Santana woke up the next morning around 10:30. She remembered that Puck was working this morning as she made her way to the kitchen. She saw Lauren at the table with the paper in her hands.
"Morning, Lauren." Santana said as she made her way over to the fridge.
"Hey, San." She said looking up from the paper.
"Anything exciting going on in Lima news?"
"Nothing at all. Just like every week there's about a 5 page spread on the Cheerios followed by another 2 pages of Sue just talking about things and people she finds offensive." Lauren said as the two rolled their eyes.
"Some things never change, huh?" Santana said and Lauren nodded.
"So how are you holding up?" She finally asked and Santana opened her mouth to say something but was quickly stopped. "I know you are going to say fine and all that crap just remember that you and I are very similar so I know that you're lying."
"Truthfully?" Santana asked and Lauren nodded her head encouragingly. "I'll be a hell of a lot better once today and tomorrow are over."
"Understandable. Do you need anything though…like a ride later or something?"
"No thanks. I'm used to walking everywhere in New York so I don't mind it. Besides it helps clear my head."
"Okay. Well, I think Noah gets out of work around 3 so we'll be there for both services today."
"Thanks. That means a lot. Well, um I'm going to go upstairs and get ready. Gotta meet up with everyone around 1."
Once upstairs, Santana showered and changed her clothes. She decided to take a longer route to the funeral home. She took some time to really think about everything. Her sister was dead…it was finally starting to hit her. She walked past McKinley High and a flood of emotions overcame her.
Santana honestly couldn't wait until all this was over. She knew that in 2 days she and Alexis would have to sit down for the reading of the wills. She figured after that she'd spend another 2 or 3 days or so in Lima and then head back to New York.
Santana walked into the funeral parlor and immediately heard a voice that she hadn't heard in years.
"I know….it's just tragic. I'm so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Lopez." The woman replied with a bit of a whimper and Santana balled her hands into a tight fist. In an effort to avoid making a scene, she decided to head back outside and wait until everyone else arrived.
About 20 minutes later, Alexis and her family along with Maria and John's children all arrived.
"San, why aren't you inside?" Alexis asked.
"Because I don't have that much self control." Santana said and Alexis, Karissa and Derek all looked at each other. "We have a guest."
"She showed?" Alexis asked and Santana just simply nodded.
"She's inside crying to the owner."
"Shit. Did she see you?" Santana just simply nodded.
"Who's here?" Karissa asked before reaching down to pick Madison up.
Alexis tried to but failed miserably at mouthing the phrase 'your grandmother.' Karissa had to ask her about 3 times to repeat it before Santana finally interrupted.
"Abuela." She stated and Karissa simply nodded. She hadn't seen her grandmother since she was about 9 so she appearance didn't really phase her.
"Grandma's here?" Madison asked. Her face light up with a mixture of innocence and excitement.
"Yeah, Maddie, she is." Karissa said sadly to the little girl who still clearly didn't understand what was going on.
Karissa, Madison, Adam and Alexis's children all headed into the funeral home. Derek followed in close behind them giving Santana and Alexis some time together while Santana finished a cigarette.
"So how are you doing?" Santana asked despite the fact that she absolutely hated when people asked that. She saw some tears leave her sister's eyes and felt compelled to ask.
"I've definitely been better." She said with a sad smile. "Now let's go get this over with, okay?"
They walked inside and were met by the owner who walked them through what was planned for the day. They made their way into the room and found two closed caskets at the front. Karissa sat with Madison in the front row while Adam stayed near Alexis's two sons. Derek was looking at all the flower arraignments and their mother was seated in the corner. It was clear that she wasn't exactly in the best state of mind.
"Santana! Alexis!" She called out as she slowly tried to manage her way towards her two daughters.
"Mom! Are you drunk?" Alexis said in a whisper through gritted teeth. She ushered her mother into the hallway and Santana followed.
"I'm not…I was, well I am. But can you blame me? It's not everyday you bury your own daughter."
Santana huffed at this. She wasn't surprised that her mother came actually because it was an opportunity for attention to be on her and for people to feel badly for her.
"The only thing that makes us your daughters is blood. As far as I'm concerned, Oprah is more my mother than you are." Santana said and Alexis tried to calm her down a little bit.
"Oh, Santana, you are just like your father." This seemed to make Santana even more pissed but she let it pass given their surroundings.
"Speaking of, where is he?" Alexis asked.
"Beats the hell out of me. Last time I saw him was a couple of months ago. We met in New York but I haven't spoken to him since. You know, we like to do our own thing."
"Yeah, that's for sure." Alexis muttered.
"Santana, while we were in New York, we read some of your articles. I'm so proud." She slurred out and it almost came off as sarcastic. At this point, Santana had enough and she decided to go back into the other room. "What is the matter with her? It was a compliment."
"Mom, just please, I beg you, don't make a scene. There's enough going on and we don't need anymore." Alexis said as she followed the path Santana took.
Once back inside, she noticed Santana was with Madison.
"Aunty S, why is my mommy and daddy's picture next to those boxes?" She asked from her position on Santana's lap. Santana figured that she should take Quinn's advice and explain to the little girl what happened. She took a deep breath before answering.
"Mad, did anyone explain to you what's been going on?"
"I don't know. Maybe….Aunt Alexis was talking to me when I was at her house the other day but Aunty S, whenever she talks to me I never really listen." She said the last part in a whisper and Santana just smiled at her.
"Honey, you remember when your mommy bought you that bunny a couple of years ago?" Madison nodded. "Well, remember how that bunny got sick after a few years and we had to say goodbye to him?"
"Mommy said that it was his time but that I could get a new one."
"Yes, she did. But the reason we had that memorial for him was because he died and he went to heaven. And that's why were are here today…."
"To member my bunny?" She asked curiously.
"No, sweetie. I wish that was why we were here but it's because your mommy and daddy went to heaven and are with your bunny right now….." Santana trailed on hoping that the girl would understand. She immediately saw Madison's face fall and it took everything in her not to break right then and there. .
"So it was their time…." She said repeating what her mother had told her.
"Yes. They were in an accident the other night and they….."
"But I don't want to get a new mommy and daddy." She exclaimed and Santana didn't understand at first.
"No, honey, it's not like that. Your mom and dad will never be replaced. I know that they are gone and that it may be a bit confusing for you to understand but no one will ever take their place. And by remembering what they taught you and things that you did together, you'll make sure that they never are."
"I miss them." Madison said simply and Santana nodded her head.
"I do, too. But you know even though you can't see them anymore, that doesn't mean that they are gone completely. They are angels now and they'll make sure to always watch out for you."
Madison just nodded as a few tears fell from her face. She quickly grabbed Santana and pulled her into a hug. At this point, a few tears escaped from Santana's eyes as she held the little girl tighter. Karissa was approaching and soon joined them on the couch.
"She knows?" She mouthed and Santana nodded sadly. Karissa just grabbed Santana's free hand and gave it a light squeeze. The action voiced what Karissa wanted to say. She wanted to thank Santana for doing what she was so afraid to do.
"Aunty S.." Madison finally said after a few moment. "I know that you said that my mommy and daddy can't be replaced but if they could, I would want you."
Santana smiled sadly at the girl. It was at that moment that Santana became aware of the fact that someone needed to take care of the three kids from now on. Naturally, Alexis would be given custody. Santana knew Maria wasn't stupid enough to give her that responsibility. Alexis was the embodiment of a mother. The only thing that Santana had over her was the fact that Maria raised Santana and that she had experience. Experience in the sense that Santana had been through so much throughout her life and managed to get over it and she had also managed to get out of Lima.
After a couple of moments, Santana excused herself and made her way over to her sister.
"Before I forget, everyone from the glee club I was in in high school want to sing at the funeral tomorrow….would that be okay?" Santana asked.
"Yeah, that would be great. I've seen the church's usual singer and I'm honestly surprised she hasn't died yet. But anyways, we have to start getting ready because it's almost 3." She said as everyone began to take their deep breaths to compose themselves.
The doors were open and slow streams of people made their way in. Pretty soon there was a huge crowd of people in the room and it was filled with the sounds of light conversations.
Santana stayed with Madison on the couch off to the side. Karissa and Adam were surrounded by some of their closest friends while Alexis and Derek stayed in the first row. Her mother was off mingling with people but would occasionally disappear into the bathroom. Santana assumed she was probably whipping out her flask or something classy like that.
"I don't know anyone here." Madison said quietly looking into the crowds.
"Yeah, I don't either kid."
"Lopez." Santana heard and she looked up to see none other than Sue Sylvester.
"Sue." Santana said as she stood up to greet her former coach.
"I'm so sorry about your sister. I know how much she meant to you." Sue said uncharacteristically nice as she leaned in to hug Santana.
"Thanks, Coach. I appreciate you coming."
"Of course. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. I hope to see you around sometimes under better circumstances." Sue said before she excused herself.
"See you know someone…." Madison stated as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Correction, I knew her….she was my cheerleading coach." Santana informed the girl and she smiled when she saw Madison's mouth drop open.
"Crazy cannon lady?" Santana smiled at this and nodded. She used to tell Karissa stories from her high school experiences and Madison would always listen on. She decided to tell some other crazy Sue Sylvester stories until someone caught Madison's eye.
At the same moment, Santana noticed that her former Glee club members were all entering. Sam's mouth entered before everyone else. Santana searched the crowd for anyone that she could distract herself with but sadly, everyone else was mingling already.
"Hey, San." Noah said as he hugged her. Lauren quickly did the same before they both joined her on the couch.
There was a comfortable silence between the three. Santana didn't mind it. Despite the fact that she'd never admit it, she was glad that they had joined her.
Mike, Tina, Sam, Finn, Rachel, Kurt and Blaine all came up to her and gave their condolences before taking up the seats in one of the rows. Lauren soon excused herself and joined them.
"Your mother showed, I see." Noah said finally.
"Yeah, surprising, huh? She's wasted, too." Santana said with a bitter laugh. Noah just simply put his arm around Santana as she rested her head on his shoulder. "You guys can sing tomorrow." She said after a few moments of silence.
"How'd you know about that?"
"A little birdie told me….." Santana smirked as her attention went to Quinn who was entering the room.
"I'm not surprised…..but thanks, it'll mean a lot to all of us. Everyone's so conflicted about how to help you."
"I don't need any help, Noah. But I'll admit that I'm happy I have you." She said with a light smile as Noah brought his other arm around Santana to hug her.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you two are one adorable couple." Quinn said as she approached the two. Noah and Santana started to genuinely laugh hysterically at Quinn's comment.
"I love Santana…but you know in that whole lesbro kind of way." Noah clarified as he got up and offered Quinn his seat. Before excusing himself, he leaned down to hug Santana once more. She took this as an opportunity to whisper 'I love you' in her friend's ear. He just simply nodded and hugged her tighter before making his way over to the other glee clubbers.
"I saw your niece." Quinn said when Santana looked over at her. "God, she's just the cutest thing…..and the older one is a spitting image of you and your sister."
"Yeah, I'm so sure that's a good thing though. They're going to be heartbreakers and Adam's going to be a stud." Santana said proudly looking at Karissa and Adam.
"So I take it someone explained to Madison?" Quinn asked and Santana just raised her eyebrows. "When she saw us…I mean me, you could just tell from her eyes despite how excited she was."
"Us?" Santana questioned Quinn's slip up.
"You know, the rest of the glee clubbers….." Quinn trailed on hoping Santana would buy it. Santana decided to let it go even though she knew that Quinn arrived a couple of minutes after everyone else.
Santana nodded as she began to look around. Quinn took the time to give Santana's hand a little squeeze. It was at this moment that Santana noticed that Brittany's mother was entering and that Brittany was following closely behind. Madison had seemed to take up a permit residence on Brittany's right leg. Santana smiled at her niece. From the moment Madison met Brittany even at such a young age, she always liked the girl and Santana really couldn't blame her. Her line of sight went up to Brittany for the first time in 5 years. She looked the same. Maybe a little bit older and definitely more mature but everything else was exactly how Santana remembered.
She took a deep breath as Brittany and her mother said their hellos to some people that they passed by.
"Santana, honey." Karen said sympathetically as she approached Santana. Brittany was still a bit behind due to a combination of Madison on her leg and she was addressing the other glee clubbers. This woman had become such a mother figure in Santana's life but now it was almost as if she was a stranger. Santana nodded as she stood up to greet the woman. "I am so sorry, sweetie. God, if there's anything I can do, please let me know."
"Thanks, Karen."
"Hi, Quinn. I can't say it's been long since I've seen you." She said with a little hint of sarcasm being that Quinn was staying at her house. Karen went on to talk to Santana about some things when Brittany finally made her way to the group. She didn't say anything. Instead she just simply looked into Santana's eyes with a sad smile.
Sensing the tension and awkwardness, Karen left to go talk to Alexis. Santana shot Quinn a look as if to warn her that she better not leave. Madison finally detached herself from Brittany's leg and went straight to Quinn.
Just over Brittany's shoulder, Santana could see that everyone from Glee's attention was locked on the reunion of the Unholy Trinity; but even more so, the reunion of Brittany and Santana.
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Cliffhanger….hope you all enjoy and I hope you figured out who I'm pairing Santana with. ;p