One week later…
"Santana! Brittany! Dinner's ready!" Uncle Charlie hollered.
Since that tragic day at the train station, Santana has been living with the Pierce's. But it wasn't like the sleepover that Santana and Brittany used to have before her mother left – it was much more serious, and much more permanent.
Santana refused to talk a lot and Brittany tried everything to get her best friend to be happy again. She was hurt when Santana was hurt so she never left her side hoping that she could get her to smile again. But even a week later, Santana was still the same.
Now here they sat at the dinner table. Santana ate quietly and slowly – never really paying attention to what the Pierce's had to say. For all she knew, they were whispering about how much of a burden she was and how they should get rid of her like her mother did. Losing her appetite, Santana just pushed her peas around with her fork as she listened to the clinking of the cutlery. She found herself getting more and more agitated by it.
By the time everyone finished, Santana stood up and offered to clear up for everyone. Uncle Charlie and Brittany knew better than to argue so they let her. Pleased with their response, Santana began to stack up the plates given to her and cautiously made her way into the kitchen.
Suddenly, she tripped over something she didn't sense and came crashing to the ground.
"SANTANA!" Brittany rushed to her aid as Santana sat on the floor and burst into tears.
"Useless! Useless! Useless!" Santana muttered under her breath. She suddenly pushed Brittany away and stood up so she could leave the house. Once outside, she ran a familiar route, with tears in her eyes until she arrived at the place she knew she was safe - the river.
She curled up in a ball on the grass by the riverbed and sobbed uncontrollably.
Brittany arrived not too long after as she chased Santana out the house. Even though she was completely out of breath, Brittany ran up to Santana and wrapped her arms around her.
Shocked to find someone there, Santana began to thrash around yelling "Leave me alone! I'm useless! I'm USELESS" and continued to cry.
But Brittany was having none of it. Despite having tears stream down her own face, she kept her arms secured around Santana and waited until she calmed down.
Once Santana was settled and her sobs were mere sniffles, Brittany silent took her hand and led her to the edge of the river. She let go of Santana's hand and cupped her own to make a little bowl. She broke the silence as she took some river water in her hands, explaining softly "Whenever I cried and was sad, my mommy would scoop up some lake water and wipe it over my eyes. That way, it would wash away my sadness and tear and I'm no longer sad anymore…"
Brittany turned to face Santana and gently wiped her vacant eyes with the cool river water. Santana sniffled but didn't argue. She was fascinated by the softness of Brittany's hands and savoured it entirely.
When Brittany caressed Santana's face and swiped the pad of her thumb across her cheek, the brunette couldn't help but smile and feel all her worries go away.
On the other hand, Brittany marvelled at Santana's innocent beauty. Her eyes flitted across her face in hopes of embedding it in her memory forever. There was something there that Brittany couldn't explain. She didn't know why she felt so protective over Santana. It just felt right.
It was at that moment that Brittany first fell in love with Santana, even if she wasn't quite sure what love really meant.
"Lets make a promise" Brittany whispered. "I promise to take care of you all my life. And you have to promise me you won't ever leave me."
Santana paused as she considered the options. There was something there that Santana knew she couldn't leave. After all this time, Santana couldn't believe Brittany wanted to stay, let alone take care of her.
"Okay" Santana replied "I promise."
Brittany grinned and raised her right hand.. "Yay but we gotta do it right, okay? Here..". Brittany took Santana's right hand so she was raising it as well and she explained "Every time we make a promise to the other person, we have to do this."
"Repeat after me" Brittany whispered "Promise…."
"Promise" Santana repeated and felt a hand tug at her wrist to connect her raised hand with Brittany's raised hand as if they were doing a high-five.
"Cross my heart…" Brittany whispered again
"Cross my heart…" Santana felt that same hand she felt earlier, gently turn her extended hand around so the back of it was now connected to Brittany's hand.
"Hope to die…" Brittany whispered once more
Santana smiled softly as she repeated the last line. She then felt Brittany's palm push the back of her extended hand until both of their hands drew closer and eventually landed on Santana's heart – Brittany's hand over Santana's, and Santana's over her own heart.
"There…" Brittany smiled "Now our promise is official."
10 years later…
The past few years have been a bit tough for both Brittany and Santana.
As the girls were now both 20, it was time that they went off into the real world with further education or proper careers. Unfortunately, Brittany grew up with difficulties in school and barely graduated High School. Instead of going to college to fulfill her dreams as a dancer, Brittany took up a opportunity that earned her some fair bit of money. Their household weren't the richest ones around, in fact, they were just getting by. So Brittany made it a goal to earn money any way she can. Santana disapproved of Brittany's job, but gambling through poker games with wealthy men did have fair pay. Brittany typically worked for a wealthy man named Will Schuester who first offered her the gig and taught her everything she knew about the games. She would get a cut of the winnings and the rest go to Will. Santana begged her not to do it anymore because these men were pretty powerful and could do some damage if they wanted to so Brittany decided to give it up and take up a waitressing job instead. Schuester understood and kept the offer to return standing. No matter how she earned the money, Brittany secretly planned to save up all she can in order to pay for an eye operation so Santana could see again.
Santana, on the other hand, had troubles of her own. A few years back, she decided that she would go straight into work in order to save up for an eye transplant as well, but there was only so much she could do as a blind person. Luckily, she landed a job as a bar singer that didn't pay too bad and often had some decent tips.
It was currently a warm Sasturday afternoon when the girls didn't have work until later in the day. They decided to head over to the river and swim for a while. They never failed to visit the sanctuary every now and then as it was a place for both of them ot escape all their worries and doubts.
They just finished up swimming and made their way to the small hut near the river that Uncle Charlie built for them a few years back. They began to strip and dry themselves off when suddenly Santana began to giggle and Brittany got confused.
"Why are you laughing?" Brittany asked
Santana whipped her head to where the voice came from and broke out into a grin "Because you're naked in front of me"
"How do you know?!" Brittany instantly wrapped a towel around her even though she was in a singlet and shorts already.
"Nothing. I just know" Santana chuckled,
"Turn around! You're looking!" Brittany said seriously.
Santana giggled again "How can I see you? I'm blind!"
"Well, don't even imagine it!"
"I can't even image you if I can't touch you, you know" Santana teased.
Brittany's face flushed as she quickly glanced underneath her towel then looked back at Santana "In your dreams!"
Santana laughed at Brittany's silly behavior and got herself dried. Once they were both dressed, they sat on the couch together in the small hut and began to talk.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Elaine popped her head in the hut "Hey, Santana" she said in a flirty voice.
It wasn't a secret that Santana was the hottest girl in town. Even girls lined up to see her walk by and desperately tried to get her attention. But Brittany was always around so Santana never thought much of it. Little did she know, Brittany hated all the girls who fawned over her. She got extremely jealous but she tried to hide it as much as possible.
"Elaine? Hey" Santana replied. Brittany, on the other hand, rolled her eyes and refused to greet another girl desperate for Santana's attention.
"I was just in the neighbourhood and thought you'd be in here. I brought some of you favorite snacks!"
Santana smiled and said politely "Oh wow, thanks Elaine. That's very sweet of you"
"Alright!" Brittany broke the conversation with an imatient look on her face "You can go now"
Elaine rolled her eyes "Whatever. Bye Santanaaaa…" Elaine dragged out seductively "I'll see you at the carnival" and proceeded to walk out.
Santana turned to Brittany and scolded her "Britt, what was that about? Why did you have to be so rude?"
"Because she's totally stuck up, San." Brittany whined "You're lucky you're blind because her face was caked in ugly make up. You'd probably puke"
Santana furrowed her eyebrows but remained silent.
Brittany suddenly changed the subject "Anyway, we better head back home. I have to get ready for work and you should rest before you go to yours, you finish later than me"
So they packed up all their things and headed towards their home. Once there, Brittany took a shower and got dressed for work – a waitressing job at a restaurant nearby – and said her goodbyes to both Santana and her uncle before she left.
As she made her way to work, Brittany couldn't stop thinking about Santana. She grew frustrated trying to figure out why she got so jealous all the time. Santana is her best friend, practically her sister since they lived together now. But Brittany knew she wasn't blind like Santana was. She saw what the other guys and girls saw. Santana was breathtakingly beautiful. Even with vacant eyes, Brittany always saw a subtle glimmer in them whenever they were together. Sometimes Brittany would just catch herself staring at Santana, appreciating her. She never felt too awkward staring because well… Santana's blind. But every now and then, like if they were watching tv and Brittany was staring again, Santana would softly smile as if she knew Brittany was looking at her.
Brittany sighed loudly and ran her hands through her hair before she tied it up and entered the restaurant.
Her shift seemed to go on forever. Brittany began to feel weary as she was full of emotions. Mostly confusion and frustration. So when she passed by a table of slightly drunken men and felt a hand swipe and squeeze at her bottom, she halted all actions and slowly turned back to the table, practically fuming.
"Excuse me. May I help you, sir?" Brittany spat.
"Why yes, gorgeous, I'd like another pitcher of beer" the man who assaulted her smirked "Please"
Brittany plastered on the fakest smile she had ever made and mustered up a seductive voice as she said "Sure, I'll get that for you now"
So she made her way over to the bar, waited for the worker to fill up a pitcher for her to take and she strode back to the table of men with that fake smile again.
"Your beer, sir" Brittany sneered as she raised the pitcher above the guys head and poured it all over him. The other guys at the table burst out laughing while the guy drenched in beer stood up and yelled.
"You BITCH!"
"Yeah yeah, next time you better think long and hard about how you treat women." Brittany replied sternly "You disgust me." And with that she stormed off to the back kitchen.
It wasn't long until her boss caught wind of her actions. But luckily her boss didn't fire her because she, too, was a woman and had experienced her fair share of unwanted advances. Her boss even kicked the guys out. Brittany was pretty relieved about that. She didn't know what she would do if she lost another job. She wouldn't be able to pay for Santana's eye operation any time soon. So with that, she finished the rest of her shift, got her pay and headed home.
Once she arrive home, she went to her room and began to count up her savings. She knew Santana was out working and wouldn't be back until a few hours so she took her time to calculate how much she needed. She concluded she still didn't have enough. It's wasn't like they were poor, but Brittany knew her dad couldn't afford it and he felt bad enough about it as it is. Plus, Santana's the type of person to reuse help when she needs it. Hence why Brittany is doing this in secret and decided to surprise her later.
Brittany began to recount her money when her uncle knocked and popped his head in the room. Brittany briefly looked up before dropping her eyes back to the money on her bed and continued counting.
"No matter what I do, it's just not enough" Brittany sighed.
Charlie walked further into the room and sat on the edge of the bed and looked at his de facto daughter.
"Well, eye operations are pretty expensive, kiddo" Uncle Charlie said softly.
"I know, I know. That's why I have to do everything. And more" Brittany replied. "I'll have to get another job. That's what I'll do"
Charlie smiled sadly at his Brittany "Honey, I don't want you to push yourself too hard. We'll have enough for the operation eventually."
Brittany glanced at her uncle and then turned away to look at the picture of her and Santana that was placed on her bedside table.
"But this isn't just about the operation, is it?" Charlie continued, his smile grew ever so slightly.
Brittany whipped her head to Charlie and scoffed "No, it's not like that" Brittany sighed "We're just friends…"
Charlie took this as his cue to get up. He walked over to Brittany and lightly kissed her forehead "You know what they say, love lasts when it begins in friendship." And with that he left Brittany alone in her room.
The next day, Brittany and Santana were back at the river once again. This time, joined by Sugar. Brittany was holding Santana's hand as they slowly walked along the shallow part of the river near the riverbed as Sugar tiptoed behind them as she tried to avoid anything that might catch her feet. They mainly talked about random things, like how Brittany thinks that her uncle should start dating again.
"I don't know, guys." Brittany continued "Soon enough, we'll be going to different places and I just don't want him on his own. Maybe he should start seeing that that lady from our neighbourhood who always stops by and gives him her home-made lasagna!"
Santana just chuckled. She loved how Brittany was so caring and considerate. Brittany always put others first and she appreciated that entirely. Although Santana wished she didn't have to depend on Brittany all the time, she wouldn't mind if Brittany was the one to take care of her. That is, if she never got to have an eye operation.
"Don't you think, San" brittany interrupted Santana's smiled and just hummed to let Brittany know she was listening.
As she took more steps, Brittany took the silence as an opportunity and peaked her eyes at Santana. Brittany's breath hitched at the sight, as she took in how beautiful Santana looked. When the sun rays reflected off the river and onto Santana's face, it was if she was glowing and Brittany thought she looked nothing less than like an angel.
Too engrossed in Santana's appearance, Brittany's foot suddenly slid against the side of a rock she didn't see was underwater and she fell forward, practically dragging Santana along as they held hands.
Her reflexes were too quick for her as her hand actually whipped Santana's hand forward so that Santana was jolted forward, spun around so she faced Brittany and was the first to fall, backwards onto the water.
A split-second after, Brittany fell forward onto Santana and their lips collided. Once Brittany registered what happened, she quickly pulled away and darted her eyes across Santana's face for any kind of indication to how she felt.
Santana just looked neautral. She was still in shock and wasn't even sure about what happened. One second she thought about how Brittany was so caring, and the next she fell into water and something soft touched her lips.
Sugar, now of the side of them, started singing a random tune "Ooohoohoho first kiss, first kiss, ooohooh, is always so beautiful..."
Brittany looked at Sugar and scoffed. She shoved Sugar lightly to get her to knock it off but Sugar continued. Brittany got up and helped Santana up as well.
"Sorry, I fell" Brittany whispered, and tried to avoid the double meaning.
Santana just smiled and shrugged it off before they set of back home to get into dry clothes.
Later that night, when they each said their goodnights and went to their separate rooms, neither of them could go to sleep.
Brittany sat up on her bed and stared out the window. She couldn't stop thinking about that "kiss" and every time her mind drifted to how it felt, her face grew hot and she couldn't stop grinning. She had no idea that this would ever happen, but she knew it did because she remembered how soft Santana's lips were and how she wouldn't mind kissing them again. Brittany found her hand reach up to touch her own lips and Brittany blushed harder at the thought of kissing Santana again. She wrapped her arms around her legs as she raised them to her chest. She grinned to herself as she buried her face into her knees and hoped that she would get to sleep so tomorrow could come faster and she could see Santana soon.
In the other room, Santana was in the same position. She also had trouble sleeping because the thought of her kissing Brittany kept her up. She pieced it all together after she heard Sugar singing in the background and ever since then, she couldn't be any more happier. She smiled at the memory and tried to replay how it happened over and over. She only wished she could see Brittany and see how she felt too. Because Santana knew she would definitely kiss Brittany again if she had the chance, but she didn't want to push her luck in case she didn't feel the same way. Santana reached up to touch her lips and instantly grinned, once again, plagued by the thought of that kiss.
"I think I fell too" Santana whispered into the silence.
A few days later it was the town carnival. Brittany and Santana made plans to go with Sugar so that the three of them could catch up.
Once they got there, it was packed. There were rides and activities and stalls – it was all a bit hectic. Santana held onto Brittany for the whole time but Brittany didn't complain one bit. Santana smiled to herself at the thought of holding Brittany's hand because this time, it was different.
After a few hours of walking around and going on some rides, Brittany convinced Santana to participate in a three-legged race with her. However, when they were tying up the knot between their feet, Brittany got shoved slightly off to the side as Elaine came by and replaced her spot.
Brittany crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at the girl in hopes of finding out what she's up to.
"I didn't know you were Santana's partner, Elaine" Brittany hissed.
"Well, I am now!" Elaine sneered back.
Just then, the announcer spoke through the crowd "Alright contestants! Get ready!"
Once all the contestants were lined up, the countsown began "3… 2…1… GO!" and off they went.
Santana and Elaine were coming second to last, but suddenly they slipped and stumbled to the ground. Santana fell on her back first and Elain happened to fall on top and 'accidentally' place a small mouse kiss on Santana's lips.
Santana laid there, oblivious to the reason why the whole crowd was "ooooh-ing" but Elaine seemed to be pretty proud of her accomplishment. She hopped off Santana and began to untie their knot.
Brittany stood at the side of the field with a stern glare on her face as she watched the whole encounter. She was definitely not happy.
Not long after, Brittany, Santana and Sugar made their way to the Fortune Tellers tent. They only had a little bit of time left before the singing competition so they figured they would give it a shot.
Brittany sat across the fortune teller first as the other two sat on the side to observe.
"Place your hand on the crystal ball" the teller ordered "and then give me your other hand"
Brittany did as she was told and suddenly the teller began to speak again "My child, you have stopped by you will return to your previous job that everyone seems to highly disapprove of"
Everyone had shocked expressions on their faces and Brittany spoke up "That's not going to happen. It's not true" Granted, she hadn't thought about returning to her gambling career ever since Santana told her to quit so to say that she was surprised was an understatement.
"Sugar, you go now" Brittany urged
Sugar's eyes bulged out "No way! Why me? What about Santana!"
"Santana, do you want to try?" Brittany asked timidly
"Put your hand on the crystal ball" the teller repeated, this time to Santana. Santana slowly reached out her hand and searched around until Brittany softly grabbed her wrist and placed it on securely.
"Give me your other hand" the teller instructed again. Santana did as she was told, with an emotionless expression and waited for her fate.
"I know we are both blind…" the fortune teller started "But unlike me… you will be able to see again"
Brittany's jaw dropped and Santana broke out into a smile "Really?"
The fortune teller continued "A woman… a woman will make it possible"
"Mami? My Mami will come back?" Santana said hopefully
"No. It is another woman."
Santana's face dropped and the teller carried on "You are not related to her"
Brittany looked at Sugar and saw her mouthing the words "It's you! It's going to be you!" Brittany shook her head at Sugar sternly and focused back on the conversation.
"Santana, when you open your eyes … the first woman you see, is the one destined for you. You will love her and she will love you for the rest of your lives"
Brittany slowly turned to see Santana whom had a thoughtful look on her face.
Could it be? Will Brittany be the one?
They walked out of the fortune tellers tent and began to walk to the field where the singing competition was about to take place.
"That's so weird. Like, how did that fortune teller know Santana is Santana!" Sugar exclaimed "Did you tell her San, did you?"
"What? No, Sugar, we said her name while we were talking" Brittany replied.
Santana hadn't said much since she had her future told before her. Brittany started to get worried. But then Santana spoke
"Hey Sugar, do you mind if I talk to Britt alone for a bit" Santana asked
Sugar glanced at Brittany then turned her head back to Santana "Oh yes! Sure! Of course! I was kind of feeling third-wheelish anyway. I feel like I'm getting in between something… if you know what I mean" Sugar began nudging Brittany.
Brittany frowned and shook her head at Sugar. "Go sign San up for the competition, we'll be there shortly!"
"Alright, I'll head off there now. I'll save you a seat okay!" And with that, Sugar set off.
Brittany watched Sugar walk off and then turned her body to face Santana. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"It's about what the fortune teller said" Santana replied calmly.
Brittany grinned and composed herself "Like… about how the first woman you see will be the one destined for youuu?" she almost sang
"No." Santana replied "It's about what she said about you returning to your old job. You know, you gambling?"
"Oh" Brittany's face fell "I'm not going back"
"Are you sure? Because you promised and you can't break your promise" Santana urged. "Promise me again?"
"What?" Brittany scoffed "I already promised once, why do I have to promise again?"
"Please, Britt." Santana pleaded, and raised her right hand. "For me?"
Brittany just stared at Santana. She knew she had to give in so she did "Fine" she said she raised her right hand.
"Promise" Brittany placed her raised palm to Santana's "Cross my heart" She flipped her hand so now the back was connected to Santana's palm "Hope to die" Brittany finally said as as she took her other hand to guide both their hands to Brittany's heart. Just like they did when they were kids.
"Thank you" Santana whispered
Brittany just smile. Suddenly she had a mischievous look on her face as she leaned down and puckered her lips. Santana oblivious to the whole thing just waited. Brittany giggled and took Santana's hand "Okay let's go so you can win that singing competition!"
The whole field was crowded but Brittany managed to find her seat next to Sugar after she dropped Santana off by the stage. Their seats had a nice view to the stage so she couldn't wait to see Santana sing. There was a big cash prize in store so it would really help Santana out. Brittany knew Santana was saving up too but it was hard on her own being blind and all but this is something Brittany knew Santana could win.
Brittany barely paid attention to the other contestants. She was only there for Santana and she could tell she was about to come on stage soon.
"And next up, we have, Santana Lopez!" the announcer called.
Both Brittany and Sugar perked up at the announcement and sat up on the edge of their seats and cheered as loud as they could.
"Hello, everyone" Santana smiled "Thank you for letting me be a part of this singing competition tonight. Um.. I would like to dedicate this song to my best friend, Brittany. I don't know what I would do without her. So this is for you, Britt-Britt"
The crowd clapped loudly and Sugar started nudging Brittany with her elbow but Brittany was too caught up in Santana's words that she just smiled bashfully and turned her head back to hear Santana's voice.
A soft acoustic guitar intro started to play before Santana began to sing
You were in college working part time waitin' tables
Left a small town, never looked back
I was a flight risk with a fear of fallin'
Wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts
I say can you believe it?
As we're lying on the couch
The moment, I can see it
Yes, yes, I can see it now
Do you remember, we were sitting there, by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine
Flash forward and we're taking on the world together
And there's a drawer of my things at your place
You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded
You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes
But we got bills to pay
We got nothing figured out
When it was hard to take
Yes, yes, this is what I thought about
Brittany's eyes watered as she realised how accurate this song was. Santana sang it so beautifully and with so much emotion, that the whole crowd could believe it. Everything that has happened between them, all compacted into one song. It was as if the song was made specifically for them.
Do you remember, we were sitting there, by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine
Do you remember all the city lights on the water?
You saw me start to believe for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine
Oh, oh, oh
And I remember that fight
Two-thirty AM
When everything was slipping right out of our hands
I ran out crying and you followed me out into the street
Braced myself for the goodbye
'Cause that's all I've ever known
And you took me by surprise
You said, I'll never leave you alone
You said, I remember how we felt sitting by the water
And every time I look at you, it's like the first time
I fell in love with a careless man's careful daughter
She is the best thing that's ever been mine
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine
Do you believe it?
Going to make it now
And I can see it
I can see it now
Santana finished the song and felt tears sting her own eyes. She hoped Brittany felt how she felt.
After what seemed like an eternity of silence, the crowd boomed and cheered so loud she was sure she was about to go deaf as well. She don't know how she would feel about that but she smiled nonetheless and spoke a simple "Thank you" into the microphone before she was led off stage.
From her seat, Brittany desperately tried to wipe the tears from her face. She didn't expect to be so emotional but she loved Santana's song regardless and she couldn't wait to tell her. However, in the meantime, she needed to be ready for the competition announcement for the winner.
A few more performances passed by but again, Brittany was too focused on Santana to care. Soon enough the announcer was thanking the carnival's and competition's sponsors and began to call off the runner ups.
Santana's name hadn't been called yet so Brittany and Sugar had hope.
"And now… the winner of this years Carnival Singing Competition…" the announcer boomed "YOU GUESSED IT… SANTANA LOPEZ"
Brittany and Sugar instantly leapt from their seat and began cheering as the crowd cheered as well. Santana was led back on stage and her face showcased absolute shock and happiness. Brittany had the same expression of happiness on her face as she watched Santana get a trophy. She was so proud of Santana and she couldn't wait to tell her.
"Saaaaaaaaaaaaan!" Brittany practically screamed, ran up to her best friend and wrapped her arms around her "YOU DID IT! I'm so so so so proud of you!"
Santana just laughed as she wrapped her arms around Brittany. But it was a bit too difficult with a trophy in her hand. Sugar stood by the side and smiled as she watched the two interact.
"Congratulations, San!" Sugar interjected "We're both proud of you!"
"Thanks Sugar" Santana turned her head to where the voice came from and smiled.
Eventually Brittany pulled away and smiled brightly at Santana. However their moment was ruined when a bunch of girls walked by, and didn't even bother to whisper their conversation.
"It's a shame Santana's blind, she can't see how ugly that Brittany chick is" one of the girls said obnoxiously.
Brittany whipped her head to the group of girls and instantly grew angry. "San, give me your trophy, Imma beat the crap out of them"
Santana's eyes widened "No no no no, you're better than that" And she tried to pass the trophy to Sugar.
"You know what, those girls are total bitches. Go for Britt" Sugar said as she starts shoving the trophy in Brittany's direction "Go go go"
"No no no, Britt. Don't. Come on." Santana pleaded "They're not worth it. Don't let them ruin our night."
Brittany let out a big sigh "Fine. But next time they won't be so lucky" Santana smiled at this.
"Yes I'm sure" Santana chuckled "Come on let's go home."
After saying goodbyes to Sugar, they made their way back home. Once Brittany spotted her uncle putting out the trash, they ran up to him and Brittany rambled on about how amazing Santana was.
"She was so great, Uncle Charlie! You should've been there!" Brittany breathed "Look! She even won a trophy!"
"That's amazing Santana! Congratulations! Sorry, I couldn't make it! I'll be sure to be at the next one" Charlie hugged Santana.
"Thank you" Santana blushed "And oh here… let's split the prize money. You know. To pay for house expenses and what not"
Charlie was shocked "What? No no, dear, keep it! We're okay. Thank you" Santana just shrugged and placed the envelope of money back in her pocket.
"Anyway, you both must be tired." Charlie continued "You should probably get some rest!"
So Brittany and Santana both made their way to their bedrooms after greeting each other goodnight. Santana still had to count her money though so she sat on her bed and carefully took out the money from the envelope.
Just then, she heard a knock on her door "Come in" she said and she heard the door creak open.
"Do you need help?" Charlie popped his head into the room. He knows she has been saving up too and usually helps her distinguish the dollar bills.
Santana smiled gratefully "Yes, please. Thankyou"
Charlie walked in and closed the door behind him. He proceeded to take the money from Santana's bed and started shifting them into order before he presented them to her. One by one he handed them to Santana as he told her what it was. As she took he money, she would fold them according to what they were. $20s in quarters, $50s in halves, and $100 are just left as they are. That way, we can tell how much she has in total.
Once Charlie gave her all the money she had, he left her to go to sleep himself. Santana waited a big longer as she recounted her prize money. Tonight's prize only came up to $250, but it's better than nothing. She's only about half way towards her goal at most and it's proving to be much harder than she thought.
Suddenly, Santana felt a sharp pain in her eyes. She gasped as it took her by surprise. The
"Ow fuck" Santana flung her hands to her eyes, and gritted her teeth.
She had no idea on how to make it go away. She had never experienced this kind of pain before. She bit her lip as she tried to suppress a scream. Just then, another jolt of excruciating pain flashed in her eyes. And then another.
Santana urgently grabbed her pillow and smashed her face against it. She didn't know how that even helped but she didn't know what else to do.
Finally, the pain started to subside. Santana let out a sigh of relief and decided to secretly get a check-up an eye-doctor tomorrow.
"I have some bad news" Dr Rivera said. "And somewhat good news"
It was the day after she had experienced sharp pain in her eyes and Santana managed to find a way to prevent Brittany from coming along. She convinced Sugar to take her out for the day while she snuck out of the house to visit the eye-doctor in town, away from where Brittany and Sugar would be. So here she was, sat in a chair after taking some tests.
"R-r-eally?" Santana shifted nervously.
"The good news is, that it seems that the corneal scarring you experienced when you were 2 is still, in fact, treatable" said the Doctor before continuing "However, it also appears that you have developed an infection in your eyes"
Santana's heart plummeted. That does not sound good.
"This infection is the cause of the pain you experienced last-night" the Doctor continued "If say, the infection reaches your retina, the pains will be more unbearable and essentially, your blindness would irreversible."
"What does that mean, Doc?" Santana asked desperately "What do I do?"
"In order to prevent the infection from spreading, we need to remove it..." Dr Rivera said sadly "And to do that, we need to do a corneal transplant."
Santana couldn't believe it. She needed to pay up for her operation and fast. But she didn't have the money yet. She started to panic and barely had the voice to speak as her throat went all dry.
"How long do I have until it reaches my retinas, Doc?" Santana whispered.
"If we don't get it treated immediately, I'd say you could be permanently blind within the period of a year, if not sooner" Dr Rivera replied "I suggest you undergo the transplant as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the risk."
Santana slumped in her seat "Thank you, Doc" she whispered and began to grab her things. After finishing up at the eye-doctors she slowly made her way home. But not before she stopped at the river to think.
"What am I going to do?" Santana mumbled to herself.
A/N:
Song: Mine – Taylor Swift (Glee version)
P.S., The song was completely coincidental! I was looking at Brittana songs from Glee as I wrote this chapter, relistened to "Mine" and I couldn't believe how similar the stories were! I had long planned the plot and it fit sooo perfectly! However, this situation is much more happier than the actual episode!