It hurts me to receive hate reviews regarding Santana. Guys, I did put a Pezberry pairing in my summary since only two names are allowed to be chosen in the actual pairing. And yes, this is a Faberry fic, I'm aware.
Reviews are still appreciated, though.
This chapter is a little longer compared to the others. :)
"I'm so sorry, Miss Fabray, but I can't accept this project of yours now. You're a week late and you expect me to consider this?" Quinn's Clinical Medicine professor, Mr. Ford, told her for the third time with an obvious annoyance in his tone.
The past five months without seeing Rachel made everyday pretty depressing for her. She lost a lot of weight and her contact with humans lessened. That means the only human interaction she gets is when she is at school or when she returns home and eat dinner with her family. Just right when all of these things are done, she will go to her own room to study or think about Rachel.
"I'm really sorry sir if I'm a bit late, but something important really happened at home, believe me." She tried once more to convince her professor.
"What is that something, then?" her professor asked, arching his eyebrows.
She struggled on answering before she settled on nothing. "Just, something really important. I'm sorry I can't tell you, sir, but please consider this one. I did it way better than it was required to be done. Please." She almost knelt begging her professor.
"And you think others did not do their best when they passed their projects on time? Or even before the deadline?" Mr. Ford snapped back at her.
He was right, though. That was a lame excuse of her. Was she really trying to convince a professor who is obviously an epitome of a professional of his field? Bad move. But she's totally going to fail if she doesn't get a grade from that project.
"You're right. But can you just give me even a passing grade? I will totally be fine with it. I just have to pass this semester." She replied with broken voice. She knows that she will be crying anytime soon, but she is not really sure if it is because of an upcoming failing grade or just the frustration stored in her mind and body.
"I'm sorry, Miss Fabray, but there's not much that I can do to save your grade. You should have thought about that before wasting your time on something that you can't even defend. But don't worry because there are summer classes." And with that, Mr. Ford turned on his back to exit the room. She was left there with tears already flowing down her cheeks. She's so frustrated and disappointed with herself.
Her decision to go back to Kentucky to live with her parents and transfer schools has been a very tough decision for her, but it was also the best thing to do—going far away. Had she continued to stay in the city, she would probably give up on waiting for Rachel and will lead their relationship to an end. It was the best for both of them. They need to learn things without depending on each other, this way they can also figure out what is really in it for them in the future. This way they can be more mature to handle the uneasiness of the situation, yet still holding on to each other's promise that their love is eternal no matter how long the distance is.
There are times she wished to be a teenager again just so it will all make it less complicated, but all she could do was dream about it until she wakes up from her doubtful trance. There was no day that passed that she was not thinking about Rachel and wondering how the girl was doing or if the girl's mind has already forgotten her. Although there is a possibility of Rachel giving up because she was still young, Quinn believes that Rachel cannot do that to her, that Rachel will be there waiting for her when she comes back.
But these things keep distracting her in everything she does, including her studies. When she was with Rachel, she managed to have good grades. Before starting classes in Kentucky, she believes that Rachel is still with her, in her heart and in her mind, but it was not very effective for her, because whenever she sees something that Rachel loves, or might love, she remembers the girl. And it was like destiny is testing her because just a simple gamer playing with their PSP or 3DS anywhere reminds her of Rachel.
Of course, her parents are also worried and aware about her current state. They keep on asking too much questions but she just simply smiles and tells them she was fine and was just busy with school stuff. They will not ask for further questions anymore even if she knows that they don't believe what she was saying.
Everyday, she prays for everything to fall into the right places soon. Or she asks God if three years can come quickly because she's just really broken without Rachel by her side. Even if it's not yet 100 percent sure that they will be together in the future when Rachel turns 18, at least she's certain that they can fight for it finally. When that day comes, no one can go against them or ruin them anymore, not even Rachel's parents or Brittany.
Speaking of Brittany, she has not heard from the girl since she realized that Brittany was the root of all the sufferings and difficulties she and Rachel are going through right now. She may be aware that Brittany just did it because she broke up with her, but that doesn't mean that she regrets doing it. Her life will be a total wreck if she continued being with Brittany. However, she feels guilty sometimes that she might be the reason why Brittany turned really evil. Life can be really complicated sometimes.
She was relieved that Brittany stopped communicating with her although she's not completely sure if it was already permanent because it has happened before—Brittany not talking to her for a whole month but came back with a devil plan. But this time it has already been five months and still, no word from the girl, maybe this time, she finally gave up and accepted the fact that Quinn is not hers anymore.
She remembers how her parents reacted five months ago when she told them that Brittany and her broke up, and also how they were glad and shocked at the same time that she came back to her hometown— maybe for good.
"Quinn! What are you doing here? It's not yet the holidays, right?" her mom welcomed her excitedly being oblivious of the fact that she was carrying two large bags as she approached their living room one night in Kentucky.
"Uh, yes mom—"
She was surprised when her mother hugged her with a force harder than ordinary. "But don't get me wrong, I'm so glad you're here early!"
"Well, I'm totally going to be here longer than expected, Mom." She answered smiling while making a way for her bags to be noticed.
Her mom suddenly got her implications when she put down her bags on the floor for them to make a bumping noise on the floor. "Quinn? Why are—what happened?" her mother asked with worry and surprise.
"Mom, can you help me with these bags upstairs first?" she asked her mom with a smile to assure her that nothing bad happened back in the city, at least not physically.
Her father is still oblivious of her presence in the house because he was in his study room dealing with business stuff. She smiled and realized how she misses her dad.
After settling her things inside her room that remained the same, her mother and she both went downstairs to the kitchen. Her mother made her some coffee and she settled for some leftover steak because she was really hungry.
"Judy, have you found my—Oh, Quinn!" her father quickly went to embrace her once he realized that she was on the kitchen with them. After pulling back from the hug, her father stared at her like he was wondering what she's really doing there at that time of the month.
"I got the same reaction from Mom." She chuckled lightly while her father sits down on the table across her.
"Can you blame us? It's the first time you visited us when there is no occasion." Her father replied with a slight huff in his voice, she quickly realized what he meant but she decided not to push the topic.
"I'm sorry about that, dad. But I'm moving in with you and mom again!" she answered trying to put an excitement in her voice so she can lessen the tension that was already built there.
Her father smiled widely and hugged her again before speaking. "You don't know how happy you just made me, Quinn."
"I know, dad."
"Although I'm still confused about your sudden change of plans." His father replied and her mom nodded quickly.
"She didn't tell me, either." Her mom added.
She sighed thinking about an appropriate reason, and looked at them with a convincing expression. "Things didn't end well with Britt.."
She knew that her parents will never feel bad about this. It's true that she felt miserable when Brittany neglected her but not after they broke up. This just serves as the perfect excuse for being here without her parents knowing about Rachel. She wanted to tell them so bad about the girl, but this time is not the perfect moment, unless she wanted their relationship to end.
"Are you okay?" her mother asked. It was obvious that she was relieved by what she announced but she knows that her mother is a more supportive one than her father.
"I think I am, Mom. I just needed to get away from it, you know?" she answered. She did not have to fake a sad expression because that was really how she was feeling constantly since the incident with Rachel happened, except she's not sad about Brittany.
"Quinn, you have made the right decision." Her father finally speaks, and that his response was almost close to what she was expecting. She expected him to say those words with a chuckle, but she's really glad that it did not happen. "You know you are always welcome here.. I mean, you're always welcome here again starting last year when you visited us for holidays." Her father added.
She only nodded. She knew that her father will bring that moment again eventually but she still can't understand why her father had never seen how great of a girlfriend Brittany used to be. Maybe he sensed that she will turn out as a really terrible person? Her father must be a psychic.
"How is she coping up?" her mother asked suddenly. Her tone does not have any worry in it, but rather curious.
She shook her head not having any answers. "I honestly don't know, Mom. As I have told you, it didn't end well, so I don't know what she did or where was she now."
"You will get over it soon, Quinn. Just don't think about her too much." Her father told her.
"I know, dad. I hope so."
"Do you mind talking about it?" her mom asked her, this time with pure worry in her voice.
"No, mom. I think I'd rather keep it to myself only. I don't want to disrespect her by having other people judge a situation they don't understand." She explained and her mom nodded in understanding.
"So what are you planning to do now? What about your studies?" Her father asked her sipping his now cold coffee.
She shrugged. "I'll transfer to University of Kentucky and continue my studies there. But I will enroll after Holidays so that means I will be a little late than everyone." She informed her dad.
"Well, that's fine. At least you're settled on a particular course now."
"Yes dad, and don't worry, I plan on finishing it." She assured her dad with a smile.
"That's good. Just look how far your sister Alexa got."
Her dad definitely hit a nerve but she reminded herself to be used with it since she's going to spend the next three years of her life with them again.
"Yes, dad. I promise." And with that, her parents are off to bed.
"But, Santana, you can't do that. I hate to say this but, I think- I think you're just going to wait for nothing." Rachel struggled on how to deliver these words to the Latina without hurting her so much, but there is no way it's not going to hurt.
But she can't blame Santana in other sense, because if she were to do that—wait for long—for Quinn to come back, she would. But she believes and feels that even if she waits for long, Quinn will always come back to her. In Santana's case, it would not happen, and now she feels sorry for the girl.
"No. Don't worry about me. I have my ways." Santana answered with a little smile on her face.
She instantly froze at what Santana had said. What does she mean by her ways? What if Santana comes and ruin her life because she did not return the girl's feelings? "What—what do you mean you have your ways?" she asked with a worried voice.
"Why are you so afraid?" the Latina asked back.
"Because, I just—I love Quinn, okay? And I don't want anything or anyone to ruin what we have. I think- I think I'm going to die if that happens." She studied Santana's face but she had not changed her reaction. She does not seem so hurt by what she had said.
Santana stood to her front while she remains seated at the bleachers, she did not look up to Santana because she's afraid that she might see hurt from those dark eyes anytime, and she does not want to feel bad anymore. She wants this to be over already.
"You know what, Rachel, I hate it that you—that you still don't realize that whatever you and that Quinn girl have is over." Santana told her with an annoyed tone.
She looked up and met the girl's watering eyes, but this time she did not feel any sympathy anymore. She can't believe that Santana can say those words to her out of being heart broken. She stared at Santana while clenching her jaw. She feels her body getting hot of anger.
"What did you just say?" she replied with much more firmness in her voice. She saw Santana's features soften but that did not last long because the girl returned to her previous expression.
"I said that you and Quinn are over. Don't you realize that?" Santana answered.
She rose from her seat so she can be face to face with Santana. She clenched her hands on her sides to resist them from doing anything. "You can't say things like that. You don't know anything."
"I may not know everything, but I know that something is wrong judging from what I see. And it's over. Where is she, Rachel? You just told me she was gone. These past five months has been a hell for you. I saw it, I saw how your world came crashing down." Santana replied with so much concern in her voice.
"You don't fucking care about my life!" she yelled with tears now streaming down her cheeks, but she does not even realize when they were about to fall from her eyes.
"Yes, I do, Rachel, because I love you! Why are you being such an idiot about this? I know that—"
Santana was cut off by Rachel's tiny but now hard palm slapping her left cheek. That definitely hurt, but it was nothing compared to the hurt she was feeling right now, or the hurt that she felt when she saw Rachel breaking down slowly into tiny pieces. "I love her, Santana. Deal with it." Rachel spoke with a quieter tone.
Santana nods her head. "I know, Rachel. And I know that she loves you too. But I don't want you to get hurt even more. You are not even sure where she was or what the hell has happened to her."
"But in my heart I'm sure that she will come back." Rachel spoke almost immediately, staring deep into Santana's eyes but now with less anger.
Santana nodded her head again and sat down on the bleachers when she felt her knees getting weak already. Once she was seated, she buried her face in her hands and started crying silently. Rachel's expressions immediately changed and she went to comfort the girl sitting in front of her. She began to touch Santana's shoulders but Santana slapped her hand away.
"Don't touch me, Berry. I'm fine." Santana answered, still trying so hard to hide her face. Santana was not used to people seeing her vulnerable side.
"I'm so sorry, Santana, but I really can't." she explained while playing nervously with the hem of her skirt because she does not know what to do with her hands at that moment anymore.
"No, it's okay, I understand. I just don't want you to—" Santana stopped for a while to wipe her cheeks before looking at her eyes. "—I don't want you to get hurt even more. You don't know how much it hurts me, too."
"Thank you. But I think I am doing just fine." Rachel answered with lack of conviction in her voice.
"Who are you fooling?" Santana asked her sarcastically.
"I'm still living, Santana, and I'm still breathing. You don't have to worry about me."
"I know I don't really have to, but I still do. I hate it that I still do.." Santana responded with a very soft voice.
Rachel does not know what to say anymore. She knows that there is nothing she can do to make Santana feel better. It is impossible to just snap and make Santana fall out of love with her because this is real life, superpowers don't exist, but with situations like this, they are needed the most.
"I love Quinn so much, Santana. I'm sorry.." she trailed off.
"I love you the way you love her, maybe more than that, and it hurts so much." Santana spoke with so much sadness in her eyes. She looks so broken.
"Please, stop this, Santana. Don't hurt yourself even more."
"I'm not giving up, Rachel. I'm not." Santana answered now back to her usual self. It's just really amazing how Santana manages to bring back her walls up to protect herself. But right now it really pisses Rachel off.
"No, don't even try to—"
"So! Are you inviting me on your birthday?" Santana asked her with a smile clearly changing the topic.
"Santana—"
"Scratch that, I'm sure you are. But anyway, I think I'll come early so I can help Shelby with the preparations, maybe in cooking some foods or decorating the house. What do you think?" Santana asked her while beaming.
She gulped before answering. "I- don't think that's a good idea. I'm sure mom doesn't need help with them.."
"Oh, I'm sure she does. And if not, I'm sure she misses me a lot." Santana answered without getting affected by another rejection from her, or maybe she was just so good at hiding it.
Well, she can't argue with her last statement. She is somehow convinced that her mother misses Santana because she knows how the two get along well when Santana hangs out at her house. That is another thing that makes her sad and insecure for Quinn. If only Quinn was her schoolmate, maybe she'd get along well with her mother, too.
"Well, yeah, I think so.." she answered not knowing what to say to Santana anymore.
"Great! I have to leave now. Coach Sylvester might be looking for me." Santana turns to leave but remembered something.
She froze when Santana held her chin and kissed her on the cheek. "I really love you, Rachel. How I wish I can make you love me, too."
She gathered herself and spoke. "I know, but you know I can't. But it does not change the fact that I really like you as a person, as a friend. You are still special to me, Santana." She answered with pure sincerity.
"Well, yeah. But just know that I will always love you." Santana finally stood up and walked. But before Santana walked far from her, she shouted to get her attention.
"Hey, Santana! Wait up!"
Santana turned to her and arched her eye brows. She did not fail to notice that her eyes were glistening with tears, but she did not acknowledge what she saw anymore knowing that it will make Santana feel embarrassed.
"What is it, Berry? Miss me already?" Santana asked while forcing a smirk.
She gulped the lump in her throat and answered. "I think—I think you realized now how much I love Quinn, right?"
Santana nodded. "Yes, although I wish I didn't.."
"It will really make me happy if she comes back to me.."
"I know, Berry. You don't have to rub it in my face. What are you trying to say now?" she asked feeling a little pissed by hearing Rachel's love for Quinn multiple times.
"I—I want you to promise me that.. that you wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
"Why the fuck would I hurt you?" Santana asked, amused.
"Well, you said that you're not giving up so.."
"I wasn't implying that I'll turn into a monster then destroy you both. It may not be obvious, but I'm kind of a good person, Rachel." Santana answered with soft eyes.
Rachel nodded. "I know. I'm sorry.. I just, I don't want us to suffer even more."
Santana walked in front of Rachel and coiled the girl's body in her arms. She shut her eyes as she felt the girl's body against her, and as she smelled the girl's heavenly scent. "Rachel, I won't do anything to hurt you, I promise."
They pulled back from the embrace and Rachel took her hand. "Thank you so much, Santana."
"I mean it, though, when I said that I'm not giving up. But I won't do anything, I will just simply wait."
Rachel nodded and let go of Santana's hand. "I don't know what to say."
"It's okay." Santana turned on her heel to walk away. "Later, Berry!"
And now Rachel knows that her life got even more complicated.
Rachel was walking down the hall way the day after with Tina when she noticed the strange looks that the students are giving her. It wasn't a look of amusement but rather a look of shame for her and it made her tremble inside. Good or bad, she was not used of attention from many people.
"Why are they looking at me like this?" she whispered to Tina who was also walking beside her.
Tina froze but did not answer so she repeated herself. "Tina, why are they staring at me like I did something that's really embarrassing?"
Tina was about to answer when they reached the bathroom and she heard two girls entered while gossiping as she went inside a cubicle. She stopped short when she heard Santana's name so she stayed inside the cubicle for a while, she knows that Tina did, too.
"I just feel so sorry for Santana, you know, being dumped like that is really embarrassing." One girl continued to speak and she knows that they were talking about what she did to Santana yesterday. She didn't even realize that she has to deal with it.
"Yeah. I actually admire Santana for being brave, you know." The other girl replied.
"She really is. Coming out and all, then confessing to a girl she loves in front of many people, how brave. She's definitely a catch." The first girl answered with amusement in her voice.
The other girl laughed. "So you're gay now?"
"Haha. Funny. But if I were to be gay, I'd definitely choose Santana." both girls laughed.
"I can't believe the Rachel girl humiliate her like that."
"But maybe Rachel just freaked out. Who knows?" The other one tried to defend her.
"Well, yeah, maybe. But she could have turned Santana down in private, at least."
"How can she do that when Santana's proposing to her in public?"
"She could have asked Santana to give her time to think about it, that way it will be less humiliating for Santana."
"Yeah. Maybe you're right. I'm afraid it will affect Santana's leadership in our team." The other girl answered. She finally realized that both of these girls are members of the cheerleading squad.
"Well, I hope not, that will be a disaster. Hey, let's go." She waited until the door shut before she got out of the cubicle, Tina followed her suit.
"I guess you now realized the answer to your previous question." Tina said with a very sympathetic voice.
"I think I'm a really terrible person." She answered with pure sadness and shame.
Tina immediately went to rub her back. "Are you okay?"
She nodded and they went out of the bathroom to go to their respective lockers and then to class afterwards. She immediately found a note when she opened her locker and she knew instantly who was it from.
Gonna join you guys at lunch later. PS: I hope you're okay
Was Santana kidding? It was her who was supposed to ask the Latina if she was okay.
She folded the note and walked to her first class ignoring the look the students are giving her. It will pass by soon. At least there is no form of violence happening, that made her felt relieved.
At lunch she instantly dragged Tina to the cafeteria because she was so worried about Santana and the rumors going on at school. She sighed in relief when she saw the girl already seated in their usual spot talking with some cheerleaders with a good aura. But maybe Santana was just hiding what her true feelings are, she'll never know.
Santana may have felt her presence because the girl glanced in their direction and waved at them. Santana dismissed the cheerleaders and motioned for her and Tina to sit with them.
"Hey, Santana, what's.. up?" Tina asked hesitantly. She knows that her friend feels awkward about everything that has happened yesterday.
"I'm fine, Asian. Uhm, would you mind leaving us for just a minute? I need to talk to her about something." Santana responded.
Tina quickly obliged and stood up from her seat to sit with Kurt and Mercedes instead. Once she and Santana were left in the table, she noticed some of the students looking at them expectantly, but she tried her best to ignore them.
"Are you—are you okay?" she asked Santana worriedly.
Santana nodded her head and looked at her with much worry in her eyes. "Are YOU okay?"
She shrugged. "I guess. But it will pass."
"I'm sorry this all happened." Santana told her with a very apologetic eyes.
"Are you kidding me right now? Why would you be sorry? I should be the one to apologize for humiliating you like that. The students are—"
"You did not humiliate me, Rachel. You just told me what you felt." Santana replied with certainty.
"But I'm sorry that I did it in front of everybody.."
"I initiated it. So don't be sorry, okay? Are you going to be fine?"
She nodded and smiled lightly. "But they are still talking about what happened."
"It will not be for long. I already talked to everyone in the squad, they understood."
She nodded and held the back of Santana's hands. "Thank you, Santana. You're really kind."
"Sort of." Santana smirked and they continued eating lunch and talking about random things until the bell rang.
Quinn was at her room busying herself by browsing Rachel's pictures in her camera and zooming it one by one. This is what she does whenever she misses Rachel, that's why she always brings her camera with her to school. Whenever she looks at Rachel's photos, she feels safe and she imagines that Rachel was just beside her, kissing her and touching her.
She wonders, however, if Rachel still looks the same. Well, a lot can happen in five months. Did Rachel gain or lose weight? Because in her case, she really has changed physically. She prayed that Rachel is doing fine and healthy.
She suddenly heard a knock on her door and her mother's voice followed. "Quinn, honey, you have a visitor."
She put her camera down to her bed before standing up and opening the door for her mother. "She's at the living room, I let her in. Call me if you need anything, I'm staying in our room." Her mom has a very worried look and it makes her wonder, but she did not ask about it.
"Okay, mom. Thanks." She kissed her mom's cheek and went back to her room to chance a look at herself. It's rare that she has a visitor so she has to look presentable although she still has no idea who her visitor was. Maybe some new friends inviting her to party.
When she was about five steps away from the living room she instantly realized who her visitor was upon seeing a head of long blonde hair who has her back on her. It was Brittany. She suddenly felt a little dizzy and she also felt her blood rushed all over her body. What an instant mood killer.
She cleared her throat to get Brittany's attention and she went to sit on the chair across the other blonde. Brittany's look that day was a lot different from what she was before. She looks so soft, kind, and modest right now. It's like the old Brittany. But still, she can't bring herself to not feel mad whenever she sees the girl.
"Quinn.." Brittany started with a very soft voice. Quinn saw the surprised look in her eyes. "You—you got really skinny. What happened?"
"That's none of your fucking business. What are you doing here?" she answered with annoyance. She really wants to just drag Brittany out of the house, but that's just really mean.
"I—"
"How did you even know I'm here?" she added.
"Quinn, will you let me talk first?" Brittany asked with calmness. She sighed and brought her hand up to surrender. "Thanks. So to answer your second question, I went to your apartment last week and realized that you weren't there anymore, so I went here because I can't think of other places where you will go."
"Then, what do you want, Brittany?" she asked while glaring at her.
"Quinn, I didn't talk to you for months so I can give you time to cool down.." she instantly reacted because she thinks she knows where this was going. ".. and no, don't give me that look because I'm not trying to get back with you again." Brittany added.
She stopped glaring and hangs her mouth open. If not, then what is Brittany doing there? Considering she traveled long hours just to see her. It must be really important.
"It doesn't make any sense. Then what are you really doing here?" she asked with less annoyance now, but with more curiosity.
"I'm here to.. to apologize for what I did. For everything I did. The whole five months made me realize how evil I was, and I am really sorry, Quinn. Believe me." Brittany told her with so much sincerity in her eyes that she's certain she was about to cry anytime soon.
"I'm disappointed that it took you that long to realize how terrible you are." She replied coldly.
"I know. I know, Quinn. Maybe I meant to do all of that, but it's just that I really loved you—"
"Don't start with this now."
"But that was the only reason why I did all of those things. It was because I can't accept the fact that we're over, and that you're over me. You are the first person who believed in me, Quinn. You're the reason I made it this far." Brittany said and now she was crying.
"Oh, I didn't know. Was I, Brittany? Was I really the reason?" she replied with sarcasm.
"I know it's hard to believe, Quinn, but yes, you were. But I regret everything. I'm so sorry. I know I made your life a living hell, and now I'm here because I'm really sorry and I want to make it up to you."
"And what do you expect me to say, Britt? Do you expect me to hug you and say it's okay once you admit all the bullshit you've done?!" she yelled at Brittany.
Brittany shook her head. "I don't expect those things, Quinn. Honestly, I expect you to slap me or maybe hurt me, I'm glad you didn't. You still are a good person and I'm such an idiot to let you go."
"I'm glad it happened, Brittany. And yes, you really are an idiot, and a moron."
There was an immediate flash of hurt in Brittany's eyes upon hearing her response. "I know. I'm really sorry, Quinn. I'm sorry for what happened to you and Rachel—"
"Because of what you did. And for your information, we're not yet over." She replied with annoyance.
"But I'm still sorry that you both have to suffer like this because of me."
"The damage was already done, Brittany. Can you go now, please? And don't ever come back. I feel so sick being around you." She answered mimicking Brittany's authoritative voice.
Brittany nodded and stood up, but to her surprise, instead of walking outside the house, the girl sat beside her and was browsing through her cellphone pictures.
"What are you doing?" she asked angrily but also wondering what Brittany was doing.
Brittany finally stopped pressing keys and showed her a picture of her and a beautiful brunette with blue eyes smiling happily in the camera. "I wanted to show you this before I go."
She eyed the picture a little longer. "What the hell is this?"
"A proof that I will never ruin your life—and even Rachel's life- ever again." Brittany answered calmly. Hoping for her to get the hint.
She stared at the picture once more and she realized that she hadn't notice that smile Brittany gave out in the picture, and the hands of the two girls clasping possessively, and the twinkle in Brittany's eyes that indicates she's in love.
She looked at Brittany in shock but with a softer expression. "Britt.. you.." It was the only thing she can say because she was really not expecting this.
"Her name is Melissa. She used to be my patient. Our session ended just last month and we started hanging out and you know.. things go from there." Brittany smiled at her.
She shook her head in disbelief but a smile is slowly creeping its way through her lips. "Britt, I- I am so happy for you.."
"Thank you, Quinn." Brittany smiled. "She's the best thing that has ever happened to me in a while. She supported me when I was really down. She- she's a good person, just like you. When I realized that I like her so much, I promised to myself that I will never screw it up anymore." Brittany replied sincerely.
"This is amazing, Britt. She's really beautiful."
"Oh, don't you dare, Quinn. You have your own brunette." Brittany joked.
Sadness immediately rushed through her emotions but she hid it from Brittany. "Yeah, to me, Rachel's still the most beautiful."
Brittany chuckled lightly. "I can't oppose with you on that. She's really beautiful."
"She is." She answered with a smile.
"I'm so sorry, Quinn, for having you suffer through all of this. I know I can't take it back, but just know that I blame myself everyday about it. I regret all of the things I have done."
"I believe you, Britt.. Just- just give me some time. It's really—"
"Of course! Of course, Quinn. I know it's not that easy." Brittany stood up finally and prepared to go outside. "I'm going. I hope that by the time we see each other again, we can be considered as friends."
She smiled genuinely and nodded. "I hope so, too. I hope you're happy, Britt."
Brittany smiled and went outside. Not long after, she heard an engine accelerating and soon driving away.
"Baby Rae! Tina's here already! You don't want to keep your best friend waiting!" her father Hiram shouted from the foot of the stairs.
It was finally the Prom night and Tina agreed to be her date since they both don't have boyfriends so why not just go together? She really does not want to go to this stupid prom because she does not enjoy dancing or whatsoever, but she doesn't want to miss it, either.
"Okay, dad! Be there in five!" she yelled back. "Mom, can you be quick?" she asked her mom who was retouching her make up.
"Just a minute, baby. I want you to look beautiful." Her mother replied while busy brushing her cheek with whatever make- up she was putting on her.
"Mom, you have been doing that for the past 10 minutes." She sighed.
"Okay. All done! Now stand up and let's check your gown." Her mother snapped her fingers to signal her to stand up, so she did.
Her mother started straightening her gown. "Mom, there's nothing to fix anymore. All is good." She rolled her eyes but never let her mom see it.
"I just want to make sure." Her mother answered once she was done and was now eyeing her hair.
"My hair is fine already, mom. Let's go down." She sighed in relief when her mother agreed and they went downstairs together.
Tina and her father were in the living room laughing together and she heard her dad praising Tina's look that night.
"Wow, baby, you look gorgeous. Are you sure you're not nominated for Prom Queen?" Her father asked.
She blushed and shook her head. "No dad. There are many pretty girls at school." She noticed her dad's sudden change in reaction because of what she said. "I mean, prettier girls than me."
Tina stood up from her seat and laced her arms together with hers in a friendly manner. "So, let's go now, Rae! Bye Hiram and Shelby."
"You girls take care, okay?" Shelby reminded them and she and Tina drove their way to the school.
Rachel wore her mask when they reached the venue before entering the party, Tina did the same as well. That year's prom theme was Masquerade and it was quite fantastic. People look so good with their masks. Or even without.
They were greeted with a loud noise and she immediately got dizzy. They found Kurt sitting on a table beside the stage so they approached him.
"Wow, ladies, you look gorgeous. And I'm saying this as your friend." They both chuckled and talked some more before finally joining the dance floor.
After an hour of dancing, she excused herself and went back to their table. She took a sip from her fruit punch and realized that it was spiked so she stopped drinking from it. She rested for a while and suddenly she felt her phone buzzing from her purse, so she got it and opened her text message.
"You look really beautiful. ;)" It was from Santana.
She glanced around the hall to look for the Latina but she saw no sign of her so she texted back.
"Thanks, although I still can't say the same for you. Where are you? Haven't seen you since we arrived." she put her phone back to her purse and let herself be tempted by the strawberry punch in front of her.
She almost spilled the punch to her dress out of shock because Santana spoke from behind her.
"I was just here." Santana told her while chuckling.
She turned around to glare at the girl and Santana sat beside her. "You scared me!"
"I'm sorry! So can you say the same now?" Santana asked her with a smirk.
She took a moment to take a look at Santana and realized how beautiful she was in that black dress matched with her black mask. "You- you look amazing." She answered.
"I know." Santana smiled and offered her right hand to her. "Shall we dance?"
She heard that a sweet dance music was already playing and couples are starting to get all lovey- dovey in the dance floor. She was glad that they were wearing a mask so the hesitance in her face was not really visible. "Santana.. I.."
"It's just a dance, I promise. Please let me have this dance with you and it will make my night complete." Santana did not make a move to give up so she finally offered her hand.
"Just a dance." She reminded Santana.
The girl chuckled lightly before speaking. "Yes, just a dance."
The prom ended with everyone looking very happy and content with the way it went. It was also a very memorable night for Santana because she won as the Prom Queen, and Rachel voted for her.
Rachel sighed as visitors started filling up her living room for her 16th birthday party. How is she supposed to be a good host? She's not really good with interactions. Luckily, Santana was there to help her welcome the kids since Santana was really popular and all.
Two days after the Prom night and it was finally her birthday party. They will all wait for 12 am to come so they can welcome her actual birthday together. That was a good idea but she is not really feeling well that night. In fact, she feels very anxious.
Quinn is bound to show up later at midnight too and she was worried and excited about it. She wore the necklace Quinn gave to her that night when they got together and she kept the Super Mario key chain in her purse. She figured that having this attached to her will give her strength and lessen her fear about seeing Quinn after a very long time.
Santana, on the other hand, kept her words. She really came by her house early to help her mother on preparing everything. And now Santana was also busy helping her arrange the gifts she was receiving that night. She's glad that Santana remains the same and she values their friendship very much.
Her visitors continued having fun for few more hours until it was only a minute before the clock turns 12. All of them went outside the house and shouted for a countdown.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6.." the throbbing in her chest intensifies as the seconds left got shorter. Is Quinn going to show up?
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1.. HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY RACHEL BERRY!" and all of the people clapped and hugged her tight. She suddenly heard an engine accelerating and she realized that the surprise is not yet over.
Her dad and mom got out of a red Honda Civic and smiled at her while waving the key in front of her face. She widened her eyes in surprise and felt herself about to cry. The people's cheers got louder, Santana squeezed her hands to assure her that everything's fine. She's like those girls in the MTV show called Super Sweet 16.
"Happy 16th Birthday, Baby Rae. Your mom and I love you so much, you know that right?" Her father kissed her forehead and handed her the key and everyone cheered again.
"Thank you so much, dad, mom, this is amazing!" she exclaimed happily while hugging her parents. This was so far her happiest birthday, ever, but if Quinn won't show up, it will be the worst.
And speaking of Quinn, she still hasn't heard a car horn as a signal that she's there.
By 1 in the morning everyone went home and now Santana was the only one left with her in the living room. Her parents are in the kitchen arranging things.
"Are you not going home yet?" she asked Santana.
"No, do you think I will leave without giving my gift first?" Santana asked back with a smile.
"Well, you don't have to give me a gift, anyway. You helped me a lot tonight."
"It can never happen. Excuse me for a minute, I'm gonna get something in my car." Santana left the room without waiting for her response.
She kept on glancing at her wrist watch hoping to hear a sound of a motor bike or a car outside. Quinn was one hour late but she still does not lose hope. Quinn will come. If it means not sleeping just to wait for the blonde, she will. She wanted to see Quinn so bad. Hug her, kiss her, and tell her how she misses her and how much she loves her.
Santana came back in the room holding a bouquet of red roses and a thin but long box.
Santana sat in the couch beside her and handed her the roses. "For you, birthday girl."
"Thank you, Santana. You didn't really have to do this." She said while eyeing the roses. They are beautiful, but tulips will always be her favorite, her and Quinn's favorite.
"I want to. I have another here. Open it." Santana handed her the box and she excitedly grabbed it and opened it.
She gasped in shock when she saw a silver necklace with a very beautiful Venus pendant inside it.
"Santana.. this is.. beau—amazingly beautiful."
"I guarantee you like it?" Santana asked her while smiling.
"Yeah. I really do." Santana got the necklace inside the box and stood behind her.
"Let me help you put it on."
She quickly realized what Santana was doing so she stopped the Latina's hands when the girl was about to unclasp the necklace Quinn gave her.
"Rachel? What's wrong?" Santana stopped her motions and asked her worriedly.
"I.. I—Uhm, actually, I wanted to keep your gift for now. I don't—I don't want to damage it. So- so yeah. I'll just put it on myself some other time." She answered nervously.
Santana sighed and sat beside her to and put the necklace back in the box.
"Well, okay, happy birthday again." Santana forced a smile and she smiled back. "I think I should go, it's getting really late." Santana stood up and she followed the girl to the garage.
"Thank you, Santana." Santana smiled and opened the door of her car.
"Rachel?" Santana called her before driving away, so she turned her attention back to the Latina.
"Yeah?"
"You could have told me that Quinn gave you that necklace, I would have understood." Santana smiled while she held the necklace on her neck
"I'm sorry.."
"Do you know why Venus?"
"I don't know. But I'd like to know." She answered.
"Venus is the planet of love." Santana answered quickly.
"Oh.."
"But that necklace is so beautiful." Santana smiled.
"I know, thank you."
"I love you, Rachel." Santana told her sincerely before driving away. Once Santana was gone, she quickly went inside the house to see how her parents were doing. They were still busy in the kitchen so she went back to her room to open some of her presents.
Once inside the room, her phone rang and she beamed in happiness when she noticed it was her aunt Holly calling her.
"Aunt Holly! I miss you so much!" she exclaimed and she can picture that her aunt put her phone a little far from her ear.
"Hey there, birthday girl Little Rae. I miss you too. Happy birthday!" she knows that her aunt was still sleepy but she smiled with the thought of her aunt calling her just to greet her.
"Thanks aunt! How are you doing?" she asked.
"Sleepy. As you noticed. Did you enjoy your party?"
"Yes. Dad and Mom gave me a car! It was amazing."
"I know, baby. So how are you feeling right now?" her aunt asked with a very worried voice. She immediately got what she was implying.
"Sad and desperate."
"She hasn't showed up, yet?"
"Yes, but I'm waiting."
"I know she would come, little Rae. Don't lose hope."
"Thanks, aunt."
"I have to take a nap now. I'll call you tomorrow, okay? I love you." and her aunt hung up.
It was by 1:45 AM when she heard the sound that she was waiting for. A car horn. She immediately got up from her bed while her heart beats really fast and really loud she swears she could hear it throbbing in her chest.
"Baby Rae! I think your friend left something because someone's outside! Go check on them, we are really busy!" her mother shouted from the kitchen.
She immediately sprinted down the stairs and almost fell on it. She stopped short when she was already on the back of the door and sighed loudly. She fixed her hair and her dress and stabled her breathing before opening the door.
This is it. After five long months, she will finally see Quinn and be able to let her feel her love even just for a short time.
Rachel smiled widely but with tears in her eyes when she saw the girl that she loves the most standing beside her car with teary eyes while holding a bouquet of mixed color of her favorite tulips and a box.
God, how she really misses Quinn. She still manages to take her breath away.
They stood meters away from each other, both not knowing what to do but savoring the look and the presence of each other. Quinn came back, Quinn was not gone for good. Quinn loves her because she came back. Quinn is here.
When she felt herself with strength again, she immediately ran to where Quinn was and hugged her tightly. Quinn hugged her back while holding her presents for Rachel. All that can be heard that time was the sobs of them but you can tell that it was with a smile.
"Happy birthday, my lady. You look really beautiful, amazing, gorgeous, breath- taking, and did I mention beautiful?" Quinn broke the silence and pulled out from their hug to kiss her.
How she really missed that kiss. She closed her eyes to feel all the sensation she had missed for a very long time.
When she felt Quinn about to pull out from the kiss, she immediately grabbed the back of her neck to kiss her deeply, Quinn obliged. Their loving kiss suddenly turned into hungry and desperate kisses as they both pushed each other's tongues to each other's mouths.
They were both panting when they pulled back from the kiss but also with a smile and tears of joy.
"You're 1 hour and 47 minutes late. You said midnight." she reminded Quinn.
"I know. And I'm really sorry. It has been a long drive for me. But I'm glad you're still awake." Quinn smiled sweetly.
"I waited for you." she kissed Quinn once more. God, she can't get enough of those lips. "I miss you so much, Quinn. I thought you're not coming back. I think about the possible scenarios of this night everyday for the past five months. I think about you everyday, everyday before I go to sleep. I always pray that you will come back one day and tell me that you still love me.. I'm just—I'm so glad you're here."
Quinn looked at her with so much love and passion in her eyes. "I will never do that, Rach. I will never abandon you. Just know that I will always come back to you, okay?"
She nodded and cried silently. "I promised you, remember? I hold on to that promise everyday, wishing the time to pass really quickly so I can finally see you, hug you, kiss you. I know that it's difficult, but I promise you, it will be all worth it." Quinn added.
"I know.." Rachel eyed Quinn up and down before lifting herself up to kiss Quinn again. "You lost a lot of weight, though. Please don't make yourself suffer."
"I'm not. I'm just busy at school. Don't worry about me." Quinn bent down to kiss her as well since she doesn't have a free hand that time because her hands were both occupied.
"Quinn, why do you have to go so far away? Where do you live now?" she asked with so much sadness but happiness at the same time.
"It's better when you don't know, Rach, believe me. I promise it's not for long. Just two more years until you're 18." Quinn smiled lovingly at her.
She only nodded and did not ask for questions because she knows that she won't be able to understand it completely.
"You're still wearing the necklace.." Quinn said when she noticed the silver necklace on Rachel's neck glowing.
Rachel touched the necklace again. "Of course. When I'm wearing this, I feel like I'm always near you."
Quinn nodded and handed her the flowers. "These are for you. I know you miss them." Quinn grinned widely.
"Oh, you have no idea." She got the flowers from Quinn and smelled it a little longer than necessary. Savoring its smell that she will never get again for too long. "They are really beautiful."
"You are beautiful." Quinn kissed her and she closed her eyes feeling those soft lips again. "I have one more thing for you."
"I figured." She smiled.
"Give it to me first so you can open the gift." Quinn grabbed the flowers from her hand and handed her the box. She stared at the box hesitantly and wondered what was inside. "Go on, open it."
She opened the present and gasp in surprise when it revealed a polaroid instant printer camera. That was a really beautiful and thoughtful gift because she has once mentioned that she wanted to capture the world too just like Quinn.
"Quinn, this is amazing.." she said disbelievingly.
"I know. I want you to learn how beautiful the world inside and out, Rach. Even if it is cruel sometimes, just know that the world is huge and it is impossible for it to be filled with only cruelty, because no one will be able to live if that happens. Love fills the most portion of the world, Rach."
"Yes, love.."
"If you ever feel like getting lost, just look at the places you have captured, and I'm sure you'll find your way home. You will always be found, Rach. You will always be found by me wherever you go."
She let more tears fall from her eyes and immediately hugged Quinn and cried on her shoulders. "I love you so much, Quinn. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you very, very, very much."
Quinn kissed her hair and rubbed her back to soothe her. "Shhh. I love you much more, Rachel. I will never give up on you, on us."
"You will always find me, right?" she asked Quinn.
"I will, Rach. Even if it's on another dimension." Quinn smiled.
She kissed Quinn again and this time it was passionate and last a little longer before they heard a yelling inside the house. It was Hiram.
"Baby Rae, are you there? Get inside the house, it's getting late!"
"Yes, dad! I'll be there!" she yelled back then looked at Quinn with sadness.
"You should probably go inside. I don't want him hurting you." Quinn said while running her hands to her cheeks and brushing away strands of hair.
"But Quinn.."
"It's okay, Rach." Quinn kissed her forehead. "I will be here next year, you don't have to be afraid."
"I will miss you so much."
"I will miss you, too." Quinn kissed her lips one last time and handed her the flowers. "Now go inside before he catches us."
She turned around ready to go inside her house but she stopped and looked at Quinn again.
"I will always love you, Quinn."
"I will love you forever, Rach. Forever and always."
"You promise?"
"I do." Quinn smiled sadly and she entered their house with a new promise to hold on to.