Up In The Air ch. 13
When we dropped Santana off at the airport, there was definitely tears involved and prolonged hugs as that was mostly coming from the kids as they made it seem like she was shipping off for war. I know that I'm not much better as I didn't want to see her go but there's not much that I can do as she's leaving for work and it requires to travel to promote her album as I have to keep reminding myself and the kid that it's only temporary. The Latina held me tightly for a long time that she almost missed her flight before whispering in my ear that she would be back before we knew but I wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure me or herself. After that she got on the plane as it felt like a piece of my heart was up in the sky and the first week was a bit rough off as the kids would constantly ask me when the singer would be coming back which I couldn't say for sure but I couldn't be anymore grateful for Quinn and Brittany.
If it wasn't for them making sure that to take our minds off things but I couldn't stop my mind form drifting off to a certain recording artist and how she was doing right and if she was eating properly. Of course there were phone calls and FaceTime which helped us through but I know that the kids and I couldn't wait until she returns as I think that Marley misses her the most as she constantly fiddling with the butterfly necklace that Santana had given her. The Latina had talked to Bailey about using his artwork for her album and I don't think that I ever seen him this excited about something as I was bit worried that he might pass out from it all. I know that my son is talented as I was touched that the singer talked to me first about it and we settled on a pay that was satisfactory although what she was willing to pay blew my mind as I feel that it was way too much money for a ten year old to have.
I won't tell Bailey much he's actually got because I don't want him to spend it all at once as most of it is going into his college fund that I've been saving up for him since the day that he was born. All of my children have college that I have thrown all the loose change and left over money after everything has been paid for which I won't tell them about until the time comes as I want their dream to come true. I want them to be all that them can be and I think that a higher education is the best route to go as I wish that I had stuck it out when I was in school but it's a bit late for me while listening to one of Santana's radio interview on the way to work. The radio host asks about her album and she effortlessly answers his questions, making him laugh with a few well timed jokes as a feeling of pride washes over me because I know that she's been working on this and I want her to do well.
I was caught off guard when the host had asked her about anyone special in her life and even though I couldn't see her expression, I could tell from the sound of her voice and slight pause that it caught her off guard for a second but quickly regain her composure. She answers that there is someone that she's seeing but give out their name in order to protect their privacy as the host thanks for coming on the show and to be on look out for her upcoming album. It wasn't long before I arrive at work with Sam behind the register, looking up and smiling at me as I throw on my apron, clocking in then getting to work serving customers but I couldn't be anymore thankful for my lunch break because it feels like are heavy like cinderblocks. I flops down at the small table in the break room, sighing in relief to be off my feet for the time being as I close my eyes for a moment but it didn't last long as I feel my phone buzzing my pocket. I entertain the idea of ignoring it but I know that I could never bring myself to do that as I pull it out without looking at the caller id, answering tiredly before surprised by the sound of melodious laughter.
"Work blues I see, huh Estrella?"
"Santana, what I how?"
"Speechless I see. I've told that I have that effect on people but how are you? You and the ninos aren't missing me too much, are you?" Santana asked curious.
"We miss you terribly but we know that it's because of your job and you're going to be away for some time. It's good to hear your voice, Santana" I said smiling.
"It doesn't make it any easier that I have to be away from you guys and it's good to hear your voice too"
"it's only for another week or so and you're going to be gone for longer when you go on tour"
"Ugh, don't remind. Don't get wrong, I love going on tour and stuff but I'm not looking forward to being away from you for that" Santana groans loudly. "Um Rachel… there's something that I need to tell you"
"What is it, Santana?" I asked curious.
"I kinda… I kinda told the world that I was seeing someone in my radio interview… I didn't say your name or anything but I-"
"Santana calm down, I know. I listened your interview and I'm okay with it" I said finding her nervousness adorable.
"You are?" Santana asked surprised.
"I know that people are going to find out one way or another that we're dating and I'm glad that you told me as soon as you could"
"Good but I want you and the ninos to still have some form of privacy as I know that media can get really up in your business. I know that I have to be careful with the stuff that I do or the things that I post on social media" Santana said running a hand through her hair. "I don't want you guys to go through that if I can help it but thanks for being so understanding"
"No problem but how are you? Are you eating okay? Are you sleeping alright?" I asked concerned.
"Yeah, I'm eating and sleeping as much as I can. If it makes you feel better, I'm eating a bag of hot cheerios" Santana said smirking.
"You're not helping yourself and you're not cute for that" I deadpan.
"I know, I know but I couldn't help myself. Thank you for worrying about me and I'm doing okay, I promise" Santana giggles.
"Right, I have to go. My lunch break is almost up" I said not wanting to hang up.
"Promise me that you'll eat something before going to serve rude assholes apple pie"
"First off, language and secondly, I will. Call you tonight?" I asked hopeful.
"Always. Your voice is the last one that I wanna hear before I go to sleep" Santana said smiling.
"Bye"
"Talk to you later, Estrella"
I feel better after talking with Santana and it definitely put me in a better mood than when I first walk into the break room as I grab my lunch, quickly eating it before heading back into the diner. I ignore some of the leering from a few motorcyclists and having to return meals from upscale tourists as none of them can bring me down before clocking out to pick up my kids from school. I had to stop at the store to pick up some groceries and things for dinner as the kids weren't particularly fond of this but thankfully they're not one to openly complain about having to carry multiple bags of food. Harmony didn't look like she wanted to whine about her arms but Bailey whispers something in his sister's ear and her complain dies before it could leave her mouth which make proud of my big strong man. My son has always been very helpful and in some ways, my right hand when it comes to taking care of his sisters even though I try to not ask too much of him as I don't want him growing up too fast too soon but I do appreciate the help.
It's twenty minutes before we arrive at the apartment, it would've been half the time if the truck hadn't broken down on as the transmission had blown a fuse and I don't have the time or the money to repair it. Now I have to walk on foot to get done and I refuse to ask my fathers for money to fix the truck because they've done so much for me already and this is my problem not theirs as I should be the one to handle it. I was surprised to see Quinn standing outside of my apartment looking down at her phone before the twin shouts her name is when she finally notice us, smiling down at the girls.
"Hello Quinn, what are you doing here?" I asked curious.
"You weren't answering your phone so I thought I would come over but you weren't home either" Quinn said shrugging her shoulders. "I wanted to know if you wanted to come over for dinner"
"That's sweet of you, Quinn but I don't want to impose" I said shaking my head.
"You're not imposing if I'm inviting you over and Brittany's making Risotto specially for you. I know that you don't wanna hurt Brittany's feelings by showing up since I kinda told her that you and kids were coming" Quinn said looking unapologetic.
Quinn's right that I don't want to hurt Brittany's feelings as she and her wife have been but kind to me and Brittany's Risotto is to die for and I don't think that I'm up for the task of cooking tonight. Having someone cook for me is a godsend as I agree to come after I put away the groceries and the lawyer seems rather pleased by this as she follows me up to the apartment even helping me put things away.
"I saw that your truck was sitting out front but you were walking. Is something wrong with it?" Quinn asked quirking up an eyebrow.
"The transmission blew a fuse and I need to get fix it but it's so expensive to do so"
"I think that I know someone that can help you with that and give you a decent price if you want"
"Quinn, you don't have to do. You and Brittany have been wonderful lately which I appreciate more than you but I can't accept" I said shaking my head.
"It's not like I'm offering to pay for it but getting you in contact with someone that can help you. You're gonna need a functioning car to get around because you have to take your kids and yourself place and as much as I love New York, there are definitely some sickos and nutcases ready to take advantage of you. Let me help you" Quinn said placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Quinn, I-"
"I'm not taking no for an answer so you'll save us a lot of time by just going with it or would you like me to call Santana and tell her the situation" Quinn said smirking, holding her phone
Quinn and I both know that if Santana finds out that the transmission in my truck had gone out that she'll go out to find another one, hiring someone to install it which would be incredibly sweet of her but I don't her spending that much money on me. I see what Santana meant by Quinn's a beast in court and convincing people to bending to her will. I agree to meeting this person as the lawyer looks rather pleased with my answer before gathering up the kids to go over to the Fabrays for dinner.
~Nicole The Dragon Rider signing off
End of ch. 13