This chapter is choked FULL of swimming but I really think it's worth reading! (Prelims=Preliminaries!) There's also a lot of Quinntana friendship, and of course, Brittana :)

Excitement filled the chilly February air as we all met at the McKinley parking lot. We were loading up onto the bus for my last state championship meet.

It didn't matter that I had already been to Grand Prixs, the Olympic Trials, Junior and Senior Championships with my summer league and club team. It didn't matter that at those meets, I'd see a few Olympians and meet up with some great swimmers across the countries. It didn't matter than winning at those meets meant a lot more for my swimming career than a high school state championship. None of that mattered compared to the feeling that I got at this meet. It was pure exhilaration. However, without all the different personalities on the team, it wouldn't be nearly the same. I honestly couldn't imagine being with a better bunch of swimmers and divers. We're really close and such an odd, fun bunch. A lot of them, well all of them, can get under my skin or cause me to yell a lot more than I intend to but it's all part of it, it's what brings us close. A team that can fight and make up together can win together.

State is also where I really grasp how much hard work that we've put in to get here, not just McKinley but all the teams. A lot of the swimmers here play two other varsity sports and don't swim year round like Quinn and I, but they're still insanely fast, elite swimmers. I admired the versatility and dedication.

The state meet didn't start until the next morning but warm ups for preliminaries started at a ripe 6 AM on Friday morning. We were all excited and pumped after an easy practice just hours before. However, none of us were stoked for the nearly three hour bus ride to Canton.

"I done told all you girls and boys to pack light! You ain't moving in, we just going to swim. My synchro swimmers, now, they know how to pack light. And they got all their makeup and costumes! Geez!" Coach Roz said as we loaded our stuff onto the bus. There were overnight bags, backpacks, swim bags, warm ups, parkas, pillow, blankets, and food all hanging in heaps from our arms.

We all laughed and stuffed ourselves into the bus. Coach Roz told us not to fall asleep because we needed a good night's sleep for prelims but none of us heeded her warning. I succumb to sleep within the first thirty minutes a playlist Brittany made for me and Tux in my grasp. What felt like only seconds later, I found myself being shaken awake by someone.

"What?!" I half-yelled, aggravated from being woke up.

"Santana, open your eyes." It was Quinn. I could recognize her quiet yet demanding voice anywhere.

I opened my eyes and blinked a few times, coaxing myself out of sleep. I sighed deeply. "Now what is this dire emergency that you had to wake me from my oh-so-pleasant slumber?"

"Coach Roz wants us two to give a pep talk to the whole team before we unload at the hotel," she said rather nonchalantly. "You know what I'm talking about?"

"Yeah, I know. I don't think it was worth waking me up for though."

I sat up and looked around, although it was completely dark outside, the bus driver kept low lights on overhead. All of the other swimmers were sleeping and even Coach Roz was sleeping, clenching her bronze medal. I scooped Tux back into one of my bags and scooted over to let Quinn into my seat. It was a little chilly on the bus so I offered her under my blanket and she took me up on it.

"Where are we?" I asked Quinn, rubbing my eyes.

"We just passed Mansfield."

We still had about an hour to go.

"Damn. Bus rides are just my favorite freaking thing ever," I said. "What do you want to tell them?"

She shrugged. "It's a pep talk, like last year. It doesn't need to be long. We'll feed off each other."

I nodded. "Yeah, we're basically pep talk experts."

"Obviously." She smirked. "Anyway, how are you doing? I haven't talked to you that much; we've both been so busy."

"Not too bad. I basically do the same thing everyday and—"

Quinn interrupted me, "No, I mean like how are you? Like you and your girlfriend." She whispered the last part and I let out a quiet snort.

"Oh, well my mom met Brittany yesterday. We actually just got over a huge fight and she was dropping me off at my house."

Quinn arched an eyebrow. "I presume it went well, since you don't look too stunned."

"It did go well. Better than I thought, my mom even told her to sit with the family for finals."

"Keep in mind that you have to make finals first, Santana…"

I laughed lightly. "Oh yeah. If I make it… Gosh, I should really keep my ego in check."

She smirked. "So when are you going to do it?"

"What?!" I was completely blindsided by her question. I knew that Quinn and I were getting closer but not this close. "Quinn, don't be a pervert."

She looked at me quizzically with a slight head tilt for a few seconds before she blurted out, "No! God no. Not that. Come out." She looked around, making sure no one was listening. "When are you going to come out, like to everyone?"

"I haven't decided yet. I know I can be this tough bitch someone's but I'm kind of scared scared. I just…When it's out, it's never going to be the same, it doesn't go back in. I'll never be treated the same. I told Roz when I talked to her that one day before districts and she was totally cool but not everyone is going to have a great reaction like Coach Roz."

"Your real friends won't treat you any differently. Your real friends won't care. Why would you want to spend your last semester of high school lying to yourself and to everyone else? Why wouldn't you want to be the person who you really are? To let everyone know this great person that you've discovered. We hated each other when I found out and I still accepted it." She half-smiled. "Besides, you know how to beat people's asses if you need to. You know, go all Lima Heights on them. Which is really strange considering you don't actually live in Lima Heights…I don't know why you always say that," Quinn said the last sentences curiously to herself.

Everything that Quinn was saying was what I had been thinking about and what Brittany and Ellie kept telling me. I think that it helped hearing it from an outside source, someone who wasn't so close to the situation.

I smiled at her. "Thank you, Quinn. And I don't know what you're talking about, I am so from Lima Heights. If they piss me off, I will go all Lima Heights on them!"

She returned my smile. "I never thought I'd say this but, I think that I'm actually starting to like you. We're kind of becoming pretty good friends."

"You know as much as I hate to admit it, you're right. I actually kind of like talking to you."

"Probably because I'm not making your life a living hell anymore…"

I ignore her comment, no need to bring back old history. "So are you excited to swim?"

"Oh of course! I love the state meet. Puck wanted me to tell you good luck and that he's going to be cheering for you."

"Aw, that's so sweet. How are you two?" I didn't mind talking about him anymore, I was completely over him. His memories were still there but that was all, no feelings at all.

"We're doing really good. I'm sorry about everything, again. I'm a better person now, probably because of him."

"Because of Puck?" I chuckled. "That's something I never thought I'd here. But that grudge is gone like my mother's tamales. I'm happy for you two. Is he coming down Saturday?"

"Yeah, a bunch of those guys are carpooling. And of course, there's all the girls that are coming. Probably the most support we'll ever get at a swim meet from McKinley."

"It's so great that they're coming all this way to see the team. Maybe for one day, the town of Lima will shut up about football and basketball for one damn minute."

She laughed. "Amen!"

She unintentionally leaned her head on my shoulder and soon she drifted to sleep. Normally, I'd be annoyed at the sentiment but I didn't mind. Quinn and I, we had a weird friendship but we had huge mutual respect for each other. I wasn't lying when I told I liked talking to her. I almost wish that we could have buried our hatred earlier so we could have been actual fiends for longer. No use lamenting on it now though. I texted Brittany and then I fell back asleep as well.

I woke up later and saw that we were in the city and close to the hotel that we were staying at for the two nights. Most everyone was awake and a low chatter filled the bus. I woke Quinn and we made our way to the front by Coach to talk to her before we actually stopped. She asked us if we were prepared to talk and we told her that we were. We pulled into the parking lot and the bus driver turned off the engine and turned up the lights.

Coach started off by telling everyone how proud she was of all of us for making it this far. Then I took over.

I turned down bitch mode and went into complete motivational speaker mode. "Girls…and boys, we made it! This is such a big deal. Some of you are just freshman and sophomores and you have more years to come so whatever happens in prelims tomorrow morning, don't sweat it. There are hundreds of other swimmers and divers who would kill to be here."

Quinn added. "Yeah, this is that time that you put all you've learned, all the hard work. You put it all together and you try your absolute hardest. You're going to push your body to the limit and back. It'll all be worth it, no matter if you place or not."

"Now what I suggest," I continued. "…is that you take it on race at a time. Don't think about finals during prelims, don't think about your next race if you're in more than one. Focus on that particular race and swim it like you know how to."

"The whole town of Lima is watching out for us. Let's make them proud!"

I motioned for everyone to get into the huddle. "Titans on three. One.. Two.. Three!"

"TITANS!" The whole team screamed.

We checked into the hotel and situated our stuff into our rooms. I was rooming with Leah, Quinn, and another senior, Chloe. We were the fastest swimmers on the team and had killer relays. After a couple hours of just relaxing and talking, we all fell asleep.

The next morning, after a very structured breakfast under the watchful eye of Coach Roz, we warmed up as a team during our allotted time. The energy was high in the whole place but the prelims were just long and exhausting. I swam my races like I would at any other meet. I knew the times were fast enough to put me in the top seeds and even break state records but I didn't want to go all out and further exhaust myself for tomorrow.

Out of all the McKinley swimmers from the girls team that made to state, six didn't make it to the finals the next day and three were only going to finals on a relay. It was expected but we were still anticipating how well we'd perform tomorrow. We had some of the top seeds in some events but in other events, we had no swimmers in finals or consolation finals. It was all up in the air.

The team left for a late lunch and came back to watch some of the Division II finals, all three Ohio divisions had their own finals, prelims, and diving all throughout this week with the grand finale being the DI swimming finals. There wasn't really anything we could do besides watch. Well, Coach Roz wouldn't let us do anything else. Every year we would try to convince her to let us go to a museum or something after prelims but she always told us no, she was afraid we'd get hurt or twist an ankle. After watching the finals, we went to grab dinner, and then back to the hotel where a lot of us took much needed ice baths to help alleviate muscle soreness.

I was the last to ice myself and then I showered. When I got out and dressed, Quinn came in to brush her teeth with me.

When Quinn was finished, she leaned against the bathroom counter and said, "You totally killed backstroke this morning, Santana."

"Well I didn't kill it enough to be faster than 'Lucy Fabray,'" I teased. They use her real name; despite all the times she's tried to get them to use 'Quinn'.

"Well, we all know how well that works out, remember last year? But aren't you seeded like 3 seconds ahead of the next girl in the 200 free? You're going to crush them tomorrow."

"Well, thanks. We both broke state records in just the prelims so who knows what tomorrow will bring. You better bring your 'A-game' in the backstroke. When I win, I want to win fair and square."

Quinn laughed. "So cocky. But I assure you, my 'A-game' will be brought."

We woke up late the next morning. We had more than enough time, with warm ups at 2 and finals starting at 4 that afternoon. We had time to kill and ate a brunch before packing our stuff back into the bus and heading back to the natatorium. I checked my phone, Brittany had texted me earlier that morning telling me she was on her way down, by now she was already in the city with her parents. I was so excited! I told her that I couldn't wait to see her.

We pulled up to the natatorium. This would be the last time that I would swim here as a high school competitor, the last meet. It was a bittersweet moment. It would be the last time I'd pull up this horribly tight fastskin suit to swim in a high school swim meet. We warmed up and then sat around, we were all a little bit nervous. The amount of swimmers who were actually swimming was cut in half, at least but the energy was at least twice that of yesterday. I was more than pumped.

I saw my parents and Ellie in the stands; they put their jackets in a seat next to them, so sweet. Then I realized that my dad would be meeting Brittany for the first time without me being there. Luckily, I knew Ellie would take care of any awkwardness. I was pretty blessed to have her as a sister.

It was almost as if time was on a TV remote and someone pushed the fast forward button. I watched Brittany walk in, watched her interaction with my family, it seemed alright. I waved at my friends who came in, jumped into the warm up pool for a personal warm up, and then I was suddenly behind the blocks waiting for the third girl to finish her leg in the medley relay.

I focused everything I could back onto the pool. Everything that was going on and everything going on around me had to be pushed out of my mind. I watched the pool intently. We were trailing another school by two yards. I watched as Chloe tried to keep up on the breaststroke leg. She slammed into the wall and I dove right in. It's just a 50, Santana. Swim it like you know how to. Keep your head in the water. Kick! You're better than them, faster than them. You're freaking Santana Lopez. Do it for your team, catch up. Close the gap. As soon as I touched the wall, I knew we had it. My feeling was confirmed as I looked at the time board and saw W. McKinley with a 1 next to it. I pumped a fist in the air while hanging on the gutter. The feeling was indescribable. The divers had put us in a super great position, points wise and now, in the first event, we were already proving ourselves as the ones to beat!

On the medal podium after the relay, Quinn said, "McKinley is already kicking ass! Great job girls!"

The boy's medley relay started went as I jumped in the warm up pool for the 200 free which is right after. The meet was quick, only two heats, consolation and finals, of each event for boys and girls. Top eight places were announced after each event and medals were given. It was the hardest on swimmers who had back to back events. I really only had about 10 or 15 minutes of recovery until I was racing again. For the finals of each event, the swimmers were rounded up and announced for each lane as they walked out to take their positions behind the block.

Before heading over to waiting area for finals, I had a short chat with Coach Roz and waved into the stands to the people I knew, most importantly, to wave at Brittany. She looked so cute, wearing a McKinley swimming shirt that I had given her. A huge smile showed on her face. I wondered if any of my friends from school saw that she was there, sitting with my family. Eh, I guess I'll find out later. No need to worry about it now.

"And in lane 4 from McKinley High School, Santana Lopez."

I walked out to an abundance of applause. The McKinley crowd was huge. I smiled as I walked across to the opposite end of the pool. As I stood behind at the end of my lane, I took off my jacket, and put my goggles over my eyes, suctioning them perfectly. As I was rotating both of my arms in a stretch, I looked over to my left and saw my biggest competition, Annie Hanger, from a school in Cincinnati. As far as the times showed, it would take a miracle for her to beat me but anything is possible in swimming. Her prelim time would have won the state meet any day if I wasn't here. But I am. I am here and I have the best time and I had to show everyone what I could do. This is for me, this is for my team, this is for my school.

"Santana," she nodded towards me with a slight smile. "Good luck."

I smiled back and wished her the same. I wasn't nervous, oddly enough. Some days I swim over 10,000 yards, a 200 was nothing in comparison to that. I knew how to swim this. Nerves would only make it worse.

"Swimmers, step up." A hush filled among the crowd. All eyes were on the pool.

I stepped on the block and positioned my feet; my left foot in front, the tip of my big toe curled ever-so-slightly over the block and my right foot behind.

"Take your mark."

I leaned down, took a hold of the metal block beneath me, and I braced myself. Every muscle, from my feet, to my legs, to my back, to my arms, and to my neck strained.

After what always feels like the most painfully long half a second to one second wait, I hear the distinct BEEP and see the flash of light.

I pushed off the block in record time and I dove in. I felt the dive, it was perfect; a perfect arch and a perfect entrance. I streamline kicked until surfacing more than halfway down the pool. I kept my concentration. At each turn though, I was able to get a passing glance at my competition, or lack thereof. Every time I took a breath, which wasn't too often, I heard the cheers and whistles that I had grown to love hearing.

I swam what felt like the fastest first half that I've ever swum. I had to be careful; everyone knows that the third part of the race is the hardest, in this case, the third fifty. I couldn't let my lead get to my head. I may already have the race but I was still racing against my record from last night. I pushed the pain and the ache out of my mind and just swam. At the turn on the last fifty, for the split second that I was sideways, I saw just open water next to me; the other girls were far behind. I only breathed once on the last 25 though my lungs were dying for more.

As I touched the wall, my body went limp. I grabbed the side of the pool and spit out the water that was in my mouth. I looked at the time through my goggles.

First. 1:43.56. I smiled so widely through my labored breaths. I made another personal best by taking a half a second off my prelim time, breaking the state record once again and I was just a second and a half off the national high school record. It was an indescribable feeling. The cheers and applause were overwhelming. I looked towards the lane next to me and saw Annie, breathlessly looking at her second place time, a few seconds behind mine. I waded across my lane to her and shook her hand over the lane line.

She wrapped a congratulatory arm around me with a smile and I remembered that she was just a sophomore. "Hey!" I screamed over the applause. "You better kill them next year."

"Oh, I will, I promise! Great job Santana!"

I got out and they announced the awards for the event and I got my second first place medal of the meet. After that, I went over to the warm up pool to cool down. After cooling down, I checked back with my team for a few minutes, wrapped myself in my swimming parka, and retreated into the stands to see my family, Brittany, and everyone else.

"MY BEST FRIEND IS A STAR!" Colby yelled when I walked to all of them.

I chuckled as she hung on me from a hug. "Well, thank you Colby!"

All of the other people there gave me hugs and kind words, even Puck gave me a hug. I lingered around all of my friends for a little bit before eyeing my family, just on the edge of where most of the McKinley people were.

"Well, I better go talk to my family," I said.

Brooke said, "Okay, we'll see you in the pool soon. Remember our student teacher, Miss. Pierce? She's here, sitting next to Ellie and your family."

"Oh, yeah…" My mind raced and as I thought of some kind of explanation. "Our families are really good friends and she was in town so she stopped by," I said nonchalantly.

"Ah, I gotcha. Well good luck Santana!"

I smiled to her and walked over a few yards to Brittany and my family. My family greeted me with great enthusiasm. I gave my parents huge hugs. My mom and dad went on and on about how excited they were and Ellie could not stop hugging me. I think she was even more excited than me! I stepped in Brittany's direction and she gave me a modest hug. I'm sure she was trying to be polite around my parents and everyone. I just wanted her to wrap me in her arms and kiss me.

"Thanks guys, I have to admit, I was getting a little queasy on that last 25 of the 200 but you know, I always pull through," I said with a goofy grin.

My parents rolled their eyes and went back to talking to Leah's parents next to them.

Ellie said, "Well, you still got another big W to get, Santana!"

"Oh, we'll see," I told her. "Quinn's freaking fast."

I looked back at the pool, I still had plenty of time. I squeezed myself between Ellie and Brittany. Ellie noticed that I wanted some privacy and made herself busy by messing around on her phone.

"Well hello there superstar!" Brittany said with a very big smile.

"Hi, I'm so glad could make it! I hope it hasn't been hella weird sitting with my family," I half whispered.

She half whispered back, "Not at all. Ellie has been super cool, telling me everything that's happening, and not making it awkward. She introduced me to your dad. I think he likes me. We talked about knee injuries and bones."

I chuckled at her absolute adorable-ness. "You're so freaking charming."

She laughed. "I try. Anyway, you're swimming is amazing. I've honestly never seen anything like it. But, I do have a question."

I took a swig of Gatorade. "No, I'm not taking performance enhancing drugs. I swear."

She laughs at my outrageous answer to her unsaid question.

"Okay, what's the real question?"

"How do you put this kind of swimsuit on?" She asked, trying to fit a finger under my suit at the thigh.

I laugh. "It takes a super long time. I really have to just go inch by inch, it takes about 15 or 20 minutes. It's even harder to get off. I just have to stand in the shower and piece it off little by little." I pick at the material, trying to pinch it but to no avail, it was too tight. "I think it would be easier to take on and off it I didn't have boobs or an ass like all these other girls." I point to the abundance of girls in the same type of suit that are loitering around the deck.

"Well, thank God that you do have boobs and an ass," she said with a wink.

"Britt…" I grinned.

"So how is the team doing as far as placings?"

I shrug. "The girls team isn't doing too bad. You know, we got first in the first two events and our diver placed in the top 10. But even with that and the other events that Quinn and I are in, we're kind of no match for the powerhouse of some of those Columbus and Cincinnati teams. They have multiple swimmers in the finals of each event where we don't even have swimmers in all the finals. But I think we could very easily be in the top 10. The boys team isn't that strong but they'll be in top 20, I think. We'll just have to see. I'm anxious but I'm really excited."

"That's really good! I'm so excited for it guys!"

I smiled and resisted the urge to kiss her.

Brittany felt it to so she just blurted out, "So are you and Quinn like famous at these things?"

"Famous?"

"Yeah, like do people ask you for your autograph?"

I laughed. "No. But everyone knows who we are. I used to be a nobody. Just that Latina girl swimming. Then I started beating people. Quinn though, everyone always knew her."

"Why?"

"I don't know, actually. But yesterday, this girl, Paige Justin, used ti have this odd, huge crush on her, told me that she couldn't wait to see me swim. I was a little star struck."

"Which one is she?"

I search throughout the pool deck until I find where her team is sitting. I spot the sea of orange parkas and I see her laying with her head on some guys legs.

"You can't see her very well but that's her laying all over that guy."

Brittany squints to get a better view. "Oh, she is hot! Do you swim against her?"

"No. I mean, I have but she swims sprint freestyle. And she's not as fast."

"But of course..." She grinned. I saw her legs bounce in place, like she was nervous or timid.

I nodded towards them. "Brittany, what's wrong?"

She chuckled nervously. "I'm just kind of scared for you..."

"Scared of what?" I subtly put my hand on hers.

"Ellie showed me that sheet that had all the events and times and she showed me that Quinn was faster than you yesterday."

I smiled because it was so adorable when she was worried. "You are so incredibly cute right now. You don't have to worry about a thing, Britt. Just sit back and watch. Oh, and cheer."

"Okay, Santana. I will."

I reluctantly left my parents, friends, and Brittany to prepare for the most important event; the back. I had been waiting all day for this. I was so ready. I pulled out Tux and gave him a little squeeze and bop on the beak. I found Quinn and we warmed up and made our way to the lineup. We barely talked though, we both needed time to think and prepare ourselves mentally and physically. It was scary, having to go up against a teammate and someone who I've actually grown close to. Every other time that we competed against each other in backstroke, we still had a little hatred for one another. I put my cap and placed my goggles on my forehead. I blocked out all the commotion around me. This was the last time I'd walk out as an individual in my high school career, I wanted to savor it..

"In lane 4 from William McKinley High School, Lucy Fabray!"

Quinn walked out just strides in front of me.

"In lane 5, also from William McKinley High School, Santana Lopez!"

When my name was called, I walked out and Quinn slowed down until I caught up with her. Surprisingly, she grabbed by hand and we walked to the blocks hand in hand. It wasn't weird at all, I thought it was the perfect touch.

"This is it, Quinn."

"Yes, it is. You better swim hard and fast," she said.

"Wanky." I flashed a grin. "You too."

"Good luck," Quinn said, giving me a pat on the back.

"Luck is for losers," I repeated her infamous catch phrase. She laughed.

I took off my jacket, put my goggles over my eyes, and did my two arm rotations and jumped in place three times.

"Swimmers step in, feet first."

I jumped into the cold water, surfaced, and positioned my hands and feet for a backstroke start.

"Take your mark."

I curled forward, felt every muscle brace and my back tighten.

BEEP.

I threw my arms back and pushed off the wall. I arched my back and made a beautiful entrance into the water. I kept my arms straight and dolphin kicked underwater while I watched the surface of the water get closer and closer. I was far past the 5 yard flags when I started my stroke. I just swam. There was no holding back. On the first 25, I watched and saw the five yard flags above me. One, two, three, four strokes, and flip over. The wall met me there in perfect position for my flip turn. I couldn't tell if any of the swimmers were behind or in front all I saw in my peripheral vision were splashes. As I started the third length of the pool, I could see splashes of water down the pool behind me, the two outside swimmers way behind. I still had no idea where Quinn was. I forgot if she was even on the left or right of me at this point.

As I turned into my last 25, my arms were aching. My legs were telling me to stop. My mouth and nose were full of water. That whole myth that backstrokers can breathe whenever they want is total bullshit. Most of the time, when you're going fast enough, there is too much splashing over your face to breathe, you just have to find a pocket of air and a rhythm. I saw the flags for the last time. One, two, three, four, five strokes, arch backward, and touch the wall. My hand touched the wall first with my body following in suit, slamming up against it.

The cheering that I had heard throughout the whole race subsided as I rose out of the water. Why? Normally they would have grown in applause for the winner, which I knew for certain was either Quinn or I. I looked at the time board, my eyes went straight to Lane 5. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. 53.22. A 1 was placed next to the time, indicating a first place finish. I won within a second of the national high school record. The state record was shattered from the prelims last night with that time. Simultaneously, before the fact that I won had time to register with my brain, I looked at the time in Lane 4, Quinn's lane. 53.22. It was the same time that was recorded for my lane. I wasn't the only winner. Quinn won. I won. We both won. What? I knitted my eyebrows together and took off my goggles. I took another look at it, maybe my goggles had fogged more than I thought and I was seeing thing. I wasn't just seeing things; it was a tie. A FREAKING TIE!

I've only seen a tie like twice and I had been to a million swim meets over the past decade. Ties do not happen in swimming. The time is recorded to the one hundredth decimal place. Even the chances of two times being within one one-hundredth of a second of each other is rare. I was having a really hard time grasping what that a tie happened. One of two things happens in a tie situation. The first is a swim-off, which is where the two swimmers involved in the tie swim the race again to determine who breaks it. The second option is that the placing is shared between the two tied swimmers. There was no way my body was going to let me do a swim-off; I still had a relay left. There was definitely no way that Quinn could do one either; she had the same relay as me and the 100 breast left.

"…the hell?!" I questioned to no one in particular and I looked around the silent natatorium.

The other swimmers in the race just stared blankly, they couldn't believe their eyes either. My confusion and thoughts were met by Quinn who floated over into my lane.

"This isn't real," Quinn said, incredulous.

"Even my Mexican third eye couldn't see this one coming," I replied. "This doesn't happen. Like, what the fuck?"

I heard whispers among the crowd, everyone was talking but no one was talking loud enough to fill the air with the regular camaraderie. I scanned the crowd and saw the same look of utter confusion pasted on all of their faces. All of the meet officials were walking around, talking to each other. Quinn and I got out of the pool with the other swimmers, who were still dazed and incredulous, just like us. I slipped off my swim cap and held it in between my fingers, nervously fumbling with it and tangling it within my goggles; a habit that I used to do as a young swimmer. Coach Roz, in a flash, was already right next to the officials. The chances of getting a tie in swimming is so slim and so rare that I doubt it was even addressed in the state rules and regulations.

"Uh uh." She peered over the shoulder of an official, who was standing in a circle with the others. She parted them and stood amongst them. "We is not having my two best swimmers swimmin' in no swim-off. Actually, they're not only my two best swimmers. They are the best swimmers in this whole damn meet! You think these girls ain't tired enough?!" Coach Roz yelled loud enough to fill the near silent pool deck.

I heard more whispers and voices throughout the crowd. Some people giggled at Coach Roz, you really can't help it though, she's hilarious.

"Coach, we are looking up regulations for this type of thing. It has never happened before. We are not sure what needs to happen, a swim-off may not even be required." An official said firmly enough to calm the crowd.

"Well, I know for a fact that it best not be!" Coach Roz yelled even louder. "When the hell would they swim it? After the last event? I remember watching the damn Olympics one time and there was a damn tie for gold, those bitches aint' make them do a swim-off. Both these girls be swimmin' again soon. You cray-cray if you think that Salsa Caliente and Girl Next Door are going to be swimming against each other again after it's all over. It's hard enough having these two in practice. These girls are teammates, they friends! Nod to me if I'm getting through to you! Nod to me!"

The officials nod, all intimidated by Roz.

She holds up her Olympic medal. "I won this bronze damn Olympic medal in Beijing, China for individual synchronized swimming and I have connections with the chocolate President and Michael Phelps himself. Unless, you want the God of swimming and the Leader of the Free World on your case, I suggest you give them both first place."

Quinn and I both shared shy laughs each other as we toweled. The officials tell Coach to step aside for a few seconds while they discuss things. Literally, the whole meet is at a standstill. Coach turns to us. She puts a hand on each of our outside shoulders.

"You girls did good out there. You really made me a proud coach. Now, I know this ain't the situation you were expectin' but we gonna get this figured out. But, if I wasn't so concerned with those officials in that white ass clothing, I'd be speechless. That was the race of a lifetime. I would bet my medal that you will end up on some news headlines. I never would have thought that two swimmers would have won a state championship in the same event in the same year from the same mother-fuckin' school!—Excuse my language."

We both laughed at Coach Roz, she was so heated and so stoic. She always had our back.

Before we even had time to respond, the announcer came on the speakers.

"And will the top 8 finishers for the girls 100 yard backstroke please make their way to the podium." Quinn and I rushed to the general area and traded awkward smiles with our competitors. "In 8th place for the girls 100 yard backstroke…" the announcer read down from 8th place. "And in first place," He skipped second place! That can only mean one thing! "For the first time in OHSAA history, we have a tie. Teammates from William McKinley High School, Santana Lopez and Lucy Fabray have tied for first with a new Ohio state record of 53.22!"

Quinn and I stepped up onto the podium, hand in hand, as we accepted our medals while the audience roared in applause. She grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me in. I hugged her. I couldn't believe this. A tie was something that barely ever happens and it happened to us. It happened to the two girls who always fought each other for first, the two girls who wanted this more than anything. It's not like it could be a time every time, or next time, we both knew that next time, one of us would swim faster, it's how it always is. But right now, sharing this with Quinn, everything felt perfect.

After the medal ceremony, the meet started back up again and we went to Coach Roz.

Her arms were crossed and she nodded. "That's what I thought… I knew they would listen to me. You girls best be getting your pretty little asses to the warm up pool. Quinn, you got breaststroke in just a little."

Quinn laughs. "Will do, Coach."

On our walk to the warm up pool, we made sure to pass by the stands. We waved at them and were met from cheers from all people, not just William McKinley people.

"God, I can't believe this," I told her on the way there. "I am genuinely so happy right now."

"It's a miracle. All these years, all these months preparing for that moment. Who knew it would be like this?"

"I sure as hell didn't."

"Well congrats, Santana!"

"You too Quinn!" I said back to her.

I cooled down from backstroke and then back up for the last relay as Quinn placed first in breast, actually going slower in prelims and just two tenths of a second off her state record from prelims. The last event of the night was my last event, the 4 x 100 relay. We pulled off an impressive third place finish, dominating from a 7th place seed. Also, I literally just went three for four at the state meet. I was a seven time state champions throughout high school. Three more state championships. I was speechless. It was really something that I could only dream of. Not only that, the girls team had just finished in third, the best placing ever for McKinley High! I could go on and on about how great it felt to be number one with a relay or as an individual but standing in the 3rd place spot, with my whole team beat any other win. I was a hot mess of emotions. This was the best possible way to end a high school career. I couldn't stop tearing up with pure tears of joy. I'd never forget this feeling. The feeling of total euphoria. I didn't even complain having to get out of the fast skin, I just did. And in record time too!

After that, the team had finally calmed down from our high and we had one last team meeting in the lobby of the natatorium. We then walked over to the lingering McKinley crowd that had formed while waiting for Roz to finish talking. She just babbled about how great we all did, she was as big of a mess as all of us. We all walked over afterwards and were attacked by an abundance of hugs and screams.

Rachel said, "Santana, I know we don't always see eye to eye on everything but that was so amazing. Granted, not as amazing as my Broadway debut will be, but still very, very great. Congratulations! To you and Quinn!"

I rolled my eyes and her Broadway comment but eventually succumb to her uncanny flattery and pulled her in for a little hug.

Slowly, everyone started to disperse and head off in their separate directions. I found my family after congratulating Quinn's parents who were actually trying to mind each other for once. I ran right over to them and hugged all of them, tears stinging my eyes for another countless time.

"Santana, congratulations. We are so, so proud of you. I couldn't even believe my eyes. During that backstroke, Jorge had to hold me back because I was screaming too much," my mom said, almost hysterical.

My mom was so funny at swim meets. She'd be the quietest, most reserved person there until I started swimming and then there is no stopping her.

My dad chuckled. "Mija, this was the best swim meet that I've ever been to. Truly amazing. You deserve all the praise, this is your day. Congratulations!"

Ellie hugged me tightly and yelled to everyone in the lobby, "MY BIG SISTER IS SANTANA LOPEZ. SHE JUST WON LIKE A MILLION TIMES!"

I laughed. "Oh, Ellie. Thanks."

I looked at Brittany who was standing, grinning ear-to-ear next to Ellie, while watching the interactions. I smiled when I saw her eyes light up when we made eye contact. I closed the gap of a few feet between us and put my hands on her waist. There weren't a lot of people around, most of the McKinley people were contained within themselves or already gone. I quickly pulled her in and gave her a kiss on the lips. It wasn't a long kiss or anything, a super small peck. I felt her tense but I glanced at my parents and they both expressed small, shy smiles. A feeling of relief washed over me. All of the rough few weeks that we went through were worth it to see them actively being so accepting and happy for me.

After the kiss, I pulled Brittany in for a huge hug. I buried my face into the crook of her neck and breathed in the familiar vanilla scent that she always had. She wrapped her arms around me, putting a gentle hand on my damp hair. I peeked over Brittany's shoulder and saw Chloe's sister, Kaylie, looking at me quizzically. It was brief and when I pulled away from Brittany's embrace, their family was already on their way out. I shrugged to myself. I didn't care at this point. I was going to have to start my journey out of the closet some way or another. I took a brief hold of Brittany's hand and reluctantly let go then looked towards my family.

"I'm absolutely starving," I said. "Let's get my crap from the bus and then can we eat?"

My dad spoke up, "Of course. Where do you want to go, honey?"

"Anywhere. Ellie?"

Ellie was like a bottomless pit; she was always thinking about food and didn't mind deciding on a place to eat.

"Red Lobster?" She asked. I nodded.

"You can come right, Brittany?" I asked.

"I wouldn't miss it!"

At Red Lobster, I felt like I ate the whole place. A huge meal after a big swim meet was part of diet ritual! The awkwardness of Brittany being there lasted less than 10 minutes. Both my mom and dad became very comfortable with her presence and she was easily included in the conversation. I think she was really starting to grow on them. It didn't surprise me, her personality is infectious. We talked about the meet and I told them everything, from the inside track. Brittany discussed her work at the dance studio. After dinner, my dad picked up the check, Brittany offered to pay for hers but he politely declined.

"Brittany, you drove three hours just to see Santana swim, this is the least we could do. Thank you."

Brittany smiled and said in the most English accent I've ever heard, "De nada." Everyone chuckled.

My mom spoke up after dad paid, "Are you ready to head home?"

We all nodded.

"Can I ride home with Britt? It's late and I wouldn't want her driving all the way back to Lima alone."

Brittany spoke up, "Oh, I wouldn't want to drag Santana away from you guys on her special day…"

"Nonsense! It's fine by us if you want her to ride with you!" Ellie spoke for them.

I wasn't so inclined to listen to her, I looked at them. They nodded.

Brittany looked at my parents. She smiled. "Thank you."

I could not picture a more perfect way to end this amazing day than a long car ride with Brittany. As we departed out of the city and onto the freeway, she took my hand and held it in the middle console of my car.

I pulled down the sun visor and looked at my face in the mirror. My hair was skillfully balancing on the top of my head in some kind of bun. I hadn't put on any makeup today so at least the mascara and eyeliner wasn't all runny from the pool like usual but then again, I wasn't wearing makeup. It was definitely not a sight for sore eyes.

"Brittany, you could have told me I looked that I looked like death."

"Why would I tell you that when I think you're the most gorgeous girl in the world?" She questioned and then added, "Even without makeup."

"You're perfect, how did I get so lucky?"

"Your prose and verb usage was just really intriguing to me, that's how."

"Oh, right. I forgot about that."

"That's alright, everyone forgets things. You can just kiss me and we'll call it even," she suggested.

I leaned over and pecked her cheek. She giggled.

"I hope it wasn't too awkward. I know that being cooped up in a hot swimming pool isn't the ideal family meeting situation."

She shook her head. "Not too awkward. It was actually really good. They were so kind. They told me stories about you."

"Oh, God. Like what?"

"Well, your dad said when you were 10, you told all the girls next to you that you peed during warm ups so they shouldn't swim."

I chuckled. "I totally did not do that."

"Uh huh, sure. They told me that it didn't work out so well and they all still dove in. You don't still pee in the pool, right?"

I stay silent and purse my lips.

"Santana!"

"Come on Britt, you can't expect me to go through a 3 hour practice without peeing! Or like today, I had to pee and I'm not going to take off that suit just to pee so I did during warm ups." I shrug. "Every swimmer does it, I swear."

She giggles. "That's gross but if it makes you faster, I guess that's okay with me."

"Thanks so much for understanding," I say sarcastically.

"It was really fun though, watching you swim. I've never been to a swim meet; they get so loud with all the whistles and yelling."

"Yeah, apparently it's supposed to be the only thing that a swimmer can hear underwater. I can never hear my club team coach's whistles but I can hear Roz's every single time."

Brittany laughed. "I'm pretty sure everyone can hear hers. She's a great coach isn't she?"

I nodded. "Yes, she's loud but she's incredible. The bronze medal that she wears every day is like an inspiration. But enough about Roz, what else did you talk about? Besides me?"

"Um, we talked about us."

"Like us?"

"Yeah. They asked how we met."

I cringed just a bit. "Oh... um, what did you say?"

"I didn't say anything for a few seconds and then Ellie was like 'They met when Santana went to Brooke's little sister's dance recital where Brittany teaches for and they just hit it off.'"

I smiled. "Ellie said that?"

She nodded. "I didn't really know what to do so I just nodded. You know, they're still adjusting and I don't think it would be best if I said 'Yeah, we met during my student teaching.' And even though I met your mom there at conferences, I really don't think she remembers me."

"Yeah, she's really bad with names and faces. I'm glad Ellie covered us. Maybe one day, like 5 years from now, I can tell them but it'd be better to keep it cool for now."

She grinned and giggled.

"What?" I asked.

"You believe we'll be together 5 years from now?" She asked in a very whimsical, optimistic tone.

I blushed at my own remark. I hadn't even realized I said it, it just felt so natural.

"Well, I, uh..." I stumbled before regaining confidence and saying a determined, "Absolutely."

Brittany didn't say anything but she didn't have to. The grin that she had earlier didn't change, it stayed plastered on her face and I knew she felt the same way that I did.

We started talking about places in the world that we thought would be fun to travel to and I ended up falling asleep. When I woke up, Brittany was quietly singing to a song quietly playing in her car. She heard me stir and stopped singing.

"Don't stop singing. You're voice is so gorgeous."

She shrugged with a smile and sung through the rest of the song.

"I'm sorry I fell asleep. I was supposed to ride with you to keep you company."

She chuckled. "No worries. You were only asleep for an hour. But…do you mind if I stop for gas?"

"I suppose, I mean, only if we want to get home and all."

We stopped at the nearest gas station. Brittany got out and started to gas up.

She poked her head in the door, "Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

I smiled. Even though we literally just ate, I felt the slightest hunger pang again.

"Of course you are. You want to come in or do you want me to grab you something?"

"I'll come in."

We walked into the gas station and scanned the refrigerators. "Naked juice?" I asked

"Why do you always want me to get Naked, Santana?" She chuckled.

I rolled my eyes with a laugh and grabbed two bottles and we found some almonds to munch on. At the checkout line, her hand was lingering on her lower back as we waited for the person in front of us to finish paying.

The man behind us spoke up and said, "Excuse me, but are you two a couple?"

I looked at him. He was in his late twenties or early thirties and somewhat attractive. He wore jeans, a jacket and a baseball hat.

"Um, yeah. We are," Brittany said definitively then averted her eyes elsewhere.

"I thought so. I saw you two walk in. I didn't know two girls so beautiful could be lesbians."

"Wow, I didn't know someone could be such an ignorant asshole," I said, turning around.

"Come on gorgeous, I didn't mean it like that. What are you two doing this late on a Saturday night? Are you looking for a third person for your party?"

Just as I was about to pull out all stops and go full on bitch mode at him, Brittany whispers, "Don't say anything," to me through gritted teeth while taking her hand off of my back.

So I didn't, neither did Brittany. The cashier gave us a sympathetic look and I felt him linger over us as we paid and we hurried out of the place.

I heard him call out, "Don't be such dykes! Loosen up a little!"

We hurried out of the gas station and to her car. She opened the door for me and then got in the driver's side. We watched as he walked out, luckily he didn't notice us, and went on his own way.

"Britt, I could have totally schooled his ass," I said, wondering why she told me to be quiet.

"I know you could have. And you would have. But you see, in situations like this, it's sometimes best not to say a thing. Homophobia is so alive, everywhere. You don't know what strangers are capable of, especially this late at night. It's cool and great to be out but you also have to be careful. Do you understand?"

She wasn't speaking to me like I was a kid, she was just trying to help me. This whole thing was new for me so it wasn't like I didn't need someone to tell me that. It made perfect sense and I never would have thought about it if she hadn't explained it to me like that.

"And honestly," she continued. "He isn't even worth your breath or your time."

"So it's never going to end, will it?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"If I have a girlfriend, there's always going to be people like that? Everywhere?"

"Unfortunately, yes. The idiots of the world will always make rude and stupid comments."

"How do you deal with it?"

"Well, like these situations, I don't say anything and I try to not let it bother me. In other situations, when I know that it's safer, I'll speak out. Just know that there's so much more in the world and people who are so much better than them. Stand up for yourself and don't let people trod over you like you're nothing because you're not. You're everything."

My heart melted over every word she said. "Kiss me."

"What?" She asked.

"Please. Just kiss me."

She reached over and lightly grabbed the back of neck and pulled me in for a passionate kiss. She parted her lips and let my tongue explore her mouth. After what didn't seem like long enough, she pulled away. "We should probably get going, there's still an hour drive left and I need to get you home so your parents don't think I kidnapped you!"

"Well, that would be one dream come true," I said with a smirk.

She started to drive off and back onto the highway.

"Hey Britt?"

"Yeah?"

"Valentine's Day is really soon." The state meet always fell around Valentine's Day. This year, the meet was earlier than usually and V-Day was literally in a week and we hadn't talked about it at all.

"I know. I, uh, I have to work on Valentine's Day," she admits.

"What about that weekend?"

She shook her head.

"Well, then I have just a little something planned. Just so we can spend some time together."

"No gifts?"

"No gifts," I confirm. "And for real this time."

She chuckled. "Okay."

"I just want to be with you, we haven't been able to just be in such a long time."

She nodded in agreement. "I would love to just be with you for Valentine's Day."

I squeezed her hand and kissed it.

"So tell me, Santana; on average, how many naked girls do you see at a swim meet?"

I laughed and thought about that. "Depends on the meet. Like the smaller high school meets, no one usually. But at bigger high school meets like this or summer meets, a ton. They just…unwrap themselves in the locker room. They have no shame."

"And how many girls see you naked?"

"Zero," I grinned. "And I don't even have to go to a stall or shower; I'm a pro at hiding behind my towel."

"Alright that's good. I want to be the only one who sees your boobs. Wait! Do you look at the naked girls?"

I shook my head. "Not anymore. I used to and I had to like make myself look away. I thought I was, like, comparing bodies but now I realize that that's probably not the case. You know, I should have known I was gay a whole long time ago."

She laughed.

"But no, Brittany. I don't look at the other girls anymore. Well, except for one…"

"Oh! Please tell me more about this girl!" She said with mock intrigue.

The rest of the car ride was nice; time just seemed to pass so quick when we talk. We rolled up to our driveway and I saw that the rest of the family had already pulled up. It was pretty late. Before I got out, I turned again to Brittany.

"Brittany, I just want to thank you again for coming to see me swim. I know you probably had a million other things to do but I am so glad that you made it. It literally means the world to me that you were there."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. My parents were happy to see me, as well, well kind of. My mom and I didn't get into a fight this time..."

Brittany and her mom had a strained relationship. She would have preferred that Brittany would have chose a different career path than teaching, preferably one with a higher salary.

I smiled sympathetically and started to get out of the car.

"Wait, not so fast, superstar." She motioned me to close the door. I did. "I was pretty sure I would have a state champion girlfriend by this time so I made the executive decision of getting a little something for you. It's not much but.. you deserve it."

She reached across me into the glove compartment of the car. She handed me a small jewelry box. I opened it up and saw a gorgeous silver necklace. It was thin and simple. There were two charms on it. One was a silver goggle charm and the other was a little metal plate with a "#1" and my initials on the back of the plate. It was a gorgeous necklace.

I smiled incredibly wide. "You didn't have to, Brittany. It's beautiful. I lo—I love it.. Thank you so much." I cupped her cheek and kissed her. In the back of my mind, I swear I was about to say those three words.

"Alright," she grins through the kiss. "You better get inside. You've had the longest day ever. I hope you get plenty of rest tomorrow. I'll see you later on next week?"

"Yes. But I'll call or text you soon. Have a good night, beautiful."

"You too, champ."

I pecked her on the lips one last time and floated inside.

I'm sorry this update took a little longer than usual. This is my favorite chapter so far and I just wanted it to be out on my birthday! :)

Thanks for reading!