I gripped my bags tightly as I stood outside my apartment building. The air was brisk as the autumn leaves lay on the ground around me. I had spent the last ninety days in rehab, and I was finally released. I'm not even going to lie; I'm scared shitless, but I know that I have to keep the tools I've gained close to me.

The last week of rehab were some of the most emotional days. Hearing from my family and Brittney about the hell I'd put them through impacted me the most. Brittney sobbed mostly through her letter. However, I could tell that she still harbored some anger and hurt which I can't say I blame her for.

The bustle of the city was overwhelming. After spending three months in the countryside away from reality, I forgot how busy New York City is.

"Got everything, Mija?" my dad asked.

I shook my head out of the daze I was in. "Yeah. I think so."

We carried my things to my apartment. When I stepped inside, it felt like a time capsule. I haven't been here since the night of my overdose. Everything was exactly the same except for the banner that read "Welcome home Santana!" I smiled at the gesture.

"Well, I guess this is where I leave you." My dad said sadly. "Remember, if you change your mind about living here and want to come home, I'm only a phone call away."

"I know. I'll be okay, daddy. Thank you." I hugged him tightly and felt his strong grasp engulf me. He didn't let go for a long while but when he did, he cupped my cheeks in his hands.

"Also, don't forget if you want your own place, I will pay for it. I will do everything in my power to keep you healthy."

"I know. I want to try this first though. I think having friends around would be more helpful."

"Okay. I love you." My dad said as he booped my nose. "Call me later."

"I will."

He walked to the door and paused to look at me one last time before he left. Suddenly, a wave of loneliness rushed over me. This is the first time I've been truly alone in three months. I've always been around someone. Now it was just silent.

I knew I needed to keep busy, so I rolled my luggage to my room to unpack. Everything had been straightened up. It must have been Rachel's doing. I opened my drawer to set some things in when a rolled-up dollar bill caught my eye and I flinched.

My heart pounded as I backed away and a flood of memories filled my head.

"Look at me. You're high again."

"Stop lying to me!"

"Do you love me as much as you love drugs? You can't have both, Santana."

"It's too late, Santana!"

"You're in the hospital. You overdosed."

I felt dizzy, like I was going to pass out. I had to get out of here. It was too much. I grabbed my jacket, and my keys and stumbled to the door. I was hyperventilating so much that I didn't even see where I was going. All of a sudden, I crashed right into someone.

"Santana." A familiar voice said. "Santana..." their voice softened. "What is it? What's wrong?" My vision came back into focus. It was Brittany.

I didn't say anything. I realized I was crying, and I instinctively lunged myself into her chest.

"It's okay." Brittany whispered as she put her arms around me. "Just breathe San. Calm down."

A/N – Sorry for the late update. I went back to college full time, so I've been incredibly busy. Also, I know this chapter is short. I just needed this as a segue for the next part of this story.

Edited for spelling and grammar.