A/N - Alright, as always, I am super crazy sorry for taking so long. But to make it up to you, my readers, I've made this update nice and long. Some of you asked me who my face claim for 'Laine' was. I wrote the character for a friend of mine, and I'm not comfortable linking anything with her. So, I'm sorry that I can't tell you what she looks like, but just know she is a very beautiful young girl with lots to offer. Her character's story is somewhat real, and she gave me permission to let people know that. That being said, I really hope you guys like the update, I love you all, and I am PROUD to have such ass kicking readers in my corner.
Rachel had just gotten done with her session at Emma's office. She was sitting in her car, checking her phone before she drove anywhere. She felt a little better. Not much, but her head was a lot clearer than she had expected it to be. Emma had left her with a few positive thoughts, and she would be hanging onto those thoughts for at least the rest of the day. Sure, at first the session had been slightly awkward to the tiny woman, but after the real issues were on the table, there was no turning back. She was comfortable with that feeling at the moment, and hoped more than anything that she could hold onto that comfort for the next session.
When she was done checking her messages, she leaned back in her seat and took a deep breath. There were a few different things she could have done. One was meeting up with Brittany, Sugar and Kurt. She knew they were out shopping, and that Aly had gone to meet them after they left the gym. Another option was to head back to the playground, take a bubble bath, and relax for a little while. She smiled at that thought. Her third option was to meet Quinn and Santana at Quinn's apartment. She'd gotten a few texts from her girlfriend explaining to her that they were taking Santana's sister to meet Laine.
As loud as the bubble bath was calling her name, she knew she only felt right going to see Laine. She had been a huge part of her conversation with Emma. It was time that she paid the girl a visit. She plugged her phone into the car charger, and started the engine. Before she pulled out of the parking lot, she switched the radio on. She wasn't sure what station her radio was tuned to, but she couldn't help but smile. The song 'The Call' was playing."Oh my God, Backstreet Boys, she laughed to herself. She couldn't help herself. She turned the volume up, and started singing along with the words. Old school music. It was something she loved, and needed at the moment, and it was calming her nerves a little. She wasn't about to ignore that.
She made a few stops before actually getting to Quinn's building. She was worried about making good time, up until she had walked into the apartment. Quinn and Santana hadn't gotten there yet. Laine was sitting on the couch in the living room, messing around on her phone.
"Hey you", said sighed the tiny woman, as she made her way through the door. She was carrying so many bags, that she had to kick the door shut."How's my girl?"
"Rachel", she smiled, as she stood from the couch."Oh my God, what is all this?" She walked over, and took some of the bags from her."Did you go shopping?"
"I had to, I passed by the mall on my here. I got you some things."
"Wait, you did? Awww, you didn't have to do that...".
"I know, but I wanted to. Don't worry though, not all of this is for you. Most of this is mine", she laughed, earning a giggle from the younger girl.
A few minutes later, the two of them, plus Judy, were sitting down in the living room, while Rachel showed off some of the things she's picked up on her mini shopping spree.
"So I know that Judy and Quinn have been spoiling you to no end", Rachel laughed."I almost went overboard, but I came to my senses."
"I haven't been spoiling her...", defended Judy, earning yeah right looks from both Rachel, and Laine."What? I haven't. Now, come on...I was shopping earlier today, and I didn't buy you thing."
"Yeah today, sure but Ms Collins...I have a whole new wardrobe, a laptop, a guitar, and the guest room that might as well be my bedroom since you're redecorating the entire space", laughed Laine.
"Well really, it is your bedroom, dear. I never have many guests at my place, so it's no trouble."
"Awwweee...", giggled Rachel."You have your own room now?"
"Well, she will. It's being painted as we speak. Actually, the whole place is being painted, and the floors are being redone. It's the only reason why we're back here for the week", explained Judy."Honestly, my guest room just wasn't very...Laine...if you know what I mean. I just want her to be comfortable." She was talking about the girl as if she wasn't sitting two feet away from her."We did a nice deep gray color, with navy blue trim. The carpet will match the trim, and we got a new bedroom set. The bed, dressers, and desk all match. I can't wait until it's all done."
"We", asked Laine."Don't give me any credit, Ms. Collins. You did all of that. I'm thankful and everything, but I just feel-"
"Stop", said Judy, with a smile."I cannot hear you say how bad you feel, not even once more. You know I don't mind, and that you don't have to feel bad. You deserve to be happy, dear."
Laine just smiled a little, as she shook her head.
"Well, it sounds pretty amazing, I hope it turns out the way you want it", said Rachel."I knew that Judy bought you the laptop. It's an Mac book, right?"
"Yeah, she got me a Mac book Air. It's the best computer ever, I love it", giggled Laine.
"Okay, good. Also, I knew you had an iPhone, so I thought I'd keep you in the Apple loop. I got you this." Rachel pulled out a box from one of her shopping bags, and set it in Laine's lap.
"You got me an iPad?"
"Oh, how nice", said Judy."Quinny bought me one of those, and I love the thing. I can read all my books on it."
"Yeah, there a regular fixture around the playground. I have one too." Rachel hadn't realized what she said, until Laine shot her a look of shock.
"Playground, dear?"
She was instantly pissed off at herself for not being more careful. She smiled, and told yet another lie."Yeah, it's what we call my apartment. See, I stay in an apartment with a bunch of other girls that model with me. It's such chaos all the time, and there are just so many of us, that we named it The Playground."
Judy laughed."That's cute, I like that."
Laine grabbed her phone from the coffee table, and typed out a quick text, while Rachel went on.
"Yeah, it's just a funny little nickname. We like it."
"Now, if it's so crowded there...why don't you just move in here with Quinn? I'm sure she'd love that. You're over here enough, you might as well live here."
"True, it's crowded...but, we all manage to have our own space. It doesn't bother me at all", said Rachel, as she looked down at her vibrating phone.
Nice save...- L
She glanced over and Laine, and winked.
"I think it would be cute for you and Quinny to live together", giggled the older woman.
"Me too", said Laine."Rachel...thank you so much for the iPad, I love it."
"You're very welcome. I did get you some other things", she said, digging through the bags.
A while later, Judy was in the kitchen. She had decided to make dinner since Quinn, Santana, and Mia were on the way. Laine had just finished trying on some of the clothes Rachel bought for her, and was in the bathroom. Rachel was still in the living room when Quinn and company finally arrived.
"Hello, beautiful", she smiled, as she walked through the door.
"Hi", smiled Rachel, as she stood up."It's about time." She approached her girlfriend, and kissed her softly on the lips."I was starting to think you guys got lost or something."
"Yeah...sorry about that. You can blame this one", said Santana, annoyance in her tone. She was of course, referring to her little sister, as she strolled in behind her, and closed the door."Rach, you've met my obnoxious little sister before, right?"
"Yeah, a few times", she smiled."Hey Mia, it's nice to see you again."
"Nice to see you again too", she said.
"Oh boy", said Quinn, as she set her purse down."I smell food cooking. My Mother must be in the kitchen...".
"Yeah, she's making a feast", laughed the tiny brunette."It smells like Thanksgiving in here, right?"
"Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if she was making Christmas Dinner in there right now", smirked the blond.
"Food? That sounds amazing right about now...", said Santana, as she pulled her hoodie off."I have to say, Quinn...you're place doesn't totally suck. I like it."
"Thank you", she laughed."I think...".
"Yeah, this place is pretty freakin' amazing", exclaimed Mia."I know I just met you and everything, but it's really...you."
Santana smirked."Tribeca...why am I not surprised, Barbie?"
Quinn just shrugged.
"San, have you not heard about this place? Independence Plaza is like the place to live in this area. I'm jealous as Hell...", said Mia.
"Jesus, you are so New York...", breathed the older Latina.
After the three of them got settled, and Quinn had given the Lopez sisters a tour of her place, they all got comfortable in the living room. They got to talking, and about ten minutes into their conversation, Quinn noticed that somebody was missing.
"Hey Rach...where's Laine?"
"Oh shit...you know what? She's still in the bathroom. I bought her some clothes, and she was trying them on...but she should be pretty much done by now."
"Laine is this girl that I'm supposed to hang out with, right", asked Mia, nervously.
"Yeah, she's great", smiled Rachel."You will love her."
"She sounds pretty cool, I'm more than happy to spend some time with her."
"Oh shut up", laughed Santana."Don't let her fool you, Rachel. The only way I could get her to do this, is if I agreed to get her a fake I.D."
"Oh, really", asked Rachel.
"You didn't have to tell her that", snapped Mia.
"Yes I did! You shouldn't be sitting here acting all high and mighty as if you agreed to do this just to be nice!"
"Hermana...stop, God...you're being such a bitch right now", whined the teenager.
"No, you're just pissed because I called you out on your bullshit", laughed Santana."So stop."
"You know", said Rachel, looking at her phone."She's been in there a while, I hope nothing's wrong. She's been in there just a long as Judy's been in the kitchen."
"That can't be good", said Quinn, worry in her tone.
"Why is everybody hiding from us", asked Santana, laughing a little."Laine's in the bathroom, Quinn's Mom is in the kitchen. Am I really that scary?"
"Do you really have to ask", asked Mia, with a huge smiled on her face.
"Santana...", warned Rachel."You better be nice to Judy...".
"Come on, have a little faith in me", she laughed."I'll be nice, as long as she doesn't say anything bitchy about what it is that I do...".
"San, my Mother has no idea about that, she thinks Rachel is a model...".
"Shit! That's right, I forgot", she said, half laughing."Well now, what the Hell am I supposed to do with that?"
Quinn sighed, and stood up."I'll check on Laine...baby...why don't you explain a few things about my Mom to Santana. I'm sure it would save us a whole lot of trouble."
"Alright", said Rachel.
Quinn smiled, and headed away from the living room. She walked down the hallway, and knocked on the bathroom door as she stopped in front of it."Laine?"
"Quinn...is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me. Are you okay?"
"I'm alright. When did you get home?"
Quinn could tell that something was wrong."Can I come in?"
"Um...yeah...I guess."
When she heard the door unlock, Quinn opened the door and stepped inside. Laine was sitting on the floor, back against the wall."What's wrong, Hun?"
"Nothing really."
The blond smiled sadly, and knelt down in front of the younger girl."Come on...what's bothering you?"
She didn't want to let it out. She didn't think it would do any good. She felt like it would only make things worse if she talked about anything."You're so nice, Quinn. You and your Mom...you're both so nice. Rachel too."
"It's easy to be nice to people who deserve it. But...you don't think that you deserve it...do you?"
Laine looked down, and shook her head. She seemed ashamed somehow, and Quinn didn't like it. Sure, she had her doubts towards the girl, but it wasn't personal. She had been so worried about the effect the teenager would have on Judy, that she hadn't really stopped to think how Laine felt. She thought back to the day her Mother had told her that she wanted to keep Laine with her, and help her. She remembered how upset she had gotten. About how Rachel had reacted to her doubt. True, she'd felt bad that day, but being there, face to face with Laine, was making her feel even worse. She knew she had to make it right."When I was your age...I felt alone too."
Laine looked up, and a look of confusion spread across her face."I didn't say that I felt alone."
"I know, but I feel like you do", Quinn said,gently. She shifted her position, and sat against the wall, right next to the girl."I can tell, just by looking at you, Laine. You feel alone."
"Yeah...I do...but...how could you have felt alone? You had your Mom. She's so perfect."
"She wasn't always the way she is now. I'll spare you the details, but just know that she used to be a lot different. She used to hide the side of her that mattered. Now, she's exactly who she needs to be, and I love her for that. I learned how to be myself from being out in the real world, but you know something? My Mother...she opened that door for me. Once I knew that she could change things for herself, and for the better...she became my hero."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. She's got a lot to offer, and I know that you can learn so much from her."
"I feel bad...like...I know I'm not alone. She's helped me so much, you all have...so, I feel really selfish. I shouldn't feel alone anymore, but I do."
"Feelings like that take time to go away. Don't worry. That saying is true you know."
"What saying?"
"It gets better", smiled Quinn.
"Yeah...I've heard that before. A lot...but...I don't really think that I believe it."
"Again, give it time. You're gonna' be alright, kid."
"Thanks, Quinn."
"No problem. Now...when you're ready, come on out. There's somebody we'd like you to meet."
"Who", asked Laine, a look of confusion on her face.
Quinn giggled, and stood up."You'll see."
By the time Quinn was done in the bathroom, Rachel and Santana had come up with a cover for Judy.
"Quinny", smiled Judy."You have such beautiful friends, I guess you being a photographer has it's perks. You meet all these wonderful models."
Quinn smiled, and nodded. She noticed Mia holding back laughter out of the corner of her eye."Yeah, I suppose you're right, Mom."
"Santana here, was just telling about the agency she runs", the older blond continued.
"Yeah, and she was wondering why I don't model...myself. She thinks I'm limiting myself just being in charge." The Latina was clearly amused, and she wasn't trying very hard to hide her laughter. Mia was struggling hard, and Rachel's face was turning a light shade of red."Isn't that something, Quinn?"
Quinn cleared her throat, and composed herself as best she could."Mom, Santana's not the modeling type. Trust me."
"Well, I don't see why not. Quinn, I'm surprised at you. If I were in your position, I'd be all over her."
Again, the four younger ladies in the room, and to hold back even more laughter. If only the poor woman knew what she was insinuating. Mia popped up from the couch, her giggling coming out here and there."Um...wh-where can I find the restroom?"
"Down this hall, to the right", laughed Quinn, as she pointed behind her.
"Thanks", said Mia, as she hurried from the room.
Santana continued to giggle under her breath, while Rachel say silent with her lips pursed together.
"Did I miss something", asked Judy, sensing an awkwardness in the room.
"No, of course not. By the way, what are cooking, because it smells like it's close to being done", said Quinn.
"Oh!" She shot up from her seat."That will be the chicken. I hope you girls are hungry, I think I've just about outdone myself here."
"I'll help you, Mom", said Quinn, as she followed Judy towards the kitchen. Before she exited the room, she turned around, and looked at Santana and Rachel. The two of them were still holding back laughter. Rachel had gone so far as to hold a throw pillow in front of her mouth. Quinn shook her head, and mouthed the words; Stop it. Once she was gone, they let it all out.
"Oh my God...oh my god, that was fucking awesome", laughed the Latina."Jesus...".
"Seriously, how awkward was that", breathed Rachel, wiping tears from her eyes."I almost lost it. I don't blame your sister for having to leave the room."
On a different awkward note, Mia had opened the bathroom door to find Laine. She was in the middle of putting her new clothes back in all the bags, when she looked up.
"Oh...hi...", she mumbled, her eyes wide from shock.
"Hey...", answered Mia."Sorry, I guess I forgot you were in here...I didn't mean to just like...walk in...".
"No, it's alright. I wasn't doing anything important. I was just trying on some new clothes." She gestured towards all the shopping bags on the counter, and floor.
Mia smiled, and took a few steps inside."Nice you got stuff from Buckle! That's one of my favorite stores. Can I see what you got?"
Laine giggled nervously. She wasn't sure who the girl was, but she seemed nice enough."Yeah...sure. I've never really shopped there before. Rachel went shopping for me today."
"Well, she's got excellent taste", said Mia, as she walked over, and grabbed one of the bags, and began rummaging through it.
"Are you...like...Quinn's neighbor, or something like that", asked Laine, confusion in her tone.
"Oh! No, no no...God, I'm sorry. I just like walk in here, and start going through your clothes", laughed the girl.
"It's alright", laughed Laine.
"I'm sorry, my name's Mia. I think you may know my sister...Santana...".
Laine eyes grew side."Oh my God, Santana's your sister?"
"Yeah...", laughed Mia."Going by your reaction, I can tell you've probably had to deal with her before. Don't worry, I'm not as bitchy as she is."
Laine just smiled.
"So yeah, I guess they wanted me to meet you because we're the same age or whatever, and they wanted you to make friends", explained Mia."Didn't you know that I was coming?"
"No, they didn't tell me...and...I kinda' feel like a loser now", she admitted, sadly. She sat down on the edge of the bathtub, and looked down.
"Awww, why do you feel like that?"
"I haven't really had a lot of friends, but I guess it's weird that...somebody else had to go and find one for me."
Mia smiled sadly. She felt bad. She somewhat thrown into the situation, she knew it might be a little on the weird side. She already felt guilty for her reasoning behind meeting the girl."I get that, but...you know it's not really so bad, right? I mean, you seem a little shy. That's not bad or anything, but they took the work out of it for you, right?"
Laine smiled a little."I guess."
"It's Laine, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'm always down for new buddies. It's really nice to meet you, Laine." She held out her hand, and smiled.
Laine shook her hand."It's really nice to meet you too."
A while later, the six of them were seated at the dining room table. Judy had made so much food, in such a short amount of time, it almost seemed impossible.
"Judy, thank you so much for dinner, this chicken is the best thing I've ever eaten in my life", raved Santana.
"Yeah, super good", said Mia."I was totally gonna' get pizza later, but this is such a better option."
"God, if you could eat nothing but pizza for the rest of your life, you'd be all too satisfied, wouldn't you", said Santana, with a roll of her eyes.
"What can I say? It's my weakness."
"Wow, sounds like somebody else I know", said Rachel, as she nudged Laine. The younger girl blushed, and smiled shyly.
"Well, it was no trouble at all, I'm glad you're enjoying it", said Judy."It's so nice to meet some of Quinny's friends."
"Mom...", warned the blond."Please stop...it's not like I'm having a sleepover."
"Awwww, it's okay Quinny...", teased Santana."What else is a mother for, if she's not gonna' embarrass the Hell out of you in front of other people? Am I right, Judy?"
"That was an interesting way of putting it, but yes, I wholeheartedly agree."
"Santana, would you mind passing me the gravy please", asked Quinn.
"Yeah", she grabbed the gravy boat, and handed it to her."My God, that's the third time you've asked for gravy. At this point, why bother with the potatoes? You might as well just drink it like soup."
"That's easy", said Laine."There's bacon in it."
"Ah, now it all makes sense", laughed Rachel."I'm impressed Laine, you've picked up on her sick obsession with bacon."
"That's my fault. I've...um...shared some stories", admitted Judy.
"Oh my God, Mom! Seriously?"
"Don't worry, Quinn. Nothing too horrible" defended Laine.
"Okay, wait...this is torture", laughed Mia."Can we please hear one of these stories?"
"No", said Quinn."Just...no."
"Yeah right, like we're letting it go", said Santana."Laine...spill it."
"Well, there was this one time when Quinn pretended that she was a Vegan so that she could get this really uptight, stuck up, magazine lady to hire her...", started Laine. Rachel was already smirking over at her girlfriend."
"God, not this story...", sighed Quinn. She buried her face into her hand, and smiled a bit.
"...they were at a hotel bar, and there was a banquet across the hall. So, she said she was going to the bathroom, went and grabbed a handful of bacon wrapped shrimp, and when she walked into the bathroom eating them, the magazine lady was standing right there."
Everybody at the table burst into hysterical laughter, and Quinn's cheeks turned beet red."Mom", she giggled."I don't tell you these things that happen so you can share them with other people. Come on!"
"I'm sorry, dear! That's too funny, I had to share!"
"I just got an image of you walking into a bathroom with your mouth full, like a deer caught in head lights", laughed Santana."That is just fantastic. Thank you for that Laine, I can't wait to use it against her."
"Sorry, Quinn", smiled Laine.
"You are so not sorry, you little brat", she said, with a smile and wink.
"Well, at least you don't have to pretend with me", said Rachel."Although I have to admit, it would be pretty funny if I broke up with you over a bacon related matter."
"Yeah, I'm not sure I'd even be upset. That would be hilarious."
"That's right", said Santana."Rach, sometimes I forget that you're Vegan. So, what the Hell are you even eating right now? You're seriously missing out on this chicken."
"I'm eating Salad, and Judy made me a little bit of tofu. The woman knows me", she smiled.
"Clearly", said Mia."Honestly, thank you this Ms. Collins. This was the perfect meal after a plane ride."
"Oh my God, it was a six hour trip, hermanita...don't be such a drama queen...", scoffed the older Latina.
"Now, Mia...you're a dancer", asked Judy.
"Yup, I sure am."
"She's been dancing since she was about four or five, and she kicks some serious ass", raved Santana, as she took a drink from her water glass.
"I bet that's a lot of fun, and you're such a pretty young woman. I bet modeling would work out for you. Just think, you could follow right in Rachel and your sister's footsteps."
That being said, Santana spit her water out, Quinn and Mia went right back to holding in their laughter, and Rachel stood from the table."I can't", she laughed, and she hurried out of the kitchen.
"Honestly, I don't know what has gotten into you girls today", said Judy, shaking her head.
After dinner had ended, everybody said their goodbyes. Laine and Mia exchanged numbers, and made plans to hang out, just like the older women had wanted. After the company had left, Quinn had sat her mother down, and explained their behavior. She of course lied, and said there was an inside joke about Santana's position at the Agency, and that Judy simply wouldn't understand it. That being said, Judy had let it go, and Quinn was left with a tiny feeling of guilt. Sure, lying to her mother was new, but for some reason, the lie about where she had met Rachel, and Santana was slowly eating away at her.
The next day, Santana was sitting in her office, going over a new catalog format that Quinn had suggested to her. She hated that she was doing it. It wasn't that she didn't like Quinn's idea. She actually really liked it, but she knew why it was frustrating her the way it was.
It was new, and it wasn't her idea.
As she clicked around on her computer, swearing under her breath, there was a knock on the door. She glanced over at a different monster, and noticed that it was Brittany. She unlocked the door, and looked up as her girlfriend walked inside.
"Hi baby", smiled the dancer."I brought you something to eat, because I know you probably haven't eaten all day."
"My perfection...aren't you a sight for sore eyes."
"Why, what's wrong?" The blond's voice was dripping with concern. She placed the take out bag that she was carrying onto the desk."Are you okay?"
"I'm just a little overwhelmed by some of the changes around here, that's all. Don't you worry, I'll get over it", she breathed."What's for lunch."
"Scallops with garlic sauce, and lobster chow mein."
Santana smiled."Baby, did you get East Palace for me?"
"Yeah, I know how much you like their food", she answered casually."Aren't you hungry?"
"Well I am now...", she smirked, pulling the blond into her lap."Thank you, I love you so much."
"I love you too. You better eat, I don't want you working too hard and skipping meals. I hate it when you do that, Sanny."
"I know. Don't worry, I'll eat it", the Latina reassured."What's happening downstairs...any trouble?"
"No, not really. Aly and Kurt have been at each others throats for a little while. Nothing serious."
"Jesus...what the Hell could those two possibly have to fight about?"
"I didn't hear the whole conversation, but I guess Aly said some things to Sam about how he shouldn't have to deal with Kurt and Blaine's drama...and Kurt got defensive."
"Oh God", laughed Santana."Have they smacked each other yet?"
"You can so tell Aly wants to start a fight, but Sugar is trying to calm her down."
"Sugar", asked Satana, in shock."Sugar is helping to avoid drama?"
"Yeah...I was just as surprised as you are...", laughed Brittany."She seems a little out of it today, but I'm thinking she hasn't had her RedBull yet."
"That makes sense. Hell, even the craziest of people have their pick me ups I guess."
"Oh yeah? How about I give you a little pick me up of your own right now?" The dancer's tone was the perfect mixture of suggestive, and seductive. Santana was loving it. Without even having to give an answer, she let her perfection's lips press against hers, as she ran both of her hands along the curves that rested in her lap.
An hour later, Santana was alone in her office, once again. A smile on her face due to some much needed playtime with her girlfriend. She was about halfway through her lunch, and back to working on her computer, when her phone went off. She grabbed it from her desk, and looked at the screen. It was a number that she didn't have programed into her phone. She quickly and silently debated whether or not to answer. Her curiosity won the personal battle, and she answered it.
"Hello?"
"Miss Santana...".
"Who is this", she asked, thinking that the voice sounded somewhat familiar.
"I'll tell you...you have to promise that you won't hang up on me."
Santana smiled to herself, and sat back in her chair."Obviously, whoever you are...you know me well enough to understand that you have to be able to keep my interest in order to hold a conversation with me...so start talking."
"It's Mike Chang."
Her heart beat was suddenly in over drive."Mike?"
"Yeah...I need to talk to you."
She wanted to be rational, and calm, but both of those things went right out of the window. She knew that Mike could possibly lead her to Tina, and wasn't about to beat around the bush. Given recent events, there was no way she could ignore the opportunity."Where's Tina?"
"What? I was about to ask you the same thing...".
"Bullshit...she's with you, she has to be."
"Shit", he mumbled."Alright, I know you have no reason to believe anything that I say, but...she's not with me."
"Stop lying! I know she left rehab with you!"
"Yeah, she did...she was staying with me for a while, and I swear to God she was clean. Now...I have no idea where she is, you have to trust me on that."
"Trust you?"
"Yeah, I know. You shouldn't trust me, but I'm being honest about this. Why the Hell would I have called you?"
He had a point, and she knew that. She took a deep breath, and pinched the bridge of her nose."When is the last time you saw her?"
"A few weeks back. I was getting home from work, she was leaving. She told me she was going to meet up with Sunshine, and she never came back home. The only reason I called you, is because the number I have for Sunshine has been cut off. Did she quit or something?"
Suddenly, the Latina didn't feel so good."Or something...", she answered, sadly.
"Well...is there anyway that I can talk to her? Has she said anything to you abou-"
"She's dead, Mike."
"What? What do you mean, who's dead?"
"Sunshine."
"Are you fucking with me right now?"
"Yeah right, I wish."
"What the Hell happened?"
"It's a long story, but obviously you and I have some things to talk about."
"Oh my God...", he breathed from the other line."Well..alright, why do you say that?"
"Because...apparently, the night Sunshine died, she was going to meet up with Tina. She had texted Rachel telling her so, only...Rachel didn't see it until it was too late...".
"Jesus. She's really dead?"
"I wouldn't lie about something like this, Mike. Trust me, I wish it wasn't real."
"I'm sorry to hear that, I really am. I honestly don't even know what else I can say."
"She had drugs in her system. She was wasted, and she'd been doing coke...so excuse me if I can't believe you when you say Tina was clean when she left rehab."
"No, she was when she left. I'm not gonna' lie...the last few days she was here with me...I knew she was back on the stuff."
"Why didn't you do something about it?"
"I have a new job now. I'm a dancer at MJ Rascals now...and my hours are crazy. I'm not making money like I did when I worked for you, so I couldn't be with Tina all the time. I really wanted to be, because she was...doing just...so much better."
She wanted to be bitchy, and call him a liar, but she could tell just by his tone that he was being honest."I wish I could have seen that."
"Yeah...I do too, because she liked to go on and on about how proud you'd be."
"I'm kinda; pissed off now, because I thought for sure that if I got in touch with you, I'd find her. You changed your number though. So when I tried calling you after I found out she left rehab, some chick answered, and gave me attitude about calling the wrong number."
"Yeah...sorry about that. I...um..had my reasons. Listen...I know that this isn't the best time to ask you this but-"
"You have got to be fucking kidding me!"
"Miss Santana, I need that job! I work more than I sleep since I've been at Rascals, and at this rate...I'll die of sleep deprivation before I can make rent at the end of the month! Please? I've got a fiance' to find, and God willing, a wedding to pay for...please?"
"God damn...you must have a huge pair on you to ask me for your job back!"
"Yeah, I do! Because you know what? I made you money...screw how much money I made on my own, you can't deny it! I brought in clients! You need me as much as I need that job!"
"Mike...you better shut your mouth!"
"Or what? What the fuck could you possibly do to me at this point...huh?"
"I dunno' but if I were you I wouldn't test me...".
"Can't you at least think about it?"
She sat back in her chair, and closed her eyes. A small part of her did feel bad, and she did care about Mike, despite the fact that he had lied to her. Not even just lied, but made her question every other employee's sexuality."Yeah, fine. I'll think about it...but don't get your hopes up." With that, she hung up, and slammed her phone down on her desk. At that point, the rest of her lunch no longer seemed appetizing. She cleaned up the take out boxes, pushed them aside, and grabbed a bottle of vodka and a shot glass from inside of her desk.
The first shot was for the frustration of Mike's phone call. It calmed her down a little, but it wasn't enough.
The second shot was for the fact that Tina wasn't with Mike, and that he had no idea where she was.
The third she thought of as a reward to herself, for having to deal with the drama of the situation.
After shot number four, she'd put on some music, and started pacing around her office. Vodka bottle in one hand, shot glass in the other. By shot number eight, she was relaxed enough to get back to work, though the bottle and shot glass stayed on top of her desk. She was almost finished with going over more of Quinn's ideas when she decided to check her phone. She had a few missed calls, and messages from people. One text had stood out in particular.
Hey you...try not to work so hard okays? - J
She smiled and sent a text back.
How would you know I'm working at all? Are you spying on me Jade?- S
A little blond birdie told me that I should text you...and send hugs...- J
That's why she's my perfection. Don't you worry your adorable little head...- S
:) - J
Just so you know cutie...I've been thinking about you...have you been feelin okay lately? - S
I'm fine...I have lots of work to do too...there's a huge party coming up at Smashed...it's gonna be crazy sauce. You and Britts should come...and bring your friends...-J
Oh yea? What kind of party? -S
Summer Smashed Blast Part Two - J
Holy shit...the party has a title? -S
LOL yeah...it's that epic. We do it all summer...this is the second one. you gotta' come San...it's gonna' be so much fun...- J
If I can get away from work...I'll be there, cutie. -S
Trust me...you'll wanna' be here...Gina has off that night...-J
Oh well I will be there for sure then! - S
LOL -J
After Santana had gotten a few more details from Jade, she set her phone down, and finally finished what she was doing. As if it was known, playground wide, that she was finished with her work, there was a knock on the door. She rolled her eyes at her monitor when she saw that it was Dave. She knew the only reason he ever knocked on her office door, was because there was a problem. She almost ignored him, but decided it wasn't for the best, and buzzed him in.
"What is it Karofsky", she asked, as soon as he came in.
"We need you down at the bar, Miss Santana. There's a problem with Aly and Kurt."
"Jesus..." she breathed."...what the fuck is going on now?"
"You better just come on down", he said. His tone was serious.
"Alright", she breathed as she stood from her desk. She grabbed her phone, and headed towards the door. Once she got down to the bar, she noticed there as about fifteen to twenty of her babies standing around. Kurt was being held back by Sam and Rachel, while Alyson was being held back by Sugar and Rory.
"How dare you say anything bitch", Kurt was yelling."You haven't even been here, you're still a newbie! You have no right to say a damn thing about anything to anybody about what goes on around here!"
"Oh that's bullshit, and you know it, Kurt, and who the fuck are you calling a bitch? I don't give a damn how long I have or haven't been here, I'm still a part of this place! I'm the fucking bartender, I see all, I hear all, I know what the fuck goes on! You and Blaine are both to blame for how Sam is feeling right now! You guys are both ass holes for pulling into the situation!"
"Correction honey, you're not the bartender, you a bartender! It's not your place to talk shit!"
"Whatever! You're an ass hole and you know it! So go ahead and get pissed at me for calling you out on something you know you needed to be called on! Fuck you!"
"Enough", hollered Santana, as she approached the situation."I dunno' what's going on, but it ends now!"
"Miss Santana she-"
"No! I said it ends now, Kurt, so you better shut that mouth!"
"Can we just separate them already", asked Sam, who was clearly annoyed at the situation."I can't take this anymore."
"Yeah, I think that would be the best right now", said Rachel.
Santana didn't know the whole story, but she was able to come to a decision based on what she had heard."Aly, Sam, Rachel, and Sugar, stay. Everybody else, out!"
"Alright guys, you heard her. Out...come on...go about your day...", instructed Brittany.
Those who had been standing around watching headed for the exit, groaning and mumbling about how the fight was over.
"Are you kidding me right now", asked Kurt.
"Does it look like I'm fucking kidding? I'll deal with you later, for now, get the fuck to your room and stay there", snapped the Latina.
"That is so unfair", growled Kurt, as he broke free from his friends, and stormed out of the bar. All the other employees, along with Rory, and Brittany made their way out.
"Britts, would you mind hanging out with Kurt for bit? I'm gonna' deal with this...", breathed Santana.
"No problem, baby", the blond answered, as she chased after Kurt. Once everybody was gone, Santana took a seat at the bar. Alyson took her place back behind the bar, while Rachel, Sam and Sugar took their seats as well. The Boss Lady was already fed up with whatever was going on, and she hadn't even witnessed the entire situation.
"Aly, let me get a cigarette, please."
"Yes, Miss Santana", the shorter woman answered, as she dug into her hoodie pocket. She took her pack of Camels out, grabbed two cigarettes from it, and lit both at the same time. She handed one to Santana, who grabbed it and took a large drag from it.
"Rach, real quick...short and sweet...what happened?"
"Alright", started Rachel, as she cleared her throat."Sam pretty much confided in Aly about how he feels torn between Kurt and Blaine. Aly agreed with him, made it known that she's on his side...Kurt came in...Aly was fired up...she made some comments. At first Kurt brushed it off, laughed about it for a while, but it was obvious that he was pissed off that Aly was involved...Aly being herself...no offense my tiny partner in crime...", she said, looking at the equally short girl in question."...she egged him on, and after a while Kurt got fed up and freaked out...now here we are."
Santana smiled a little, and nodded. She knew Rachel was the right person to ask. She knew she'd be short and sweet, yet give her the details that she needed."Sam, what's your issue exactly?"
"You really don't know, Miss Santana", he asked."I had no fucking idea that Kurt and Blaine were together...or whatever. So, I already felt super out of place after I found out. Then Blaine takes me on as a client, we've been having fun...doing whatever, and it's pissing Kurt off. I wanted to come to you...but I didn't because I knew you would just want me to do my job...".
"You were right to know that. Kurt did come to me, and he bitched and complained about it, but that's not my problem", she said."I get why you're so frustrated with the situation, but Sam...my pouty lipped little baby...you were warned. No, it's not fair that you're stuck in the middle of the little bitch spat between Kurt and Blaine, and I'm sorry...but it is what it is."
Sam just sighed, and put his head down on the bar counter.
"I know I shouldn't have started shit, but that has been bothering the Hell outta' me", said Aly.
"Me too", agreed Sugar."Honestly, Blaine should leave Sam alone, and him and Kurt should just work it out. Neither of them are making things any better by avoiding what really needs to be talked about." It was then that everybody in the room stared at the woman with wide eyes. She was calm. Her words were slow, and she wasn't bouncing around. It was totally silent, and she started to feel a little on the spot."What?"
"No fucking way", said Santana."Sugar, when is the last time you drank a Redbull?"
"Yesterday afternoon", she answered, casually."Why?"
She had no idea why it was so shocking, and most likely wouldn't catch on right away. The group silently decided that it was for the best to leave it alone for the time being.
"No reason", Santana said with just the slightest bit of sarcasm in her voice. She felt Sugar's behavior was almost too good to be true, and was about to test it. She couldn't pass it up. "My sweet Sugar Baby...do me a favor?"
"Anything you want, Miss Santana", was Sugar's answer.
"Wow. That's...just. Wow...", mumbled Rachel.
Santana laughed a little."Go and check on Kurt? I know Britts is up there, but I'm starting to feel bad for leaving her alone with him. He's probably bouncing off the damn walls."
"I'm on it", said Sugar, as she jumped up, and made her way into the lobby area. The minute she was gone, they all looked at each other and started giggling nervously.
"Oh my God...who the fuck was that", asked Alyson.
"Seriously...", said Sam.
Santana was trying really hard not to laugh, but she failed."What the Hell just happened?"
"Do you really have to ask", laughed Rachel."It's Roz. I'm not sure what she's been doing with Sugar, but it works. Ever since she became a member, and set her sights on her...she's been...different. And, dare I say it...tolerable."
"I'll drink to that", laughed Santana.
"Shit, I can't even believe she was on my side", said Aly."Hell might be frozen over right now. Like, somebody might wanna' check."
Sam and Rachel burst into laughter.
Santana smiled "Listen, I wasn't joking when I said I'd drink to that. Let me get a vodka on the rocks."
"Boss Lady...", warned Alyson, as she grabbed a bottle."We're not even open yet...".
"Fuck, I know that, but I've been taking shots for a while now. I might as well keep going."
"How in the world are you gonna' be able to function tonight", asked Rachel.
"Don't worry about that, I'll be fine."
The Latina had no idea how wrong with was. Exactly one hour before the Playground opened, she was being carried into her suite by her perfection, and put into bed.
"Baby...baby baby baby", she drunkenly repeated.
"Yeah, San", asked the dancer, half laughing.
"Why are you doing this,put me down...I'm good...", she mumbled.
"Oh no, Sanny. You need to sleep this off. Trust me...I can take care of things for the night, and Quinn's coming in."
"Noooo, noooo come on...", she whined, as Brittany covered her up."I can...I...I can handle it...".
"Yeah right", smiled Brittany."I'm gonna' go grab you a big glass of water and some Tylenol, than I'm heading downstairs." She kissed Santana on firehead."Love you, baby."
"I love...I looooove you moooooooooore", she mumbled, as she rolled onto her side.
It was almost two o'clock in the morning when Santana felt herself being shaken awake. She looked over at the clock radio on her bedside table.
1:52 AM
She wouldn't normally be sleeping at that time, but her afternoon of stress drinking had seen to her early night. Her head was pounding a little, and she would have been pissed off for being woken up. Only, she knew it was her perfection that was trying to get her attention.
"San...Sanny, please wake up...".
Santana rolled over, and rubbed her eyes."Yeah babe...what's up? Is something wrong downstairs?"
"No, everything is fine down there. It's...uhhh...it's Jade", answered the blond, sadly.
Santana was suddenly a little more awake. She slowly sat up, and stretched her arms above her head."What do you mean, Britts? Talk to me..." she said.
"Alright, when I got off stage...I checked my phone and I had two missed calls from her but she didn't leave any voice mails. I've tried calling back a bunch but she keeps picking up and hanging up. I'm freaked out, and...I know you'll probably say no but...".
"Get dressed, baby. Hurry...", said Santana as she got out of her bed. Fifteen minutes later, after making sure everything was going to stay calm while she was away, the couple left. There was no calling her driver. She wanted to get to her friend on her home time, and going her own way. She decided to take her own car. She didn't expect the traffic to be too bothersome and she was right to do so. It was tolerable."Babe...you should try calling her again", yawned the Latina, as she stopped at a red light.
"I just did, three times. She's still picking up, and hanging up...", she whined."This is freaking me out, San...I don't like this. I have a really bad feeling."
"It's okay", the Latina comforted."I'm sure she's fine. Maybe somebody stole her phone. It wouldn't be the first time somebody stole from her, right?"
"Yeah, that's true...but if it really got stolen again, that would suck, because she's only had her new one for like half a week."
Santana really did want to make Brittany feel better, but she was just as worried about their friend. She wouldn't dare let her girlfriend know that. Once they pulled up in front of the bar, they were somewhat relieved. Everything seemed normal. The regular late night regulars were there, lots of them outside smoking. Santana took Brittany's hand, and pulled her through the outside crowd, and into the bar. They wasted no time getting over to the bar. There were two people working behind it, none of which were Jade. There was one familiar face. One that Santana was not happy to see.
"Gina", snapped Santana, not really wanting to talk to the red head at all."Here. Now."
She rolled her eyes, and walked over to the counter."Yeah?"
"Is Jade here", asked Brittany, hopefully.
"No I haven't seen her all night", she answered, shakily. Santana didn't believe her for a second. She stared at her, eyes narrowed, fingers tapping on the bar counter."Okay, can I get back to work now?"
"No, because you're a shady bitch. I know that...you know that. I'm pretty sure half the people sitting at this bar know that", said Santana, earning a few laughs from some people sitting near by."For the moment, your shady ass behavior works in my favor, because it's so fucking obvious that you're lying to me right now."
"Why would I lie to you?"
Neither Santana or Gina had noticed Brittany, getting on her phone while standing there. She was clearly trying to call Jade again. She expected that it would just be picked up and hung up once again, but she was wrong. It just kept ringing. The strangest thing about it was that the phone that Gina had on her had started ringing. She was suddenly frantic, digging into her pocket to get the phone.
"Oh my God...", said Brittany, quietly, as she hung her own phone up.
"Why do you have Jade's phone", growled Santana.
"It's not her phone."
"Bullshit, she's the only person on the face of this planet that would have a Nightmare Before Christmas ring tone, when it's neither Christmas or Halloween. Now, I'm asking you one more time, and I want you to think real hard about how you're gonna' answer. If you lie to me, I will knock your teeth into the back of your throat. Why do you have Jade's phone?"
By the time Santana was done talking, Gina had tears in her eyes. Her tone had been both calm, and terrifying, and the sassy little bartender didn't know ho to handle it.
"I...I...".
"You what", asked Santana, moving her face even closer to Gina's."Stop stalling. You what?"
"I didn't want to leave her in there. She was crying and shit….."
"Leave her where," Santana growled as her lover gripped her arm.
"The office," Gina blurted out. "I went back there a while ago to see what she was doing. I knocked on the door for like five minutes because she never locks it and I wanted to know why she did this time." The woman's voice sounded annoyed at the memory of not being acknowledged right away. However, the annoyed tone didn't hide the fact that she was scared of what Santana would do if she didn't tell her the truth. "This guy opened the door. She was crying but he shoved her phone into my hand and forced me out. He tore out of here like...half an hour ago but Jade's still back there."
"And you just left her back there," Brittany asked, clearly upset, already marching to the office.
Santana was torn between following her girlfriend and getting more information. In the end her need for information won out, knowing that Britt would tend to Jade until she got there. "How could you do that? If she was upset and crying, why would you leave her back there?"
"Umm….."
"Hold up," Santana held up a hand. "Don't even think of lying to me, my threat still stands, and Jade isn't out here to stop me from going off on your ass."
"He may have shoved a hundred dollar bill into my hands along with her phone and told me that I didn't see anything," the redhead admitted somewhat guiltily.
She wanted to slap the taste right out of Gina's mouth but she quickly reminded herself that she had more important things to get done. There were too many people around, and she needed to get to Britt and Jade. She needed to see Jade for herself, and find out what had gone on."Give me that," she spat, snatching the phone from Gina before heading toward the back office. When she got back there the door was no longer locked. She opened the door, and slowly pushed it open."It's me...", she announced, carefully. Once in the room, she noticed her girlfriend, sitting next to Jade on the couch, holding both of her hands.
"Nothing is wrong, Britts."
The dancer just sniffled, and gave her a look as if she didn't believe her. Jade looked over towards the door.
"Hi, Santana", she said. Her voice was strained, and her tone was tired. She just sat there,pretending that there wasn't a stream of dry eye liner on her face from where her tears had fallen. Brittany, on the other hand, looked up to give her girlfriend a sad smile.
"She won't tell me," Brittany nearly whispered. "She was back here all curled up and when she saw me she just sat up, and acted like she was okay. She let me get close but…" Britt's words cut off as she felt Jade squeeze her hand. Obviously, she didn't want her to say anything, but Brittany didn't see that as an option."San, look at her arms."
At closer inspection, the Latina could see newly forming bruises on the ebony flesh. Like someone had grabbed her and just started squeezing. "Jade, sweetie, can you tell me what happened," she asked while kneeling down in front of her face.
No answer.
"Does it hurt," she tried again.
Still nothing.
"I can help you if you tell me what's going on. I can tell you're hurt. Who hurt you?"
Jade simply shook her head slightly.
"Just let me know if you need something. Please...Jade I'm a little scared here." Santana was being honest about something she'd rarely admit. She was scared of Jade's behavior and what might have happened. Brittany was definitely worried too. She could barely keep the tears from spilling from her own eyes as she continued to hold, and stoke Jade's hands.
"I'll be okays," the bartender finally declared quietly. "I''m just tired."
"Why don't we go up to your apartment," Brittany suggested. "You can get into bed with a movie."
"I can't, I need to stay down here until close," Jade answered.
"There has got to be somebody competent enough out there to manage things while you take the rest of the night off. What do they do when you can't be here," said Santana with concern in her voice.
Jade sighed softly. "I don't really take any time off. Only for holidays and sometimes I'm here then," she admitted.
"You're shitting me," Santana replied before she could stop herself. "No wonder you haven't been feeling well."
"It's alright. It's my job," the darker woman breathed. "I'm used to it, and I know how that sounds, but I honestly don't mind."
Brittany and Santana exchanged looks of disbelief.
"I'll be right back," Santana said to both her friend and her perfection before standing up, letting herself out of the office and closing the door behind her. She marched back up to the front to see Gina, as usual, being useless, while she leaned up against the bar chatting it up with a random customer. The Latina didn't even bother to excuse herself when she interrupted the conversation. She just started speaking like she hadn't even noticed the two were talking. "You need to be a decent employee for once and lock up for Jade tonight."
"I can't do that," Gina fired back."I have places I need to be."
"Oh, you can and you will," replied Santana. "She feels like shit and because you left her alone with some guy when she clearly needed your help, all for some money, she's upset on top of it all. Not that she'd admit it, of course."
"She's just sensitive. Too sensitive, like a little kid" the redhead said quickly before her eyes went wide at remembering who she was talking to. It had been a response of habit. Every single time somebody asked about Jade, or showed any concern, she reacted with an attitude. Why that was, nobody really knew, but nobody ever wanted to be around Gina long to find out.
"I don't give a shit what you think she is. She's going upstairs for the night because she isn't feeling well. You need to do your damn job like you're supposed to do and you better not fuck it up or you'll deal with me because trust me, the only reason I haven't laid you out on this floor is because of Jade. Do you get what I'm telling you or do I need to write it out for you?"
"I get it."
"Good. I'll get the keys from Jade for you before we take her upstairs."
"Um, no I have a set. I'm the assistant manager." Santana looked at the woman in shock. "Are you serious", she asked, knowing full well she had offended Gina with her tone. "I'm still trying to figure out what the Hell you did to get this job and how you managed to keep it," she replied with absolutely no remorse. Gina didn't answer. She looked at her with a bit of shame and turned her attention to the empty spot where the guy she had been talking to seemed to abandon. "Just do your damn job," she repeated and went back to the office.
Jade protested but she was too exhausted to keep it up for long. The three of them ended up in the apartment curled in bed together watching recorded episodes of "Adventure Time. Brittany couldn't help but love the fact that Jade watched her favorite cartoon. When their friend had fallen asleep between them the blond grabbed hold of her girlfriend's hand.
"I know something bad happened. I just know it."
"Yeah, baby. Something happened and I have a feeling whatever it is, has happened before."
"We have to take care of her. She needs us. I know she's an adult and everything...and that...we haven't known her for very long. It's just...I know she needs us, even if she never says it."
"I'll try a little harder to get her to work at the Playground. That way we can keep a closer eye on her and protect her. Hell, it would solve our bartender drama too..." Santana was trying to comfort Brittany, but she was also trying to comfort herself. Running her fingers ever so lightly over the bruises on Jade's left arm, she hoped with everything in her that she could take Jade away from that place. It didn't seem like a good place for her to be and she hated seeing the woman in between them hurt.
She wanted to hurt the bastard that left the bruises,but Jade wasn't naming names. She wasn't even talking about what had happened. Santana made a silent promise to herself. She would find out who it was that had bruised her friend. While she was at it, she would find the person that raped Rachel. She was sick of people that she cared about getting hurt, and was going to do something about it. No matter what it took.
Some days had passed ,and pretty soon, it was Rachel's last night off, before she was back to work. The Playground wasn't open yet, and Quinn had just pulled her car into the parking garage. She was on the phone with Kitty, while trying to park, and answer texts from Santana, all at the same time. True, the woman was a multi tasker, but she was feeling rather frustrated at the moment. Luckily, she had her phone plugged into her bluetooth, and could talk to Kitty without having to hold her phone."Listen, it's not a big deal, I'm not mad about it...I just need you to let her know that she can't just burst into my office at any time. Especially when I'm with certain people."
"I know, I'm sorry", Kitty was saying."I promise, she's getting it, she'll do better."
"She's a sweet girl, Kitty...but maybe too sweet. I don't wanna' go getting attached to her, knowing that I'll have to fire her if she doesn't get her shit together. I know she's trying, I do...but as my assistant, I was expecting you to find a replacement that had the skill to replace you."
"Quinn, I have to admit...this all feels a little Devil Wears Prada to me."
The blond laughed."Oh my God, I know...I know, I hear you, Kitty. Listen...just...talk to her, alright? Don't make her think that I'm like really disappointed or anything like that. Just talk to her, be nice, and explain a few things. I'll see how she works out for a bit longer."
"Sounds good, Boss."
When Quinn finished her phone call, and got her car parked, she as finally on her way up to the playground. When the elevator doors opened to the main floor, she was met with the face of Lauren.
"Oh...hey you", she smiled.
"Hey, Blondie", said Lauren.
"Going out before we open?"
"Actually no...I've been reassigned for the night...hasn't Boss lady told you?"
"Told me what?"
Lauren laughed, and shook her head."Playground's closed for the night. Me and Dave are being sent down to Azimio's post, to help him in case members don't take the news well."
Quinn was suddenly very confused and annoyed."Closed?"
As she stepped off of the elevator, Lauren stepped on."Hell, doesn't matter to me. She's paying us double for the night. I guess you better go talk to her", she smiled, as the doors closed.
"Jesus...", breathed Quinn, as she turned towards the entrance. On her trek towards Santana's office, she noticed that some employees were on their way out. Some of them in groups, some alone. She was passing the bar entrance, as Alyson was on her way out.
"Quinn...hey", she greeted.
"Hi, Aly. What's going on?"
"Apparently, we're closed for the night, and everybody is getting some much needed down time. You didn't know?"
"No. San's been texting me, and bitching about me getting to her office, but she hasn't given me any details", Quinn said.
"Oh...well...yeah, that's what's going on. I have no idea what everybody else is doing tonight, but me...I've got a doctors appointment."
Quinn smiled."You're going to see Emma, right?"
"Hell yes, I'm going to see her. We're doing dinner, and whatever happens after that...well...I'll be all about it," smiled the shorter woman."I can only assume that Santana has a reason for shutting us down...and if she hasn't even told you why, it must be something pretty epic. Have fun tonight, Quinn."
"Yeah Aly...you too."
Once the blonde had made her way down the hall, she passed by Sam and Rory. They both looked as if they were dressed to go out.
"Boss Lady number two", greeted Rory.
"Hi Quinn", said Sam, with a friendly smile.
"Boys", she smirked."Where are you two headed tonight?"
"Not sure yet", answered Sam."It's a night off for every single one of us, and from what we hear, that doesn't happen very often."
"Well, I hope you all don't all end up doing the same thing, or going to the same place. It wouldn't hurt to take advantage, and escape the people you see night after night. Branch out, and have fun, because this is too strange", said Quinn.
"Strange, but amazing", smiled Rory."Who knows what's gotten into Miss Santana, but who cares. Trust us, we'll all be taking full advantage."
"Just be safe, whatever you get into tonight, you hear me?"
"Yes, Miss Quinn", said Rory, with a smile.
"Whatever you say, Miss Quinn", said Sam, as they strolled away. There was sarcasm in both of their tones, but Quinn didn't care. She still wasn't used to the title, and she wasn't sure that she ever would be. When she finally got to Santana's office, she was surprised to see that the door was propped open. When she walked inside, Santana was posted at her desk, Brittany sitting desktop. Rachel, and Kurt were seated on the couch.
"There she is! It's about damn time", exclaimed the Latina."What the Hell took you so long?" Her mood was oddly chipper, and the blond wasn't sure how to take it.
"Well, sorry...I had to park, and then I had a few interesting conversations on my way up", she answered, as she took a seat on the couch next to Rachel. The tiny woman pecked her on the lips, and smiled. Quinn smiled back, but then put her attention on Santana."What's going on tonight? We're closed?"
"Yeah, we're fucking closed. You would have known sooner if you wouldn't have taken your sweet ass time getting here...", laughed the Latina.
"Emma thinks that we should take a playground wide break. It's been little over a week since we lost Sunshine, so she thinks that before we get back into the full swing of things...that we shut everything down for one night", explained Brittany.
"Yeah...that can't have anything to do with her wanting to see Sage...not at all", laughed Kurt, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, whatever the reason...she's right", said Rachel.
"What are you even taking her side for? You had tonight off anyways", said Kurt.
"Yeah, my last one. I'm back on tomorrow, remember? And it's probably gonna' be a super full night for me seeing as how I haven't been with any of my clients for a little while...".
"Are you sure you're ready, baby", asked Quinn. So much concern in her tone, that it made Rachel feel bad.
"Awwww, I know you're worried. I know...but I'm ready. I'm fine, I promise", she answered.
"I think she seems much better", commented Brittany.
"Me too", said Santana, remembering that she had something to discuss with the tiny brunette."Actually, Britts, would you and Kurt go and see what the Hell Jacob is planning for the night? I have a very strange feeling that he's planning on sitting up there in his creeper closet all damn night, and that can't happen. He needs to go out and do something with himself."
"Don't make me go up there...", whined Kurt."It doesn't matter how high he gets, he's still just very creepy. I mean, the hair cut has helped a little, but only about fifteen percent."
"Kurt...I'm not sending Britts up there alone, don't argue, just go!"
"Ugh...fine", he groaned, as he stood up.
"Sanny, it's fine. Jacob doesn't scare me, he's nice", said Brittany, as she stood up."I can go up there on my own."
"No, babe. I'd just feel better if Kurt went too, alright?"
The dancer shrugged."Alright."
"Thank you. Would you mind shutting the door on your way out", asked Santana, sweetly.
"No problem, baby. Come on Kurt, let's go."
"God...here we go", said Kurt, as the two them headed out the door."Something tells me it would be much better for everybody if he did just stay in the creeper closet. He's in there more than he's at home anyways...that is if he actually has a home...oh my God, does he have a home?".
Once they were gone, and the door was shut, Santana took a deep breath."Rach...".
"Damn it", breathed Rachel."I knew it, I knew I was in trouble for something."
"No, you're not in trouble, relax", she said calmly."I just need you to know something, alright?"
"Okay...".
"Now, before I say anything, I need you to promise me that you won't get pissed off at your girlfriend here. Can you do that?"
Rachel looked at Quinn, who looked just as confused as she did."Why would I be pis-"
"Just...promise", Santana snapped. She hadn't meant to come off angry, but she was frustrated. She didn't want to tell Rachel what she was about to tell her, but she knew she had to. It was only right."Please?
"Okay...I promise. What the Hell is going on?"
Santana stood from her desk, walked around to the front of it, and leaned against it."I know what happened to you. Quinn told me."
Rachel looked down, and tried to scoot away from her girlfriend.
"No, don't do that", warned Santana."I was pissed at you, and I was bitching about how you were acting crazy. I was all mad because you weren't being yourself, and I was planning on calling you out on it. The only reason she told me, is so I didn't come down too hard on you. So please just...don't be mad at her, she was looking out for you."
Rachel looked over at Quinn. She wasn't sure what to expect. What she got, was a bunch of nervous rambling.
Quinn was caught totally off guard. She had no idea that Santana was planning on blowing her in."Baby...I'm sorry. I really am...I ...I know that you didn't want anybody else to find out...but...but..I...I...just...I...".
"Quinn, stop. Rachel...look at me", said Santana. Rachel turned her attention away from her girlfriend, and towards the Latina."Try not to be upset with her, alright? I'm glad that she told me, and I honestly wished that you would have. Why didn't you come to me?"
"San...you would have went off on me", she breathed out.
"Oh my God, no I wouldn't have. Why the Hell would you think I'd be mad at you for getting hurt like that?"
"You would have been so disappointed in me for letting it happen. For not fighting back...", she said, her eyes filling with tears."You would have chewed me out for being weak!"
"No! No, I wouldn't have. I know I'm hard on you for a lot of different things, but with that...no way. I would never make you feel bad for that. I would never be disappointed in you for that", she defended."Look, I know that was at a time when...I was a lot harder on you, and we were friends but not friends like we are now. Even so...I would never come down on you for something like that."
Rachel stood from the couch, shaking her head."Yes you would", she sobbed.
Santana was suddenly very frustrated, and her effort to stay calm proved to be a waste."I'm standing here telling you that I wouldn't, so excuse the fuck outta' me for wanting to slap you right now!"
"I don't believe you, Santana!"
"Rachel...calm down", warned Quinn. She wanted to be on her girlfriend's side, but she knew Santana was being honest.
"No, don't fucking tell me to calm down", snapped the tiny woman."You know she would have blamed me for it!"
"No...no...when I told her, she was very concerned and upset, Rachel. She was planning on talking to you about it...but things happened, she got distracted", defended the blond.
Rachel rolled her eyes,and looked at Santana."Why wouldn't you be pissed at me? I know you, San...I know you more than you'd like to think."
"Obviously you don't! Not if you think what you're thinking right now", she snapped back."Again, I would never blame you for that!"
"Bullshit", laughed Rachel, as she sniffled, and wiped tears from her eyes."Why the Hell wouldn't you?"
"It happened to my older sister!"
The statement caught both Rachel and Quinn by surprise.
"What", asked the shorter woman.
"I was seventeen years old. My parents rush out, my Mother is in tears, telling me to watch my younger sisters. When they get back with her, she's crying, upset. She wasn't the same for months. It took her almost a year to tell me what actually happened. Rachel, I know how hard it is for a person to come back from something like that. I wouldn't have been pissed off at you, I'm not pissed at you now. The only thing that bothers me just a little, is the fact that Brittany knew, and didn't tell me. I know you made her promise not to, so I'm pretty much over it. But...I need you to know, that in the future...if anything like that ever happens again, you can come to me, and I will not blame you for it. Not ever. Do you understand me?"
Rachel nodded slowly."Yeah...".
"I'm proud of you...I am. You stayed strong, and I know that...because I would have never guessed. All this time since it happened, and I had no clue that anything was wrong. That means something and you have to know that. Please...say that you know how strong you are."
"She knows", said Quinn, wiping some of her own tears away."She does."
Meanwhile, Brittany was knocking on the security office door for a third time."Jacob? Are you in there?"
"Maybe he's sleeping or something...let's just go...", said Kurt.
"No, we can't", she protested as she grabbed the knob, and pushed the door open."Oh...wait...".
Kurt poked his head inside and looked around. Jacob was nowhere to be seen, and all of his monitors were switched off. It was quiet."Good, he's not even here. He left...now can we?"
"Yeah, I guess. I hope he's gonna' have some fun tonight", said Brittany, as she closed the door.
Five seconds after the door was closed, Jacob emerged from underneath the huge table. He wheeled his chair backwards, and stood to feet."I'll have fun tonight, that's for sure", he laughed, as he sat down and turned his monitors back on.
A few minutes later, Brittany and Kurt were walking back into Santana's office. The dancer knew right away that something serious had been talked about. All three women in the room looked like they had been crying, and there was an awkward vibe floating through the air."You guys, what's going on?"
"Yeah, seriously...the scent of drama is just lingering right now", smirked Kurt.
"Nothing that we need to talk anymore about at the moment", said Rachel."Don't worry about it, drama whore."
"Ouch", whined Kurt."Must have been good."
"Kurt, you couldn't be any gayer right now", breathed Quinn."You are a walking stereotype."
"Oh yeah", he laughed."It was good. It was a good fight."
Brittany walked over to her girlfriend's desk, and plopped down into her lap."You guys were fighting", she asked, concerned."Why?"
"Listen, we're gonna' talk about it later. Right now, we all have to go ready...", said Santana."We're goin' out."
"Where", asked Quinn.
"I have it on good authority that there is a crazy party happening tonight, and we're all invited."
"Where is it", asked Kurt.
"You know the place, Porcelain. You've been there before", smirked the Boss Lady."Smashed."
"Wait, we're going to see Jade", asked Brittany, happily.
"Yes, we are. The five of us...we're gonna' go get dinner, chill out, eat some food...then after, we're heading to Smashed, and getting wasted. I even rented a party bus...".
"Shut up...no you didn't", laughed Brittany.
"I did."
"Yeah, she literally just booked it about a minute before you and Kurt came back in here", laughed Quinn.
"I get to come too", asked Kurt, with a huge smile on his face.
"Yes, you do, my beautiful little porcelain doll. It's girl's night out, we couldn't possibly have one of those without a gay man", laughed Santana."So, everybody go get ready", smiled Santana."We're gettin' casual, goin' out, and gettin' drunk!"
A while later, Rachel and Quinn were in Rachel's room getting ready to go. Rachel had just gotten out of the shower, and was standing in her closet wrapped in a towel."God...you know...I have no idea what to wear."
"You cannot be serious", laughed her girlfriend."You've got enough clothing to fill up an entire section of a department store."
"I do not...".
"Says the girl who paid out of pocket to have a walk in closet installed into her room...", said the blond, giving her tiny lover an all knowing look."I'm sure you can find something. I did."
"Yes, you did...but you don't have that many options. Sure, I've got my own wardrobe stashed in your apartment, I won't deny that. Only...for you...it's different. You don't keep much here."
"I don't see why I should."
"Yes, and that's perfectly fine for you,but it's not the same for me. I've been to this place once before, and I'd like to fit in while at the same time, maintaining my own style."
"Shit...", breathed the blond."So people at this place are judgmental?"
"Oh, no...not at all. It's just a very...rocker type place. Like...lots of black, and tattoos. I talked to a couple different regulars when I was there, and they were very nice. Very open minded people."
"Oh. Okay so why are you so concerned about how you look?"
"You know me, baby. I just wanna' look my best", she answered, as she pulled a shirt from the rack."Black top, with a gold skull. Perfect. Now, I just need to find the write jeans, and shoes."
"Hmmmm", thought Quinn, out loud."How about your gold TOMS?"
"Ooooo yeah, nice choice, and I think I'll wear a hat tonight. I have so many damn hats, but I don't wear them often enough", she laughed."I do like what you've picked by the way. You looked so beautiful in green." She was looking at Quinn, eying her dress up and down.
"Do I", asked Quinn, blushing a little.
"God yes."
"Thank you, precious."
After the tiny brunette had finally picked out the rest of her outfit, she sat down in front of her mirror, and started her make up. Quinn was all set, and ready to go, she opted to lounge on the couch, and play with her phone."So...you're not mad at me about telling San...right?"
"I was...but, not so much now, no."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. I know you had good reasons behind it, baby."
"Of course I did. Do you think I'd tell her for a bad reason?" She seemed offended.
"No, I just...I didn't know what to think."
"Obviously...", mumbled the blond.
Rachel turned around and looked at Quinn."What the Hell is that supposed to mean?"
Quinn rolled her eyes, and sat up. She hadn't meant to start a fight, but Rachel's reaction downstairs had bothered her, and she wanted her to know that."Look, I'm sorry...I am...but the minute Santana said that I told her, you wasted no time trying to move away from me."
"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings by doing that, I was just...shocked, that's all."
"Okay", she nodded."I just don't want you to think that I'd tell somebody something to make life more complicated for you. You know I'd never do that, right?"
"I do", the tiny woman smiled.
Quinn smiled warmly back, happy that it hadn't turned into a serious fight.
Once everybody was ready to go, the group of five were well on their way to having fierce hangovers the next day. After they'd met up with the party bus driver, they had him stop at a random liquor store. With Kurt's help, Brittany and Quinn picked out a bunch of different bottles, and they'd left the store having spent almost two hundred dollars. Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, and even wine was stocked into the bus cooler. They'd all taken one shot each before the bus stopped at Satya Eastern Kitchen. Quinn was given the task of choosing what they had for dinner, and the blond was craving Chinese food. After leaving the restaurant, they were standing outside of the bus, conversing, laughing and carrying on.
"So, we're headed to Smashed now right", asked Quinn.
"Hell yeah...I just texted Jade, and told her we're on our way", said Santana.
"I hope that Joey guy I talked to last time is gonna' be there", smiled Kurt."He was all sorts of sexy."
"That was the guy with the funky ears, right", asked Rachel.
"Yeah, his ears are gauged. It's oddly sexy...I couldn't stop touching them."
"Ew, what the fuck, Kurt...", laughed Santana."Do you have an ear fetish?"
"Hey", said some random guy leaving the restaurant. He had three other people following him. One guy, and two girls."Looks like you guys are goin' all out tonight! Party buses are bomb!"
Santana was feeling good, and she felt like being friendly for the moment."Yeah man...this is the pre party for the night. You want on?"
"Whoa, seriously San", asked Brittany.
"Yeah, why not? You guys just gotta' go where we're goin'...".
"Where's that", asked one of the girls.
"Smashed", answered Brittany."There's a big party there tonight, wanna' come?"
"We have lots of alcohol on this bus", tempted Kurt."If you're lucky, I might get you drunk and have my way with you."
The group of friends all burst into laughter.
"Jesus Kurt, don't scare them away", giggled Rachel.
"No no, in all seriousness, you guys are welcome to jump on", laughed Santana."Are you in or out, cause' we're leaving like right now...".
The guy looked at his friends, and they all seemed into the idea."Alright, yeah sure! Thanks!"
The four strangers climbed onto the bus, followed by Kurt, Rachel, and then Brittany. Santana and Quinn being the last two outside, looked at each other.
"So...Boss Lady...I guess you're. feeling friendly tonight", asked the blond, with a smirk on her face.
"Fuck you...but yeah, guess I am. You ready to have some fun?"
"Yeah, I am", Quinn smiled, extending her fist towards Santana."Let's do this."
Santana smiled, and bumped her fist with her friend's."Yeah...let's."
So there it is. I really hope you guys enjoy the update. Remember, reviews and positive feedback are love. Those of you who nicely pointed out my mistakes with the Spanish, thank you for that. Love you all!