Abducted
Chapter Four
Creek…Creek…Creek
The rusty chains to the old swing creek as they sway back and forth. Soft lips. Crickets chirp in the tall grass close by. Exploring hands. Small bugs swarm the only source of light; the headlights to the Pierce family car. Warm tongues tangled together.
A heart beating so loudly she could hear it…wait, is it hers? Yes, it's definitely her heart. The kiss is exhilarating, soft and firm at the same time. It's like nothing she had ever experienced before, not even with her ex secret girlfriend Dani.
Poor Dani. Santana can't help but feel guilty for the pink haired girl. Life had been flipped upside down for the Latina ever since she went to the DMV to take a drivers permit test, and she forgot about Dani. Santana never wanted to break things off with her in a phone call, she didn't want to be that girl, but, she had no other choice.
There was shouting. Dani was mad Santana had kept her in the dark for so long. Feelings were hurt, and tears were shed, but, now? Now Santana is on cloud nine kissing a very pretty girl in the park. How the kissing started is a blur, however, she doesn't care.
Wait. Does Brittany care? Is this just a drunk kiss she'll want to forget tomorrow? Will she pretend it never happened when they go back to school next week?
Question after question is swirling around her head increasing her with anxiety. Old, rusty chains, soft lips, chirping crickets, exploring hands retreating, bugs swarming headlights, warm tongues no longer tangled. Oh no. Have her fears been confirmed? Was this just a mistake, or had the events from the day and night been leading up to this all along?
Friday Morning
The first thing that came to mind when Santana walked the halls of William McKinley high school after cheer practice; it's too early for this shit. She spotted him right away. Hard not to, the bright red dye stood out in a crowd. Santana guided Kurt to a nearby ladies restroom to help him clean the cherry cold slushie off his face and head using a sink.
"Who was it this time?" She asked as she did her best to get the cold beverage out of Kurt's hair.
"Does it matter?"
No, she supposed it didn't, though, she could guess it was someone from the football team. It always is. It's the third time it's happened this week. After she finally got the drink out of his hair, Kurt replaced his shirt with a dry one he carried in his book bag.
"Maybe I could get them to stop." Santana suggested.
Kurt scoffed. Using a mirror he attempted to style his hair. "It's a nice sentiment, San, but they're not going to stop being bigots."
Santana's heart dropped. "No…I know. I just…I…I mean I'm co-captain of the cheerios. If they knew we were friends, maybe they'd stop throwing you in the dumpster or throwing slushies at you. Social status has to count for something, right? Otherwise, what's the point?"
Kurt looked surprised. "You would do that for me?" Santana nodded. "And you don't care what the other cheerios, or the football team think of us being friends?" He was skeptical.
"Who cares what the peasants think?" She flashed a weak smile, though, as soon as the words left her lips she was very aware of the hypocrisy. Here she is telling her friend the opinion of other people don't matter and she had hidden a part of herself from not only her peers, but her family, as well.
The corner of his lips barely turned up. "If only." He sighed then turned to walk out of the restroom.
"Right." Santana followed Kurt out just to be pulled back in by Brittany.
"Perfect timing. You can keep me company while I fix my makeup." The tall blonde said whilst searching for something in her book bag.
"Looks fine to me." Santana said quietly, though, not quiet enough.
"Just fine?" Brittany teased then continued her search.
Santana was grateful the taller girl couldn't see her cheeks turn crimson. Although, if she were caught, she would insist Latin people don't blush. "Perfect." She whispered hoping Brittany didn't hear this time.
Finally, Brittany found the lipstick. "Had to borrow the lipstick from Quinn. My cat Lord Tubbington stole my favorite lipstick." Just when Santana was about to ask if she heard the blonde correctly, she added, "I know the cat wouldn't steal it, it was my little sister, but if she knew that I knew it was her, the game wouldn't be as fun."
"You have a little sister?" Santana smiled.
Brittany nodded. "And a brother. They're twins."
"Cute."
Brittany finished applying the lipstick. She put it back into her purse then made sure her high ponytail didn't have a hair out of place before facing Santana.
"Do you need a ride to the party?"
Santana shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm sure my brother is going, too, I could hitch a ride from him."
Although, they may not be bff, ever since their talk on the roof Puck had been a lot nicer to Santana already. He doesn't give her the cold shoulder anymore, and this morning on the car ride to school, they sang along to the radio together after discovering they like the same band.
The brunette didn't miss the look of disappointment on Brittany's face before she quickly covered it up with a smile. "Sure, no problem." She wanted to say something else when the bell rang. Together, they rushed to homeroom.
There are multiple reminders that Santana is now living in a small town. It still blows her mind how fast information and rumors spread. Period after period she felt like everyone was talking about the party at Josh Coleman's house. Who was going, who they were going with, and what they were wearing.
Santana was over this party and it hadn't even started yet so during her free period she wasn't happy when Mercedes asked her if she were going.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Cool. You need a ride? My older brother promised he would drop me off." Mercedes said.
"No, I'll probably go with my brother."
Mercedes is confused for a moment then the realization hit her. "Oh right, I remember reading on JBI's blog that Puck is your older brother. You haven't talked about him."
Santana lifted one shoulder. "We weren't getting along until recently." She admitted.
"Ohh family drama, do tell."
The Latina narrowed her eyes. "If I do will JBI come at me with a bunch of questions and a camera and microphone in my face?" She asked skeptical that her family problem won't spread as fast as lightening around the high school.
"Of course not. I consider you my friend, I wouldn't do that to you."
Without telling Mercedes the private conversation she had with her half older brother on the roof of the Lopez home, she explained they had a hard time adjusting to not being a only child anymore, however, now they're getting along better.
"Siblings fight, that's normal. But I can't even imagine what it's like for you to discover that you were taken away from your family. For what it's worth, it seems like you're handling it well."
Is she? The nightmares had made it difficult to sleep, she's getting to know her family and at times it's still kind of awkward, then there was the outburst when Alma came to visit. Santana hadn't spoken to her since and wondered if she would visit again anytime soon, or if the woman is going to avoid that for now, not wanting to get yelled at again.
Fortunately, she didn't have to think about that any longer, as the bell rang. She scooped up the homework she was working on then moved on to the next class, and that would be math. The brunette stopped at her locker for the book. It's too heavy to be carrying around all morning in the red and white book bag coach Sylvester recently gave to the whole cheer squad.
"Excuse me."
Santana closed her locker to reveal a slightly shorter brunette wearing the ugliest outfit she had ever seen. The carousel sweater is paired with a ugly skirt and stockings. Who wears stockings? Somehow she managed to dress like a institutionalized toddler and a librarian at the same time.
"I'm Rachel Barbra Berry." She smiled. "Mr. Schue informed me you have been thinking about auditioning for glee club and as team captain I thought it my duty to recruit new members. We need more people to be able to compete. Have you made up your mind?"
Santana opened her mouth to answer the question, however, Rachel doesn't appear to know how to stop talking.
"Do you not speak English?" Santana defensively crossed her arms over her chest. "GLEE CLUB IS FUN!" She shouted. "SWAYING IN THE BACKGROUND AS I SING CAN BE FUN!"
"I speak English, hobbit!"
Rachel took a step back out of fright and offense. "There's no need for name calling."
Santana took a deep breath to control the anger slowly building inside of her. "I haven't decided if I'll audition yet, but, if I do, and I get accepted, what makes you think you'll be the only one getting solos?" She challenged.
The shorter brunette's lips turned up into the fakest smile Santana had seen. "Of course everyone has a chance at a solo. If you could sing better than me, it's yours."
"Glee club is every day after school?" Rachel nodded. "I'll see you there, hobbit."
Once again word got around the school and eventually to JBI about Santana Lopez, co-captain of the cheerios, will be auditioning for glee club at the end of the day. She did her best to avoid him, but, he and his friend holding the camera are surprisingly fast.
"JBI here with the Santana Lopez, co-captain of the cheerios." He said to the camera then turned to Santana, microphone in hand. "Are you aware that glee club is social suicide?"
Santana's blood is boiling. Not from the question. She couldn't care less what anyone had to say about her auditioning for glee club, her love for singing trumped their opinion. It was how nosey everyone in this town can be. They need to mind their business.
"Is it a problem for you that we're auditioning?!" Puck asked appearing out of nowhere.
Both Santana and JBI are surprised to see him.
"You…are auditioning…for glee club?" JBI asked causing other kids near by to stop in their tracks, also surprised to hear Noah Puckerman will be auditioning for glee club.
"You got something to say about that?!" He shouted raising one of his fists.
JBI and his friend ran away and the other kids continued on their way to class.
"Thanks." Santana mumbled, feeling grateful, but, vulnerable. "But you shouldn't have started that rumor."
"It's not a rumor."
The brunette raised her brows in shock. "Oh.…" There's a moment of silence. "You don't care what the rest of the football team think…your friends?"
He shrugged with one shoulder. "Someone inspired me to not give a shit." The football player grinned before continuing to his next class.
Santana needed a minute to process and recover from what just occurred before she continued to the cafeteria for lunch. She used to sit alone until recently. Brittany had suggested they sit together away from the cheerleader's table. The tall blonde was already at their table eating a packed lunch from home.
"Hey." Santana greeted Brittany with a smile.
"Hi." Brittany smiled back. "What's for lunch today?"
Santana looked down at the tray. The main meal appeared to be a pizza, though, it's very doughy. There isn't much sauce or cheese. The side dish looked to be a variety of fruits drenched in high fructose corn syrup.
"Umm, pizza…maybe…and fruit…possibly."
The other cheerleader chuckled. "What is your opinion on turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise sandwiches?"
"Not exactly a top five but still good." Santana answered honestly.
"Okay." Brittany laughed. "Have half of my not-top-five-sandwich."
"Thanks." Santana chuckled, taking the sandwich from the blonde. When she did, their fingers grazed. At the same time, they gasped and looked in each other's eyes.
She felt as if she were drowning in blue eyes, in the best way, of course. The brunette had never thought she had a preference for certain colored eyes, however, she hadn't seen any as beautiful as Brittany's before.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
Santana nearly jumped out of her skin. Quinn and her little pet Kitty appeared out of no where. The two blondes sat opposite Santana, next to Brittany with Quinn in the middle.
"Most people say hi, hello, or even hey to greet someone."
"You're actually auditioning for glee club?" Quinn asked ignoring what Santana said.
"It's social suicide." Kitty added.
Santana took a deep, calming breath. "Yes, I'm auditioning for glee club after school. I like to sing and getting to outshine that man-hands-Berry would be the cherry on top."
For a moment Quinn and Kitty just stared at the brunette as if she had grown another head on her shoulder.
"But you're a cheerleader and co-captain." Kitty pointed out.
"She's right." Quinn added. "Being popular we have a reputation to uphold and dancing and singing to show tunes is not the reputation we want as a whole. Unfortunately, that includes you."
"Does that include the football team?" Brittany asked. "Because Puck and Finn are going to audition, too."
Quinn's head spun so fast, Santana thought the hazel eyed girl definitely gave herself whiplash and would probably feel it later.
"What?!"
"Yeah, I was in the library when I heard them talking." She began to explain whilst still eating her lunch. "Finn mentioned the rumors about Santana auditioning. Puck said he thought she was awesome for not caring what anyone else thought and decided to do something she really liked anyway."
Santana ducked her head, blushing. She never anticipated their conversation on the roof could make such a difference in their relationship. Knowing that made her wish they had it sooner, but, ultimately decided it happened when it was meant to.
"Then Finn admitted he loved to sing, too, and secretly had been wanting to audition since he was a freshman so Puck convinced him to audition after he promised he would audition, too."
Quinn doesn't say a word. Instead, she got up from the table and headed toward the rest of the cheerleaders and some of the football team.
"Who's man-hands-Berry?" Brittany asked Santana.
"Rachel Berry." When she saw the confusion on the tall blonde's face she said, "Argyle sweater with a animal on it."
"Ohhh." Brittany gathered the wrapping from her half of the sandwich in a ball. "I really don't like her. She's super arrogant, and sometimes she uses really big words that I don't understand. She's like a walking encyclopedia. It's very pretennis."
Santana smiled. "Pretentious." She gently corrected.
"Oh, right." Brittany blushed. "Did I tell you English is not my best subject?" The Latina nodded in response. "And English is the one and only language I know, go figure."
The bell rang, alerting the period is over. Santana was saddened lunch had to come to an end. She was having a good time with Brittany, even Quinn and Kitty couldn't ruin it.
Throughout the rest of the afternoon Josh Coleman's party was no longer the only gossip entertaining bored teens. They were also discussing Santana, Puck, and Finn auditioning for glee club after school. The responses were mixed.
Some people thought it was weird a cheerleader and a couple of football players wanted to join a club that was at the very bottom of the social ladder. Others felt the opposite. Like Puck, two other football players, Mike Chang Jr. and Matt Rutherford. It surprised Santana to see them in the choir room when it came time to audition.
"It's nice to see some fresh faces." Mr. Schue smiled. "Who is brave enough to go first?"
Before anyone could answer, one of the two doors burst opened revealing Brittany.
"Sorry." She blushed. "I got lost. I don't have a sticker in this part of the school." The tall cheerleader ignored the confused looks from everyone except Santana as she crossed the room to sit next to said brunette.
"Okay." Mr. Schue clapped, bringing everyone's attention back on him. "Who would like to go first? Don't be shy, this is a safe space."
Puck surprised Santana a third time that day, raising his hand. Mr. Schue gave him the floor, sort to speak. Puck asked the guitarist of the band permission to play his guitar before he put the instrument over his shoulder and began to strum.
Santana instantly recognized the song. It was one of the songs they sang along together in Puck's car on the way to school that morning.
Mr. Schue, the other football players, Santana, Brittany, and a few others clapped at the end of his performance, but, not everyone. That didn't go unnoticed by the teacher.
"Is there a problem?"
The silence was loud, but, it didn't last.
"Some of us aren't comfortable being in this club with our bullies." Kurt said.
Santana instantly felt guilty. She should have considered how Kurt felt about some of the football players auditioning. Finn participated in throwing Kurt into a dumpster every morning, and unfortunately, so did Puck.
Did he do it because Kurt was openly gay? She didn't know. Either way, it was another reminder that Santana was not ready to come out of the closet just yet. Mike did not participate in any form of bullying, but, Matt had slushied Kurt on one occasion.
Mr. Schue nodded slowly. "That's understandable." He went quiet for a moment as he brain stormed a solution. "How about this, if there's any bullying, the bully is out of the club. Replaced by someone else. Is that fair, does everyone agree?"
Santana looked around the room. Everyone was in agreement, including Kurt.
"Great." Mr. Schue smiled. "Who wants to go next?"
This time Santana felt inspired by Puck and volunteered to perform next. Mr. Schue and the Latina switched places.
"Hi, I'm Santana…Lopez, and I'll be singing Amy Whinehouse's back to black."
As soon as the music started, Santana got into the song and she had fun with it. There wasn't any dancing, but, she sang her heart out. Once in awhile she would take turns making eye contact between Brittany and Rachel, although, for different reasons.
With Brittany it was more friendly, and the tall blonde was very encouraging, and if she weren't imagining it, she was also impressed. With Rachel, however, it was more hostile. To everyone else the shorter brunette appeared to be enjoying the performance, but, the Latina saw through the façade.
It was satisfying to know she was getting under Rachel's skin so badly. Even more satisfying was the end of the performance and she received a standing ovation from everyone, excluding Mr. Schue, he only clapped.
"Fantastic, Santana." Mr. Schue smiled. "You could sit down now."
Again, the teacher and Santana switched places. Kurt was next. He sang Mr. Cellophane by John Kander. His voice was on the feminine side, though, strong. Matt went after him. During his performance, a song Santana hadn't heard, Brittany leaned over to whisper in Santana's ear.
"I'm more of a dancer than a singer do you think I could still be in the club?"
Santana needed a moment to recover from the goosebumps covering her arms and legs from the closeness. It suddenly became clear why she reacted this way. She's in trouble.
"Y-Yeah, totally. Mr. Schue seems to be desperate to get more people to join so they have enough people to compete. He practically begged me to audition." She whispered back.
Mike was next, although, he danced more than sang and it was obvious he wasn't a very strong singer, but, still good enough to make the club. Finn was next. He didn't dance at all, instead, he just stood in front of the room as he sang can't fight this feeling by REO speedwagon. Brittany was last.
She performed to a Britney Spears song, and like Mike, she danced more than she sang and she, too, wasn't a very strong singer, but, still good enough to be a part of the show choir club. Although, Santana did want to give the cheerleader a standing ovation, she had resisted not wanting to give away she was developing a crush on the tall blonde to everyone.
"Thank you, you all did a great job. Now, normally I would wait to announce who made the cut, but, we're crunching for time here." He paused for dramatic affect. "Welcome to the glee club, everyone." He smiled.
Santana looked over to Brittany with a told-you-so look. Brittany caught the brunette off guard, throwing her arms around her in a hug. Santana swore Brittany hugged her just a tad longer than a regular, friend kind of hug, or maybe she imagined it, she wasn't sure.
Rachel stood at the front of the room next to Mr. Schue, again, flashing that fake smile and still only Santana seemed to notice how fake the shorter brunette was.
"For those of you that don't know, I'm Rachel Barbra Berry, the captain of New Directions and I just want to say, welcome to the glee club."
There was some clapping, although, it wasn't very enthusiastic. Disappointed she didn't get the reaction she wanted, Rachel sat down with a pout.
"Alright, everyone, we need to get down to business. Competition season will be coming up soon, but first, we have to get past invitationals in order to compete in the sectionals. We need a setlist. For invitationals we'll do two group numbers. Anyone have any ideas?"
Mr. Schue took a dry erase marker, took the cap off, and prepared to write song options on the white board. Slowly everyone suggested their favorite singers and bands.
"Guys, I don't mind doing one top forty song, but, we need a song that is more accessible to the judges, they're an older generation, and we want them to pick us to compete."
A moment of silence fell over the room as the glee club collectively brain stormed.
"Queen." Brittany suddenly mumbled.
"What did you say?" Mr. Schue asked.
Brittany appeared surprised all eyes were on her. "Nothing." She said, confused."
"No, you said something. What did you say?"
The tall cheerleader's face turned crimson. "I-I didn't…I said Queen."
Mr. Schue smiled. "That's a great idea, Brittany." He wrote Queen on to the whiteboard followed by somebody to love. "Is that okay with everyone? Are you guys familiar with the song?" He asked the club. Everyone confirmed they did.
"Fantastic. Now all we have to do is some choreography and assign who will be singing what, but, I'll leave that for next time, you're all dismissed. Have a good weekend, everyone! Have fun and most importably, be safe!" He shouted as the kids left.
Santana and Puck agreed they would be telling Maribel and Victor they're going to visit their respective friends at their homes and maybe going out with them for a few hours at the mall, or the movies, and wouldn't know when they'd be home. They thought it was a good cover story. Unfortunately, Maribel and Victor knew they were lying.
"We were teenagers once upon a time." Said Victor. "And believe it or not, I was on the football team, too, I know what still happens after a game."
Santana and Puck shared a worried glance.
"We can't stop you from going." Maribel said. "All that we ask is you text us when you get there, if you have too many drinks then you will spend the night at the house this party will be at, and if that's the case you will let us know you won't be coming home."
Both Santana and Puck are shocked how cool Victor and Maribel are being and confirmed they would follow their rules. They also promised they would still eat dinner together as a family before they left for the football game.
"Noah, can you set the table?" Maribel asked.
Puck had finished his homework already. Santana was still in her bedroom doing her own homework, and Victor was in the living room watching television.
Maribel handed Puck a pile of plates. He circled the table and carefully placed them on to the round table when he noticed a fifth plate.
"You gave me an extra plate." He told Maribel.
She shook her head. "No, that's the right amount. We have a guest. Did we forget to tell you?" She asked.
He nodded, then waited a moment for Maribel to tell him who it is. When she continued to finish cooking dinner he asked, "Who's coming?"
"Tio David." Maribel said not looking away from the stove.
Puck sighed. "You should have told us. It's not fair to Santana for you and Victor to push another family member on to her, especially after the incident with Abuela." He pointed out.
Maribel turned off the stove then faced Puck, confused, but, proud. "Since when were you so protective of your sister? As far as me and your Papi knew you were still giving her the cold shoulder."
Puck appeared guilty. "Not anymore." He didn't explain how that came about. As far as Maribel and Victor are also aware, Puck doesn't smoke marijuana. "You have to tell her Tio David is coming."
Maribel nodded. "You're right." She walked up to the football player and went on her toes to kiss his cheek. "I'm so glad you're looking out for your little sister." She smiled before going up to Santana's room to tell her who will be joining them for dinner.
Maribel knocked on the cheerleader's door and waited for permission to go in. Santana was sitting on the bed still doing homework. "Still doing homework?"
"Yeah. Is everything okay, did you and Victor change your mind about the party?"
Maribel joined Santana on the bed. "No. Rules still stand, though."
"Okay, what's this about then?"
"Victor and I had a surprise for you, but, your brother thought it would be better if I just told you instead." Maribel smiled thinking about their conversation. "Your Tio David will be here shortly to have dinner with us. He called earlier when you and Noah were at school. He's really looking forward to seeing you again."
Santana didn't know what to say. It didn't go well the last time a Lopez family member came over to have dinner.
"You two used to be pretty close before…well, you know. He would babysit you and your brother when Victor and I had date night. We would usually come home to some kind of mess. One night there were pillows all over the floor. David hung up a rope that went on one side of the living room ceiling all the way to the other side and used that to make a giant fort with just about every blanket we had downstairs that was supposed to be for the guests." She laughed, but, then realization hit and the smile faded.
"I suppose you don't remember."
Santana slowly shook her head, feeling guilty, but, she also felt some anger. Why do they always have to look so disappointed whenever she doesn't remember something? It isn't her fault.
"Okay, that's all I wanted to tell you. I won't keep you from doing your homework."
Maribel kissed Santana's forehead then returned downstairs. Santana attempted to finish her homework, however, she couldn't concentrate anymore. She was still aggravated at how guilty Maribel made her feel for not remembering something that happened when she was just a toddler.
She got up from the bed and began to pace. The more Santana had thought about the conversation with Maribel, the angrier she got. She needed to calm down and only one thing came to mind that could do that. Santana went to Puck's room then went through his bedside table to find what she were looking for, though, it wasn't there.
"It's in my underwear draw." Said Puck from the doorway.
Santana jumped with her hand on her chest. "You scared the shit out of me."
Puck snorted as he crossed the room. "Sorry." He opened the top draw full of boxers and rummaged through it before pulling out a small ziplock bag of marijuana. "Just give me a minute, I'll roll us a joint." He took out rolling paper from the same draw.
Santana sat on the edge of the bed patiently waiting for Puck to finish rolling a joint. She couldn't help to be impressed how quickly he's able to do it.
"You worried about Tio David coming over?" Puck asked then put the joint between his lips. He then lit it before inhaling and handing it to Santana.
"A little, but, that's not why I wanted to smoke." She didn't explain further. Instead, she took a hit from the joint then passed it to Puck. "I wanted it to calm down."
"What are you pissed about?" He asked right after sucking the joint, causing a big puff of smoke to flow out from his mouth and nose as he spoke.
"Maribel was talking about David. Said he used to babysit us on date night and then she talked about the messes we made when they were gone. I couldn't remember and that look of disappointment on her face made me feel so fucking guilty. Why do they do that? Victor does it, too." Santana gave the joint to Puck then stood and began pacing. "Like, it's not my fault I don't have any memories of you people, you know?"
Puck nodded and extinguished the joint using the bottom of his shoe. Santana glared at him, angry he put it out. "Why did you do that?"
"We won't be able to smoke enough to be able to calm you down. Tio David should be here by now." He explained. "You need alcohol."
Santana followed Puck downstairs. Maribel and Victor are in the foyer talking to who she assumed is David. That is confirmed when Puck walked up to the man and hugged him.
"It's good to see you again." David said as he patted Puck's back. After he pulled away from the football player, he turned to Santana. "Santana." He smiled. "We're so happy to have you back, you've been so very missed. I don't know how you feel about hugs, would a handshake be okay?" He extended his hand out.
Santana nodded and they shook hands. She liked him already. Maribel announced dinner was ready so everyone went to the kitchen. Santana sat between Puck and David and sat quietly and ate whilst Maribel, Victor, and Puck caught up with David.
Recently he had given up his job as a tooth model to pursue his dream job to teach Spanish. That was when Maribel asked David if he could give Santana private lessons.
"Yeah, of course." David happily said without hesitation.
Santana, on the other hand, didn't quit feel the same way. She had already gone this far in life not knowing how to speak Spanish, is this really necessary? And when will Maribel and Victor ever let her make her own decisions? If it weren't for her outburst the last time they had family over to eat, she would have said something. Instead, she stayed quiet and suppressed her anger.
David got tired of being the center of the attention and began asking Santana and Puck questions about school, football, cheerleading, and even their social lives.
"Have you made any friends yet?" He asked Santana.
She nodded. "A few. I'll probably hang out with Brittany after the football game."
"Oh, that's right, there's a game tonight. I think I heard someone talk about it when I was at the grocery store earlier."
"Everyone is always talking about the football games." Puck rolled his eyes. "There's not much to do around here."
David laughed. "I guess I never paid much attention before."
"Why don't you go to the game." Maribel suggested.
"I'm not really a football guy."
"Golf is more your game, right?" Victor asked.
"Si." He glanced in Santana's direction then turned to Maribel and Victor. "That reminds me, I have to talk you two before I go, in private." He added.
Although they were confused, Victor and Maribel agreed. When dinner was over, Santana and Puck packed a change of clothes and left for the football game. On the way, Santana received a text from Brittany.
It was the second time she texted her since they exchanged phone numbers Wednesday. Brittany made the suggestion so Santana could help with her English homework.
Britt: u on ur way?
Santana replied, yes, and that they'll be there soon.
Britt: k
Santana didn't think anything of the text until they arrived at the school and she spotted Brittany waiting for her in the parking lot.
"Hey." Brittany greeted with a smile.
"Hi." Santana smiled back.
"Most of the squad isn't here yet. It's just us and Quinn and Kitty for now. I didn't want to wait for everyone else to get here with them so…I waited for you."
Cute. Instantly Santana can't stop thinking about how cute the blonde is being. Her smile is cute, and the way she ducked her head in attempt to hide the fact that her cheeks are now a darker red; and Santana suspected it wasn't from the chilly air.
"That was nice of you…thanks."
For a moment they stood in the parking lot smiling at each other until another car pulled in to drop off one of the younger cheerleaders.
"We should go inside." Said Brittany. "Coach Sylvester expects the captains to be early to set an example so we should beat Megan to the locker room."
The pair rushed to the locker room, beating the younger cheerleader there. The coach had a conversation with Quinn and Santana about taking turns leasing the cheers for the game. If Quinn had any qualms about it, she didn't say anything. Eventually the rest of the squad had arrived.
Before the game started, the home football team are announced first followed by their cheerleading squad. The away team are then announced along with their cheerleaders. Throughout the game both of the cheerleading squads took turns cheering for their teams, however, it was the McKinley Titan cheerleaders that performed at halftime.
Everyone were in good spirits. It was the first game of the season, and the Titans were up by two touchdowns. Even the mascot joined the performance. That all changes by the last quarter of the game. The away team easily caught up on the scoreboard. It was now a tied game. Nonetheless, the Titans still have a chance to win.
With less than a minute left and their offense on the field they still had the opportunity to run the ball to waste some time and get into field goal range for the game winning field goal. As the co-captain, Santana encouraged the squad to cheer with more enthusiasm.
However, despite the more enthused encouragement from the cheerleaders, the away team's defense were able to contain the Titans run game. On third and long, they are now forced to pass instead.
The offense huddled. Santana could see Puck talking to Finn, the quarterback. She can't hear what the mohawked boy is saying, but, she could see Puck pointing to himself then the huddle broke and the offense lined up for the next play.
The time on the clock was going down. If they want to win the game they have to get the first down in order for the offense to stay on the field and get into field goal range. As if it were happening in slow motion, the ball was snapped, Finn dropped back in the pocket to pass the ball. Puck was one on one with the defensive back; perfect. This is the look the wanted in order to make this play work.
Finn threw a perfect lob pass to Puck, over the head of the defensive player and right in the bucket, as they say. He had enough yards for the first down, though, Puck wanted more. He didn't just want the first down to get in field goal range, he wanted to end the game right here, right now. He kept running and running until he reached the endzone.
Everyone, with the exception of the away team and their school, celebrated; jumping up and down, cheering, high-fiving their friends. The Titans celebrated on the field dancing then the special team players lined up for the point after kick.
There was still time left in the game, but, not much. The away team had the opportunity for just one play to get a touchdown to tie the game once again, however, that would take a miracle to do so.
The opposing team's quarterback dropped back to pass what is called a hail-mary. Three wide receivers one one side of the offensive line, and two on the other. The Titans players were playing what is called deep coverage protection. A player covering each receiver.
When the quarterback threw the ball to the endzone, it bounced off the fingertips of one of the taller receivers and landed in the arms of a Titan player. The game was over. There was more cheering from the stands and the cheerleaders. After the celebration, the large crowd left, and the McKinley football team and cheerleaders changed into street clothes.
Santana changed into long sleeved blue and black stripped dress with a furry vest and paired with wedged high heeled shoes. For her hair, she put it down then shook it out from being up all day. (the dress she wore at rachel's party in blame it on the alcohol)
"Whoa."
The brunette turned to Brittany staring with her mouth open. The tall cheerleader had also changed into street clothes. She had a long sleeve shirt with a cat printed on it paired with jeans and a furry brown hat with ears.
"Nice hat." Santana smiled.
Brittany smiled back shyly. "Thanks. So, I guess I'll meet you there."
"Yeah." Santana nodded then went outside to the parking lot to meet with Puck and could not help but to laugh seeing him in a jersey. "I hope that isn't the one you wore during the game."
"Nah, it's clean."
Puck and Santana got into the truck.
"Is that what you packed before we left the house?"
He shook his head. "Last minute decision to rep the team." She chuckled in reply. "Hey, if you saw how bad we played last season, you'd know it was a miracle we won that game and it's all thanks to our new coach." He smirked.
Santana wasn't surprised to see Josh's house was in the same gated neighborhood as her adoptive parents. Their interaction may have been brief, however, Josh gave Santana the impression he was a spoiled, rich kid, and she was right.
Cars filled the small road behind the large house, and inside, loud music could be heard. It was very clear to anyone passing by that there was a party here.
"I texted Mami." Said Puck.
Santana didn't get a chance to respond. Josh emerged from the back door of the house and on to the porch, beer in hand.
"How about them Titans!?" He shouted obnoxiously.
Puck ran up to the other football player. They bumped chests then did an overly elaborate handshake. Santana attempted to slip by them. Unfortunately, Josh wouldn't let her.
"Santana." He smirked, shamelessly leering at the brunette. "I'm glad you came. You did an amazing job cheering at the game tonight. Those dance moves, were very sexy." He flirted. "It's too bad you had to wear pants under that short skirt. Would've been a good view of your ovaries."
Puck frowned in anger. "Dude, don't talk to my sister like that. Be more respectful or I'll kick your ass."
"Sorry." He apologized. Although, he didn't sound sorry.
"I'm going inside to find my friend." Santana told Puck. He nodded.
The Latina searched the first floor of the big house for a certain blonde with no luck. Not wanting to go upstairs, she opted to get a drink from the kitchen. There was plenty to chose from.
For just a moment she wondered how a teen got so much alcohol then realized it must have came from his parents liquor cabinet, or bar. Santana went with a simple fruity whine cooler. She just had a few sips when someone bumped into her.
"Shit, I'm so sorry, you okay?" A tallest football player on the team asked.
"Yeah, fine."
He smirked, though not in a creepy way like Josh had. "I don't think we officially met. I'm Finn Hudson. Quarterback and Puck's best friend." He extended his hand.
Santana politely shook his hand. "Santana. Puck's little sister." They dropped hands.
"Right, right. He doesn't really talk about you, but, kids at school love to gossip." He said whilst getting more alcohol.
She rolled her eyes. "JBI?"
He chuckled. "You're catching on, new girl." He took a big swig of his drink when Quinn suddenly appeared out of no where with Kitty by her side.
"Finn, what are you doing?" She glared at the quarterback.
He frowned, clearly confused. "Getting…another drink."
Quinn huffed. "Why are you talking to her, Finn?" She asked as if that was enough of an explanation for her anger.
Still confused he looked to Santana and even Kitty, but, didn't get one. "Um…she's my best friend's sister…I thought I was being polite."
Quinn rolled her eyes then grabbed Finn by his shirt. "Do I have to explain everything to you?" She asked him as she dragged the football player to another room.
"Stealing boyfriends now?" Kitty asked, hands on her hips.
Santana stepped up to the former co-captain, towering over the girl by at least two or three inches. "Look at me. Do I look like the type of girl that needs to steal anyone's boyfriend?"
Kitty didn't reply. Instead she followed Quinn and Finn into the other room. Santana went in the opposite direction, still in search of Brittany. The cheerleader looked in every room on the first floor, wanting to avoid drunk and horny teenagers that are bound to be in all of the bedrooms upstairs.
From the dining room, bathroom, kitchen, living room, even a home office slash library, Brittany was no where to be found until she discovered the last place she would think to look, the home gym. The tall blonde was sitting on the stack home gym machine.
"What are you doing in here?" Santana chuckled.
"I was looking for you and got curious so I wanted to test how strong I am."
"And?"
Brittany shrugged. "Don't know, that's when you walked in."
"Okay." She laughed. "Test it out then."
Brittany put her arms up above her and pushed the arm rests together easily. "Wow, my breasts are really strong."
Santana laughed. "Come on. You need alcohol."
The pair went to the kitchen to get Brittany a drink. The taller cheerleader mixed together strawberry flavored rum with cranberry and pineapple juice.
"I should've known." Santana said.
Brittany tilted her head like a confused puppy. "Known what?"
"That you're a malibu bay breeze girl."
Brittany stepped closer to Santana with an amused smirk. "You think about the type of alcohol I drink?" She teased.
Suddenly the brunette is hot. Maybe it's just the room, right? It can be possible. There is a house full of tipsy and drunk teenagers it could cause body heat. Or maybe…Brittany could just be drunk.
Although the party started not that long ago, she doesn't know how many drinks the taller girl had. It could be five or six, or just three or four, maybe she is a light weight. Drunk people don't always mean what they say, right?
Santana didn't get the chance to ask. Brittany got distracted by something, or someone, over the Latina's shoulder.
"Ohh beer pong. Let's play!"
Brittany took Santana by the hand and dragged her to the garage where the beer pong game was taken place.
"Who's next?!" A football player in his letterman jacket shouted.
"We are!" Brittany shouted raising the hand still holding on to Santana's.
If it weren't for the fact that it was Brittany holding her hand, Santana would have let go. She does not want to play beer pong with these two clearly drunk football players she doesn't know. That is until letterman jacket's friend said, "Get ready to lose, ladies."
Santana looked over to Brittany. "Let's kick their ass."
Brittany gave Santana a high-five then the girls walked up to the beer pong table.
"The winners are supposed to take first shot, but, since we're gentlemen, ladies, you can go first." Said letterman jacket before rolling the ping pong balls to the girls.
Between Santana and Brittany, Brittany went first. She sunk the ball into one of the cups on the right side of the pyramid. Letterman put the cup aside. Santana sunk the cup at the very front.
"Impressive." Letterman said as he rolled the pin pong balls back to the girls a second time. "We might actually have some competition." He said to his buddy.
On Brittany's second turn, she missed. Santana did not. Now it was finally the football players' turn. Letterman sunk his, but, his friend did not. They continued to take turns until it came down to just a few cups. Santana and Brittany just had one left. The two football players on the other hand had three.
It was now letterman's turn and his friend has had enough of him missing his shots.
"Come on, dude, it isn't that hard!" He shouted in frustration. "They're killing us!"
Letterman pushed him. "Would you relax?! It's just a stupid drinking game!"
His friend wanted to say something else, however, their argument was interrupted.
"Scatter, someone called the police!"
Everyone started running as best as they could under the influence of all the alcohol they drank. Santana tried to find Puck in the crowd as she was being pulled by the hand a second time that night by Brittany.
"I don't know where my brother is, he's my ride." She reminded the blonde.
"I'll take you home."
Brittany took Santana to a mini van parked a block away.
"Something tells me this isn't your car." Santana said as they go in the vehicle.
"My parents let me take it."
"You have a drivers license?" Santana asked with envy.
"Nope. Hence why I parked away from the party."
Despite what she said, Brittany didn't take Santana home. Instead, she drove them to a park. When Santana asked why, Brittany said she wanted to spend more time with her. That's how they ended up sitting on an old patio swing that sat under a tree.
They just talked, that's all. Brittany reminisced about childhood memories at the park, then Santana vented about how she wished she could remember her own childhood with the Lopez's, and not just bits and pieces of the night she was kidnapped.
"I'm so sorry that happened to you, San. It's not fair of your biological parents to expect you to remember them."
Santana didn't know what to say. She had just realizes how close they were sitting. They looked deeply into each other's eyes, then Brittany looked down at her lips. Then Santana looked at Brittany's, and before she knew it, they were kissing. The questions didn't come until she felt the blonde's tongue.
"Santana!" Puck shouted on the other side of the park. "We gotta go! Gloria and Javièr are waiting for you at the house!"
A/N: I did not plan on the chapter being that long lol. Please take the time to leave a review. I put my heart, time, and energy into every chapter, I'd really like to know what you think of it, and I really appreciate every review I do get.