CHAPTER 42
A/N: Thank you so much for your kind words and support, particularly to malorafan2k15, Jacobantoniolp, Meeks bear, Judelltar, Olivia, Rizzy, Itsskik, Jaclyne, Lina Jacob2, Tamardejong, Michelle, butterflybarbie, Dan, DarkSouls3777, T.T. Bellice, JerzyMare, jjclay26, Glassy85, Berrylucky5, Lolfiction55 and the guests for taking the time to post a review, I really appreciate it! Special thanks to pjay413 who kindly agreed to proofread this chapter. I'm sorry I didn't post earlier but as I mentioned, I needed a break and finding time to write is also a real struggle on my side nowadays.
But I really wanted to post a new chapter this week and even decided to release it slightly earlier than planned so that you would all have it in time for the anniversary of Naya's passing, regardless of where in the world you come from and your time zone (Hello Australia!). This is my way to honor the life of our beloved Naya and celebrate the gift, the love and the light that she was. I hope you like the chapter!
Here is what you missed (on Glee)
Santana is hoping to sell Glee to a streaming platform and finally found a way to speak to Patricia Miller from Netflix. In an attempt to delay the Fox Board vote on the next season, she has also been working on a counterproposal to Lee's plan. While Quinn's bachelorette party is just around the corner, the girls get ready to welcome Melissa in L.A.
ON THE NEXT MORNING – AT PARAMOUNT – SANTANA POV
I am barely back in my office after meeting with the Board when my phone suddenly beeps in my hands.
FROM "ABUELA": Santana, you haven't called me in 12 days! You can't skip a week like this because at my age, I don't have much time left!
Well… there is no one like Abuela to make a missed phone call sound so dramatic…
TO "ABUELA": I'm really sorry, Abuelita… I have been meaning to call you but things have been very difficult at work and with three kids at home, I just haven't had the time.
Life has been really tough lately between Lee, my counterproposal, my fight with Naya and this insane streaming service hunting… And my little monsters definitely keep me busy too…
FROM "ABUELA": If you have time to have sex with your wife, you have time to call your grandma.
My jaw drops as soon as I get her last message. Oh my fucking God, did I read this right? Did she just…?! But actually, I don't even know why I'm surprised! Abuela has never been shy to speak her mind…
I take a minute to look for an adequate argument until I realize that there is no point because… she's basically right.
TO "ABUELA": FINE. I'll call you tomorrow night, ok?
I have barely typed my reply that I spot Quinn standing at the open door and I silently gesture to invite her to come in.
"How did your presentation go…?" She asks after shutting the door.
"Honestly, Q… I have no idea what the Board thought of my counterproposal… Not that it matters anyway." I shrug. "But I'm definitely Lee's number 1 public enemy now! Seriously, if looks could kill, I would be dead by now!"
"Well… that was to be expected, San… Your proposal is in complete contradiction with his so… he has no reason to be happy right now…"
"I guess… But you know… sometimes, I swear I just want to corner him and ask him if he even remembers that this is my show and my story! Seriously, how dare he even propose to replace us all with new characters and fire the cast that we took so long to find?" I say, getting angry. "So you know what? He actually deserves to have Glee stolen from him because he's the one stealing my show in the first place! And turning it into crap may I add! God… I'm so done with that guy!"
"I know…" Quinn says in a comforting voice. "Just keep in mind that if our plan works out, he won't have a say about Glee ever again…"
"But time is running out, Quinn… and we don't even have any serious lead!" I reply in a desperate tone. "Have you heard back from Amazon yet?"
"Um… well, yes… I got their reply while you were with the Board…" She says before silently shaking her head.
Fuck... I still had hopes that they would be interested…
"And um… there's more…" She adds in a shy tone.
"What now…" I sigh.
"We got two more rejections this morning…"
LATER THAT DAY – IN AN IRISH PUB
I take a first sip from my well deserved Martini while waiting at the bar for Brittany. Apparently, I sounded so stressed over the phone earlier that my bossy blonde ordered me to go to the pub after work, "to relax". I was reluctant to go at first because… I had no one to go with me! I can't call my usual drinking buddy, aka Naya, because things are still weird between us… Puckerman is on mission I don't even remember where and it's pointless to ask Quinn because she's now dedicating all of her free time to her wedding preparations. Fortunately, my super wife offered to keep me company and is on her way.
To kill the time until she gets here, I check my emails for the 26th time today but I sigh when I see that I still have no news from Patricia Miller… I haven't heard from her since the Netflix dinner and even though I'm dying to send her a reminder, I think it would be over the line to already do that now…
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I notice that someone is about to sit next to me.
"I'm sorry but I'm keeping this seat for my wife… She should be here any mi…" I trail off, surprised by the sight in front of me.
Without a word, Naya sits next to me and even though my eyes watch her every move, I find myself incapable of speaking.
"I'll have the same, please…" She tells the bartender, pointing at my Martini. My eyes are still set on her as she grabs her drink and takes a sip.
"How did you even know I was here…?" I eventually manage to whisper, completely confused. I have never even been to this pub before!
"Brittany told you." I quickly add as the realization hits me. Of course she did! This is just one more thing she decided to fix…
"So let me get this straight… my own wife stood me up?" I ask Naya.
"I'm afraid she's indeed not coming but… she said she'll make it up to you. So… I'm guessing you might be getting some tonight." She replies without any embarrassment, in typical Naya fashion.
"I see…" I comment. "And knowing Brittany, she's probably the one who suggested this little gathering, didn't she?" I ask and she silently nods in confirmation.
"Why did you agree to come…?" I finally dare to ask her.
"I'm sorry, have you met that wife of yours? It's very hard to say no to her!"
"Tell me about it…" I sigh, taking another sip from my drink.
FLASHBACK TO THE DAY BEFORE – AT NAYA'S - BRITTANY POV
"I'm pretty sure you know why I'm here, Naya, so… I'll go straight to the point." I say while taking a seat on her couch. "Santana is sad because she misses you… And I don't want her to be sad." I shake my head.
"Besides, I can tell just by looking at you that you miss her too." I add. And when she suddenly looks down at her hands to avoid my gaze, I know that my assumption is correct.
"I know you're hurt right now… and that you feel betrayed. I get it." I shrug. "Santana usually tells you everything and all of a sudden, she's keeping some things to herself… things that have a direct impact on you and your future… Things you even told her you were concerned about…"
"But let me tell you something…" I add, looking into her eyes. "In case you have not noticed, Santana is very much guarded. She rarely lets people in but… once you're in, you're in! And she looks out for you, always! Just take Rachel, for example… Santana would rather die than admit she loves her but I know she does! It doesn't matter that she acts all irritated around Rachel or that she throws insults at her… She will kill anyone who ever hurts her and she'll always be there for her, whatever she needs." I say. "And she loves you too, Naya… That's precisely why this situation is so hard on her! But believe me… if there is someone that is on your side right now, it's Santana."
She doesn't let go of my eyes but remains silent for a little while until she finally nods in understanding. "But… why doesn't she just tell me what's going on…?" She eventually asks with a shrug.
"Because like she told you, it's too early." I reply. "If she tells you now, she will ruin everything, Naya… for everyone involved, including you! And I know you're worried she might tell you when it's too late but Santana knows this is a balancing act! I promise you that she will tell you when it's the right time. Not too early, not too late." I say in a reassuring voice. "I know I'm being very cryptic right now but… please, you have to trust her, OK?"
"OK…" She sighs. "So… what now?"
"Now… you two need to make up because I can't stand seeing my wife so miserable. And it has to come from you because she thinks you hate her."
"I don't hate her!" She objects.
"Well, I know that! But Santana always thinks the worst." I sigh. "So… I need your help to fix it."
"How…?"
"Simple. You two just have to meet in a pub, like you always do! And the usual magic will happen…"
"But… we are not speaking right now. I can't just ask her out for a drink out of nowhere…"
"Leave that part up to me. I'll be in touch when it's time to go to the pub." I reply.
PRESENT TIME – AT THE PUB - SANTANA POV
"So… we are supposed to kiss and make up?" I ask.
"Well… that's not really our style, is it?" Naya questions.
"I guess not… But what is our style?"
"I would say…. get drunk, sing it out and then talk." She adds, counting on her fingers. "In that order…"
"Sounds good to me!" I reply. "Let's get drunk then…" I add, raising my glass to clink it against hers.
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT – AT THE PUB
After singing what felt like dozens of songs together, Naya and I have finally talked about the situation, even though I am not able to give her much information at this stage.
"I know I'm being very mysterious right now but think I should be able to tell you the whole story by the end of next week…" I eventually say.
"Don't worry, Santana… Brittany told me that this was all about timing and… I'll wait for you to be ready." She says and I smile in response.
"So… friends again…?" I finally dare to ask.
"Always." She replies with that warm smile of hers, clinking her glass against mine.
EVEN LATER – AT THE PUB
"Seriously, I'm really glad we made up, you don't even know… but the problem is that… I'm definitely drunk now." I say, struggling to articulate, even occasionally stuttering.
"I am too…" Naya replies. "But that's OK, we'll take a cab."
"Yeah but my issue is not how to get home, it's that my wife won't let me get in her pants if I'm this drunk! Dammit, Rivera… because of you, I won't get sex tonight!" I complain.
"Should I remind you that Brittany only promised to make it up to you because she didn't come to the pub? And that the only reason she didn't come to the pub was so that you and I could talk?" She says. "So… if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have had sex either, Lopez!"
"You don't know that!" I say, offended.
"Either way… I'm sure your lady parts could use some rest! Because honestly, you two have way more sex than normal people!" She laughs.
"So…? There is no such thing as having 'too much' sex!" I object. "And I probably won't have this amazing body forever so… I'm trying to get as much as I can while my wife still has the hots for me."
"Oh please…" Naya says. "I'm pretty sure that even when you and Brittany are a hundred years old and live in a nursing home, you will still have the hots for each other! Fortunately, most of the other residents will be deaf…" She adds and we both burst into laughter.
MUCH, MUCH LATER – AT HOME
When I finally get home, everything is spinning around me and I struggle to walk… Wow, I must be even more drunk that I thought I was! But despite my altered balance, I miraculously manage to get into bed silently and lay down to face my pretty blonde.
I take a minute to watch Brittany sleep and I can't help but smile. She's always so peaceful… and so pretty… I carefully snuggle up against her warm body but that wakes her up.
"Hey…" She whispers, hugging me. "What time is it…?"
"It's very late, honey… Actually, at this point it's rather early in the morning."
"Well… I guess it means you made up with Naya?"
"Yes, we're good now…" I smile. "And thank you by the way… I know you're the one who made this happen..." I add, placing a feather-like kiss on her lips. "I love you so much, wifey…"
ON THE NEXT EVENING – AT HOME
"But why on earth did you even take her to the pet store, Britt?! Her obsession for dogs doesn't need to be encouraged!" I complain, raising my arms.
I'm still hungover and all I want is slouch on the sofa and watch TV. I'm definitely not in the mood for this conversation…
"Because Sofia has been asking you for a dog for so long already and you keep making her wait, San…" She shrugs. "Taking her to a pet store to spend a few minutes with puppies was really the least I could do."
"For so long? Oh please, it's been barely a few months… what's the hurry?"
"She asked you just before the twins were born so… it's been over six months! Can you imagine how long this is for her? It's like an eighth of her life!" She argues and I just roll my eyes in response.
"Can you at least hear me out?" She asks in an unusually impatient tone.
"Fine." I sigh in defeat, crossing my arms.
"So... when we were at the pet store, your daughter fell in love with this white little dog… You should have seen how happy she was, San… She had the biggest smile I have ever seen! She kept petting it and hugging it… So I asked more information to the guy who runs the store but it turned out that this was his own dog and it was not for sale…" She says. "Sofia got so sad when I told her that the dog already had a family, it was absolutely heartbreaking… So I asked the owner where I could find one like that and he told me that his dog is actually expecting puppies…"
"Oh my god… You didn't…" I say in despair.
"I didn't commit to anything…" She shrugs. "I just left my contact details and he promised he will call me when the puppies are born… You know, in case we want one…" She adds, raising hopeful eyes towards me.
"But Britt, I told you that now is not a good time to get a dog!"
"It's not for now anyway, San… His dog won't give birth before another couple of weeks… and then he told me that it would take around two months to wean the puppies. So that means that if we were to adopt one of those… we would have it just in time for Sofia's birthday…"
"Brittany…"
"You said 'maybe this summer', honey… And last time I checked, the end of August is summer time!" She replies. "Think about it, it's the perfect birthday gift for our little girl! And it's probably better to take a puppy anyway so we can train it early on and make sure it behaves."
"What makes you think we'll manage to educate a dog? Britt, we barely can get our kids to behave!"
"They behave just fine for their age, Santana!" She argues. "Sometimes, you forget that they are not all grown up yet! And it's the same process for a dog by the way, you just need to be patient!"
"Oh then we're good because patience happens to be my strong suit!" I say, ironically.
"Come on, San…" She sighs. "Can you please just think about it?"
"Fine… I'll think about it. But it doesn't mean it's a yes, OK?" I warn.
"I know…"
ON THE NEXT AFTERNOON – AT HOME – BRITTANY POV
After much insisting from Sofia, Santana agreed to take her along to the airport where she is picking up Melissa. I'm a bit tense at the idea of having Mel here for an entire week but I know that Santana has really been looking forward to it, it was impossible to miss the excited look on her face when she left our house.
While the boys are napping, I decide to take a much needed moment to relax my mind and finally plant our very first vegetables. I'm really happy about this even though Santana is not convinced at all… I don't know how many times I have already heard her say that "we are not living in a farm" and "why would we even do this, it's going to be so much work and we'll still have to go to the store for the other stuff anyway!" But I know she'll change her mind once she sees the beautiful bio vegetables I will have grown!
LATER
I'm not sure how long I have been on my knees working in the garden but I'm eventually pulled out of my thoughts once I hear Santana's laugh from afar. When I look up, I see San and Mel happily chatting together while the latter is holding a smiling Sofia in her arms.
Here we go…
I wish I was not so bothered by her presence… but I can't help it, it's a gut reaction! But I know that I have to be nice and even try to bond with her, for Santana.
"Hi Brittany!" Melissa says with an enthusiastic smile before putting Sofia on the ground.
"Hi Melissa!" I reply as nicely as I can. "I'm sorry, I'd hug you but… I'm covered in dirt…"
"Oh, that's OK…" She says, waving at me instead. "It's really nice to see you in person again!" She adds. "And actually, it's even the first time I see you without your pregnant belly, you look great!"
What does that even mean? I didn't look great when I was pregnant…?
"Um… thanks. You look great too…" I reply out of politeness while Santana places a quick kiss on my cheek before smirking at me. She looks so happy…
"So… um… did you have a nice flight?" I ask.
"Yes, it was pretty good!" Melissa smiles. "I just can't believe I have finally made it to L.A.!"
"First time here, right?" I ask.
"Yes, first time… But now that this one lives here…" She says, pointing at Santana. "… I'm sure it's not the last!"
Oh my God, it's true… She's going to visit us on a regular basis now, isn't she…?
A LITTLE WHILE LATER – AT HOME
I'm taking what feels like the 57th picture of Santana and Melissa as they're each holding one of the twins. I don't mind her meeting our boys but taking "family pictures" of them all together is really starting to bug me.
"Thank you so much!" Melissa tells me as she looks at the pictures. "Those boys are so adorable!"
"What about me?" Santana complains. "I'm adorable too!"
"Oh yeah of course, after all you're widely known for being adorable…" Melissa mocks her and Santana frowns, pretending to be offended.
"It's unbelievable how much Gabriel looks like you, Britt!" Mel adds. "I had already noticed it on the pictures that San sent me but it's even more undeniable in person!"
Well, good that she sees it too! Maybe that will remind her that I am the mother of Santana's kids.
"Yeah… I get that a lot… He's my mini me!" I say proudly, leaning down to kiss Gabriel's cheek as he is sitting on his mama's lap.
LATER – AT HOME
After taking a shower, I'm surprised to see Santana sitting alone on the living room couch. "Didn't you say you were going to make dinner with Melissa?" I ask. "Where is she?"
"Can you believe she has banned me from my own kitchen?" She laughs. "She insisted to make dinner alone, as a thank you for hosting her… But the meal should be good either way, she said she's going to make something 'Abuela style'."
"Abuela style?" I repeat.
"Yeah, she got Abuela's recipe."
What?! I can't believe Abuela gave it to her! The old woman has always been so secretive about her recipes, it's like she's afraid we are all spies that might leak them to the enemy! I had to wait three years after marrying into the Lopez family for her to even just allow me in her kitchen!
LATER THAT NIGHT – AT HOME
After putting the boys to bed, I make my way to Sofia's bedroom to give her a good night kiss. As I open her bedroom door, I spot Melissa laying on my little girl's bed, right beside her, reading a story together. Santana is sitting by the bed, watching them, and the adoration look in her eyes is not lost on me.
It's only after a few seconds that I realize that Mel is reading… in Spanish?! What?!
"I didn't know you could speak Spanish, Mel…?" I eventually ask.
"Well… I am a Spanish and English teacher so learning the language was kind of a requirement…" She smiles.
"And she's really good!" Santana adds with enthusiasm. "So much better than Schuester ever was by the way! The kids at McKinley are lucky to have you, believe me!" She says, turning to her friend.
As I watch the scene before me, I can't help but think that Melissa would have made a perfect daughter-in-law for the Lopez. Not only do they all consider her as family already but she can even speak their language and also makes Santana laugh more than anyone else, including me…
EVEN LATER THAT NIGHT – AT HOME
I spent the last half an hour talking to Mike on the phone, to discuss the upcoming dance recital. I'm not sure what Mel and San have been up to during this time but when I join them in the living room, they are laughing out loud, watching what looks like old videos of them from when they were little girls.
"Oh honey, come watch this, it's hilarious!" Santana says in between chuckles, patting the spot next to her on the couch.
"You want a glass of wine?" She asks me while I sit as close to her as I can.
"No that's OK… I'll take a few sips from your glass." I reply, taking the glass from her hands.
"How did it go with Mike?" She asks.
"It went well… We just needed to work out the last practical details like the schedule and the order of the numbers…"
"The numbers…?" Melissa asks, curious.
"Mike and Britt throw a dance recital twice a year at the dance school, with their students." Santana clarifies.
"Oh really? That sounds amazing!" Mel comments.
"Oh it is…" Santana replies. "It's so awesome that they always blow everybody's mind! But this time, I'm looking forward to it even more because now that Sofia is old enough and Britt is no longer pregnant, I'm finally going to see my girls perform together!" She adds with a proud smile.
"You know that despite your flattery, I will not show you our number before the day of the recital, right?" I tell Santana.
"I know…" She pouts.
"So what is this?" I ask, pointing at the TV.
"Melissa found some old movies of us and brought them with her, isn't that great?"
"Yeah… that's very cool." I say, forcing a smile.
But after watching them on screen for a while, I end up smiling for real. I have seen lots of pictures of Santana as a child but it's the first time I get to watch a video of her and "Little Santana" is so damn cute that I'm pretty sure I would have fallen in love with her right then if we had met as children…
"How old were you?" I ask.
"Mmhh… I don't know, six… seven maybe?" Santana says, looking at Mel for confirmation.
"I think we were seven because I spotted my guitar in the background a few times and I was seven when I started the lessons."
What?! Mel also plays an instrument? God… one more thing she has in common with my wife…
LATER
I couldn't wait to go to bed tonight, not because I was tired but because our bedroom is the only "Melissa-free" zone in my house now! Wherever I have been today, there she was: the garden, the kitchen, the living room, even my kids' bedrooms…
I feel so guilty for feeling this way about her because I know that Santana thinks we're going to get along. But I don't know if I can… Everything Mel does is invasive: how she makes her way into the Lopez family or how she manages to turn any conversation about herself! I also hate the way she monopolizes Santana's attention - whether it's in person or on the phone. But what I really can't stand is how she acts around my children... as if they were her own.
But at least, when we're in bed, I get Santana all to myself…
A LITTLE WHILE LATER – IN BED
"Brittany, honey…" Santana suddenly says, popping her head from between my thighs. "I know I'm good but we need to keep it down…" She whispers. "I don't want Melissa to hear us…"
Well… that's really the least of my concerns! Maybe it's even in my best interest if Mel hears us having sex! But I don't even want to think of that woman right now, I just want to be with my wife.
"Please, San… don't stop…" I simply reply in a pleading tone, out of breath.
Fortunately, her tongue quickly returns to my most sensitive spot and it feels so, so good that I can't help but moan some more. After so many years together, she knows exactly how to please me…
I'm getting closer and closer but Santana suddenly stops working her magic, once again.
"Britt… I'm sorry but you really need to be more quiet…" She says.
"For the love of God!" I complain. "We're married, San! I think Mel knows we have sex."
"Yeah sure but… it doesn't mean she should hear us doing it, honey…" She says in a soft voice.
Since when does she even care about that? If roles were reversed and I was the one interrupting our sexy times, she would go mad!
"Santana…" I sigh out of frustration. "I'm not going to skip an orgasm because of Melissa…" I say in a dead serious tone, locking my eyes with hers for what feels like forever.
That woman already interferes with every aspect of my life, I won't let her affect my sex life on top of everything else!
Santana doesn't reply but her hand eventually slips where her tongue used to be and she suddenly traps my mouth into a passionate kiss. That's most likely an attempt to muffle my moaning but it doesn't matter… it works for me!
ON THE NEXT DAY – AT PARAMOUNT – SANTANA POV
"So what do you think of L.A. so far?" I ask Melissa while we are having lunch in my office.
"Well… Honestly, ever since I arrived, I feel like I'm living my best life!"
"Yeah?" I ask with a chuckle.
"Duh!" She replies. "The city alone is already amazing but… I finally saw where you live, and met your lovely kids… And now I get to hang out with you for a whole week? How great is that?"
"It's pretty great!" I reply with a smile. "And when you think about it, it's actually the first time we can spend a whole week together since we were teenagers!"
"That's true… So let's make it unforgettable, shall we?"
"Oh you're on!" I say. "And what about Paramount, did you enjoy spending the morning here?" I ask, curious.
"Definitely! I had never been on the set of a TV show before…" She shrugs. "And I'm happy that I finally got the chance to meet the famous Naya!"
"She's amazing, isn't she?" I ask.
"She is! And she can definitely mimic your facial expressions and your whole attitude by the way… It's even more striking in person! But that must be disturbing for you… don't you have the impression to hang out with yourself when she's around?" She laughs.
"I get this question so often…" I chuckle. "But even though we look alike and she's indeed very good at imitating me… we have different personalities… Naya is much wiser than me… and less impulsive."
"Well, that's not very hard…" Melissa teases.
"Hey!" I react in an offended tone, slapping her arm but she just laughs in response.
"But if you allow me to be unusually serious for a minute, I have to say that… I'm really impressed, San."
"Impressed?"
"Yes… Look at you! You're running a freaking TV show! One that features actors that are invited to talk shows and red carpet events!" She says, raising her arms in disbelief. "You actually made it, in a very tough industry… Not everyone can do that, San… And certainly not as graciously as you… because when I was on set this morning, it was very obvious that the cast and the crew don't just listen to you because you're the boss, they clearly respect you!"
"It's really huge what you have accomplished so far…" She adds, nodding. "Plus, with the money you've earned, you can support your family for years to come, without having to worry!" She shrugs. "And by the way… now that we're talking about that… I have to say that it still blows my mind: you, Santana Lopez, have three kids!" She says, showing three fingers. "And they are all so cute and adorable that I might steal one!" She adds, making me laugh.
"I'm so proud of you, Lopez…" She concludes, squeezing my hand.
"Thank you…" I smile timidly, blushing after all those compliments. "It really means a lot, you know… because you're one of the few people whose opinion actually matters to me… But… here is something else I'm grateful for: you are back in my life!" I add. "And I really love having you around, Mel… I'm so glad that you could finally visit!"
"Me too…" She smiles, before taking another bite from her meal.
"Can I ask you something?" She suddenly asks and I nod in approval.
"Um… Brittany is… um… the only girl you have ever been with, right?"
"Well… yeah…" I shrug. "I have been with a few guys before I dated her but she's the only woman I have had…"
"But how did you know for sure that you were a lesbian? I mean… what if you just love Brittany because it's Brittany and it has nothing to do with the fact that she's a girl?"
"Well… I think it's something that's always been inside of me… It's just that after making out with Britt, it was impossible to deny."
"I see… So… it was better than sleeping with men?"
"Oh for me, it definitely was!" I reply without a flinch. "I mean… It was… okay with guys I guess because mechanically, it worked but… it was so dull compared to how I felt with Brittany." I add and she nods in understanding.
"But aren't you curious about how it would have been like with another woman?"
"Not really… When you're happy, it's not something you think about, you know? But if I'm being completely honest, it crossed my mind once…" I admit. "It's a long story but when Sofia was very little, Brittany and I had this gigantic fight because she wanted more children and I didn't. And… at some point, I really feared that we wouldn't be able to fix it and I even started to think of the consequences of possibly losing my wife… Beyond the obvious things such as 'How will I live my life without her?' or 'my child will have a broken home', I started to also think of other stuff… You know, like… If I'm no longer with Britt, I would have to date? Would it even be possible for me to find a woman that I love as much? And how would it feel to be intimate with someone else?" I add. "But honestly, I don't even know if it is humanely possible to have better sex… I don't think my heart could take it!" I laugh.
"Yeah… that was pretty clear from all the moaning I heard last night." She smirks.
"Oh God… you heard that…" I say, covering my eyes with my hands in embarrassment. I knew that Brittany was being too loud! I don't know what was up with her last night, she jumped on me as soon as we got into bed! Maybe it was the wine…
"Yeah, I would have to be deaf not to hear that…" She chuckles.
"I'm… I'm really sorry…"
"It's OK, San…" She laughs. "You're both attractive women, I understand you can't keep your hands off each other…"
"So what do we do this afternoon?" She adds and I'm grateful for the change of subject.
"Well, actually… I need to go home to watch the boys… Brittany has gone all out for Quinn's bachelorette party and she has even decided to take her to a beauty salon this afternoon, to spoil her… They will do the whole thing: get their hair done, massages, makeup… So I'm afraid I'm on baby duty until I drop off the twins at Naya's for the night. Britt is not even coming back home before the party so she's going to get ready at Quinn's house and we'll meet them there. But you can go enjoy L.A. some more if you want, don't stop on my account…"
"I don't mind going back to your house actually… It's nice to chill before going out… and I would rather spend time with you and the boys than wandering alone around the city… That's why I'm here for after all…"
LATER THAT DAY – AT THE BEAUTY SALON – BRITTANY POV
The shoulder massage Quinn and I got earlier did wonders on me! I feel like I can finally start to relax, for the first time in a couple of days. And now that Mary just applied masks on our faces and put cucumbers on our eyes, Quinn and I can relax some more, just the two of us in our own quiet room.
"So… I feel we have talked too much about me…" Quinn suddenly says. "What's going on with you? Did Melissa arrive?"
"Yeah…" I sigh, unable to hide the exasperation in my voice.
"I see she has not won over your heart… Are you… OK?"
"I just… It still surprises me how irritated I get whenever I'm around her because I'm normally not like this, with anyone!" I reply. "But I don't know if I will ever even manage to tolerate her…"
"That bad huh… What is she doing exactly?"
"It's hard to explain… She's just… sneaking her way into Santana's life, more and more… It started with that impromptu meeting at the karaoke bar in Lima, and then it's brunches at the Lopez house, acting like she's their daughter-in-law… It's thousands of phone calls with Santana, falling asleep on her… She's really stealing every minute she can to be with my wife! And you should see how hard she tries to get my children's affection! I wonder where she's going to stop at."
"I must say that it sounds a little bit like she's overstepping her boundaries..." She says. "Is Santana acting differently around her?"
"No but… I don't know… they are just so close! It bugs me so much, Q…" I sigh. "I have been jealous before, of Dani or Julia, mainly because they were going after San but that's basically all it was, you know? Santana didn't really notice them… and she didn't have love for them…"
"Britt… If you feel like this, you should talk to Santana about it…"
"I wouldn't even know how to tell her, Quinn… Santana always says with pride that I'm 'the sweetest girl' and that I always like everyone I meet… She loves me for it! So how do I tell her that the first person I don't like happens to be her childhood friend?" I argue. "I don't want to hurt her feelings… She wants us to get along so bad…" I add. "And to be honest, at this point, I don't even know anymore if I have fair reasons to dislike Melissa or if it's just because I can't stand her…"
"Well… let me be the judge of that if you like? Since she's coming to my bachelorette party tonight, I will have time to observe her and I can be the objective eye to your situation…" She suggests. "And I'll help you."
"How?"
"Oh you'll see..." She says and even though I can't see her through the cucumbers, I can hear the smile in her voice. "Just don't let it get to you, OK?"
"I know I shouldn't but I can't help it…" I sigh. "You know… there is so much I can be grateful for in my life… I'm healthy, I have wonderful friends, I get to do my dream job at my own dance school… But my family… it's really my greatest joy and my greatest pride! I just don't want anything or anyone to ruin this, Q…"
"Well… we won't let that happen, OK?" She replies in a comforting voice.
LATER – AT HOME – SANTANA POV
I'm busy feeding my sons in the kitchen when Melissa walks in.
"Wow… Mel, look at you! You clean up real nice!" I say.
"Thanks!" She replies with a shy smile. "The bathroom is all yours!"
"Thanks… I should actually go get ready now considering that we still have to drive to Naya's before going to Quinn's but today, the boys are being a bit difficult… When it's not Diego that refuses to eat, it's Gabriel…" I sigh.
"I can continue to feed them while you get ready if you want?" She offers.
"Seriously? Because that would be life saving!" I admit. "But you're all dressed up and they are not exactly clean when they eat you know… I don't want them to ruin your outfit."
"It's OK… I'll put something over my clothes while I feed them, just in case…" She smiles. "Go get ready, Lopez…"
LATER THAT NIGHT – AT QUINN'S HOUSE
"I must say that you're looking fabulous, Q!" I say. "Here… let me take a picture of you and send it to Puck, it will keep him warm during his lonely nights." I add, snapping a picture. "But what did you do with my wife?" I ask, looking around.
"She was changing into her dress… I'm sure she'll be ready in no time."
"I am ready!" Brittany suddenly says, joining us in the hall. As soon as I see her, my heart skips a beat. Her golden hair and elegant makeup are flawless and that sleeveless dress fits her impeccably. Wherever we go, she's always the most beautiful woman in the room…
"God… Britt… You're absolutely perfect!" I say, kissing her lips tenderly, unable to look away. If we were alone, I would just take her right here and then…
A FEW MINUTES LATER – AT QUINN'S – BRITTANY POV
"Yeah, Mike sent me a picture earlier… Sofia was playing with Alex in the garden and she was all smiles, so I think she's fine." I tell Santana. "What about the boys?"
"They were calmer when I dropped them off at Naya's…" She replies. "But they were very agitated during dinner… We were almost late because of it! Fortunately, Mel got Diego to eat and she's even the one who discovered why Gabriel kept crying. Because let me tell you, Britt… He was crying so hard that even I couldn't calm him down!"
The idea of Melissa playing mom again with my sons immediately angers me but when I hear that Santana couldn't get Gabriel to stop crying, worry takes over my thoughts.
"Is he OK?" I ask.
"Yeah, don't worry, he is fine… But guess what? Our little boy is teething!" She says with a big proud smile. "And one tooth has already broken through so I guess that's why he was crying. Mel is the one who saw it… Look, she managed to take a picture of it… See there? On the bottom?"
I look at the picture and immediately feel a sting in my heart, for so many reasons. It's not just because my babies are growing up so fast… As I'm still on maternity leave right now, I'm the one who is with them all day long… So how could I not know that my son was teething? And why, out of all the people that hang out with the boys, is Melissa the one who noticed? But actually, I don't even know why I'm surprised. She's already proved that she would make a better daughter-in-law than me and apparently, she would make a better mother too!
Later, as we're waiting outside Quinn's house for the limo that we rented for tonight, I quickly check my phone and see that Melissa posted a picture of her with Santana and Gabriel on social networks. "First tooth for the little one!" She wrote, using the photo as if it was a family portrait, and I instantly get pissed. Even more so when I see that Maribel and Abuela have already commented. It shouldn't be up to Melissa to announce my children's milestones to the rest of the family and she shouldn't be the one sharing that special moment with Santana either!
LATER THAT NIGHT - AT THE CLUB
Once the limo arrived, we first drove to the Changs' to pick up Tina and used the opportunity to give a quick goodnight kiss to Sofia. We then went on picking up Mercedes and even Rachel who flew to L.A. for the occasion.
When we finally arrive at the club, I first lead the girls to the first floor where the pub area is. I reserved the nicest booth in the most quiet corner so that we can chat, drink and eat in peace… There are also a karaoke area on the second floor - which I knew was a must when Rachel Berry is in the house - and a dancefloor on the ground floor so... we should have a lot of fun tonight! And it really feels great to have the whole gang together again, even if we also have an outsider with us…
"So... Quinn…" I say, after having a few drinks and laughing a lot all together… "I don't know how you will feel about this but my colleague Kate lent me this bachelorette quiz game… It's cards with questions that each of us gets to ask you, since you're the bride to be… I haven't read the questions but I heard they can be pretty salacious so… if you don't feel comfortable to play, we can skip it…"
"Well… It's my bachelorette party after all so… I guess I have to get out of my comfort zone." She replies after taking a moment to think about it. "But on one condition though: you play along with me, Britt…" She adds and I understand from the look in her eyes that she's saying this on purpose. I guess she has something in mind to "help" me like she promised.
"Um… sure…" I say with a smile.
"Britt..." Santana immediately whispers in my ear. "I don't know if it's a good idea… There will probably be lots of questions about our sex life on those cards…" She adds, suddenly looking uneasy.
"Maybe but… we have a great sex life! So there is nothing to be embarrassed about!" I shrug. "Are you afraid that our closest friends will know how good you are in bed?" I say, wiggling my eyebrows.
"Fine…" She says, rolling her eyes. "But I better come off that way." She warns.
"That's the only way you can come off, honey…" I reply, pressing my lips on hers.
LATER – AT THE CLUB
"OK… Rachel, since you crossed the country to come here, would you do the honors?" I ask, holding out the cards for her to pick one.
"Well… it starts easy." She says with a smile, after glancing at her card. "Which side of the bed do you sleep on?"
"Wait… how do you tell the left side from the right side of the bed? Is it when you face the bed or when you're lying in bed?" Quinn asks.
"Lying in it, I think?" Rachel says.
"No, I think it's when you face the bed." Tina argues.
"Are you sure?" Mercedes questions, confused.
"That's 'starting easy' according to you, hobbit?" Santana asks in exasperation. "Ok girls… let's say it's when you face the bed, OK?"
"Then… I'm on the right side, Puck is on the left." Q replies, before looking at me.
"Um… I always get confused between my left and right..." I say. "San?"
"You're on the left side, Britt…"
"Oh… OK. Well there you go." I comment, before turning to Tina for her to pick a card.
"Who said I love you first?" She reads out.
"Puck." Quinn replies with a proud smirk.
"Santana…" I say, briefly locking eyes with her. I just have the time to squeeze her hand before she brings it to her lips to kiss the back of it.
"It's your turn, Mercedes…" I say.
"How many dates did you have with your partner before having sex the first time?" She asks.
"None?" Quinn says, laughing, and everyone chuckles along, except Mel that just looks confused.
"I'm sorry, Melissa…" Quinn adds. "I don't know if you saw this on the show but just to clarify: I got drunk, kissed Puck for the first time and had sex with him – which was my first time by the way – aaaall in the same night… and that's all it took for him to get me pregnant."
Melissa's jaw drops in surprise and she turns to Santana, probably to make sure it's not a joke.
"It's true…" Santana confirms. "And that's most likely the sluttiest she has ever been."
"So you have a kid?" Mel asks Quinn.
"Well… She's not mine…" Quinn replies. "I gave her up for adoption… and Rachel's mom adopted her."
"She means my birth mother…" Rachel is quick to clarify. "I was raised by two gay dads."
"I… uh…" Melissa just mumbles, obviously trying to process everything she just heard in the last two minutes.
"Yeah, I bet you didn't expect that…" Santana says, laughing.
"What about you, Brittany?" Quinn asks. "How many dates before you and Santana did the nasty?"
"Actually, it's the same. None…" I pout. "How come you didn't take me out on a date?" I ask Santana.
"Wow… so you didn't even ask the poor girl out on a date first?" Melissa teases Santana.
"I didn't even know that we were going to have sex that day!" She says to defend herself. "It was not planned, it just happened! And you know that by the way, Britt… You were there!"
"So?" I shrug. "You still could have taken me out on a date after."
"We were already hanging out together every day, it's not like you had just met me!"
"That's not the same as a date!" I complain.
"You know what? Fine! I'll take you out on a date soon to make up for the fact that I didn't 15 years ago. Happy?" She asks.
"Extremely!" I reply with a satisfied smirk, eventually making her chuckle. "But now, it's actually your turn to ask a question, honey…" I add.
"Wildest place where you had sex with your partner?" Santana reads out.
"Um…" Quinn says… "We… um…" She struggles to speak. "In the car, in an outdoor parking…" She adds shily, covering her eyes with her hands.
"Oh my God… you mean a public parking?" Rachel asks, her mouth wide open in surprise.
"Wow… I take back what I said, Fabray!" Santana comments. "That is probably the sluttiest you have ever been! I can't picture you doing it in a car!" She frowns. "Actually, I can't even picture you doing it at all, it's as gross as picturing my parents."
"Well thank you for that, Santana!" Quinn says ironically. "But for your information, it was after that six months long mission that Puck was on a few years ago… We had been apart for so long that we just… couldn't wait! We had to pull over half way… And anyway, his car had tinted glass so no one saw us! But after your comment, I definitely want Brittany to answer that same question." She says, turning to me.
"Um… I guess that for me, it would be Santana's office at Paramount." I say and everyone gasps.
"No way!" Quinn comments. "In your office, seriously? What… Did you do it on Santana's desk?" She frowns, still not believing her ears.
"No… on the couch that is in her office." I reply.
"What? But I sit on that couch all the time!" Quinn frowns in disgust. "You two are unbelievable! You can't be trusted to be left alone!"
"I'm sorry, Q… But I was pregnant back then, hormones were driving me crazy." I say.
"And what is your excuse?" She asks Santana.
"You heard the woman: she was pregnant and in need of release!" Santana shrugs. "I just did my marital duty."
"How convenient." Q comments in a sarcastic tone.
A/N: I know I'm stopping this chapter in the middle of the bachelorette party but like I have said before: I have to stop somewhere… It will of course continue in the next chapter. As I explained in details a few weeks ago, reviews really help authors so I would be grateful if you could post one (even if you prefer to stay anonymous) because I need the feedback…
As always, I have a few questions for you:
- Did you enjoy this chapter?
- What do you think of Melissa? Are Brittany's feelings justified?
- Are you happy that Santana and Naya made up?
I'm not sure when I'll post the next chapter as I will soon go on holiday but stay tuned…
Much love to anyone who, like me, misses Naya a little extra these days... Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to talk about it. Thank you for reading and thanks in advance for your reviews!
