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Sylvester's School For Girls
Chapter 5
Tina was born into a privileged family. Her mother was one of the best criminal lawyers in Chicago and her father was a neurosurgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Peter Cohen-Chang was the most recent in a long line of surgeons, his father and his grandfather both specialized in cardiology, but Peter was so fascinated by how the brain worked that he decided to study neurology instead.
Since Tina had two successful parents, she had always felt that she had to be successful too. When she was younger she had been signed up to almost every extracurricular activity possible. She was fluent in four languages and had won competitions for her beautiful violin playing.
Tina had been reserved a place at Sylvester' School For Girls since she was three years old. It was the school that her mother; Yunjin attended before she studied law, so it only made sense to send her daughter to the school that provided the best education.
The school had changed somewhat since Yunjin had attended the school. Sue Sylvester had taken over a few years after she had left and had implemented a few changes when she took over the role of headmistress, but never the less Peter and Yunjin were certain that this was the school to start Tina on her educational path.
Although Tina was a very talented individual in a large range of subjects the thing she loved most was art. She loved to draw and she especially loved to paint. She had always dreamt of being an artist one day and to have her paintings grace the walls of famous art museums across the world.
Unfortunately for Tina she knows that her dream would never come true. Her parents have always told her that her painting was a hobby not a viable career choice. They always made it clear of course that Tina had a choice in how her life would pan out, that she could choose her own career path. What they really meant was that she can choose either law or medicine.
Tina knows that both of these are admirable professions and that she should be proud of her parents' achievements. She also knows that she is lucky to have the opportunity to have a career in either of those fields and that makes her feel guilty knowing that her heart really wouldn't be in it.
Tina had been at Sylvester's School for girls since she was twelve years old. The school catered from grade 6 to grade 12 so that meant that Tina had spent five years of her life away from her family and she still had one year left.
She had just over a year to decide her future and she still had no idea whether she should follow her parents' dreams or follow her own.
Santana was sat in the common room with Brittany, Quinn, Tina and Mercedes. They had decided to spend the day together as a group. The only person missing was Rachel who was having her weekly meeting with Sue. However, they had yet to decide what they were going to spend their Saturday doing.
"We can go to the movies" Tina suggests.
"We always watch movies together. We need to think of something different" Mercedes says.
"I know; we can go bowling!" Brittany beams.
"Do people still bowl?" Santana asks.
"Of course they do, can we go? It's really fun."
"I haven't played for ages, so I'm in" Santana says.
"Yes! What about the rest of you?" Brittany asks.
"Why not, it'll pass an afternoon" Quinn agrees.
"I'm in too" Mercedes adds.
"So we'll meet back here in about half an hour. Rachel should be back and there's usually a bus around eleven" Quinn announces.
The group splits up and head to their rooms to get ready. Santana pulls out an outfit from her wardrobe and quickly gets dressed. She was just buttoning up her jeans when Rachel enters their room.
"Hello Santana" Rachel greets.
"Hey, what's got you so smiley?" Santana asks.
"I've just been informed that the choir is going to perform at the end of year ceremony and that there is an opportunity for one of the girls to get a solo part."
"So are you going to audition?"
"Of course I am. I love to sing, it's my passion but unfortunately although Sylvester's School For Girls offers a wide variety of educational and extra curricular activates, there is only a limited choice for those who love to act or sing. This could be the only opportunity I have this year to showcase my talent" Rachel explains.
"So do you have a good shot at getting the solo?"
"I hope so, there are a few good singers here including Mercedes and there are those who are slightly delusional like Sugar Motta, but I think I have a slight advantage over those who are musically gifted."
"Well then I guess I don't have to wish you luck if you don't need it" Santana jokes.
"So Brittany wants us all to go bowling this afternoon, you're in right?"
"I'm not sure. I'm not the best bowler and I could use the alone time to practice my vocals" Rachel replies.
"I can help you bowl and besides I thought you were going to walk the audition, why do you need to practice?"
"I have to be perfect and that takes a lot of time and effort."
"Just go bowling with us this afternoon and then you can practice all you want afterwards."
"Okay fine, it might be nice to spend the afternoon with the rest of the girls especially since it consists of something other than watching movies."
They arrive at the bowling alley around eleven thirty. Brittany is the most excited whilst Rachel looks less enthusiastic to be there. They collect their bowling shoes and head to their assigned lane. Santana finishes putting on her highly unfashionable shoes and notices Brittany standing near the keyboard used to enter player's names.
"Need any help Britt?" Santana asks, approaching the other girl.
When Santana looks the scoreboard she gets and idea that brings a smirk to her lips. A few minutes later she looks back to the scoreboard to admire her handy work.
"Okay, I've filled everyone's name out for them" Santana calls.
"Britt you're up first."
Everyone turns to look at the scoreboard and finds the unusual names Santana had given them. There on the screen was Unicorn, Snixx, Frodo, Tater Tot, Magdalene and Morticia.
Santana was impressed with her own quick thinking with the nicknames. Frodo was the obvious choice for Rachel as was Tater Tot for Mercedes after the girls disturbing obsession for the fried potato product.
However, she had to get a little more creative for Quinn. Being a religious woman Santana's Abuela had taught Santana about the Bible, so she knew all about Mary Magdalene. Alma used to describe her as the whore of the bible and since Quinn herself is from a religious family Santana is hoping that she gets the reference.
Tina's nickname was a little more obvious, with all the dark clothes and make up she wore, she could easily be confused with a member of The Adams Family.
"Santana! That is unfair and inappropriate" Rachel complains.
"You need to lighten up; we're supposed to be having fun" Santana replies.
"She's right. Go on and take your shot Britt" Quinn says.
"Why does Brittany get a nice name and we all get insults?" Mercedes asks.
"Brittany typed that in first and that's what gave me the idea to give everyone fun names" Santana explains as she watches Brittany take her shot.
Brittany simply throws the ball down the lane; it rolls perfectly in the middle and knocks down all of the pins.
"Strike!" Brittany cheers.
"Brittany, you never mentioned you're a pro a bowling. At least now I don't have to feel bad about kicking your ass. It's so on now."
Santana picks her weapon of choice, one of the slightly heavier balls. She steps up to the lane and eyes her target. She swings her arm and releases the ball; it travels at speed down the lane and takes out all of the ten pins.
"Looks like you have some competition on your hands Britt" Quinn says.
"It makes it interesting, I was getting tired of beating you guys all of the time."
"Alright Berry you're up. Let's see what you've got" Santana says.
"Actually Santana, I think I might concede early. You can take my turn."
"What's up? I thought we're supposed to be having some fun."
"I know but after both you and Brittany exhibited your excellent bowling skills, it only proves how sub par mine are. I would rather conceded now and spare myself the embarrassment."
"You can't just give up without trying it. Besides, I promised I'd help you."
"Okay if Berry is going to take all day to bowl one shot then I'm going to get a drink" Quinn says.
"I'll come with you" Mercedes adds.
"Why don't you take a shot and then I can see what I'm working with" Santana says picking up one of the lighter balls and handing it to Rachel.
Rachel takes the ball and eyes it suspiciously.
"Do I have to put my fingers in the holes? It just doesn't seem sanitary to me."
"Yes, how else do you expect to throw it? If you're that bothered you can just wash your hands after the game. Now show me what you can do."
Rachel steps up to the lane rather hesitantly, she hadn't bowled in years and she really wasn't exaggerating her below standard abilities. She throws the ball as hard as she can and watches it as it rolls down the lane. It starts to quickly veer to the right and rolls right into the gutter.
"Wow, you weren't kidding; you suck" Santana laughs.
"Well thank you for the confidence boost Santana."
"The only way to get better is to keep practicing" Santana says picking up the returned ball.
Santana hands the ball to Rachel and positions her in front of the lane. She moves herself close behind the other girl so that Rachel's back is pressed into her front. Rachel is taken by surprise at the movement, she's never been this close to another girl before and it was an odd feeling especially since she could clearly feel Santana's breasts pressing against her back.
"You need to keep an eye on the target" Santana says gently cupping the arm Rachel's holding the ball in.
"Take a few steps forward, swing your arm and release the ball when your arm gets to your knee" Santana explains, gently moving Rachel's arm to show her the actions of throwing the ball.
Santana tries to keep herself calm in this situation, she's supposed to be helping Rachel, but being this close to the other girl is making her mind drift somewhere else. It doesn't help that she is just inches away from Rachel's neck and she can smell the fruity scent of Rachel's hair.
"Okay, I think I'm ready to try" Rachel says.
Santana removes herself from behind Rachel and stands a safe distance to the side. She watches as Rachel takes a deep breathe her face full of concentration as she follows Santana's instructions of throwing the ball.
"Three pins, at least it's a start" Santana says.
"Thank you for helping me."
"Has Berry taken her turn?" Quinn interrupts as she walks over to them with a coke in her hand.
"Yup, Tater Tot you're up" Santana smirks, earning a glare from Mercedes.
It takes longer than usual for the group to make it to the tenth frame since Rachel took a while to take her shots with the aid of Santana. With one frame to go both Brittany and Santana were on equal points.
Brittany takes her shot first and takes down seven pins; on her second shot she knocks down two of the three remaining pins.
"Okay San the only way you can better me is by getting a strike."
"You might want to put your uniform on Britt because I'm about to teach you a lesson."
Santana picks up her favorite green ball that has been kind to her all afternoon and lines up her shot. She manages to hit six of the pins, so she might not be able to beat Brittany but at least she could equal her score and come in tie for first.
Santana eyes up the last four pins, they're close together so with the right shot she should be able to easily hit them all in one. She turns around to get her trusty bowling bowl but she's too late as Rachel is already retrieving the ball for her.
If Santana thought Rachel's school uniform skirt was short, it was nothing compared to what she is wearing now. She hadn't noticed how short her skirt was before but as Rachel bends over to retrieve the ball, Santana gets her own personal show.
She can't keep her eyes from roaming up Rachel's lower body from the amount of leg showing to the hint of red underwear hidden beneath the checked material. Who would have thought that Rachel Berry was a fan of lace underwear? Santana's brain must have stopped working because the next thing she knows Rachel is handing her the ball.
Santana takes her shot, but Rachel must have clouded her mind and interfered with her concentration because the ball misses the last four pins completely. She's just glad that it didn't end up in the gutter like her mind has been for the past few minutes.
"What lesson where you teaching me there San; how not to bowl?" Brittany laughs.
"Congratulations Britt, but just so you know I will beat you next time."
"Do you wanna grab some food?" Mercedes asks the group.
"What about your last shots?"
"We already knew Britt won and Rachel came last. You can take our shots as practice if you want" Quinn says to Rachel.
"Thank you Quinn. As Santana said the only way I can get better is with practice. Will you help me Santana?"
"Sure."
"We'll meet you at the diner across the road" Quinn says.
"I feel a little better knowing that they all aren't watching me."
"You did okay, you scored forty six points and you still have a shot to go."
"Okay" Rachel says picking up a pink bowling ball.
She remembers everything that Santana tells her and takes her shot successfully knocking down six pins. She does the same for her last shot and Mercedes two shots knocking down an average of seven pins.
"You have two shots left, make them count" Santana says handing Rachel her ball.
Rachel eyes up her shot and lets go of the ball with some speed. She watched as it rolls down the lane and knocks down all of the pins.
"Oh my God, I did it!" Rachel beams, almost jumping on Santana as she pulls her in for a hug.
"Thank you for helping me" Rachel says pulling slightly back from Santana, only now noticing how close they are.
"You're welcome. You still have one last shot. You get a bonus bowl if you get a strike on the tenth frame."
"Really?" Rachel asks finally pulling fully away from Santana.
Santana isn't paying attention whilst Rachel takes her last shot, she isn't sure what's wrong with her today, but she knows that Rachel is the cause of it.
"I rather enjoyed bowling, thank you for convincing me to come and play" Rachel says pulling Santana out of her head.
"I'm glad Brittany suggested it, it's been a while since I've played."
"It was nice doing something with everyone; we spend every day together, but it's different hanging out with each other because we chose to."
"Wait you don't like hanging out with us usually?"
"I didn't say that. I'm glad you became my new roommate and eventually my friend. I've never had a friend I can trust like you before."
"Awe thanks Rach; you really know how to make a girl feel special."
"And you really know how to ruin a moment."
"It's a gift" Santana laughs.
"I guess we should join the others at the diner."
"Do we have to? I like spending time with just you, it's quieter. Well when you're not on a rant of course."
"Well maybe we can do this again with just the two of us. We can carry on my bowling lessons; it should be less daunting if we just have a one on one" Rachel says as they exit the bowling alley and head to the diner across the street.
"That sounds good to me" Santana replies.
"Although you might have to be careful, if I get too good you'll have to settle for third place behind Brittany."
"Don't get to ahead of yourself. I was just rusty today, that's all" Santana explains holding the diner door open for Rachel.
"Well, we'll just have to see about that won't we?" Rachel laughs stepping past Santana.
"I'm going to regret helping you aren't I?"
"Maybe" Rachel says over her shoulder as she walks towards the booth her friends were occupying.
"It's about time; I was starting to think that Berry had got stuck in the ball return. So how did it go?"
"I got a strike!" Rachel beams as she takes a seat at the table, only to be met with shocked faces.
"Don't look so surprised."
"It's true, I witnessed it" Santana says taking the seat next to Rachel.
"Congratulations, now can we eat?" Mercedes asks.
"Hell yeah, I've been thinking about a bacon cheeseburger all day" Quinn replies.
"I'll have the same."
"Count me in too. Is there something for you to eat?" Santana asks Rachel.
"Yes. Since everyone is going down the burger route, I think I'll join you and have a veggie burger. Thank you for your concern regarding my eating habits."
"I just didn't want you to sit here with nothing while we all ate."
"That's very thoughtful of you" Rachel smiles.
Santana can't help, but smile back and she almost forgets that she's sat at the table with four other people until a waitress bursts her Rachel bubble.
"Can I take your order?" she asks.
"Three bacon cheese burgers, a veggie burger and whatever the vampire wants" Santana replies.
"Thanks for that Santana. I'll have the chicken burger" Tina says.
The waitress takes down their order before leaving the table.
"So are you glad you came with us today?" Santana asks Rachel.
"Of course I am. I had fun, thank you for persuading me to come."
"I didn't want you to be left out plus I like hanging out with you" Santana says.
"Hey Santana, when are you going to challenge Brittany again to get your pride back?" Quinn asks, interrupting her conversation with Rachel.
Santana has come to enjoy the new found friendships she had gained with the girls in her dorm. However, at this moment in time she wished that her friends weren't here so that she could be alone with Rachel.