The next few weeks seemed to fly by. I was finalizing scholarships and other end of the year plans. I was cramming for for finals and enjoying all of the last memories that I would have here. Graduation day was closer than I had ever imagined.
And then I blinked an eye and finals were all over. The senior class enjoyed all of the special senior days. In a way, I was so sad to leave. However, I wasn't, I was ready to put this chapter of my life to a close. I was ready to leave. I'd always have my memories but it was time to make new ones; new ones with Brittany.
I wrote my speech for graduation. I was speaking as valedictorian, which was something I never thought I'd actually be able to do. Hard work really pays off. The hardest thing about it though was trying to make sure my speech was worthwhile, that is was worth listening to. Brittany told me that I should tie things into swimming, since it was such a big part of my life. I came up with a pretty good idea and went from there. After that, it just came to me. It was very tongue-in-cheek and I wanted the audience to laugh at the subtleties that I put in there. I wanted them to be on their toes listening. I wanted it to be me. But I wanted it to have a message.
Before I knew it...
"And now, it is my pleasure to introduce this year's valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 4.27, Miss. Santana Lopez," Principal Figgins said, concluding his speech to the graduating class.
I got up out of my chair. I met him with a hug and a smile as I stepped onto the podium. I looked out at the crowd. The whole class, the entire audience, all of their eyes were on me. I knew that my whole family, relatives, and Brittany were in the audience somewhere. I knew they were so proud of me. I was proud of myself, too. I looked down at the binder that was pre-placed for the speeches and adjusted my microphone.
"Hello, I want to start out by telling Principal Figgins that that was a great speech. Let's give him one more round of applause." I heard a thunder of applause.
I cleared my throat, lightly. "This day...this graduation day, I never thought this day would come, did you guys? We've waited our whole lives for this one day, for this diploma which is just a fancy piece of paper. But it wasn't just a waiting game. I suppose now is the best time as ever to look at what exactly has got us here.
"Some of you may know that I'm a swimmer. Although I've been swimming since elementary school, it's taken me thousands of hours of school, tests, studying, and a speech deadline from Principal Figgins to realize that school is exactly like swimming. Let me explain.
"All of us, we're the swimmers. We come to the pool everyday for practice. You know, some of us aren't the fastest. Some of us don't show up all the time, but we're still here enough to earn some kind of credibility.
"The coaches, our teachers, they're the ones that push us and guide us. We wouldn't even know how to swim without these guys. Of course, we have our off days where we just don't want to do that set. They'll push us through, they know us better than we think. They know that we are capable of so much more than we even know ourselves.
"Then there's the swimmers who you can't stand. The one's who feel like cutting you down will make them faster. We've made it through them; we were able to show them that with enough practice, we can prove them wrong. I am faster than that. Or I can graduate. I can show you that I can do this.
"You can't forget about your teammates. They're the ones who are always there for you, through your ups and downs. They're always at the end of the lane, cheering you on. When you don't know the answer to a homework problem, they're so willing to help you.
"And get this, guys, our parents, they're the same in both situations. They're on the stands, cheering you on. They're there to buy you new goggles, new pencils. To wash the chlorine drenched clothes, or just your dirty clothes. These are the people you have to thank the most. If it wasn't for them, you wouldn't have even started swimming, let alone made it this far.
"We have our ups and downs. Making a new personal record, getting an A on the test you forgot you had, definitely one of your shining moments. Adding time to your best event, or getting a bad test score in your favorite class, it puts a damper on your day.
"However, we never fail to have fun. It's the days where the coaches give you a free day to relax in the water. The days where the teacher gives the students a break and lets them have a study period. Those are the days that we live for, the days that keep you coming back to practice every day.
"So, I bet most of you are wondering what this giant metaphor has to do with this graduating class. It's simple; there will come a day where I stop competing. I will stop going to swim meets to race but I will never stop swimming, it's always going to be there. It's the same with learning. You'll stop taking tests and exams. For some of you, that time was last week during finals, but for others, it'll come later on down the road. However, you will never stop learning. And I never want you to. We have so much more to learn. Because, although we may think we know it all, there's so much more out there for us.
"This class, my class; we have so many memories with each other, so many accomplishments. I remember that our pee-wee football team went undefeated in elementary school. I remember just a few months ago, our class alone raised over 10,000 items for the holiday food drive, we have national cheerleading and Glee club championships, and at least half of our sports teams are top ten in the state. But after today, it's all going to change. We're not all going to be on the same team anymore. We'll be branching out to different teams, maybe even different sports. All these different paths are taking us to our dreams. I know that every one of us has dreamed of this dat at least one. Now that it is here, don't stop dreaming. Don't ever let your dreams get away from you. I know that some of you dream of graduating college, the armed forces, the workforce, or even becoming a Broadway star. I myself dream of swimming in the Olympics to represent my country; and no, I'm not talking about Mexico. These may be big dreams but I once heard that if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough. Find those scary dreams and chase after them. Keep your chin up because failure will happen but it's all part of the windy and beautiful path called success.
"Amanda Beard, a breast stroking prodigy who won an Olympic gold and two silvers at the tender age of 14, and one of my personal role models says, "Sometimes success is simply being willing to give it your all." And if I was to bet my money on anything, it would be that this is the class to give it all. There is no doubt in my mind that all of you will attain success in one way or another and I wouldn't want anything less for us.
"Thank you so much parents, relatives, friends, I know that it means the absolute world to us to see your support. And guys, not to be clichéd, but we did it!" The senior class rose to their feet in applause. The audience soon followed.
I stepped away from the podium and felt one tear fall down. I was proud of myself. Not proud like I was at state. Not any kind if pride that I felt from swimming. It was a different kind of pride. I felt pride in my school and in this class. I couldn't imagine it going any better.
I sat down and listened to another speech given by a fellow classmate. He started it out by "Wow, Santana, thanks, that's going to be super tough to beat, so I'll keep this short and sweet."
After his speech, we finally were called to receive our diplomas. This process goes by relatively quickly, especially considering the amount of names that he had to get though.
Afterwards, we were allowed to throw our caps in the air. I felt the energy throughout the whole class in that throw. We were all so proud of ourselves, to make it this far.
I found my friends, we took pictures together. I also saw my family walking towards them. They all greeted me with hugs, some of the relatives I hadn't seen in awhile.
"Your speech was just brilliant, so creative, Santana. We're so proud of you." My grandma told me with nodding approval from the rest of the group.
I smiled and engaged in a few more minutes of conversation. I looked around for Brittany. I spotted her talking to some of my friends.
"Hey, mija, we're going to head back over to the house and finish setting up for the party. We'll see you there in just a little?" My dad asked me.
"Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Okay, good. We wouldn't want the party to start without the girl of the hour."
They left towards the exit and I walked over to the group. It was actually just Colby, Brooke, Jenna. They were standing in a circle talking with Brittany.
"Hey there. Your speech was so great. I loved it." Brittany wrapped one arm around my shoulder for a tiny hug.
"Thanks for the great idea." I smirked.
"So, we were just telling your girlfriend here that we should all get together for dinner or something this summer." Colby winked.
I smiled. "That sounds perfect."
We dispersed after talking with other members from our class and a little bit of a heartfelt goodbye.
Then I rode over with Brittany back to my house.
"Mmmmm, the food smells so good," I said to Brittany, who was clinging onto my arm and a gift bag, as we walked into my decorated house.
"There's so many people here already! You're going to run out of food!"
I giggled, grabbed her hand, and ducked into the laundry room. I carefully shut the door behind us and pinned her against it. I put a hand on her lower back and kissed her.
"I'm so happy you're here today," I whispered.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she said through a kiss.
Just as I slipped my tongue into her mouth, I heard someone clear their throat. I jumped back away from Brittany faster than I ever thought possible. I turned around and my mom was standing at the front of the dryer. I felt a rush of blood over my cheeks. I could only imagine how Brittany felt. My mom was definitely comfortable with Brittany and we've kissed in front of her. But those were just small, chaste kisses on the cheek, forehead, or lips. We've never made out in front of her, it's definitely not something we put out there, especially not to her.
"Uhh, I'm so sorry Ma. I didn't know you were in here."
"Uh huh. I can see that." She looked towards Brittany. "Nice to see you, Brittany. You're looking lovely as always, love the shoes."
Brittany looked down at her shoes and smiled shyly. "Thank you, Isabella. The decorations look great."
"Well, thank you. Brittany, do you mind if I could have a word with Santana?"
"Not at all. I'll see you two in just a little." She slipped out of the door.
My mom arched an eyebrow at me. I started to take off my graduation robe and honor cords.
"Sorry, mom. I didn't know you were in here. I, uh, I should probably be getting to the party…"
"It's fine, Santana. I understand. I'd rather you do it in here than in public, with a man or a woman. Since Brittany is here and all, what are you planning to do with the family being here and all?"
"What do you mean?"
I knew what she was trying to say, I just wanted her to come right out and say it.
"Are you telling them? About your relationship? Your sexuality." There, it wasn't that hard.
"Do you want me to?"
"This is your day, Santana. You're the graduate, this is your party, and it's completely up to you. I just don't want their opinions to drag you down on the day you're supposed to enjoy the most. I know that not everyone is going to be just fine with it."
"Ma, I'm your daughter. I'm just like you. I'm strong. I deal with this crap every day. I a bigger person because of it. I know how to handle it while still keeping my composure. You should be proud of me. Anything that they say, no matter what, I can handle it. Besides, the people who really love me, won't care. I've just, I've grown up so much over these past few months, more than I have over the past three years. I've just learned that I can't hide anymore. It's not worth it, Ma. I love who I am and what I've done."
"I am proud, Santana. It's your choice, I'll be behind you 100%." She kissed my forehead and we left the laundry room.
I walked into our spacious living room and saw the stack of presents and cards already starting to pile up on the unlit fireplace. I looked around at the decorations; my senior pictures were set out. A morbidly big display of all my major swimming medals and awards was shown right next to it along with all of my other accomplishments.
Upon entering, I was greeted by guests coming over to me. After getting a plate of food, I talked with my relatives, friends, and other stragglers. I felt so happy, they were all here to support and congratulate me, and everyone was asking about my future plans and swimming. Quinn and Puck even stopped by for a little. I saw Brittany and Ellie talking the whole time, I was glad Brittany didn't feel awkward.
"Hey, Santana. Your speech was outstanding. I loved it." My cousin Michelle sat next to me at the table I was sitting at.
"Ahh, thanks so much. And thank you for coming all the way from Detroit with Carter."
"We wanted to. I wouldn't want to miss my favorite cousin's graduation and speech."
"Favorite cousin?" I asked.
She put a finger to her lips. "Shhh, don't tell." And winked. I knew she was being goofy.
"So how have you been?"
"Great, Carter and I are getting ready for the big day."
"Wait, big day?"
"Yeah, didn't you guys get the invitation? It's in July."
"Oh! I remember my mom saying something about that awhile ago, it must have slipped my mind, sorry about that. That's really exciting, we'll definitely be there!"
"You can bring a date, too, if you have a new boyfriend. You and Ellie can! The more the merrier."
I licked my lips. A date. The only person I'd want as my date is Brittany.
"Uh, that sounds great. Can I, uh, um. Well.."
"Santana?" She looked at me skeptically.
"Can I bring my girlfriend as my date?"
Her eyebrows knitted together. "Girlfriend? Are you gay?"
"Uh, yeah." I was sort of tongue tied. Coming out to her was a lot harder than any other person. I looked around the room, searching for words.
She smiled kindly, giving me more courage that I had before.
"I just, it's not a phase and it's something that's taken me a horribly long time to come to terms with but I'm so happy right now, I'm so happy."
She pressed her lips together and nodded her head. I watched as an even bigger smile surfaced her face. "Who is she? She must be pretty special to have the heart of my girl."
I smiled and looked around across the dining room and into the living room. I spotted Ellie and Brittany pointing at the pictures from my picture slideshow that was playing on our TV. I nodded towards the direction. "That's her, with Ellie. Her name's Brittany."
She raised her eyebrows and nodded her head in approval. "She's really pretty. And I love her dress." She took her eyes off Brittany and back on me. "You two been together for a long time?"
"Like eight months."
"And your parents know? Well, I guess they do since she's here."
"Yeah, most of the people around here do, just not many people in the family. Not yet, anyways."
"Are you going to tell them?"
"I suppose I have to. Maybe gradually. You got the honor of being the first."
She chuckled. "Well, you and your girlfriend are more than welcome at my wedding." She smiled. "And if anyone has a problem with that, they aren't welcome at my wedding."
Another guest came over to me to start talking. I glanced at Michelle as she got up. I gave her a quick hug.
"Thanks, Michelle. I'll see you super soon." And then I continued on the conversation with the guest.
After talking, I walked outside to the patio to see who was out there. There were a bunch of people who had found their own groups and were all just sitting around tables talking. I was just about to greet a table that contained a bunch of my mom's friends when I heard Monica's familiar voice beside me.
"So. That is the girl huh, Santana?"
"Yeah, next to Ellie and Jasmine inside?" I craned my neck back into the house and pointed. "That's her."
"She's fucking gorgeous!"
I smiled modestly. "I know. Did you meet her?"
"Yeah, Ellie introduced us when you were doing your whole I'm-Santana-Lopez-Head-Bitch-In-Charge-This-Is-My- Party thing."
I laughed. "How do you like her?"
"She's really nice. And she's really funny. Is she always like that?"
I grinned. "She doesn't know how funny she is." I smiled at the thought of Brittany. "She's not bored or anything right now, you think?"
"Nah, I think she's just chilling."
"Okay, good. I only got to talk to her a little bit. I've been so busy making sure that I get to everyone. I just don't want her to feel awkward."
"Have you told any of the family about her?"
"Uh, I just told Michelle because I asked if she could go as my date for her wedding. Michelle basically said 'Hell yeah'. You're going right?"
"Yeah, of course I'll be there! You should tell people, Santana. Today's the day. If you tell them today, they can't judge you. You're the star here. Do you know what I'm saying?"
I loved Monica but sometimes, she confused me. "Yeah, I think so. Like, this is my party; they don't really have a right to judge my life especially considering how much I've accomplished so far? I've kind of told my mom that today. I'm realizing so much. It's just wonderful, this year."
"Exactly." She smiled. "And here comes your shot. My parents are coming over."
"Wait, what?"
Monica's parents walked over before I had time to sort anything out. "Hola, Santana. It was hard to find you when you weren't swamped with people." Monica's mom pointed to everyone.
"I know, it's like a mad house here, in totally good way though."
"Well, congratulations on graduation. I bet you were getting excited since we saw you last week at Monica's graduation."
"Oh, yes. I was. I was anxious. And jealous. I bet she didn't do anything this week."
"Nope. Except sleep." Monica's dad chuckled.
I felt Monica nudge me with her elbow. I didn't know really what to say, didn't know what Monica thought I should say.
"Uh, so have you been able to see a lot of the family, even though you probably saw a lot of them last week?" I just blurted out to my aunt and uncle.
"Yeah, it's nice being able to visit with everyone so often and your dad's side of the family is very interesting, they're nice people. And then we'll see you guys in July for Carter and Michelle's wedding, I presume?" Monica's mom answered with a question.
I felt Monica nudge me again. Her parents saw her that time.
"Yeah, we're definitely planning on going!" I chimed.
"I know Michelle told Monica and Jasmine that they're welcome to bring a date. I think Monica is going to bring her boyfriend and Jasmine might just bring a friend." She looked at Monica, Monica nodded. "What about you and Ellie?"
Lovely. The topic was brought right up. Why were dates for a wedding such an important topic?!
"Um, I think Ellie will probably bring her boyfriend, Bryan."
"And you?"
"Uhh, yeah. Yeah, I have a date. Um, I think I'm going to bring my, uh, girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?" Both my aunt and uncle questioned, arching their eyebrows.
I smiled. "Yeah. My girlfriend."
"Yeah, mom, dad. She's that girl talking to Jasmine and Ellie, over there," Monica told them with an enthusiastic smile on her face, pointing inside.
They looked over towards the trio and studied her for a few seconds.
"Ah, well. That's nice. Does she go to your school?" Monica's mom asked me. She wasn't disgusted but she wasn't acting the most accepting, which is to be expected, it's kind of a bomb to be dropped on someone.
"No, she's a little bit older. She's actually a dance instructor right now. She's going to be a English teacher." I had to choose my words wisely; I didn't want her age to cause an even further pre-judgment. Everything I said was true, she is a dance instructor and she is going to be an English teacher… except she will be one in a few months, not years.
Monica's dad nodded in approval, he was a principal. "Well, I'm going to find your parents and thank them for having such a great party but then we better get going soon. Congratulations again, Santana. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon."
"You too!" I gave both of them a hug before they headed towards my parents.
I looked at Monica. "So.. What do you think? It's funny because I haven't even asked Brittany if she was even available to go with me. I just found out a few hours ago about this wedding. I feel like this is becoming a bigger deal than it is."
She pressed her lips together. "No. It has to be done sometime, you know. My parents, they're polite, they're not going to act like assholes to your face but they could be thinking it. But I know them, I don't think they were. If they say anything in the car, I'll text you. But I think that they were at most, surprised."
"Well, I hope so. I just don't want the opinion of that my extended family has on me to branch over to my family."
"Fuck them, Santana. They're totally not worth it if they do. Even my parents." She held my gaze.
"Hey, Santana. It was so great seeing you so many times!" Jasmine appeared next to us. "Monica, we gotta head out."
They both gave me a hug and took off with their parents.
I mingled outside and eventually there were less people at the party now. I was finally able to walk around without being worried that I hadn't talked to certain people for long enough. I wasn't even able to eat any of my food. It's was so weird to have a party that was literally just for me.
I made my way to where Brittany was, sitting at a table talking to a family friend. I knew she didn't know who they were but Brittany was so captivating, anyone sits down and listens to her. After a quick exchange, the family friend leaves and I sit down in their place.
"Hi," I said, gazing at my gorgeous girlfriend.
"Hi."
We were sitting caddy corner from each other, not close, but certainly not far. I took the plastic cup in front of her and took a sip.
"Do you want me to get you some water?" She asked.
"No. Yours taste better anyway." I grinned.
Her hand was resting on the table and I, ever so subtly, moved my hand until our pinkies were touching. When I felt the warmth from her hand, I felt the same spark that I'd felt months ago, the same spark that I'll continue feeling everytime we touch. She looked up and smiled.
"I really hope this hasn't been too boring for you. You've been here for hours and almost everyone here is a stranger to you."
She shook her head. "Not at all. Your family is very friendly. Ellie's been introducing me to a lot of people."
"Introducing you as…?"
"'Santana's good friend, Brittany.'"
I shrugged. "Are they being nice?"
"Oh, yes, very. I really like your cousins, Jasmine and Monica? They're goofy and they have quite the mouths on them, don't they?"
"They are goofy and yes, they do… I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
"And… I've talked to a few of your friends who I had in class."
"Ohh, awkward?"
"Ahh, not really. They were all surprised to see me and then… I think they put two and two together. I hope you don't mind."
"No, I don't care. It's graduation. I'm not going to see 90% of them ever again."
She smiled. "No more hiding?"
"No more. I'm done. I love who I am and I love you even more."
I felt the weight of her pinky on mine. I swear it took every ounce in me to not kiss her. I had to think of something else, I needed to say something before I leaned in to kiss her.
"Oh! Hey, there's a wedding this July for my cousin, I think the second weekend. Michelle wants you to come."
"Oh?" She had a skeptical look on her face. "She said 'Santana, bring your girlfriend'?"
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, very funny. No, she said that she was definitely okay with you coming and anyone who isn't will be kicked out… So, will you come? Be my date?"
"I'd love to."
I looked down and smiled. I couldn't look at her, she was just too pretty. Brittany looked at her watch. I knew she had a commitment later tonight.
"Do you need to go?"
"Yeah, I should head out." We both stood up. "Congratulations again. I'm so proud of you. And from the looks of that pile," she nodded towards the gifts that had started piling up on the floor, the card basket, overflowing, "So is everyone else."
"Here, I'll walk you out." I moved to walk but she caught my arm, she let her grasp linger on my bare arm before reluctantly letting go.
"No, it's fine. You should be here. Text me later?"
"I will." I nodded, subtly looking around the room to see how many people were there and not lost in their own conversations. "I love you."
Before she had time to respond, I gently placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. It was quick but it was done. I had finally committed the act that I would have never thought twice to doing at this setting if I was with Puck or any other boy. It wasn't sexual, just a small peck.
I watched a surprised smile surface on her face. "I love you too."
She walked away, towards the door.
"I saw that." It was a familiar voice from behind me. I turned around and it was one of my dad's brothers, Chris.
"Uh," I stammered. I didn't know him very well. I had never had a heart-to-heart with him or anything, nothing more than polite conversation to prevent awkwardness when at family gatherings. "Yeah."
He just nodded his head in approval. "I met her, earlier. Ellie introduced us. She's good for you. Don't let her go."
I wondered what he was saying, why he was saying this. Before I could respond, he walked away with a gentle smile. I just knew that I'd never let her go. I would never let Brittany go.
A bunch of the family stayed back after the party was over and we just chilled together. I went into the family room, which was empty, as everyone else was in the living room watching TV and talking, and eyed all the gifts. I kind of thumbed through the gifts and cards and found Brittany's. It was the only gift I felt like opening right now. It was a pretty large bag. I looked in and found the card. It was a beautiful card. On the side with the printed writing, she wrote "Happy graduation, Santana! I love you, Brittany." In the inside and there were iTunes, Starbucks, and Forever 21 gift cards inside along with $25. It was already too much and so sweet. Further into the gift, I found a college survival kit; a roll of quarters for laundry, towel set, DVDs, food, and a framed picture of us. She completed the whole gift with a very heartfelt handwritten letter.
I went back to the living room and talked with everyone they slowly trickled away. Some were staying the night but I was just beyond tired and collapsed for the night.
But I didn't fall asleep. I lie awake just thinking and wondering. I couldn't help but wonder how I got so lucky and how my life turned out like this. It was nothing like I had pictured. If someone would have told me that I would have been head-over-heels for a woman by the time I graduated, I would said they were crazy. This wasn't the life I had pictured for myself. And I honestly never wanted to enter college in a relationship. Throughout last summer, I thought about if Puck and I were still together and what would happen to us. Puck's plan has always been community college and I kind of knew that we would never be anything more than a high school thing. People who enter college in relationships almost always break up. What is going to make Brittany and I different? Would we even make it through the summer? Of course we will. I love Brittany so much. And I know she loves me just as much.
Hello readers! Sorry for the grossly delayed update. I've been so crazy busy! As you may have realized, this chapter is a bit shorter than the past ones. The following chapters, I anticipate 4-6, will be about this size as well. I think it flows better with the story! And I'm excited for it!
Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you thought!