a/n: lots of original characters here. Enjoy!
Chapter 3: Snowflakes and Showcase
The snow started falling that night, much to Santana's dismay and, unusually, Brittany's too.
"Britt, I know I hate the snow," Santana said, pulling out their snow jackets. "But you usually love it."
"I still do, but I'm worried about my dancer slipping on their way into the studio, or coming unprepared to dance. The showcase is only a day away." Brittany said, packing her duffel with everything she could possibly need.
"Honey, they're bound to be careful and if I know you, you have understudies." Santana reminds.
"I do, but the show is best when everyone dances as I cast." Brittany says "I have a reason I chose everyone. Their understudies are a last resort. The understudies have their own parts to dance too."
"And everyone covers everyone, I know baby. You just have to trust your dancers." Santana says "I wish I could stay and calm your worries, but Stella wants to be there for the holiday crowd. Family isn't always accepting."
"I know. I trust most of them, I do. I'll see you tonight." Brittany kisses Santana and hands her her briefcase as she flies out the door. She hates driving to work, but she takes the car since taxis seem scarce. She fires a text off to the gays in case they need it. Brittany isn't home much after Santana leaves, walking to the studio careful not to do what she fears her dancers might. She gets upstairs and changes into her dancing clothes and starts practicing her solo in an empty studio space. She doesn't hear as one of her bosses comes in over the music. She catches him in the mirror and gives him a look of acknowledgement while continuing to dance. She finishes and then goes to talk to him.
"Hey boss, what's up?" Brittany asks, grabbing a towel and wiping her sweat away.
"Just checking in on my favorite dancer." Mr. Young says, always a charmer "I wanted to make sure everything was set for tomorrow, it looks like you're definitely ready."
"I am. I just hope the teens don't do anything stupid out in the snow today." Brittany isn't going to name names, Mr.Young knows who the troublemakers are.
"They may do a lot of questionable things, but they love this showcase and you. They respect you more than they've respected any choreographer before. You treat then like adults, and as much as I was hesitant about that approach, it worked." he says "They should be here soon, right?"
"Yeah, we've got to polish up their numbers one last time." Brittany said. She was the assistant choreographer this year and was assigned the teens since no one else could seem to get through to them. She knew some of them were like her- dedicated and would spend every waking minute dancing. Others were starting to realize the world had a lot to offer a teen in New York City. The first three showed up together, as always. Jordan, the oldest, was the main male dancer in two of the numbers she'd choreographed and had a solo. He always picked up Kelly and Penny, twin sisters who were doing a duet and had each scored a lead role in a number each as well, both alongside Jordan, being the same age as him. The other seven came in smaller spurts; the youngest Dino, a boy from Brooklyn who was on a scholarship at the studio; followed by Hannah and Jake who were in puppy love; then Lia who struggled to make friends outside of the studio and often confided in Brittany; then Poppy who started out doing hip-hop and learned to love jazz; Missy who had a mean streak but a lot of talent and reminded her eerily of Santana; and late as always Jess, wearing their hair up revealing the undercut they adored.
"Now that we're all here." Brittany said, earning an eye roll from Jess "Let's run the group numbers and then we'll run solos, duets and trios." The first two group numbers starred the eldest three in simplified numbers from The Nutcracker. The other two group numbers had no lead roles and were inspired by popular Christmas songs Rudolph and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Mr. Young was observing everything. There was no doubt that the hip hop Rudolph was one of the most inspired things he'd ever seen, and of course the Nutcracker numbers were executed well. The contemporary Santa Claus was surprisingly good too. Then there was Jordan's solo piece, "The Lights of Long Ago" from A Christmas Carol (the musical) as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Then came the twins duet "Sisters" from White Christmas. Dino had earned the only other solo, despite his age, doing "One of A Kind" from How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Finally, Jess, Missy and Lia had a trio. None of them liked each other, so it had been hell to choreograph, but they all earned a spot fair and square. Brittany hoped maybe this would turn things around and they'd start to get along. They were performing to Last Christmas. Brittany knew they all could do the number but she worried that one misstep and all hell would break loose. Luckily it ran smoothly and they broke for lunch. Brittany went to her office, which was really just a desk in the corner of the studio with a microwave and a mini fridge plugged in and sat down to eat. Most of the kids went to mingle in the siting area in the lobby to eat, but she saw Lia hanging back. She motioned for her to come in and offered her the other chair she had.
"Sorry to bother you at lunch Mrs.LP but I didn't really feel like eating with the others today." Lia said pulling out a brown paper bag lunch with a sad looking sandwich and a bruised banana.
"That's all you brought for lunch? We're running everything at least twice more." Brittany worried.
"My parents haven't gone grocery shopping yet. This was all we had." Lia shrugs as she pulls out the simple peanut butter sandwich and takes a bite.
"Here" Brittany grabs a sandwich she had brought for her afternoon snack out of the fridge "Have this."
"I can't take this." Lia says "My parents would be furious for wasting food."
"I know you'll eat this and that peanut butter sandwich easily. You can save the banana for our snack break later."
"But isn't this sandwich your snack?" Lia asks.
"Don't worry about that. I'll get something from the vending machine. You need to eat." Brittany said "How are your shoes holding up?"
"Best as they can. I'm just glad the snow boots my brother grew out of fit me." Lia shrugs.
"You know if you ever need anything, you just have to ask right?" Brittany says.
"That's nice of you Mrs.LP, but me and Dino are the only two teens on a scholarship. We can't ask for more than you've already given us." Lia says. Dino was the one person she'd befriended, but they lived in different parts of New York City.
"Speaking of, why aren't you sitting with him?" Brittany asks.
"He hasn't got anything to eat so he's sleeping on the mats in one of the studios. That's why I feel so bad taking this sandwich. Dino needs it." Lia sighs as her stomach growls.
"Bring him in here. Let me make a call." Brittany dials Santana.
"Hola bebe, que occure?" Santana asks what happened to make her call.
"Hey, two of my kids have nothing to eat. I can't leave, but could you bring over some sandwiches? I'll buy them snacks from the vending machine." Brittany hopes Santana can get away. She hears her wife talking to Stella.
"Stella says I can, I'll be there quick. They don't have any allergies right?" Santana gets to the car quick and makes her way towards the studio, knowing a corner store on the way.
"No honey, just make sure they're something substantial." Brittany says "See you soon."
"Adios mi corazon." Santana says and rushes to get these kids fed. She makes it in a matter of ten minutes and finds Brittany talking to two hungry looking teens.
"Hey!" Brittany says seeing her "Thank you so much." she kisses Santana's cheek "Lia, Dino, this is my wide Santana."
"Hi Mrs.LP number two." Dino says and Lia just waves shyly.
"Hey, heard you two forgot to pack a lunch today." Santana knows the kids are poor but isn't going to point that out "Don't make a habit of it, sandwiches don't grow on treesm" she hands them each two sandwiches.
"This is too much Mrs.LP number two." Dino says "I can't take this."
"Eat one now, save one for dinner." Santana says "I know hungry when I see it."
"She's right you two. Santana works for a private social work agency. She's seen hungry plenty of times." Brittany explains "She's not gonna do anything to your parents, we're just giving you a nice meal okay? I'd do it for any of those other kids too. So eat."
"Thanks." Lia says shyly and Dino nods in agreement, his mouth already full.
"Of course. I've got to get back to work but I'll see you tonight babe." Santana kisses Brittany's head and leaves, wishing she could do more for these two poor kids. Her agency doesn't do teenagers though, not unless they're the patient being mistreated and even then they deal more directly with parents. The new sector will reach out to LGBTQ people of all ages, but Santana doesn't even know if these kids are part of the community. She wishes she could help them more, and when she gets back to work Stella knows she's distracted.
"Santana" Stella says "Where's your brain at? It's like talking to a wall."
"Sorry ma'am" Santana says as a reflex "I mean Stella. Those poor teens my wife works with, they seem so lost."
"Isn't that every teenager?" Stella asks, and Santana has to think for a minute. She knew why she felt lost but maybe everyone had.
"I'm not sure to be honest." Santana admits "I was, but I know why."
"Everyone is when they're that age. It's just how things are." Stella sighs "But what stood out about these two?"
"They clearly don't come from much. Not much to eat, holes in their shoes, unkempt hair- they looked so scared." Santana looks down. She grew up wealthy, she never wanted for anything, save for popularity. She couldn't imagine if her needs weren't being met.
"Is your wife not a mandated reporter?" Stella looks at Santana seriously, and Santana knows why. Brittany couldn't keep those kids secrets if she suspected neglect or abuse.
"She is, but I don't think these kids are being intentionally neglected. They're just not well-off. I saw it with a friend in high school. His parents desperately tried to make ends meet, so he pounded the pavement looking for work too." Santana shrugs "She'll report if she thinks she has to."
"I'm telling you that, from what you're telling me, she may need to. I'm sorry, because I'm sure those kids see her as a confidant, but she can't ignore her civic duty." Stella sees that this is troubling Santana, and she imagines there's more to it than meets the eye. "You don't trust public social services, do you?"
"Not a lick. They throw kids in foster homes until they hit 18 and then they end up on the streets and ,often, in our office." Santana growls "They don't care about those kids."
"I know the situation is tough. Look, if you can get a better feel maybe it'll be okay." Stella shrugs "But your wife may risk her job by staying silent."
"I know." Santana sighs "Look I'll pay more attention. It'll be a good distraction. I promise." Stella decides to play along even as Santana's mind loses focus.
They finish up practicing for the final time before the showcase at 5pm that evening. Most everyone leaves, but Dino and Lia take their time packing up. Dino wears a snow jacket that's a few sizes too small and he has duct tape on his snow boots. The two teens come into say goodbye.
"Thanks for lunch again Mrs.LP." Lia says
"And dinner." Dino adds.
"Of course. Stay warm in that weather okay?" Brittany says and they nod and wave goodbye. It breaks Brittany's heart knowing she is going to have to break their trust. She calls Santana to make sure she's right about that. With her wife's confirmation, she goes to see Mr.Young.
"Mrs. Lopez Pierce, come in!" He says, opening the door after she knocks. She sits in one of the chairs across from him. "Getting ready to leave for the night?"
"Yes sir, I just needed to speak to you momentarily." Brittany explains.
"Very well, what's bothering you?" He asks
"Lia and Dino, the scholarship teens, I think they're being neglected. Well, they are being. Out of poverty it seems." the blonde admits.
"And you need to make a report. Alright, let's figure that out." he sighs and guides Brittnay in the next steps.
"I hate doing this." Brittany groans "they confided in me."
"I'm sorry. They see you as an older sister I think. They trust you alot." Mr.Young sighs "Well you better get home. Tomorrow's the big day. Nothing will have been done yet, but it may be the last time those two trust you."
"I know…" Brittany calls Santana and she picks her up and takes them both home. Brittany immediately goes and showers, changing into pajamas. While she's doing so, Santana fixes a quick dinner of soup and grilled cheese. She could see Brittany falling apart and this would be comfortable for her. She pours herself a shot and takes it before Brittany comes out of the bathroom. Santana is a gentle woman and helps Brittany settle in before taking her own seat. She doesn't push the blonde to talk, and so they sit in silence for a bit. What was there to say? Brittany finishes eating and gets up and clears her dishes without a word. Santana follows her with her own dishes and fines the girl making herself a drink with a heavy hand on the liquor. She gently moves the cup away. She had taken a shot to calm her nerves, and she felt guilty, but she wasn't going to let Brittany drink the night before the showcase. She wraps her arms around her girlfriend and squeezes her from behind. Brittany wiggles and turns to face Santana and hugs her back. Santana knows Brittany's seconds away from falling apart, and so she moves them to the couch where Brittany dissolves into tears. Santana gently strokes her back and her hair, letting her cry it out. It takes a good while for her to calm down, but when she does, she tells Santana how horrible she feels. She broke Dino and Lia's trust, this much she knew for certain, and she didn't think it would do any good.
"Honey, I agree, but losing your job wouldn't have been good either. Hopefully they can understand what you did and are able to stay at the studio." Santana assures.
"If I was going to say something I should've done it sooner." Brittany admits quietly.
"Did you have a reason to?" Santana worries.
"Not necessarily. They always had lunch until now. I guess the holidays make money run tighter than usual. But I knew they were struggling financially, I just never considered that financial struggle could be considered neglect." Brittany looks down ashamed.
"That's up for CPS to decide honey. They may not even know it was you okay? So just know that there wasn't anything else you could do." Santana assures.
"I could've helped them. Give them clothes, shoes and food." Brittany argues.
"Honey, we'd run out of money and then where would we be?" Santana reminds gently.
"I just wish we could take in all these kids who need us and give them a home." Brittany is angry. Santana just tries to calm her down. Of course she'd love to adopt kids- one day. She wanted to graduate and for Brittany to have more stability and flexibility at the studio. Heck, she'd love it if Brittany went back to school and got a degree in dance. It wasn't the right time, and that's what frustrated Brittany most.
"Baby, I'm sorry. If I had access to help them I would, but I don't even know a good agency around here for at risk teens. Everyone leaves that up to CPS, getting caught in their web is a dangerous game." Santana kisses Brittany's temple.
"Will you look into it again?" Brittany pleads and Santana sighs. She nods, but worries she's only getting the blonde's hopes up.
"You really love these kids, huh?" Santana asks and Brittany nods with a sad smile. "Then I'll do what I can." They head to bed early that night and are up early the next morning. Brittany is warming up and stretching in the living room, much to the dismay of their downstairs neighborhoods. She apologizes for the loudness of her jumping jacks and promises to be more considerate in the future. Santana cooks a healthy and light breakfast knowing Brittany can't stomach much on a performance day. The blonde eats the egg whites to appease the Latina and sips on the smoothie gratefully. Santana kisses the girl's forehead, leaving her to finish her smoothie and going to lay out Brittany's costume and make sure it's perfect for that night. Brittany finishes her breakfast and hops in the shower, letting the hot water soothe her nerves. She hears her phone ringing and yells for Santana to get it.
"Hello?" Santana says.
"Hi, I'm sorry I'm calling for Brittany Pierce ,I must have the wrong number" the caller says.
"No, you have the right number. This is her wife, Santana. Brittany's a bit busy at the moment." Santana says, going through the closet trying to pick out her own outfit for the evening.
"Oh hi! Sorry I didn't recognize your voice, it's Mr.Young, Brittany's boss." Mr. Young says cheerfully "Will you have Brittany call me back as soon as possible?"
"Sure, but is there anything I can let her know as to why you called?" Santana asks.
"It's best I keep it confidential." he says, and Santana has a bad feeling "Do have her call me, it's urgent." Mr.Young bids Santana farewell and hangs up. She sighs and peeks her head back into the bathroom.
"Babe, it was your boss. He says it's urgent that you call back." Santana bites her lip in worry.
"Okay, thanks. Leave it on the counter, I'll call in just a minute." Brittany curses under her breath as she quickly finishes rinsing her hair and climbs out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her body. She picks up her phone and call back.
"Oh good, Brittany, thank you for calling back so quickly." Mr. Young says "I fear I've got some troubling news."
"Spare me and just lay it out." Brittany leans against the counter, fearing the worst.
"Lia and Dino showed up early this morning, just as I was opening the doors. They said the power was shut off at their houses and they needed somewhere warm to sit. They looked hungry so I took them to Starbucks for breakfast. Brittany, things are not good for them." Mr.Young sighs "I may need to report the case as urgent."
"Do what you think you have to. Just make sure they can dance tonight." Brittany begs.
"Of course. Despite their hunger and lack of energy they both seemed really excited about tonight. I won't take that away." Mr. Young promises.
"Great. Look, tell them to warm up and I'll be down there soon okay? You caught me while I was in the shower and I'm not going to risk frostbite by going out with my hair wet." Brittany informs.
"Ah, well don't hurry too much then. I'll see you soon." Mr. Young hangs up and looks at the two kids asleep on mats in one of the studios. He'll let them rest for the time being.
"San" Brittany says as she comes out of the bathroom, hair wet and towel barely covering her "Dino and Lia showed up at the crack of dawn. Their heat is out at home."
"What the fuck? You're shititng me." Santana growls.
"Nope, they came seeking warmth at the studio. I guess they're closer than I thought too." Brittany runs a hand through her wet hair.
"What do you mean?" Santana says, carefully sitting Brittany on the bed and grabbing another towel to help dry her hair.
"Well, they don't live near each other and aren't super close in age, so I just thought they were studio friends. I guess they found someone to relate to." Brittany explains.
"That's a good thing though, don't you think?" Santana asks.
"It is, but I just think it's peculiar that their situations are lining up so perfectly." Brittany ponders.
"You've got a point. Say, I'll come with you right now to the studio and we can try and investigate okay? Go dry your hair the rest of the way and I'll get dressed." Santana offers and Brittany nods. Santana pulls out Brittany's favorite sweats and dance t-shirt, knowing she likes to wear them before she gets in costume. She gets out her old Cheerios sweats and alumni shirt- no need to dress up when she'd need to come home anyway still. She packs up the costume carefully and then checks Brittany's duffel for everything else she'll need. The blonde looks at her gratefully as she comes out of the bathroom and gets dressed. They decide to take the car to the studio and arrive within a half hour of Mr.Young's call.
"Good, you're here." Mr.Young says as Brittany comes into the lobby "They were tired so they're sleeping on some of the gymnastics mats. I didn't want to disturb them."
"No worries." Brittany says "I hope you don't mind Santana coming along, she's hoping she might be able to help."
"Whatever we can do for these two. They are talented and kind-hearted. I'd hate to see them lose that." Mr. Young leads them into the room. He leaves them to talk to the kids. They wake them up and they both look exhausted as they blink open their eyes.
"Hey both Mrs.LPs." Dino yawns "Sorry we came in so early."
"Hi." Lia says shyly. Dino looks at the two women expectantly.
"We heard you came in early, and we were wondering how coincidental it was that you both lost heat on the same day." Santana said.
"Coincidences are funny like that." Lia didn't meet Santana's eyes, but her voice was defensive.
"Lia" Dino says and she looks at him daringly "Lia we have to say something."
"About what?" Brittany raises an eyebrow and Lia crosses her arms.
"She took me in." Dino says softly "My parents kicked me out after they caught me kissing a boy. Lia was the only person I thought to call. I don't really have any other friends. Her mom took me in, even though they ain't got enough to go around without me. Real nice of her, she's a good lady, just fallen on rough times."
"So your mom took another kid in even though she couldn't feed her own?" Santana asks and Lia nods.
"My older brother is 18 and he's trying to help provide for me and my little brother, but he and mom just can't seem to make ends meet. I offered to start working, I'm 16 after all, but they wouldn't have it. Mom insisted I focus on school and dance. She says I'm going places and she's not gonna let me sacrifice that for an extra loaf of bread." Lia shakes her head "But I'm sure now me and Dino and my little brother are all gonna be split up. They'll try and take Dino back to his parents but he'll just end up another kid on the streets."
"I'm not gonna let that happen." Brittany says and Santana has no idea what her wife is planning "San, it's Christmas." she turns to her "It's like a Christmas Carol. We gotta help."
"How Britt?" Santana asks.
"With her holiday bonus." Mr.Young says, coming back into the room "Look, I know I talked to you about the promotion, and that's very much still on the table, but I give everyone a holiday bonus every year." he hands her an envelope and she gasps at the money inside "It's no more than you deserve. You have revived the life of this studio in such a short time. Take it."
"It's too much sir." Brittany shakes her head.
"It's for those two kids too. Consider it a present." he walks away, not going to take any arguments.
"Santana…" Brittany shows her wife the envelope. Enclosed is a $3000 check, made out to her. "We can help."
"Yes we can. Lia, I'm gonna take care of this. I need your mom's name, address and phone number." Santana says. Lia nervously gives her the information. "Britt, update that report. You know what to do."
"Copy that. Dino, you'll stay here with us as well. We can work on your solo. Santana, I'll see you tonight right?" Brittany asks.
"Along with every friend I can get into town ASAP." Santana informs and she leaves to take care of business. She's able to cash the check since she and Brittnay merged their bank accounts. She withdraws it in cash immediately, getting a suspicious look as she does so. "It's for charity." she says and leaves quickly, headed to Lia's home. She knocks on the door and a young man, who must be Lia's older brother, answers.
"Look lady, we ain't got no money for whatever it is you're selling." he looks her up and down "Though you ain't doing much to help yourself with that outfit."
"Aren't you a joy-" Santana stops herself "Are you Brady Thompson?"
"Yeah, but you better forget ya know it." he crosses his arms "I ain't got time for no low-life girls."
"Brady?" a younger boy asks "Who's the lady?"
"Nobody Anthony. Go lay back down, ya gotta stay warm with the blankets." Brady instructs and the boy leaves. "Look, I told ya I ain't got no money so leave, would ya?"
"Brady, I'm a friend. Well, I know your little sister. God this is hard. My wife is Lia's dance instructor and we heard about your situation. Here." Santna hands him the envelope of money "Go get the heat turned on."
"I can't take this ma'am. Pardon my rudeness earlier but you ain't looking like much." Brady says "Lia said her dance teacher's wife was a fancy lady and all."
"I left the house in a hurry. You need to take it though or I won't have a wife anymore. We know Dino is staying here and it's made your financial struggle that much greater. Take it." Santana says.
"Thanks. Look, would you mind staying with Tony for just a minute? I can run this right down the hall and the landlord will turn the heat and power and water and all right back on. We were only a couple hundred short." Brady sighs.
"Of course." Santana walks into the house that isn't much warmer than the outdoors and sees the little boy wrapped in jackets and blankets. Brady thanks her and runs down the hall."Hi Tony, I'm Santana." she reaches out her hand and Tony hesitantly shakes it.
"My mama said I shouldn't talk to strangers even if they look nice, but if Brady let you in you must not be a stranger." Tony says smartly.
"Your mama is right. And I'm not really a stranger. You know your big sister is a dancer right?" Santana asks and he nods "Well my wife teaches her and I came down here to make sure you were okay while Lia was busy." Santana explains.
"I've got all the blankets to myself. Isn't that so cool?" he says.
"Yeah, it is." Santana says "Say, how old are you Tony?"
"I'm eight. Mama says I'm her big boy though." the little boy says proudly.
"Eight is a fun age. Is that a superhero on your blanket?" Santana asks.
"Oh yeah! It's Iron Man Miss Santana. He has a special heart just like me." Tony smiles.
"You have a special heart?" Santana has a feeling she knows what the boy is talking about but she wants to be sure.
"Yeah! I have this super cool scar, well Mama says it's scary but I think it's cool, and they fixed my heart when I was a baby. I don't really remember that. But I also have this thing that Brady keeps telling me is a pacemaker but I say it's my Arc Reactor like Iron Man." Tony says. He gasps when the lights turn back on "Are you magic Ms. Santana?"
"No, but I talked to my friend Santa Claus and he thought that you were so good you deserved an early Christmas present." Santana smiles.
"Your name DOES sound like Santa." Tony says, and she thanks God that's enough for the little boy to believe her fib.
"Hey Tony, you didn't talk her ear off did you?" Brady asks.
"Course not Brady, I was a real gentleman." Tony smiles.
"I bet. Thanks for watching him and for this." Brady holds up the envelope "You have no idea what this means for us."
"It's Christmas. I wasn't going to let you freeze. Say, would you give your mom my card?" Santana pulls one out of her purse, glad she has some old ones "Tony told me about his CHD and I just want to make sure the doctors aren't taking advantage of your situation."
"You're a social worker?" Brady asks.
"I work for a private company that helps protect patients from mistreatment, negligence and overcharges in the medical community." Santana explains.
"Moms always says she can't believe what they're charging. I bet there's something they're hiding, we don't exactly go to the most reputable facilities." Brady admits.
"Tony is really your own little Iron Man, huh?" Santana asks and Brady nods.
"He insists on being called Tony instead of Anthony because that's the same name."
"Well, I hope I'll see you at the showcase tonight?" Santana says as she zips up her coat.
"I can't make it, I've got work. But Mama and Tony will be there." Brady sighs.
"I'll make sure to get you a copy of Lia's dances." Santana promises, waving goodbye to Tony. She sends a text to Brittany letting her know she'd finished her task and heads home with a mission. Tonight, however, she was focused on the showcase. She finally decides on what she'll wear- a sleek red dress with a green blazer. Sure, it's totally a Christmas cop-out, but she couldn't pull off the ice blue her wife was going to be showing off on stage that night. She calls all their New York City friends to make sure they're coming and they all assure her they'll be there. She calls up the few work friends she has and makes the offer and calls her boss as well. She'd mentioned the showcase off hand to Stella and the woman was interested in attending. Santana even shares the information with their next door neighbor. She's not sure who all will make it besides their friends from high school, but she's glad to know she's done her part in drawing a crowd. The more people that came, the more money the studio made. Each student got two comped tickets, but after that everyone had to pay. Santana suddenly realized had Brady not been working he wouldn't have been able to go anyway. Even a small thing like a fairly low priced ticket wasn't affordable. Then again, Dino may have offered his tickets up. There was really no way to know. Santana finishes getting ready and she carpools to the studio with Blaine and Kurt. The studio had its own theater which saved them rent money and meant a greater profit off the showcase. They made their way inside and found the seats Brittany had reserved for them. Santana had asked Brittany to only worry about reserving three and that their other friends could fend for themselves. She was glad to see Brittany had listened. Still, most of their friends ended up in a close vicinity and Santana nearly strangled Rachel who was being critical of the theater. It wasn't Broadway by any means but it was quite nice. Apparently it was too modern for Berry's taste. The showcase, however, seemed to stun her into silence. Santana knew the final number would be the nail in the girl's tiny hobbit sized coffin. Brittany took the stage and her lyrical dance to Silent Night had the entire crowd completely silent until the last note. She took her bow and immediately the clapping began. It was a standing ovation that didn't end as everyone came out to take their final bow at curtain call. Santana noticed Lia's little brother Tony as they made their way out to the lobby and could only assume the woman he was with was his mother. Apparently Tony saw her too.
"Mama, mama! It's the nice lady!" He said pulling her towards Santana.
"Hey Tony." Santana said "Hi, you must be Mrs.Thompson." Santana said.
"It's just Ms.Thompson. But you can call me Linda" the woman said "You must be Santana. He hasn't stopped talking about you, you must have made a real impression." she said.
"He's a really sweet little boy." Santana said "I assume Brady passed on what I left?"
"He did, and you were very generous. Getting them all new winter coats and boots would be impossible without that." Linda admits.
"And my card?" Santana asked.
"Yes, I would be interested in talking that over more seriously at a different time, but you must understand I'm not available during usual business hours." Linda noticed Tony tugging in her hand pointing at Lia who was emerging from the doors with Dino. She gestured with her head for Santana to walk with them.
"That's completely fine. I'll talk to my bosses and personally make sure you get the help you deserve, even if I don't personally take you on as a client." Santana promises.
"Thank you. The doctors have been running circles around me since the day Tony was born." Linda lets the boy's hand go and he runs into Lia's arms. "I knew some of it was necessary but they keep wanting to do more appointments, more procedures, more of everything. I know heart conditions are serious, but his was one of the least serious according to our pediatrician. He's the only doctor not giving us the run around."
"It's good you have at least one doctor on your side. So, I know I've already done a lot but I'd really like to do more for your family, and I know my wife will as well." Santana waves to Brittany who's busy talking to parents and other members of the audience.
"You've already done far more than we could ever expect. I can't possibly accept more." Linda shakes her head "It wouldn't be right. I can't imagine it's easy being two young women in the city."
"It's not, but we have a lot of financial support from our parents in Ohio and my work is paying my tuition at Columbia. I'm not suggesting a huge donation like what I gave you today. I was just hoping maybe we could surprise your kids with a gift or two each. And I'd love to give you something nice for yourself." Santana smiles.
"I can't possibly accept that. Not without giving you anything in return. Say, if you'll join us for dinner, Christmas dinner if you don't have plans, it's a deal." Linda smiles.
"Our families aren't flying in until the 28th, so I'm sure we can join you for Christmas Eve on the day of. I'm sure our friends are planning something ridiculous we can't say no to, but we'd love to join you as well." Santana agrees.
"Fantastic. I'd love to see Brittany as well if we can manage to steal her away." Linda says. Santna uses her privileges as Brittany's wife to steal her.
"Hi Linda, it's great to see you again!" Brittany hugs the woman warmly "Lia is such a blessing to teach."
"Thank you." Linda smiles "So your wife and I have been talking and it looks like you'll be joining us for Christmas this year."
"Is that so?" Brittany looks at Santana "Let me guess, she met Tony."
"She did. He's a charmer isn't he?" Linda giggles as she watches him talk to all of the other dancers, Lia holding his hand the whole time.
"That he is. Santana has a soft spot for kids, especially ones like him." Brittany smiles and Santana tries to hide her embarrassment. She can't show that she's a softy.
"Santana!" Tony said, dragging Lia along "My sissy says that you and Ms. Brittany are wives so I can't marry you. Is that true?" Santana laughs and Lia mouths and apology.
"You know what mijo, she is right. But I think you can be special to me too." Santana smiles.
"I will be your mijo?" Tony asks, having no idea what the word means.
"Sure thing Iron Man." Santana ruffles his hair and he runs off dragging Lia along again.
"Oh yeah, he's got you hooked." Brittany crosses her arms as Linda excuses herself to relieve Lia from watching Tony.
"Britt, how couldn't I? He's adorable and been through so much." Santana pouts.
"I know honey. It's moments like these when I know you're going to be an amazing mother to our kids one day." Brittany kisses Santana's forehead. Once all of Brittany's students have gone home, she's able to leave as well. They humor their friends and go out to dinner together before heading home for their own more intimate celebration.