I promised you and update this week and here it is. Firstly, thank you to all of the people who sent me words of encouragement and to all the people that believe in this story. You are all the reason why I write and why I will continue to write this story. I wanted to update sooner, but I was struggling with how I wanted to write this chapters. However, I am pretty happy with it.
Anyways, sorry if there are any spelling mistakes. After reading previous chapters, I am truly surprised you stuck around with my poor grammar and spelling mistakes. But I digress. I hope you enjoy.
Quinn tried her best to focus as she sat in the back of her math room. She tried her best to ignore the Latina that sat next to her but it was proving to be extremely difficult. With every few words and with every passing minute, Quinn found it increasingly harder to focus on right-angled triangles and formulas when Santana tried her hardest to harbour the blonde's attention.
After she wrote down the formula for the area of a triangle, she could feel the brush of a foot against her calf. It didn't take a genius to know who it was.
"Stop it," Quinn whispered.
"Stop what?"
"The thing with your foot," Quinn replied quietly, looking around the room to make sure no one else heard her.
"Oh, is that your foot? I didn't know," Santana smirked.
It took a lot of effort to not lean over and kiss the smirk off the Latina's face. Quinn thought that Santana was just lucky there were other people in the room, or else she would be in a lot of trouble.
"Ass," Quinn whispered before turning back to her notes.
A minute or two passed before she saw tanned fingers pushing a piece of folded lined paper onto her desk. She looked at Santana, who was paying her no attention, and then to the front of the room to make sure the teacher was doing the same. Once the teacher's back was turned, Quinn opened the note.
My ass is a little busy sitting right now, but I can take a message? :)
Quinn turned to a grinning Santana who was doing her best to hold in her laughter. Quinn smacked the Latina's arm softly and Santana let out a small giggle. People turned around to see the commotion and some even had the nerve to shush them, but eventually everyone turned back to their notes.
"I hate you, you know that?" Quinn whispered.
Santana stopped laughing and her faced turned slightly serious for a moment before she turned back to her work. Quinn didn't know if she said the wrong thing or if she hurt the Latina, but she decided to turn back to her notes as well.
As she jotted down some tips to solve some more difficult problems, she could see the Latina writing a note on a separate piece of paper. It only took a minute before another note on lined paper was slid onto her desk. She regarded the note for a moment, hoping it was not something crude or silly, not that she minded the banter. She looked to the front of the room once again, waiting for the teacher's back to be turned. When it was, she quickly unfolded the note.
You love me.
It was simple. Three simple words. Three simple words that she had yet to say. She looked at the note a moment longer before she looked up and was met with chocolate brown eyes. Santana's lips still cast a smile, but her eyes held a seriousness to them. They were waiting. They were waiting to see what Quinn was going to do next. Was she going to say them? Was she going to write them down?
Quinn looked down on her desk towards her planner. Next to the date resided a small red heart. Today was their first anniversary. One month ago, Santana had taken her on the most amazing date she ever had and asked her to be her girlfriend. It had been an entire month.
And yet she still hadn't said those three words.
Those three words that came so easily at one time. To the few boys she dated before, those words seemed to roll off the tongue. I mean, that is what they did on the movies. When a boy started dating a girl, they said they loved each other. And that's what she did. But she never believed it. She used to say those words freely without truly feeling their impact. Her parents said 'I love you' to each other all the time and yet it hardly looked like they loved each other at all.
So when Santana silently pleaded for her to say those three words back, why couldn't she do it? Why couldn't she be honest with her? Was it because she was a girl?
Or maybe it was because, for once, she actually did love her. Maybe Quinn finally had found the one thing she loved and yet she didn't know how to say it or express it.
She hoped that with each kiss and with each touch that Santana would understand. She would press harder or hold on tighter hoping that Santana could feel all the love that was pouring through her body. She hoped that it was enough.
She knew it wasn't.
She knew that even though Santana was extremely patient and caring, outside of her smartass banter, she knew it was getting harder for the Latina to wait to hear those words. Over the weeks, those words flew out of the Latina's mouth more frequently and Santana's eyes would urge the blonde to return them. But she never did. Instead, she would squeeze her hand tighter or firmly attach their lips, just praying for Santana to understand. And she knew the Latina did understand, but she also knew she needed more. She needed a lot more and Quinn was finding it hard to give it to her.
Her eyes scanned over the words again.
You love me.
It was true. It was unbelievably true, and yet, it didn't seem true enough. Quinn had admitted to herself that she loved Santana a long time ago, but thinking about something in private and declaring it aloud are two separate ideas. One of which Quinn had yet to do.
She hadn't even written it down on paper.
Looking down at those words written neatly on the line, she prepped the pen in her hand and brought the point to a fresh line. She watched Santana out of the corner of her eye as the dark haired girl looked at her with curiosity.
She was waiting.
Quinn sat, her pen hovering over the paper. She could so this. She could write them down on a piece of paper. It was just three little words, right?
She got to the letter "I" before she crossed it out and folded the paper. She tucked it into the small pocket in the back of her planner before she turned the pages back. She looked over at Santana who gave her an understanding smile before she turned back to her work. She wanted so badly to gives those words to Santana, but she couldn't will herself to do it.
She looked back to the planner at the red heart next to the 27th. She gazed at it for a few moments before she wrote Santana's name next to it.
3 Santana
That was as close as she was going to get to saying those words today.
The final bell had rung out and Quinn made her way to her locker. As she approached, she could see Santana grabbing her books and putting them into her bag. She was never happier that the day was done. Finally she could go home and spend the evening with her girlfriend and have an amazing anniversary. Santana was always the hopeless romantic, though she never would admit it. Quinn knew that Santana did it all for her and her heart fluttered at the thought.
She quickly approached her locker and gave Santana a small nudge and a smile before opening up her own locker.
"Hey," Santana said, slightly startled.
"Hey. So what are we doing tonight?" Quinn replied excitedly.
"I'm sorry, my dad wants me home. He is having important people over for dinner and he wants me to play stepford daughter. If it helps, I would so rather be spending the night with you," Santana gave an apologetic smile.
Quinn couldn't help but feel the drop in her stomach at Santana's words. Not only were they not spending their anniversary together, but it seemed like Santana had forgotten about it all together. She knew Santana was never one for this kind of stuff in relationships, but Quinn was hoping for some flowers or even the phrase 'happy anniversary.'
Quinn decided not to bring up the fact that it was their anniversary. She didn't want to be one of those nagging girlfriends who would berate their significant others because they forgot their monthly anniversary.
The blonde was drawn out of her thoughts when she caught a confused expression on Santana's face. She assumed that Santana had been waiting for some time for Quinn to speak. Quinn flashed an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, no it's fine. I mean, we can hang out tomorrow or something."
"Sounds like a plan," Santana paused. "You sure you're okay, Q?"
Quinn looked around the hall to make sure no one was in listening distance before she answered. "I'm fine, just distracted by this really hot Latina."
"Oh really?" Santana smirked and Quinn nodded, holding back a huge grin by biting her lip. "Do I have to go all Lima Heights on her?"
Quinn laughed softly as she poked Santana's side. "How chivalrous."
"I try," Santana shrugged and smiled. "Besides, I heard she already has this smoking blonde as her girlfriend."
"You're lucky we're in the hallway or else you would be in trouble."
"I would offer the janitor's closet, but I really need to get going."
Santana threw her bag over her shoulder before she reached for Quinn and pulled her into a tight embrace. They held each other for longer than two friends should before pulling back. Santana gave her a wink before she walked down the hall towards her mom's car that was surely waiting. Quinn grabbed the rest of her books before closing her locker and walking towards her car that was parked in the now vacant lot. Tonight was going to be a lonely night.
Quinn walked through the front door and was met with the familiar scene. Her mother was frantically cleaning the house, even though no one was due to come over, while she took occasional sips from her glass of red wine. When she pulled in the driveway, she noted that her father was home. She noted that since he wasn't watching some sports game, he was most likely in his home office. She knew not to disturb him when he was in there. A lot of the times it was because he was working, but the rest of the time he sat in there with a small glass of scotch that never seemed to end.
She placed her bag in the closet and pulled off her shoes before she was greeted by her mother.
"Hi Quinne, how was school?"
"It was fine."
Judy smiled before taking a long drink from her glass. Once she placed it back down on the table, she returned to clean the already spotless house. Quinn had to shake her head to remind herself that she was not stuck in the 1940's.
She took her math and Spanish homework and softly padded off to her room. Without Santana serving as a welcomed distraction, she decided to complete her homework for the next day. She knew in a few days time one of the seniors was having an annual Halloween party and she wanted to be in her parents good graces for when she asked to go. However, she knew once she mentioned the boy was on the football team, she would already be granted permission. Her parents were all about status, presentation and old fashioned values. Even though there would be drinking, her parents cared more about her level of popularity than her own health and safety.
That alone was a little disheartening for the blonde.
But she let it roll off of her shoulders as she buried herself in her school work. She was finding it hard to focus on her homework. Thanks to Santana distracting her earlier, she was having a hard time understanding what the questions were asking for math. Spanish was a whole different story. It was never a language she picked up easily. Struggling with the subject only made her miss Santana more. These were both subjects that Santana passed with ease and she really wished she had her girlfriend to help her.
She quickly picked up her phone to send a text to the Latina.
I miss you :( Math and Spanish are killing me right now because someone was distracting me. I wonder who that could have been? ;)-Q
Quinn waited for a reply but it never came. She glanced over to the clock on her nightstand and noticed it read 5:30pm. It didn't really bother her she didn't get a reply. She assumed Santana was still tied up with playing stepford daughter.
Quinn was about to turn back to her work when she heard a soft knock on the door. She looked up, hoping to see a flash of caramel skin, but her face dropped when her mother entered through the door.
"Hi Quinnie. How is the studying going?"
"It's going great," that was a complete lie but her mother didn't notice.
"Dinner is in the oven, you just need to heat it up. Your father and I are going to one of the dinners at the country club and won't be back until later. Can you handle dinner on your own?"
"Yeah sure. No problem," she never usually cared if her parents were in or not, but that is twice now that she was ditched on her anniversary. She never thought she would spend this day eating heated up leftovers while trying to determine missing angles.
As her mother was about to walk out, she turned around with a white envelop in her hand.
"This came in the mail this morning. It was addressed to you."
Her mother smiled before placing the letter on her bed. Judy walked out of the room silently and left Quinn alone with the letter.
The envelope had no address or stamp, which meant it was hand delivered. Her name was written with neat cursive that contrasted against the white of the envelope. The writing was so similar. It was Santana's.
Without wasting anytime, she ripped open the envelope to find a hand written letter inside.
Hey Quinn,
Just want to say that you are an amazing best friend. Oh, Cheerios practice was moved to Thursday instead of Wednesday. Anyways, love you bestie.
Santana
To say Quinn was confused was an understatement. That was until she read on.
Okay, here's hoping that if your parents decided to open up this letter, they have already stopped reading. If not, I urge you to stop now. Trust me the next bit is extremely boring.
Quinn chuckled. Santana truly was a dork.
For Quinn,
Happy one month anniversary, baby. I bet you thought I forgot didn't you? I am delivering this in the morning, so I hope I haven't spoiled any surprises yet, but if I have, sorry. However, if I haven't, I have a very special day planned for you, baby. I have set up a mini scavenger hunt for you to come find me. Along the way, you will find small gifts and clues to come and find me. No cheating. If you find me before you have found all of the clues, I will send you back out. It is better to listen to your very hot and very smart girlfriend right now.
Quinn laughed to herself again but couldn't disagree with Santana. She was very smart. She also very, very hot.
I assume by now you know my parents aren't actually making me play stepford daughter, and I heard through the grapevine that your parents will be away this evening. What a coincidence. Anyways, here is your first clue.
Clue #1
Underneath the apple tree is where you'll find the hidden key.
Good luck baby.
P.S I love you.
Quinn folded the letter and a wide smile spread on her face. She couldn't believe that Santana had gone through all this trouble just for her. And even in her moment of joy, the familiar pain resided in her chest as she remembered those three words scrawled at the bottom of the letter.
I love you
Santana loved and cared for her so much and yet Quinn couldn't find it within herself to say those words back or even write them in return.
She looked back to the first clue. Underneath the apple tree is where you'll find the hidden key. Quinn smiled knowing exactly where the next clue was. In her backyard was an apple tree that grew Granny Smith apples. They would spend long summers playing in the tree's branches or sitting underneath it. When the apples were ready, they would pick them off the tree and wash them before enjoying their sour taste.
She got up from her bed and looked out her window. She was thankful that both of her parents had already left. It would be a little difficult to explain why she was running out to the backyard to reach the apple tree.
When she finally made it to the tree, she noticed a note taped to a pair of keys the rested in the small hole that was carved in the bark.
Clue #2
If you are reading this, I see you have figured out clue #1. Here is a set of your car keys, and before you ask, they are a spare and you left them at my house once so I didn't steal them.
Quinn shook her head but couldn't fight the smile that graced her lips.
I remember the summer we carved this hole in the tree. It was before we were going to go to middle school. My mom had just finished reading to Kill a Mockingbird to us and we thought that the tree thing was cool. We carved the hole and your parents were so mad, but we would store little toys and notes for each other here before we got too old to do it. I kind of miss those days.
Anyways, I am getting a little off track.
Clue #2
A treat so sweet it makes you scream, follow the rocky road to find me.
Quinn couldn't help but think that her clues were lacking a little in the rhyming department and they were also extremely cheesy, but she absolutely loved it. No one but her got to see this side of Santana. The dorky, love struck and hopeless romantic side of her. She loved the fact that this Santana was saved only for her. This was her Santana.
She grabbed the keys and headed towards the car, knowing exactly where they she was going. She was going to Rocky's, which was the local ice cream shop. It was another place that she and Santana spent many summer afternoons. They would spend all day at the local pool and then go to Rocky's to cool off from the dry Lima summers.
She pulled into a vacant parking spot, as there were many being this late in the season. In about a month the place would close over the winter before being re-opened in May. She walked through the doors and looked around. The place had hardly changed since the last time she went here. They had thrown on a new coat of paint and some of the chairs had been re-furnished, but it still looked identical to when she was a kid.
"Excuse me, are you Quinn?"
Quinn was startled by a young teenage boy who was at the counter. He was maybe a year or two younger than her, most likely Rocky's son. She brought herself out of her thoughts and answered the boy.
"Yes I am."
"This is for you."
The boy held a small bowl with a big scoop of Rocky Road ice cream and a note attached to the bottom. She grabbed it from the boy's hands before looking through her purse to find change to pay for the ice cream.
"It's already taken care of."
Quinn gave the boy an appreciative smile and he returned it before going into the back room. She walked out of the front doors and found a small vacant table outside. She took the letter off the bottom of the ice cream and opened it up to read it.
Rocky Road, it was always your favourite flavour. Every time we would come in here, I would poke fun at you for always choosing Rocky Road. I remember the one time you tried to prove me wrong and ordered mint chocolate chip. You took a few licks and I already knew you didn't like it. I had ordered Rocky Road because I knew that in the end that is what you always chose. And you ordered mint chocolate chip, knowing that it was my favourite. For awhile that is how we ordered. You would order mint chocolate chip, I would order Rocky Road. We would take a few licks before trading. We would order knowing that we were going to trade, but I guess that was the fun of it.
So enjoy this Rocky Road. It's on me ;)
Quinn remembered that. The trading ice cream with Santana. The memory brought a wide smile to her face. She put the letter down and grabbed a spoon and started eating away at the cold dessert. Even though the weather was cold for this time of year, she would never turn down a scoop of Rocky Road. After she had spent the summer of her grade 7 year losing weight, she had not touched the stuff. She had truly missed it and loved Santana for remembering.
When she was done, she threw out her waste and opened the note again to see the third clue.
Clue #3
See is the present, saw is the past. Venture to the place that never failed to make us laugh.
Quinn pondered the clue for a moment not truly understanding its meaning. Apparently Santana knew that Quinn would berate her clues and decided to throw her a curveball.
See is the present, saw is the past.
A smile graced her lips as she climbed into her car and sped off towards the park.
As evening was fast approaching, the number of people in the park had greatly diminished. The children had long gone and now there were only a few couples and random dog walkers. She parked her car on the street before heading towards the playground. It was completely vacant, which she was extremely thankful for. She saw a white envelope flapping in the wind attached to the seesaw.
I remember in elementary school when we used to play at this park. We would run here after school and play for hours until our parents came to take us home. I remember the one night we decided to try the new seesaw. You were deathly afraid of heights and didn't want to go on, but I begged until you relented. We were having fun, going up and down. I could hear our laughter echoing in the surrounding neighbourhood. I remember I got distracted and when you went up, you flew too high and fell to the ground. I remember you started crying and I didn't know what to do. I was never good with tears and feelings. But as I saw you crying on the ground, I knew I had to do something. I looked down and saw your knee. It was a little scratched from the fall. I remember that when I fell, my parents would always kiss it better. I remembering asking if you wanted me to kiss it better and I remember you nodding. I forgot that I was supposed to kiss your knee and I ended up kissing your lips. You laughed and told me that I was doing it wrong and I asked you if you felt better. You smiled and told me you did and I told you that I must have done it right.
You were my first kiss, and I was yours. I never knew that this would turn into what it has, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Tears welled up in Quinn's eyes at the memory. She could almost remember it as if it were yesterday. The feeling of her knee as it scrapped against the small stones. The feeling of Santana's soft lips against hers.
She also remembered the looks on her parents' faces as she told them. She remembered the anger in her father's eyes and the sadness of her mother's. She remembered words like 'dyke' and 'lesbian.' She remembered the feeling of her father's hand against her skin, leaving a red mark in warning to never do something like that again.
One of her favourite memories was tarnished by such a hateful memory as well. But she would never say she regretted kissing Santana. She would take a million slaps as long as Santana was there to kiss the pain away.
She wiped away the tears that were quickly rolling down her cheeks before looking at the next clue.
Clue #4
This is the final clue you will see. So move that sexy ass and come home to me.
Quinn laughed at her girlfriend's not so poetic line before running back to her car to drive to Santana house.
When she got there, the sign on her door told her to go in. The house was dark, but there was light from the numerous candles that lit the way towards Santana's room. She walked up slowly, careful not to knock any of the candles over. When she opened the door, Santana was sitting in the middle of her bed. Tears welled in Quinn's eyes and Santana just smiled at her.
"Happy anniversary, baby," Santana said as her smile grew wider.
"You could have just got me flowers," Quinn replied as her voice cracked with fresh tears.
Santana got up from the bed and walked over to Quinn. He placed her hands on the blonde's hips as her thumb brushed over her hip bones.
"You know if you told me that a week ago, I could have saved myself a lot of time."
Quinn smacked her arm lightly and Santana started laughing. In no time at all, Quinn's lips found Santana's. She pressed her lips firmly against Santana's as her hands tangled in long, dark locks. Santana's tongue ran along the length of Quinn's bottom lip before the blonde granted her access. Quinn moaned into the kiss as Santana's hands ran across her lower back before landing on her backside. When she took a small breath, Santana lifted the blonde and she let out a small squeal before her back met Santana's soft mattress. The Latina straddled her hips before her lips found Quinn's once more. The kiss was a battle of dominance; all teeth and tongues. Quinn could feel her lips bruising but could find it in her to stop. After lengthy minutes, Santana pulled away and rested her forehead against Quinn's trying to get her breath back.
"God, I missed that today," Santana's breath ghosted against her lips.
"I missed you today," Quinn replied.
"I know, but I wanted this to be a surprise. I also had to take some time to prepare for your next surprise."
"Babe, you didn't buy me anything did you because I'd feel like a horrible girlfriend by not having anything for you?"
"I got you, that is the only thing I need," Santana smirked before pecking Quinn's lips.
"Such a charmer," Quinn smiled before pulling Santana into another lengthy kiss.
"Mmm, how else do you think I got you?" Santana smiled.
She gave Quinn one final peck before getting off the bed. Quinn immediately missed the warmth and the weight of Santana on top of her. She lifted herself to rest on her elbows as she watched her girlfriend frantically pace the room.
"Baby, I miss your lips."
"Well these lips are going to be busy for a few minutes with your next surprised."
Quinn was having a mini meltdown hoping Santana did not mean sex, when she saw Santana pulling an acoustic guitar out of her closet.
"Santana..." Quinn trailed off.
"I spent the afternoon learning this song, since songs are kind of our thing," Santana winked and Quinn blushed. "So if you bear with me as I try to get through this without getting distracted by your sexiness that would be great."
Quinn laughed as Santana smiled. Santana placed herself at the end of her bed and Quinn sat up against the headboard. The Latina gave a nervous smile before counting in and playing the opening chords. She hadn't even sung yet and already tears were beginning to well up in Quinn's eyes.
Give me more lovin' than I've ever had
Make it all better when I'm feeling sad
Tell me that I'm special even when I know I'm not.
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Barely gettin' mad, I'm so glad I found you
I love bein' around you
You make it easy, it's easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
Quinn couldn't help the beaming smile that spread across her lips as tears of joy stained her cheeks. Santana had done so much for her and loved her so much. Quinn didn't think she could ever love anyone as much as she loved Santana. That thought scared her, but it also excited her.
There's only one thing to do
Three words for you I love you
There's only one way to say
Those three words and that's what I'll do, I love you
There they were; those three words. Quinn could feel them building in her lungs waiting to be released. Yet every time she opened her mouth, those words seemed to escape her.
Give me more love from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never ever tell your closest friends
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Best that I've had, I'm so glad I found you
I love bein' around you
You make it easy, it's easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only one thing to do
Three words for you I love you
There's only one way to say
Those three words and that's what I'll do, I love you
I love you
When the last words rang out, Santana put her guitar down beside her. She was about to speak when her lips were covered by Quinn's in a bruising kiss. She sat stunned for a moment before she began to move her lips against Quinn's. They kissed for lengthy minutes before they separated due to lack of air.
Santana was taking in deep breaths when she heard it.
"I love you too," Quinn whispered, her eyes shut tight.
"What?"
Santana opened her eyes and pulled back to look at Quinn. After a moment, Quinn opened her eyes and was met with deep, chocolate brown orbs. She took a breath before speaking again.
"I love you."
"That's the best present anyone could have ever given me."
It was extremely fluffy, but I love the fluff. I have thought a lot about this story since I wrote that author's note, and after listening to many songs on my IPod, I realized where I want this story to go. I had know before, and the ending remains the same, but I discovered little moments I want to happen and I discovered how I want them to happen. The next few chapters may be a little rocky, but once I get to where I want to go, the updates should come more frequently.
Until next time.