Santana Pov
Within the next three months we went through a lot together. Spencer's appointments that started off easy soon turned harder for us to hear, we would watch her recount her past with Hailey. Every session Dr Sullivan would dig deep into the younger girl's dark past. Britt and I held hands through every session. Brittany made sure never to miss an appointment and Mike was more than supportive of her reason to no longer teach her five o'clock class on a Saturday and her Friday lunch break was spent with us after Spencer's school finished for the year.
Spencer had withdrawn more as the weeks went by not wanting to go to her last two dance classes. Ivy would sleep over but she was reluctant to go and stay with Kurt and Blaine. Her outbursts at home became a problem when she was told off. She would go into a state of shock where she was pulled back to a time where she wasn't safe or she would become a little violent towards us. Dr Sullivan said that this was expected as she was now able to express herself in a way where she wasn't in constant fear. When she was frozen it was worse as she would shrink back into the little girl I found on the steps and not the bubbly little girl she was.
Through the last month we all faced changes. The school year finished so I had free time to spend with Spencer but I was working with Brittany so Spencer would come to the studio most days, sitting with me or joining Britt in a class. Work wasn't too bad and everyone was nice about Spencer coming but hopefully the week after the trial we had her signed up for a soccer camp, it was only through the day so it wasn't so much a camp but she would be there all day and Alex Morgan would be making a special appearance so Spence seemed excited about something.
That was another thing Dr Sullivan had talked to us about. The activities that she was so immersed in changed as the days went by. Addison warned us that bringing up the past won't change her likes and dislikes but that she may feel as if the past may take them away so if she pushes them away before someone else can it's her taking control. Spencer's mind emotionally is of an eight year old's but because of her not being able to express herself it's harder for her to go between these bad memories and the present good actions.
My mom rang after every session to see how we were doing before conferencing with Dr Sullivan. She never asked me or Brittany for the details, it separated her from it. I envied it but I knew the moment she didn't do that she wouldn't be able to prosecute Hailey without going all crazy ass grandma.
Carlos and Emily came over every week showing that they were in this with us and had already made sure they would be with us in Lima for the trial. Brittany's mother and father were sure to come with us too.
Driving back in Lima was a struggle, Spencer had developed anxiety whilst attending her appointments so we decided not to fly, she wasn't prescribed any medication which I was thankful for but promises of love and giving her unlimited hugs only go so far to help her. She slept most of the way but when she was awake she got upset about our pending destination.
I felt completely powerless. I did what I could but I wasn't the one who would be putting the woman in prison for what she did. I had done everything my mom asked of me to ensure the best result. The only thing left that Britt and I had to do was testify.
Spencer was a wreck about being left with Puck who had flown down to look after her whilst they were in court, Mercedes had offered to watch her but my mom had called her as a witness. The only thing that kept her calm were the cats which had sat in their carry cage through the car journey and found a spot on my mom's couch.
This morning was the first day in court and I was dressed in a grey pencil skirt and blazer with a white blouse and my Jimmy Choo's. Brit was in a black high waited pants and a white ruffled blouse. We walked behind my mom who was dressed almost identical to me.
Puck was staying with us so that Spencer could stay at home and be comfortable.
We walked into the small town court house with all eyes on us. It was no secret about the case and people looked on impressed to see my mom back here as a prosecutor after so many years. The arresting police officers stood to the side of the court room door where Britt's parents, sister and Carlos were stood waiting for us.
They called the case and my mom, Carlos and Brittany's parents walked into the court room.
Carlos Pov
We sat waiting for a few minutes before Hailey walked into court in a floral dress, she was handcuffed until she was sat in a chair next to her public defender.
"All rise for the honourable Judge Veronica Hastings."
We all rose to our feet as the judge walked in from her chambers. She took her seat and welcomed in the jury. Once we were seated the judge opened up the court for my mother.
"The case we are here for is for multiple counts of child abuse by the defendant towards her biological daughter. The child that was subjected to this abuse is six and has been away from this woman for nine months after she was left on a door step in New York." My mom gave the jury two pictures. The first was dated a week after Santana found her and the other taken two weeks ago. The difference between the two pictures was unbelievable, in the first picture she was sickly thin, and you could tell that even with a week of food, baths and comfort she looked like a street kid. The next picture was of her playing with Magic, She was smiling through a laugh, she was more than just skin and bones. She looked like what a six year old should look like.
"As you can see the first picture is taken a few days after CPS filed their report. The little girl wasn't given life outside the home that Miss Blake had, she never went to school so she was never given a chance to get help. I will not justify leaving a child on a doorstep that is not at a safe haven but luckily for the little girl that was her safe haven. Leaving that little girl was the best thing the defendant ever did but that doesn't make it right. It is a crime."
"Not only did the defendant neglect the young child she physically and emotionally abused her. The defendant deserves to serve a sentence for the abuse inflicted on the child."
My mom nodded at the Jury and sat back down giving the floor to Hailey's public defender.
"Miss Blake left her daughter in a safe place, she thought what she was doing was best for her daughter. My client disputes any allegations of abuse, she was just a strict parent trying to teach her child what was right and wrong. She and her partner at the time who is the child's father were struggling money wise which put a strain on their parenting and their relationship. The child is six and often made up stories in the past to occupy herself." I gritted my teeth and clenched my first at their insinuation of my niece.
He nodded to the jury and the judge.
"Your first witness Ms. Lopez." The judge spoke.
"I call Doctor Addison Sullivan to the stand." Addison walked through the entrance of the court room. She took her oath before taking a seat.
"Dr Sullivan can you present us with your credentials?"
"I have a Doctoral of Physcology, Bachelor's degree in Councelling Phsycology and three Masters degrees in clinical psychology, clinical counselling, educational psychology. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)"
"Thank you. This case is based on the words of a six year old and you are more than qualified to help us understand whether or not to believe these words. You have treated Spencer Lopez for the last three months correct?"
"Yes."
"So you have a pretty good idea on whether she is telling the truth?"
"Yes."
"What supports the abuse accusation."
"Their is no doubt that Spencer was abused by the defendant and her ex partner. She shows signs of both Emotional abuse and physical. I have spent the last 12 weeks her trust and having her tell me of the past abuse she has received. I have spoken with her adoptive parents and the change in the child has been that of an abused child. She forgot her life 9 months ago for a while. She felt things these past months that every child should feel from their parents but up until the time she spent away from the defendant she had never. She has told me of the abuse that she sustained, things which you and I know not to be normal but to this child it was. She was left for days locked in a room without food, left in her soiled underwear and treated in such a way that she doesn't understand what is right and wrong."
"You have notes on this abuse?"
"I do. There should be a copy of these." My mom nodded. She walked back to her desk picking up her file and pulling out fourteen copies of the notes. She handed one to each of the jury, one to the judge and the last to Hailey's lawyer.
"So in your medical opinion this child was abused both emotionally and physically?"
"Without a doubt."
"That will be all thank you."
"Cross examine?" Hailey's lawyer got up from his seat and buttoned his suit jacket.
"You state that in your opinion that the child was abused. Are you sure that a child of six isn't just fabricating a story?"
"A child can fabricate a story but no child can show lack of emotion towards a story. A child will express themselves to gain more from a story. Spencer Lopez does not show any emotion when she speaks of her time with Miss Blake. A child who suffered abuse will build walls to protect them it is a defence mechanism, Spencer shows this when she is asked a question about Miss Blake and her partner but once away from them as a subject she shows emotions." The lawyer nodded and sat back down. The judge motioned for Dr Sullivan to step down to which she did and sat behind us.
"I call Doctor Emily Pierce to the stand."
My girlfriend was escorted up to the dock and gave her oath.
"Miss Pierce you are a third year surgical resident at New York- Presbyterian hospital correct?"
"Yes."
"What is your relation to the defendant?"
"She is my cousin."
"Are you close?"
"No."
"But before this you had no issue with her?"
"We didn't really get on as kids but she was still family until now."
"Alright and what can you tell me about Spencer?"
"She's a great girl but she's had a rough past."
"And you know that how?"
"I conducted a series of tests on Spencer."
"What did the results show?" My mom passed out another fourteen pieces of evidence.
"She has 9 fractures that healed but were never listed in any medical records. She has another two breaks, one on her arm above her elbow and another on her collarbone, both did not heal well. Her blood tests show that she has a large calcium deficiency, a vitamin B12 deficiency that has started to correct it's self."
"Does she have any other medical problems that weren't listed until after she was in the care of Miss Lopez?"
"She has an allergy to nuts but Hailey would have known this as she has the allergy herself."
"Thank you Doctor Pierce." My mom left the floor for the other lawyer who didn't have any questions for her. She stepped down and came to sit with me.
They called Brittany to the stand next.
"Miss Pierce what is your connection to the defendant?"
"She's my cousin?"
"How did she come to know you would be in Lima for Easter weekend?"
"I invited her after seeing her in New York."
"Are you close?"
"No. She was family and family has always meant a lot to me."
"So you don't count her as family anymore?"
"We will always be related I cannot change that but as far as her being a part of my family that is over. I cannot have someone like her in my family anymore."
"What is your relationship with Spencer Lopez?"
"I am her dance teacher and we live together."
"Do you love her."
"More than I can ever show."
"The defendant pleaded guilty to assault against you correct?"
"Yes."
"Do you think she is capable of abusing a child."
"I know she is."
"Thank you." My mom sat down.
"Miss Pierce when you saw my client in at your house did you claim to be the child's mother?"
"Yes."
"Is this true?"
"Yes."
"Legally?"
"No."
"So you lied."
"I love Spencer like my daughter."
"Yes or no Miss Pierce."
"Yes. But-"
"Miss Pierce did you aggravate my client to attack you?"
"No I told her many times to leave the property."
"No more Questions."
"I think it's time for a recess." The judge announced. I watched as the lawyer whispered something to my mother to which she nodded.
"Mami. What's happening?"
"They want a deal."
"You're not gonna let them have it are you?"
"I will if it's what Santana wants." I nodded and watched her walk out the door to talk to my sister.
Santana Pov
I sat outside the court room bouncing my knee as Dr Sullivan, Emily and Brittany were called in to testify leaving Mercedes to share tight smiles as we waited. We were interrupted by my mom walking out the court room followed by everyone else.
"What's going on?"
"The judge called for a recess. Santana come with me." I followed my mom into the restroom where she locked the door.
"Hailey's lawyer asked for a deal. They know they aren't gonna get anywhere."
"Why. Why would you offer them a deal?"
"I don't intend to offer them anything less than the maximum sentence of 18 years but I want to know if they'll take it then this will be over now. We won't have to come back until this is over."
"Offer her 15 with the chance of early parole if she gives up the name of Spencer's biological father. I don't want to go through this all over again I want all loose ends tied up."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I want to be in there as well."
"Santana I can't."
"You can."
"I'll ask." I nodded and let her unlock the bathroom door. We walked out and I went to Brittany instantly pulling her into a kiss.
"Woah San. What's going on." She said as she pulled back.
"I can't tell you but we'll be back in a little bit. Alright." She nodded and I joined my mother who was waiting for me down the hall.
"Really Mija that couldn't have waited."
"Nope."
"Maybe I should just give you money to buy the ring."
"Nope I'm saving myself for that."
"Good. I'm not getting any younger."
"You do realise you just told me to marry Britt and I told you I would."
"Santana we are about to go in a room with the woman who abused your daughter and my granddaughter I want the best thought in my head so I don't do something that will land me on the opposite side of that table. Here." She took off her wedding ring and engagement rings. "They were always yours but maybe you can take the diamond out and sell the gold put it towards your ring."
"But Mami."
"My marriage was over a long time ago and I accept that. It's time to move on."
"Is that your way of telling me you're dating?" I asked as we knocked on the judge's chambers.
"Santana focus."
"Mami."
"We'll talk about it later." She said as the door opened.
"Veronica do you mind if we use your chambers to talk over a plea bargain?"
"Of course." She stepped out of her chambers back into the court room while we waited for Hailey and her lawyer.
When they came in they sat in two chairs across the room. Hailey is once again hand cuffed.
"You want to talk a deal?"
"Well the trial isn't going well, there is no way she is going to win."
"We can offer you 15 years with the chance of early parole on one condition."
"15 years is a bit much."
"It's better than the 18 without parole."
"What's the condition."
"You give us the name of Spencer's father and testify against him. You will have to plead guilty and give us a statement that matches the findings of the doctors and a statement of the abuse the father caused." They whispered to each other before Hailey nodded.
"Fine." My mom shook the lawyers hand.
"I'll draw up the deal and have it to you by eight tomorrow to sign." The nodded before my mom asked the officer of the court to ask the judge to return to her chambers. My mom explained the deal to which she had Hailey sign a statement that a deal was in place and would plead guilty after the signing of the deal. Until then the trial would end for the day but would resume unless the document of the deal and statement were signed. Both lawyers signed the paper after Hailey.
We walked back to our family and friends.
"Let's go home."
"What why?" Brittany asked.
"She's taking a deal."
"What?"
"She will plead guilty and serve 15 years with a chance of early parole but she must give us Spencer's father."
My mom thanked Addison for help. We decided to change Spencer's sessions to every two weeks just in case she developed any underlying problems. She wished us the best outcome and left to go to her hotel.
"Well I say we go for lunch and celebrate." Robert said after we said goodbye.
"Breadstix?" I asked happily.
"I say we go get Spence and ask her." Brittany added as she put her arm around my waist. The rings in my pocket felt a little heavier. My mom, Britt and I took my mom's car back to the house with the others following.
"Spence? Puck?" I shouted through the house only to find Puck with a face full of bad make up on jumping with the small blonde on the trampoline. I quickly took a picture and sent it to Quinn with the caption. ' How pretty is your princess.'
Britt and I walked into the garden and shouted for them.
"Hey baby, do you wanna go get some dinner?" I asked as she ran into my legs.
"But Uncle Puck said he was gonna make me pizza and then take me to the park." She said looking up at me.
"We can still do that if you want?"
"Can we make pizza?"
"We can do that tonight if you want but how about we go get something for lunch instead. We don't have to worry anymore the mean lady wont be able to touch you ever again."
"Really?"
"Really baby. Where do you wanna go."
"Breadstix."
"That's my girl."
"Puck go wash your face we're going for dinner."
"But he's a princess."
"No he's a jester. You are the princess." She hugged me tighter before running off to get her shoes.
"Really Noah you let my daughter turn you into a clown."
"What can I say, the Lopez girls have an effect on me."
"What would Quinn say if she heard you say that."
"Actually she loves how good I am with Spencer so it gets me extra boyfriend points."
"So that's why you let her put all that shit on your face."
"No I let her do this because she looked like a sad chipmunk when you left."
"You're loosing your badass points."
"Hey I'm still badass."
"Sure now go wash your face Bozo." Britt giggled as he nodded and went to wash his face.
"That was mean."
"Babe he knows I don't mean it. I'm so lucky." I said as I leaned back into her hold.
"I'm so glad Hailey took a deal."
"That's not what I meant. Spencer has all these great role models in her life, I took everyone for granted before her. Especially Puck."
"He's always been there for the people he cares so you're right we are so lucky." She kissed my cheek. "Come on lets go check that the cats have biscuits. We waited for Spence and Puck at the door. Puck came down with a duffel bag over his shoulder.
"What's that?"
"You'll see after lunch." He winked as he walked past us and out the door. The three of us followed him out while Britt sent a text to her mom to let her know we were going to Breadstix.
Since it was lunch it wasn't really that busy so the waiters were happy to push a few tables together for us. My mom ordered a bottle of champagne for the table and asked if they would make a small strawberry milkshake in a champagne glass for Spence. The waitress happily smiled at my moms request, and gave the table their menus.
The waitress and a waiter came back pushing a small trolley with the champagne bottle inside an ice bucket and and Spencer's milkshake next to it. The waiter held a tray full of flutes with strawberries in which he placed in front of each of us before opening the bottle and filling each of our glasses.
"To Maribel and Spencer." We toasted my mother and daughter. We all lifted our glasses before taking a sip.
"So what exactly happened?" Susan asked.
"Let's just say they know they were losing the battle and we gave them a chance to live with the consequences behind bars for 15 years." Everyone nodded at my mom's description once again toasting her.
The waitress came back taking our orders of salads, and burgers. Both our mothers got a chicken salad while the rest of us got burgers and fries. We let Spencer choose her food first so most of us copied her.
"Hey Britt where is your younger sister?" Puck shouted down the table.
"She should be at home. Why?"
"No reason don't you wanna text her to come join?" He said with a wink.
"Seriously Puck what is going on."
"I have a surprise but I can't tell you until the youngest pierce gets here." Britt texted her sister telling her to come meet us and asking if she had eaten yet. We ended up ordering her a burger to. It took her a little over five minutes to get here after she was dropped off by her girlfriend.
"Hey guys." She said as she took the vacant seat next to her me as everyone greeted her.
"How come you didn't invite her in?"
"She's taking her younger brother to park he wasn't allowed to go to some stupid soccer thing so she's taking him to play there after they have lunch."
"They're going to the park to play soccer?" Puck almost leaped out his seat.
"Yeah?" Izzy sounded confused by his outburst.
"No reason." Luckily the food showed up as he got settled back in his seat. Half way through my burger I realised I never asked why he wasn't allowed to play soccer.
"Iz how come he wasn't allowed to play?"
"It's a kids birthday party for a child in his class, they're going to some soccer dome party but the coach told the mother of the birthday boy he wouldn't be able to go."
"Jack's autistic. They said they wouldn't be able to handle him if he had an outburst."
"That's horrible."
"It's not the first time either. His school wouldn't let him join in at their sports day for the same reason." Everyone shook their heads in disbelief.
"What's Autistic?"
"Autism is where someone doesn't think like we do but not in a bad way sometimes they just can't control all their emotions and it just builds like a bomb that has to explode but they don't always know how to express this so people don't understand. What people don't always know is that people who have autism or are on the autistic spectre are sometimes the most intelligent people but sometimes people just hear the word autistic and forget everything else about the person."
"So how come they don't let him join in?"
"They don't understand him, they think if he gets upset he will get angry and throw a tantrum. I don't know him but that's what a lot of people think. Some boys and girls don't like to be touched when they have autism but you don't know unless you know them and like I said a lot of people don't try."
"That's not nice."
"It's not. It's like how some of the kids in your class won't talk to you because I love Brittany."
"I don't like them, you shouldn't not talk to people for things they can't control."
"Exactly honey."
"Guys I'll be back in a bit don't go anywhere." Puck got up with his burger hanging out his mouth slipping on his jacket before he ran out the door. We all sat their a little confused at the mans odd behaviour.
It was nearly twenty minutes before he came back holding three bags.
"Finally." I said he came in.
"Sorry I guess I should tell you my surprise." He put the bags down and picked up his duffel bag. He unzipped it and passed everyone their named package. It seemed that the Lopez's, Puck and Mercedes were given a red bag while the Pierce's were given a blue one. We each opened ours finding red soccer shirts with our 'names' on them. We had
Mama Lopez
Papa Pierce
Mama Pierce
Dr Lopez
Dr Pierce
Dancing Pierce
Wingman Lopez
Little Pierce
Puckster (Not a) Lopez
Arethra (Not a) Lopez
Spencer's top was different it was red with blue stripes and on the back it read.
Spencer Lopez-Pierce.
"So I thought we could celebrate everything with a nice soccer match for Spencer but after hearing about that little boy I thought maybe if Iz can text her woman we could have our own sports day and soccer party?"
"Puck this is amazing."
"I actually have to tell you something. I'm gonna go back to school and become a P.E teacher."
"Seriously?" Brittany asked.
"Yeah and I was wondering if you need any help with the pool at the studio I have my life guarding certificate so I can always help when you need."
"What happened to you?" I asked completely astounded by the man in front of me.
"I have some great people in my life. But enough about me I got another two blue tops and a red since Lacey has agreed to meet us at the park in half an hour. I thought that your girlfriend and her brother could be on your team if that is alright?"
"I'll text her but I'm sure they would love that."
"So I got a load of cones, some white spray paint, some poles for hurdles, some sacks and some bean bags and I got some medals."
"Wow."
"I just want to get her back to her old self and no kid deserves to feel pushed out."
"Alright well we will need to go back to our houses and change." My mom settled the bill before we went back to our respective homes to change. We met back up at the park after twenty minutes. We all put on jeans and our tops with a pair of trainers.
Caroline and Jack turned up about five minutes later.
"Hey guys so we heard you couldn't go to your party so how about you join us?" Britt went over to the two with Izzy.
"Thank you he's been upset all day."
"It's no problem. Puck over there has some tops for you, I don't know what size he got but you'll be in the right colours." She pointed to where Puck was spraying two lanes on the grass.
Once they were in their tops that surprisingly fit perfectly they came back over to us.
"So we know you're Caroline-"
"You can call me Caz."
"No problem. So Caz and Jack I'm Brittany this is my girlfriend Santana. Her daughter Spencer is over with Puck, then you have her mom Maribel, brother Carlos and Mercedes who are all in the red and then in the blue we have my mom Susan and my dad Robert, and my oldest sister Emily."
They both nodded as the pointed to each person.
"So we're just waiting on one one more Lopez then we can start playing if you want?" The young dark haired boy nodded at me. "Alright well you can go join Spencer and Puck if you like." He looked to his sister who nodded before he ran off.
"Seriously thank you." Caz Breathed when he was gone.
"You can thank Puck this was all his idea."
"Yeah but you didn't have to agree."
"Why wouldn't we, he's just a kid trying to have fun and fit in."
"My mom was so upset when she was told by the other parent as he was already given an invitation and had gotten so excited about going. She's already had enough of his exclusion at school so after all that coming here is gonna be great for him. So how exactly are we gonna play soccer."
"Actually Puck went and got a few things so we could do a sports day for him, Spencer has never had one either so we thought we would do a few races and then play some soccer games before having a match. If that's okay with you sorry we didn't ask."
"Seriously you guys are the best." She looked down. "I don't get it?"
"Get what?"
"Why you would do this."
"Well Spencer loves soccer and Puck had already set this up considering the last couple of months we've had. We just thought since you would be here anyway why not make a big thing of it."
"But you don't have to do the sports day thing."
"Iz come here for a sec." Britt shouted to her sister.
"What's up? Everything alright between you."
"You need to kiss her. She's a little concerned about why we would do the sports events for her brother."
"Ohh." Iz pulled Caz away from us and behind a tree before pushing her girlfriend against it. Considering how Caz looked you would think she would be the top but the way she followed Izzy she was definitely a bottom. She pulled her back to us without saying anything.
"Do you get it now?" Britt asked the blushing brunette.
"I think so." She smiled and pulled Izzy into her.
"Alright then I think it's time the Lopez's beat the Pierce's." I said smacking Britt on the ass and running off. She ran after me after catching me she hugged me around my waist, lifting me off the ground. I screeched out her name in surprise making her laugh. She put me back down with a kiss to my cheek. Lacey walked over too us holding a pack of water since we completely forgot about that.
Puck had spray painted the field with white spray paint creating running lanes, throwing targets and a football pitch.
"Alright so I think we should start off with a relay race. Pierce's vs Lopez's sports day extravaganza event one." Puck fist pumped the air.
Both teams split, half of each standing at one end of the lanes. Spencer and Jack started the race off, Jack high fiving his sister first before Spencer high fived me. The race was won by the Pierce team which Puck wrote down on a board, keeping score.
"Alright then one on one races next. Spencer Vs Jack, Santana Vs Britt, Lacey Vs Em, Mercedes Vs Caz, Mrs P Vs Mrs L, Mr P vs Carlos, Iz Vs Me." He called out making us line up and get ready. He stood at the finish line so he could make sure who won. When it got to his race Britt swapped palaces with him. Spencer, Britt, Lacey, Caz, Susan, Carlos and Puck won their races. The afternoon went on like that where we raced and competed against each other. Puck had managed to set up a very good sports day with more than enough events. We had sac races, hurdle races, three legged races, wheelbarrow races, fake egg and spoon races before we took the bean bags and played bean bag ski ball and hot potato. The teams had drawn on points so we all got a gold athletics medal. We sat down for a little bit to have a drink before we walked over to Puck's Soccer field. He pulled out a white Adidas ball and put it on a penalty spot.
"Penalty shoot out first, I'll be goalie. Ladies first." He said as he stood in front of the goal. Spencer went first scoring, then Jack who also scored but when the red of us went only Britt Izzy and Carlos scored. Puck gave them all another medal before we started playing since it was getting late in the afternoon.
Puck was our goal keeper while Robert was theirs. The couples out on the field were competitive using silly tactics to out do one another. Britt and I were probably the worst, I think it had something to do with the stress and weight of the trail being off our shoulders. She would pick me up if I had the ball or I would hip check her a little rougher than normal, the worst was when she decided to slide tackle me sending the ball away from my feet but I tripped over them and ungraciously landed on top of her. She laughed at me until I kissed her to shut her up. Spencer came and kicked me lightly.
"Mami, Mama stop. We're supposed to be playing." We pulled apart.
"Sorry baby, Mama hurt me when she tackled me so she was just kissing me better."
"But Jack just scored so we're losing."
"It's alright honey sometimes we win and some times we lose it just happens."
"But I like to win."
"Everyone does but losing once in a while makes the thankful for all the other times you won and makes you want to win again. Come one we can still try." We were down by three goals but I didn't want to ruin her day. In the end they still won by two goals but we managed to score a few more before we finished the game. Puck brought out seven football trophies and seven medals. The Pierce's got the trophies and we got the medals which made Spencer a little mad but she was happy to have three medals at the end of the day.
"I want to thank you again for inviting us."
"It's no problem we're just glad you guys had fun."
"Still thank you. Jack?"
"Thank you."
"No problem Buddy."
"So we're gonna have to head to the store to get things to make pizza so we're gonna head off if that's alright."
"That's fine, my mom probably has dinner waiting for us."
"I'll walk with you babe." Izzy said as we all said goodbye.
Britt and I went to the store while Spencer went with everyone else back to the house. We were just about to go to the check out when we bumped into someone.
Naomi stood in front of us with a smashed jar of pasta sauce at her feet. I looked at her and I didn't feel anything, I never thought that would happen. The hate and love I once felt for her was gone, I didn't care that she was stood next to me. I wasn't her Cheerio lesbian secret anymore and I didn't feel like the same person I was in high school. She hadn't even said anything and I already knew I'd be alright no matter what she said.
"Lezpez?"
"Naomi."
"Well you haven't changed have you?" She motioned to Brittany and the fact she had her hand in my back jean pocket.
"You know it's not really an insult when it comes from you." Britt stepped in.
"Don't you remember how you were just my little joke, you didn't even put out. I was just trying to let off some steam without looking like a slut but it didn't work, at least Brad begs me for a fuck now." she brushed off Brittany's comment.
"I'm glad I didn't put out but you know what at least I'm not still living life like I'm still in high school. Come on Britt." Britt pulled her hand out my pocket and wrapped it around my shoulder, glaring as we walked around the girl who's jeans where splashed in sauce.
"Santana. Blondie won't stay long with you being such a frigid bitch." Britt stopped and turned around.
"You know your boyfriend is only with you because he spreads your legs like butter."
"You don't know shit. Did I hit a nerve? Do you need to go somewhere else to get some. Is that it?" She smirked as I grabbed Britt's hand trying to pull her back.
"Actually you really missed out. Santana is amazing in bed." She smirked back at my ex.
"I didn't actually want to sleep with her." Britt turned back to look at her.
"Sure and you aren't staring at her ass." I pulled Britt to the checkout and paid for our food.
We walked home in an uncomfortable silence. Only did I speak up when we got onto my mom's street.
"Britt what was that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why did you let her get under your skin."
"She's your ex I'm kinda obligated to hate her."
"I get that but why did you let her bait you."
"I don't know, I didn't anticipate bumping into your ex and her being such a bitch. I'm sorry I reacted that way. Are you mad at me for saying you were good in bed?"
"I'm not mad I just didn't expect you to say it."
"I'm sorry. I won't talk about our sex life."
"No it's not that. I just I dunno of course we're having sex, we live together I don't even know why I'm bothered."
"Is it because she's your ex?"
"No I don't think about her in the way I used to. I don't feel anything for her not even hate."
"Are you insecure about or sex life?"
"No. I guess I just don't want her thinking that's how she can get to me. I was so happy to give myself to you. I dunno why I'm upset about her getting to you."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
"No it's not and I know that right now you don't know how to put it into words so think about what makes you upset and we will talk about it at another point. I won't way in on something like this again."
"I know why I'm annoyed it's because I should have stood up for myself but even when I feel nothing I still don't feel like I can stand up against her. I can hold my own with just about everyone else but not her. I always said it was because of how she made me feel but now I don't know but I do know one thing it's not your fault and you did nothing wrong. You stood up for me so thank you. You can always stand up for me Britt but sometimes I like to fight my own battles."
"I get it some people just get under your skin no matter how hard you try not to let them. How do you feel about coming out and lying on the trampoline tonight, look at the stars with me?"
"That sounds perfect."
"Come on then we've got a hungry six year old and a man child who are probably complaining about us being late." She said as we reached the house we walked in and just like Britt said both Spencer and Puck groaned from the couch complaining at how long it had taken us. Britt and I went straight to the kitchen pulling out the five pizza bases and toppings out. We turned on the oven and spread everything out onto the side.
"Guys come do your pizza or come and tell us what you want!" I shouted through the house to everyone. My mom shouted down that she wanted chicken fajita that she and I would share, Puck and Carlos wanted everything, Emily and Britt would share a ham and Pineapple. Spencer made herself a half extra cheese and pepperoni pizza which we would probably finish for her. We were only able to cook two at a time so we left them in the kitchen to warm up when each piazza was cooked.
Britt had set up 'Home' for us to watch with dinner. We all enjoyed dinner and the film, the film was a hit with everyone. My mom went upstairs afterwards to have a shower and get an early night and since Spencer would be sleeping with her as Puck was in the guest room I took her for a bath and got her ready for bed. Coming back down Britt and Emily were whispering something while Puck and Carlos watched a football game with a few bottles of beer. Emily nodded to the door as I came in making Britt turn to me and smile. She sat further on the couch, opening her arms slightly allowing me to sit on her legs and lean into her.
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing just our plans for tonight."
"Anything I don't know about?"
"Well we were just discussing if I should go get some champagne for us and some beer for these three?"
"We're up for more beer." Puck piped up.
"Sure you are. It's up to you babe." I said while turning and straddling her.
"Do you want to?" She breathed against my lips. She often did this when she wanted to make out since she knew it sent shivers through my body.
"Yes." I whimpered against her lips. She kissed me slowly but held my hips tightly.
"Britt stop. Big sister here does not want to see that."
"Seriously guys get a room." My brother complained.
"Hey it wasn't like we were doing anything."
"San you may wanna check your hands." I looked down to where my hands had moved subconsciously to her breasts.
"Oops sorry."
"So Britt are you gonna get that beer or what?" Puck asked keeping his eyes on the TV. I slid off her lap and let her go.
"Babe actually can you do me a favour?"
"Sure, what?"
"Will you get me a box of cigarettes?"
"Sure any reason why?"
"I just fancy a smoke I won't if you don't want me to."
"I have no problem with it as long as it's not an everyday thing."
"No just after a stressful day or when it's a nice night."
"Alright anything particular?" I just shrugged not caring what brand she got. She kissed me goodbye and left. She text me to meet her outside after five minutes. She placed the bags inside as I walked through the door.
"I wasn't sure if you wanted one now or not?" She said as she handed me the box and a lighter. I unwrapped the pack taking one and putting it between my lips. Britt watched me the whole time so I took it back out.
"Are you sure you're alright with it?" She nodded but didn't look away. I put it back between my lips and lit the the end with the lighter. Taking a long drag and rolling the excess on my tongue before exhalling. I closed my eyes at the familiar taste and exhaled. Before I could take another drag I was pinned against the wall of the house with my girlfriends lips against my own. I happily kissed her back careful not to move my arm that was holding the smoke.
"What was that about?"
"I never thought someone smoking could be that sexy."
"Well you know I love you on your bike, maybe me smoking is your guilty pleasure."
"Too bad we don't get to see them enough." She winked before she moved so she could hold me from behind as I smoked the rest.
"Do you not want a bike in the city?"
"I rent one when I need a drive but it's not worth all the time. The city is a dangerous place for a bike."
"For you or the bike?"
"Both but mainly me, I don't trust city drivers. I find that most of the people there aren't concerned for anyone but themselves."
I nodded as took my last drag and threw the end away. I exhaled before we went inside.
"What took you so long?" Puck came running straight to us and took the beer.
"We were just outside."
"Wait a second I smell smoke, cough them up." Puck smiled and held his hand out for a cigarette. He took it and went outside.
"Santana."
"What Carlos."
"You know what."
"I'm not in high school and I'm not addicted."
"Not now you're not."
"They were there when I needed them."
"So what you need them again."
"No I wanted one. It's one box."
"That will lead to more."
"Carlos." Britt tried to get him to stop.
"What will Spencer think. Are you going to smoke in front of her. You're gonna win in court there is no reason for you to have them."
"Carlos she's your sister."
"Brittany stay out of this. Santana what are you doing? Give me them now." Emily looked shocked by Carlos.
"Carlos don't talk to Brittany like that. I'm perfectly fine."
"No you're not if you need them."
"Carlos I'm an adult I know what I'm doing."
"I wasn't there last time to stop this so I will now." He went to grab the box offf me, I just shook my head at him and walked outside. I sat down on the floor and leaned against the wall lighting another smoke. Britt came out after me.
"So you wanna tell me what that was all about?"
"You're gonna get the wrong idea?"
"I'll try and stay open minded."
"First off I don't need these, I honestly just wanted them and I won't ask again if it's gonna cause this much of an issue."
"San it's alright." I took a deep breath before I begun.
"Back in high school when I was a sophomore after Carlos and Mercedes left I had just about no one to turn to. Of course I had glee club but without my brother it didn't feel the same. So I was alone with my parents going through a divorce because of me, I had a 'girlfriend' who wouldn't acknowledge our relationship, we were just Cheerio best friends which killed me inside. Everything just became dark so I became what was expected of me. I hid every part of me again I went to every party and got beyond drunk every time, I smoked to relieve the stress I was causing on my body and the stress of my family disintegrating. I spiralled down into a person who wasn't good, who wasn't me. I was a bitch to everyone and I made out with every guy at parties. At a party Puck was hosting I got drunk, or at least I thought I was drunk I had been roofied. I was roofied in the time it took me to go outside and have a smoke. I came back in and grabbed my drink again, danced with a few guys and that's all I remember."
"Oh god San I'm sorry."
"It's fine nothing happened. At the time I thought it was unfortunate that Puck had watched me all night and wanted more but I couldn't be more fortunate. He watched two boys take me off the dance floor and guide me upstairs to a room. I was lucky that Puck followed because by this point I didn't have a clue. He found me passed out on his bed with my skirt above my hips and them trying to get their pants off. He through them out and everyone else at the party. He covered me up and sat against the wall watching me all night. When I came to he told me what happened and that he was sorry that he had let that happen and that he was sorry it happened at his party. He held me as I cried and asked for Naomi. He rang her, she cared for once and came over to get me, it was then that he knew about us. He tried to get me to talk but I denied everything about us like she told me too until he took me out for dinner instead of going to a party and there she was, draped over some guys lap. Puck was there when Carlos wasn't ,he would let me drink and smoke because he knew I was drowning on the inside but he always watched after me. He doesn't have a good family life so we stuck together."
"I'm glad he was there."
"Yeah well he rang Carlos after the whole thing and you think what you saw back there was bad, that day he drove back from college to give me the worst big brother speech. I never felt like a failure to him until then." I flicked the end away.
"How about we go for a ride? Let you get away for a bit and blow off some steam."
"What about the champagne and stars."
"They will still be waiting for us when we come back."
"We can just stay here Britt I'm fine honestly."
"I know but I still think we should go."
"Okay just let me go and tell my mom I'm going out."
"Alright, I'll go tell Emily and ring my dad to let him know we'll be coming for my bike." She helped me up off the ground before we went our separate ways.
I knocked on her door lightly before putting my head in.
"Mami, Britt y yo vamos a salir un poco. ¿Está eso bien?" (Mami, Britt and I are gonna go out for a bit. Is that alright?") I whispered to her from the door.
"¿Está todo bien? Por supuesto que puedes ir, pero ten cuidado." (Is everything alright? Of course you can go but be careful.)
"Sí Mami, sólo queremos ir a dar un paseo." ( Yes Mam,i we just want to go for a ride.) She nodded and watched me close the door. I walked straight downstairs and out the door without casting a glance to the front room.
We walked to Brittany's parents house holding hands but not saying much. When we got there we just went straight in the garage, getting her bike. She drove us to the same clearing as before. I loved the quiet.
We sat down against the rock just enjoying each other's company.
"Who knows?" She asked but I knew exactly what she was asking.
"Puck, Carlos, Mercedes, Quinn, Lacey and now you."
"Your mom doesn't know?"
"No, I couldn't tell any one for a while and I sure as hell couldn't tell her. Puck told Carlos who told Mercedes then I told Lacey and Quinn last year when we got drunk and they were trying to set me up with some girl who was drunk too, not my finest hour. I don't wanna think about the person I was before that happened. I wasn't a nice person and I got one hell of a wake up call that put a stop to it but I'm not sure who I would be without it."
"Everyone needs a reason to rise up. Back then this was it and now you've got Spencer. You rise up everyday for her, I see it and it makes me fall even more in love with you."
"So you don't think I'm a fuck up?"
"Nope. I was arrested for possession of weed when I was 16, it was nearly possession with intent to sell since I had my friend's stash on me while he was getting rolling papers and I was sat in the park high off my ass."
"Weed, Really?"
"Yeah I smoked it for about a month after a knee injury, I was lucky to get a warning."
"Any other drugs?"
"Nope and I won't be doing it again. You?"
"I've tried weed at one of those parties but I learnt the bad way that you don't try it when you're completely wasted. It put me off for life but at least I can say I tried it."
"So I was wondering since I love you and I want to spend my life with how you want to spend it?"
"I want to graduate then go to law school and then move back here. What about you?"
"I want to move back here and start a studio."
"What about your New York studio?"
"Mike has half of it so he could buy it if he wants or we could still own it together I just wouldn't teach there."
"What about marriage, do you want to?"
"I do. I will wait however long you want but I will marry you one day."
"What if I don't want to get married."
"Then I'll be your partner. I don't need a piece of paper to prove how much i love you."
"That's good but you don't have to worry I'm not opposed to marriage."
"What about moving here, where would you want to move to?"
"Our parent's neighbourhood. It's kind of perfect like how we grew up there and our kids will to."
"Speaking of kids how many?"
"Well Spencer will need at least another sibling, so maybe two more?"
"Do you want to carry?"
"More than anything."
"What if I want to?"
"I'll carry the first and you can carry the second."
"Why should you carry first."
"Well I'm older and I have my career, you will be starting yours."
"So you want kids soon?"
"I always wanted to have kids earlier than later but yeah I guess I do want them soon but like I said we have a few things to do before we get there."
"Do you honestly think we'll be together forever."
"I know that I love you. I love you more than I've ever loved someone else and I find that the love I feel for you grows and changes the longer we're together. I love you and Spencer with everything I am so yeah I think we'll get our happy ending."
"I love you too Britt."
We sat there for a little longer before we decided to go back. Once back Britt parked her bike on the driveway. We carried our helmets into the house, leaving them by the door before walking to the fridge and getting our bottle. Emily had left us a little note letting us know everyone had gone to bed so we wouldn't be disturbed. I grabbed the bottle while Brittany grabbed the glasses. I sat between her legs on the trampoline as we sipped from our glasses. It felt like home, like I was her perfect puzzle piece.
She finished her glass first, laying it next to us before holding me tighter, she moved my hair off on shoulder so she could have access. She kissed my neck a few times before leaning her chin there.
"What you thinking about?"
"Us, here and home."
"What about it."
"It's gonna get harder when we get home."
"I know, we have work and school."
"I promise we will get through it all."
"I love you." I finished my drink and crawled off the trampoline to put the glasses down. I crawled on top of my beautiful girlfriend claiming her lips. I wasn't on top long before she flipped us, I wrapped my legs around her hips pulling her flush against me as we kissed. Her right hand travelled to the button of my jeans but I pulled back shaking my head as it popped open. She nodded and moved her hand back to holding herself up. We kissed until we were physically incapable. Britt rolled over pulling me on top of her, she held me all night. we ended falling asleep out there.
My mom woke us in the morning.
"Santana wake up right now. You're gonna make yourself sick if you sleep out here again without a blanket." She shouted from the other side of the trampoline.
"We're coming now Mami." I pulled my hand from under Brittany's top and pulled myself up only to be pulled back down.
"Where do you think you're going?" She said as she softly kissed my lips.
"I was going to go shower since I have to go to the jail with Mami."
"You were gonna get up without giving me a kiss."
"I thought you would join me in the shower."
"I was thinking about going for a run if that's alright?"
"Of course. Go get ready and I'll see you when you come back." We climbed off the trampoline and walked inside to find everyone at the table. Britt and I kissed Spencer before going upstairs.
After I showered I got ready and met my mom downstairs. I grabbed a slice of toast and filled a travel mug with coffee. We were just pulling out the driveway when Brittany ran up. I rolled down my window letting her kiss me and wish me good luck with a promise to look after Spencer while I was gone.
I had never been to a prison before, it was exactly as you would expect. It was a run down building surrounded by fence with barbed wire. There were prison guards patrolling the grounds and a guard on the main gate. We showed our I.D's to the guard who let us in.
Walking in was hard for me the smell hit me first. We were searched and had to hand over all our jewellery and bags. I wasn't able to bring anything but myself while my mom could only carry the file and a pen. We were led down a corridor past a few cells and inmates who were making there way to the cafeteria. We were sitting in a room with Mr Davis Hailey's lawyer. She was escorted by a guard who stayed with us through the whole process, for our safety.
Hailey gave us everything we needed so she signed the deal that my mom had written up.
"Good luck finding him. I haven't seen him in almost two years." She laughed before she was taken out of the room. We shook the lawyer's hand and walked out with him. We drove straight to the court house to file the deal with Judge Hastings before going to the police station so they could get a warrant for Spencer's father.
At the police station we were seen by Officer Bernard again who brought us straight to his desk.
"So what was the name she gave you?"
"Brandon Reid." He nodded and ran the name through the system.
"We have three Brandon Reid's who have been arrested in New York City. Do you know his age?"
"Twenty Eight."
"Ahh this isn't good. We have one who matches that and he was arrested 20 months ago for distribution of a Class A narcotic. He was killed in prison just over a year ago."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry we won't be able to do anything more for you." I was extremely put out by the news since we had given Hailey time off and since we had already given her the deal there was nothing more we could do.
We went back home to find Brittany teaching Spencer a new dance in the back garden. She saw my face and came to the kitchen where I got myself another cup of coffee.
"What happened?"
"He's dead."
"What?"
"We gave her the deal but Spencer's biological father is dead, he died in prison last year."
"I'm sorry baby."
"I'm just glad it's over with."
"Me too. Come on, let Spencer show you her new dance." She pulled me outside to watch my daughter.
We spent the rest of the time in Lima not dwelling on our original reason for being here, We even pointed out some of the houses in the neighbourhood that we thought would be perfect for when we move back.
Thanks for reading! Please R&R!
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