Chapter 9 - The Final Word

Aja continued her work at the Spotlight Diner, as the rainy fall season made the diner busy. Aja didn't mind the busy nature of it all, it kept her distracted from thinking about Santana. Getting to the diner was hard, however, as the diner itself reminded her of Santana. After all, it was the first place they met.

Aja leaned over the kitchen window. "Need two Menzel Burgers for table six!"

"Comin' right up!" Sam smiled as he tossed some patties on the griddle.

Aja was getting well acquainted with the other staff members, mainly the floor staff. They spent so much time rehearsing performances for the shows, Aja was beginning to feel like she belonged to something.

Aja turned around and held out her hand. "Oh! Hey JJ, I'm gonna need you to clean up table 12, I'm gettin' their payment now."

"Sure thing, boss." JJ drummed their hands on the large plastic bin they were carrying before running off to the table.

Aja was so proud of herself and how far she came along.

"Hey, Aja!" That's a familiar voice.

Fae, with Quinn on her arm, along with Ethan and their new man were entering the diner.

"Got room for us?"

Aja smiled and looked around the restaurant. "Rachel, do we have any open tables?" she yelled to ask her senior.

"You may seat them at table 10," Rachel said in her most prim and proper voice.

"Right on," Aja smiled and pointed at the table for the group to sit down at.

"So, a double date?" Aja smiled as she tossed some coasters on the table. She leaned down to meet Fae's ear. "How did you convince Ethan to go on a double date with y'all?"

"Easy," Fae started, pointing her hand in the air all suave. "...They said yes."

"No-" Aja gasped.

"I'm serious!" Fae laughed. "Hey, Ethan, tell her,"

"Well, we had a day off and um," Ethan giggled. 'To be honest, I told Robert to come with me, I didn't even know if he had the day off and well," Ethan looked at Robert with loving eyes. "He can't say no to me, right Boq?"

"Indeed, my Nessarose." Robert laughed.

"Yeah, don't ask." Fae turned to Aja with hooded eyes. Quinn couldn't help but to laugh at Fae's embarrassment. "Hey, not you too, stop!" Fae groaned as she playfully pushed Quinn's arm.

"I think it's kind of cute-" Quinn smiled.

"Okay I decide to throw up all over you, shall I get you guys a pitcher of lychee smashes?" Aja raised an eyebrow at the group.

"Absolutely!" Fae and Quinn shouted in unison.

/

The night went by great, everyone seemed to be having fun, Fae and Quinn were already pissed drunk, Ethan and Robert seemed to be enjoying each other's company, the rest of the patrons were pleasant and the show was about to start.

"Rachel-" Aja ran up to her senior.

"Yes, Aja?"

"I was wondering, can I sing a solo tonight? I have something in mind and well, I just need to get it out. It will be short I promise and we can still do our routine."

Rachel gave it some serious thought as it took a couple of seconds before she could think of a reply.

"Rachel?"

Rachel let out a major over-dramatic sigh. "Fine, you can. But be sure it's short. We have an entire West Side story scene to do today!"

"Thank you so much, Rachel, you won't regret it, I promise!" Aja was excited yet so nervous. She swallowed the lump in her throat and went to the back to prepare for the performance.

/

Aja grabbed the mic, tapping it to hear the feedback through the speaker. "Hello everyone, friends, regulars, and new patrons, we welcome you tonight to the Spotlight Diner."

The crowd cheered with her roommate's table screaming the loudest of course.

"Tonight I want to sing something special, for someone who means a lot to me." Aja looked down as her voice weakened. She swallowed and picked her head up. "So tonight, for you, I will be singing, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face."

The music started and the diner grew dim. The light flashed upon Aja's face as she began to sing.

The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the dark and the endless skies, my love

To the dark and the endless skies

She thought of their last night together, the night sky that graced upon them outside BreadstiX, hearing the news about her Abuela, the journey back to Santana's apartment, and the night they had together.

And the first time ever I kissed your mouth

I felt the earth move in my hand

Like the trembling heart of a captive bird

That was there at my command, my love

That was there at my command, my love

Aja had a tear fall from her cheek. She remembered the first time Santana kissed her cheek after their first date, she remembered their kiss at BushWackers, how badly she wanted to kiss Santana right now was causing her body to ache.

And the first time ever I lay with you

I felt your heart so close to mine

And I knew our joy would fill the earth

And last 'til the end of time my love

And it would last 'til the end of time

Aja looked at the crowd and could almost absorb everyone's feelings. People were in tears watching her sing. Aja's tears poured, holding on to finish the song.

The first time ever I saw your face

Your face, your face, your face

She finished the song looking over to the table where she first saw Santana. How Santana spilled those drinks all over her, how she called her beautiful, how she ran to give her the crumpled napkin with her number scribbled on it… god, what was she still doing in New York!

"Thank you." Aja placed the mic back on the stand and ran, she ran so fast to the staff lounge, passing the other staff members on her way back.

"Whoa sister," Mercedes came running following her, shutting the lounge door behind her. "What was that all about? Amazing song choice by the way, but why tonight?"

"I can't do this Mercedes," Aja cried. "I miss her so much!"

"Santana, huh." Mercedes sighed as she sat down across from Aja "Should've known."

Aja looked up to meet Mercedes' eyes with a questioned look.

"I felt the same way," Mercedes looked up, holding a hand over her mouth. "When I had JJ, I was in a really bad place… then I met Sam and well, I couldn't get enough of him."

"Y-you and Sam are?"

"It's complicated, but you could say so. He's been such a good father figure to JJ…" Mercedes looked at Santana warmly. "You miss her a lot?"

"More than anything in this world." Aja quickly replied. She truly felt that in her heart.

"I think you should go see her. I'm serious, it will make things better. And consider everything that's happening right now with her family… I would think she needs you more than ever." Mercedes looked honestly into Aja's eyes.

"But the money, and payday, I-I can't do that," Aja shook her head.

"You've been doing really well this week Aja, I think you deserve it. You're really becoming like a big sister to JJ." Mercedes walked over to hand a tissue box in Aja's direction.

"Mercedes, I-"

"Nope. I don't wanna hear it." Mercedes beamed at Aja. Her smile was so radiant, it caused Aja to smile.

"I love you, Mercedes," Aja got up to throw her arms around her boss.

"Haha, I love you too Aja, now go," Mercedes broke away from the hug. "Go get your girl."

/

"Now boarding Delta flight DL 5598 to Columbus, Ohio" The PA system echoed throughout the airport.

It was 7:30 in the morning and Aja was so tired. She got Santana's address from Quinn and didn't tell Santana that she was going to arrive. It would be better to surprise Santana because she knew if she told her she was going to come she would definitely refuse.

/

The flight to Columbus was quick, just less than two hours. It was the next hour-long bus ride out to Lima Aja wasn't looking forward to. Anything to see her girl. She passed out on the bus and almost missed her stop.

"Thank you," Aja said as the coach driver helped her retrieve her suitcase. She grabbed an Uber and arrived in front of what she believed to be Santana's house. Wow. Her neighbourhood was definitely upper middle class, with white picket fences and pristine, lush green lawns that went on for miles. American flags donned every house, and Aja could only imagine the most positively "perfect" nuclear families would have to be living in every one of these houses.

Aja took a deep breath in before ringing the doorbell. She held her breath the entire time until a woman opened the door.

"Hello, I'm sorry, we're not interested." The woman smiled before closing the door on Aja.

"Wait, ma'am-" Aja held her hand in between the door. "I'm not trying to sell anything, I promise. I'm here to see Santana."

"Hmm, you and everyone else in town." The woman shrugged as she opened the door for Aja. What was that supposed to mean? "She's up in her room. You can leave your bags here for now."

"Thank you, ma'am." Aja bowed her head before taking off her shoes and walked up the stairs.

Pictures of a young Santana lined the wall leading upstairs, lots of family photos, identifying the woman downstairs as none other than Santana's mother. Oh great, meeting the parents already, and like this…

Aja was so nervous walking up the stairs as her hand shook along the handrail. The hallway upstairs split in two directions, leaving Aja to be lost.

"Hey, are you looking for Santana?" A tall blonde came out of one of the rooms causing Aja to almost fall down the stairs in surprise.

Aja took a look up and down at the taller woman before answering "I am, actually. Do you know where she is?"

"Yeah, of course!"

"Britt, who's that?" called Santana's voice from a distance.

"Um, I don't know to be honest, but she looks really pretty and nice!" The blonde replied.

Aja was grasping to find words to say but couldn't, Santana stepped out of a different room to see Aja standing at the stairs, jaw gaping open.

"Aja? This can't be true-" Santana looked shocked, frozen in her spot. "Aja, you," Santana slammed her eyes shut before opening them again, and only after a moment's pause, came running towards Aja, tackling her to the floor.

Santana threw her lips onto Aja's, showering Aja in rushed, frantic kisses.

"Santana!" Aja cried in between Santana's kisses.

"Umm, guys, I'm still here." The blonde piped up.

Santana pulled away from Aja and laughed. "Sorry Britt," She stood up to pick Aja off the floor. "Aja, this is Brittany, Britt, this is Aja, my girlfriend"

"Nice to meet you, Aja, I was Santana's girlfriend once." Brittany smiled as if what she said didn't have any meaning.

"You were what?" Aja turned to Santana with wide eyes.

"Britt, can you leave me and Aja alone for a sec?" Santana smiled at Brittany with an artificial sweetness.

"Sure!" Brittany turned to the room she came from and shut the door.

"Santana, what is going on?" Aja was mad.

"Aja, let's go to my room to talk," Santana grabbed Aja's arm.

"No, tell me here, Santana, what is going on."

"Aja. On my life. Over Ani DeFranco's entire music career." Santana held her hand to her heart. "Nothing is going on. Me and Britt, yeah, we used to date, in like, high school, and well, maybe after high school too."

"And?" Aja crossed her arms.

"Well, what I'm trying to say is we're just friends. I'm serious. Ask Quinn, ask anyone at the diner. Britt used to work there, in fact, her dad lives in New York managing BushWackers, you can ask him too!" Santana threw her hands up in the air, keeping her eyes focused on Aja.

"Santana, it's just, why now? What about your Abuela, was this all a lie to come back and cheat on me with your ex?" Aja still had her doubts.

"Aja, I promise. Nothing. Happened. Abuela is still at the hospital, we were actually about to go see her. Britt was a big part of my life, and she actually took care of Abuela a lot. That's the reason why she's here."

"How do I know I can trust you?" Aja had tears streaming down her face.

"You have to, you just do." Santana shook her head. "Aja, come with us. Please. You'll see right away Britt is just my friend and we can just start over as if our past relationship never existed and I'm introducing you to my best friend. C'mon babe, please?" Santana reached over to loosen Aja's arms, tracing her hands down Aja's arms to meet her hands.

"Okay, I trust you, Santana, I really do. I've just been hurt before...:" Aja turned away.

"Babe…" Santana looked into her girlfriend's eyes. "I... I lo-"

"Oi, mija, we should get going now!" Santana's mom bellowed from downstairs.

Brittany got out of the room, breaking through Santana and Aja to hold both of their hands. "Let's go, guys!"

/

Arriving at the hospital, the four of them made their way to Abuela's room. There were a couple of nurses with a plethora of flowers scattered throughout the room, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of mechanical hospital equipment to a luscious tropical garden.

Santana's mother, Maribel, walked in first to give Abuela a kiss, one on her forehead and another one on her hand. Maribel whispered a quick prayer to herself before walking out of the room.

"Are you gonna be okay Santana?" Brittany put her hand on Santana's shoulder.

"Yeah, I'll be fine, Aja's here." Santana nodded to Brittany in assurance and Brittany walked out to keep Maribel company in the hospital's lounge.

"Abuela, it's me, your granddaughter." Santana placed her hand on Abuela's arm.

"Santana…" Abuela looked over to Santana and slowly moved her head to find Aja's.

"And who, may this be." Abuela's voice was weak, but it was sharp.

"Abuela…" Aja could hear the gulp coming from Santana's throat.

"Hello, Mrs. Lopez…" Aja nervously held up her hand to give a feeble wave to the old woman.

"Alma." Abuela turned her head to the side, facing away from the pair. "Why must you do this before I die, Santana." She said in between heavy breaths.

"Abuela," Santana whispered, tears rolling down her face.

Abuela remained still as Aja held her arms around Santana to comfort her.

"Let's get out of her Santana," Aja shot her head towards Abuela. "We can clearly see who doesn't want us here."

Santana sniffled as she and Aja walked her out of the room.

"Santana..." Abuela's call rang out of the room.

"Call me if you need me, okay?" Aja looked into Santana's eyes and planted a kiss on her cheek. "I'll be right here."

"Okay…" Santana wiped her tears as she went to see her Abuela.

"Abuela… how can I even face you after what you did just now, how can I still even want to bother giving you any more of my time that you clearly do not want nor deserve!" Santana roared at the old woman, whose face remained still, yet attentive.

"Do you know how much- how much pain you caused me, throughout my whole life!? First with Britt, now with Aja, yeah, that's her name, Aja, just in case since you didn't even bother asking!" Santana turned around towards the exit. "I don't even know why I bothered to come to see you! I don't know why I even-"

"Santana," Abuela repeated, this time more firmly.

"What!?" Santana turned back at her grandmother, fury in her eyes.

"Santana, I…" Abuela's eyes grew weak. "I didn't mean to cause you pain… I…"

"You... what?" Santana kneeled beside her.

"I'm sorry," Abuela said softly. "Santana I'm sorry, I'm-"

"Oh my god, this is the talk." Santana's eyes grew wide. "Mami! Nurse!?" Santana cried in panic.

"Santana, I, please, I'm sorry, I'm-" Abuela was talking in circles, each time getting less and less coherent.

"Abuela…" Santana burst into tears as the heart monitor resonated throughout the room. Flatline.

/

"We come here today to remember Alma Lopez, she was a grandmother, mother, sister, friend, and most importantly, a woman of god." Pastor Esme read on as Abuela's casket laid next to her. A grand pile of flowers was spread all over the casket, all shades of white, reds, and yellows.

Santana and Aja sat in the pew, Aja placing her hand firmly on Santana's leg the entire time, rubbing her thigh with her thumb. Santana was visibly upset, crying during the entire speech.

It was time for Santana to give her eulogy. Aja kissed Santana's hand gracefully before the Latina got up, folded note in hand.

"Umm.. hello everyone…" Santana wiped her tears. "As you guys probably know, I'm Santana, my Abuela's only grandchild…" Santana took a deep breath, exhaling sharply out of her mouth. "I can't." Santana crumpled the note, balling it in her fist.

"My Abuela raised me. She was always there for me, through thick and thin. She taught me how to be a bitch, and what it meant to be one. She was my idol, she was my biggest role model…" Santana looked towards Aja. "But she was also very stubborn. She had her stubborn ways and her stubborn mindset, and when I needed her the most, she was gone. It was only until on her deathbed, I got an apology."

Aja couldn't help but cry. Her girlfriend was visibly bothered and it took everything for Aja to stay in her seat and not shake Abuela out of her casket.

"But I got it. I got my apology. And now, I am free. Free to love, free to choose who I love."

Love… was Aja hearing this correctly?

"And I love you, Aja." Santana stared directly at Aja, causing everyone to turn to look at her.

Too many eyes set upon Aja, but it didn't matter. Her attention was on Santana and Santana alone as if no one else were in the entire room.

"I said it. I love you!" Santana cried again, smiling uncontrollably large. She ran from the stage, grabbing Aja's hand.

Aja flew from the seat as the two of them ran out of the church, Santana's grip iron tight on Aja's wrist.

"Santana!" Aja said out of breath on the church lawn.

Santana turned to Aja as if in slow motion, hair twirling and catching the sunlight's rays upon every strand.

"I love you too."

FIN