Quinntana Fanfiction: Now and Forever
Chapter 13: Giving is the Greatest Gift
Hey guys! I know its been a long time since I've updated. Years actually. Basically, life happened. Haha. But in all seriousness, I didnt have the time or motivation to continue. It was only recently that I had the urge to try and finish it. I hope you guys are doing good and I hope you guys enjoy this chapter though. I'm not sure when I'll update next, but I'll try to do it soon. Anyways, enjoy and have a nice day! :)
As Quinn sat next to Santana, she noticed how excited everyone looked as they waited for their presents to get passed out. She could tell that everybody enjoyed the feeling Christmas brought. Especially Santana, who was bouncing her leg up and down in excitement. Quinn had to put a hand on her leg to stop her. Finn was wearing a Santa suit and was standing near the tree. He was grabbing the gifts and passing them out.
Everyone knew how excited Santana was. But instead of satisfying her, they decided to make trouble to her. Finn purposely skipped Santana's gifts and hid them as he passed out everyone else's. Even Quinn got her presents.
"That's about it," said Finn as he looked around.
"What?! Are you kidding me?" complained Santana.
"Aww, Santana. You can have some of mine," offered Brittany. Even she had no clue what was going on either.
"No. Its okay Britt," said Santana as she pouted. What she didn't notice though, was that everyone else in the room was turning purple from keeping in their laughs.
It was Finn who bursted his bubble, practically rolling on the floor in his Santa suit. Then everybody started laughing.
"What's so funny?" asked Santana, looking all lost. But everybody was too busy laughing.
"Guys. Are you guys laughing at me? Cuz if you are, Im gonna beat all of your asses if you dont stop," complained Santana angrily.
"Aww. Babe, dont get mad. Finn give it up," said Quinn as she patted Santana's head. Santana just glared at her.
Finn brought up a bag full of gifts just for Santana. Her glare disappeared just as soon as the bag landed in front of her.
"I'm still mad at you guys" said Santana, although not so convincing with the smirk on her face.
"Mhm, yeah you are," said Finn.
"Shut it and lets start opening gifts," said Santana, already ripping one apart.
Everybody started digging into their presents. All you could hear were gasps, laughs and the sound of ripping paper.
Finn got a shirt, a coat and a beanie. Puck got a leather jacket, jeans, and a pack of socks. Mike got a nice dress shirt, a hat, a vest and a tie. Blaine got a few bow ties, a beanie and a pair of neon blue pants. Kurt got a sweater, a purple dress shirt and a flannel. Tina got a matching top and skirt, a pair of flats, and a coat. Mercedes got a cheetah print blouse, a coat and a pair of headphones. Brittany got ducky printed pajamas, a blouse and a pair of new shoes. Rachel got a black dress, a scarf and a new makeup kit. Quinn got a scrapbook, a cute sundress and a pair of jeans. Santana got a sweater, a beanie and a scarf. After organizing their gifts, they realized how much of a mess they have made. There were boxes and wrapping paper everywhere. You couldnt even see the floor anymore.
"Where's Leo? Leo!" asked Santana.
Bark! Bark!
Leo popped up from under a peice of wrapping paper and jumped towards Santana. Somehow, he ended up with a red bow on his head.
"Aww, he's so cute!" said Brittany.
"Just like you" said Rachel, smiling at Brittany.
"Awww. Who knew Rachel could be so corny?" said Santana jokingly. Rachel just flashed her a smile.
"Okay guys. We gotta clean up first and then we can eat" said Quinn.
Everybody put their gifts to the side as Santana opened up the garbage bag. They all started picking up the paper, ribbons and bows discarded around the apartment. But with that many hands, they cleaned up the place pretty quickly.
They decided to go out and get brunch. Quinn made sure that there werent anything Leo can get a hold of and destroy before they left the loft, taking her camera with her. But once they got outside, they hadnt realized how much time had passed.
"Wow, we were in there for that long?" asked Kurt.
"Maybe because we were too busy making trouble to San" said Finn.
"Hey! Dont make me beat you up" said Santana, giving Finn a mischievous smirk.
Finn just put both his hands up as if to say he'll back off.
They entered this comfy restaurant that gave off a warm vibe. The outside looked familiar because it was on the same street of the loft. None of them had entered it before. But since it was one of the few that was open during Christmas, they decided to give it a try.
They walked in and was greeted by this charming woman who seemed to be in her mid 50's.
"Welcome young folks, how may I help you?" she asked.
"Hello, can we have a table for 11 please, Ma'am?" asked Rachel.
"Sure thing. Follow me please" said the lady as she led the way.
The lady stopped at a long table in the middle of the room that seated 12 people. To their surprise, the restaurant had a decent amount of people enjoying their day just like them.
They all took their seats. Brittany sat next to Rachel. Santana sat next to Quinn in front of them. Tina and Mike sat next to Brittany and Rachel. Kurt and Blaine sat in front of them. Puck, Finn and Mercedes filled up the remaining seats. The menus were already placed on the table in front of them.
"I'll be back to take your orders while someone brings your water" said the lady.
The gleeks took little time to make their orders. Once the lady came back, they all we ready with their orders. As the lady went to send it in, the others took the time to look around the restaurant. The walls were scattered with these random pictures of things around the world. There was one of the Eiffel Tower and another of the Golden Gate Bridge. The lights were dimmer and it gave a comforting feeling. And of course, since it was Christmas, there were Christmas decorations hanging along the walls also. The pictures were framed with garland along with a few Christmas lights to add brightness to the place.
"Orders up" says the lady as she brings a serving cart to the table. The items on the menu gave away that it was an Italian restaurant. Most of them ordered different types of pasta. Puck and Finn helped pass out the plates to the others. Once they got their order, they didnt even bother to wait.
It was silent for a while except for the clanging of utensils against the plates. The silence wasnt caused by tension, but by mouths too full to talk.
"Wow. That was some of the best pasta I've ever had" said Santana as Quinn wiped the side of Santana's mouth with a napkin.
"I know right. Why haven't we gone here before?" asked Puck.
"Maybe because it doesnt look like much on the outside" said Kurt.
"Well, we all should know that we shouldnt judge a book by its cover," said Tina.
"Right?" replied Mercedes, acknowledging Brittany, Rachel, Santana and Quinn.
They all giggled and blushed as they looked at each other.
"No. Im serious. Who would have thought?" said Mercedes as she looked at the four in amusement.
"None of us, but Im glad it happened" said Santana before she pecked Quinn's lips. Seeing the action, it kind of made Mercedes jealous. Sam couldn't make it because he was visiting his family in Lima for Christmas instead. He wouldve taken the last available seat. She knows the two meant well, but it still made her heart hurt.
This didnt go unnoticed by Quinn though. She saw Mercedes's expression falter for a split second before it was gone.
Before Quinn could say something, the lady came back to their table.
"So, how was it?" she asked politely.
"It was amazing. The best I've ever tasted considering my strict diet" said Rachel.
"Im glad you liked it" said the lady.
"Oh, we didnt just like it, we loved it" said Quinn.
Everyone at the table nodded and hummed in agreement.
"Very well then. What do you guys have planned for the rest of the day?" asked the lady as she occupied the empty seat.
"We actually dont have anything planned right now" said Finn.
"Uh, Ma'am. May I ask why is your restaurant open on a wonderful day like this?" asked Blaine. Everybody just stared at him.
"I mean, Im not complaining. No. I was just wondering. Wouldn't you want to be home with your family instead of working?" continued Blaine.
The lady just chuckled a little.
"Actually dear, my family is working here with me. We do this every year. We figured that serving customers on this special day is better that just sitting at home and opening presents. Christmas is all about family, giving and being thankful. We open our doors so people can spend their holidays without having to worry about burning a meal and stuff like that. We stay open for those who spend the holidays alone. Or those who have just reunited with their lovers after years of being apart. Or folks like you who just simply want to spend the day with close ones" explained the lady.
Everybody sat there, listening intently to the kind lady.
"We figured that staying open and serving people was the least we could do. It feels good to give, and thats the greatest gift we could ask for on a day like this" continued the lady.
"Wow. Thats very generous of you guys. Thank you" said Blaine, followed by the others mumbling their own "thank you's".
"Oh, its not a problem. Once the day is over, we have our own Christmas dinner here on this table" said the lady.
"How long have you been here in New York?" asked the lady.
"A little over a year. For most of us, its actually our first Christmas here" answered Rachel.
"Oh, really? Then why are you guys wasting time talking to me? Christmas in New York is quite a sight to see" said the lady.
With that said, the lady got up and so did the others. They paid the bill and gave a generous tip to the charming lady.
As she was cleaning up, Quinn approached her.
"Excuse me, but we never got your name Ma'am" said Quinn.
"Oh, right. My name is Ella" said the lady as everyone walked out the restaurant.
"Nice to meet you Ella. Im Quinn. Thanks for the wonderful hospitality. We live down the street and Im pretty sure we'll be coming back soon" said Quinn as she shook Ella's hand.
"Nice to meet you Quinn. I hope you and the rest of your folks enjoy the rest of your evening. Merry Christmas" said Ella.
"Merry Christmas to you too" answered Quinn. With the said, she joined the rest outside.
"Guys, I have an idea" interrupted Quinn.