A/N: FIRST, HAPPY 2021 EVERYBODY! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE AN AMAZING YEAR. I know 2020 was hard, Covid-19 made us change all our plans, kept us away from the people we love, but let's keep our faith, thinks will get better soon.
Enjoy the new chapter.
xxxxx
Little Santana was excited! It was Christmas and the 5 years old Latina jumped out of her big girl bed and ran to her parents bedroom.
She opened their door and she could see them wrapped at each other's arms sleeping. She didn't know what time it was, but she didn't care. It was Christmas, and she was a good girl that year, she helped her mama with her baby brother and she was good at school. She couldn't wait to see what Santa brought for her.
The little one climbed her parents' bed and jumped on her dad chest.
"Ugh!"
"Wake up, papa, it's Christmas!"
"Santana..." Maribel's eyes opened and she turned to see it was 6am.
"It's Christmas! And I'm pretty sure I heard Santa last night..." Santana was sitting on her dad's chest, grabbing his beard.
"Sweet, it's too early, let's go back to sleep, please." Maribel tried to pick Santana, but the little one jumped again on her dad.
"No mama! Please, let's go see my presents! I'm sure Santa brought things for Adam too. C'mon"
Santana jumped out of her father, and ran out of the room.
"Santana! Be careful... no running!" Carlos said, before turned to his wife. "God! She's a ball of energy."
"I know... but it's Christmas... she's excited." Maribel kissed Carlos lips quickly. "Let's get up before she destroy all the presents and I want Adam to sleep for a few hours. I don't want her to wake him yet, he was-" The four months Adam was crying. "Oh man! I can't believe he's wake already. I feel like I just put him to sleep."
"I'm sorry, mi amor... I'll go get him and you get that little rascal downstairs." Carlos got out of the bed, walking straight to his boy's room while Maribel - still tired, followed her husband out of the room, to meet her daughter.
"OH MY GOD! There's so much presents! It's all mine!" Santana was jumping around the Christmas tree, giggling.
"It's not all yours, sweetheart. I'm sure there's some for your brother too." Maribel smiled, sitting besides Santana on the floor.
"And he's here to get them all." Carlos showed up, with a giggled Adam in his arms.
"Why?" Santana sat on her mama's lap, as her father sat on the couch with Adam. "Adam was not a good baby this year, he's always stink." She frowned her nose, and her parents laughed.
"Well, smart pants, he's a baby, and he can't control his needs right now."
"He should. He peed on me last night." Santana told her father.
"And that was your own fault, baby girl." Carlos laughed and passed Adam to Maribel.
"Can I open my presents now? Please?" Santana kissed Adam's chubby cheeks.
"Yes! Let's open some presents. Let's go present's monster." Carlos made a monster voice, and jumped to get Santana. She screamed and both ran to open all the their presents.
Xxxx
"This is the best Christmas ever!" Santana was jumping on her father's arms. He jut showed the little one his present for her in the backyard. "I GOT A PLAYGROUND!" Carlos let her go and she started climbed the slides.
Carlos and Maribel was tired of Santana always asking for a swings and slides on her backyard. She saw it once on her friends house and didn't stop talked about how awesome was Lilith's house, so they decided to give her a small playground. There was a swing set, slide and a teeter totter. And of course, a small monkey bar. She was running around and she was so happy she could even stop giggled every time she slide or jumped on the monkey bars.
"We did good." Maribel, with Adam in her arms, laid her head on Carlos shoulder watching Santana happiness.
"We did, mi amor. Thank you!" Carlos kissed the top of her head.
"For what?"
"For give me the best two things in the world. They're my everything, Maribel. I'm lucky, I have you, and them... I'd do anything for my family, and I'll always make sure no one hurt my babies."
"I love you, Carlos."
"I love you too, mi amor."
"Daddyyyyy! Push me, please!"
"I'm coming, ready to fly, my little butterfly?"
"Yes! I'm going high!" Santana laughed as soon as Carlos pushed her the first time. In that moment, Maribel smiled and knew she would do anything for her family. This was a gift, and she couldn't see herself without them.
End.
"Mommy, can I get hot cocoa?" 2 days before Christmas, and the little family finally got some time to travel together.
A few months have passed, and Quinn finally got her Christmas vacay. Actually, she quit.
The cafe got more two new girls to help, and Quinn got new plans for her life, two months ago she got a call from a small art gallery offering her a job. They saw her amazing work at Grey Art Gallery in New York and was impressed how amazing she was. Unfortunately since she didn't have her memories from that time, she couldn't accept the position. They were about to give up, but when she told them the short-full story of what happened to her, and the she was back to art school, they offered her a internship. Saying they couldn't let her go, she was too good for not help her. The owner, Steve, was a sweet old man, and he told her, he would help her with whatever she needs. So, after that call, Quinn couldn't let this opportunity go, so she accepted, and after New Year, she would start her new job. She already told Chloe about the offer and that she would be leaving the Cafe before Christmas. She also started seen a therapist. Someone who could maybe help her get her memories back, but so far, nothing happened and she was going to see a doctor when she got back from her trip. The only one who knows that is her sister Frannie. She didn't want to tell Santana yet. She want to know what is happening with her brain first.
Quinn and Santana were basically leaving together. The blonde spend more time at Santana's. They got her studio back, and Quinn love spend time painting and have the opportunity to see Beth and Santana all the time. All her work was there again, and Santana was happy to have it all back in her life, that kind of sweet mess her wife was does.
Santana was going to ask her to move in, but with everything that happened, she didn't really have time... I mean, Beth got back at school, Quinn's new job, and she got a promotion... oh yeah! Now she was the producer of her show as well. Tyler got a new job and had to leave her, so they got her a new position. She was happy! They also gave Lily a new position and they're still working together. Now Lily is part of the show.
She was happy! Today, at 6 am they were at the airport ready to go visit her parents at Los Angeles. It was pretty cold in New York, and since her and Quinn have the holidays off, they decided it was time to finally spend time with the Lopez family.
Beth was a bubble of joy and excited. She called her grandparents last night and talked to them 'till she felt sleep. She was excited and want to surf with uncle 'Dam.
"Baby? I'm going to get Beth a hot chocolate. I'll be right back. Do you want something?"
"No, I'm ok. Don't take too long, beautiful... it's almost time for us to board."
"I'm hungry, mama... I want a croissant."
"Of course you're hungry. You didn't eat your breakfast." Quinn kissed Santana on the lips, and walked with Beth.
Santana was checking her emails, sending the show agenda to Lily, since the girl would be working on Christmas Eve with some other people from the team.
"Good morning, ma'am." A sweet voice spoke besides her, and Santana turned around to see a old lady smiling at her.
"Good morning, ma'am."
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, I was just looking at your daughter and she's beautiful. She reminds me of my grand baby. She was exactly like her." Santana could see a bit of sadness in that lady eyes, but kept her smile.
"Thank you. I'm lucky to have her, she's amazing."
"I'm sure she is. Take good care of her, I can see how much she loves you and your wife. You have a beautiful family."
"Look mama! I got a bagel and hot cocoa." Beth got back with a bagel in her hand and Quinn behind her holding her little cup.
"Eat everything sweet. We're about to go board."
"Hello!" The old lady smiled to Quinn and them Beth. "I'm Elisa, and I was just telling your wife how beautiful your daughter is."
"Hello, ma'am. I'm Quinn, and thank you." The blonde sat besides Beth, helping her with the bagel.
"It was a pleasure to met you. Have a great day."
"You too. Have a save trip." Santana smiled, and stared at the lady walking out to get back to her sit. "She said Beth remembers her of her granddaughter. I think she lost the little girl, because she said the little girl was exactly like Beth."
"Oh, that's sad, San..."
"Yeah..."
"This bagel is the best bagel In the whole world." Beth said with her mouth full.
"Beth!"
"What?"
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
"Sorry, mommy!"
It didn't take long for them to board. Beth was so excited that she ate her bagel as fast as she could. Her mama tried to stop her, to make her slow down, but she didn't listened, she ate it all and drank all her cocoa. Quinn just prayed for her no get sick on the fly.
Xxxx
"Mommy..." Beth was crying after throw up for the second time as soon as they landed. Santana was outside the bathroom with they suitcases. And her brother was outside the gate waiting for them.
"Oh bug, mama told you to not eat that fast." Quinn was cleaning Beth's face... taking her sweater off her head. "Let's go get you a ginger ale and finally see abuela, papaw and uncle Dam."
"Okay..." Quinn pick her up, and walked with Beth out of the bathroom.
"Are you ok, bee?" Santana asked.
"No, My tummy hurts."
"It's ok... let's go to abuela's house and have something to make you better." They walked together out of the gate and as soon as Santana saw Adam, he ran to them, wrapping his strong arms around his sister, picking her up and spinning her. "OMG ADAM!" Santana laughed, as her brother stop and put her back on the floor.
"Damn, sis! We do look hot! I miss you so much, Tana!"
"I miss you too, weirdo." Santana took a step back, looking at her brother. He was taller than her, and had some muscle arms. He was tan. "You look good."
"Thank you... and it's so good to meet you Quinn." Adam turned to Quinn holding Beth, and hugged them.
"It's good to finally meet you in person Adam. I didn't know you're so tall."
"And handsome, right? It's ok. You can say it." They all laughed and Beth lift her head from Quinn's shoulder. "Ah! I was looking for you, short bee. Damn! You're even cute in person."
"Uncle Dam said a bad word." Beth giggled and Adam pick the little one in his arms, hugging his niece.
"Don't spinning her, she just throw up!" Quinn warned him, and Beth giggled again, wrapping her arms around Adam's neck.
"Oh really? Let's go home. Abuela has some nice things for you."
"Let's go! I'm starving!" Santana helped Beth to the floor, and Adam helped them with their suitcases. Santana couldn't wait to see her parents again.
Xxxx
"And we are here!" Adam parked in front of Santana's childhood home and it was just how she remember. The green on the front, the swing in front of the house... and her mother's flowers all around the balcony.
As soon as Santana step out of the car, another strong arms wrapped around her body and spinning her around. It was her father. She wrapped her arms around her neck and her legs around his waist and hugged him as tight as she could. They both have happy tears running down their cheeks. She missed him so much! He looks a completely different person, he looks exactly like her papa before all that drink... he feels like home again.
"I can't believe you're actually here!" Carlos whispered to her ear, kissing her face. "My baby girl is back!" He laughed, and Santana kissed him on the forehead.
"I miss you so much, papa!" Santana hugged him again.
"I miss you too!"
"Dad, put her down... I need help here." Adam rolled the suitcases while Beth was giggled looking at her mama been holding like a baby.
"Oh man!" Carlos put Santana down, hugging Quinn. "It's so good to finally meet you in person, mija."
"Yeah! You're taller than I thought." Quinn chuckled and Carlos laughed.
"I know right? And where's that cute granddaughter of mine?" Carlos joked, looking around hearing Beth's sweet giggle.
"I'm right here, papaw!" Beth jumped in front of him, and he picked her up, throwing her in the air. "Papaw!"
"Omg! Dad! Don't do that!" Santana chuckled.
"Let's go inside, people! Mama is making something yummy for us." They walking into the house with their things. Beth still on Carlos arms, laughing everytime he did something funny.
"Madre!" Adam shouted and Maribel coming running out of the kitchen.
"Oh my... Mijá." Maribel hugged Santana tight, kissing her cheek. They were the same high and Maribel was just as skinny as Santana was.
"Mama... I miss you!"
"I miss you too, sweetheart. Oh my... look at you." Maribel took a step back, caressing Santana's arms and looking at her daughter. "You're a woman now... and so beautiful."
"Are you kidding me? Looking at you, mom! You looking amazing! A little bit tired, but amazing." Santana chuckled and Maribel hugged her again. "It's so good to be back."
"It's good to have you back! And looking this gorgeous wife of yours." Maribel now walked to Quinn, and hugged her daughter-in-law. Quinn is used to people calling her Santana's wife... I mean, she was once, and this didn't bother her a bit. She actually like it.
"Hello, Maribel, it's good to see you."
"I'm so glad you're here."
"She was so excited this morning that she cooked for a entire city." Carlos joked and Beth slides down of his arms walking close to her grandma.
"Hii nana!" Beth wrapped her arms around Maribel's waist, and the old Latina couldn't stop the smile on her face. She picked Beth in her arms, and hugged her.
"Hello my sweet baby! How was your fly?"
"No so good." Beth said. " My tummy hurts the whole fly... and I throw up twice."
"Oh no! My poor baby." Maribel said and Santana rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, now tell abuela why your tummy is hurting." Santana said.
"Because I ate a bagel too fast... But I was excited!" They all laughed and Maribel kissed her grandbaby's cheek.
"I have something to help your tummy. Let's go to the kitchen, and eat."
"Your house is amazing, Maribel." Quinn said following them to the kitchen.
"Oh we did some changed in here. I was tired of this house."
"Yeah, she was tired and since I didn't want to spend money in a new one, I let her change everything she want around here." They all sat around a table with all the food settle in.
"This house is huge and I can't even live here anymore." Adam complained and Santana laughed.
"Dude, you're old. Get your own place. But seriously mama, you did a good job." The house was indeed amazing and big.
The kitchen had an island in the middle with an amazing chandelier on it. A table with six chairs and everything was white with a lot of glasses... the living room was a open layout with a soft and big beige couch, the huge tv. In the corner there's two doors, two other rooms. One was Carlos office and bathroom. On the the side of the stairs there's a double glasses door to the backyard. Upstairs, there's four bedroom. Maribel and Carlos had a suite, and the Latina did changed a bit of her children's room and the guest room. She hate things too colorful. Everything around the house was gray, white and a little bit of blue and black here and there.
"Maribel, you didn't have to do all this." Quinn said as she helped Beth on her sit.
"Yeah, get use to it, Quinn. She's always cooking like this. Specially when she's happy." Carlos said, getting some orange juice for Beth.
"Thank you, papaw."
"Dad, do you have some ginger ale? I think it's better for her right now."
"I don't know, sweetheart..."
"Yeah, it's in the fridge, behind that horrible Adam's milk." Maribel said, and Carlos laughed.
"What? Almond milk is not horrible..." Adam said.
"I drink almond milk." Quinn said and Carlos made a disgusting face. "What? It's pretty good."
"Oh my..."
"Santana likes it too." Quinn smirked and Carlos just shakes his head.
"I'm not going to say anything... it's not worst." Carlos joked and gave Beth a bit of ginger ale in a special cup.
"What... is this?" Santana was shocked seeing that cup. A sip cup that once was hers.
"Yes, it's yours, mija. I kept it... thinking about my grandchildren." Maribel smiled and sat with them around the table. "Please, let's eat. Don't be shy, Quinn. This is your house as well."
They ate and spent some time at the table talking, laughing and telling Quinn some stories of Santana. Beth talked a lot about how much she loved paint, sing and all her princesses movies... the little one was excited to be close to her grandparents and she loved how funny her papaw was. He was always making them laugh, and making fun of her mama and uncle Dam. She already love them so much! She can't wait to spend the whole holiday having fun here.
"Adam, can you help us take our things upstairs?" Santana got up, and Quinn and Adam followed her.
"Of course, sis. Is Beth going to stay with you and Quinn? Because she can sleep in my room."
"I don't know, let's see how my bedroom is, and we'll decide that later."
"Mommy, can I take my shoes off?"
"Of course, bug. I'll get your sandals for you."
"Come with me, Beth. I have something fun in the backyard." Carlos picked the girl in his arms and went outside to show her the new playground.
"I'll clean this up, go upstairs and unpack your things. There's a lot of space on Santana's wardrobe."
"Thank you, mama."
Together, they went upstairs to Santana's room, and her mother had changed her bed. Now she got a queen size bed. The colors now were different. A mix of gray and white with a bit of light green on her bed side table. It looks more an adult like.
"Wow, baby, you used to have a cozy bedroom." Quinn left her suitcase close to the bed and laid on the soft mattress. "This feel good, I'm so tired!"
"I'll leave you girls to unpack. I'll be with dad on the backyard. If you need anything, just call me." Adam kissed her sister's cheek and left the room.
"I need a shower." Santana said. I feel gross from the fly and I'm kinda sweating right now. It's not a New York winter...
"I know." Quinn got out of the bed and walked to Santana's big window. She could see her daughter laughing and Carlos pushing her on the swing set. The backyard was also greenie. With beautiful daisies and tulips everywhere. White roses, and a small pool on the left side. Close to an open area with a barbecue grill and a few wood chairs. "Your parents have such a beautiful house."
"Yeah, but my mom changed everything!" Santana wrapped her arms around Quinn's waist, kissing her neck and as soon as she look outside, her eyes wide. "What the fuck! They got a pool!" Santana said making Quinn laugh. "They didn't have a pool when I live here. Damn! How did they get a pool here? I didn't even know a think like that would fit on our backyard."
"Well, your mom made some magic, baby. And now you have a pool."
"I know right? She's fucking awesome! I can't believe them."
"Your parents are pretty awesome indeed. How are you feeling?" Quinn laid her head on Santana's shoulder.
"I'm feeling fucking awesome, Quinn. I was scared. I mean, we have being talk for months, I knew we're ok, but I was scared to see them... I don't know, maybe scared of all this being a dream, and my parents hate me, but now that I'm here, I'm feeling home again. And I'm so fucking happy!"
"I'm so happy for you, Tana..." Quinn turned on Santana's arms, wrapping her arms around the Latina's neck. "I saw how nervous you were this morning. But everything is ok now. You're parents are crazy about you, just as I am." Quinn kissed Santana's lips. "I really need to take a shower."
"Let's go, I'll join you!"
"We're not having sex in the shower, Santana."
"Awww why?"
"Because I'm really tired, baby, I just want to relax. And we're at your parents house... let me be comfortable here first." Quinn giggled and Santana kissed her again, taking the woman in her arms, and slapping her butt.
"Go, baby! I'll go see Beth. She's tired, and she needs a shower too and a nap."
Xxxxx
"Nooooo! I'm not tired, I want stay with papaw." Beth was crying, as her mama tried to take her for a bath and a nap.
"See? You're tired. Let's go take a bath and a nap with mama."
"No! You're mean!" Beth pouted, holding tight on her grandpa's neck.
"Oh really? Do you want a spank before nap?"
"No spank!" Beth started to rub her eyes and Maribel smiled.
"Bee, we'll be here when you woke up, and we can even go to the beach and have some snacks." Maribel tried to help.
"To the beach?" She looked at Maribel, and the old Latina almost melt with that cute pouted and tired face.
"Yes, sweet. Go take a nap, and rest. You need your energy later."
"Let's go, Elizabeth." Uh-oh mama said her full name... Beth looked at her grandparents before take her mama's hand and walked upstairs with her.
Santana gave Beth her bath, and put her some pijama. As soon as the little girl hit the pillow, she felt sleep. Quinn was tired as well, and decided to stay with Beth for a bit. Santana took a relax bath and after changed to some comfortable clothes, she went downstairs and found her dad sitting alone on the couch watching some sports.
"Hey, mariposa. Did Beth felt sleep?" Carlos asked, giving her some space by his side.
"Yeah, she did. She was so tired, she couldn't keep her eyes open. Quinn stayed with her for a bit, I'm pretty sure she'll take a nap too." Santana sat by her father, her legs were under her. "What the... this couch as comfortable as hell. And huge... and... you do fall sleep here a lot, don't you?"
"What- yeah, ok. I can't lie. You're your mother's daughter. Yeah! I fall sleep here a lot and she needs to came and get me in the middle of the night." Carlos rolled his eyes and Santana laughed.
"I know you, papa..." Santana chuckled and soon, her smiled was gone.
"What is it?" Carlos could feel the changed on his daughter, and he grabbed her small hand. "Your hand is still small."
"It's not! My hands are good size." Santana pouted.
"Whatever. You're too tiny anyway." Carlos smirked and Santana just pushed him playfully. "But seriously, what's wrong? I can see something is on your mind."
"Do I really know you?" Santana asked and Carlos look at her.
"What?"
"I mean, I spent years without talk to you and mama. I don't know what you like to eat anymore... I used to know you, papa. I know how much you like pizza and how much you would choose bacon over a salad. I used to know how you like your coffee and that you only liked plan bagel. I used to know some things, but know..." Santana hold her father's hand. "I used to know you, but..."
"First, I think a lot... a lot of people in this world would choose bacon over a salad. Seriously." Carlos said and Santana laughed. "Mija, why are you worry about that? You know so much about us. Somethings changed, yeah, but you're here again. You'll know more and new things. Just as me and your mom will know and learn things about you. And just so you know... I can't eat bacon anymore, unfortunately after my surgery, I got a strict diet and that means no bacon and more salad. Can you imagine how hard this is for me?" Carlos made a cry face, and Santana laughed. "I hate that green stuff. Really!"
"Gosh! You definitely are Beth's grandpa. You have no idea how hard it's for her to eat broccoli or even a tomato."
"She's a Lopez girl, I'm sure." Carlos chuckled. "But seriously, baby girl. I still like my coffee the same way, I still like pizza, bagel always plan.. because I can't understand why someone would eat a blueberry bagel, what's wrong with you people?"
"It's delicious, dad!"
"No it's not. It's gross... just like that -no milk of your brother. There no tits on an almond. How can they make a MILK of it? Doesn't make any sense to me."
"Oh my god, dad!" Santana was laughing and she missed those moments with her father.
"It's true!" Carlos smiled and wrapped his arms around his daughter. She laid her head on his chest. "I love you, mija, and you still know me and your mom. Don't worry about that... you're here now, and you got back to us, and we have time to learn more and more about each other. I'm old, you're old, we changed, that's normal, and I'm glad I have the opportunity to know you as a adult, as a mom and a wife. I'm proud of you, baby girl, I'm so fucking proud! Let's enjoy as much as we can together. And I finally can travel, so be ready to have me and you mom visiting you a lot." Carlos kissed her forehead, hugging his little girl tight.
"I love you, papa! You're my hero, you know? I'm sorry for not be strong and stay. I'm sorry for not be here by your side and help you... I-."
"It was my fault. I wasn't a good father that time. I lost the Carlos husband and father I used to be, and I lost you... I lost so many things in that time, and that was on me.. it was my own fault. I could lose your mom, I could lose your brother too... but I lose you, my first born, and when you left... I changed. It was because of you. You made me see things I was too blind to see. You saved my life. I'm sorry we had to be apart for that to happen, however, I knew one day I'd have you back, and you are here, I'm my arms. And I have everything I need back. My family." Santana didn't look up, but she closed her eyes, trying hard no to cry. She didn't deserve this man, but she was so thankful for him. She was so happy to be there, to have a chance to hug him and laugh with him. She spent some many days thinking about him and scared that maybe one day she would get a call telling her he die. She was so scared. And now she wouldn't get tired of hug him every chance she get. He was alive and good as new! He was the father she remember again... the best father in the world and she would enjoy every second by his side. Every second with her family, because damn, she can lie, Santana missed her mother's food.
Xxxxx
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Thank you. :D
