Just... thanks.
Dinner was nothing I had expected. My dad sure knew how to impress. I was glad he invited Santana, not that I would admit but it was better to have other people around the table. I sometimes caught my dad awkwardly looking at me like he wanted to ask something then would clear his throat and focus on his plate instead. Dinner with him was never uncomfortable but never fun either.
So, Santana was a very welcomed guest. Santana and I took a seat beside each other while my dad sat in front of me - well, our usual seats.
"How are you, Mr. Pierce?" Santana formally asked when dad poured a wine for himself.
"What's with the formality, Santana?" My dad gave her a warm smile that I didn't see that often. Well, he has different smiles which amazed me somehow.
"You two know each other?" I suddenly asked after I took a large bite of the dish dad prepared. I didn't even know what it's called but it was delicious with some gravy on it.
"Yeah, his papi is a regular at Burt's."
"It's a small town, Britt." She shrugged. "Well, I really don't know why he still keeps that car." Santana sighed dramatically which made dad laugh. Dad works as the head mechanic at this shop downtown, I haven't been there though. Maybe I could ask him to bring me there some time.
"Oh, Santana! That car is too precious for Ricardo to let go. The value of a car doesn't always depend on money."
"I get it, Mr. Pierce. But, isn't it dangerous to drive it around? I know he's very traditional but he doesn't have to be that sentimental."
"Again, call me Bryan." My dad adjusted in his seat. "Plus, we couldn't blame your old man. That car tells stories."
"Right." Santana pursed her lips and nodded.
My dad laughed again, finding her too amusing. "You would understand it as you grow older, dear. That's a promise I'll keep." He winked at her and Santana bit her lip as if thinking about it. "Anyway, how's practice, Brittany? Glad you two have finally met."
"Hm, nothing out of ordinary I guess? Just a new school, same old pattern." I said nonchalantly.
"Brittany's downplaying it, Bryan. Though I think you kinda know how good she is. She's basically a hundred times better than the girls who practically spent their entire life performing..." Santana was explaining things that were a little too exaggerated but impressive. She impressed me. I was forced to listen to their conversation not because they were talking about me as if I wasn't in the room but because of how comforting Santana's voice was. I hadn't realize it until now. She has this raspy, soothing tone. She would engage me in their conversation from time to time but all I want was to listen to her speak.
After dinner, I invited Santana to watch a movie. It surprised me because I thought that she'd decline. What surprised me even more was how easy I invited her. Again, I'm not a very sociable person and I enjoy being alone. I was used to it. But, maybe I needed this step to be more open to people other than my family.
"Pick a movie. I'll just change my clothes real quick." I motioned to my laptop that was sitting on my desk. We were back in my room after dinner. I offered to do the dishes since dad cooked and he bid us good night before he went back to his room. It was our normal routine, something that was unspoken. Dad and I never really hang out or talk about stuff after meal. We just went on our separate ways and do separate stuff. Santana offered to help doing the dishes, but I declined so she just stood beside me the entire time and we talked.
"Do I need a password?" Santana shouted from my room when I entered the bathroom to quickly change.
"Nope." I shouted back. I changed into a pair of sweats, washed my face and brushed my teeth. I felt relieved right after. I went back to my room and found her scrolling through a folder. She must've found the movies. Well, I kept things pretty simple. My laptop only consisted of school files, movies and music. That's all you can find - nothing too important, nothing too private. "Found anything you like?"
She looked at me and smirked. "I believe so." I bit my lip and focused on the screen instead. She chuckled lightly and shook her head.
"Okay, would you like to watch on the bed or by the window?" I asked her and grabbed my laptop from the desk.
"Wherever's fine. I need to pee." She stood up and I motioned to the bathroom door connected to my room.
"Thanks." She said and walked out.
I then settled on the bed since it's more spacious than the couch. That way we'd also be comfortable watching the movie. When my back hit the headboard, a yawn immediately escaped my lips. I didn't know I was that tired. Well, I guess with a lot that has happened today, my body's pretty worn out. I shut my eyes for a moment while waiting for Santana.
"Hey..." Someone rubbed my arm up and down. It was warm and nice so I snuggled in bed comfortably. "Britt?" She whispered again. Then, I jerked awake.
"Oh my gosh!" I said a little too fast. "Sorry. I'm sorry." I sat up and looked at Santana. She was sitting on my side of bed.
"It's okay, silly. Get some sleep. I can find my way out." She somehow found my arm again and gave it a light squeeze. She was about to stand but I held her hand, the one she used to squeeze my arm.
"We can still watch the movie if you want. I promise I won't fall asleep again."
She smiled at me warmly which made my stomach leaped. Very weird. "It's fine. We can watch it some other time." She said and finally stood up.
"Okay. Let me just walk you out then."
"And they say chivalry is dead." We both chuckled at her oh-so-new remark. "Come on." I let her tugged me up from bed. We silently walked downstairs. I opened the door for her, it was colder now. I hadn't realized it was that late.
"Thank you for staying." I told her once she was already out. She spun and chuckled lightly.
"I should be the one thanking you for dinner. You and your dad."
"Well, my dad is just glad as I am. It's mostly just me and my dad so you're very much welcome to join anytime."
"Is that an invitation for another dinner, Ms. Pierce? Didn't know I was that good of a company." Santana quirked a playful brow at me. I instantly ducked my head to cover up my face that I knew she somehow managed to turn a bit flushed. "Oh, before I forget. Work starts tomorrow at nine."
"Tomorrow? But it's a Sunday." I was glad for a change of conversation.
"Yeah, well you need to start saving, right?" I sighed and nodded. "That's what I've thought. Check your phone. That's what people do these days." She repeated as if mocking me with her intelligent remarks.
"Fine. But, thank you again, Santana."
"A'ight! But, don't get used to it." She smiled and turned towards her car.
"Santana..." I stepped outside when she turned around. I surprised her when I wrapped my arms around her. It took her a few seconds before she embraced me back. "Thanks, really." I whispered then let her go.
"You're welcome." With that, she finally left and I went back to my room - confused as ever.
...
I followed the address Santana gave me. My dad let me borrow his car for me to move around quickly. When I found it, I parked the car behind the place. It was peacefully quiet out there. I turned the engine off and ran inside to look for the person in charge. Santana said that he was expecting me or something. I was twenty minutes early so that'll give me plenty of time to observe.
"Hey, can I take your order?" The woman told me when I walked over the counter.
"Oh, no... I'm looking for..." I looked down on my phone again to make sure of his name. "Brody?" Such a weird name.
"He's not around today. Why?" The girl studied me for a minute. I've seen her before, I just couldn't figure out where particularly.
"My friend, Santana, told me to come here."
"Oh! You're Brittany?" It's as if she's expecting me to come by. I nodded reluctantly instead. "I'm Tina. We go to the same school." That's why she's familiar.
"I see..." I trailed off, again, having not much to say.
"Come on." She motioned for me to round the counter and meet her there. "Brody isn't here. I don't know where he went, but he's always like that. His parents own the cafe. He's barely keeping it alive." Tina explained then handed me an apron which I gladly took. "We'll start with the basics once my supposed partner arrives." She huffed in annoyance by the mere mention of 'supposed partner'. I really wanted to help but then I didn't know where to start and how to do whatever's needed. Tina must've sensed this because she immediately removed the frown from her face and smiled apologetically at me. "Today's not a busy day so I think I can walk you through some easy stuff."
The cafe wasn't really that big though there were chairs placed outside as an extension. Tina walked me through some basic stuff I need to learn. She also demonstrated how to brew coffee, clean the machine, pointed where the cups and supplies were until a customer interrupted us. I watched her took the orders. Then she involved me in the process of mixing the orders. I was amazed at how fast she worked and how easy it was to mix all those liquids. It looked complicated at first but then she assured me that I'd get the hang of it later on.
After a few hours, Tina gave up waiting for the staff she was waiting for. "Well, I'm luckier today that you're here. At least I wouldn't be bored to death today." She said as I rearranged the pastries on display. The bell by the door rang, another customer must've entered. I awaited for him or her to speak but Tina spoke once more in annoyance.
"Glad you could finally make it!" She then turned towards the supply room and mentioned that she needed a break. I sighed and continued what I was doing. I felt the presence of the newly arrived staff behind me. I could sense her staring, then she cleared her throat. I was forced to look up, I was finished with the pastries anyway.
"Jeez, you work here too?" She paused chewing her gum to smirk at me.
"Well, hello to you too. Did you have a good night sleep, princess?" She said as she hopped to sit on the counter and started filing her nails.
"Santana! What are you doing?" I pulled her down and stopped her from filing.
"What?" She shrugged and moved away towards the counter. A woman then entered the cafe, Santana fixed her posture and listed down the order as the woman spoke.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, dear." The woman nodded then she looked at me. She paused for a second and I decided to give her a small smile. She returned it and moved on the other side to claim her order. Tina returned as another customer came by. She asked me to mix the order just how she taught me. I easily picked up the pace.
It was a little after lunch when Tina told me that her shift was already up. She was working half day today since they have a family gathering. She introduced me to her boyfriend - another Asian - which was also familiar. I've seen him play football in school.
"Are you hungry?" Santana nudged me when I was busy washing the smoothie blender.
"Not really, I ate before I came here. Are you?"
"Nah, I'm good." She then moved to help me with the chore. "The cafe is busier on weekdays. It's a killer shift if you get a weekday schedule. It's even busier during night time with all the office workers and students needing a caffeine boost." Santana explained as we finished washing.
"How do I know my schedule?"
"It's posted on the bulletin in the staff room. Did Tina show you where everything is?"
"I think?"
Santana then started pointing out the doors and where it all led. She also instructed me to go to the staff room just beside the stock room to check if anything new was posted.
The day went by smoothly. It was tiring at some point but I was thankful for the job opportunity nevertheless. I forgot to tell dad about this though. He thought that I was just meeting a friend. Well, that wasn't a complete lie after all since Santana's with me.
"Hey, you can go now." Santana said over her shoulders when she was tending another order. I looked at my watch and noticed that I've been here for eight hours straight already. "Don't forget to time out."
"What time will you finish?" I asked when I took off the apron. Another staff came in and introduced himself. He then busied himself with the new customers waiting.
"Seven?" Santana gave the large cup to the man waiting on the line who gave her a grunt in return. I would've laughed if I didn't find him annoying. That's still two hours away. "How will you go home by the way?" She turned to me when I returned from the staff room and got my things.
"I brought dad's car."
"Cool. See ya." She then went back to help the other guy.
I used the backdoor to exit the building. It took me a while to get to dad's car because I was debating with myself whether to go straight home or to drive around. I texted him instead that I'll be home a little late. He then told me not to go home too late because I have school tomorrow. I almost forgot about it though. I then got inside the car and just sat there. I sighed. Who am I kidding? I really don't want to go anywhere.
I just couldn't bring myself to go home because going home means talking to dad and talking to dad means things would start to get awkward. Instead, I turned the engine on and played some music. I didn't know how long I was sitting there but when I opened my eyes I immediately saw her. It was already pretty dark but she was standing by the lamp post and the light coming from her phone illuminated her face. I frowned a little - she was smoking. She then started walking while still busy typing on her phone. I realized that she's parked right beside me. She then dropped the cigarette butt and stepped on it lightly.
She didn't immediately went inside her car. I let out a yawn and carefully slid out of the car so I don't startle her. She has her back on me while still typing then I heard her curse followed by an annoyed grunt.
"Bad day?" I leaned my back against the car and immediately regretted it. The metal was too cold. She jumped around, clearly shocked but when she recognized me her shoulders relaxed a bit.
"You scared the shit outta me! I could've punched you, you know."
That's when I noticed her damp face. Her eyes were also a little puffy and her voice hoarse. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
She spun around a little too fast and wiped her face clumsily. "Nothing. Everything's fine." But her voice told me otherwise. I pushed myself from the car and walked towards her. I was about to put my hand on her shoulder but decided against it. I didn't know if it was appropriate to do that. I then stepped forward again so that I was beside her. Both of us were looking ahead. We were silent for a while.
"When I was little my dad used to hold my hand while I cry. He said that there is no perfect word that could make everything better, sometimes you just have to let someone feel that they're not alone. That maybe, after some time, things would get better. But even if it does not, all we can do is hope." I paused to look at her. "Would you like to hold my hand, San?" I got her at San. I must have, because when I lifted my hand and offered it to her she broke down and instantly grabbed it.
I let her cry for who knows how long. I couldn't bear just watching her, it was too heartbreaking. She was still holding my hand as she cried. She was silently crying now, but I know silent cries were always the most painful ones. I took a step closer then pulled her in for a tight hug. She buried her face on my chest and I felt her hand clung to my shirt. I rubbed her back softly but I didn't force her to stop crying. The more we try to suppress our emotions, the heavier we feel and the more we drown. My health teacher once told me that it's healthy to cleanse our eyes once in a while, and the better way to do it is to cry. Well, it shouldn't be habitual of course.
Santana calmed down after a few minutes. I continued rubbing her back for good measure. She nuzzled her face into my chest before she spoke. "I'm sorry. I was a mess." Her voice was muffled, as if too embarrassed even to speak.
"Life's messy. Don't worry about it. Cry when you need to."
She pulled back slightly and looked up at me. I bet she can only see my silhouette. "T-thanks?" It came out more as a question.
"For?"
"Just... thanks."
"Anytime." I pursed my lips and nodded.
She finally stepped back and I let go of her. My gaze never left her to make sure that she can handle herself. I bit back my questions and settled for one. "Would you like some hot chocolate? Not here though, you have to come home with me so I can make you a cup. Hot chocolates always make me feel better." I was hoping she'd say yes. My mom used to do it for me, not that it would solve anything but it's a silent way of comforting another person without being too imposing.
"I'd... like that. Thank you." She crossed her arms over her chest and looked a little self-conscious.
"Well, would you like me to drive?" I took a step closer to her.
"No, I can drive. Besides, you have to bring your dad's car home."
"How can I make sure that you'd follow me home?"
"The past few days, you gave me an impression that you don't like being followed." Her demeanor changed. Her voice still sounded a little sad but there was now a playful glow in her eyes. It's a good sign.
"You know what I mean." I playfully rolled my eyes.
"I promise I'll meet you there."
I nodded my head and walked back to the car. I glanced back at her just to make sure that she wasn't crying again. She wasn't. Santana also moved towards her car.
It only took me a few minutes to arrive home and park the car. I waited patiently for Santana to arrive. I sat down the porch and started to get antsy. I think my mind's playing games with me again. The torment of waiting finally ended when I heard her pulled over and parked by the sidewalk right in front of dad's house.
I stood up when she got out of her fancy car.
"I told you. I don't make promises I can't keep." She said as we head inside the house. We found dad seated on his leather couch watching some random TV show.
"Hey, Brittany!" He greeted but didn't turn towards me.
"Hi, dad. I uh, I have Santana with me." I didn't know whether I was asking permission or just simply informing him that I've brought a friend.
"Oh," he slightly turned around from his seat and greeted Santana.
"Hey, Bryan." Santana greeted him back. Good thing dad was oblivious of how Santana looked. He must be tipsy already for I've seen a few cans of beer on the coffee table.
"I've already eaten, girls. I hope you don't mind." He said as he turned his attention back to the TV. "I ordered pizza, it's on the dining table."
"Okay. Thanks, dad." I answered for the both of us. Santana followed me closely towards the kitchen. I knew she's hungry just by looking at her. Being emotionally exhausted makes me hungry too at times. "Dad ordered pepperoni. Would you like some?"
She nodded simply and sat on the stool in front of me. I moved as quickly as I can. Pizza and hot chocolate may not be a good combination but she didn't question me though. She just accepted everything I offered her.
"Thanks." She said when I stacked our plates and put them on the sink.
"It wasn't that bad, was it?" I turned around, a little too nervous as to how she would respond.
She smiled a sad smile at me and shook her head. "Your hot chocolate is the best."
"Well, I tried." I scrunched my nose and gave her a half shrug. "Would you like to watch the movie now?"
"Okay..." She got off the stool as I walked to the door. "Wait!" She halted me and I stepped back to look at her. "We have school tomorrow. Wouldn't your dad be mad or something?"
"Nah, it's fine. He went upstairs anyways."
"Oh, I didn't notice."
"But if you want to go home I'd understand. It's a tiring day."
"No, no. It's fine. Let's go watch that movie."
I gave her a skeptical look but she linked her arms around my own and practically dragged me towards my room. She sat on the bed as I excused myself to pee and change to comfortable clothes. When I came back, she has already laid down. Her arms under her head and knees folded to her chest.
"San?" I softly called her to know if she's still awake. She didn't say anything so I switched the light off but left the lamp on. I'm not sure whether to wake her or let her sleep. I sat down carefully beside her then I saw that her eyes were closed. There were some stray hair on her face. I slowly reached my hand to tuck the strewn hair behind her ear. She's beautiful. I smiled at the thought because she really was beautiful. I decided to lie down beside her, maintaining a comfortable distance between us.
I wasn't sleepy yet. It's normal for me to stay wide awake late at night. Yesterday's my lucky day because my body's exhausted that forced my mind to sleep. But on regular nights like this, I knew I'd find it hard to go to sleep. A few years back, my doctor prescribed sleeping pills to help me sleep but then it made my mind foggy so my mom stopped me from taking it.
I looked back to Santana after staring at the ceiling for a while. She still has her eyes closed. Her eyes must've hurt because they're still a bit swollen. I then removed another stray hair away from her face. I didn't know why I did it but I found my hand caressing her face. She wouldn't know it anyway. "You know, I sometimes wish I have this superpower to read minds... so that I wouldn't be too scared to ask what they're thinking or what their reasons were for doing certain things." I whispered.
"I think it'd be an awesome superpower." She smiled but didn't open her eyes. I was shocked to say the least.
"Hey, I thought you were asleep."
"Nope, I'm just resting my eyes." I was about to pull back my hand but she stopped me. "Don't. I-it's... just continue. Please?" I reluctantly rested my hand on her cheek again. "Your hand feels oddly warm... and comforting." She whispered.
"Would you like me to play some music?" She opened one of her eyes to look at me. I find it adorable.
"What for?"
"I don't know... so that you can talk and say whatever it is that you want without having an awkward dead air? In that way, you can also choose which parts you'd like someone, or in this case me to hear and you can whisper the parts you want to keep to yourself."
Santana let out a chuckle. "That'd be nice, but don't trouble yourself too much -"
"You don't."
"Britt, I'm thankful that you do all these lovely things for me even though we just met."
"As they say, strangers are the best listeners."
"How did you become so wise?" Both of her eyes were now opened and gave me a playful look. This time, I chuckled with her.
"Tss, duh?" I half shrugged. "Have you met me? I'm awesome."
That got her to laugh. "Oh gosh, you are such a weirdo!" She then shifted closer to me and rested her head on my now stretched arms. I laid flat on the bed and let her move closer, her head was now resting over my right chest. I looked down at her and saw her eyes closed again. I pulled her in and brushed her hair with my finger tips.
"Thank you." She whispered. "I feel like whenever I needed some saving, you magically appear like a genie..."
"I feel like I'm blue sometimes so that genie part is accurate." I pursed my lips to keep myself from smiling. She pinched the side of my stomach and I groaned in pain.
"You know what I mean." She said then apologized for pinching me. "Just... thank you."
"Let's get some sleep." I whispered and closed my eyes.
"Okay." She sighed and I felt her body relax.
"And you're welcome."