Santana
I make it to my Range Rover before releasing the scream I've been holding since last night. I really really wanna hit someone! I don't even care who right now. Hey, I'm all for hitting inanimate objects too but ... been there, done that, broke my hand twice. More importantly, each time you break something the chances of it healing perfectly again decreases ... or so says the stupid orthopedic surgeon who repaired the damage last time ... I don't wanna risk earning myself the nickname of "man hands". It's so damn early there aren't any people around to K.O. so I take my anger out on the steering wheel. I don't think I'm actually capable of walking the halls knowing Karofsky's on the loose and uninjured. I don't know how Rachel can either. Maybe she won't notice if he suddenly vanishes? Shut up, Snix. I'm the only person she has. I can't loose her trust. God, why did she have to go and cry all over me? Now I actually care about the midget. What? don't judge me, you didn't see her.
There is way too much shit on my mind. I should be deciding what color to paint my nails or, who I want to slushie today. You know, normal teenage stuff, not this made for TV movie shit. I'm so far outta my element here. The one thing I can do for Berry...beat the living shit outta Karofsky...she has forbid me to do. A weird crazy laugh escapes my lips at the realization that I'm taking orders from Berry.
Back to the point, I must have been talking in my sleep when I told her we had a lot to talk about later. Seriously, why did I say that! What the hell do you say to someone who had the shit beat out of her and was ...wait a holy minute she said he may have taken her virginity not he did! Was Berry unconcious when he raped her or did whatever the fuck he did to her, or did she block it out? I swallow the bile that comes up. Good thing I can't remember the last time I've eaten solid food or I'd be making the freshman clean out my car during practice, and we like seriously need the time to practice for regionals coming up! Oh hey look there's McKinley High. When did I leave my drive way?
What was I thinking about a minute ago before puking in my car?
OH I REMEMBER!
I punch the steering wheel again but this time ... "OWW! FUCK!". Holy shit that hurt! This is way to big a price for anyone to pay to help a friend... "Kurt" I hiss his name outloud. He doesn't even know, does he? He ran like the scared bitch he is and left her. He never came back or sent help! Wait, he drove her there...did he leave without her or did he drive her home beaten and bruised and not notice? I have to ask Rachel. I type out the text then realize I don't have her number when I go to click send. Oh well, at least I have someone to focus on until I get the all clear to kill Karofsky..."Kurt Hummel let me introduce you to my alter ego, Snix".
I nearly jump out of my skin when there's a loud bang on my window. Hand over my racing heart I turn to see Coachs ugly mug scowling at me."You gonna sit in there all day, Lopez?" She screams at my window before stalking off. I jump out of my car, grab my bag, and run into the building behind her. As head Cheerio I'm supposed to be the first one there, if any Cheerio beat me to the locker rooms I'll be demoted to the bottom of the pyramid for sure, and there's no way I can protect the diva from down there.
After what felt more like boot camp for the Marines than high school cheerleading practice, I make it back into the locker room. I'm beyond the point of physical pain. I can't feel a damn thing. The only reason I know I'm walking is because the scenery keeps changing around me and I'm getting somewhere. I'm numb...I'm not talking pins and needles numb ...this is Novocaine numb. You know how people can get all goofy at the dentist? Like laughing one minute crying the next all while they drool all over themselves? That's how I feel only without the brilliant teeth whitening that comes with it. What it is about physically pushing your mind and body to the brink of collapse that leaves you emotionally raw and vulnerable? Screw all these feelings, I need to be one third of the way through a bottle of Jim Beam, not in the Cheerios locker room trying to hold back the tears. Give me five minutes and that will switch to trying to not burst into a fit of laughter.
"Hey Santana!" Oh my God what was that noise? Did someone teach a howler monkey to speak words? Are my ears bleeding? "Music?" the freshman screeches at me. I'd like to novacaine those fucking vocal chords, I tell ya what.
"Metallica. Cds all the way on the bottom of the stack." I need some angry music right about now... and she's still staring at me. What the fuck? I don't think I could have been more clear. I narrow my eyes at her. "Did I stutter?", I snap standing up and crossing my arms. Poof be gone with you already!
"Uh..n-nope." she quickly turns and runs to put the music on. I make a mental note to pass a law that she never speak in my presence.
Pretty soon I hear the familiar loud bass start pounding through the locker room erasing the memory of her voice.
"Hey, you alright?" Quinns honey sweet voice snaps me back to reality. Her hand moves to gently rub circles on my back and I can feel the tears threatening to fall again. I clear my throat and turn to her with a smile which I'm sure looks as forced as it is, "I'm awesome as always, Fabray." I can tell she doesn't believe me. Ouch! What the fuck? It feels as though I've been punched in the gut. I know what you're thinking, and no, it was not Fabray. It's the song. I place my hand on her shoulder as I gasp for breath as all the air seems to have left my lungs. Seriously, of all the Metallica songs this is the one that comes on?
Born to push you around. You better just stay down. You pull away, he hits the flesh you hit the ground. Mouths so full of lies tend to black your eyes. Just keep them closed, keep praying, just keep waiting.
Images of Rachels broken and bruised body flood my mind followed by the sharp pangs of guilt knowing she's been alone for two days like that. Not that she really had a choice, she literally has no one. Correction, HAD no one, she has me now.
Waiting for the one, the day that never comes. When you stand up and feel the warmth but the sunshine never comes, no. No the sunshine never comes.
"Santana? Honey, what's wrong? Deep breaths, come on, in and out" Quinns voice sounds far away even though I know she's right beside me.
Push you cross that line. Just stay down this time. Hide in yourself. Crawl in yourself you'll have the time. God, I'll make them pay. I'll take it back one day. I'll end this day I'll splatter color on this gray.
I feel Quinn guiding me to the bench to sit. When she throws one arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close whispering words of comfort I can't hold the tears back any longer. At least for now their coming out somewhat under my own control but that won't last much longer if this song doesn't magically stop.
Waiting for the one. The day that never comes. When you stand up to feel the warmth but the sunshine never comes. No. Love is a four letter word and never spoken here. Love is a four letter word here in this prison. I suffer this no longer. I'll put an end to this I swear.
I know I'm seconds away from completely breaking down so I jump off the bench and run toward the showers, almost knocking Britts off her feet on the way. I slam the door shut behind me, turn the water on scalding hot hoping that just maybe it's enough to keep Fabray and the music out. As the scalding hot water burns my skin I shrink to the floor, letting the tears out freely now as I can still hear the song as it finishes out.
This I swear the sun will shine. This I swear, this I swear, this I swear!
I should know better. The devil herself couldn't keep Fabray away from somewhere she feels she needs to be...which right now is apparently all up in my business. We're currently tip toeing the line of a recent truce or else I'd have gone all Lima Heights and sent her ass right back out. "Jesus San...ow fuck..that's hot!" She turns off the water then starts yelling. "Alright. What the hell is going on with you?" My knees are pulled up to my chest and I'm sobbing. I couldn't answer her even if I wanted to, which I don't. When I don't respond or even lift my head off my arms she sits down next to me. She's not too great at taking a hint but frankly I'm too damn tired to worry about my pride. "Santana look at me." she orders like we've gone back in time and she's head cheerleader again.
I pick my head up to look over at her cause it's not like she's gonna back off if I don't, but I can't stop the tears anymore than Zizes can stop eating. "I-I-don't know w-wh-what to d-do!" Is all I can manage. Her baby blues soften and she bites her lip. Shit. I know what that means.
"D-Don't y-you dare c-c-cry Fab-ray!"
"Shut up and come here" she whispers wrapping her arms around me and pulling me into her. "Shhh. It's okay, Santana, whatevers happened we'll fix it, okay? Just...just let it out."
As if I could stop it now anyway. Maybe I should tell her. If I talk it out with someone I might figure out what I should say to Rachel later. Maybe she'll know how to help her. Isn't that what you're supposed to do about this feelings shit? Talk it out? Moments pass and we're sitting there quietly as my tears fall silently now, and I can't even believe I'm still letting her hold me. Whatever. It feels pretty nice and she smells like candy. I'm startled by a broken voice, "San what's wrong? I'm scared" whispers Brittany with all the innocence of a child. Tears are filling her eyes. "Is it because your uniform is ruined? I promise I wont let coach kill you." She's adorable.
Quinn and I both let out a small laugh. How sweet can she be? "I'm okay Brit." I say holding out my hand for her to pull me up. I pull her into a hug and reassure her over and over again that I'm alright.
Quinn puts a hand on my back and rests her head on my shoulder as I pull away from Brit. "Come on, Brit is right, we've gotta get you outta that uniform before it's ruined."
"You trying to get in on this action?" I tease.
She laughs out loud and pulls back enough to smack me on the ass. "Glad to see you're feeling better" she says as Brit lets out an adorable laugh and heads back toward the lockers. Q wraps her arms around my waist and pulls me back against her. "You're not getting off that easy, Lopez. We're gonna talk about this later okay?" How polite of her to phrase that as a question when we both know she's not asking. I lean into her for a second relishing the comfort I didn't know I needed. "Fine, Fabray."
Time to get a move on. School starts in an hour and a half and I've gotta go get Rachel. I shower quickly throwing my uniform over the door to Q so she can have her mom take it to the dry cleaners. I assume it's Brit who steals my towel so that sets me back a few minutes as I wander around naked looking for it. Everyone is gone at that point except for Q and Brits. Not that I would care anyway.
"Hey Q?" I ask as we reach my car.
"Yea?" she turns, blonde hair lit up by the rising golden sun.
"Thanks for...uh... you know" I shrug as she smiles pulling me in for a hug.
"Thats what friends are for. I'm serious though were going to talk later, okay? We've got to do better with this stuff if we wanna keep the unholy trinity together. We have to let eachother in."
I nod into her shoulder then let her go. "It doesn't look like I've been crying does it?" I ask suddenly shy and avoiding eye contact.
She reaches up tugging my chin to face her and inspects carefully. "Nope must be that flawless olive skin you've got. You look gorgeous as ever." That must have killed her to say that, but non the less I'm grateful.
I smile as she walks away with a little wave only to have Brittany launch herself at me and squeeze so tight I feel dizzy. "Geez Brits! I'll see you in an hour."
Oh no, she's pouting. Why is she pouting? "I missed you last night, then today you hardly talk to me and then you're crying in the shower with Quinn. Did I do something wrong? I'm really sorry about the Lord Tubbington mix up last night I swear I had told you." She pouts looking down at the ground.
"Hey of course not, it's okay honey, come here. Don't be upset, please." I say pulling her back into me. "I'm just tired honey, practice was hell and I couldn't sleep last night cause you weren't with me." She pulls back grinning and I can't help smile back at her. She's so damn cute. "Britts I'm sorry, I've gotta run. I'll see you in first period, k?"
"Yeah okay" she smiles as she walks ot her car blowing me a kiss. I jump into mine and head home to get Rachel.
"Buenos dias, nena! How was your practice?" My mom asks as I shut the front door behind me.
"Hola, Mama. It was brutal, actually." I toss my bag on the floor and look up in time to be engulfed in a warm hug. "Mmm Mama can't I just stay right here and sleep?" I somewhat whine as I nuzzle my head into her chest.
She laughs. "I'd love for you to, nena you look like you haven't slept in days. Whats wrong?" I hear the concern in her voice as she gently guides me out of her embrace to look me over. She tries to feel my forehead but I shake my head away from her hand.
"Nada, Mama. I'm just tired, Coach is killing us at practice."
"Is Britney feeling okay?" she asks.
What? "Uh...I think so?"
"Well she never misses a practice, I didn't think you were even allowed to."
"She didn't. She was there this morning. Mama, what are you talking about?" Her eyes widen in alarm.
"M'ija, someone was just in your shower! I heard the water running, I assumed it was Brittney. I dont' remember you asking me to have someone else stay the night."
"Oh, that's Rachel. She's a ...friend, from Glee. It wasn't planned Mama, she was really upset last night. Her parents are away and I didn't want her staying alone. I'm sorry, you know I always ask permission, I didnt know what else to do I couldn't leave her."
She pulls me in for another hug and I swear if she doesn't stop doing that I might start crying again. "You're such a good person, Santana. I know you don't believe that, but you are and I love you. Is she alright now?"
"I dont know Mama, actually if you don't mind I'd like to go check on her and get her down here for some food before school."
"Of course, bebita."
"Oh Mama? She's a vegan so don't go crazy making a ton of egg and bacon cause she wont eat it."
Her eyebrows raise in amusement. "And who said I was making eggs and bacon at all?"
I pout. "You're making them for me cause I'm such a great person and all."
She laughs out loud. "Oh is that so?"
I nod and can't help but smile as she shakes her head while pulling out bacon and eggs from the fridge.
Oh, shit. "Mama?"
"Yes, Santana."
"Um please don't react if you see any bruises on her when she comes down. I promise I'll explain it all to you later, okay? I don't want to get her upset again before school if I can help it, and I know she's already really self conscious about them. You don't need to worry mama, just please trust me."
She gives it some thought. "Alright, I'll try my best Nena. Are you sure this is something you can handle?"
"I'm not sure yet, but if I can't I'll find someone who can help her."
"Okay, of course I trust you nena, now go get her before this lovely breakfast I'm making for you is finished then goes cold!"
I run over to where she's standing stirring the eggs and wrap my arms around her waist. "Muchos gracias, Mama! Te amo mucho" I rise up to my tip toes and lean my head over her should to give her a quick kiss on the cheek then run up the stairs to my room.
Rachel's sitting on the edge of my bed when I walk in. Oh my God Oh my God so many insults...go away, look away. Must distract...BED my you look nice. I walk over to the foot of my bed and launch myself face down into my comforter. It feels even more amazing than I thought it would. "Are you alright?" she asks. I groan as a reply. "Santana, you'll have to forgive me I do not speak 'caveman'"
I open one eye to look at her, "tired".
"Got it. Practice was rough I take it?"
I grunt again and reach my arm out to touch her back."How are you?"
No reply.
"Berry, I asked you a question."
When a few moments pass by and I'm still met with silence I roll myself sideways so my head lands next to her lap and I can look up into her eyes.
"Hey, talk to me, please."
I see tears welling up in her eyes. She shakes her head back and forth and lets out a loud sigh. "I'm sorry, I'm ...I'm fine" she says forcing a smile. I sit up immediately and flip off the bed to kneel in front of her.
"Hey, look at me." I grab her hand in mine. "You are not fine, and thats okay honey. Honestly, I'd be more worried about you if you were fine after all that you've been through this weekend. Don't hold back with me. Talk to me." I catch the few tears that now spill over her eyes with my thumb.
"I don't think I can do this" she whispers looking at her lap.
"Do what sweetie? Look at me Rachel." I tilt her chin up. "You don't think you can talk to me?"
She shakes her head no.
"Go to school?"
She nods.
I catch more of her tears with my thumb and squeeze her hand reassuringly. "You can do this, you know why I know that?"
She shakes her head no.
"Because you are one of the strongest people I know. Anyone else who had been treated like you have been every single day would have let it silence them a long time ago, but not you, you got even louder." she laughs a little at that. "More importantly, this time around you have me on your side and not against you. I'll protect you from him" I take a breath before continuing as that last word comes out in an angry hiss "and from all the nasty mean Snix wanna-bes. No one speaks a word or throws a slushie at anyone I deem off limits. You're with me now, baby girl, I will destroy anyone that even looks at you funny."
She has a strange look on her face when she presses her fingers to my lips. I'm begining to loose count how many times berry has told me to shut up in the last 24 hours. Her eyes crunch closed and I'm completely at a lose for what the hell is happening until I see her small shoulders begin to tremble. "Shit, Rachel. Come here, come here don't cry..please don't cry." I plead pulling her with me as I stand up pulling her into a tight hug. I must be still overly emotional from the killer practice or the fact I can't remember when I last slept but I'm really having to struggle not to cry myself. "I'm so sorry Rachel" I whisper into her hair. I feel her tense then pulls away looking me straight in the eyes.
"What?" she looks confused. What the fuck did I say? Cause I thought I apologized but... "Stop saying your sorry l-like you did this to me."
"But Rachel I.." and she cuts me off.
"No, you don't get to take the blame just because you've been a bitch in the past. If you don't recall I held my own quite well agaisnt you and even had that great remark about the stripper pole...which I regret now. I just... I don't want you going to any trouble over me because you feel guilty. You didn't do this, you're actually the only that noticed something was wrong with me."
Suddenly I remember Kurt "About that Rach, I have a few questions about Kurt"
"No, don't change the subject. Forget him. Did you hear what I said?"
"Yeah, I don't know what to say to that. I don't deserve..." And she does it again.
"Shut up."
"Okay seriously you're going to have to stop telling me to shut up. It's really messing with our dynamic here."
She laughs shaking her head like I'm being ridiculous.
"You're beautiful when you smile." I can't help myself.
"Oh my God you're incouragable!"
"What?" I ask feining innocence. This bitch can read me like a book.
"Stop changing the subject Santana, we were having an emotional moment, deal with it."
No thank you. I'd like to deal with the issue she's apparently avoiding instead. "And you're avoiding a question I asked you, why? Did Kurt ever ask you what happened after he ran like a bitch?"
She shakes her head no and in the same moment my blood pressure shoots through the roof.
"Calm down." she says as her hands tighten on my shoulders.
"Are you kidding me? Calm down? That pendejo.."
"Santana" she pulls me into a hug. "I was really going to try to refrain from telling you to shut up but you're already making it difficult."
"But he..."
"I can't do this right now, please." her voice sounds shaky and that's enough to stop me...for now. I told you I'm a big sucker when girls cry.
"Alright.I'm sorry."
"Please, stop apologizing." she pleads, breath tickling my neck.
"Alright alright. Sorr - so Rachel you ready for breakfast?" I ask quickly covering up the sorry that almost slipped out again.
"I'm not really hung.." Now it's my turn to interrupt.
I pull back holding her at arms length. "Whoops didn't mean for that to come out as a question. Lets go eat. My mom made you something vegan friendly."
Her eyes bug out. "You're Mom?" she gasps.
"Uh yes, I resent the shocked expression Berry, I was not raised by wolves you know."
"Did you tell her.."
"Nope." I cut her off. "Relax, it's going to be okay. You're going to be okay I'll make sure of it. Besides, my Mom is pretty freaking awesome. Uhm but about this outfit?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"No."
"No? I don't recall asking your permission to wear it or not?"
"Were you not paying attention earlier? I said you're with me now. Which means, no slushies, so no hideous toddler outfits...besides you wore that last night. Come with me...I'm going to dress you."
"Oh God no...this must be a nightmare."
"I'm going to let that one slide, Berry. You told me you dress 'normal' outside of school so you shouldn't have a problem with what I decide to let you borrow."
"Santana you dress a little too..uh.."
"I'm going to stop you right there because you're going to look like a complete idiot saying that in that very tiny strip of fabric you're wearing as a skirt."
I decide on something simple, which was not easy to find, hoping to avoid a big dramatic argument. I toss a pair of skinny jeans at her and a simple black v-neck shirt. "Will that do?"
"Do you ahve a turtleneck?"
I'm about to unload a few opinions about turtlenecks on her until I remember the fucking handprint. "I have my cheerios white one... I don't know if I have...hang on." I go back to digging though my closet as I shout "Go try on the jeans a while. If their too big I have the next size down that I only fit into during one of Coach's 'Starvation weeks'."
I'm messing around on my laptop by the time I hear the familar click of the door when ..."Oh...my GOD...Berry you look hot!" She actually blushes which is great becasue maybe the drool I'm sure is coming from my mouth will go unnoticed.
Or perhaps not. "They're just jeans Santana stop staring at me like that."
My mouth is still a gape and I quickly snap it shut biting my tounge in the process. I try to restrict the scream in agony to in my head only. Okay, but seriously I've been quiet for a long time. Say something, damnit. Anything, she's starting to squirm. "I'm sorry just...wow...uh..." Real good, you idiot. "So, this is the best I've got it's not a turtle neck but if you let me mess around with some bronzer and cover up I can hide what the collar won't."
She nods and I follow her into the bathroom. Um but wait a second, "Oh should I wait outside? Yes I should." I answer my own question out loud, but her hand on my arm stops me. Warm. Her hands are warm like fresh outta the dryer warm not clammy and gross. They're hands are so soft, too...her hands I mean. Move your gaze back up to her eyes Sananta! I'll have to find a non-awkward way to bring up the question of what moisterizer she uses. Not that my hands aren't silky smooth as well, acutally mine are probally better, but regaurdless I'm curious. So shoot me. That's a great idea actually, since I fear thats the only way to prevent me from actin' a fool just cause the girl looks phenomenal in my jeans.
"Considering we had a long conversation in here just last night with me in nothing more than my boy shorts it's fine if you stay, Santana."
The lady does have a point. It's a shame she was so banged up or I'd have moved on from the jeans and back to her in those little boy shorts. Just feels wrong though. Yes, even I have lines I don't like to cross, but I can't always get the horney teenage boy that's trapped in my body to cooperate. She gingerly starts to tug her shirt off. "Here, let me." I offer seeing her struggling.
"Thanks, I hate not being able to even dress myself. I feel so stupid and helpless."
"Hey, stop being ashamed of needing help!"
She cuts me off right there. "I don't need help.."
I return the favor. "Alright wise guy, don't be ashamed to want help, or accept help. I want to help. Take advantage of it, I mean when will you ever get away with ordering me around again? Never, I assure you. How the hell did you get in and out of clothes the past two days by yourself?"
"Scissors."
I lock eyes with her in complete surprise. I don't know what I thought she did but it never crossed my mind to mutilate the clothing. But then again, no big loss there. "Seriously?"
"That's the only way I could get them off" she winces as she shrugs her shoulders.
I can't stop the angry sigh that comes out of my mouth. "I fucking hate that you were alone." No one deserves that kind of treatment after taking a brutal beating for a friend. Not even little Berry here. Sure she's as annoying as they come but she's harmless.
I continue applying bronzer to her throat. I want this prick on a spit. Should she have called the cops? Is it too late to do that now? Where do you find shit like that out? Her breath is tickling the hair on the top of my head as I'm leaning in close to her neck inspecting to make sure it's all covered.
She smiles "I know you hate it, but whats done is done. I'm grateful to have you now, thank you."
Shit, that was sweet. "Alright all done. Lets get you into this shirt and see how it looks shall we?" Wow that was all sorts of polite. I'm wracking up good deed points left and right. Maybe I'll be able to keep the hail Mary's under 100 this week. Maybe, although I'm sure I'll loose a ton of good deed points at school today. I don't forsee myself being able to keep Snix from making an appearence. I help Rachel into the grey button down and she makes a face that sort of resembles her normal radient smile only it's short a few kilowatts.
"Wow, you're pretty good at that!" I can't help but smile proudly at the compliment but my joy is short lived. Here we are grinning like idiots for the first time today and it's all because I managed to cover a big fat dark handprint around her throat. Seriously I'm going to kill this kid.
"Thanks, alright I'm seriously starving! Lets go get our eats on then get to stupid school...you sure u dont wanna skip."
She laughs. "You will not use me as your excuse to cut school do you hear me?"
"Geez, yes mom." I grumbletaking her hand to lead her to the yummy goodness I know is waiting for me downstairs.
As we desend the stairs in silence her grip on my hand, which was practically non-existant on her end, has increased in strength the closer we get tothe bottom. I glance at her as we step down into the entryway of my house and she's standing ram rod straight. I give a gentle squeze to her hand and lean over to whisper "Hey, relax honey, it's going to be okay." She takes a big gulp, lets out a breath and relaxes...a little. I feel her about to yank her hand from mine but I tighten my grip again keeping it locked with mine. I send her what I hope to be a calming look. My mom has got all...5,6,7 ...seven boxes of cereal we own out on the table with three different kinds of milk, juice, coffee and water. She's over by the stove shoveling what I assume to be my food off the burner while singing softly to herself. She's a vison. She's about a head taller than me, which is so not fair and I better not be done growing yet. I have her long raven hair and soft brown eyes and pouty lips. She's a size bigger than me but not an ounce of fat is on that woman. If you saw how my family eats you'd realize what a true miracle she is. "Mmmm Mama, smells delicious."
"M'ija" she starts without turning around. "I'm just getting your food on your plate now. What would you like to drink? Is your friend feeling okay? Is she joining? What does she.." I cut her off. I have to because I'm afraid if she continues I'll forget half of the questions.
"Aye, Mama, por favor. I'll have orange juice, yes she's right here Mama, and Rachel I'll let you answer the last one. Are you feeling any better today?" I gently squeeze her hand again for encouragement as she looks nothing like herself standing there with a nervous smile and wide eyes.
At this my mother whirls around. "Forgive me! Rachel, sweetie how..." Shit I thought I covered that handprint. My brow furrows in concern as I quickly try to find the bruising..oh her sleeves are rolled up showing some pretty nasty bruises..phew! Come on Mama speak. "How are you feeling today?" she finishes. Rachels looking at the floor now. "I'm...I'm better, thanks to your daughter."
"She may come across as a real bitch but she's a sucker for damsels in distress. She's a great nurturer."
.God! "Mom!"
Rachel laughs a little. "She's just got a very quick whit and a sharp tounge. I wouldn't call her ...uh what you did, since a lot of the times it's what most of us are thinking anyway. I do agree about being a great nurturer though, Mrs Lopez. She must have had a great teacher."
What a little suck up.
My mom smiles and ushers us to sit. She asks Rachel a million questions. What drink does she want, cereal is it okay blah blah. I mostly tune it out and focus on my delicious bacon and eggs. Before I know it it's time for school. We say goodbye and thanks to my mom, climb into my car, and head to school. I don't know why but I'm both happy and relieved to hear she liked my Mom. We discuss the plan for the day...basically that I'll be picking her up and walking her to classes until I've had proper time to instill fear in all my little minions. I try again to pry about Kurt but am shut down when she quietly turns her head and I see a single tear slide down her cheek. I immediately shut up and regret trying again so soon after telling me she didn't think she could speak about it yet. I can't help but rush to the other side of the car when we park, open the door, help her climb down then pull her into my arms and apologize properly for pushing the issue. There's not the usual resistance this time she instantly melts into my arms making my heart flutter in contentment. I wish I could keep her in the safety of my arms all day and protect her, but I can't.
I cup her chin in my hands and tell her once again how she can do this because she's not alone anymore she has me and I'll protect her. I even gave her a "safe" word to use if shit hits the fan and I go all lima heights and scare her in any way she's to shout the word which (God willing) will bring me back to reality. I grab her hand and start walking toward the front doors when she stops dead in her tracks. Confused as to why her hand is suddenly missing from mine I follow her line of sight and see the son of a bitch walking in ahead of us. She sees my reaction and wraps both of her her arms around my left arm clinging tightly. "Breathe, Santana it's okay I just would like him to go in well ahead of us."
Breathe. As if that is the easiest thing in the world. I wasn't expecting to see him so soon. "If you'd like to go in ahead of me as to not be seen with.." What? That gets my attention. Instead of words I yank my arm from her grip and use it to pull the startled girl into my side. I keep my arm around her shoulders and walk through the front doors.
It's like a game of freeze tag. Everyone moving about irradically then suddenly everyone stops and is frozen, eyes focused on us. "Alright listen up and listen good. Berry here has just been bumped to the top of Santana's 'do not slushie' list. On top of that you are not to make eye contact, bump, kick, hit, or touch her in any way. I will not tolerate ANYTHING short of kindess toward her. Do you hear me? Tell your friends as of right now Berry's under my protection. If she wants something? You get it for her without a word of protest. All nasty nicknames are off limits you will ONLY refer to her by her first name only. Now, stop staring before I cut your eyes out."
And so begins the day.