Guys! your responses to this season have been AmazING! thank you so much and please keep them coming 33
5x05 - Glee and The Christmas Heartache
Manhattan Mall, 33rd Street – Friday 23rd December
"Okay next"
The woman dressed like an elf beckoned for Rose to join her next to Santa. Rose all but ran to the Santa Claus who was sat in the large chair in the grotto at the Manhattan mall on 33rd Street. Rachel and Finn watched as Rose eagerly got up on to Santa's lap.
It was two days before Christmas and the Hudson family were at the Mall picking up last minute Christmas things and so that Rose could see Santa and have her picture with him.
The Hudson's, as well as all their friends were staying at a lodge in the Hampton's over Christmas and Rachel wanted everything done before they left.
"Well hello there little girl, have you been good this year" The Santa asked the young girl as she beamed up at him. Rachel quickly took a photo of the cute moment.
"Yes Santa I've been really good, I promise" Rose answered she looked over at her parents for confirmation and they both nodded their head. While Rose chatted to Santa about what she wanted for Christmas, Rachel checked over her two sons. Henry was still hiding behind Finn's legs he had taken one look at Santa and decided the man was too scary and he didn't want to go anywhere near him. Mason was fast asleep in his pram not at all bothered by the Christmas activities going on around him.
"Mommy?"
Rachel looked back at Rose to see her daughter had come off Santa's lap and the elderly man was clutching his chest. Finn quickly picked up Rose and moved her out of the way as the people dressed as elves ran to the man who had now collapsed on the fall.
Rachel picked up Henry and covered his eyes and Finn did the same with Rose as the adults stared in disbelief. One elf had shouted that they couldn't find a pulse as everyone crowded around to see what was going on.
"Is he -" Rachel was unable to finish her sentence as they watched the workers move everyone away as the Mall first aider arrived and threw a blanket over the Elderly man who just a few minutes ago had been delighting all the children.
With her father's hand still over her eyes, Rose cried "Mommy did I just kill Santa"
Outside Finn and Rachel's house – West Village - Friday
"How the hell are we supposed to explain this to her" Rachel wondered as she watched Finn fit the last of the bags in the back of their car.
The family had quickly left the Mall and gone straight home as Rose had been inconsolable at the idea that she had killed Santa. Rachel and Finn had managed to calm Rose and reassure her that she hadn't killed Santa but they were unsure how to explain to Rose that Santa hadn't died, without admitting that Santa wasn't real.
"We will think of something I promise, right now she's calm and we have a long drive to get over first" Finn reasoned. He put the last case in the boot and then tried to close the boot. Even though they were only going to be there 5 days, with three young children and Christmas presents they had 4 cases and 6 boxes crammed into their large boot and back seat.
"Why are you not as concerned about this as me" Rachel stropped, giving Finn a look.
Finn was concerned about what they would tell Rose. It had only been 6 weeks since Shelby had died so the grief and sadness were still in the air. This had meant that Rachel wanted them to have the most perfect Christmas possible so that they could start to move forward from what had happened. This meant though that any flaw in the plan, made Rachel go crazier than she normally would have.
"I am concerned Rachel but let's not panic until we get to the lodge. We can think about what we are going to say to her. I promise" Finn affirmed. He wrapped his arms around Rachel and gave her a tight hug, Rachel leaned into him and enjoyed the few moments of peace as they were going to have a hectic few days.
Eventually the couple pulled away and Rachel went to grab her bag and lock their front door while Finn checked their children who were all fastened in their car seats at the back of the 8-Seater Vauxhall Vivaro. Rachel locked up then skipped down the stairs and got into the passenger seat.
"You ready?" Finn asked as he started the engine. Rachel looked back at her children who luckily had all fallen asleep in the back of the car. Rachel nodded and Finn set off to the Hampton.
Outside the Cabin – The Hamptons – Friday Afternoon
Two hours later the Hudson family pulled up outside the lodge they would be staying in. It was a Luxury lodge just outside of the main town. It had been decorated for them for Christmas with lights covering the roof and windows with a large Christmas tree outside. It had five bedrooms, an open plan living room and dining room and large kitchen with a Jacuzzi and large back garden.
Finn parked the car in one of the five available spaces and turned off the engine. Rose, Henry and Mason were all still asleep so Finn and Rachel got out of the car and started taking out their bags.
"This place looks great Rach" Finn said. Rachel unlocked the front door and left it open for Finn to bring in their bags while she watched the children. Before he went inside Rachel leaned up and kissed Finn quickly on the lips.
"I know"
Finn put all their bags in the room they would be using and then the boxes of food and alcohol they had brought into the large kitchen. Rachel set up the play tent with toys and put a now awake Henry and Mason in it so they could amuse themselves while she talked to Rose. Rose who was now awake as well was sat on the sofa with her arms crossed and a sad expression on her face.
"Rosie do you want to play with your brothers" Rachel asked as she came to sit next to her daughter.
"No mommy, I don't deserve to play, I killed Santa" Rose cried, her lip began to tremble so Rachel took her daughters in her arms before she would start crying again.
"Rosie I promise you, you didn't kill Santa -"
"But he felled to the floor and then didn't wake up" Rose argued. She snuggled into her mother's arms.
"Rosie I just got a phone call from Santa" Finn called as he walked down the stairs holding his phone. Rose immediately looked up at her father in confusion.
"What do mean daddy?"
"Well it seems that today Santa had been very unwell and that's why he fell but he's resting up now and the elves are looking after him and he promised he would see you tonight o you could see for yourself that he's okay" Finn explained as he came to sit next to Rachel and Rose on the sofa.
"Really?" Rose wondered still looking unsure at her father's explanation.
"Yeah he's going to come to grandmas party tomorrow so that he could see you and tell you how sorry he was that you got scared" Finn concluded with an almost proud smile as his daughter beamed at him.
Rose clapped her hands excitedly and jumped off her mother's lap "I should make Santa a card"
"That's a great idea Rosie, your arts and crafts stuff are in the bag on the table" Rachel pointed to the dining room table to where Rose's toys were.
Rose quickly ran off to make her card and Rachel looked over at Finn with a loving smile.
"I had the idea when I was moving our bags. I called my mom and she promised to have a Santa there that will set Rose's mind at ease" Finn explained. As soon as he had finished Rachel jumped on him and kissed him hard.
"You my sexy husband, are a genius" Rachel smirked at Finn and leaned into for another kiss, just as their lips were about to meet they heard the front door open.
"Let's try to keep it PG kids" Came Puck's voice as Quinn, NJ and himself walked into the lodge.
Rachel jumped up to say hello to Quinn and Rose ran over to NJ and after hugging him she pulled him over to the table where she had been working on her card.
"Come on NJ you can help me make a card for Santa so he feels better"
Quinn looked over at Rachel for an explanation while Finn helped Puck with their bags. Rachel waved it off as they moved to the couch.
"I'll explain later"
Over the next hour Mercedes and Sam showed up while Rachel and Quinn caught up on the couch and Finn and Puck unpacked all the food and alcohol. Mercedes joined the girls on the sofa and Sam helped the guys.
"This place is gorgeous Rachel" Mercedes exclaimed. Sam walked into the room and handed each of the girls a beer then went back to the kitchen.
"It really is! The decorations are so lovely" Quinn sighed dreamily as she watched the fireplace. Rachel and Mercedes shared an amused look.
"Looks like the hormones have kicked in" Rachel teased. Quinn stuck out her tongue in reply. Before Rachel could reply the front door opened and Santana walked through.
"Oh look at that" Santana exclaimed as she took Mercedes drink from her and drank the rest of the beer.
"Well hello to you too" Rachel mused as Santana fell on to the sofa next to them. Then the girls all noticed something.
"Where's Brittany?"
XoXo
"I mean she was just being so unreasonable. She knew we had this planned and suddenly she decides that she thinks we should spend Christmas with her family just because her sister is going to be there" Santana ranted as she paced the lodge living room with another beer in her hand.
Finn, Puck and Sam were hiding in the kitchen, the children were busy with their toys and Rachel, Quinn and Mercedes watched Santana move from one end of the room to the other. She had just finished explaining to them the fight she had had with Brittany that had resulted in Brittany deciding to stay in New York with her family.
"So you're going to spend your first Christmas apart from your wife" Rachel asked in disbelief. Santana finished off her drink then turned to her friends.
"What else was I supposed to do? We agreed to come here. She knew how important this all was to you Rachel and what she suddenly thinks it's okay to change our plans" Santana argued as she continued to pace.
"Maybe it was important to her to spend time with her sister that she hardly ever sees" Quinn shrugged. Santana tuned back to her and pointed her finger accusingly at them.
"Are you taking her side?"
All three girls held their hands up in mock surrender "No!"
Santana fell back on to the sofa and let out a loud sigh. She ran her hands through her hair then looked to her friends with a look that said 'what should I do'
"Go call her, maybe now that you're not in the same room you can actually talk. You shouldn't be without the person you love at Christmas" Rachel said. If it had been anyone else Santana probably wouldn't have listened but because Rachel would never be able to share a Christmas with someone she loved again, Santana nodded her head and went to bed room to call Brittany.
XoXo
"Actually died! You saw Santa die"
"Yeah and never mind Rose I think I'm traumatised" Rachel laughed as she looked at her sister through the iPad screen. Rachel was in her room feeding Mason as she face-timed her sister. She had just finished telling Marley about their incident at the Mall.
Rachel had invited Marley and her family to join them at the lake as well as Malcolm but Marley and Jake were already going to Colorado with Jake's parents and Malcolm had wanted to be at home as his son, daughter in law and grandchildren were going to be keeping him company.
"Poor Rosie, but it seemed Finn saved the day" Marley replied. Rachel nodded her head in agreement as she lifted Mason to her shoulder so she could burp him.
"He certainly did" Rachel agreed "So how's Colorado?"
"It's really great, Jake and the boys are skiing while I'm sat by a roaring fire" Marley sighed happily as she moved her iPad to show Rachel the fire before facing it again.
"Sounds nice, this lodge is brilliant... I can't help thinking about how much Mom would have liked it" Rachel admitted with a gentle smile.
"I've been the same, she would have loved it here as well" Marley admitted.
"Really though Mom probably would have just wanted to be at her house with Malcolm" Rachel reasoned.
"I wish we could have all been there as well" Marley admitted. Rachel pulled Mason closer to her as she slowly nodded her head.
"Yeah me too" Rachel agreed "I love you Marley"
Marley smiled sadly at her sister, they both missed their mother but luckily they still had each other "I love you too Sis"
XoXo
Two hours later after the group had got settled in the lodge and had something to eat they had begun to get ready for the party.
"Isn't the car going to be here soon" Puck asked as he helped his son but on his shoes.
Puck, Finn, Sam and the children were all ready to leave for the Christmas party at the Hudson Country Club but they were waiting for Rachel, Quinn, Mercedes and Santana to finish getting ready.
Finn just nodded his head as he put Mason's pram and bag next to the front door ready to take with them when they eventually left. That's when he noticed a car outside that hadn't been their earlier.
"I'll just be a minute" Finn called. He went outside and walked over to the passenger side of the car. He knocked on the window and Brittany put down the window.
"You not coming inside?" Finn asked. He opened the passenger door and got inside the car.
"I haven't decided yet"
"Brittany no fight is worth spending Christmas apart especially on your first as a married couple. You're supposed to be making memories" Finn reasoned. Brittany continued to look out to the lodge, she had her hands on the steering wheel like she was ready to leave at any moment.
"I know that Finn but why does that mean I have to be the one to cave in" Brittany wondered "Why should I be the one to drive up here and spend time with all of you instead of with my family. I understand how important you all are to Santana but my family are important to me as well and when is she going to realise it has to be a compromise"
Brittany leaned back on the seat and let out a loud sigh. Finn could see how hurt Brittany was about her argument with Santana and he agreed with her that the newly married couple needed to find a compromise. "You need to tell Santana all of this. You already drove up here, which means that you want to fix this"
"Is it always going to be like this Finn? How do you put up with this for 15 years?" Brittany sighed
"Brittany you guys just need to find a balance. Explain to her why it was important to you, sometimes Santana needs things to be spelt out for her but once she realises, it will get better" Finn explained. He ignored Brittany's second question as he wasn't really sure what she meant by putting up with it.
"We are all about to leave for the party, you guys should stay here and have it out" Finn concluded. Brittany slowly nodded her head and they both got out of the car and walked back into the lodge. Everyone was now in the living room putting on their coats ready to leave, they all stopped and turned to look at Brittany.
"Brittany what are doing here?" Santana asked as she walked over to her wife. Everyone else carried on getting ready to leave, pretending that they weren't listening.
"I think we should talk" Brittany answered. Santana nodded her head while Finn ushered everyone outside, Rachel, Mercedes and Quinn all watched the married couple as Finn lightly pushed them out of the door. Finn was the last to leave as he pushed the stroller out of the door.
"We will be gone about three hours, maybe four if my mom doesn't piss off Rachel. You guys should talk" Finn concluded before shutting the door behind him.
Brittany looked over at Santana "Well we have four hours to talk about this"
"Three, Carole is definitely going to piss off Rachel"
Hudson Country Club – The Hamptons – Friday Evening
The group walked into the Hudson Country Club twenty minutes later, they walked into the ballroom where the party was taking place to see it was already in full swing. The party had been fully decorated like a Winter Wonderland. It had white decorations with about 6 Christmas tress decorated around the room.
"Your parents sure now how to throw a party" Puck praised as the two families looked over the party. Mercedes and Sam had gone to get them all a drink and find their table while the others said hello to Finn's and Quinn's parents.
"I hope Mason throws up on something" Rachel quipped only half joking as she looked at the fancy plates and ornaments on the tables.
"Play nice, here they come" Finn answered as his parents walked over to them. Carole rushed over to them and threw her arms around Finn and hugged him tightly. Burt hung back and nodded in greeting at them all.
"Finny! I'm so glad you're here" Carole cheered as she smiled down at her grandchildren "And look at my grandchildren, oh Mason is asleep did he not have a nap earlier Rachel. It's important to keep babies on a schedule"
"So is it a free bar Carole" Rachel snipped giving her mother in law a fake smile, Carole pointed to the bar in the corner as Quinn's parents walked over to the group.
"Quinny" Mrs Fabray smiled as she hugged her daughter tightly. She pulled back then looked down at her daughter's small bump "Look at you you're glowing" Mrs Fabray looked down at NJ who was clutching Quinn's leg "and how handsome is my grandson"
"Hi Mom" Quinn replied. Rachel and Puck shared a smirk at how similar Quinn's and Finn's mothers were.
"Mr and Mrs Fabray" Puck greeted nodding his head at Quinn's father.
"Noah" Mr Fabray said back curtly. Quinn had never told her parents about the cheating but they knew something had happened and they blamed Puck for their daughter leaving New York and moving away from them.
"Quinn, the Smiths are here, you need to say hello" Mrs Fabray said. She pulled Quinn's arm and with an apologetic look to Puck she let her mother pull her over to the Smiths with her father following behind.
"Finn, the Lovelady's are dying to see you" Carole said. Finn nodded his head then turned to Rachel.
"I'll be back" Finn said with a smile before following his mother and father over to the Lovelady's, who were one of the most prominent families that used the country club. Carole and Burt had been sucking up to them for years.
"They would have had the most boring marriage on the planet" Puck stated with a laugh as he watched Finn and Quinn smile and laugh as the families told them stories that probably weren't funny.
"It was Carole and Edith's dream" Rachel quipped as she checked on her sons in their stroller.
"Then you had to ruin it all" Puck joked nudging Rachel's side.
"Come on Rachel let's get a drink. Finny and Quinny are probably going to be busy for a while" Puck laughed. He took Rose and NJ's hand and Rachel pushed the stroller as she followed him to the bar.
XoXo
"Rosie, it's your turn" Rachel smiled at her daughter as Rose jumped up to the podium where Santa Claus was sat on a red and gold chair, with a Christmas tree and presents surrounding him. A woman dressed as an elf helped Rose's on Santa's lap as Rachel and Finn (who was holding Mason and Henry) watched on.
"Hi Santa, how are you feeling?" Rose asked. Just as she had promised Carole had explained everything to the Santa she had hired so that he would be able to help make Rose feel better. Luckily the Santa actor had understood and had promised to do what he could to help.
"He's all better now thank you, I hope I didn't scare you too much, when I fell over" Santa answered smiling at Rose, who beamed back up at Santa with wide eyes.
"I'm okay now thank you Santa. I made this card from you" Rose explained as she handed her homemade card to Santa. The Santa looked it over and promised to put it up in the North pole then handed it to his elf.
"I told you early what I wanted for Christmas, but I've changed my mind now" Rose added almost shyly. Finn and Rachel shared a confused look, hoping they wouldn't have a disappointed daughter on their hands when she didn't get the present she wanted.
"Of course Miss Rose what is that?" Santa asked her. Rose looked at Rachel then back at Santa.
"I want my mommy to be happy again" Rose whispered but Finn and Rachel had heard her. Rachel could feel the tears in her eyes as she continued to watch her daughter and Santa.
"What do you mean Miss Rose?"
"My mommy's mommy went to heaven and my mommy is still very sad. She's the best mommy in the world and I don't want her to be sad anymore" Rose explained. Finn handed Mason to Rachel then wrapped his arm around her. Rachel had tried her best to hide her sadness from Rose but Rose was a lot observant than Rachel realised. The Santa shared a look with the parents then turned back to Rose.
"You know Miss Rose your mommy is probably going to be sad for a bit because she really loved her mommy and it's always sad when someone we love leaves us. But I promise you your mommy is happy because she has a wonderful daughter who deserves an extra present this Christmas" The Santa explained then turned to Rachel and Finn "What do you think Mom and Dad?"
"She's been a very good girl this year Santa" Finn praised. Rachel quickly wiped her eyes then nodded in agreement.
"Would you like a photograph?" The elf asked waving her camera.
"Absolutely" Rachel answered. The parents moved to either of Santa, Rose stayed on Santa's lap and with Finn holding Henry and Rachel holding Mason the family all smiled at the elf who took their picture. Rachel was still upset about her mom and worried about Santana and Brittany but in that moment she could feel herself getting better.
XoXo
An hour later Rachel looked over at her three children who were now all asleep at their table. Mason was in his pram while Rose and Henry were laid across two chairs. While they had been happy to meet Santa that was the highlight of the party for the children and they had become bored fairly quickly. Rachel couldn't blame them; she was just as bored as they were.
Rachel took another sip of her champagne as she looked around the room. Finn and Quinn had both been pulled into another conversation with their mom's friends, Sam and Mercedes were enjoying the expanse buffet table and Puck was sat across from her with a sleeping NJ in his hands.
"I've never been so bored at a party before" Puck groaned.
"Me either, usually I'm at the table alone so at least this year I have company" Rachel replied. Puck held up his drink to her before taking a drink. Mercedes and Sam came back over to their table with a plate full of food each.
"Where are Quinn and Finn?" Mercedes asked. Rachel pointed over to where Finn and Quinn were at the bar talking to James Nolan, a banker, and his wife who had been friends with Carole and Burt for years. Rachel could tell from where she was sat just how bored they both were.
"Shall we tell them it's time to leave or they can make their own way home" Puck smirked as he finished off his drink.
Rachel quickly nodded "Absolutely"
XoXo
Twenty minutes later the group pulled up outside the cabin and even from the car they could hear Santana's and Brittany's shouts. While Finn, Puck and Sam got the sleeping children out of the car Quinn, Rachel and Mercedes rushed to one of the windows to watch the married couple who after three hours were still fighting.
"I FEEL LIKE I'M THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS MAKING THE SCARFICES FOR OUR RELATIONSHIP. ITS NEVER YOU" Brittany shouted throwing her hands up at a frustrated Santana.
Quinn, Rachel and Mercedes crouched down by the window ledge while Santana and Brittany marched around the living room yelling at one another.
"Now you're just being dramatic" Santana snipped rolling her eyes at Brittany.
"Oh Santana not the best thing to say" Rachel whispered shaking her head. The guys, each holding a sleeping child, approached the girls and crouched down next to them.
"We should not be listening to this" Finn argued. He secured Rose and Henry on his hips as he gave Rachel a pointed look to which she just playfully shrugged as she took Henry from him.
"I don't think there is anything else to say" Brittany sighed throwing herself onto the couch while Santana went to the bar and grabbed a bottle of beer.
"Well now we don't have to" Mercedes quipped. Each one of them got back up and went through front door trying to look like they had just arrived home.
"Didn't want to wait out in the cold anymore" Santana snipped to her friends while they took of their coats with sleeping children still in their arms. Quinn, Mercedes and Rachel all gave Santana a quick once over but she quickly shook her head indicating to them that she didn't want to talk
"Well its late we should all go to bed" Finn declared, the guys all quickly agreed, so they rushed up stairs with the children while ignoring Brittany who was running her hands through her hair frustrated as Santana finished off her bottle of Budweiser.
"Think they are going to keep going" Quinn wondered as they girls slowly followed their partners up the stairs looking back at Brittany and Santana who had yet to say another word to each other.
"I doubt it what more can they say" Mercedes reasoned. The girls said a quick goodnight to each and then went to their own rooms, hoping things would be better in the morning.
XoXo
"Oh hey Brittany you okay?"
Brittany looked up from where she was stirring her cup of tea to see Finn walk into the kitchen. It was 3'0 clock in the morning so Brittany assumed she would be left alone in the kitchen to think through her fight with Santana.
"Couldn't sleep" she eventually answered. Santana had gone to bed two hours before when they both realised they were getting nowhere near a resolution. Brittany said she would sleep on the couch but after an hour of trying she found she was able to shut of her brain.
"Apparently neither can any of my children, that why I'm making warm milk at 3 in the morning" Finn laughed lightly, trying to lighten the tension. Finn started to make up a pan of warm milk then looked over at Brittany. He could tell she was lost in worried thought.
"Do you want to talk about?" Finn asked. He lowered the temperature on the hop then took a seat next to Brittany. He handed her some chocolate from the fridge that he had been getting for Rachel. Brittany smiled in thanks then took a small piece.
"I'm not sure what I can do any more, I feel like I'm alone in this marriage" Brittany admitted
"Santana's stubborn you've always know that but I promise she will come around if she really thinks that she might lose you"
"This feels like the children discussion all over again" Brittany sighed as she took another piece of chocolate. Finn nodded his head in understanding.
"I know it can be difficult when someone decides they don't want children. I remember when Rachel said it to me of course she didn't really mean it and Santana's been saying it for years that she never wants them so it's not really the same" Finn shook his head, when he realised he was making no sense "Sorry I'm rambling, I'm just so tired"
"So Santana has always said that then about not wanting children" Brittany asked curiously. She finished off the chocolate then looked over at Finn.
"Yeah ever since I've know her, it's just not something she wants. I guess it's the same for you"
"Actually Finn for the last few weeks, I've been applying to adoption agencies and Santana has been sending them off and now I know why we haven't heard anything"
Finn startled at Brittany "Oh god Brittany…"
"Excuse me Finn" Brittany snipped before she marched right out of the kitchen.
XoXo
Santana was startle awake when she heard a bang from her room. She looked up from her bed to see Brittany picking up her coat and the small case she had brought with her. Brittany was throwing her coat over her pyjamas as Santana turned on the bed side light
"Brittany what's going on" Santana asked. Brittany looked even more mad than she had earlier and Santana had no clue why.
"You never wanted children" Brittany sighed dramatically, she shook her head and almost looked disgusted at her wife "I've been filling in the application form then giving them to look over and send off. Exactly why have I been doing that when you don't even want children and according to Finn you never have"
"Finn what has he got to do with this" Santana asked confused.
"You have been lying to me since we meet. What! Were you just hoping I would eventually give up if we didn't hear anything" Brittany shouted at Santana. Santana looked wide -eyed at Brittany as she tried to think of the best way to settle her wife down.
Santana started to get out of bed "Brittany -"
"Don't say anything to me right now! You will just make me madder. You have lied and lied. I've tried everything I can to be a part of your life but I feel like I'm constantly pushing and I'm tired of it" Brittany argued, she held up her hand to Santana and looked away from her, trying her best to keep her anger in check.
"What are you saying"
Brittany looked back at Santana, unable to keep the hurt and anger from her face "I'm saying I want a divorce"
XoXo
Finn rushed into his bedroom and started shaking Rachel awake, while being careful not to wake the three sleeping children in the bed next to him.
"Finn what are you doing? I finally got the kids back to sleep" Rachel grumbled as she rolled over and tried to get back to sleep.
"I think I've just done something really stupid" Finn pressed as he shook Rachel awake again and quickly explained the conversation he had just had with Brittany in the Kitchen. Rachel sat up in bed and listened to friends rushed and panicked words.
"Are you serious, she actually said they had been applying" Rachel gasped
"Yeah and now because of me she thinks that Santana has been sabotaging it somehow" Finn added. Finn and Rachel both looked to the door when they heard shouting. Rachel jumped out of bed and opened their door an inch. Finn watched over Rachel's head just as Brittany was storming out of Santana's room with her case.
"Brittany let's talk about this" Santana said rushing after Brittany down the stairs.
"Stay away from me Santana" Brittany snapped. Santana stopped at the stairs, Rachel and Finn could see that Brittany was in no mood to talk and it looked like Santana could see that too as she stood frozen on the stairs.
"What should we do?" Finn whispered.
"Nothing right now, I'll talk to Santana in the morning" Rachel said, she pulled Finn back into their bedroom and closed the bedroom door just as Santana was walking back up the stairs. Finn and Rachel got back into bed just as they heard the front door slam shut.
XoXo
"Hey, where are the others" Santana grumbled as she walked down the stairs the next day. While Quinn, Rachel and Mercedes were sat at the table eating breakfast they guys and children were nowhere to be seen. Which was probably for the best as the girls could see the mood that Santana was in.
"The guys took the kids into town, they will be back later" Quinn replied
"Here have some food" Mercedes put a plate in front of Santana as she took a seat at the table "We think we should talk"
"You heard her leave then" Santana snipped throwing her hand towards Rachel "Or did your idiot husband tell you want he did"
Rachel gave Santana a pointed look. Finn had thought Santana was going to blame him, it was one of the reason he had took the children in to town so earlier but Rachel wasn't going to let Santana do that. Santana had never mentioned anything to any of them about her children discussion with Brittany so she couldn't get mad at them when one of them got their wires crossed.
"This isn't Finn's fault Santana" Rachel pressed impatiently "Is it true have you been lying to Brittany about the adoption applications"
"What were you thinking?" Quinn sighed, she took a sip of her herbal tea as she looked at Santana waiting for an answer. Santana ate a few strawberries before she finally answered her friends.
"I wasn't thinking okay! I just knew if I told her the truth that she would leave me" Santana argued, she pushed her plate away her apatite suddenly gone.
"Because this alternative is so much better" Mercedes said sarcastically.
"This is all Finn's fault. He shouldn't have opened his big mouth. I was going to figure out what to do eventually I just needed time" Santana interjected. Rachel shook her head and give her friend a pointed look, Santana looked aware from Rachel's demanding glare.
"You lied to your wife for weeks Santana, nothing you thought of was going to fix that" Rachel snipped, she did not appreciate Santana trying to put the blame on Finn.
"I really don't want a lecture right now; I'm going to eat this in my room" Santana picked up her plate and got up from the table giving Rachel a glare of her own "You might want your husband to keep a wide birth from me"
XoXo
"Okay I think these cookies are cool now, Rosie do you want to get the milk" Quinn instructed as started to dish the gingerbread cookies shaped like snowmen on to three separate plates so the children could ice them at the table. The children all sat at the table ready to ice while Rachel sat Mason on her knee so she could help him.
The girls were all in the kitchen getting the food ready for Christmas day, while Finn and Sam went to get food for dinner that night and Puck set the table while watching the game on the big TV in the main room.
"You've had enough" Mercedes stated as she tried to pull the bottle of Jack's Daniels away from Santana. The Latin woman had been drinking for most of the morning and the other women had been trying their best to conceal it from the children as they got them ready for Christmas morning.
"My wife isn't returning my calls I haven't had nearly enough" Santana quipped pulling the bottle back and taking a swig.
"Okay where do we need to leave these for Santa" Rachel asked looking over at the excited children and ignoring her friend as she took another drink of the Whiskey.
"On the table" Henry cheered as he showed his mother the snowman cookie he had decorated in red icing.
"Good idea we will put them there before you too go to bed, with a carrot for Rudolph" Rachel smiled as bounced Mason on her knee to amuse him while the others finished their cookies.
"I'm so excited!" NJ beamed showing his own mother his cookies, who rewarded him with a kiss to the head.
"Sam and Finn are back with the food" Puck called from the living room. Rachel and Quinn wiped the children's hands and guided them to the living room while Mercedes looked over at Santana.
"I'm going upstairs" Santana groaned
"No you're not, its Christmas eve and you are going to eat a meal with us instead of sitting in your room" Mercedes argued grabbing Santana's arm to stop her from leaving "Brittany needs time and you need to give it to her"
Mercedes pushed Santana into the living room and forced her into one of the seats. While Sam opened all the containers of Chinese food Mercedes filled a glass of water and passed it to Santana. Santana pushed it away and drank some more Jack Daniels.
"Okay everyone, eat up" Sam clapped his hands together after he had finished opening all the food containers. The rest of the adults took a seat, Finn ended up next to Santana at the table but turned his chair towards Henry, who was next to him, when Santana glared at him.
"Mommy can we sleep down here tonight, we might see Santa" Rose asked looking at her mother with a wide smile. The table had been silent for the first five minutes where everyone ate their meals and tried to enjoy the tension between Santana and Finn so they were glad for the distraction.
"Oh I'm not sure he only comes if you go to sleep" Rachel smiled back at Rose.
"PLEASE mommy, pretty please" Rose chimed trying her best to flutter her eyelashes.
"How about you sleep upstairs but if you hear anything you can take a quick peek of him. We don't want to risk you not getting presents because you weren't asleep" Rachel compromised. Rose looked over at Henry and NJ who both nodded their heads so Rose turned back to her mother and nodded earnestly. With that settled for the children they went back to their dinners and the silence returned. Finn looked over at Rachel with a pleading look, begging for her to say something that might resolve the tension but before she could Santana spoke.
"So Finn how do you feel now that you've ruined my marriage"
"Santana that's enough" Rachel argued, she looked over at the children as a quick reminder to Santana who else was in the room but Santana paid it no mind.
"No I don't think so" Santana stated sarcastically slamming down her serviette on the table before facing Finn "How does it feel Finn. You opened your big mouth and now my wife isn't speaking to me"
"I'm so sorry Santana I didn't know" Finn tried to apologise but he could quickly tell Santana wasn't really listening to his apologises, she just wanted to be angry.
"You shouldn't have said anything, who asked you to get involved" Santana snapped
"You're all for Finn helping you when it benefits you" Puck interjected. Puck had always thought about how much Rachel's friends went to Finn for help and never seemed to appreciate it as much as they should.
"Oh shut up Puck I'm sure Finn can defend himself" Santana argued.
"Santana not now it's Christmas eve" Quinn tried to reason. She gave a quick look to the children who were all staring at their Auntie with vapid attention as they had never had heard her raise her voice before.
"Exactly it's Christmas eve and my wife isn't here because of this idiot"
"This isn't my fault; I didn't know you had been lying to your wife. Brittany deserved the truth from you" Finn finally argued back. Santana glared at Finn with murderous eyes then slapped him straight across the face. Rachel and Quinn both gasped loudly as everyone else looked wide eyed unsure what to do.
"Auntie Sans why did you do that" Rose gasped looking at her favourite Auntie. Santana looked down at her hands, for second she couldn't believe what she had done. Without a word Finn got up from the table and walked into the kitchen.
Rachel stood up from the table to follow her husband "I think you should leave Santana"
XoXo
A while later Mercedes was in the kitchen with Quinn who was slicing up the two banana cream pies for everyone to have a slice. Mercedes had been trying to set a hold of Santana again. Who after storming out of the living room after slapping Finn, packed up her bag and left the cabin.
"I've been calling her but no answer, she sent me a text to say she was back in New York but I think that's all we are going to hear from her, at least for tonight" Mercedes explained, she shoved her phone back in her pocket when she realised she wasn't going to get anything more from Santana for the night.
"What a mess" Quinn sighed "Is Finn okay"
"I think he's gone from worried to angry. Santana was out of line" Mercedes replied. They had all tried to reason with Santana about her behaviour but she hadn't want to hear it. She was angry and she wanted to stay that way.
"Well let's go back in there and enjoy the rest of Christmas, that what we came here for" Quinn argued as she picked up one the pies she had finished slicing up "We will deal with Santana when we get back to New York"
Mercedes nodded her head in agreement and picked up the other sliced pie. They both walked into the living room and started handing everyone a piece. They were watching It's a Wonderful Life before the tried to get the children to go to bed.
Once everyone had a piece Quinn sat down on the large sofa next to Puck and NJ. Puck wrapped his arm around her as NJ cuddled into her.
"This is so nice mommy; do you want some" NJ asked as she held up his plate to his mother. Quinn took a small piece then cuddled into her son as they continued to watch the film.
XoXo
Once the film had finished everyone decided to go to their room and get ready for bed. Rachel and Finn were in their room helping their children into their matching pyjamas and Rachel couldn't help but notice the red mark on Finn's face.
"You still have a mark on your face" Rachel stated sadly as she pulled down Henry's pyjama top for him. Mason was already asleep in his own pyjamas, in his portable crib and Rose decided she was a big enough girl to get herself ready for bed.
"She has quite an arm" Finn feebly joked.
"I'm so sorry Finn" Rachel sighed. All Rachel had wanted was for them to have a nice Christmas but what they had got was Rose thinking she had killed Santa and Santana's marriage falling apart.
"This isn't your fault Rachel. And let's not focus on that right now" Finn pressed.
"It's Santa!" Rose beamed when she heard what sounded like a jingle outside their bedroom door. Henry and Rose quickly rushed out on to the landing with their presents following behind. They were quickly joined by NJ, Quinn, and Puck and Mercedes coming out of their rooms. They all leaned over to see what definitely looked like Santa drop a large red sack near their large tree and begin to take out presents trying to look completely unaware by the 5 adults and 3 children watching him.
"NJ it's Santa" Henry said pulling on his friends arm excitedly to make sure he was looking as 'Santa' started putting presents around the tree.
"I see him" NJ cheered trying his best to whisper. Finn wrapped his arm around Rachel as they watched the children try to lean further over the railing over the landing to get a better look.
"Remember guys we have to be quiet so that he thinks we are asleep" Quinn told the excited children.
"I can't believe its Santa" Rose sighed happily. Mercedes tried her best not to laugh as they continued to watch 'Santa' put out the presents.
"He ate our cookies" Henry cheered as they watched Santa eat two of the cookies before pocketing the rest along with the carrot.
"Okay guys that's enough or Santa might see us" Finn said trying to usher the children back into their room, so that 'Santa' could finish up.
"I can't believe we saw Santa Dylan is going to be so jealous" NJ laughed smirking at Henry who nodded his head in agreement.
"Come on NJ" Puck laughed as he gently pushed his son towards their room.
"Night Rose, Night Henry" NJ waved to his friends as Quinn and Puck followed him back into their room. Mercedes shared an amused look with the parents before going back to her own room.
"Night NJ" Rose and Henry said in union before going into their bedroom. Luckily for the adults the excited children didn't seem to notice that their Uncle Sam was missing as they finally got to see Santa.
XoXo
It was Christmas morning and despite the drama of the last days none of the children seemed to care as they ripped open all of their presents laughing throughout all the morning. Once all the presents had been opened and Quinn and Rachel had managed to get the children to eat some breakfast, the children went back to playing with their new toys while their parents enjoyed their own breakfast.
"This definitely too much" Rachel laughed lightly as she finished off her waffles and watching the children play. While Henry and NJ were playing with their new action figures. Rose was busy lining up all her new Disney Dolls with their Prince counterparts making sure all their dresses and suits were in pristine condition.
"We've had a tough few months, we needed a great holiday" Finn stated
"Did you have a good holiday Finn" Rachel wondered looking over at her husband. Finn still had a red mark on his face and Rachel could see that even though he had a smile on his face watching their children, he still seemed downcast.
"Any holiday with you Rachel is good" Finn promised, giving her an earnest look. Rachel stroked his cheek softly, then pulled his face close kissing him sweetly on the lips.
"Merry Christmas Finn" Rachel said before kissing him again.
"Merry Christmas Rachel"
XoXo
"Do you think he's happy with everything" Quinn wondered as she watched NJ show Henry each one of his new toys. While Sam and Mercedes were outside Quinn and Puck were watching the children enjoy their new presents in the living room.
"Definitely I don't how we fit it all in the car" Puck laughed as he wrapped his arm around Quinn's shoulders.
"I think he's going to be very happy in about 6 months, I know I will be" Puck smiled gently.
"Merry Christmas Noah" Quinn beamed as Puck traced his hand over her barely noticeably baby bump. They both watched as NJ and Henry acted out a scene from an Avengers cartoon with his new Marvel doll figures. He also had on his new Thor costume complete with toy Hammer. Apparently there was still some Marvel toys that NJ didn't have. Henry was Captain America and NJ was Thor and they were both fighting against the Ultron action figure.
Puck leaned down and kissed Quinn softly on the lips "Merry Christmas Quinn"
XoXo
Sam walked out on to the porch and handed Mercedes a cup of hot chocolate then took a sea next to her. The couple were enjoying a child-less peaceful hour enjoying the view from the porch that over looked the Georgica beach. Sam and Mercedes had enjoyed watching the children opening their presents with such childlike wonder but they were now glad for some piece and quiet before they had dinner.
"It's really beautiful out here" Mercedes gushed as she looked out at the steady ocean while the snow softly fell around them.
"Not as beautiful as you" Sam smiled looking down at Mercedes who playfully stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'll let you get away with that because its Christmas" Mercedes laughed, she kissed Sam's cheek then leaned her head on to his shoulder "Merry Christmas Sam"
"Merry Christmas Mercedes" Sam returned wrapping his arm around.
Santana's Apartment – Christmas Day
Santana took out another beer from her fridge then walked back into her living room. She sat on her couch and picked up her phone, she had 13 missed calls from Mercedes, 7 from Quinn and 5 from Rachel. She turned off her phone and took a large drink of her fourth beer of the night, she wasn't ready to talk to anyone yet. She took another drink of her beer when she noticed her wedding photo on the coffee table, she picked it up and stared at it.
Santana had only been married seven months and already it was in trouble and she had no idea how to fix it. In a sudden fit of rage Santana threw the picture and it smashed against the wall. Santana left the glass on the floor as she finished off her beer.
"Merry Christmas Santana"