Ok so I managed to pump out another chapter before I get busy!

Now the next chapter will be a while away:(

Thank you so very much for those who have been reading and reviewing:)

Also we are nearing the end of this story…

Anyway let's not think about that and read this chapter;)

Santana knocked furiously on the Pierces front door until it suddenly flew open from under her fist. She stared in shock at the woman looking back at her.

'Santana dear, what's with the knocking?' Sharon chuckled.

'Sorry, I'm just excited, I have something to tell you.' Santana beamed. Sharon giggled again and ushered the Latina into her house.

'You do know you have a spare key right?'

'Yes but I didn't expect you to be home, I thought you might still be at the hospital.'

The two girls sat at their usual seats at the kitchen counter.

'No, James is with her for a few days while I work.' Sharon sighed with a smile. 'We can't have your father paying for all of Brittany's medical expenses AND our accommodation without at least chipping in what we can.'

Santana blinked as Sharon moved to put the kettle on.

'Wait, what?' She asked. Her dad was paying for all Brittany's bills? And the Pierce's hotel rooms?

'Did you think we could afford it for all this time?' Sharon giggled and shook her head at the thought. 'Your father is the one who has kept her alive for so long sweety.'

Santana felt herself grow quiet. Her dad? The man that had no soul was going to all this trouble?

She shook her head. No, that's not why she came here.

'Ok, well anyway, my news.' She began excitedly.

'Oh yes, please tell before you burst with energy dear.' Sharon giggled as she pulled out two mugs from the cupboard in front of her.

Santana took a deep breath. She had been waiting to tell Sharon the news all of last night.

'I've got this kind of audition for a record production company in New York on Thursday!' She blurted anxiously. 'A-and the lady I talked to seemed to really like what she's seen of me so far!'

'Santana.' Sharon beamed with pride and leant raced around the counter top to reach the young girl. 'I'm so proud of you sweetheart, you really deserve this.'

Santana felt a wide grin spread across her face. 'Well I owe it all to your amazing daughter.' She admitted happily.

'Oh no you don't missy, of course I'm not surprised that my sneaky little girl had something to do with this, but Brittany and I both know that you would have found your place in this world with or without her help.'

Sharon leaned forward and encompassed Santana in a big warm hug. Sharon gave the best hugs, well, second best anyway.

'So.' Sharon began as she pulled away from Santana. 'New York huh?'

'Yep.' She nodded with a big smile. 'Living the dream.'

XXXXXXXXXXX

When Thursday finally rolled around, Santana's excitement had turned into fear and anxiety. She was nervous as hell. If this didn't work out, she was back to square one, back to being a Lima Loser.

But that wasn't even the worst part. The worst part was that the only company she could straggle together for the trip was Berry and Hummel. Santana had tried asking Quinn but she had to be there for cheerio's practice, and it just so happened that none other than Rachel Berry was passing by at the unfortunate moment and invited herself and Kurt along because they wanted to check out the accommodation around NYADA. Santana unwillingly agreed. Any company was good company right?

Wrong.

Santana looked at the time on her phone for the twentieth time that minute. It was already 9: 16 AM and the meeting was at 9:30 AM. She really wanted to be early for this audition and make a good impression, she even made Rachel and Kurt catch a super early flight with her, but thanks to Rachel suggesting she go buy a brand new professional outfit, they were now close to running late. Fucking Berry.

Santana groaned and straightened out her tight black pencil skirt. There wasn't much room in the cab to move around but she made use of it. Her hair flowed nicely over her shoulders and the fitted white buttoned down shirt she had tucked tightly into her skirt, accentuating her figure.

'Santana there's no need to be nervous, you're going to kill it!' Rachel beamed from her side.

'We're gonna be late. I shouldn't have gone to get this stupid outfit.' She rambled and wiped her sweaty palms over her skirt. 'I swear to God Berry, if you've ruined this for me I will not hesitate to destroy every dream you have ever –'

'Santana!' Kurt yelled from the other side of a very stunned Rachel. He nodded towards Santana's window. 'We're here.'

Santana hadn't even realised the cab had stopped. Oh.

She hopped out of the car instantly and walked as fast as she could in those damn red heels. She looked up to see the deep blue and purple writing of Ocean Dream Productions. She had made it.

The door infront of her swung open when a fast walking man in a smart suit rushed from the building. Santana quickly caught it before it closed again and turned back to scowl at the man, but he was already hailing a cab on the sidewalk.

'Asshole.' She muttered under her breath before walking into the building.

Santana stood dumbfounded when she entered into what kind of looked like a lobby to a hotel, but like, a really rich hotel. The front desk was clear to her because it was about the length of the whole first floor. There were fancy black and silver striped couches spread throughout the large room which had several high class dressed people lounging on them. Waiters were roaming the room with platters of food and champayne. As Santana looked up she noticed that the couches matched the black ceiling covered with silver planets and stars. Santana knew Brittany would have loved this place.

'Excuse me, but you're blocking the door lady.' An annoyed voice sounded from in front of her. Santana quickly whipped her head back from the ceiling to see a man dressed in a candy striped suit and a green bow tie staring at his iphone like he was just waiting for her to move aside.

Santana scoffed. 'Ok listen here Willy Wonka –'

'Alright Santana, let's get going.' Kurt shoved her from behind. Santana looked back and gave the man her best glare. He was already out the door. 'You can hunt him down after your audition ok? Let's stay focused.'

Santana rolled her eyes but nodded none the less. She was kind of glad they had come with her now, if only to keep her from ripping off the heads of some over confident New Yorkers. Well…she was glad Kurt came with her.

'It's ok Santana.' Rachel puffed as she ran into them. 'I don't mind paying for that fare but maybe you could get the next one?'

Santana chose to ignore that comment. 'You guys can wait here, Ima go talk to the receptionist.'

'Ooh stripey couches!' Kurt beamed and did a little clap before racing off to the nearest couch.

Before Santana could turn away she felt a hand grip her wrist.

'Hey.' Rachel said. 'Goodluck Santana.'

Santana nodded nervously, trying to seem confident, unfortunately Rachel only pulled her back again.

'Hey.' Rachel said again and narrowed her eyes. 'You got this, ok?'

Santana actually felt a genuine smile start to creep up on her lips. Dammit, out of all people, Berry was the one to calm her down.

This time Santana didn't look back when she turned to walk to the reception desk. She passed many busy looking men and women until she finally reached who must have been Amy. Well, Amy looked very busy with her head piece microphone and big ass computer which basically covered half of her face.

'Um.' Santana coughed loudly, trying to gain the girl's attention.

Amy looked at her up and down before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Santana knew she shouldn't have worn this outfit! 'Name?' She asked.

'Santana Lopez.'

Amy scrolled through names on her computer until she must have found Santana's.

'Take the elevator to your left up to the 8th floor.' Amy began saying in a monotone voice. 'Take a seat on one of the purple couches and Eliza will be with you shortly.'

Santana nodded.

'Oh and Miss Lopez?' Amy called her back.

'Y-yes?' She asked. This lady was really starting to freak her out.

Amy finally took her eyes from the computer screen and smirked at her. 'You're late.'

Santana gulped nervously and quickly turned on her feet. She walked to the elevator as fast as she damn well could. Luckily it was just opening as she arrived. She pushed for the eighth floor before anyone else could get their greasy mits on the panel and waited as she was lifted up.

Deep breaths.

When the doors opened she instantly saw the purple couches and was about to take a seat to calm herself down when a big dark blue door at the end of the room opened and a woman with short black hair strode out.

'Lopez?' The woman called to the other occupants of the couch.

Santana felt her mouth grow dry.

'U-Uh that's me.' She said shakily and cursed her nerves. The woman looked up at her before smiling and ushering her into the room. Santana quickly made her feet work.

'Miss Lopez.' The woman began as she shut the big door behind them. 'Please take a seat.'

Santana did just that. She was expecting some sort of big office but instead she found herself sitting in a small room surrounded by panels of switches and lights. To her left was a big window which showed another room with only a microphone stand and a stool in it.

'Now Santana you may remember me, I'm Eliza, we spoke on the phone?'

'Yes.' Santana said surprisingly strongly. 'Nice to meet you.'

'Would you like something to drink before we start?' Eliza asked. Santana was so glad this lady seemed nicer than the other people she had met today.

Santana shook her head. 'No thanks.' She was pretty sure Eliza would be able to see her hand shake if she tried to drink something right now.

The woman smiled. 'Well can I just say that I'm impressed Santana.' Eliza laughed. 'Not many eighteen year olds make it past Amy. Usually they run from the desk crying and Amy sends me an email saying they cancelled.'

Santana chuckled dryly. 'Yeah she was a bitch.'

After the words left her mouth she quickly threw her hands up to cover her lips like somehow that would stop the words from escaping. Shit.

Eliza just laughed. 'You've got that right. I really should fire her, but she does sort out the winners from the losers. So for now Santana, take comfort in the fact that you've already made it to this room, not many people do.'

And Santana did take comfort in that. She instantly felt a wave of relief wash over her.

'Now, that gorgeous looking blonde that came in to see me said that you could sing, dance and were extremely good looking.' Eliza smiled. 'Now I can see you've got the looks, and my team can teach anyone how to dance, so right now I want to find out if you can still sing. You've prepared a song yes?'

'Of course.' Santana replied.

Eliza nodded and pointed to a small door near the big window. 'Go through there and show me what you've got Santana Lopez.'

XXXXXXXXXX

After Santana sung her heart out singing Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys, she found herself back sitting on one of the purple couches along with three other girls around the same age as her.

Eliza had told her to wait until she called her back in but now she was getting a little nervous. It had been almost an hour and a half since she sat down and she really wanted to know how she went she the woman didn't give her any sign of success after she finished singing.

'Lopez?' Eliza called again. Santana looked up and this time Eliza was ushering her into a different door. This one was aqua coloured and a bit smaller than the other one.

Santana walked into what must have been her office. It was much larger than the last room and looked much more professional.

'Take a seat.' Eliza said and Santana quickly sat down in one of the tight fitting leather chairs. 'How do you think you went Santana?'

Santana watched Eliza take a seat behind her desk and pull out a large folder.

'Um, good I guess?' She answered.

'Good?' Eliza smirked. Santana gulped. Was she not good? 'Santana you were amazing.'

'Thank god.' She breathed and heard the woman chuckle.

'Santana, do you know what I've got here?' Eliza quirked her brow, just like Quinn does, and held up the folder.

Santana shook her head.

'It's a contract. We'd like to sign you Santana Lopez.'

Santana was sure her heart stopped beating, Eliza must not have noticed because she continued talking and flipped open the folder so Santana could see it on the desk.

'Now I'll get you to have a good thorough read of this in a second but I'd just like to point out a few things first.' Eliza started. Santana still couldn't really breathe but she tried hard to concentrate on what she was saying.

'Ok so, we will record a single with you and promote that like crazy, I mean interviews, signings, public performances, everything. If that succeeds, we can look into making an album.'

An album? Holy crap!

'We will get you set up with one of our best coreographers –'

Santana instantly found herself shaking her head.

'Wait, no I want my own choreographer.' She blurted.

Eliza looked up from the folder like she just realised Santana was here. She furrowed her brow for the first time Santana had saw. 'Santana you're not our only client.'

'No, I mean, I want to pick my dance teacher.' Santana quickly corrected. 'This is my dream, and I want the best.' She stated firmly.

'You realise I only just offered you a contract and you're already making unreasonable demands right?' Eliza quirked her brow.

Santana nodded and tried not to show her nerves. 'I know what I want.'

'They better be good.' She warned.

'Like I said, I only want the best.'

'What's their name?' Eliza questioned as she turned her chair to her computer screen and began typing. 'I'll have my assistant get in touch.'

Santana froze. Shit.

'Uh she's out of the country at the moment but I'll have her call you as soon as she gets back.' Genius. She watched as Eliza looked at her suspiciously. 'Promise, I wouldn't mess with my own future.' She assured. 'Her name is Brittany S Pierce.'

Eliza nodded and finished typing.

'Well then, read this and sign here Miss Lopez, and I'll make you a star.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Santana bounded down the long halls of the hospital. The smile permanently etched on her face could be seen by nurses from a mile away. This was it. She had done it. She had a future for her and Brittany. God she couldn't wait to tell her!

Santana had long left Rachel and Kurt. As soon as the taxi pulled up to the hospital she was out of it like a bolt of lightning, leaving Rachel to pay the fare. Served her right since Santana had to listen to her ramble on about how Finn is going to save money so he can come visit her whenever she needs him next year. Santana actually instigated a conversation about mens fashion with Kurt just to give her ears a break.

They had told her anyway that they wanted to go apartment shopping so they're probably already halfway down the road. She didn't really care to be honest. She just wanted to get to Brittany.

Santana turned the last corner and rushed into Brittany's room. She stopped abruptly when she noticed another figure in the room.

'Oh sorry Mr. Pierce.' She panted. She hadn't really expected anyone else to be there.

'Santana.' James turned and smiled. 'She's all yours, I was just heading back to the hotel to get a few hours of sleep in.'

Santana was so relieved but she tried not to show it. She loved Brittany's dad to death, but she kind of wanted to just be alone with Brittany for a while.

She watched as James walked around the hospital room filled with teddies and flowers, he picked up his jacket from the opposite chair and fitted it over his shoulders.

'Take care of my girl.' He smiled and patted Santana lightly on the back as he passed her.

'Always.' Santana replied instantly. She blushed a little after she heard him chuckle, because obviously he wasn't threatening her or anything, James was a big teddy bear, but she just wanted him to know Brittany was always safe with her.

'Goodbye Santana.' James said before exiting the room.

'Bye..' She whispered.

Santana smiled when she realised it was just her and Brittan again.

'Britt!' She giggled and leaped towards the bed. 'Great news, unbelievable news!'

Santana sat on the bed and shuffled closer until she was hovering over Brittany.

'I-I got a contract, I'm going to be a singer a-and like get paid for it! A-and Eliza said she would make me a star! I mean can you believe it?' Santana gushed. Her smile was so big her cheeks were starting to ache but she didn't care. She was fucking excited!

'Oh and the best part!' She squealed. 'You're going to be with me every step of the way baby, you're going to be a professional dancer, a-and we'll tour together, and spend every second of every day together, a-and not even our jobs could keep us apart Britt, are you excited?!'

Santana's smile faded slightly when she realised Brittany's facial expression still hadn't changed. No one was replying to her excitement. No one was there to hug her and tell her how amazing this all was. The machines were still buzzing, and Brittany's body still laid motionless, just like the day before, and the day before that, and the day before that. Nothing had changed.

Brittany hadn't stirred. Her hand didn't reach for Santana's every time she came near. Her breath didn't hitch when Santana touched her skin. Her smile didn't widen when Santana kissed her cheek, and her laugh didn't fill the room when Santana mentioned the word 'canoodle'.

Nothing had changed.

Maybe nothing will.

What if Santana became famous before Brittany had even woken up?

Or worse.

What if she never woke up?

Santana felt her head droop as sadness washed over her like a heavy rain. She closed her eyes and tried not to picture a world where she was living out her dream and Brittany wasn't there to be a part of it.

'Brittany…' She whispered quietly. Tears began forming in her eyes and she did nothing to stop them from falling. Santana could feel her throat closing over but she didn't even care if it blocked off her airway so much that her chest began to heave, she reasoned that it was the pain trying to escape her body.

'I'm gonna need you to wake up now b-baby.' She choked. 'I can't do all this without you, and I won't.'

She looked back to the blonde for any sign that her pleas were making a difference. She was greeted by a blank face and a dull buzzing in her ears.

Santana pulled her eyes back from the body lying in front of her and brought her fists to her eyes. Maybe if she rubbed hard enough, the tears would stop falling so hard.

'Brittany, please.' She sobbed into her hands. 'If you can hear me at all, if you can hear anything, just p-please wake up. Please baby I need you. I miss you so much…'

Santana waited as violent sobs took over her body. She hoped that no nurses were planning on coming in to turn Brittany any time soon because they would most definitely be greeted by Snixx. She kept her fists close to her eyes to stop herself from glancing back to an unresponsive face. To a face that would only cause her insides to twist more into each other.

She needed to get away. She needed to be out of this room and clear her head before she exploded with god only knows what. She needed calm. She needed –

Suddenly Santana felt a softness graze her left knuckles. It was so soft she barely felt it. But with just that one stroke her whole body lit a raging fire starting from her hand and reaching all her fingers and toes. The hairs on the back of her neck stood erect and the electricity running through her body could have been enough to fuel Lima for months!

What was that?!

Whatever it was, it worked. The heat spreading through her body soothed any pain she had felt, the electricity took over her feeling of anxiety, her chest had stopped heaving, her breaths were slowing, and the tears sliding down her cheeks weren't followed by others.

Santana removed her fists slowly from her tired eyes and was shocked that the first thing she saw was a slender pale hand lingering unsteadily in the air near her face. Santana's eyes went wide as the pale hand began to move towards her face. This time the softness spread across her cheek, softly cradling it like she was as fragile as a newborn baby.

Santana wanted to close her eyes at the heavenly touch but her eyes were locked open against her will. She found herself following the length of the soft hand to a long pale arm which disappeared under a hospital gown. Her eyes searched further, up a beautiful neck, over a perfectly shaped jaw, across slightly parted lips which seemed to be taking in and escaping more air than usual, over the cutest nose ever seen, until finally, she reached the bluest eyes this world has ever known.

Her breath was taken.

There staring back at her with a curious smile was –

'Brittany.' She breathed in disbelief.

How long had it been since she had seen that smile? Got lost in those eyes? Or shuddered under her touch?

It felt like a lifetime ago but at the same time, it felt like only yesterday they were both lying in a very similar hospital bed, but instead this time Santana was the one waiting patiently by the bedside.

Santana felt more tears form, but they were happy tears this time. She tried to watch Brittany's mouth for any sign that she was about to speak but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the blue orbs staring back at her. God she's so beautiful.

'What are you doing here?' She heard a heavenly voice breathe. Santana would have smiled wider at the sound of hearing Brittany's voice, but instead those words hit her like a train travelling a million miles a minute. Why was she here?

No….

No.

No!

Brittany doesn't remember her?

No. This couldn't be happening. This can't happen!

Santana felt the soft hand against her cheek stroke her slightly firmer to gain a response and she let herself lean into the touch because she wasn't sure if this was the last time Brittany would let her do it.

'W-what am I d-doing here?' Santana questioned, looking for any sign that she had heard Brittany wrong. Maybe her mind was just playing a really fucked up trick on her.

She looked back to Brittany with pleading eyes for confirmation. She was met with a lopsided smile and sparkling blue eyes.

'Yeah.' Brittany breathed. 'You hate hospitals San.'