Chapter 59 – Preliminary Adulting

December Age 21

Finn and Santana got their typical week off between Christmas and New Year's so they packed up and headed to Lima for hopefully some rest and relaxation. There were other things that needed looking into: Jobs. Charlotte was quite happy to stay with Carol and Burt for a while, while her parents went out job hunting. They went to the County Division of Employment to see a list of options. The usually cranky personnel were surprisingly helpful. It shocked them to no end that people were here to actually get help. Santana was given a listing of all the places where nurses were hired – even though she wanted to be a surgical nurse; she needed to know all of her options. Finn's was a bit more involved because his degree was slightly more versatile. He got all kids of social services jobs, as well as school counselors and therapy positions.

From the employment office, they went to the Division of Youth and Family Services. After making an inquiry at the front desk, they made their way back to a familiar office. Wende Hench was surprised to say the least when she saw who was knocking on her door. "Finn! Santana!" she hugged them both. "You guys are just the interruption that I needed."

"Well, you were our first real visit of the day," Finn explained.

"What are you guys doing here?" she asked. "Not another crisis I hope?"

"No, we are out job hunting," Santana explained.

"No drama since August, and that was only minor," Finn said. He explained briefly.

"That girl doesn't know when to quit," Wende shook her head. "But you're looking for jobs?"

"Yeah, we graduate in the spring," Finn replied happily.

"Really? Already?"

"Well, we graduated early," Santana explained. "And little mamacita will be five in a few months."

"Good Lord," Wende exclaimed. "Has it really been that long? It feels like not that long ago that you came in here and she was like four months pregnant."

"She's growing up way too fast," Finn agreed. He whipped out his phone and showed off their Christmas pictures.

"Look how tall she is! You sure she's only four?"

"She's definitely going to be taller than me," Santana laughed.

"And is that a ring I see on your finger? Girl, let me see that." Santana allowed her hand to be hijacked. "Have you two set a date?"

"Not yet, maybe in a year or so," Santana replied. "We want to get settled first."

"Believe me, you're getting an invite," Finn said. "I wouldn't be where I am without you, and Sam. Is she around today?"

"I can text her," Wende replied. "You are one of my success stories. I wish all my cases could be more like you. Determined, driven, stubborn."

"I wasn't that stubborn," Finn agreed.

"I never said it was a bad thing," she teased. "It's gotten you this far. You said you were job hunting?"

"Yeah, I'll have my degree in social work with a minor in human development and family studies. So I'll be looking for some place that will hire me."

"You know I'll write you a letter of recommendation if you need it," she replied. "You too Santana."

"Much appreciated," Finn replied. There was a knock at the door and Sam popped her head in. "Hey!"

"Finn? Santana?" she greeted in shock "More drama?"

"That's what I asked," Wende giggled. "No, they are starting to look for jobs. Graduation is just around the corner."

"Good Lord," Sam shook her head. The couple went over some of the same points again showing off the pictures. It was good to see the team that helped him so much to get his family.

Soon it was time to leave and head over to the hospital. Finn knew a lot of the nursing staff due to Carol working there for years. Santana knew a lot of the doctors because her father was a surgeon. The couple felt fortunate that they didn't run into Mr. Lopez on this visit; they just weren't up for that. They headed to Breadstix and ended up having lunch with Emma, Will, Shannon, and Sue. All four teachers offered their recommendations for any future employment. Carol met and brought Charlotte since they had a doctor's appointment for Burt.

"She's gonna be a basketball player!" Shannon exclaimed. "Look how tall you've gotten Junebug."

"I'm gonna be tall like Daddy," Charlotte proudly announced.

"That you are darling," she agreed.

"When's graduation?" Sue asked.

"May 16th," Santana said.

"Do you know how many tickets you get?"

"I think we get six each, but people were able to request more last year."

"I'm sure I speak for the group when I say, get us tickets," Sue replied.

"Absolutely," Emma chirped.

"You two are quite a success story," Will said, with genuine pride.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

The rest of their 'vacation' consisted of gathering applications for jobs, apartment complexes and relator information in case they wanted to buy a house after they moved back. They were kept busy but they also got to see some of the gleeks who came home for winter break.