Sorry for the slow update! Some has tried to hack in my laptop like WTF! But, I think all's good now though I'm still a little freaked out. :(

Anyway, hope you stay tuned to this story. This is a little different from the usual fics I'm writing.

Stay

People become mad not just because they wanted to or because other people irritated them for no reason, okay… well, maybe the latter happens for real. But not really the point. I guess what I was trying to say is that people get mad because they have a reason to. I think most people get mad whenever they feel that things do not go as planned. When people feel like everything's slipping out of their control, they start to panic. They start to blame other people and put the weight of the consequences out somewhere.

I'm now starting to think that my therapist was right after all. I didn't know why it took me this long to realize that.

Cheerios practice was done before lunch, just in time when dad reminded me of my appointment. Not that I didn't plan on going, my parents insisted that I need to. I think that's the first thing they arranged when they decided to bring me here for good. I was used to it anyways – talk, vent, cry a little then nod a lot. Some days are better than others. I remembered that one time I missed my session and they made a big deal out of it. They kept my phone for three whole days and grounded me for a week. School, home, school, clinic, home, school then home again. It was basically a very cruel pattern. I understood though, I couldn't blame them.

Santana ran after me when I reached the parking lot with Quinn. Quinn offered to drive me home but I refused, I was just walking her to her car because she'd been super nice the entire time. The practice went better than I thought though I haven't really contributed anything. Coach Sue practically yelled the entire practice, I wondered how sore her throat was. It's not really healthy to yell all the freaking time!

"Are you sure you don't want a ride?" Quinn asked for the third time when she opened her car.

"I'm alright. I like long walks."

"At noon?" She looked at me disbelievingly.

"I got her." Santana appeared behind me and said some reminders to Quinn. I zoned out while they talk for a few minutes. "You ready?" she then turned to me.

I noticed Quinn was already backing up and Santana pulled me towards her car.

"Oh, I don't need a ride home. But, thanks."

"Why?" Santana adjusted her gym bag on her shoulder as she opened her car door. "Your house is just on the way. I could just drop you off."

I didn't know if it's appropriate to tell her when I'm headed next. I didn't want anyone that I've just met know every single thing about me. Besides, they might think that I'm crazy. Yep, I couldn't afford that. I didn't really care what other people thought about me, but still I needed to be careful. I didn't want that part of me to be used against me.

"Oh, I'm meeting with my dad." I shrugged. I'm not a very good liar though. If she knew me better, she would've noticed how fast I talked and dodged her questioning gaze.

"Alright. I wouldn't force you to do anything you don't want. But, just in case you need me, you know my number."

"I really don't know why you're being so nice to me. It feels like you're about to ask me a favor." I frowned a little while thinking about what I've just said. It's okay right? I didn't say anything wrong to her?

Instead of being offended, she just laughed it off. Good. I sighed in relief. "You're adorable." She shook her head as she went inside the car. Her car was really nice and smelled really good. I didn't know if it was her or the scent for cars. Probably both? Anyway, her car suited her – hot red convertible with really nice leather seats plus a very posh interior. Hot, confident, impressive. I think those words were more fitting to describe her, I mean no, her car that's just like her.

The roof then retracted revealing her. She now wore a huge aviator that almost covered her entire face. She looked awesome, nevertheless. I smiled at her. And here you thought I was the adorable one.

"But I'm serious Britt, if you need me, I'm just a text or call away." Her tone changed into a serious one. I nodded in understanding and thanked her again. She gave me one last look before she drove out of the parking lot.

I liked what she called me – Britt. No one has ever called me that before. I don't know why but it just easily came out of her lips. It made me giddy.

The entire way to the address dad has given me made me thought of home. I missed my old room, my old house, my old school and even some of the people who acknowledged me as their friend. Gosh, there's a lot that I'm missing. Mom said that this would happen, she explained to me more than once how this was supposed to be. I think a part of me misses her too.

"Hello, do you have an appointment?" A woman behind the desk asked me when I entered the small office. She's too chirpy for her age or maybe I wasn't just used to seeing older people be cheerful. It made my face hot by the way she's looking at me. First meetings were usually the most awkward ones.

I gave her my name instead and she looked it up in the system. She told me to sit for a while and wait. It was warm and cozy inside. There were pictures and pamphlets everywhere. I looked down with what I was wearing and hoped that it's okay. I haven't really brought nicer clothes to change into.

"Brittany?" The older woman, who I later knew as Janet, instructed me to go inside the room. I thanked her on the way, and I received a motherly smile in return.

Inside, I found a blonde woman sitting comfortably on a single sofa. Right in front of her was a leather couch that matches the interior of her office. It was covered in white and gray and mint. There were also plants everywhere. It was nice and relaxing.

"You have a really nice office." I told her when I took a seat.

"Why, thank you, Brittany. I personally make it a point to polish everything in here." She winked at me and chuckled. "By the way, you can call me Holly. Drop the 'miss' because that seriously makes me so much older." I laughed at her again.

"Noted."

"Now, tell me what's been up lately."

Holly's a bit different from my past therapist. Aside from the fact that she's younger, she didn't interrupt me during my whole venting. I knew that she really listened to me because she knew how to react and respond properly. It felt good that I can sort of let her see through my walls.

She knew about my parents. She knew what happened. I refused to talk about it, that's why everything I have to say loudly were kept in some written papers that only authorized doctors were allowed to see.

Our session was almost done when I asked her, "Do you know what happens when we die?"

I think my question surprised her because it took her a while to respond. "Science and religion sometimes don't go hand in hand. Scientifically, our bodies rot and return to dust when we die and that's it. Spiritually, they say that there's an after life and our souls are bound to travel there to live eternally."

"Do you believe that?"

"I'm a doctor," she shrugged. "but I'm also an opinionated human being." She stood up from her chair and walked by the window. "I think it doesn't really matter what happens when we die. Nobody will ever know because it's the point of no return. What matters is what we do while still here and what we will leave behind when our time is up." She then faced me with sincerity in her eyes. "Our bodies and memories will be buried with us. But do you know what will keep us alive even when we're already dead?" Wait, that's confusing. She must've sensed it because I didn't say anything. "Legacy. When you leave something important, people will never forget."

...

When you leave something important, people will never forget.

I kept on thinking about what Holly said. She also told me a story about how her parents would make her sit every Sunday in church to listen to gospels and songs about salvation. As a kid, she never bothered to question why she needed to be saved. But, as she grew older bigger things happened and complications came. She said that salvation differs for each individual, it depends on what we need to be saved from.

I thought about this over and over on my way home. It's starting to get dark. The session just took an hour or maybe two. I didn't really pay attention to time. After my session, I stayed outside the clinic for a little while or maybe longer than what I've thought. I decided to leave when Holly and the receptionist came out. She was curious as to why I was still there, I told her I wasn't ready to go home just yet. She just nodded and offered me a ride home. I politely declined of course and made my own way home.

I happened to pass by the park to which held a lot of my childhood memories whenever I visited my grandparents. My grandmother moved to LA when grandpa died a few years ago. She stayed close to our house - well, now to my mom's house. She was sad when she learned about the news of me moving with dad. I promised her that I'd call often. Well, it has been almost a week and I haven't called anyone back in LA.

I readjusted the duffle bag in my shoulder. I wasn't even close to home yet. I already texted dad so that he won't go looking for me. He asked if I'm hanging out with new friends, I just replied 'yeah' so that he wouldn't ask more questions. It's easier that way.

"Hey..." Someone called from behind me. "I knew it was you." She beamed as she slowed down.

"Déjà vu..." I sighed but she must've seen my expression or heard me because she laughed that playful laugh of hers.

"Hate me that much?" She smirked as she hang her arm loosely outside the car's window.

"Are you following me?"

"Don't flatter yourself too much, babe."

I rolled my eyes as I kept walking.

"Hey." She stopped the car then I heard footsteps. I slightly turned to give her a questioning look. "I'm on my way home. I'm not following you but now that you've asked, where did you go?"

We stopped walking and just stood by a lamp post that was now glowing too much.

"Nowhere." I shrugged.

"Okay, so about the work you've asked me... I've already put on a good word for you. I've messaged you the address. You should check your phone once in a while, you know. That's what people usually do these days."

"Oh," I was surprised that she remembered. I've already forgotten about it. I haven't even told my dad yet. "I uh, thanks." I gave her a small smile.

"Damn, if I knew that's what it takes to make you smile, I would've gotten you ten different jobs." My smile grew bigger and ducked my head. "You have a beautiful smile. Don't hide it." She brought her hand to my arm and gently squeezed it. "Come on. Let me give you a ride home."

"Thanks, Santana."

"Yeah, come on."

I noticed that she was still wearing the same dress she changed into this morning after practice. "Where were you?" I asked when we got inside the car. Hm, that smell again...

"Nowhere." She shrugged and drove off.

"Right." I just nodded my head.

The car ride wasn't as awkward as it was this morning. She also put on a toned down music.

When we reached our street, I saw my dad seated on the porch. Santana pulled over just outside our house. My dad stood up and walked to us.

"Hey, honey." He greeted me with a kiss on the forehead when I met him by the sidewalk. I sensed Santana watching our interaction.

"Oh, dad. That's Santana. She's my captain."

"Is that so?" My dad pulled away from me and walked closer to the car. "Thanks for dropping her off."

"No problem, Mr. Pierce." Santana said confidently. I was actually surprised when she responded politely.

"I prepared dinner, not too fancy but it's more than enough for Brittany and I. Would you like to join us, Santana?" Dad said almost nonchalantly. I was about to stop him when I heard Santana turned the engine off and went outside her car.

"I would love to." She sweetly said and winked at me.

"Great!" My dad said as he invited her in. I think my dad was even more excited to talk to my 'new friend' than me. They kept on talking until we reached the living room. "I'll just finish everything and call you when the food's ready." My dad excused himself and went directly to the kitchen.

We have a small house, nothing fancy was in it. I wasn't ashamed of it though. Some people would normally tidy up and explain things whenever they have visitors. Some would even be shy to talk about things in their house. For me, that's not the case. I wouldn't even bother to impress anyone.

"Hey, you wanna come upstairs? I also need to change." I asked Santana who's busy looking around. There's nothing much to look at though. There were no paintings, pictures, flowers or whatsoever in our living room. There were only couches, the television set and some news papers on the coffee table.

"Sure." She shrugged and followed me upstairs.

My room was just a typical room - bed, dresser, study table which I don't really use except for when needed for school. Everything else was plain and gray. Santana stood awkwardly by the door so I grabbed her hand and pulled her in. I closed the door behind her and told her to feel at home and comfortable or whatever.

She walked across the room and sat on the window bench. I tidied up a little since I've noticed some shirts on my bed. She's watching me, I could sense her eyes burning on the back of my head.

"What?" I asked when I spun around. She has this unreadable expression.

"Nothing. I was just curious."

"About?"

"You." She said simply.

"What about me?"

"You're the 'new girl', of course I'd be curious."

"I have nothing interesting to tell you if that's what you're expecting. I try to stay as simple as possible and not draw attention."

"But you've got mine. Ever since the nationals." She shrugged and relaxed further on the seat.

"You lied then." I walked to the other side of the bed and took a seat in front of her. She cocked her head and frowned a little so I explained further. "You said you haven't seen me before."

"Well, I'm just trying to confirm whether you're the same person I've seen last year. It seemed too weird to see you here since you were from the other side."

"Other side?" I asked, I wasn't sure what she's talking about.

"Yeah, you moved from LA and you were from one of the most popular cheer leading squads. I'm also wondering why you chose to be here in Lima. Everybody around here wanted out, I don't know anyone who wants to stay or even move here. Well, now you're the exception."

"I moved here because of dad." I answered briefly, as if that was the complete answer to her endless questions. "You've got nothing to worry about. I won't try anything to bring your rep down if that's what bothers you."

"Good. Good that we're clear on that." She nodded her head. I knew that she wanted to say more but she decided against it.

I don't know why but I felt a little comfortable now. She told me things to know about the school, who to avoid and who to stick with.

"Why do you want to move out of here?" I blurted all of a sudden.

"Are you kidding me?" I watched her as she untied her hair and combed her fingers through the strands. She paused and looked straight at me. "There's nothing much you can achieve in here. Nobody wants to get stuck and be a Lima loser forever, Britt." There she goes again with that nickname. I smiled to myself at how cute she looks.

"Right." I settled for a short reply.

"You really don't remember me, do you?" Her question took me out by surprise. My brow scrunched in confusion. It's like we're playing a hundred questions, or is it what's that game called? I really couldn't remember.

"I told you, I'm not really good at remembering names or faces. I'm not even sure if I've seen you at Nationals." I shrugged and laid on the bed. My feet dangled over the edge. I felt the bed dip beside me and then I heard her sigh.

"I was at sixth grade when my family moved here. It was summer and I didn't know anyone yet, my mom and I went by the small pond in the park. She left me there for a while so that she could grab us some snacks. Then a group of girls my age noticed me, they must've sensed I was new in town. Lima isn't that big of a place and everyone literally knows everyone." She paused and gave a light snort. "They started talking to me, I wasn't the friendliest so I just shrugged off their questions. I was hoping they'd leave me alone. I didn't speak and for a while I thought they'd really leave then I heard one of them got super frustrated. I didn't get why she would make a big deal out of it... but I guess she wasn't used to anyone ignoring her. That little bitch." She paused again to clear her throat.

I was so intrigued with where this was headed so I didn't interrupt her. "The next thing I knew I was being pushed by the pond. It's damn colder than I'd expected and I didn't really know how to swim so I frantically stopped them from pushing me but they were too strong so I ended up slipping. I heard them successfully cheering when I slipped. I didn't get out immediately, I couldn't. It was as if something was holding me down and all I've seen under was green... I was beyond terrified. Then out of nowhere, a hand pulled me out. I felt a jacket surrounded me the instant I sat by the pond. I didn't know that I was shaking from the cold and embarrassment." Her arms then crossed in front of her, as if remembering how she trembled that time. "I was about to cry when you spoke to me." At that point, my hand stopped toying with the pillow I was holding. I froze. "You said 'don't cry... one day the tables will turn', that was the first time I looked up at you. You've been staring at the pond too seriously for a child. I was about to say something but then mom returned and found me in that state. She immediately pulled me and brought me home. She was heart broken to say the least but you know what? After you told me that, I wasn't so scared anymore. I know it's stupid and childish but ever since, I've lived up to what you said. I tried to find you but..." she trailed off.

I couldn't remember. Why couldn't I remember? Was she sure that's me? "Are you sure it's me?" That's what all I could say. I sat up and faced her. "I... I couldn't..."

"How could I not be sure? You have the same piercing eyes as the day we've met. Plus, I don't know anyone who owns a jacket that has your name on it. So, I'm positive."

"Oh." I looked down at her hands. They were now fidgeting. Wait, was she nervous? "It must've been hard for you."

"What?"

"Not knowing anyone, not having someone to ask or to talk to."

"Yeah, for a while. But, as I've said I took your advise pretty well. Soon enough, the tables were turned." She shrugged and tightened her ponytail once more. I think it was her nervous habit. "I've met Quinn freshman year, we've been the best arch-nemesis since."

When I didn't respond, Santana stood and spun to look at me. "Well, I guess all I wanted to say is thank you." Her tone was a lot different, it was more defensive. I was surprised to see her walls up again. "I'm gonna head out, my dad's probably home by now." She picked up her phone and car keys from the window seat. I heard her shuffle and opened the door.

"Wait." I said when I realized what's happening. "Santana wait!" I hurriedly ran after her. She looked confused and taken aback when I grabbed her hand for the second time, pulled her in and shut the door. "I'm sorry." I dropped her hand. I probably looked dumb because of my actions. I was confused but so was Santana. I didn't know how to react when people say nice things to me or when they're actually thanking me for the reason I couldn't clearly remember.

"I'm sorry." I repeated because I didn't know what else to say.

"You're sorry because?" Santana frowned and looked at me expectantly.

"I really don't know what to say because I can't remember."

"It's okay. It's a long time ago, I just thought that you'd remember if I told you. But then again, it's stupid. Don't bother thinking about it." There was something in her voice, maybe it was something covering her hurt or disappointment.

"Look, I'm sorry - "

"Stop!" She snapped. "Just... just stop apologizing." She whispered the last part and averted her eyes elsewhere.

"Thank you." Instead of apologizing again, those were the words that escaped my lips. For a moment I wanted to mentally hit myself but then I saw her look at me again. "Thank you for remembering and you're welcome too." I shook my head and frowned at how confusing that sounded. "I may not remember that time but I'm glad I was able to help you in some way. You don't know how much that means to me. I was apologizing because I was freaked out that I couldn't remember and I really wanted to. It's frustrating when you can't remember something that important."

Her gaze somehow melted something inside me. Her lips curled into a smile. "Stay." I whispered. "Stay for dinner. My dad was super excited when you agreed to have dinner with us. You're the first person I've introduced to him."

Her smile got even bigger. "Thought you'd never ask." We went back further into the room. She sat by the window and started another conversation of how she eventually turned the tables. I laughed at her, she was seriously funny. Her snarky comments made my stomach flutter in an awesome way, not that I wanted to hear about how she tormented the girls who wronged her. I still don't believe in violence but what's done is done and she has an awesome way of reliving her stories.

My father finally called us after half an hour. Santana giddily pulled me up from the bed and linked her arms around mine until we reached the dining room.