Disclaimer: I don't own Glee

Chapter 17: Eyes don't lie

Santana couldn't believe what was happening. Four days ago Anita had told her Santiago's grandmother was coming for a visit and here she was, in the kitchen, listening to Carmen talk about their family from back home.

It made her miss her abuela and her mom even more. She felt like they were in this place for years when in reality it was just a couple of months. She wanted to fix the situation and go back to her time with Rachel. Speaking of the diva, she hadn't been able to see the girl the past couple days because Abigail had a cold and she had to take care of her. That girl had a sweet heart and she was kinda maybe missing her.

The Latina discreetly made her exit, sighing heavily as she stood on the porch. She could use a drink and a good cigar right now. She sighed once again before starting to walk toward the one of the barns.

The raven-haired girl didn't even make 3 steps before she heard the front door open. She growled as she heard Carmen call her name. "Si, abuela?"

"Mi'jo, camina con tu abuela." Santiago's grandmother locked arms with her.

Santana sighed, so much for staying away from this family. "I don't really have time for a walk, abuela, I mean I have work to do."

"Santiago, siempre hay tiempo para la familia." Carmen gently patted Santana's arm.

"Fine." The youngest Latina rolled her eyes as she started walking. "You can come with me to the stable and watch me feed the horses if you want."

Carmen smiled before looking at her grandson. "Estas flaco mijo, estas comiendo bien?" She pinched the girl's cheek.

The raven-haired girl looked at herself, Anita's cooking was pretty good and even if she'd kill for a burger, she was eating better than most people in this town. "Estoy comiendo major que los credos."

Both women walked in silence until they reached the barn. "Santiago, hablame de Michelle, tu mama me dijo que estas enamorado."

"What?" The former cheerleader let go of the woman's arm and stepped on the side. "No, Rach… Michelle no es mi novia." The conversation was taking a turn she didn't like at all. It was already annoying to hear Anita talk about how she should 'make a move' on Michelle but if she had to listen to 'her grandma' do the same, she was going to lose it. It was like being in a bad telenovela.

Santiago's grandma shook her head as she sat on a bail of hay. "No le mientas a tu abuela, tu cara lo dice todo."

Santana suddenly felt all flustered. How could Carmen see these things written all over her face if she wasn't really Santiago and Michelle was somehow Rachel for her. She scoffed soundly, as if she had feelings for Rachel. She was short and annoying and loud and, yeah, maybe she had seen another side of her here and had been a little reluctant to leave the barn when she was getting changed but that was just a healthy curiosity, it didn't mean anything more than that, right? And looking forward to seeing her and thinking about her, missing her when she wasn't here was just because she was lonely here, right? The dreams didn't mean anything, either. She was a teenager, after all, and sadly Rachel was the hottest girl in this hick town. Well, after Mary. Maybe. No, not maybe, it was sure. Like she said, she didn't have any feelings for Rachel, she was just her cute midget friend, yes, no, not cute, just her friend. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She quickly started feeding the horses to keep herself busy. Better that than thinking about crazy things.

"Santiago, me hubiese gustado que no fuera une gringa pero en el corazón no se manda. Ella te ama?" Carmen said, completely ignoring her grandson's discomfort.

The younger Latina snorted at Carmen calling Rachel a 'gringa' but despite being old, the woman seemed pretty open minded about biracial couples. She sounded more accepting than her own grandmother and it was something because almost a century separated them. Still, she just wanted Carmen to let it go about all this love crap. Since Santiago's grandma arrived, she couldn't help but have a weird vibe from the woman. Maybe she was hooked on drinking, that would explain a lot of things. "Abuela, por favor, deja el tema."

The grandmother stood up, approached her and squeezed her arm. "Don't worry, mijo, love will always find a way and if you can't have your happy ending in this life, you'll get another chance someday, trust me."

The raven-haired girl locked eyes with Carmen. The woman had a weird spark in her eyes, like she knew more to the story. It was definitely creepy. She cleared her throat. "You should go back to the house; I'll join you when I'm done here."

"You're stubborn but you'll see…" Carmen kissed her cheek before leaving the barn.

Santana sighed for the hundredth time today, she really didn't need a crazy grandmother on top of everything…

The next morning, Rachel was working at the shop as always. Since the place was empty, she was admiring the ring Santana had given her. She still wasn't sure how they ended up in this situation. It was like she was missing something and without this piece of the puzzle, she wouldn't be able to see the full picture. She kept wondering what was Mrs Harper's role in all this? Did she know about the ring? There was nothing in Dorothy's book about it but maybe the girl added details later on. She sighed in defeat; she was starting to think they would never have all the answers.

The diva was so caught up in her thoughts that she barely heard someone entering the store. She hastily hid the ring under her clothes and looked up to who was there. To her surprise, it was a woman who looked almost exactly like Mrs Cruz so it was safe to assume Santiago's grandmother was standing in front of her. She knew the woman was in town because last night, for the first time since they arrived, Santana had launched herself in a long rant and it was all about Santiago's grandmother. Somehow, she was glad the woman had waited for the shop to be empty before coming in because she wasn't sure how she would have explained that to Abigail. "Mrs Rivera, how can I help you?"

Carmen raised her eyebrow before smiling. "I could ask you how you know my name but since I know you are close to my grandson, it would be pointless. However, I'd like to see the ring you're wearing."

The brunette' eyes went wide at the request. She thought she had hid it fast enough so no one would see it but she guessed not. "I beg you pardon?"

The old woman didn't bother answering and leaned over the counter to pull up the chain around Rachel's neck. "This."

"I… I can explain." The petite girl stuttered.

Mrs Rivera held her hand up to stop the girl's words. "No need, dear. It is where it's supposed to be. I just wanted to make sure you had it." She smiled at the sight of the piece of jewellery. "It won't come as a surprise if I tell you you should wear it on your finger."

"I… I can't. People would talk." The Jewish girl wasn't sure what was happening and why the woman was there but she felt really intimidated by her. It was like she had this aura that forced respect, it was weird to explain.

Mrs Rivera touched the ring and as she did, Rachel felt electricity go through her body. "Oh mija, people always talk and disapprove, you have to learn how to ignore them."

"It could put us in danger." Was the only thing the diva could say. She should be denying any relationship with Santana, no she meant Santiago, yes, Santiago, deny any attachment, but instead here she was, standing dumbly in front of this woman who seemed to be able to read her like an open book.

"Don't worry," Carmen caressed the ring one last time before letting it go. "I came here to make sure everything will work out in the end…"

"I'm sorry?" Rachel was more than confused. What was coming out of the woman's mouth didn't make any sense. She really needed to talk to Santana about it.

"Nothing. I have my answers; your eyes say it all." Mrs Rivera tilted her head to the side before she reached out and grabbed some of the brunette's hair.

"Ouch!" The petite girl whined, bringing her hand to her hair. "Why did you do that?" It might be Michelle's dirty blonde hair but she still felt it like it was hers.

"Sorry dear, I thought you had something in your hair." The old woman said innocently, discreetly putting the hair in her purse.

Rachel frowned, a small glare in her eyes. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do." She really wanted the woman to leave. She wasn't feeling comfortable around the woman; it was something in her eyes

Carmen nodded. "Of course, I'm leaving." She took a few steps toward the door and stopped, turning around to look at Rachel. "Oh and Ms Bercoran, for what it worth, I think you are the perfect match for my Santiago." She smiled, a knowing look on her face before leaving the shop.

The brunette blinked a few times as she watched the woman leave. "What just happened?"

Santiago's grandmother had been there for 3 days now and Santana really needed a break. She could feel the woman's eyes on her all the time and she couldn't take it anymore. She waited until everyone was busy to discreetly leave the ranch.

Since it was still early, the Latina knew she couldn't hang out with Rachel or Mary so she decided to go to the saloon. A drink never hurt…

The saloon was mostly empty so Santana could relax and sip her drink in peace. At least until Cole showed up and walked straight to her. She sighed. 'Here goes drama again, if I didn't know better, I'd think we're in glee club.'

"What are you doing here?" The tall man asked as a stand in front of her.

"Tell me, on top of being dumb, rude and racist, are you blind too? Because I thought it was pretty obvious, I'm drinking." The Latina smirked, lazily bringing her drink to her lips and taking a sip

"You think you're smart?" The boy glared at her.

The raven-haired girl chuckled. "I don't think, I know." She knew she should stay out of trouble and go away but she had never been on to stand down from a fight.

"Since we are in public, I'll be gracious and give you a chance to leave."

"Why would I leave? If you have a problem, maybe you should leave." The tan girl grabbed her glass, ready to drink but Cole slapped her hand, the glass flying out of her hand and shattering on the floor. She didn't get the time to react that Cole grabbed her by the vest, forcing her to stand.

"I told you to leave, now I'm gonna have to make you!" Cole exclaimed threateningly.

"As if." Santana pushed him hard enough for him to stumble backward. "What are you gonna do now, pendejo?"

The boy surged forwards, ready to punch her but the Latina dodged it. She turned around and kicked him in the ass, sending him crashing against the nearest table. She smirked proudly before turning around and moving toward the exit. She wasn't expecting Josh to stand right in front of her and punch her square on the face. She lost balance and fell against the piano, interrupting the piano man in the middle of his melody. Santana shook her head, trying to get rid of her dizziness. She unsuccessfully tried to stand up as she watched almost helplessly as Cole grabbed a beer bottle, smashed it against the counter and made his way toward her with the sharp broken glass. She whimpered despite herself, trying to stand again. She leaned against the wall, her bloody hand leaving a mark on it and finally stood on her two feet.

Santana held her breath, she knew this was a bad idea. She braced herself for what was coming when out of nowhere, Carmen stepped in front. She could hear the owner of the saloon in the background, telling her she wasn't allowed to be here but she was too confused by the situation to really know what was happening. She blinked a few times, trying to focus on the situation.

Cole stood in front of the woman, his confusion slowly turning into anger. "You should leave, grandma. It's none of your business!"

"What are you going to do young man, hit an old woman?" Mrs Rivera asked calmly. The tall boy gritted his teeth, clearly pondering his next actions.

Time seemed to stop as the two of them launched themselves into a staring contest.

Meanwhile, Rachel was delivering a basket of fruit to Mr Hoover's shop. The man chit chatted with her for a few minutes until she excused herself to go back to work. She was making her way back to the shop when she heard two young men mention a fight between Santiago and Cole in the saloon and how they needed to go see it. Without thinking twice, the diva ran inside the saloon, not caring if she wasn't allowed to be there.

Just as expected, Cole was there, standing in front of Santiago's grandmother – which wasn't expected at all – and Santana was leaning against the wall, seemingly in pain. The diva marched toward the tall man and shouted. "Cole, stop it! What are you doing?"

Cole turned around and looked at his ex girlfriend in surprise. "You shouldn't be here, Michelle. It's not your place."

The brunette surprised everyone by slapping the man. "I'm more than tired of you telling me what I can or can not do!"

The tall man growled, raising his hand to slap the girl when Santana stepped forward, grabbing his wrist just before he could hit Rachel. They stared angrily at each other until the owner of the saloon shouted at them to get out.

Rachel ignored Cole and moved next to Santana, sliding her arm behind the girl's back to help her walk as the Latina leaned against her.

Carmen took advantage of the confusion to take out a piece of hair from Michelle and put it on the wall where Santiago's blood stain was, mumbling something incomprehensible.

Despite the situation, Rachel and Santana noticed the scene and looked at her questioningly.

Mrs Rivera smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to you here again."

She stepped next to her grandson and the three women made their way out of the saloon.

At night, Rachel and Santana were talking in their secret spot. Despite her few bruises and cuts, the Latina had insisted they should meet to talk about the situation.

The first thing Rachel did when Santana joined her was to lecture her about what happened in the saloon and how she should stop being so reckless because it could get her killed. After some bickering, they moved on to their main topic.

"I keep thinking about what Carmen did. Why did she touch this wall and mumble things in the middle of the cacophony?" Rachel crinkled her nose in confusion.

"I know!" Santana shook her head. "Shit, the woman is crazy."

"But somehow it shone a new light on our situation. We were so focused on the quote that we put aside the saloon. What if from the start it was about the building?" The diva had spent her day trying to figure out how to link everything.

The Latina frowned. "What do you mean?"

"It's the only construction that survived the fire and since I wasn't allowed to go there, I couldn't see how it was linked to Michelle. But this afternoon, things changed." Before leaving, the brunette had glanced around the place and something clicked. "I saw the inside of the saloon for the first time and the piano was in the exact same place it is in the future."

"And that's where I landed when that piece of shit punched me…" Memories of the event popped in Santana's head. "That's also where Carmen did her weird thing with the wall."

"Exactly!" The petite girl exclaimed. "I know it sounds crazy but maybe Carmen protected the saloon and by some coincidence, Mrs Harpers wrote the quote to honor the couple on the same wall Santiago's grandma cast a spell on, making it magic in the process. I mean, it did sound a bit like an incantation."

"But I thought you didn't believe in magic?" The raven-haired girl pointed out.

The Jewish girl shrugged. "Do you have a better theory?" She knew it was far-fetched and before their little journey in the past she would have advised anyone who came up with this kind of theory to check for a spot in the nearest mad house but now, it was the only explanation she could come up with.

"Not really…" The tan girl sighed, running her hand through her hair. "It kinda makes sense. I mean in movies, it's often the old woman who does magical shit. Plus, last time she told me love will find a way and if you don't get your happy ending here, you'll get it in another life or some crap like that..."

"Carmen said something similar when she visited me at the shop." The diva added.

Santana stayed silent for a while, thinking about the situation. "Let's say we're right, let's say magic is real and Carmen is some kind of witch or whatever you want to call her. If she cast a spell on the saloon to protect Santiago and by extension Michelle, it would explain why they didn't die in the fire and why the building didn't collapse despite being surrounding by flame." She paused. "What we thought about the ring makes even more sense now too."

"You're right." The brunette nodded, biting her lips as she mused.

"I watched Charmed and Buffy enough to guess it opened some kind of portal to the past so we can come here and save them or whatever. But, fuck, it still doesn't answer why us? Who thought you and me should travel back in time together to finish some spirits' unfinished business?" The raven-haired girl questioned almost desperate for an answer.

"I'm starting to doubt we'll ever have the answer to that question." Rachel sighed tiredly as she stared at the ring around her neck. She couldn't see why it would be about love; Sure things were a bit awkward sometimes, like how her heart skipped a beat when Santana said something sweet or how she could hear Santana's breath hitch when she was stepping closer or touching her but it had nothing to do with love, they just cared about each other, after all, Santana and her were friends, that was right, just two slightly confused girls who were friends… Or maybe she was the only one confused and she was imagining things…

"As long as we can go home soon, it's fine by me." Santana concluded, squeezing Rachel's shoulder in some kind of support. "It's okay, we'll find a way…"

"I hope so…" The petite girl whispered, resting her hand on Santana's.