks. It was a good icebreaker; I was able to get to know the team better. Although, I wasn't sure if it was the drinks or just me, but I could have sworn I kept catching Lauren checking me out.

It's hard to tell, cause at this point, I'd be checking myself out. Uh oh, how many drinks have I had?

We started dancing and I had two more people to meet up with when Lauren came over to dance with me.

"How ya feeling Rookie?" She said with a smirk.

"I'm feeling pretty good about myself," I said, laughing a little.

"Me too, and I've only had half of what you're drinking, so I can imagine," she agreed.

We continued dancing and the last two girls brought their drinks over, we stood around chatting while I gulped them back. Once I was done, Lauren leaned towards me and whispered in my ear.

"Want to get out of here?" She asked.

I looked at her; she looks pretty serious. Santana flashes in my mind but I push it away, I'm tired of waiting around.

"Okay," I answer. Lauren smiles and grabs my hand, leading me out of the pub.

"My place?" She asks.

I didn't have a chance to answer as she pushed me up against the side of the pub and kissed me. When she pulled away, I was left breathless. She smiled.

"Is that a yes?" she asked.

I grabbed her shirt and pulled her back to me. We kissed again, this time a little harder.

We finally made it to Lauren's, as we stepped through the door, my shirt was already being pulled off after Lauren had peeled hers off. She led me to the couch and straddled my legs. Her hands were tangled in my hair, as she kissed my neck. My hands were on her back; her skin was so soft. Her mouth found mine again, as we were about to move upstairs her front door opened and in walked Sammy.

"Ay oh!" Check this scene out!" She said to another girl I didn't recognize. "Guess I owe you a twenty dolla bill yo!" She said to Lauren as she pulled this girl, who was starting to look like Rachel Berry upstairs.

Lauren shook her head.

"Sorry about that," she apologized.

"It's all good. What does she owe you for?" I ask.

"We had a bet on who would get you back to our place first," she admitted.

"Oh really? Well, I guess you owe me half then," I said, with a smirk. She smiled at me and slipped a hand into my pocket.

"Want to come upstairs?" she asked.

"I should probably get back," I say, grabbing my shirt, "I have a friend coming to drop off some stuff tomorrow."

"Okay, maybe next time then," she said, giving me one last kiss.

"Night," I said, as I stepped out into the cool night air. I made it down her steps and stumbled onto the sidewalk. I guess I didn't feel those last couple of drinks until now. I used the fence as support since I was starting to see two sidewalks.

"Jamie?" I heard from across the street, "what are you doing out here?" I recognized Santana's voice as she got closer.

"Hey San, just out for a walk. What are you out for?" I slurred my words a little.

"Are you drunk?" she asked, wrapping her arm around my waist to help me balance.

"I was looking for you. When I got home, I went to see if you were okay and I got worried, I've been everywhere." She stopped when she noticed my shirt. She let me go and crossed her arms. I tried walking on my own but only managed to stumble.

"Hey get back over here," I said, trying not to giggle.

"Did you go out like that?" She said, pointing at my shirt. I looked down at my inside out t-shirt.

"Dammit, this always happens?" I said, "it wasn't like that when I left."

"Where were you?" She said, coming closer again.

"The team called and asked me out to dinner, they have traditions," I explained.

"What kind of traditions includes taking your shirt off?" She asked.

"Oh that wasn't a tradition, that was a bet. And I think I'm owed a lunch," I said, with a wink. Santana looked annoyed.

"Where's Brit the tit?" I asked.

"Yeah? That's all you got tonight?" She said with a grin, "she's sleeping."

"Ah, I see. And yeah, that's all I got right now. I thought it was pretty good. How much further?" I ask, squinting my eyes.

"We're here," she said, holding my arm to guide me up the stairs.

"So, who did you hook up with tonight?" Santana finally asked.

"I didn't hook up, I just kissed her," I said, struggling up the last step.

"Since when does kissing involve removing your shirt?" She asked.

I looked down again, "hmmm, must have been one hell of a kiss," I said with a shrug, "it was Lauren."

"Really? Your captain?" She asked, surprised.

"Hey, this could have been all yours," I said, pointing at my tag that was sticking out, "Murr, I need to lie down."

"Yeah, I know," I hear her whisper, as she helps me into my bed.

"You should take your stuff off your not going to be very comfortable," she suggests, "let me help you."

"Okay," I say, sitting back up, which makes the room spin faster. She lifted my shirt over my head.

"Lie down," she says. My room is spinning faster and faster. I feel Santana fussing with my belt and then sliding my jeans down my legs and she pulls the blanket up around me. She sat down next to me.

"Are you okay?" She asks, handing me some water, "drink this."

"I could be better," I say, taking a sip and closing my eyes. I put my hand on her leg, "we would be perfect San."

"What do you mean? We are perfect," she said, leaning to brush a hair out my eyes.

"Perfect together. I love you more than anything Santana Lopez. I've fallen in love with you and just can't get up," I said, as the world went black.

I woke up at lunch to knocking on my door.

"Morning," Santana said in a soft voice.

"Ugh, stop yelling," I said from under my pillow. She came and sat on my bed.

"Here take these," she laughed, handing me an aspirin. I pulled my head out from my pillow and sat up.

"What the hell? I feel like poop," I said, realizing I wasn't wearing much clothing and pulling the blanket up.

"Yeah, you were pretty fun last night," she said, "Do you remember much?" She asked.

I thought about my night. "I remember hanging out with the team, then hanging out with Lauren. I remember you helping me home, but don't know where you came from," I said.

"Do you remember talking when we got home?" She asked. Uh oh, I'm sure that went over well.

"Not really, I have a feeling I probably said something inappropriate," as I'm admitting this, 'Brit the tit' rings in my head.

"Ugh, Brit the tit. Guess I'll apologize for that one now," I say, with a bit of a laugh. She laughed too.

"Anything else?" She prodded. Crap, how long did we talk for?

"Um, no not really. Did I say something rude? I'm sorry for that too," I say, waiting to hear.

She looked down, then looked back at me, "no, nothing unlike Jamie," she said with a smile.

"Where's Brit?" I ask; drinking the tea San had brought up for me.

"She left early this morning."

"Oh damn, I didn't get to say goodbye," I said with a grin.

"Now, now," she said. "I made some soup, want to do lunch in bed with a movie?" She asked.

"Yeah, that sounds good," I say, getting up.

"You stay here, I'll get it. Maybe put on some clothes," she said with a smirk.

I smiled at her as she got up to leave.

"You sure I didn't say anything out of line?" I ask, taking in her unusual quietness.

"No, nothing out of line," she said. She paused at the door before heading downstairs.